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DAILY PRELIMS NOTES DPN COMPILATION JUNE 2021

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Contents ARTS, CULTURE and history...... 12 J&K MUFTI WHO TRANSLATED QURAN TO GOJRI, DIES:...... 12 NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SCIENCE MUSEUMS (NCSM):...... 13 SMALL CAVES DICOVERED AT PANDAV LENI COMPLEX IN NASHIK:...... 13 NANJUNDESHWARA TEMPLE:...... 14 RAMAKRISHNA MISSION:...... 14 Modi has paid homage to Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay:...... 14 Significance of Tulu Language in :...... 15 Ancient texts didn't bar anyone from temple rites:...... 15 KAKORI CONSPIRACY CASE:...... 16 Road to sainthood for Robert Schuman, the ' father of europe ':...... 17 Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Artefacts:...... 17 Pattamadai mat weavers adopt digital marketing:...... 19 GEOGRAPHY...... 19 Chamoli disaster due to avalanche:...... 19 EARTHQUAKE ZONES OF INDIA:...... 20 NO DECISION ON ADDU ATOLL :SOLIH:...... 21 Association of Cloud Bursts with Forest Fires:...... 22 Monsoon pours it down over Cherrapunji, Mawsynram:...... 22 US Heat Wave:...... 23 Early Arrival of Southwest Monsoon :...... 24 Russia, U.K. spar over Black Sea incident:...... 24 ARAVALLI RANGES:...... 25 SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES:...... 25 UMLING LA PASS:...... 25 THOUSANDS OF ROHINGYA PROTEST AT BHASHAN CHAR :...... 25 Adani's Australian arm strikes coal at Carmichael mine:...... 26 Bengal issues high tide warning for coastal areas:...... 26 Cinque :...... 27 Retreating monsoon rains a global phenomenon , can help study climate change: 27 Assam seeks realignment of rail track through sanctuary:...... 28 Summer rain stocks dams:...... 28 LAKSHADWEEP:...... 29 Summer Solstice:...... 30

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INDIAN POLITY AND GOVERNANCE...... 31 DRUGS AND COSMETICS ACT:...... 31 Right to protest in India: Is it a Fundamental Right? :...... 31 NATIONAL POPULATION REGISTER (NPR):...... 32 Govt considering plea for Rs 4 lakh to COVID victims, SC told:...... 32 DECLASSIFICATION & COMPILATION OF WAR/OPERATIONS HISTORIES:...... 33 Extension of Tenure for Attorney General of India:...... 33 KEDAR NATH SEDITION RULING:...... 34 Tuberculosis (TB) Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan:...... 34 E-content for children with disabilities:...... 35 Centre releases draft bill to bring hydrogen under oilfields act:...... 35 NOMINATION OF MEMBERS FOR RAJYA SABHA SEAT:...... 36 Traceability system a must for drugs: GS1 chief:...... 36 DCGI RELAXES NORMS FOR CLEARING VACCINES:...... 37 National Portal for Transgender persons:...... 37 DRAFT CODE ON SOCIAL SECURITY (EMPLOYEE’S COMPENSATION) (CENTRAL) RULES, 2021:...... 37 ACQUISITION AND TERMINATION OF CITIZENSHIP:...... 38 NITI AAYOG NEEDS TO PERHAPS LOOK AT SDG 10 AT A HOLISTIC MANNER:....39 Nod for additional fertilizer subsidy:...... 39 XRAYSETU TO IDENTIFY COVID POSITIVE PATIENTS:...... 40 e - Sanjeevani has done 60 lakh consultations:...... 40 Changes to the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020:...... 41 All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20 has been released:...... 41 COMSOL:...... 42 ITAT e-Dwar:...... 43 Principal Scientific Adviser has launched ‘Project O2 for India’:...... 43 Centre starts action against West Bengal ex-chief secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay:...... 44 CJ High Court:...... 44 CABINET APPROVES MODEL TENANCY ACT:...... 45 PVDPS AND OXYVAN IN HARYANA:...... 45 NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION PLAN:...... 45 ONLINE TRACKING PORTAL 'BAL SWARAJ ' LAUNCHED:...... 46 MONSOON SESSION LIKELY TO BEGIN IN JULY:...... 46 Delimitation Panel for Jammu & Kashmir:...... 47

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NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY MISSION:...... 48 GREEN GOLD COLLECTION ON GEM PORTAL:...... 48 VIGILANCE NOD MUST FOR POST RETIREMENT APPOINTMENT:...... 49 MoS Jal Shakti Urges All MPs To Participate And Support Jal Shakti Abhiyan – 2:. 49 MARATHAS UNDER EWS QUOTA:...... 50 Roy gave up Z-category security: MHA...... 50 Bharatiya Shiksha Board:...... 51 Appoint Loksabha Deputy Speaker: Congress to Om Birla:...... 51 RULE 80-A OF THE CENTRAL CIVIL SERVICE (PENSION) RULES, 1972:...... 51 EXPERT PANEL FOR MINIMUM WAGES:...... 52 Twitter may lose safe harbour protection:...... 52 NITI AYOG RELEASED THIRD EDITION OF SDG INDIA INDEX:...... 53 CLEAN ENERGY MINISTERIAL INDUSTRIAL DEEP DECARBONISATION INITIATIVE (IDDI):...... 53 Biotech KISAN Programme:...... 53 MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE LAUNCHED SAGE PORTAL:...... 54 GoM for retains 5% tax on Covid jabs; tax cut on PPEs, ventilators, sanitizers:...... 54 PUNJAB, TN, KERALA TOPS IN EDUCATION INDEX RANKING:...... 55 PM ASKS TO HAVE A 'ZERO HOUR' IN CABINET:...... 55 NPR SLIPS VALID FOR LONG TERM VISA: MHA:...... 56 PANCHAYAT RAJ MINISTRY RELEASES MODEL PANCHAYAT CITIZEN CHARTER: ...... 56 VISION DOCUMENT OF PHASE 3 E OURTS WAS RELEASED:...... 56 APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS:...... 57 DRAFT MODEL RULES FOR LIVE-STREAMING AND RECORDING OF COURT PROCEEDINGS:...... 58 RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATE (REC) Mechanism:...... 58 Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA):...... 58 RENGMA NAGAS DEMAND AUTONOMOUS COUNCIL:...... 59 CABINET APPROVES 5 MHz SPECTRUM FOR RAILWAYS:...... 60 SCIENCE MINISTRY ANNOUNCED ANIMAL CHALLENGE STUDY PLATFORM:...... 60 RESTRICTIONS ON GOVT SERVANTS BEFORE & AFTER RETIREMENT:...... 60 Election Petition filed by West Bengal CM:...... 61 Indian Certification of Medical Devices (ICMED) Plus Scheme:...... 61 NISHTHA Capacity Building Programme for EMRS Teachers and Principals:...... 62 Governor v/s Chief Minister of State:...... 63

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UDYOG AADHAAR MEMORANDUM (UAM):...... 63 Inland Vessel Bill 2021:...... 64 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS...... 65 WTO TRADE DISTORTING AND PEACE CLAUSE:...... 65 EIGHTH GLOBAL NITROGEN CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON SDG'S:...... 65 At NATO meet, Biden vows to defend Europe:...... 65 BRICS OPPOSES EXCEPTIONALISM: CHINA:...... 66 RISING OIL PRICES & OPEC +:...... 67 INDIA'S EFFORT TO FIND A SOLUTION IN WTO FACES CHALLENGE:...... 67 Indo - Sri Lanka currency Swap Agreement:...... 68 Govt seeks 'affordable' price , production cut phase - out from OPEC:...... 68 SEA SNOT IN TURKEY:...... 69 India faces uphill task on MSP, Stockholding:...... 69 China raising new units near borders:...... 70 Pakistan to remain on FATF greylist:...... 70 India must first decode impact of EU Green pass:...... 71 SC URGED TO STOP ILLEGAL ADOPTION:...... 71 PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY:...... 72 US DELAYS TARIFFS AGAINST DIGITAL SERVICES TAX:...... 72 Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) Programme:...... 73 UK & USA to sign New Atlantic Charter:...... 73 IRAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS ON JUNE 18:...... 73 G 7 NATIONS AGREE ON MINIMUM CORPORATE TAX:...... 74 Taliban capture Afghanistan’s main Tajikistan border crossing:...... 74 Linking land records with database will exclude labourers, farmers, warn experts: 74 COLOMBO PORT CITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT:...... 75 INTERPOL HAS LAUNCHED A NEW GLOBAL DATABASE:...... 75 Tibet gets first bullet train, links Lhasa to India border:...... 76 CHEMICAL WEAPONS USED IN SYRIA:...... 76 WORLDBANK APPROVES 500 M TO SUPPORT MSME'S:...... 77 USA EAGLE ACT CHANGES FOR GREEN CARD CAP:...... 77 Roadblocks to Vaccine Passport:...... 78 PAKISTAN MAKES PROGRESS ON TERROR FINANCE RATINGS:...... 78 Taiwan reports ‘largest’ incursion by Chinese forces:...... 79 Generalized System of Preferences (GSPs):...... 79 Exercise Sea Breeze 2021:...... 80

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8th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus:...... 81 ECONOMICS...... 82 NATIONAL ASSET RECONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD (NARCL):...... 82 RURAL INDIA PLAYED THE ECONOMY'S SAVIOUR IN 2020 – 21:...... 82 Inflation spurs spike in bond yield; rupee hits 1-month low:...... 83 Sugar mills demand hike in MSP:...... 83 Farming Black Kadaknath brings cheers to Odisha families in dark COVID 19 times: ...... 84 Financial Relief Package for 2nd Wave of COVID 19 Pandemic:...... 84 India jumps 3 spots in global start up ecosystem rankings:...... 85 Jalgaon farmers ship GI certified banana to Dubai:...... 85 US regulators urge financial firms to quickly ditch Libor rate benchmarks:...... 86 Divergence between Global and Domestic Inflation:...... 86 NAFED Fortified Rice Bran Oil:...... 87 Government ready with Action Plan to make India Aatmanirbhar in Rock Phosphate, the key raw material of DAP and NPK Fertlizers:...... 87 GOVT SEEKS COMMENTS ON PROPOSED REVISION OF WPI:...... 87 Co-operative banks must put in place an outsourcing policy : RBI...... 88 NCP OPPOSES RBI SUPERVISION OF COOPERATIVE BANKS:...... 88 Mukesh Ambani eyes a 75k crore green future for Reliance:...... 89 88% of SMB's yet to avail stimulus benefits:...... 89 Federal Reserve signals hike in interest rates:...... 90 Foreign Reserves crosses 600 billion dollars first time:...... 90 Fast Tracking Freight in India:...... 91 IIP Edged up 0.08% in April from same month in 2019:...... 91 Review GST Sops timing, urges Industry:...... 92 CII urges ₹ 3-lakh crore stimulus:...... 92 Base Effect sends IIP soaring 134% in April:...... 93 Indira Gandhi Canal Repair completed in record time:...... 93 NSE-BSE bulk deals: IDBI Bank sells stake in Zicom Electronic:...... 94 Money multiplier:...... 94 KERALA WON BATTLE AGAINST KARNATAKA FOR KSRTC:...... 95 GOVT HAS ADVANCED THE TARGET FOR ETHANOL BLENDING:...... 95 Finance Ministry releases 9871 cr as third instalment of revenue grant to 17 states: ...... 96 16 MINERAL BLOCKS UP FOR AUCTION SOON:...... 96

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CORE INDUSTRIES OUTPUT FALL:...... 97 POWER MINISTRY CIRCULATED DISCUSSION PAPER ON MBED:...... 98 CENTRE ANNOUNCES HIKE IN MSP FOR PADDY , PULSES :...... 98 FIRST NANO LIQUID UREA BY IFFCO:...... 99 INDIA’s GDP FALL:...... 99 NEW GOLD SPOT EXCHANGE PROPOSED BY SEBI:...... 100 COMMITTEE ON VARIABLE CAPITAL COMPANY:...... 100 SURGE IN FDI INFLOWS:...... 101 ETHANOL BLENDING TARGET YEAR SHIFTED:...... 101 Maharashtra govt may reject RBI guidelines:...... 102 PETROL AND DIESEL PRICES ARE CONTINUING TO RISE IN INDIA:...... 102 DEVIKA PROJECT OF UDHAMPUR:...... 103 Decline in gold & curerncy assets pull forex reserves off record high:...... 104 SARDAR SAROVAR DAM IS PROVIDING IRRIGATION WATER IN SUMMER FOR FIRST TIME:...... 104 RBI:...... 105 INFLATION AND ITS EFFECTS:...... 105 Alternatives like RBI printing currency:...... 106 Meme Stocks:...... 107 Retail Inflation breaches RBI Comfort Zone:...... 107 Mandatory hallmarking roils jewellery industry:...... 108 RBI MOPS UP 70 % OF 10 YEAR G-SEC BONDS:...... 109 GINI COEFFICIENT:...... 109 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY...... 111 RIL SUBMITS A PROPOSAL FOR A POTENTIAL COVID DRUG:...... 111 Two Indians selected to CEPI scientific advisory committee:...... 111 WHO ASSIGNS NON-STIGMATISING LABELS TO COVID VARIANT:...... 112 Covaxin is 'highly purified' says Bharat Biotech:...... 113 T CELL IMMUNITY IS NOT MEASURED IN THE RECENT STUDY:...... 113 Chinese vaccine CoronaVac found safe, effective in kids, adolescents:...... 114 Govt Confirms first death from reaction to vaccine:...... 114 Coating carbon on lithium metal oxide electrode, can double battery life:...... 115 Moderna Vaccine elicits immune response in infant model : study:...... 115 Delta Plus is a Variant of Concern:...... 116 Novavax announces efficacy of about 90% for its vaccine:...... 116 Govt gives nod for Cipla to import Modern'a Vaccine:...... 116

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Multi-drug resistance:...... 117 Billions Of cicadas have emerged across eastern parts of the United States:...... 118 RDSO BECOMES FIRST INSTITUTION TO BE DECLARED AS SDO UNDER ONE NATION ONE STANDARD MISSION:...... 118 Government report flags 'lapses ' in Nagaland bat study:...... 118 Surge in illegal HTBt cotton acreage worries seed industry:...... 119 Nipah Virus (NiV):...... 120 Laurel Hubbard has become the first openly transgender athlete selected for the Olympics:...... 120 The worst of Nagaland's African swine fever outbreak may be over , say officials: ...... 121 Space-time induces neutrino oscillations:...... 121 India's First VSC Based HVDC System:...... 122 CROSS REACTIVE CORONA VIRUS ANTIBODY:...... 122 SINOVAC GETS WHO EMERGENCY APPROVAL:...... 123 FDA CONDITIONALLY APPROVES ALZHEIMERS DRUG:...... 123 First Reactor in Kudankulam sopped for fuel replacement:...... 123 Grey matter loss seen after COVID:...... 124 Aluminium - The EV Manufacturer's dream metal:...... 125 CHINA'S ARTIFICIAL SUN EXPERIMENTAL FUSION REACTOR:...... 125 Clues from meteorite to Earth’s mantle:...... 126 LEO TECHNOLOGY: INTERNET FROM SKY :...... 126 Coming soon : Alcohol free , non toxic hand sanitiser:...... 127 Test using graphene shown to detect coronavirus in lab:...... 127 Are your staple rice and wheat losing their nutrients?:...... 128 National Sickle Cell Conclave on ‘Sickle Cell Disease’:...... 129 Javedakar releases LiDAR Survey of forest areas for 10 states:...... 129 The debate around gain-of-function research:...... 129 No discrimination over allocation of medicines to treat Black Fungus:...... 130 USE OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES WILL HALT COVID PROGRESSION:...... 130 Blue Origin auctions New Shepard ride with Jeff Bezos for $28 million:...... 131 MIXING COVID VACCINES:...... 131 SPACE TOURISM:...... 132 BIOMEDICAL WASTE:...... 132 Coronavirus stays on surfaces of hospitals, floors of patient rooms: Study...... 133 CHIME Collaboration have assembled the largest collection of fast radio bursts (FRBs):...... 133

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Role of animal serum in making of vaccines:...... 134 Antigenic Drift:...... 134 NEW VARIANT T478K: MOSTLY FOUND IN MEXICO, ALSO FOUND IN EUROPE:..134 DECLINE IN STAR FORMATION ACTIVITY:...... 135 Discovery of China’s Dragon Man:...... 135 Delta Variant Greatest Threat To US Pandemic Response:...... 136 Summit on Green Hydrogen Initiatives:...... 137 H10N3 BIRD FLU DETECTED IN HUMAN:...... 137 ECHOLOCATION:...... 138 GLOBAL OUTAGE OF INTERNET:...... 138 Exposure to common cold virus can help fight Covid 19:...... 139 Astronauts boards chinese space station:...... 139 PASHIPAE Mission will peep into unknown regions of the sky:...... 140 CIBER 2 AND COUNTING OF STARS:...... 140 ASPAGNII(TM) - INDIGENEOUS TUMOUR ANTIGEN:...... 141 WE WILL PROBABLY NEED BOOSTER SHOTS FOR COVID 19:...... 141 WHY DO AIRCRAFT RUN INTO TURBULENCE?:...... 142 INDEMNITY CLAUSE AND COVID 19 VACCINES:...... 142 BOSE EINSTEIN CONDENSATES:...... 143 EnVision Mission to Venus:...... 143 MORE ANTIBODIES PRODUCED BY COVISHIELD THAN COVAXIN : STUDY:...... 144 NICLOSAMIDE FOR COVID TREATMENT:...... 145 ISRO DEVELOPS 3 TYPES OF VENTILATORS:...... 145 SAN FRANCISCO IS LEADING THE WAY TO HERD IMMUNITY:...... 146 Ambergris or 'Whale Vomit ':...... 146 NCDC STUDY POINTD TO DELTA VARIANT BEHIND APRIL CORONA WAVE:...... 147 ENVIRONMENT...... 148 Environment minister announced the “India Plastic Challenge – Hackathon 2021”: ...... 148 LITORIA MIRA:...... 148 NAGALAND BAMBOO FINDS HOME IN KERALA:...... 148 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY:...... 149 VIDARBHA TIGER CORRIDORS: TWO STATES ONE BRAND:...... 149 CCS TECHNIQUE POSES THE CHALLENGE OF ESTABLISHING ECONOMIC VALUE: ...... 150 May 2021 was the sixth warmest May on record ,says NOAA:...... 150

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Kochi based firm to promote Pokkali Farming:...... 151 Odisha resumes evicting illegal prawn gherries in Chilika:...... 151 India on track to achieve national commitment of land degradation neutrality: PM: ...... 152 Uttarakhand has decided to keep Corbett and Rajaji Tiger Reserves open all year: ...... 152 After 45 years, Odisha Welcomes Gharial hatchlings:...... 153 Great apes in peril:...... 154 Ebola virus disease (EVD) :...... 154 Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary:...... 154 PYROSTRIA LALJII:...... 155 Maharashtra’s proposed amendment for protection of Heritage Trees:...... 155 Bharitalasuchus tapani, a carnivorous reptile that lived 240 million years ago:.....156 Hardy, vigorous corals (Blue Rice Corals):...... 156 Brood X: The lives and encounters of America’s largest group of cicadas:...... 157 Sea surge on Kerala coast :...... 157 ‘Operation Olivia’ to the rescue of Olive Ridleys:...... 158 Pact signed to conserve rare turtle in Assam:...... 158 Turtle researchers opposes NITI Aayog’s plans to develop two islands in the (UT) of Andaman and Nicobar:...... 159 THREAT OF OIL SPILL IN :...... 159 DEFENCE AND SECURITY...... 160 OPERATION SAGAR AARAKSHA II:...... 160 INS SANDHAYAK DECOMMISSIONED:...... 160 FUTURISTIC INFANTRY COMBAT VEHICLES (FICVs):...... 161 INDO - THAI COORDINATED PATROL:...... 161 Coast Guard inducts three ALH Mk-III helicopters:...... 162 Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX):...... 162 IN-EUNAVFOR Exercise:...... 162 Keel of additional Krivak class second frigate laid:...... 163 Covid Vaccine Makers and indemnity:...... 163 Proposed Integrated Theatre Commands:...... 164 Indian Navy to get its first ever indigenous aircraft carrier IAC-1 Vikrant next year: ...... 165 Agni Prime Missile:...... 165 DRDO tests enhanced range Pinaka rocket:...... 165 DAC CLEARS BUILDING OF 6 ATTACK SUBMARINES:...... 166

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INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS...... 167 IMF says board discussed US 650 Billion dollars expansion of reserves:...... 167 Halti , Malta , Philippines , South Sudan put In FATF 'increased monitoring ' list:. 167 SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION (SCO):...... 167 UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (ECOSOC):...... 168 UNSC ENDORSES SECRETARY GENERAL GUTERRES FOR SECOND TERM:...... 168 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) of 1972:...... 169 UN SPECIAL RIGHTS RAPPORTEUR:...... 169 Global nuclear warhead stockpile appears to be growing, SIPRI warns:...... 170 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights:...... 170 UN re-elects Antonio Guterres as Secretary -general:...... 171 42nd session of FAO Conference:...... 171 Iran won't deliver nuclear activities' record to IAEA:...... 172 Iran gets its new president:...... 172 PALESTINE QUESTIONS INDIA'S SILENCE AT UNHRC:...... 172 GOVERNMENT SCHEMES...... 173 CRAFTSMAN TRAINING SCHEME:...... 173 HORTICULTURE CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (CDP):...... 174 SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TOWARDS AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION:....174 PRODUCTION LINKED INCENTIVE (PLI) SCHEME OF PHARMACEUTICALS:...... 174 FAME II to spur new tech, says Venu...... 175 KERALA'S SMART KITCHEN PROJECT:...... 175 Minister of Tribal Affairs has launched ‘Adi Prashikshan Portal’ :...... 175 Cabinet Approves Deep Ocean Mission:...... 176 PRADHAN MANTRI AWAS YOJANA – URBAN:...... 176 Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sectors Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR):...... 177 Government approved 708 proposals for construction of 3.61 lakh houses under PMAY-U:...... 178 Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS):...... 178 REPORTS...... 179 India maintains 43rd rank on IMD's World Competitiveness Index:...... 179 CONSUMER CONFIDENC SURVEY:...... 179 WORLD BANK SLASHES INDIA'S GDP FORECAST TO 8.3%:...... 180 Birth, death registrations up in 2019:...... 180 NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS...... 180

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Food unit bills to carry FSSAI license details:...... 180 NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES (NIEPID):...... 181 No annuity rider for NPS exits upto 5 Lakhs:...... 181 SIDBI INVITES BID TO SET UP NaBFID:...... 182 Cabinet approval for OFB corporatization:...... 182 NATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING AUTHORITY (NFRA):...... 183 Central Warehousing Corporation:...... 183 KVIC records Highest Ever Turnover in FY 2020-21 Despite Covid-19 Pandemic:..183 Aadhaar, PAN data of workmen in multiple cos under insolvency:...... 184 National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI):...... 184 MISCELLANEOUS...... 185 ORIGIN AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PRIDE MONTH:...... 185 Onus of dialogue on J&K lies with Centre: Gupkar alliance:...... 185 TOTAL FERTILITY RATE:...... 185 FCI rice to be used for ethanol production:...... 186 PLAN TO REDEVELOP CSMT RAILWAY STATION:...... 187 International Yoga Day 2021:...... 187 Club for the Future Foundation:...... 188 INDIAN NAVY – BLUE WATER OPERATIONS WITH A GREEN FOOTPRINT:...... 188 International Olympic Day:...... 189 International Tea Day auction sets price record:...... 189 In a first, Rubber Board starts field trials in Assam:...... 190 Empathising with the LGBTQIA+ community:...... 190 UPSC to meet on June 28 to select panel for TN Police chief post:...... 191 Six Maoists including top leaders of the CPI(Maoist) were killed:...... 191 America’s fascination with UFOs:...... 191 Illegal Adoption in India:...... 192

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ARTS, CULTURE and history

J&K MUFTI WHO TRANSLATED QURAN TO GOJRI, DIES: Context : Mufti Faiz-ul-Waheed, a renowned Islamic scholar who was the first to translate the Quran into the Gojri language and helped hundreds of tribal students pursue medical and engineering education across Jammu and Kashmir, died of post-Covid. Concept : • Spoken by the Gujjars and Bakerwals of J&K, Gojri, which is not taught at school, continues to be marginal even though its speakers are the third largest ethnic group in the state after the Kashmiris and the Dogras. • Gujjars and Bakerwals are the third largest ethnic group after the Kashmiris and the Dogras. • About 20 percent of the total population of 1.25 crore speak Gojri, which, along with 38 languages in India, clamours for inclusion into the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. • The government of India is obliged to develop an 8th Schedule language so that “it grows rapidly in richness and becomes effective means of communicating modern knowledge”. Gujjars • Gujjar Tribe is found in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. • Although traditionally they have been involved in agriculture (most famously, dairy and livestock farming). • Gurjars are a large heterogeneous group that is internally differentiated in terms of culture, religion, occupation, and socio-economic status. • They variously follow Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. • Gurjars are linguistically and religiously diverse. • Although they are able to speak the language of the region and country where they live, Gurjars have their own language, known as Gujari. • The communities have also developed fluency in other languages such as Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, Pastho, Pahari languages like Kangri and Dogri. • The Gujjar are an endogamous community but observe exogamy at the clan and, often, village levels. Bakarwal • The Bakarwal (also Bakharwal, Bakrawallah and Bakerwal) are a mostly Muslim nomadic tribe based in the Pir Panjal and Himalayan mountains of South Asia. • They are traditionally, and still mainly, goatherds and shepherds. • They reside in the entire Kashmir region between India and Pakistan, and in the Nuristan province of Afghanistan.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SCIENCE MUSEUMS (NCSM): Context : National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) is collaborating with the Science Museum Group, London for an international travelling exhibition ‘Hunt for the Vaccine’. The exhibition will tell the story of the global effort to find new ways to develop vaccines and look at vaccinations more broadly with a historical and contemporary view. Concept : • National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) is a premiere institution in the field of science communication. • It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. • It is Headquartered in Kolkata. • It was established in 1978.

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• It is primarily engaged in popularizing Science and Technology through a network of science centres and Mobile Science Exhibitions (MSE) units that visit rural schools. • Presently NCSM administers and manages 25 science museums/centres spread across the country and is the “world’s largest network of science centres and museums that functions under a single administrative umbrella” with an annual reach to about 15 million people.

SMALL CAVES DICOVERED AT PANDAV LENI COMPLEX IN NASHIK: Context: Three new small caves have been discovered by an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) employee at the famous Pandav Leni cave complex in Nashik. ASI employee Salim Patel found them while doing pre-monsoon cleanliness work at the complex. Concept: • The Nasik Caves,(Trirashmi Leni) Trirashmi being the name of the hills in which the caves are located, ( Leni being a Marathi word for caves), are a group of 24 caves carved between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE. • However, additional sculptures were added up to about the 6th century, reflecting changes in Buddhist devotional practices mainly. • Buddhist sculptures are a significant group of early examples of Indian rock-cut architecture initially representing the Hinayana tradition. • Most of the caves are viharas except for Cave 18 which is a chaitya of the 1st century BCE. • The style of some of the elaborate pillars or columns, for example in caves 3 and 10, is an important example of the development of the form. • The location of the caves is a holy Buddhist site and is located about 8 km south of the center of Nashik (or Nasik), Maharashtra, India. • The "Pandavleni" name sometimes given to the Nasik Caves has nothing to do with the characters Pandavas, characters in the Mahabharata epic. Other caves in the area are Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, Patan Cave and Bedse Caves.

NANJUNDESHWARA TEMPLE: Context: After noticing that B.Y. Vijayendra, son of Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, has admitted to entering Sri Nanjundeshwara temple in Nanjangud recently, the Karnataka High Court asked the State government why then even ordinary citizens are not allowed to enter temples like him despite a ban imposed in view of COVID-19 lockdown. Concept: • The Nanjundeshwara Temple is also called Srikanteshwara Temple. • It is an ancient temple in the Hindu pilgrimage town of Nanjanagudu in the Karnataka. • it is dedicated to god Nanjundeshwara (another name for the god Shiva, also known as Nanjundeshwara). • Nanju in Kannada means poison; the name Nanjundeshwara means the "God who Drank the Poison" (halahala), a word that has its origins in the legend of the Great Churning of the Ocean of Milk; thus the town got the name 'Nanjangudu' which means "the abode of the god Nanjundeshwara".

RAMAKRISHNA MISSION: Context : PM Modi expressed grief over the demise of Swami Shivamayanandaji Maharaj, vice-president of Ramakrishna Math and mission. Concept : • Ramakrishna Mission (RKM) is a Hindu religious and spiritual organisation which forms the core of a worldwide spiritual movement known as the Ramakrishna Movement or the Vedanta Movement. • The mission is named after and inspired by the Indian saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and founded by Ramakrishna's chief disciple Swami Vivekananda on 1 May 1897.

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• The headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are situated at an area named Belur in the district of Howrah, West Bengal, India. • The entire campus of the headquarters is popularly known as ‘Belur Math’. • Vedanta (also known as Uttara Mīmāṃsā) is one of the six (āstika) schools of Hindu philosophy. Literally meaning "end of the Vedas", Vedanta reflects ideas that emerged from the philosophies contained in the Upanishads.

Modi has paid homage to Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay: Context : The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid homage to Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on his Jayanti. Concept : • Bankim Chandra Chatterjee or Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (1838 – 1894) was an Indian novelist, poet and journalist. • He is known as Sahitya Samrat (Emperor of Literature) in Bengali. He wrote fourteen novels and many serious, serio-comic, satirical, scientific and critical treatises in Bengali. • He also received the title of Rai Bahadur in 1891. • One of his brothers, Sanjib Chandra Chattopadhyay was also a novelist and is known for his book "Palamau". Literary career • Chattopadhyay's earliest publications were in Ishwar Chandra Gupta's weekly newspaper Sangbad Prabhakar. • Durgeshnandini (Daughter of the Feudal Lord) is a Bengali historical romance novel written by Indian writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1865. Durgeshnandini is the first Bengali novel written by him as well as the first major Bengali novel in the history of Bengali literature. • Anandamath is a Bengali fiction, written by him and published in 1882. It is inspired by and set in the background of the Sannyasi Rebellion in the late 18th century. Vande Mataram as the Motherland was published in this novel. • Vande Mataram (also pronounced Bande Mataram) is a Bengali poem, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee , originally in Sanskrit, in 1870s, which he included in his 1882 novel Anandamath.

Significance of Tulu Language in India: Context : Recently, various organisations initiated a Twitter campaign demanding official language status to Tulu in Karnataka and Kerala and received an overwhelming response. Concept : About Tulu Language • Tulu is a Dravidian language. • It is spoken mainly in two coastal districts Dakshina Kannada and Udupi of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of Kerala. • As per the 2011 Census report, there are 18,46,427 Tulu-speaking people in India. • It has a rich oral literature tradition with folk-song forms like paddana, and traditional folk theatre yakshagana. • It has an active tradition of cinema with around 5 to 7 Tulu language movies produced a year. Present status of Tulu language • According to Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy president Dayananda G Kathalsar, people who speak Tulu are confined to the above-mentioned regions of Karnataka and Kerala. • They are informally known as Tulu Nadu. • Tulu is not an official language in the country. • If included in the eighth schedule, Tulu would get recognition from the Sahitya Akademi.

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Ancient texts didn't bar anyone from temple rites: Context : Kalaiarasi Natarajan writes, politician need not to go to temples or worship God. He is blessed if his actions improve the lives of the poor and those facing discrimination. That is why I appreciate the decision of the DMK government to allow women priests in state temples. Concept : • According to the Agama Shashtra (a manual for worship at temples) neither women nor any particular caste is barred from performing rituals. • Any other interpretation would be a misreading of the manuals. Also, menstrual bleeding of women was never seen as an issue of impurity but only a biological process, just like discharging urine and human waste. Agama Shashtra • The religious literature of Hinduism is broadly divided into two parts viz. Shruti and Smriti. • Shruti makes the central canon of Hinduism and included Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads. • Smriti, which literally means “that which is remembered” in the entire body of post Vedic classical literature. • It includes Vedanga, Shaddarsana, Puranas, Itihasa, Upveda, Tantras, Agamas, Upangas. The term Agama is used for religious scriptures in Buddhism, Jainism as well as Hinduism. • Agama Shastra refers to a collection of ideas pertaining to matters like construction of temples, idol creation and conduct of worship of the Deity. • For example, South Indian idols are made in black stone as per the Agama Shastra, which stipulates that idols be made from black stone. • Agamas also contain details about who is allowed to perform temple rituals, and who is entitled to worship and from which portion of the temple. They are the guiding principles for many people of the Hindu faith. • The compendium is a result of assimilation from various sources over a number of years. As a whole they cannot be dated; some of them belong to Vedic times and some other belongs to post Vedic period. The collections of Sanskrit scriptures are revered as shruti. • Each of the major denominations viz. Saiva, Vaishnava and Shakta has their unique Shastra. Some of the Agamas incorporated the necessity of performance of the Poojas by priests belonging to a particular and distinct sect or denomination.

KAKORI CONSPIRACY CASE: Context : Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel on Friday said it was important to inform future generations of the legacy of freedom fighter Ram Prasad Bismil, who was martyred in 1927 for his role in the Kakori conspiracy to protest against British rule Concept: The Kakori Conspiracy • In August 1925, an armed robbery took place on board the Kakori Express, going from Shahjahanpur to Lucknow, carrying money that had been collected at various railway stations and was to be deposited in Lucknow. • In this planned robbery, carried out to fund the activities of the HSRA, Bismil, Khan and over 10 other revolutionaries stopped the train and fled with the cash they found in it. • Within a month of the robbery, many members of the HSRA were arrested. • In September 1926, Bismil was arrested however Khan was on the run and was later arrested. • The trial for the case went on for about 1.5 years. It ended in April 1927, with Bismil, Khan, Rajendra Lahiri and Roshan Singh sentenced to death, and the others given life sentences. Ram Prasad Bismil • Ram Prasad Bismil was born to a Municipality employee Muralidhar and his wife. He learnt Hindi at home and Urdu from a Moulvi. In spite of his father’s objections, he was admitted to an English medium school.

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• He also joined the Arya Samaj founded by Dayananda Saraswati. This had a profound influence on him. • On reading Parmanand’s death sentence, he composed a Hindi poem titled ‘Mera Janm’ (My Birth). He also translated English and Bengali works into Hindi. • Bismil was involved in the Mainpuri Conspiracy of 1918 in which police found a few young people including Bismil selling books that were proscribed by the government. Bismil escaped arrest by jumping into the Yamuna River. • He also attended the 1921 session of the Indian National Congress at Ahmedabad. • Bismil was one of the chief founders of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) along with Sachindra Nath Sanyal and Jadugopal Mukherjee. • The organisation was founded in 1924 and its constitution was drafted chiefly by Bismil. • The HRA produced many pamphlets which sought to inspire people to fight the government through revolutionary activities. • Bismil is perhaps most remembered for the Kakori Conspiracy Case. He was the mastermind behind the plan which was to loot a train carrying government money. The incident occurred on 9th August 1925 at Kakori, near Lucknow. • While lodged in Gorakhpur Central Jail, Bismil went on a hunger strike demanding to be treated as a political prisoner. • Bismil was hanged on 19th December 1927 at Gorakhpur Jail. He was just 30 years old.

Road to sainthood for Robert Schuman, the ' father of europe ': Context: Pope Francis on Saturday approved a decree declaring the “heroic virtues″ of Schuman, a devout Catholic during his life. He can now be called “venerable” by Catholics, one of the many steps in the long process to be recognised as a saint by the Rome-based church. Concept: • Robert Schuman, Luxembourgian-born French statesman who founded the European Coal and Steel Community and worked for economic and political unity designed to lead to the establishment of a “United States of Europe.” • Schuman, a member of the French National Assembly from 1919, was arrested by the German Gestapo in September 1940 after the German occupation of France. He escaped in 1942 and worked in the Résistance until France was liberated (1944). • As founder of the Popular Republican Movement, he served as minister of finance (July–November 1946), premier (November 1947–July 1948 and August–September 1948), foreign minister (July 1948– December 1952), and minister of justice (1955–56). • While foreign minister he developed the Schuman Plan (1950) to promote European economic and military unity and a Franco-German rapprochement to prevent another war between the two nations. • The economic aspects of his plan were realized in 1952 in the European Coal and Steel Community, a six-nation western European economic union, the first in a series of economic agreements leading to the formation of the European Economic Community (Common Market) in 1958. • He served as president of the Common Assembly, the consultative arm of the Common Market, from 1958 to 1960 and was an Assembly member until February 1963.

Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Artefacts: Context : The Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India have said artefacts from the Subhas Chandra Bose Museum at Red Fort were loaned out to the Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata for an exhibition on the freedom fighter. Concept : • Not less than two dozen artefacts from the museum were reported ‘missing’ by those who visited the Red Fort over the weekend, as the monument reopened for the first time after the January 26 farmer’s violence and pandemic-related lockdowns.

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Subhas Chandra Bose • Subhas Chandra Bose was born on 23rd January 1897, in Cuttack, Orissa Division, Bengal Province, to Prabhavati Dutt Bose and Janakinath Bose. • He was highly influenced by Vivekananda's teachings and considered him as his spiritual Guru. His political mentor was Chittaranjan Das. • In 1921, Bose took over the editorship of the newspaper 'Forward', founded by Chittaranjan Das's Swaraj Party. • In 1923, Bose was elected the President of the All India Youth Congress and also the Secretary of Bengal State Congress. • He was also sent to prison in Mandalay in 1925 due to his connections with revolutionary movements where he contracted Tuberculosis. • Bose took over as the elected President of Indian National Congress in 1938 (Haripur) and stood for unqualified Swaraj (self-governance) and the use of force against the British which then combated against Mahatma Gandhi and his views. • Bose was re-elected in 1939 (Tripuri) but soon resigned from the presidency and formed the All India Forward Bloc, a faction within the Congress which aimed at consolidating the political left. • He died on 18th August 1945, in a plane crash in Japanese-ruled Formosa (now Taiwan). Contribution to Freedom Struggle • Association with C.R Das: He was associated with C.R. Das' political endeavour, and was also jailed along with him. When C.R. Das was elected Mayor of Calcutta Cooperation, he nominated Bose as the chief executive. He was arrested for his political activities in 1924. • Trade union movements: He organised youth and promoted trade union movements. In 1930, he was elected Mayor of Calcutta, the same year he was elected the President of AITUC. • Association with congress: He stood for unqualified swaraj (independence), and opposed Motilal Nehru Report which spoke for dominion status for India. • He actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha of 1930 and vehemently opposed the suspension of Civil Disobedience Movement and signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in 1931. • In the 1930s, he was closely associated with left politics in Congress along with Jawaharlal Nehru and M.N. Roy. • Because of the endeavour of the left group, the congress passed very far reaching radical resolutions in Karachi in 1931 which declared the main Congress aim as socialization of means of production besides guaranteeing fundamental rights. • Congress presidentship: Bose won the congress presidential elections at Haripura in 1938. • Next year at Tripuri, he again won the presidential elections against Gandhi's candidate Pattabhi Sitarammayya. • Due to ideological differences with Gandhi, Bose left congress and found a new party, 'the Forward Bloc'. • The purpose was to consolidate the political left and major support base in his home state Bengal. • Civil disobedience movement: When World War II began, he was again imprisoned for participation in civil disobedience and was put under house arrest. • Bose manages to escape to Berlin by way of Peshawar and Afghanistan. He reached Japan and from there to Burma and organised the Indian National Army to fight the british and liberate India with the help of Japan. • He gave famous slogans 'Jai Hind' and 'Dilli Chalo'. He died in a plane crash before realising his dreams. Azad Hind • Bose founded the free India centre in Berlin and created the Indian Legion out of the Indian prisoners of war who had previously fought for the British in North Africa prior to their capture by Axis forces. • In Europe, Bose sought help from Hitler and Mussolini for the liberation of India. • In Germany, he was attached to the special bureau for India which was responsible for the broadcasting on the German sponsored Azad Hind Radio. • On this radio, Bose on 6th July 1944, addressed Mahatma Gandhi as the 'Father of the Nation'.

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Indian National Army: • He reached Japanese-controlled Singapore from Germany in July 1943, issued from there his famous call, ‘Delhi Chalo’, and announced the formation of the Azad Hind Government and the Indian National Army on 21st October 1943. • The INA was first formed under Mohan Singh and Japanese Major Iwaichi Fujiwara and comprised Indian prisoners of war of the British-Indian Army captured by Japan in the Malayan (present-day Malaysia) campaign and at Singapore. • The INA included both, the Indian prisoners of war from Singapore and Indian civilians in South-East Asia. It's strength grew to 50,000. • The INA fought allied forces in 1944 inside the borders of India in Imphal and in Burma. • However, with the fall of Rangoon, Azad Hind Government ceased to be an effective political entity. • In November 1945 a British move to put the INA men on trial immediately sparked massive demonstration all over the country. • Impact: The I.N.A. experience created the wave of disaffection in the British Indian army during the 1945-46, which culminated in the great Bombay naval strike of February 1946 and was one of the most decisive reasons behind the British decision to make a quick withdrawal. • Composition of I.N.A: The I.N.A. was essentially non-communal, with Muslims quite prominent among its officers and ranks, and it also introduced the innovation of a women’s detachment named after the Rani of Jhansi.

Pattamadai mat weavers adopt digital marketing: Context : When the ‘kora’ mat weavers of Pattamadai village in Tirunelveli district wanted avenues to sell their products during the last lockdown, the Crafts Council of India decided to give them a month-and-half-long training on how to do business using internet and smart phones. Concept : • The Crafts Council of India (CCI) was founded in 1964 by Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay as one of her pioneering efforts toward protecting and enhancing India’s heritage in the nation’s transition to modernity • She brought together a band of volunteers in CCI to help build a lasting awareness of the knowledge and skills of India’s artisans, and to help address their needs within a rapidly changing environment. • It is with the purpose of protecting this identity, that the CCI was established. The CCI is a registered not for profit Society head-quartered in Chennai, Tamilnadu. • Regional and local efforts were encouraged, particularly through the founding of Crafts Councils in different States. • Today CCI works together with a network of 9 State councils. • CCI is engaged in partnerships with the Government of India and other activists to ensure a national awareness of the economic, social, cultural and environmental importance of artisans and their crafts. Pathamadai mat • Traditional art of weaving pathamadai mat belongs to the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. • Pathamadai mat is made up of Korai grass. • Pathamadai mats have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the trademarks and GI authorities. • These are made specially for wedding ceremonies and have bride’s and groom's names as well as the wedding date woven in it.

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GEOGRAPHY

Chamoli disaster due to avalanche: Context : The flash flood on February 7 in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, that claimed at least 72 lives with at least 200 missing was due to a large mass of snow, ice and rock avalanche along with a hanging mass of rock crashing into the Raunthi Garh valley floor. Concept : Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) • A GLOF is a type of outburst flood that occurs when the dam containing a glacial lake fails. • An event similar to a GLOF, where a body of water contained by a glacier melts or overflows the glacier, is called a jökulhlaup. • The dam can consist of glacier ice or a terminal moraine. • Failure can happen due to various factors such as: Erosion, a buildup of water pressure Avalanche of rock or heavy snow Earthquake or volcanic eruptions under the ice or Displacement of water in a glacial lake when a large portion of an adjacent glacier collapses into it. Avalanche • Avalanche is a rapid downslope movement of a large detached mass of snow, ice, and associated debris such as rocks and vegetation. • Small avalanches, or Sluffs, occur in large numbers, while large avalanches that may encompass slopes a kilometer or more in length with millions of tons of snow, occur infrequently but cause most of the damage. • Humans have been exposed to the threat of sliding snow for as long as they have inhabited mountainous regions. Types of Avalanches: • Loose snow avalanches-formed in snow with little internal cohesion among individual snow crystals. • Slab avalanches-Originate in snow with sufficient internal cohesion to enable a snow layer, or layers, to react mechanically as a single entity. • Wet snow avalanches-These move more slowly than dry ones and are seldom accompanied by dust clouds. • Direct action avalanches –These are the immediate result of a single snowstorm. They usually involve only fresh snow. • Climax avalanches-Result of a series of snowstorms or a culmination of weather influences. Their fall is not necessarily associated with a current storm or weather situation.

EARTHQUAKE ZONES OF INDIA: Context: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the construction of a new Parliament is important because the old building was constructed a hundred years ago by the British and was not constructed for “an independent country”. It is important because it is in Seismic Zone 2, and if there are strong tremors, it will come under Seismic Zone 4. Concept: Seismic Zones in India • There are four seismic zones (II, III, IV, and V) in India based on scientific inputs relating to seismicity, earthquakes occurred in the past and tectonic setup of the region. • Previously, earthquake zones were divided into five zones with respect to the severity of the earthquakes but the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) grouped the country into four seismic zones by unifying the first two zones.

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• BIS is the official agency for publishing the seismic hazard maps and codes. • Seismic Zone II: Area with minor damage earthquakes corresponding to intensities V to VI of MM scale (MM-Modified Mercalli Intensity scale). • Seismic Zone III: Moderate damage corresponding to intensity VII of MM scale. • Seismic Zone IV: Major damage corresponding to intensity VII and higher of MM scale. • Seismic Zone V: Area determined by pro seismically of certain major fault systems and is seismically the most active region. • Earthquake zone V is the most vulnerable to earthquakes, where historically some of the country’s most powerful shocks have occurred. • Earthquakes with magnitudes in excess of 7.0 have occurred in these areas, and have had intensities higher than IX. Seismic Waves, Richter Scale and Mercalli scale • Seismic waves are the vibrations from earthquakes that travel through the Earth and are recorded on instruments called seismographs. • Seismographs record a zigzag trace that shows the varying amplitude of ground oscillations beneath the instrument. • The earthquake events are scaled either according to the magnitude or intensity of the shock. • The magnitude scale is known as the Richter scale. The magnitude relates to the energy released during the earthquake which is expressed in absolute numbers, 0-10. • The intensity scale or Mercalli scale takes into account the visible damage caused by the event. The range of intensity scale is from 1-12.

NO DECISION ON ADDU ATOLL :SOLIH: Context : The Maldives has made no decision on opening an Indian consulate in its southern Addu Atoll, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Tuesday, a fortnight after the Indian Cabinet cleared a proposal for it. Concept : About Addu Atoll • Addu is one of the most beautiful sites of Maldives’26 coral atolls. It comprises more than two dozens of Maldives’ 1192 islands. • Addu Atoll, also known as Seenu Atoll, is the southernmost atoll of the Maldives. • Addu Atoll is the location of Addu City, one of the two cities of the Maldives. Addu City consists of the inhabited areas of Addu Atoll, namely the natural islands of Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, Maradhoo, Feydhoo, and Hithadhoo. • Addu Atoll, together with Fuvahmulah, extend the Maldives into the Southern Hemisphere. About 10% of actual Maldives residents are living here with unique culture and dialect. • According to the official figures released by Maldives Tourism Indian citizens are second among people coming to the Maldives to visit from all over the world. Atolls • An atoll is a roughly circular (annular) oceanic reef system surrounding a large (and often deep) central lagoon. • The lagoon has a depth 80-150 metres and may be joined with sea water through a number of channels cutting across the reef. • Atolls are located at great distances from deep see platforms, where the submarine features may help in formation of atolls, such as a submerged island or a volcanic cone which may reach a level suitable for coral growth. • An atoll may have any one of the following three forms- true atoll—a circular reef enclosing a lagoon with no island; an atoll surrounding a lagoon with an island; a coral island or an atoll island which is, in fact, an atoll reef, built by the process of erosion and deposition of waves with island crowns formed on them.

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• Atolls are far more common in the Pacific than any other ocean. The Fiji atoll and the Funafuti atoll in the Ellice/Island are well known examples of atolls. A large ‘number of atolls also occur in the Lakshadweep Islands. • In the South Pacific, most atolls occur in mid-ocean. Examples of this reef type are common in French Polynesia, the Caroline and Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and the Cook Islands. • The Indian Ocean also contains numerous atoll formations. Examples are found in the Maldives and Chagos island groups, the Seychelles, and in the Cocos Island group. Other types of • Fringing reefs : Fringing reefs are reefs that grow directly from a shore. They are located very close to land, and often form a shallow lagoon between the beach and the main body of the reef. • A fringing reef runs as a narrow belt [1-2 km wide]. This type of reef grows from the deep sea bottom with the seaward side sloping steeply into the deep sea. Coral polyps do not extend outwards because of sudden and large increase in depth. • The fringing reef is by far the most common of the three major types of coral reefs, with numerous examples in all major regions of coral reef development. • Barrier reefs : Barrier reefs are extensive linear reef complexes that parallel a shore, and are separated from it by lagoon • This is the largest (in size, not distribution) of the three reefs, runs for hundreds of kilometres and is several kilometres wide. It extends as a broken, irregular ring around the coast or an island, running almost parallel to it. • Barrier reefs are far less common than fringing reefs or atolls, although examples can be found in the tropical Atlantic as well as the Pacific.

Association of Cloud Bursts with Forest Fires: Context: Recently, the scientists from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna (HNB) Garhwal University and IIT Kanpur jointly measured the association of cloud bursts with forest fires. Concept : • The study has found a connection between the formation of the tiny particles, the size of a cloud droplet on which water vapor condenses leading to the formation of clouds and forest fires. • The quantity of such particles called the cloud condensation nuclei (CCNs) were found to have peaks associated with forest fire events. • The study measured the activation of cloud condensation nuclei and studied its impact on high altitude cloud formation and complexity of local weather phenomenon. • The CCNs were measured by a droplet measurement technology’s (DMT) CCN Counter at Himalayan Clouds Observatory (HCO), Garhwal University. • The observation was carried out under a Climate Change Programme Division, Department of Science & Technology (DST) funded project. Association of Cloud Bursts with Forest Fires • It showed that the highest concentration of CCN was found to be associated with excessive fire forest activities of the Indian subcontinent. • The CCN concentration (CCN) was observed at four supersaturation levels (SS: 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, and 1.0%). • The highest CCN concentration is observed at the time of sunrise and after the sunset for the diurnal variation of monsoon, post-monsoon, and winter season. • The possible reasons for maximum concentration in morning and evening time could be upliftment and settlement of CCN because of the convection process, anthropogenic emission, vehicular emission, and biomass burning in the residential area and valley region. • The lowest value of CCN concentration corresponds to the heavy rains and snowfall days, possibly caused by extensive wet scavenging. Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN)

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• The CCNs are small particles typically 0.2 µm, or 1/100 the size of a cloud droplet on which water vapor condenses. • It can activate and grow into fog or cloud droplets in the presence of supersaturation (SS). • It is used in cloud seeding, which tries to encourage rainfall by seeding the air with condensation nuclei.

Monsoon pours it down over Cherrapunji, Mawsynram: Context : Two of India’s best-known stations for spectacular monsoon downpour lived up to its their names during the 24 hours ending on Tuesday morning. Concept : Mawsynram • Mawsynram is a town in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state in northeastern India, 60.9 kilometres from Shillong. • Mawsynram receives the highest rainfall in India. • It is reportedly the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of 11,872mm but that claim is disputed. • According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Mawsynram received 26,000 millimetres (1,000 in) of rainfall in 1985. Cherrapunji • Cherrapunji, known to locals as Sohra, is located in the East Khasi Hills in the Indian state of Meghalaya. • Sandwiched between Assam in the north and Bangladesh in the south, Meghalaya is a part of the Indo- Burma biodiversity hotspot--one of the most threatened biodiversity hotspots in India after the Himalayas--due to rapid resource exploitation and habitat loss. • The hills of the eastern sub-Himalayas- Garo, Khasi and Jaintia, run through most of Meghalaya, and the rest of the landscape is a high plateau. • Cherrapunji was declared the wettest land-based location on Earth after it receive an average of 11,872 mm in annual rainfall — more than 10 times India's national average (of 1,083 mm). Reason for High Rainfall in Cherrapunji and Mawsynram • Cherrapunji (elevation 1313 m) and Mawsynram (elevation 1401.5 m) are located on the southern slopes of the east Khasi Hills in Meghalaya. • Meghalaya is a mountainous state with numerous valleys and highland plateaus. • Elevation in the plateau region ranges between 150 m to 1,961 m , with the central part comprising the Khasi Hills with the highest elevations. • The rainfall in Cherrapunji-Mawsynram is caused by the orography favouring a monsoon wind regime. • The northward moving moist winds from the passing over the plains of Bangladesh are forced to converge in the narrow valleys of the Khasi Hills with orography providing forced ascent that causes condensation, formation of clouds resulting in rain on the windward side of the slope.

US Heat Wave: Context : One of the hottest cities on the continent on Monday was Salem, Oregon, about 45 miles southwest of Portland, where the high temperature reached 117 degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoon, a record for the city. Concept : • In most parts of the country, temperatures must be above the historical average in an area for two or more days before the label “heat wave” is applied to a hot spell, according to the National Weather Service Why is it hotter than normal in North America? • We have long known that the world has warmed by more than 1 degree Celsius (about 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) since 1900, and that the pace of warming has accelerated in recent decades. The warmer

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baseline contributes to extreme-weather events and helps make periods of extreme heat more frequent, longer and more intense. Heat Wave • A heat wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season in the North-Western and South Central parts of India. • Heat waves typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July. • Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent globally due to climate change. Criteria for Heat Waves in India • The heat wave is considered when the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at least 30°C for Hilly regions. • If the normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40°C, then an increase of 5°C to 6°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition. • Further, an increase of 7°C or more from the normal temperature is considered as severe heat wave condition. • If the normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40°C, then an increase of 4°C to 5°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition. Further, an increase of 6°C or more is considered as severe heat wave condition. • Additionally, if the actual maximum temperature remains 45°C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, a heat wave is declared. Heat Domes • High-pressure circulation traps hot ocean air like a lid or a cap trapping heat at the surface and favouring the formation of a heat wave. • Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent globally due to climate change

Early Arrival of Southwest Monsoon : Context : Recently, the southwest monsoon has progressed rapidly to cover two-thirds of the country just about 10 days after it broke over the Kerala coast. Concept : • The northern limit of the monsoon (NLM) continued to pass through Diu, Surat, Nandurbar, Bhopal, Nagaon, Hamirpur, Barabanki, Bareilly, Saharanpur, Ambala, and Amritsar. • The monsoon has arrived 7 to 10 days ahead of its scheduled date across some areas of south peninsular and central India. • The monsoon has missed Northwest India i.e. Gujarat, Rajasthan, western Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi so far. Reasons for early arrival of southwest monsoon • The Cyclone Yaas, formed in the Bay of Bengal during May, helped the monsoon make a timely arrival over the Andaman Sea. • The fast progress of southwest monsoon is mainly due to: Strong westerly winds from the Arabian Sea; and Formation of a low-pressure system over the North Bay of Bengal • The monsoon currents strengthened and it advanced into the Northeast, West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and parts of Chhattisgarh. • An off-shore trough has helped the monsoon arrive early over Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and southern Gujarat. Causes of delay in southwest monsoon over Northwest India • The monsoon becomes active over Northwest India only when the monsoon currents (either from the Arabian Sea or the Bay of Bengal) reach the region.

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• The monsoon progress will remain slow as the arrival of monsoon currents over Northwest India is not expected to happen soon. • A stream of mid-latitude westerly winds is approaching Northwest India, which will hinder the monsoon advancement in the immediate coming days.

Russia, U.K. spar over Black Sea incident: Context : Russia accused Britain on Thursday of spreading lies over a warship confrontation in the Black Sea and warned London that it would respond resolutely to any further provocative actions by the British Navy off the coast of Russia-annexed Crimea. Concept : About Crimean peninsula • The Crimean peninsula is connected on the northwest to the mainland by the “Perekop Isthmus”, a 5- mile- (8-km-) wide strip of land that has been the site of numerous battles for the control of Crimea. • Between Crimea and the mainland to the north lies Svyash (“Putrid Sea”), a network of shallow inlets that is separated from the Sea of Azov by the Arabat Spit, a 70-mile- (113-km-) long sandbar along the eastern shore of Crimea. • The Crimean Peninsula was annexed by the Russian Federation in 2014 and since then has been administered as two Russian federal subjects - the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol. Black Sea • Black Sea is an inland sea located between far-southeastern Europe and the far-western edges of the continent of Asia and the country of Turkey. • Bordering Countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, and Turkey. • It connects to the Mediterranean Sea first through the Bosporus Strait, then through the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles Strait, then south through the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Crete. • The Black Sea is also connected to the Sea of Azov by the Strait of Kerch.

ARAVALLI RANGES: Context: The Supreme Court ordered the Haryana government and the Faridabad Municipal Corporation to take “all essential measures” to remove encroachments, including about 10,000 residential constructions, in the ecologically fragile Aravali forest land near Lakarpur Khori village. Concept: • The Aravalli Range (also spelled Aravali) is a mountain range in Northwestern India. • It runs approximately 670 km (430 mi) in a south-west direction, starting near Delhi, passing through southern Haryana and Rajasthan, and ending in Gujarat. • The highest peak is Guru Shikhar at 1,722 metres (5,650 ft). Guru Shikhar is a peak in the Arbuda Mountains of Rajasthan. It is 15 km from Mount Abu. • Three major rivers and their tributaries flow from the Aravalli, namely Banas and Sahibi rivers which are tributaries of Yamuna, as well as Luni River which flows into the Rann of Kutch.

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: Context : The Union Cabinet has approved an Agreement between India and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines for the Exchange of Information and to provide assistance to each other in collection of tax claims. Concept : • This is a new Agreement between the Republic of India and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines. There was no such agreement in past between the two countries. • Agreement also contains tax examination abroad provisions which provide that a country may allow the representatives of the other country to enter its territory to interview individuals and examine records for tax purposes.

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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island country in the Caribbean. • It is located in the southeast Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, which lie in the West Indies at the southern end of the eastern border of the Caribbean Sea where the latter meets the Atlantic Ocean. • Kingstown is the capital and main port.

UMLING LA PASS: Context : Raksha Mantri flagged off the first ever Solo Woman Motorcycle Expedition by Ms Kanchan Ugursandi to Umling La Pass, Ladakh and back. Concept : • Umling La Pass, located at an altitude of 19,300ft, has overtaken Khardung La Pass to become the highest motorable road in the world. • The construction of this road has been achieved by the BRO (Border Road Organization) as part of “Project Himank” • Umling La Pass, stretching to a distance of almost 86km, connects Chisumle and Demchok villages. • Both these villages lie in close proximity to the Indo-China border in the eastern sector. Khardung La Pass • Khardung La is a mountain pass in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The pass on the Ladakh Range is north of Leh and is the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys. • Locally, it is also known as "Khardong La" or "Khardzong La". • The elevation of Khardung La is 5,359 m. It is incorrectly claimed by some locals as the highest vehicle-accessible pass in the world.

THOUSANDS OF ROHINGYA PROTEST AT BHASHAN CHAR ISLANDS: Context: Several thousand Rohingya refugees have staged “unruly” protests against living conditions on a cyclone-prone island off Bangladesh where they were moved from vast camps on the mainland, police said. Concept: • The island is also known as Thengar Char Island. • Bhashan Char Island was formed about two decades ago on the mouth of river Meghna. • The uninhabited island is located around 30 kilometres east of Hatiya island in South-East Bangladesh. • Bangladesh wanted to move 100,000 Rohingya refugees to the muddy silt island to take the pressure off the overcrowded border camps. • The Bhashan Char falls in an ecologically fragile area prone to floods, erosion and cyclone. • Though the Bangladesh government has built a three-metre-high embankment along its perimeter to keep out tidal surges during cyclones.

Adani's Australian arm strikes coal at Carmichael mine: Context : The Adani group struck first coal from its Carmichael, Australia project on Thursday and will start shipping to its customers according to schedule. With this, the project will not only lift the economic prospects of the hitherto barren Australian outback, but also help Indian power plants to source cheap coal. Concept : • The Carmichael coal mine is a proposed thermal coal mine in the Galilee Basin in Queensland, Australia. • The mine is proposed by Adani Mining, a wholly owned subsidiary of India's Adani Group. Project components: • The mine is planned to contain six open-cut pits and five underground mines. • A new rail line is needed to transport coal to port facilities. The proposal includes a new 190 km rail line to connect with the existing Goonyella railway line.

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• Exports are to leave the country via port facilities at Hay Point and Abbot Point after being transported to the coast via rail. Most of the exported coal is planned to be shipped to India. This requires significant port expansion. • Proposed benefits: It would be the largest coal mine in Australia and one of the largest in the world. At peak capacity the mine would produce 60 million tonnes of coal a year. Over the 60 years, the mine is expected to produce 2.3 billion tonnes. • Opposition to project: The mine has drawn immense controversy about its  claimed economic benefits,  financial viability,  plans for government subsidy and  the potential damaging environmental impacts upon the Great Barrier Reef, groundwater at its site and its carbon emissions.

Bengal issues high tide warning for coastal areas: Context : The West Bengal government issued an alert in the coastal areas and evacuated a few thousand people from islands exposed to the Bay of Bengal over fears of fresh inundation due to a high tide on Friday. Concept : • The Periodic rise and fall of the sea level due to the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun, once or twice a day, is called tides. • Ocean Tides are one type of wave characterized by rhythmic rise and fall of ocean water twice a day. • Tides make ocean water move vertically. • The study of tides is complex, spatially, and temporally; as it has great variation in frequency, magnitudes, and height. Cause of tides • The gravitational pull of the Moon.[ Strong factor] • Gravitation pull of Sun. [ Less factor] • Centrifugal force, the force that works as a counterbalance of gravity. • Gravitation pull and centrifugal force are responsible for the creation of two major tides on earth. • On the moonward side of the earth, tidal bulge is caused by the gravitational pull from the Moon, and the opposite side of the earth's bulge caused by centrifugal force. • Highest tides experienced on Bay of Fundy in Canada; it is approx 15-16 m high. Types of tides: Based on the frequency of tide, the following are the types of tides: • Semi-diurnal tide: Two high and two low tides with the same height on each day. • Diurnal tides: Only one high tide and one low tide with the same height each day. • Mixed Tides: Tides having variation in height is called mixed tide. Types of tides based n the Sun, Moon, and earth Position: • Spring Tides : During full moon and new moon days. The sun, moon, and earth are the same line and tides are highest. • Neap Tides : When the moon is the first and last quarter, ocean water gets diagonally opposite direction resulting in low tides. These are called neap tides. The factors affecting the height of the tides: • When the Moon is closed to earth at Perigee position; experiences higher tides or greater than the normal tides. • When the Moon is the farthest from the earth at apogee position; experiences less than average tides bulge. • When the Earth is closed to Sun at Perihelian position; experiences higher tides or greater than the normal tides. • When the Earth is the farthest from the Sun at the aphelian position; experiences less than average tides bulge. • Ebb: It is the time between the high tide and low tides when water is falling. • Flood or flow : It is the time between the low tide and high tides when water is rising.

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Cinque Island: Context : Recently, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) had rescued nine crew members from sinking vessel Ganga-I off Cinque Island. Concept : • The ICG had launched a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation in coordination with Port Management Board (PMB), in which ICG ships and PMB Tug ‘Ocean Marvel’. • The ICG ship C-146 and ICG ship C-412 on routine deployment were diverted for assistance. • The ICG ship Durgabai Deshmukh and PMB Tug ‘Ocean Marvel’ sailed from Port Blair with a damage control team and de-flooding equipment for immediate assistance. About Cinque Island • It is located between the Passage and Duncan Island towards the north side of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. • It is further divided into North and South Cinque islands. • It shares its boundaries with Wandoor Marine National Park, also commonly referred to as the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. • The passage between North Cinque Island and Rutland is called Manners Strait. • The passage between South Cinque and North Cinque is called Cinque Strait. Passage in Andaman and Nicobar Islands • Duncan Pass: It separates (part of Great Andaman) to the north and to the south. • Ten Degree Channel: It separates the and Nicobar Islands from each other in the Bay of Bengal.

Retreating monsoon rains a global phenomenon , can help study climate change: Context : Rainfall during retreating monsoon , which parts od south india experiences every year, is not a local anomaly and is global in nature and scale , ccording to a recent study by the university of sydney . Concept : Retreating Monsoon Season • The retreating southwest monsoon season is marked by clear skies and rise in temperature. • The land is still moist. Owing to the conditions of high temperature and humidity, the weather becomes rather oppressive. This is commonly known as the ‘October heat’. • In the second half of October, the mercury begins to fall rapidly, particularly in northern India. • The weather in the retreating monsoon is dry in north India but it is associated with rain in the eastern part of the Peninsula. Here, October and November are the rainiest months of the year. • The widespread rain in this season is associated with the passage of cyclonic depressions which originate over the Andaman Sea and manage to cross the eastern coast of the southern Peninsula. These tropical cyclones are very destructive. • A bulk of the rainfall of the Coromandel Coast is derived from these depressions and cyclones. • Unlike the rest of the country, which receives rain in the southwest monsoon season between June and September, the northeast monsoon is crucial for farming and water security in the south.

Assam seeks realignment of rail track through sanctuary: Context : Trains have run over several elephants on the track between the Rani Reserve Forest and Deepor Beel. Concept : • The Assam government has proposed the realignment of a broad gauge railway line through the Deepor Beel.

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• Several elephants have been run over on the railway track between the elevated Rani Reserve Forest and the sanctuary. The elephants use four corridors crossing the track to often bathe and feed on the aquatic plants in the wetland. Deepor Beel • Deepor Beel is located to the south-west of Guwahati city, in Kamrup district of Assam, India. • It is a permanent freshwater lake, in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River, to the south of the main river. • It is a wetland under the Ramsar Convention which has listed since November 2002, for undertaking conservation measures on the basis of its biological and environmental importance. • Considered as one of the largest beels in the Brahmaputra valley of Lower Assam, it is categorised as a representative of the wetland type under the Burma monsoon forest biogeographic region. • It is also an important bird sanctuary habituating many migrant species. • Freshwater fish is a vital protein and source of income for these communities; the health of these people is stated to be directly dependent on the health of this wetland ecosystem.

Summer rain stocks dams: Context: Although the monsoon has not covered the whole country yet, summer cyclones and thunderstorms have left reservoirs with more water than their average at this stage. Concept: • The summer of 2021 saw unusually cool day temperatures over most regions. This could have led to below-average evaporation from surface water stocks across the core heat zones, where heatwaves and high day temperatures are common during March-June. • The cooler summer was also due to frequent thunderstorms that brought rainfall spells at many places between March and May. • During the second and third weeks of May, Cyclones Tauktae and Yaas caused widespread rainfall over two-thirds of the country. • The all-India weekly rainfall during May 12-19 and May 20-26 was, respectively, 127% and 94% above the Long Period Average. Long Period Average (LPA): • It is the average rainfall recorded during the months from June to September, calculated during the 50- year period, and is kept as a benchmark while forecasting the quantitative rainfall for the monsoon season every year. • IMD maintains an independent LPA for every homogeneous region of the country, which ranges from 71.6 cm to 143.83 cm. Thunderstorms • Thunderstorms and tornadoes are severe local storms. They are of short duration, occurring over a small area but are violent. • Thunderstorm is a storm with thunder and lightning and typically also heavy rain or hail. • Thunderstorms mostly occur on ground where the temperature is high. Thunderstorms are less frequent on water bodies due to low temperature. Motion of a thunderstorm • Path of a thunderstorm is erratic. Motion is primarily due to interactions of its updrafts and downdrafts. • The speed of isolated storms is typically about 20 km (12 miles) per hour, but some storms move much faster. • In extreme circumstances, a supercell storm may move 65 to 80 km (about 40 to 50 miles) per hour. Downbursts • Downdrafts are referred to as macrobursts or microbursts. • Macroburst is more than 4 km in diameter and can produce winds as high as 60 metres per second, or 215 km per hour. • A microburst is smaller in dimension but produces winds as high as 75 metres per second, or 270 km per hour

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• They are seriously hazardous to aircrafts, especially during takeoffs and landings.

LAKSHADWEEP: Context : An isolated island that became a melting point of cultures. Concept : About Lakshadweep • Lakshadweep is a tropical of 36 atolls and coral reefs in the Laccadive Sea, 280 km to 480 km off the coast of Kerala. 11 are inhabited. • But currently, there are 35 islands, as the Parali 1 island submerged in water due to sea erosion. • Lakshadweep means "one lakh islands" in Malayalam, the official as well as the widely spoken native language in the territory. Fishing is the most important industry. • The islands form the smallest union territory of India and their total surface area is just 32 km square. • Kavaratti serves as the capital of the Union Territory and the region comes under the jurisdiction of Kerala High Court. It is a uni-district Union Territory. • The principal languages of Lakshadweep are Malayalam, Jeseri (Dweep Bhasha) and Mahl. • These islands were earlier known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands. Geography • The island is situated in the Laccadive Sea extending between 8 degree N and 12 degree N latitude. • The entire Lakshadweep islands group is made up of coral deposits. • The islands consist of unconsolidated pebbles, shingles, cobbles, and boulders. All are atolls surrounded by Fringing Reefs. • These islands are a part of Reunion Hotspot volcanism. • Amindivi Islands are the northern-most most while the Minicoy island is the southernmost. • 8 Degree Channel ( 8 degrees north latitude) separates the islands of Minicoy and Maldives. • 9 Degree Channel ( 9 degrees north latitude) separates the island of Minicoy from the main Lakshadweep archipelago. • Largest island: Minicoy Island (south of the nine-degree channel) • The topography of the Lakshadweep Islands is flat and relief features such as hills, streams, valleys, etc. are absent. • The Islands are extremely vulnerable to sea-level change as they do not rise more than five meters above sea level. • These islands have a north-south orientation. Exception: only Androth has an East-West orientation.

Summer Solstice: Context: The summer solstice happened today around 9:02 am on Monday (Indian Standard Time). Concept: Summer Solstice • Solstice means “sun stands still” in Latin. • The longest day of 2021 for those living north of the Equator is June 21. • This day is characterized by a greater amount of energy received from the sun. • In technical terms, this day is referred to as the summer solstice, the longest day of the summer season. It occurs when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer, or more specifically right over 23.5-degree north latitude. • The Southern Hemisphere receives most sunlight on December 21, 22 or 23 when the northern hemisphere has its longest nights– or the winter solstice. Why do we have summer solstice? • Since Earth rotates on its axis, the Northern Hemisphere gets more direct sunlight between March and September over the course of a day. • This also means people living in the Northern Hemisphere experience summer during this time. • The rest of the year, the Southern Hemisphere gets more sunlight.

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• During the solstice, the Earth’s axis — around which the planet spins, completing one turn each day — is tilted in a way that the North Pole is tipped towards the sun and the South Pole is away from it. Some other facts • Summer solstice does not mean the earliest sunrise or latest sunset. • Although June 21 will be the longest day in 2021, it does not necessarily mean that it brings the earliest sunrise or latest sunset. • It depends on the latitudinal location of the country.

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INDIAN POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

DRUGS AND COSMETICS ACT: Context: Delhi High Court on Monday pulled up the Drug Controller Department of Delhi for not properly examining how BJP MP Gautam Gambhir procured a huge quantity of COVID-19 medicines. Concept: • The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 is an act of the Parliament of India which regulates the import, manufacture and distribution of drugs in India. • The primary objective of the act is to ensure that the drugs and cosmetics sold in India are safe, effective and conform to state quality standards DRUGS AND COSMETICS RULES, 1945 • The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 are the set of rules under The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. • It contains provisions for the classification of drugs under given schedules. • It also contains the guidelines of drugs for their storage, sale, display, and prescription of each schedule. CENTRAL DRUGS STANDARD CONTROL ORGANIZATION (CDSCO) • CDSCO is the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India. • Its headquarter is in Delhi. • The Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and rules 1945 have entrusted various responsibilities to central & state regulators for the regulation of drugs & cosmetics. • It envisages the uniform implementation of the Act & Rules for ensuring the safety, rights and wellbeing of the patients. Under this act, CDSCO is responsible for: • Approval of Drugs • Conduct of Clinical Trials • Laying down the standards for Drugs • Control over the quality of imported Drugs in the country • Coordination of the activities of State Drug Control Organizations • Bring out the uniformity in the enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Right to protest in India: Is it a Fundamental Right? : Context : Delhi High Court rebuked the Delhi Police for “casually” invoking provisions of the anti-terror law against the three accused, who had protested against the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), noting that the line between the constitutionally guaranteed “right to protest” and “terrorist activity” had been blurred. Concept: Right to Protest • The right to protest is the manifestation of the right to freedom of assembly, the right to freedom of association, and the right to freedom of speech. • The Constitution of India provides the right of freedom, given in Article 19 with the view of guaranteeing individual rights that were considered vital by the framers of the constitution. • The Right to protest peacefully is enshrined in Article 19(1) (a) guarantees the freedom of speech and expression; Article 19(1) (b) assures citizens the right to assemble peaceably and without arms. • Article 19(2) imposes reasonable restrictions on the right to assemble peaceably and without arms. • Article 19(2) confers the right on the State to impose reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the freedom of speech and expression on the grounds of, Sovereignty and integrity of India, Security of the state,

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Friendly relations with foreign states, Public order, decency or morality, Contempt of court, defamation, and incitement to an offence.

NATIONAL POPULATION REGISTER (NPR): Context : 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. Concept : • 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. • 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. National Population Register • It is a list of “usual residents of the country”. • A “usual resident of the country” is one who has been residing in a local area for at least the last six months, or intends to stay in a particular location for the next six months. • The NPR is being prepared under provisions of the Citizenship Act 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. • It is mandatory for every “usual resident of India” to register in the NPR. Background: • The data for the NPR was first collected in 2010 along with the house listing phase of Census 2011. • In 2015, this data was further updated by conducting a door-to-door survey. • However, with the use of Aadhaar as the key vehicle for transfer of government benefits in the last few years, the NPR has taken a backseat. Scope: • The NPR exercise is conducted at the local, sub-district, district, state and national levels. • The NPR will collect both demographic data and biometric data. Biometric data will be updated through Aadhar details. • In the 2010 exercise, the RGI had collected only demographic details. • In 2015, it updated the data further with the mobile, Aadhaar and ration card numbers of residents. • For the 2020 exercise, it has dropped the ration card number but added other categories.

Govt considering plea for Rs 4 lakh to COVID victims, SC told: Context: The Centre on Friday informed the Supreme Court that it was considering a plea to provide monetary compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the family members of those who have died due to COVID-19. Concept: • Bansal cited Section 12 (iii) of the Disaster Management Act (DMA) providing for ex gratia monetary compensation for the families of those who died during a notified disaster. Section 12 in the Disaster Management Act, 2005 • The National Authority shall recommend guidelines for the minimum standards of relief to be provided to persons affected by disaster, which shall include,—

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(i) the minimum requirements to be provided in the relief camps in relation to shelter, food, drinking water, medical cover and sanitation; (ii) the special provisions to be made for widows and orphans; (iii) ex gratia assistance on account of loss of life as also assistance on account of damage to houses and for restoration of means of livelihood; (iv) such other relief as may be necessary.

DECLASSIFICATION & COMPILATION OF WAR/OPERATIONS HISTORIES: Context : Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has approved the policy on archiving, declassification and compilation/publication of war/operations histories by the Ministry of Defence. Concept : • Each organisation under the Ministry of Defence will transfer the records, including war diaries to the History Division of Ministry of Defence (MoD) for proper upkeep, archival and writing the histories. • 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. • Committee headed by Joint Secretary, MoD and comprising of representatives of the Services, MEA, MHA and other organisations and prominent military historians (if required) should be constituted for compilation of war/ operations histories. War/operations histories to be compiled within 5 years • The above-mentioned Committee should be formed within two years of completion of war/operations. • Thereafter, collection of records and compilation should be completed in three years and disseminated to all concerned.

Extension of Tenure for Attorney General of India: Context : Recently, the central government is set to notify the reappointment of Senior Advocate K K Venugopal as Attorney General of India for a period of one more year. Concept : • Article 76 of the Constitution of India provides for the office of the Attorney General for India. • He is the highest law officer in the country. Appointment and Term of Attorney General of India • He is appointed by the president. • He must be a person who is qualified to be appointed a judge of the Supreme Court. • It implies that he must be a citizen of India and he must have been a judge of some high court for five years or an advocate of some high court for ten years or an eminent jurist. • The term of office of the AG is not fixed by the Constitution. • The Constitution does not contain the procedure and grounds for his removal. • He holds office during the pleasure of the president which means that he may be removed by the president at any time. • He resigns when the government (council of ministers) resigns or is replaced, as he is appointed on its advice. Duties and Functions of Attorney General of India • To give advice to the Government of India upon such legal matters, which are referred to him by the president; • To perform such other duties of a legal character which are assigned to him by the president; and • To discharge the functions conferred on him by the Constitution or any other law The president has assigned the following duties to the AG: • To appear on behalf of the Government of India in all cases in the Supreme Court in which the Government of India is concerned.

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• To represent the Government of India in any reference made by the president to the Supreme Court under Article 143 of the Constitution. • To appear (when required by the Government of India) in any high court in any case in which the Government of India is concerned. Rights and Limitations of Attorney General of India • The Attorney General has the right of audience in all courts in the territory of India in the performance of his official duties. • He has the right to speak and to take part in the proceedings of both the Houses of Parliament or their joint sitting and any committee of the Parliament of which he may be named a member, but without a right to vote. • He enjoys all the privileges and immunities that are available to a Member of Parliament. • The limitations are placed on the Attorney General in order to avoid any complication and conflict of duty: • He should not advise or hold a brief against the Government of India. • He should not advise or hold a brief in cases in which he is called upon to advise or appear for the Government of India. • He should not defend accused persons in criminal prosecutions without the permission of the Government of India. • He should not accept appointment as a director in any company or corporation without the permission of the Government of India.

KEDAR NATH SEDITION RULING: Context: The Supreme Court quashed case of sedition filed against journalist Vinod Dua for allegedly making remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government’s handling of the migrant crisis during the Covid-19 lockdown last year. Concept: • Section 124A of the IPC penalises sedition as punishable with either imprisonment ranging from three years to a lifetime, a fine, or both. • The Supreme Court shielded Dua from arrest earlier and the case itself was quashed recently by a two- judge bench comprising Justice U U Lalit and Justice Vineet Saran. • It held that his remarks constituted genuine criticism of the government and could not be labelled seditious. In doing so, the court also reiterated the principles in the landmark case on sedition — Kedar Nath Singh v Union of India (1962). Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar (1962) • In the landmark 1962 Kedar Nath Singh case, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the sedition law, but it also attempted to restrict its scope for misuse. • The court held that unless accompanied by an incitement or call for violence, criticism of the government cannot be labelled sedition. • “Strong words” of disapproval about the ruling regime did not amount to sedition.

Tuberculosis (TB) Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Context : Recently, the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare chaired the Tuberculosis (TB) Mukt Bharat meeting with various Development Partners of the Health Ministry. Concept : Tuberculosis (TB) Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan • It was launched under the National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination in a mission mode for ending the epidemic by 2025. • It is a multi-pronged approach which aims to detect all TB patients with an emphasis on reaching TB patients seeking care from private providers and undiagnosed TB in high-risk populations, About National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination

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• It is a framework to guide the activities of all stakeholders whose work is relevant to TB elimination in India. • It provides goals and strategies for the country’s response to the disease during the period 2017 to 2025. • It aims to direct the attention of all stakeholders on the most important interventions or activities that the RNTCP believes will bring about significant changes in the incidence, prevalence and mortality of TB. • It will guide the development of the national project implementation plan (PIP) and state PIPs, as well as district health action plans (DHAP) under the national health mission (NHM). • VISION: TB-Free India with zero deaths, disease and poverty due to tuberculosis • GOAL: To achieve a rapid decline in burden of TB, morbidity and mortality while working towards elimination of TB in India by 2025. Tuberculosis • It is a contagious infection that usually attacks your lungs. • It can also spread to other parts of body such as brain and spine. • It is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. • It can spread from person to person through microscopic droplets released into the air.

E-content for children with disabilities: Context: Union Education Minister released guidelines for the Development of e-Content for Children with Disabilities prepared by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education. Concept: • A comprehensive initiative, PM e-VIDYA was launched on 17th May 2020, with an aim to unify all efforts related to digital/online/on-air education. • The programme interalia envisages development of special e-content for the Divyang (Children with Disabilities-CwDs). • For the first time, an attempt was made to prepare guidelines for CwD also referred to as Children with Special Needs (CWSN) children so that the goal of inclusive education is fulfilled. The salient highlights of the e- content guidelines in the report are: • E-Content for CwDs should be developed based on the four principles namely: perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. • E-Content including text, tables, diagrams, visuals, audios, videos etc. should comply with accessibility standards: national standards (GIGW 2.0) and international standards (WCAG 2.1, E-Pub, DAISY etc). • Distribution platforms on which content is uploaded (e.g. DIKSHA) and Reading platforms/devices on which content is accessed and interacted (e.g. e-pathshala) must comply with technical standards • In a phased manner textbooks may be adapted into Accessible Digital Textbooks (ADTs).

Centre releases draft bill to bring hydrogen under oilfields act: Context : The Centre plans to bring hydrogen generated from crude oil under the ambit of the Oilfields (Regulation & Development) Act, 1948. Concept : Oilfields (Regulation & Development) Act, 1948 • It deals with 'mineral oils' as understood in the conventional sense. • In order to facilitate the development and production of alternative/derivative clean energy sources that may be developed in future, the amendment bill seeks to redefine 'mineral oil'. Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill 2021 • It proposes to amend the present act to "create opportunities for exploration, development and production of next-generation cleaner fuels and mitigate regulatory challenges and risks." • It also proposes a new definition of 'mineral oils' by including within its ambit modern and cleaner sources of energy like hydrogen.

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• It also seeks to foster investment in the exploration and production of oil and gas by offering a lease on stable terms and enabling the government to prescribe a compensation mechanism to protect the investment. • Conventionally, mineral oil is understood to mean hydrocarbons in various forms including natural gas and petroleum oil. • Hydrogen gas is a clean source of energy, which can be produced, distributed and regulated in conjunction with natural gas. • The compensation shall be payable in case of suspension, revocation or cancellation of the lease or in case of restriction of access to the leased area. • It also seeks to explicitly enumerate the power of the government to prescribe rules for the extension of the period of the lease, the maximum or minimum area of the lease, a mechanism for determination of the economic life of the oilfield, terms for merger or combination of leases and resolution of disputes. • It provides for the imposition of fines of up to ₹ 1 crore for the first contravention of provisions of any rules. Subsequent contraventions will attract a fine of up to ₹ 10 lakh per da • It seeks to empower the government to recover royalty, cess, lease or licence fee, penalty payment under the law, the draft said.

NOMINATION OF MEMBERS FOR RAJYA SABHA SEAT: Context: After an unsuccessful contest for a seat in the West Bengal Assembly, Swapan Dasgupta, who had resigned from his nominated membership of the Rajya Sabha to fight the elections on a BJP ticket, was Tuesday re-nominated to the Upper House. Concept: Nominated members in RS • Article 80(1)(a) of Constitution of India makes provision for the nomination of 12 members to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India in accordance with provisions of Arts.80(3). • Article80(3) says that the persons to be nominated as members must be possessing special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as the following namely : Literature, science, art and social service. • As per the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution of India on 26 January 1950, the Rajya Sabha was to consist of 216 members of which 12 members were to be nominated by the President and the remaining 204 elected to represent the States. • The present strength, however, is 245 members of whom 233 are representatives of the states and union territories and 12 are nominated by the President. • The Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution; one-third of its members retire every second year. • The 12 nominated members of the Rajya Sabha are persons who are eminent in particular fields, and are well known contributors in the particular field. • The nominated members are usually amongst persons having special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art and social service.

Traceability system a must for drugs: GS1 chief: Context : Barcoding medicines sold in the country offers immense potential in tracking the availability as well as in fighting counterfeiting, said Swaminathan Concept : GS1 India • GS1 India is a Standards body (registered under Societies Registration Act 1860) with founder members comprising Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, FIEO, IMC, APEDA, Spices Board, IIP and BIS. It is affiliated with GS1® a not for profit global standards organisation. • GS1 India mission is to improve the efficiency, safety and visibility of supply chains across physical and digital channels through the use of global GS1 standards.

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• GS1 is a not-for-profit, industry-led global organisation headquartered in Brussels and oversees operations of 115 GS1 Organisations across the world. About Barcode: • A barcode, consisting of bars and spaces is a machine-readable representation of numerals and characters. It is also known as Universal Product Code (UPC). It is used to efficiently identify and track objects and people. • Barcode was co-developed by George Laurier and Norman Joseph Woodland in 1973. Types of Barcode: • One-dimensional barcode: Numeric-only barcodes: barcodes consisting of only numbers. • Alpha-numeric barcodes: contain a combination of numbers and alphabetic characters. • Two-dimensional Barcode: It is in the shape of a square or rectangle and contains many small dots arranged in a unique pattern. It is also known as Quick Response (QR) code.

DCGI RELAXES NORMS FOR CLEARING VACCINES: Context: India’s apex drug regulator Tuesday waived the requirement for foreign companies to conduct post-launch bridging trials and test the quality and stability of their Covid-19 vaccines here if they have approvals from specific countries or health bodies Concept: Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) • DCGI under gamut of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is responsible for approval of licenses of specified categories of drugs such as blood and blood products, vaccines, IV fluids and sera in India. • DCGI lays down standards and quality of manufacturing, selling, import and distribution of drugs in India. • It acts as appellate authority in case of any dispute regarding quality of drugs. • It prepares and maintains national reference standard. • It brings about uniformity in enforcement of Drugs and Cosmetics Act. • It trains Drug Analysts deputed by State Drug Control Laboratories and other Institutions.

National Portal for Transgender persons: Context: Just over six months after it was launched, the Centre’s national portal for issuing certificates of identity to transgender persons has issued 1,557 certificates as of June 16, 2021, according to Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry data. Concept: • In November 2020, Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment launched a ‘National Portal for Transgender Persons’. • It has been developed within 2 months of Notification of Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020 on 29 September, 2020. • This Portal would help a transgender person in applying for a Certificate and Identity card digitally from anywhere in the country. • The most important benefit is that it helps the transgender person to get the I-Card without any physical interface and without having to visit any office. • Through the Portal, they can monitor the status of their application that ensures transparency in the process. • Getting Transgender Certificate and Identity Cards as per their self-perceived identity is an important provision of The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

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DRAFT CODE ON SOCIAL SECURITY (EMPLOYEE’S COMPENSATION) (CENTRAL) RULES, 2021: Context : Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the draft rules relating to Employee’s Compensation under the Code on Social Security, 2020 for suggestions. Concept : • The Code on Social Security, 2020 amends and consolidates the laws relating to social security to extend social security to employees and workers in the organised as well as unorganised sectors. • Chapter VII (Employee’s Compensation) of the Social Security Code, 2020 envisages, inter-alia, provisions relating to employer’s liability for compensation in case of fatal accidents, serious bodily injuries or occupational diseases. The draft Employee’s Compensation rules notified by the Central Government provide for the • provisions relating to manner of application for claim or settlement, • rate of interest for delayed payment of compensation, • venue of proceedings and transfer of matters, notice and manner of transmitting money from one competent authority to another and • arrangements with other countries for the transfer of money paid as compensation.

ACQUISITION AND TERMINATION OF CITIZENSHIP: Context : The citizenship of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, whose purported ‘eloping’ to Dominica from Antigua where he had fled to escape the Indian law in 2018 after an alleged multicrore scam, holds the key to his extradition back home. Concept : • The Citizenship Act, 1955 has rules for acquisition and loss of citizenship in India. Articles 5 to 11 in Part 2 of the Indian constitution has the provisions of citizenship. Acquisition and Determination of Indian Citizenship • There are four ways in which Indian citizenship can be acquired: birth, descent, registration and naturalisation. The provisions are listed under the Citizenship Act, 1955. • By Birth: • Every person born in India on or after 26.01.1950 but before 01.07.1987 is an Indian citizen irrespective of the nationality of his/her parents. • Every person born in India between 01.07.1987 and 02.12.2004 is a citizen of India given either of his/her parents is a citizen of the country at the time of his/her birth. • Every person born in India on or after 3.12.2004 is a citizen of the country given both his/her parents are Indians or at least one parent is a citizen and the other is not an illegal migrant at the time of birth. • By Registration: Citizenship can also be acquired by registration. Some of the mandatory rules are: • A person of Indian origin who has been a resident of India for 7 years before applying for registration. • A person of Indian origin who is a resident of any country outside undivided India. • A person who is married to an Indian citizen and is ordinarily resident for 7 years before applying for registration. • Minor children of persons who are citizens of India. • By Descent: • A person born outside India on or after January 26, 1950 is a citizen of India by descent if his/her father was a citizen of India by birth. • A person born outside India on or after December 10, 1992, but before December 3, 2004 if either of his/her parent was a citizen of India by birth. • If a person born outside India or or after December 3, 2004 has to acquire citizenship, his/her parents have to declare that the minor does not hold a passport of another country and his/her birth is registered at an Indian consulate within one year of birth. • By Naturalisation:

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• A person can acquire citizenship by naturalisation if he/she is ordinarily resident of India for 12 years (throughout 12 months preceding the date of application and 11 years in the aggregate) and fulfils all qualifications in the third schedule of the Citizenship Act. • The Act does not provide for dual citizenship or dual nationality. It only allows citizenship for a person listed under the provisions above ie: by birth, descent, registration or naturalisation. Termination of Indian Citizenship • The Citizenship Act, 1955 cites three reasons for the termination of citizenship; • Voluntary Renunciation • By Termination • By Deprivation

NITI AAYOG NEEDS TO PERHAPS LOOK AT SDG 10 AT A HOLISTIC MANNER: Context: Viewed against the economic impact of the pandemic, nations’ efforts towards meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 have assumed even greater importance. Concept: • NITI, without doubt, has done well to focus on crucial social indicators like women’s representation in policy-making, crimes against SCs/STs, transgender labour force participation, etc, but, dropping earlier indicators that brought into stark relief the progress (or the lack of this) on reducing economic inequality doesn’t make the picture truly representative. • In 2019, the NITI’s index included inequality indicators like the growth in household expenditure per capita for the bottom 40% of rural and urban populations, as well as the Gini index, a measure of wealth inequality. • In 2018, the index had also included the Palma ratio—which shows the gap between the richest 10% and the bottom 40%. • These are all crucial indicators to have a more granular assessment of the current position of households in NITI’s only economic indicator of inequality this year—population in the two lowest wealth quintiles. Palma Ratio • The Palma ratio of inequality was proposed by Alex Cobham and Andy Sumner in 2013, on the basis of the ‘Palma proposition'. • The Palma ratio is a measure of inequality. It is the ratio of the richest 10% of the population’s share of gross national income (GNI) divided by the poorest 40%’s share. • The measure is now reported by many of the leading income distribution databases and some national statistics offices, and received wide support as an original indicator for the UN Sustainable Development Goal 10.

Nod for additional fertilizer subsidy: Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal to hike subsidy rates for phosphorus and potassium-based fertilizers by 140% in a bid to provide relief to farmers as the kharif sowing season begins. Concept: • Unlike urea, where the Centre sets a fixed maximum retail price, non-urea fertilizer prices are decontrolled, with the Centre fixing nutrient-based subsidy rates each year. • So far, a 50 kg bag of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), the fertilizer most popular with Indian farmers after urea, was sold at ₹ 1,200, including a subsidy of about ₹ 500. Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme • Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Programme for Fertilizers was initiated in the year 2010. • Under the scheme, a fixed amount of subsidy decided on an annual basis is provided on each grade of subsidized Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, except for Urea, based on the nutrient content present in them.

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• The scheme is administered by the Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers. • In a recent development, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for the continuation of the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) till 2019-20. • The continuation of the Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme will ensure that an adequate quantity of P&K is made available to the farmers at a statutory controlled price. Union Budget 2021 and Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme • There have been no reforms in the Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme in Union Budget 2021. Though Nirmala Sitharaman made an announcement to release an additional Rs 65,000 crore towards fertilisers subsidy over and above Rs 71,000 crore allocated in the Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 21 and for FY22, she has allocated close to Rs 80,000 crore. Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme (NBS) Provisions • In India, urea is the only controlled fertilizer and is sold at a statutory notified uniform sale price. • Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme (NBS) allows the manufacturers, marketers, and importers to fix the MRP of the Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers at reasonable levels. • The domestic and international cost of P&K fertilisers is considered along with the country’s inventory levels and the currency exchange rate in order to decide the MRP.

XRAYSETU TO IDENTIFY COVID POSITIVE PATIENTS: Context : Recently, the Ministry of Science & Technology has unveiled a platform called ‘XraySetu’ to identify COVID positive patients. Concept : About XraySetu Platform • It is a new AI-driven platform which will facilitate early-COVID interventions over Whatsapp with the help of Chest X-ray interpretation. • It is developed by ARTPARK (AI & Robotics Technology Park) in collaboration with Bangalore based HealthTech startup Niramai and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). • It provides an automated interpretation of Chest X-Rays to predict if a patient has any lung abnormality that indicates COVID-19 infection. • The platform can also detect 14 additional lung-related ailments, including tuberculosis and pneumonia, alongside others. Significance of XraySetu Platform • It can work with low-resolution images sent via mobiles, is quick and easy to use, and can facilitate detection in rural areas. • It paves the way for exponential technologies like AI to leapfrog and provide cutting-edge healthcare technology to rural India in an extremely cost-effective manner. • It can further be used for both analog and digital X-rays and has been successfully piloted by more than 300 doctors in rural areas over the last 10 months. • It can enable cutting-edge AI-driven systems powering mobile PHCs, which can make healthcare more accessible even across rural India at a fraction of the cost. • It allows doctors in rural areas to plan early intervention for their patients by simply taking a picture of their X-ray and sending it over via Whatsapp. e - Sanjeevani has done 60 lakh consultations: Context : Recently, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has announced that ‘eSanjeevani’ has crossed another milestone by completing 6 million (60 lakh) consultations through more than 375 online OPDs. Concept : About eSanjeevani • It is Ministry of Health & Family Welfare's National Telemedicine Service. • It is operational in 31 States/Union Territories.

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• It is first of its kind online OPD service offered by a country government to its citizens. • It is conceptualised as a doctor to doctor telemedicine platform in November 2019 for implementation at 155,000 Health and Wellness Centres under Ayushman Bharat Scheme in a Hub & Spokes model. • It supports two types of telemedicine services viz. Doctor-to-Doctor (eSanjeevani) and Patient-to- Doctor (eSanjeevani OPD) Tele-consultations. • The eSanjeevani AB-HWC is the doctor to doctor telemedicine platform. • It has been implemented at around 20,000 Health and Wellness Centres as spokes and over 1800 hubs in around 30 States. • The eSanjeevani OPD (Patient-to-Doctor) was rolled out in 2020 in order to provide free online medical consultation to sick people at their residence. • It was developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) • It is the premier R&D organization of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for carrying out R&D in IT & E (Information Technologies and Electronics).

Changes to the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020: Context : Recently, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India has sought comments /suggestions on proposed amendments the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020. Concept : Proposed amendments to Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 • It proposed that every e-commerce entity which intends to operate in India must register itself with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). • The new draft proposed the appointment of chief compliance officer and resident grievance officer. • The e-commerce entities are also required to provide information not later than 72 hours of the receipt of an order from a government agency for prevention, detection and investigation and prosecution of offences under any law. • The government has proposed a ban on ‘mis-selling’ of goods and services offered on such platforms. • The proposed amendment defines ‘flash sale’ as that organised by an e-commerce entity at significantly reduced prices, high discounts or any other such promotional offers for a predetermined period of time. • The e-commerce entities should ensure that such registration number and invoice of orders are displayed prominently to their users in a clear and accessible manner on their platform. • The E-commerce entities offering imported goods/services will also have to mention the name and details of the importers and the country of origin. Present position of e-commerce entities in India • The e-commerce entities are registered under the Companies Act, Indian Partnership Act or Limited Liability Partnership Act and not separately with DPIIT. • An e-commerce entity means any person who owns, operates or manages digital or electronic facility or platform for electronic commerce, but does not include a seller offering his goods or services for sale on a marketplace e-commerce entity.

All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20 has been released:

Context : Union Education Minister has announced the release of the report of All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20. Concept : About AISHE • AISHE was established by the Ministry of HRD for conducting an annual web-based survey, thereby portraying the status of higher education in the country.

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• The survey is conducted for all educational institutions in India on many categories like teachers, student enrolment, programs, examination results, education finance, and infrastructure. • This survey is used to make informed policy decisions and research for the development of the education sector. • This Report provides key performance indicators on the current status of Higher education in the country. Key Highlights • In 2019-20 There are 1043 Universities(2%), 42343 Colleges (77%) and 11779 Stand Alone Institutions (21%) listed on AISHE web portal. 307 Universities are affiliating i.e. having Colleges. • College density, i.e. the number of colleges per lakh eligible population (population in the age-group 18-23 years) varies from 7 in Bihar to 59 in Karnataka as compared to All India average of 30. • Total enrolment in higher education has been estimated to be 38.5 million with 19.6 million boys and 18.9 million female. Female constitute 49% of the total enrolment. • Uttar Pradesh comes at number one with the highest student enrolment followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in Higher education in India is 27.1, which is calculated for 18-23 years of age group. Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), the percentage of students belonging to the eligible age group enrolled in Higher Education, in 2019-20 is 27.1% against 26.3% in 2018-19 and 24.3% in 2014- 2015. • Highest share of foreign students come from the neighboring countries of which Nepal is 28.1% of the total, followed by, Afghanistan 9.1%, Bangladesh 4.6%, Bhutan constitutes 3.8% and Sudan 3.6%. • Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) in Universities and Colleges is 28 if regular mode enrolment is considered whereas PTR for Universities and its Constituent Units is 18 for regular mode. • Gender Parity Index (GPI) in Higher Education in 2019-20 is 1.01 against 1.00 in 2018-19 indicating an improvement in the relative access to higher education for females of eligible age group compared to males.

COMSOL: Context : Recently, the Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to GoI has announced that India will now be able to access the COMSOL Multiphysics software suite at no cost through the I-STEM portal academic users. Concept : Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM) • It is an initiative of Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Govt. of India under the PM- STIAC mission. • The I-STEM National Web Portal was launched formally in 2020. • It protects the IP involved in building the I-STEM Portal. • The objectives of I-STEM are: Strengthen the R&D ecosystem by connecting researchers with resources; Promoting technologies and scientific equipment development indigenously; and Providing necessary supplies and supports to researchers • It hosts the database of facilities across India so that a researcher desirous of using ny of them can search for the same and make a booking online for using it. • It lists more than 25,000 pieces of equipment from 850 institutions across the country, and has more than 20,000 Indian researchers. • It features a Digital Catalogue of indigenously developed technologies and products, as well as host the platform for the various City Knowledge and Innovation Clusters. About COMSOL Platform • It is developed by the COMSOL Group. • It is used worldwide as an indispensable tool for a variety of computer simulations for R&D as well as for learning and instruction.

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• It is a general-purpose simulation software package for modelling designs, devices, and processes in all fields of engineering, manufacturing, and scientific research. • It can be used on its own or expanded with functionality from any combination of add-on modules for simulating electromagnetics, structural mechanics, acoustics, fluid flow, heat transfer, and chemical engineering. • It is hosted on a secure Azure Cloud and to be used simultaneously by up to 60 users located anywhere in the country.

ITAT e-Dwar: Context : Recently, the Union Ministry of Law & Justice has released a portal called ‘Itat-e-Dwar’. Concept : About ITAT e-Dwar • It is an e-filing portal of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal. • It will enable online filing of Appeals, Applications, documents etc. by various parties. • It would not only result in economization of the use of paper, savings in costs but also rationalization of the fixation of cases leading to quicker disposal of cases. • It seeks to bridge the divide between the digital haves and the digital have nots leading to digital inclusion achieved by technology. About Income Tax Appellate Tribunal • It is a quasi-judicial institution set up in January, 1941. • It specializes in dealing with appeals under the Direct Taxes Acts. • The orders passed by the ITAT are final, an appeal lies to the High Court only if a substantial question of law arises for determination. • It draws inspiration from its motto ‘Nishpaksh Sulabh Satvar Nyay’, which means impartial, easy and speedy justice. • It stands out for its uniqueness of imparting justice to the litigants, by an inexpensive, easily accessible forum free from technicalities, regarded for its expert knowledge on the subject of Direct Taxes etc.

Principal Scientific Adviser has launched ‘Project O2 for India’: Context : Amid the second wave of COVID-19, the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser (Government of India) has launched ‘Project O2 for India’. Concept : Project O2 for India • Under this project, a National Consortium of Oxygen (NCO) is enabling the national level supply of critical raw materials such as zeolites, setting up of small oxygen plants, manufacturing compressors, final products, i.e. oxygen plants, concentrators, and ventilators. • The consortium has started to secure CSR/philanthropic grants from organisations like USAID, Edwards Life sciences Foundation, Climate Works Foundation, etc. • Hope Foundation, American Indian Foundation, Walmart, Hitachi, BNP Paribas, and eInfoChips are procuring oxygen concentrators and VPSA/PSA plants as part of their CSR efforts to aid the consortium's work. • Under the Project O2, the NMDC Ltd has agreed to fund the procurement of raw materials like zeolite for the manufacturers in the consortium. • The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser invited private sector companies, donor organizations, and individuals to support various projects of national importance. Significance of Project O2 for India • It aims to enable stakeholders working to augment the country’s ability to meet this rise in demand for medical oxygen. • The NCO is not only looking forward to providing immediate to short-term relief but also working to strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem for long-term preparedness.

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• It caters to meeting the rising demand for medical oxygen by supporting government hospitals to procure oxygen and related high priority equipment from approved manufacturers and start-ups.

Centre starts action against West Bengal ex-chief secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay: Context : The memorandum informs Bandyopadhyay that the Centre proposes to hold major penalty proceedings against him under Rule 8 of All-India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, read with Rule 6 of All-India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958. Concept : • The post of Chief Secretary is the senior-most position held in the civil services of the states and union territories of India. • Chief Secretary (CS) is chosen by Chief Minister from among the senior most IAS officers (Appointed by Governor of the state ) and also CS doesn’t have fixed tenure. The chief secretary discharges vital functions which Include: • Adviser to the CM: Chief- Secretary acts as an advisor to the CM. Being head of the permanent executive branch he strives for a sound administration. • Secretary to the Cabinet: Chief-Secretary acts as a secretary to the state cabinet. Chief Secretary is the administrative head of the cabinet secretariat and attends the meeting of the cabinet and its sub- committees. • Head of State Cabinet Secretariat: State Cabinet Secretariat whose functions include Secretarial assistance, implementation of decisions, policy coordination and providing information is headed by Chief-Secretary. • Head of Civil Services: Chief- Secretary acts as the head of the state civil services. Important cases pertaining to appointments, transfers and promotion of senior state civil servants go to his/her desk. • Coordinator of Civil Service Efforts: Chief Secretary ensures inter departmental coordination. Chief Secretary advises the secretaries on inter departmental difficulties. He is the chairman of coordination committees which are set up for resolving inter-departmental disputes. • Residual Legatee: The chief secretary also acts as the residual legatee, that is, he looks after all those matters which do not fall within the purview of other secretaries.

CJ High Court: Context : Recently, the President of India appointed Shri Justice Sanjay Yadav as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court. Concept : • Every high court (whether exclusive or common) consists of a chief justice and such other judges as the president may from time to time deem necessary to appoint. • The Constitution does not specify the strength of a high court and leaves it to the discretion of the president. • The President determines the strength of a high court from time to time depending upon its workload. Provisions for appointing Chief Justice of High Court • The chief justice is appointed by the President after consultation with the chief justice of India and the governor of the state concerned. • The judges of a high court are appointed by the President. • The President, in exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, can appoint the Chief Justice of a High Court. • The Chief Justice of High Court is appointed as per the policy of having Chief Justices from outside the respective States. • The Collegium takes the call on the elevation. • High Court judges are recommended by a Collegium comprising the CJI and two senior-most judges.

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CABINET APPROVES MODEL TENANCY ACT: Context : The Union Cabinet has approved the Model Tenancy Act for circulation to all States / Union Territories for adaptation by way of enacting fresh legislation or amending existing rental laws suitably. It will help overhaul the legal framework with respect to rental housing across the country. Concept : Salient features of the act: • The government had first released the draft of the MTA in 2019. The Act aims to bridge the trust deficit between tenants and landlords by clearly delineating their obligations. • Besides, The Act is expected to give a fillip to private participation in rental housing as a business model for addressing the huge housing shortage. • The Model Tenancy Act will provide a model for urban and rural properties, as well as a template for residential and commercial properties. • In case of dispute between landlord and tenant, a rent authority, or a rent court would be available for speedy resolution. • A tenant will have to submit a security deposit of two months for residential premises. For commercial property, a tenant will have to pay six-month rent. • The tenant cannot sublet a part of or the whole property to someone else. • If the tenant fails to vacate the premises on the expiration of the period of tenancy or termination of tenancy, the landlord is entitled to double the monthly rent for two months and four times after that. • the landowner would give a notice in writing three months before revising rent. The landlord cannot hike the rent in the middle of the tenure.

PVDPS AND OXYVAN IN HARYANA: Context : "Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme”, and Oxy Van (Oxygen Forests) was announced on the occasion of World Environment Day by Chief Minister of Haryana Concept : Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme (PVDPS) • The state government has taken an initiative to honour all those trees which are of the age of 75 years and above and have served humanity throughout their life by producing oxygen, reducing pollution, providing shade and so on. • Such trees will be identified throughout the state and these will be looked after by involving local people in this scheme. • For maintenance of trees older than 75 years, a “pension amount” of Rs 2,500 would be given per year in the name of PVDPS. This ‘tree pension’ shall continue to increase every year, on lines similar to the Old Age Samman Pension Scheme in the state. Oxy Van (Oxygen Forest) • The state government is calling an Oxy Van are identified pieces of land, on which as many as 3 crore trees would be planted. The Oxy Vans will occupy 10 per cent of the 8 lakh hectares of land across Haryana. • "Oxy Van, Panchkula, will be established in Bir Ghaggar over an area of 100 acres to create Mother Nature’s green lungs so that residents of Panchkula can breathe in fresh oxygen. Total cost of project shall be Rs 1 crore,” the government said.

NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION PLAN: Concept : • The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Phase – I which was taken up as 100% centrally funded scheme and aimed at preventing the pollution of river Ganga and to improve its water quality. • It was started in June 1985 • Subsequently, the GAP Phase II was launched in 1993 for pollution abatement of river Yamuna and Gomti, major tributaries of river Ganga.

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• The river pollution abatement programme was further expanded to include other major rivers of the country in 1995 under the aegis of National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). • Finally in December 1996, GAP Phase II was also merged with the NRCP. • All projects for river cleaning in the country was brought under one umbrella scheme of NRCP. Objective • To improve the water quality of the major rivers which are the major fresh water source in the country through the implementation of pollution abatement Schemes. The activities under NRCP include the following: • Interception and diversion works/ laying of sewerage systems to capture raw sewage flowing into the rivers through open drains and diverting them for treatment. • Setting up of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for treating the diverted sewage. • Construction of Low Cost Sanitation Toilets to prevent open defecation on river banks. • Construction of Electric Crematoria and Improved Wood Crematoria to conserve the use of wood. • River Front Development works, such as improvement of bathing ghats. • Public participation & awareness and capacity building.

ONLINE TRACKING PORTAL 'BAL SWARAJ ' LAUNCHED: Context : Recently, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched the Online Tracking Portal “Bal Swaraj (Covid-Care). Concept : About Bal Swaraj Portal • It is devised by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) under section 109 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. • It has been created with a purpose for online tracking and digital real time monitoring mechanism of children who are in need of care and protection. • The Commission has extended the use of this portal for tracking children who have lost parents or either of the parents during COVID-19. • It has provided a link under the name of “COVID-Care” for uploading of data of such children by the concerned officer/department on the portal. • The Supreme Court has directed all district officers across the States/UTs to fill data on the Commission’s portal on Bal Swaraj portal under the COVID-Care link. About NCPCR: • Set up in March 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. • It works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development. • The Child is defined as a person in the 0 to 18 years age group. • The Commission’s Mandate is to ensure that all Laws, Policies, Programmes, and Administrative Mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

MONSOON SESSION LIKELY TO BEGIN IN JULY: Context: The monsoon session of Parliament is expected to begin on schedule in July. The last session of Parliament was curtailed and ended sine die on March 25 and under the Constitutional norms, the next session has to be held within six months. This period ends on September 14. Concept: • Three sessions have been curtailed since the pandemic began in March last year. First of these was the Budget session of 2020. The winter session last year was also cut short. • Last year, the monsoon session, which usually starts in July, began in September. Constitutional Provisions

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• Article 85 requires that there should not be a gap of more than six months between two sessions of Parliament. • Please note, the Constitution does not specify when or for how many days Parliament should meet. • The power to convene a session of Parliament rests with the government. The decision is taken by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs. • The decision of the Committee is formalised by the President, in whose name MPs are summoned to meet for a session.

Delimitation Panel for Jammu & Kashmir: Context: The Delimitation Commission for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has kicked off the exercise by writing to all 20 District Commissioners (DC), seeking basic demographic, topographic information as well as the local administration’s impressions of political aspirations of the district. Concept: • The then State of Jammu and Kashmir was kept out of the delimitation exercise when it was carried out in the rest of country (between 2002-2008), as delimitation of Assembly seats was under the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution and its separate Representation of People Act. • After becoming a Union Territory, the Delimitation Commission was constituted and asked to mark out Assembly and Parliament seats. Delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir: • The Commission intends to delimit the constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in accordance with the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act (2019). • According to Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the number of seats in the Legislative Assembly are to increase with due reservations for SC and STs. It also includes few seats reserved for Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir. • The J&K experienced the last delimitation exercise in 1995. Delimitation Commission • The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India and works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India. • Delimitation literally means the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country to represent changes in population. Constitutional Basis: • Article 82 provides the Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act after every Census. • The Census Act (1948) provides for the permanent scheme of conducting population Census. It is carried out in a ten years interval. • Article 170 provides division of State into territorial constituencies as per Delimitation Act after every Census. • Once the Act enacted by the Parliament is in force, the Union government sets up a Delimitation Commission. • The first delimitation exercise was carried out by the President (with the help of the Election Commission) in 1950-51. • The Delimitation Commission Act was enacted in 1952. Composition: • It is usually composed of the retired Supreme Court judge, Chief Election Commissioner and Respective State Election Commissioners. Objectives: • To provide equal representation to equal segments of a population. • Fair division of geographical areas so that one political party doesn’t have an advantage over others in an election. • To follow the principle of “One Vote One Value”. Functions:

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• It determines the number and boundaries of constituencies to make the population of all constituencies nearly equal. • It also identifies the seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, wherever their population is relatively large. • In case of difference of opinion among members of the Commission, the opinion of the majority prevails. • The Delimitation Commission in India is a high power body whose orders have the force of law and cannot be called in question before any court. Current Status: • The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 froze the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha to the states and the division of each State into territorial constituencies till the year 2000 at the 1971 level. • Further, the 84th Amendment Act of 2001 extended this ban on readjustment for another 25 years (i.e., upto year 2026), without affecting the total number of seats based on the 1971 census. • The 84th Amendment Act of 2001 also empowered the government to undertake readjustment and rationalisation of territorial constituencies in the states on the basis of the population figures of 1991 census. • Later, the 87th Amendment Act of 2003 provided for the delimitation of constituencies on the basis of the 2001 census and not 1991 census.

NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY MISSION: Context: The National Biodiversity Mission can help the dysfunctional relationship between humanity and nature. Concept: • National Biodiversity Mission is one of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology & Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) has identified national science missions which aim to address major scientific challenges to ensure India’s sustainable development. • Each mission will be led by a lead Ministry and will engage international and national institutional partners, young scientists and industry. National Biodiversity Mission • It will includes , • a comprehensive documentation of India’s biodiversity with the potential for cataloguing and mapping all lifeforms in India including associated cultural and traditional practices, • assessment of the distribution and conservation status of India’s biodiversity, • development of a cadre of professionals adept at handling large sets of environmental data for management and monitoring of biodiversity • establishment of a vibrant biodiversity based economy on a solid foundation of reliable information • engagement with the public • enhanced options for agricultural production and livelihood security and the general well-being of society. Lead Partners: • Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change • Department of Biotechnology.

GREEN GOLD COLLECTION ON GEM PORTAL: Context : Recently, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare has launched the Bamboo Market Page ‘Green Gold Collection’ on Govt e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. Concept : About Green Gold Collection • It is a unique initiative of the National Bamboo Mission (NBM) and Govt e-Marketplace (GeM).

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• It is a dedicated window on the GeM portal for marketing of the Bamboo Goods (Bamboo based products & Quality Planting Materials). • It showcases a range of exquisitely handcrafted bamboo and bamboo products, handicrafts, disposals and office utility products on the GeM portal. • It aims to provide bamboo artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs in rural areas with market access to Government buyers. • The product categories ranging from bamboo poles to bamboo products in furniture, lifestyle & décor, kitchenware, industrial machinery, handcrafted items such as toys and office utility items like agarbatti/ incense sticks, disposables, water bottles, yoga mats, charcoal, etc. are being uploaded on the portal. Significance of Green Gold Collection • It will provide an electronic platform for the small manufacturers and niche sellers thereby vastly increasing their reach to attract buyers. • It will provide niche products from trusted sources to the buyers. • It would prove to be very useful for giving the bamboo entrepreneurs a much robust market outreach. • It seeks to promote the adoption and use of bamboo products among Government buyers and usher a sustainable rural economy for an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

VIGILANCE NOD MUST FOR POST RETIREMENT APPOINTMENT: Context : The Central Vigilance Commission on Thursday said all central government organisations should mandatorily obtain vigilance clearance before offering post-retirement jobs to bureaucrats. Concept : About CVC • Central Vigilance Commission is the apex vigilance institution, free of control from any executive authority, monitoring all vigilance activity under the Central Government and advising various authorities in Central Government organizations in planning, executing, reviewing and reforming their vigilance work. • The CVC was set up by the Government in February, 1964 on the recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, headed by Shri K. Santhanam. • In 2003, the Parliament enacted CVC Act conferring statutory status on the CVC. • The CVC is not controlled by any Ministry/Department. It is an independent body which is only responsible to the Parliament. Functions • The CVC receives complaints on corruption or misuse of office and to recommend appropriate action. • Following institutions, bodies, or a person can approach to CVC: Central government , Lokpal , Whistle blowers. • A whistleblower is a person, who could be an employee of a company, or a government agency, or an outsider (like media, higher government officials, or police) disclosing information to the public or some higher authority about any wrongdoing, which could be in the form of fraud, corruption, etc. • It is not an investigating agency. The CVC either gets the investigation done through the CBI or through chief vigilance officers (CVO) in government offices. • It is empowered to inquire into offences alleged to have been committed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 by certain categories of public servants. • Its annual report gives the details of the work done by the commission and points to systemic failures which lead to corruption in government departments. • Improvements and preventive measures are also suggested in report.\

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MoS Jal Shakti Urges All MPs To Participate And Support Jal Shakti Abhiyan – 2: Context : Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Rattan Lal Kataria has written personal letters to all MPs, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, to support the ongoing “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain” campaign in their respective constituencies and states. Concept : • The Abhiyan with the theme- “Catch the Rain where it falls, when it falls’ was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the occasion of world water day - March 22, 2021. • The campaign aims at tapping rainwater by constructing artificial recharge structures, revitalizing existing ponds and water bodies, creating new water bodies, provisioning check dams, rejuvenating wetlands and rivers before the onset of monsoon. • It is also planned to create a data-base of all water bodies in the country by geo tagging them and using this data to create scientific and data-based district level water conservation plans. • Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain campaign covers all rural and urban areas of all districts of the country, unlike the Jal Shakti Abhiyan-1 of 2019, which covered only 1592 water stressed blocks out of 2836 blocks in 256 districts of the country. Jal Shakti Abhiyan 1 • The Jal Shakti Abhiyan was launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2019. • It is a campaign for water conservation and water security in the country through a collaborative effort of various ministries of the Government of India and state governments. • The focus of the campaign is on water stressed districts and blocks.

MARATHAS UNDER EWS QUOTA: Context: After setback in SC , Maharashtra government extends EWS Quota to Marathas. Concept: • In a bid to extend relief to the Maratha community in the State, the tripartite Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra extended the benefits of reservation for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) to the Socially and Economically Backward Class (SEBC). • Previously, the government had decided that the Maratha community could not take advantage of the 10% EWS category as Maratha reservation was in force in the State. • The Supreme Court, however, scrapped the SEBC reservation in jobs and education, making it possible for the State government to extend the benefit of the EWS quota to the Marathas. • As per the government resolution, a person fulfilling the criterion for EWS would be eligible for 10% reservation in educational institutes, barring minority institutes. • This would also be applied for State government recruitment. The resolution said the reservation would be above the existing reservation. • It also stated that the benefit would be available from September 9, 2020, when the apex court brought an interim stay on the reservation, to May 5, 2021, when the final verdict was announced.

Roy gave up Z-category security: MHA Context : The “Z-category” security cover given to Mukul Roy, who returned to the Trinamool Congress last week along with his son, has been withdrawn as sought by him, according to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Concept : Z Category • This is the second level of security. • Z category provides a security cover of 22 personnel, including 4 or 5 NSG Commandos + Police Personnel. • It is provided by the Delhi police or the ITBP or CRPF personnel along with one escort car.

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Categories of security: • Special Protection Group (SPG) category: Strength of security detail is Classified (only provided to the current and former Prime Ministers of India and their immediate family members.) • Z+ category: It has a security cover of 55 personnel (Including 10+ NSG Commando) + (Police Personnel) • Y category: It has a security cover of 11 personnel (Including 1 or 2 Commando) + (Police Personnel) • X category: It has a security cover of 2 personnel (No Commando, Only Armed Police Personnel)

Bharatiya Shiksha Board: Context: The idea to establish a new national school board, on the lines of CBSE, for “swadeshikaran (indigenisation)” of education was first mooted by Ramdev Concept : About BSB • Its objective is to standardize Vedic Education through drafting syllabus, conducting examinations and issuing certificates. • BSB will also be assigned the responsibility of evolving new kinds of schools that offer a blend of Vedic and modern education apart from affiliating traditional pathshalas. • It will address the problem of recognizing traditional learning. • The board will be set up as per the model bye-laws framed by Maharshi Sandipani Rashtriya Vedavidya Pratishthan, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Human Resource Development. • MSRP was set to develop and propagate oral studies of the Vedas. • It currently affiliates 450 institutions of traditional learning like pathshalas and guru-shishya parampara yojana across the country. • Moreover, this organization has been conducting both Class X and XII examinations, and its certificates are not considered equivalent to the mainstream levels of education by the several institutions.

Appoint Loksabha Deputy Speaker: Congress to Om Birla: Context: The post of Deputy Speaker has been lying vacant since the constitution of the 17th Lok Sabha in 2019. Congress leaders argued that the post of Deputy Speaker has not remained vacant for such a long time in the recent past. Concept: About Deputy Speaker: • Article 93 of the Constitution provides for the election of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. • The constitutional office of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is more symbolic of parliamentary democracy than some real authority. • There is no need to resign from their original party though as a Deputy Speaker, they have to remain impartial. Roles and functions: • They act as the presiding officer in case of leave or absence caused by death or illness of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Election: • Usually, the Deputy Speaker is elected in the first meeting of the Lok Sabha after the General elections from amongst the members of the Lok Sabha. • It is by convention that position of Deputy Speaker is offered to opposition party in India. Tenure and removal: • They hold office until either they cease to be a member of the Lok Sabha or they resign. • They can be removed from office by a resolution passed in the Lok Sabha by an effective majority of its members.

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RULE 80-A OF THE CENTRAL CIVIL SERVICE (PENSION) RULES, 1972: Context : The Union government has written to all Ministries relaxing the norms for disbursing pension to families of deceased employees considering their urgent need of funds for their livelihood during covid-19. Concept : • The authorities have been told to disburse the provisional family pension immediately after receiving the claim with a death certificate. • Stating that the completion of the process for sanction of family pension and its disbursement through the bank could take some time, the department cited provisions under Rule 80-A of the Central Civil Service (Pension) Rules, 1972. • This rule provided for payment of provisional family pension and also provisional death gratuity, without waiting for forwarding of the family pension case to Pay & Accounts Office (PAO).

EXPERT PANEL FOR MINIMUM WAGES: Context : Labour and Employment Ministry set up expert group that will provide technical inputs and recommendations on fixation of minimum wages and national floor for minimum wages. Concept : • Expert group has been set for a period of three years. It is chaired by Ajit Mishra who is Director of Institute of Economic Growth. • Other members include- Tarika Chakraborty from IIM Calcutta; Anushree Sinha; Vibha Bhalla, Joint Secretary; et-al. • Expert group will look after International best practices on wages to arrive at any wage rate. They will evolve a scientific criteria and methodology to fix wages. • The Code on Wages, which has not been enforced, provides for setting up of National Floor Level Minimum Wage by Centre which is to be revised every five years. • On the other hand, states will fix minimum wages for their regions, that cannot be lower than floor wage. Current floor wage is at Rs 176 per day. • This is the second expert committee on minimum wages formed by government in last two years. Last panel was headed by Anoop Satpathy and was set up by ministry on January 17, 2018.

Twitter may lose safe harbour protection: Context : Twitter may ‘lose’ safe harbour protection as government says it ‘failed’ to fill key positions Concept : • Microblogging platform Twitter is likely to lose its status as a social media intermediary and, in turn, the legal protection accorded to it under Section 79 of the Information Technology (IT) Act. Safe Harbour Provisions • The safe harbour provisions have been defined under Section 79 of the IT Act, and protect social media intermediaries by giving them immunity from legal prosecution for any content posted on their platforms. • This protection, the Act says, shall be applicable if the said intermediary does not in any way, initiate the transmission of the message in question, select the receiver of the transmitted message and does not modify any information contained in the transmission. • This means that as long as a platform acts just as the messenger carrying a message from point A to point B, without interfering in any manner, it will be safe from any legal prosecution brought upon due to the message being transmitted. • The protection accorded under Section 79, however, is not granted if the intermediary, despite being informed or notified by the government or its agencies, does not immediately disable access to the material under question. • The intermediary must not tamper with any evidence of these messages or content present on its platform, failing which it lose its protection under the Act. Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code

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• In February 2021, the guidelines had asked all social media platforms to set up a grievances redressal and compliance mechanism. • It included appointing a resident grievance officer, chief compliance officer and a nodal contact person. • The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology had also asked these platforms to submit monthly reports on complaints received from users and action taken. • A third requirement was for instant messaging apps was to make provisions for tracking the first originator of a message. • The failure to comply with any one of these requirements would take away the indemnity provided to social media intermediaries under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act.

NITI AYOG RELEASED THIRD EDITION OF SDG INDIA INDEX: Context : Recently, the NITI Aayog has released the third edition of SDG India Index & Dashboard 2020- Concept : About SDG India Index • It was first launched in 2018. • It is designed and developed by NITI Aayog. • The preparation of the index followed extensive consultations with the primary stakeholders i.e. the States and Union Territories, the UN agencies in India, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), and the key Union Ministries. • It has been comprehensively documenting and ranking the progress made by States and Union Territories towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. • It has become the primary tool for monitoring progress on the SDGs in the country and has simultaneously fostered competition among the States and Union Territories. • It remains a rare data-driven initiative to rank our States and Union Territories by computing a composite index on the SDGs. • The States and Union Territories are classified as below based on their SDG India Index score: • Aspirant: 0–49 , Performer: 50–64 , Front-Runner: 65–99 , Achiever: 100. Overall results and findings of SDG India Index 2020-21 • The country’s overall SDG score has improved by 6 points i.e. from 60 in 2019 to 66 in 2020–21. • The positive stride towards achieving the targets is largely driven by exemplary country-wide performance in Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 7(Affordable and Clean Energy). • Mizoram, Haryana, and Uttarakhand are the top gainers in 2020–21in terms of improvement in score from 2019, with an increase of 12, 10 and 8 points, respectively. • Kerala has retained the top rank in Niti Aayog's SDG India Index 2020-21, while Bihar has been adjudged as the worst performer. • Both Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu took the second spot with a score of 74. • Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam were the worst performing states in this year's India index.

CLEAN ENERGY MINISTERIAL INDUSTRIAL DEEP DECARBONISATION INITIATIVE (IDDI): Context : India along with Govt. of United Kingdom launched new workstream to promote industrial energy efficiency under the Clean Energy Ministerial’s (CEM) – Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative (IDDI) at the 12th Chief Energy Ministerial (CEM). Concept : • The Clean Energy Ministerial Industrial Deep Decarbonisation Initiative (IDDI) is a global coalition of public and private organisations who are working to stimulate demand for low carbon industrial materials. • Coordinated by United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the IDDI is co-led by the UK and India. Additional members include Germany and Canada.

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• The initiative also includes organizations like the Mission Possible Platform, the Leadership Group for the Industry Transition, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the World Bank. • The objective is to tackle carbon intensive construction materials such as steel and cement by infusing green technologies and stimulate demand for low-carbon industrial material.

Biotech KISAN Programme: Context : Recently, a Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has issued a Special Call for North East Region as a part of its Biotech KISAN Programme. Concept : • It aims to understand the local problems of the NER farmers and provide scientific solutions to those problems. • It will focus on the North East Region as it is predominantly agrarian with 70% of its workforce engaged in agriculture and allied sector for livelihood. • The NER produces merely 1.5 per cent of country‘s food grain and continues to be a net importer of food grains even for its domestic consumption. • The NER has untapped potential to enhance the income of the farming population by promotion of location specific crops, horticultural and plantation crops, fisheries and livestock production. About Biotech KISAN Programme • It is Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network (Biotech-KISAN). • It is a scientist-farmer partnership scheme launched in 2017 for agriculture innovation. • It is a Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology initiative that empowers farmers, especially women farmers. • It is a Pan-India program, following a hub-and spoke model and stimulates entrepreneurship and innovation in farmers and empowers women. • It has been established at Foundation for Agricultural Resources Management and Environmental Remediation (FARMER), Ghaziabad. Significance of Biotech KISAN Programme • Under this scheme, so far 146 Biotech-KISAN Hubs have been established covering all 15 agro- climatic zones and 110 Aspirational Districts in the country. • It has benefitted over two lakhs farmers so far by increasing their agriculture output and income. • It aims to understand the problems of water, soil, seed and market faced by the farmers and provide simple solutions to them. • It is expected to fulfil the technology requirement to generate agriculture and bio-resource related jobs and better livelihood ensuring biotechnological benefits to small and marginal farmers.

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE LAUNCHED SAGE PORTAL: Context : The Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, launched the SAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine) initiative and SAGE portal to support India’s elderly persons. Concept : About SAGE (Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine) initiative • The SAGE portal will be a “one-stop access” of elderly care products and services by credible start- ups. • The start-ups will be selected on the basis of innovative products and services, which they should be able to provide across sectors such as health, housing, care centers etc. • It is designed as per the suggestions of the Empowered Committee on start-ups for the elderly to solicit the involvement of youth and their innovative ideas for elderly care. • An allocation of Rs 25 crores has been made for the SAGE project in the current financial year i.e. 2021-22.

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• The Ministry will act as a facilitator, enabling the elderly to access the products through these identified start-ups. • It aims to identify, evaluate, verify, aggregate, and deliver products, solutions and services directly to the stakeholders.

GoM for retains 5% tax on Covid jabs; tax cut on PPEs, ventilators, sanitizers: Context: The Group of Ministers (GoM), constituted by the Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council last week to look into the tax rate on Covid vaccines and other equipment, has recommended retaining the GST rate on Covid-19 vaccine at 5 per cent, while suggesting tax cut on a slew of Covid-related items like ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE) kit, among others, for three months. The recommendations have been submitted to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday. Concept: GST Council: • The GST council is the key decision-making body that will take all important decisions regarding the GST. The GST Council dictates tax rate, tax exemption, the due date of forms, tax laws, and tax deadlines, keeping in mind special rates and provisions for some states. • The predominant responsibility of the GST Council is to ensure to have one uniform tax rate for goods and services across the nation. • It is a constitutional body (Article 279A) for making recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related to Goods and Services Tax. • Article 279A (4) specifies that the Council will make recommendations to the Union and the States on the important issues related to GST, such as, the goods and services will be subject or exempted from the Goods and Services Tax. • The GST Council is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and other members are the Union State Minister of Revenue or Finance and Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the States. • It is considered as a federal body where both the centre and the states get due representation.

PUNJAB, TN, KERALA TOPS IN EDUCATION INDEX RANKING: Context: Recently, the Union Minister of Education has released the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2019-20 for states and union territories. Concept: About Performance Grading Index (PGI) • It is a set of 70 parameters to catalyse transformational change in the field of school education. • It was first published in 2019 with reference year 2017-18. • It is designed by Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL). Key Highlights of Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2019-20 • Punjab, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Kerala occupy the highest grade (Grade A++) for 2019-20. • Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Puducherry, Punjab and Tamil Nadu have improved overall PGI score by 10%, i.e., 100 or more points. Significance of Performance Grading Index (PGI) • It envisages that the index would propel States and UTs towards undertaking multi-pronged interventions that will bring about the much-desired optimal education outcomes. • It helps the States/UTs to pinpoint the gaps and accordingly prioritise areas for intervention to ensure that the school education system is robust at every level. • It is expected to act as a good source of information for best practices followed by States and UTs which can be shared.

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PM ASKS TO HAVE A 'ZERO HOUR' IN CABINET: Context: PM told me to have ‘Zero Hour’ in Cabinet to hear negative feedback: Himanta Biswa Sarma. Concept: • Zero Hour is an Indian innovation in the field of parliamentary procedures and has been in existence since 1962. • Zero Hour is the time when Members of Parliament (MPs) can raise Issues of Urgent Public Importance. • For raising matters during the Zero Hour, MPs must give the notice before 10 am to the Speaker/ Chairman on the day of the sitting. • The notice must state the subject they wish to raise in the House. However, Speaker, Lok Sabha / Chairman, Rajya Sabha may allow or decline a Member to raise a matter of importance. • ‘Zero Hour’ is not mentioned in the Rules of Procedure. Thus, it is an informal device available to MPs to raise matters without any notice 10 days in advance. • The Zero Hour starts at 12 noon immediately following the Question Hour.

NPR SLIPS VALID FOR LONG TERM VISA: MHA: Context: Migrants belonging to the 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 duration of their stay in India, according to a Union Home Ministry manual. Concept: • The NPR number is part of an illustrative list of more than 10 documents that could be provided to apply for an LTV. • It 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. Long term visa (LTV) • For foreigners of non-Indian origin, a longer-term visa is classed as one that permits the holder to stay in India for longer than 180 days (six months) continuously. • The main visas that provide this are the Employment, Entry and Student visas.

PANCHAYAT RAJ MINISTRY RELEASES MODEL PANCHAYAT CITIZEN CHARTER: Context: Union Minister of Panchayati Raj released A Model Panchayat Citizens Charter. Concept: • It has been prepared by Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) in collaboration with National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) • It is a framework for delivery of the services across the 29 sectors, aligning actions with localised Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). • The Aim of Establishing a Citizen Charter Is to Provide Services to the People in a Time Bound Manner, Redressing Their Grievances and Improving Their Lives. • It is expected that the Panchayats will utilise this framework to draw up a Citizens Charter and adopt it through a resolution of the Gram Sabha by 15th August, 2021. • Panchayats are responsible for delivery of basic services as enshrined under article 243G of the Constitution of India, specifically in the areas of Health & Sanitation, Education, Nutrition, and Drinking Water. National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) • It is an autonomous organization under the Union Ministry of Rural Development.

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• It is a premier national center of excellence in rural development and Panchayati Raj. It builds capacities of rural development functionaries, elected representatives of PRIs, bankers, NGOs and other stakeholders • It is recognized internationally as one of the UN-ESCAP Centres of Excellence. • The NIRD&PR celebrated its Golden Jubilee Year of establishment in 2008. • The Institute is located in Hyderabad, Telangana. • In addition to the main campus at Hyderabad, this Institute has North-Eastern Regional Centre (NERC) at Guwahati, Assam to meet the NE-regional needs.

VISION DOCUMENT OF PHASE 3 E OURTS WAS RELEASED: Context: The e-Committee of the Supreme Court of India recently released its draft vision document for Phase III of the e-Courts project. Phases I and II had dealt with digitization of the judiciary, i.e., e-filing, tracking cases online, uploading judgments online, etc. Concept: E-Courts Project: • The e-Courts project was conceptualized on the basis of the “National Policy and Action Plan for Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Indian Judiciary – 2005”submitted by e-Committee, Supreme Court of India with a vision to transform the Indian Judiciary by ICT enablement of Courts. • The e-Courts Mission Mode Project, is a Pan-India Project, monitored and funded by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India for the District Courts across the country. The following are the functions of e-Courts Project: • To provide efficient & time-bound citizen-centric services delivery as detailed in e-Court Project Litigant’s Charter. • To develop, install & implement decision support systems in courts. • To automate the processes to provide transparency in the accessibility of information to its stakeholders. • To enhance judicial productivity, both qualitatively & quantitatively, to make the justice delivery system affordable, accessible, cost-effective, predictable, reliable and transparent.

APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS: Context : Recently, Shri Anup Chandra Pandey has assumed charge as the new Election Commissioner (EC) of India. Concept : • Article 324 of the Constitution has made the following provisions with regard to the composition of election commission • The Election Commission shall consist of the chief election commissioner and such number of other election commissioners, if any, as the president may from time to time fix. • The appointment of the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners shall be made by the president. • When any other election commissioner is so appointed, the chief election commissioner shall act as the chairman of the election commission. • The president may also appoint after consultation with the election commission such regional commissioners as he may consider necessary to assist the election commission. • The conditions of service and tenure of office of the election commissioners and the regional commissioners shall be determined by the president. Powers and Tenure of Election Commissioners • The chief election commissioner and the two other election commissioners have equal powers and receive equal salary, allowances and other perquisites, which are similar to those of a judge of the Supreme Court.

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• In case of difference of opinion amongst the Chief election commissioner and/or two other election commissioners, the matter is decided by the Commission by majority. • They hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. Independence of Election Commissioners • Article 324 of the Constitution has made the following provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the Election Commission: • The chief election commissioner is provided with the security of tenure. • He cannot be removed from his office except in same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court. • He can be removed by the president on the basis of a resolution passed to that effect by both the Houses of Parliament with special majority, either on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. • The service conditions of the chief election commissioner cannot be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment. • Any other election commissioner or a regional commissioner cannot be removed from office except on the recommendation of the chief election commissioner.

DRAFT MODEL RULES FOR LIVE-STREAMING AND RECORDING OF COURT PROCEEDINGS: Context: The e-Committee of Supreme Court of India has released the Draft Model Rules for Live- Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings and has invited feedback on them. Concept: • The e-Committee of the Supreme Court of India along with the Department of Justice, Government of India is working under the National Policy and Action Plan for implementation of Information and Communication Technology ICT in the Indian Judiciary. • Justice Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud is the Supreme Court Judge and Chairperson of e-Committee. • The right of access to justice, guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution encompasses the right to access live court proceedings. Features • According to the draft rules, all proceedings in high courts can be telecast except for cases relating to matrimonial disputes, gender-based violence, those involving minors and “cases, which in the opinion of the Bench, may provoke enmity amongst communities likely to result in a breach of law and order”. • “The final decision as to whether or not to allow the Live-streaming of the Proceedings or any portion thereof will be of the Bench, however, the decision of the Bench will be guided by the principle of an open and transparent judicial process. The decision of the Bench shall not be justiciable.”

RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATE (REC) Mechanism: Context: Recently, the Ministry of Power has circulated a discussion paper on redesigning the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Mechanism for comments of stakeholders in power sector. Concept: Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) • It is a market based instrument to promote renewable energy and facilitate compliance of renewable purchase obligations (RPO). • It is a tradable, legal mechanism that represents the environmental benefits associated with one Megawatt-hour of electricity generated from a renewable energy resource. • It is aimed at addressing the mismatch between availability of RE resources in state and the requirement of the obligated entities to meet the renewable purchase obligation (RPO). • One Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) is treated as equivalent to 1 MWh. Eligibility under Renewable Energy Certificate (REC)

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• A generating company engaged in generation of electricity from renewable energy sources shall be eligible to apply for registration for issuance of and dealing in Certificates if it fulfills the following conditions: • It has obtained accreditation from the State Agency; and • It does not have any power purchase agreement for the capacity related to such generation to sell electricity, with the obligated entity for the purpose of meeting its renewable purchase obligation. • A distribution licensee shall be eligible to apply for registration with the Central Agency for issuance conditions: • It has procured renewable energy, in the previous financial year, at a tariff determined under Section 62 or adopted under Section 63 of the Act; and • It has obtained a certification from the Appropriate Commission towards procurement of renewable energy.

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA): Context: Recently, the Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology was locked out of his Twitter account allegedly over a notice received for violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Concept: Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) • It is a 1998 law passed in the US. • It is among the world’s first laws recognising intellectual property on the internet. • It oversees the implementation of the two treaties signed and agreed upon by member nations of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in 1996. • The two treaties are the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty. • It criminalizes production and dissemination of technology, devices, or services intended to circumvent measures that control access to copyrighted works. Significance of Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) • The treaties require member nations to provide in their respective jurisdictions, protection to intellectual property that may have been created by citizens of different nations who are also co- signatories to the treaty. • The protection, accorded by each member state, must not be any less in any way than the one being given to a domestic copyright holder. • It obligates that signatories to the treaty ensure ways to prevent circumvention of the technical measures used to protect copyrighted work. • It also provides the necessary international legal protection to digital content.

RENGMA NAGAS DEMAND AUTONOMOUS COUNCIL: Context: 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. Concept: • With Assam government on verge of inking peace Accord with KarbiAnglong based militant outfits, NSCN-IM stated any agreement that victimize the Rengma Nagas would not be acceptable. • The issue in focus is Karbi Anglong, erstwhile known as Rengma Hills. Rengma Hills are made the victims of aggressive influx of outsiders for vested interests. • The Rengma Hills was partitioned in 1963 between Assam and Nagaland at the time of creation of Nagaland State. What are Autonomous District Council?

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• As per the Sixth Schedule, the four states viz. Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram contain the Tribal Areas which are technically different from the Scheduled Areas. • Though these areas fall within the executive authority of the state, provision has been made for the creation of the District Councils and regional councils for the exercise of the certain legislative and judicial powers. • Each district is an autonomous district and Governor can modify / divide the boundaries of the said Tribal areas by notification. The Governor may, by public notification: • Include any area. • exclude any area. • create a new autonomous district. • increase the area of any autonomous district. • diminish the area of any autonomous district. • alter the name of any autonomous district. • define the boundaries of any autonomous district. Constitution of District Councils and Regional Councils: • There shall be a District Council for each autonomous district consisting of not more than thirty members, of whom not more than four persons shall be nominated by the Governor and the rest shall be elected on the basis of adult suffrage. • There shall be a separate Regional Council for each area constituted an autonomous region. • Each District Council and each Regional Council shall be a body corporate by the name respectively of the District Council of (name of district) and the Regional Council of (name of region), shall have perpetual succession and a common seal and shall by the said name sue and be sued.

CABINET APPROVES 5 MHz SPECTRUM FOR RAILWAYS: Context : The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the allotment of 5 Mhz spectrum in the premium 700 MHz band to the Railways for captive use in areas of public safety and security services. Concept : • With this spectrum, the Railways will introduce Long-Term Evolution (LTE)-based Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) on its routes. • This will help prevent train accidents and reduce delays by enabling real-time interaction between the Loco Pilot, Station Master and the Control Centre. • The project, targeted to be completed in five years, is estimated to cost over ₹ 25,000 crore. Long Term Evolution (LTE) in Railways • LTE in Indian Railways will be used to provide secure & reliable voice, video & data communication services for operational, safety & security applications. • It will be used for modern signalling & train protection systems. LTE can ensure seamless communication between loco pilots & guards and can enable Internet of Things (IoT) based remote asset monitoring of coaches, wagons & locos. • It can also enable live video feed of CCTV cameras in train coaches to ensure safer, efficient and faster train operations. Spectrum Charges • Spectrum charges may be levied on the basis of formula as prescribed by Department of Telecommunications for Royalty Charges and License Fee for Captive use on recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

SCIENCE MINISTRY ANNOUNCED ANIMAL CHALLENGE STUDY PLATFORM: Context: Recently, the Ministry of Science & Technology has announced the establishment of Animal Challenge Study Platform. Concept:

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Animal Challenge Study Platform • Its foundation stone was laid at the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) Bhubaneswar. • It will be set up inside the campus with an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore. • It will be funded by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) of the Centre’s department of biotechnology (DBT). Significance of Animal Challenge Study Platform • The platform can be used for animal trial of drugs and vaccines. • The platform will have biosafety levels-3 (BSL-3) facility for animal study and it will house animals for this purpose. • It is aimed at undertaking evaluation studies of potential drug and vaccine candidates.

RESTRICTIONS ON GOVT SERVANTS BEFORE & AFTER RETIREMENT: Context: With a notification dated May 31, the Centre has amended its pension rules putting new restrictions of officials of intelligence and security organisations after retirement. Concept: • The government has amended the CCS Pension Rules-1972. Under amended Rule-8(3)(a), officials retired from certain intelligence and security establishments ( Under Second Scheduleof RTI Act) will not be allowed to write anything about their organisation without permission. • The Second Schedule of the RTI Act covers 26 organisations including the Intelligence Bureau, R&AW, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, CBI, NCB, BSF, CRPF, ITBP and CISF. Exisiting Provisions that restricts govt servants • Rule 7 of the CCS Conduct Rules restricts government servants from resorting to or abetting any form of strike or coercion. • Rule 8 restricts them, except with government sanction, from owning or participating in the editing or management of any newspaper or other periodical publication or electronic media. • If they publish a book or participate in public media, they “shall at all times make it clear that the views expressed by him are his own and not that of Government”. • Rule 9 of the CCS Pension Rules says that if any government official has committed any misconduct and retires, he or she may face departmental proceedings only until four years of the date of committing that misconduct.

Election Petition filed by West Bengal CM: Context: Recently, the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has filed an election petition in the Calcutta High Court challenging the Assembly election result of Nandigram constituency. Concept: Election Petition • The Election Commission’s role ends with the declaration of results i.e. once the Returning Officer has signed the final result sheet. • An election petition is the only legal remedy available to a voter or a candidate who believes there has been malpractice in an election. • The voter or the candidate can challenge the result through an election petition submitted to the High Court of the state in which the constituency is located. • The election petition has to be filed within 45 days from the date of the poll results and nothing is entertained by courts after that. • The Representative of the People Act of 1951 suggests that the High Court should try to conclude the trial within six months but it usually drags on for much longer. • The acts of the candidate along with his election agent or by any other person with the consent of the candidate or his election agent is covered for filing an Election Petition. Grounds on which election petition can be filed • Under Section 100 of the RP Act, an election petition can be filed on the grounds that:

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• On the day of the election, the winning candidate was not qualified to contest. • The winning candidate, his poll agent or any other person with the consent of the winning candidate has indulged in a corrupt practice. • Section 123 of the RP Act has a detailed list of what amounts to corrupt practice, including bribery, use of force or coercion, appeal to vote or refrain from voting on grounds of religion, race, community, and language. • Improper acceptance of the nomination of the winning candidate or improper rejection of a nomination. • Malpractice in the counting process, which includes improper reception, refusal or rejection of any vote, or the reception of any vote which is void. • Non-compliance with the provisions of the Constitution or the RP Act or any rules or orders made under the RP Act.

Indian Certification of Medical Devices (ICMED) Plus Scheme: Context: Recently, the Quality Council of India (QCI), and the Association of Indian Manufacturers of Medical Devices (AiMeD) have added further features to the ICMED. Concept: Indian Certification of Medical Devices (ICMED) Plus Scheme • It had been launched for Certification of Medical Devices in 2016. • It will undertake verification of the quality, safety and efficacy of medical devices. • It has been designed to integrate the Quality Management System components and product related quality validation processes through witness testing of products. The eligibility under ICMED scheme: • Indian medical device manufactures/ exporters; and • Local authorized representatives of medical device manufactures/ distributors Importance of Indian Certification of Medical Devices (ICMED) Plus Scheme • It is the first scheme around the world in which quality management systems along with product certification standards are integrated with regulatory requirements. • It will be an end to end quality assurance scheme for the medical devices sector in India. • It provides the much-needed institutional mechanism for assuring the product quality and safety. • It will go a long way in assisting the procurement agencies to tackle the challenges relating to the menace of counterfeit products and fake certification. • It will also help in eliminating the circulation and use of sub-standard medical products or devices of doubtful origin that could prove to be serious health hazards.

NISHTHA Capacity Building Programme for EMRS Teachers and Principals: Context: Ministry of Tribal Affairs and NCERT came together on a joint mission for NISHTHA Capacity Building Programme for EMRS Teachers and Principals. Concept: • The capacity building program is aimed to build competencies among teachers and school principals and Improving Quality of School Education through Integrated Teacher Training. • The participants were capacitated on 18 holistic and comprehensive modules covering different aspects of education. • The Ministry is devising a plan to build a pool of Key Resource Persons from amongst all the batches of NISHTHA programs to be conducted in the coming months. • The "Unbox Tinkering - ATL Teacher Training Program" was also organized in coordination with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, IBM and Learning Links foundation. NISHTHA Programme • It is a National Initiative for School Heads' and Teachers' Holistic Advancement. • It was launched by the Department of School Education and Literacy.

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• It is a National Mission which aims to improve learning outcomes at the elementary level through an Integrated Teacher Training Programme. • It is developed under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Samagra Shiksha in 2019-20. • It aims to build competencies among all the teachers and school principals at the elementary stage. • Its basic objective is to motivate and equip teachers to encourage and foster critical thinking in students. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) • It was started in 1997 to impart quality education to ST children in remote areas. • It will enable ST children to avail of opportunities in high and professional educational courses and get employment in various sectors. • Each school has a capacity of 480 students, catering to students from Class VI to XII. • The grants were given for construction of schools and recurring expenses to the State Governments under Grants under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution. • By 2022, every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, will have an EMRS. • It will be on par with Navodaya Vidyalaya and will have special facilities for preserving local art and culture besides providing training in sports and skill development.

Governor v/s Chief Minister of State: Context: Recently, the West Bengal Chief Minister has slammed the West Bengal Governor over his letter on post-poll violence. Concept: • The Home Department of the West Bengal government said the Governor's act of making the letter public was violative of all established norms, and disrupts sanctity of such communications. • The government of West Bengal has observed with dismay and distress that the Governor of West Bengal has suddenly made public with contents that are not consistent with real facts. Provisions related to Appointment of Governor • The governor is neither directly elected by the people nor indirectly elected by a specially constituted electoral college as is the case with the president. • The governor is appointed by the president by warrant under his hand and seal. • In 1979, the Supreme Court held that the office of governor is not an employment under the Central government. • It is an independent constitutional office and is not under the control of or subordinate to the Central government. • The American model, where the Governor of a state is directly elected, was dropped and the Canadian model, where the governor of a province (state) is appointed by the Governor-General (Centre), was accepted in the Constituent Assembly. • The Constitution lays down only two qualifications for the appointment of a person as a governor which are: He should be a citizen of India. He should have completed the age of 35 years. Term of Governor’s office • A governor holds office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office. • The Constitution does not lay down any grounds upon which a governor may be removed by the President. • The Supreme Court held that the pleasure of the President is not justifiable and the governor has no security of tenure and no fixed t erm of office. • The President may transfer a Governor appointed to one state to another state for the rest of the term. Constitutional Position of Governor • The executive power of the state shall be vested in the governor and shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with this Constitution (Article 154).

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• There shall be a council of ministers with the chief minister as the head to aid and advise the governor in the exercise of his functions, except in so far as he is required to exercise his functions in his discretion (Article 163). • The council of ministers shall be collectively responsible to the legislative assembly of the state (Article 164). Power of Governor to act against the will of Chief Minister • It has been observed in few instances where the Governor can summon the House despite the refusal of the Chief Minister who heads the Cabinet. • When the Chief Minister appears to have lost the majority and the legislative members of the House propose a no-confidence motion against the Chief Minister, then the Governor can decide on his or her own on summoning the House. • The actions of the Governor executed with the use of his discretionary powers can be challenged in the court.

UDYOG AADHAAR MEMORANDUM (UAM): Context: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Extends Validity of Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum from 31st March, 2021 to 31st December, 2021. Concept : • The Ministry for MSME in September 2015 notified Udyog Aadhaar to ensure ease of registration and wider coverage of MSMEs to avail the benefits under various Schemes of Central/ State governments. • Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum (UAM) can be filled online on the portal created by Ministry of MSME. • UAM is a one-page registration form which constitutes a self-declaration format under which the MSME will self-certify its existence, bank account details, promoter/owner’s Aadhaar details and other minimum information required. • There shall be no fee for filing the Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum. • On submission of the form, Udyog Aadhaar Acknowledgement shall be generated and mailed to the email address provided in the Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum which shall contain unique Udyog Aadhaar Number (UAN).

Inland Vessel Bill 2021: Context: The Union Cabinet has given the nod to the Inland Vessels Bill, 2021, which will replace the Inland Vessels Act, 1917. The Bill will regulate safety, security and registration of inland vessels. Concept: Key features of the Bill: • It provides for a unified law for the entire country, instead of separate rules framed by the States. • The certificate of registration granted under the proposed law will be deemed to be valid in all States and Union Territories, and there will be no need to seek separate permissions from the States. • The Bill provides for a central data base for recording the details of vessel, vessel registration, crew on an electronic portal. • It requires all mechanically propelled vessels to be mandatorily registered. All non-mechanically propelled vessels will also have to be enrolled at district, taluk or panchayat or village level. Inland Water Transport (IWT) in India: • India has about 14,500 km of navigable waterways which comprise of rivers, canals, backwaters, creeks, etc. • IWT is a fuel-efficient and environment-friendly mode. • As per the National Waterways Act 2016, 111 waterways have been declared as National Waterways (NWs). • The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is implementing the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) at an estimated cost of ₹ 5369.18 crores for capacity augmentation of navigation on the Haldia-

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Varanasi stretch of Ganga (part of NW-1) with the technical and financial assistance of the World Bank.

LAQSHYA 2022

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

WTO TRADE DISTORTING AND PEACE CLAUSE: Context: India has invoked the peace clause of the World Trade Organization for exceeding the ceiling on support it can offer farmers for rice for the marketing year 2018-2019, marking the first time any country has taken recourse to this safeguard. Concept: • India informed the WTO that the value of its rice production was $43.67 billion in 2018-19 and that it gave subsidies worth $5 billion. The limit is pegged at 10% of the value of food production in the case of India and other developing countries. Peace Clause under Bali Agreement • The peace clause protects a developing country’s food procurement programmes against action from WTO members in case subsidy ceilings are breached. • As per the original Agreement on agriculture (AoA), the developed and developing countries have to keep their Amber box subsidies within De-minimus level i.e. 5% and 10% of their agriculture production in 1986-88 respectively. • India opposed this base year and limits, because it’d make impossible to implement the food security programs for the poor and MSP for the farmers. • Therefore, as a measure of temporary relief, Bali summit enacted a “peace clause” for the AoA Salient features of Peace Clause • No member, can drag any developing country to Dispute settlement mechanism of WTO. For violation of De-minimus limits in AoA Provided that the said developing country is paying subsidies for staple foodcrops for public stockholding program for food security purpose. Is providing annual information of its food security Program to WTO. • Permanent solution will be taken no later than 11th ministerial conference i.e. at December 2017.

EIGHTH GLOBAL NITROGEN CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON SDG'S: Context: The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the main focus of the eighth triennial conference of the International Nitrogen Initiative (INI) being held virtually from May 31-June 3, 2021. Concept: • The International Nitrogen Initiative (INI) is an international program, set up in 2003 under sponsorship of the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) and from the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP). The key aims of the INI are to: • Optimize nitrogen’s beneficial role in sustainable food production, and • Minimize nitrogen’s negative effects on human health and the environment resulting from food and energy production. • The program is currently a sustained partner of Future Earth. INI Conferences • The INI holds a conference every three years, inviting members of the international nitrogen community to meet up and discuss ideas and exchange knowledge on nitrogen issues. The last INI conference was held in Melbourne, in December 2016.

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At NATO meet, Biden vows to defend Europe: Context: U.S. President Joe Biden told fellow NATO leaders on Monday the defence of Europe, Turkey and Canada was a “sacred obligation” for the United States, a marked shift from his predecessor Donald Trump’s threats to withdraw from the military alliance. Concept: North Atlantic Treaty Organization: • It is an intergovernmental military alliance. • Established by Washington treaty that was signed on 4 April 1949. • Headquarters — Brussels, Belgium. • Headquarters of Allied Command Operations — Mons, Belgium. Significance: • It constitutes a system of collective defence whereby its independent member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party. Composition: • Since its founding, the admission of new member states has increased the alliance from the original 12 countries to 30. The most recent member state to be added to NATO was North Macedonia on 27 March 2020. • NATO membership is open to “any other European state in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area.” Objectives: • Political – NATO promotes democratic values and enables members to consult and cooperate on defence and security-related issues to solve problems, build trust and, in the long run, prevent conflict. • Military – NATO is committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes. If diplomatic efforts fail, it has the military power to undertake crisis-management operations. • These are carried out under the collective defence clause of NATO’s founding treaty – Article 5 of the Washington Treaty or under a United Nations mandate, alone or in cooperation with other countries and international organisations.

BRICS OPPOSES EXCEPTIONALISM: CHINA: Context: Virtual BRICS Foreign Ministers was held recently. At the end of the meeting two statements were issued on the “Meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations” and another on “BRICS Joint Statement on Strengthening and Reforming the Multilateral System”. Concept: What has China said on BRICS and its intended objectives? • BRICS countries pursue openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, and reject “bloc politics and ideological confrontation”. • The BRICS countries, as emerging markets and developing countries, are indeed different from a few developed countries in their attitude towards multilateralism and multilateral cooperation. • The BRICS countries stress the need to observe the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and oppose exceptionalism and double standard. What do these statements indicate/suggest? • These statements clearly reveal that China is opposed to the formation of the Quad grouping amongst the US, India, Australia and Japan. • It believes this group is targeting or harming the interests of third parties. BRICS: • BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. • In 2001, the British Economist Jim O’Neill coined the term BRIC to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. • The grouping was formalised during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers’ in 2006.

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• South Africa was invited to join BRIC in December 2010, after which the group adopted the acronym BRICS. • The Chairmanship of the forum is rotated annually among the members, in accordance with the acronym B-R-I-C-S. Cooperation Mechanism: • Track I: Formal diplomatic engagement between the national governments. • Track II: Engagement through government-affiliated institutions, e.g. state-owned enterprises and business councils. • Track III: Civil society and People-to-People engagement.

RISING OIL PRICES & OPEC +: Context : Crude oil prices have hit a two-year high with Brent crude rising above the $71 per barrel mark on Wednesday hitting the highest level since May 2019 as key oil-producing countries announced that they would adhere to plans entailing a gradual increase in crude oil production. Concept: • The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries extended supply cuts made in 2020 when crude oil prices had reached a low of under $19 per barrel through the first five months of 2021 OPEC • The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded in Baghdad, Iraq, with the signing of an agreement in September 1960 by five countries namely Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. • They were to become the Founder members of the Organization. • As of 2020, OPEC has a total of 13 Member Countries viz. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Angola and Venezuela are members of OPEC. • OPEC’s objective is to co-ordinate and unify petroleum policies among member Countries, in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those investing in the industry. • It is head quartered in Vienna, Austria. • OPEC membership is open to any country that is a substantial exporter of oil and which shares the ideals of the organization. OPEC + • PEC+ is the alliance of crude producers undertaking corrections in supply in the oil markets since 2017. • OPEC plus countries include Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan and Sudan. (OPEC, As of 2020, OPEC has a total of 13 Member Countries viz. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Angola and Venezuela are members of OPEC.)

INDIA'S EFFORT TO FIND A SOLUTION IN WTO FACES CHALLENGE: Context: The EU and Cairns group opposed the standalone solution pushed by india and other members of G 33 grouping. Concept: • The G33 (or the Friends of Special Products in agriculture) is a coalition of developing countries, established prior to the 2003 Cancun ministerial conference, that have coordinated during the Doha Round of World Trade Organization negotiations, specifically in regard to agriculture. • Dominated by India, the group has "defensive" concerns regarding agriculture in relation to World Trade Organization negotiations, and seeks to limit the degree of market opening required of developing countries.

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• When rich governments can afford to heavily subsidize their agriculture, predatory dumping can undermine a poorer country's agricultural economy. • Developing countries aim to balance power through tariffs, in order to manage their own food security, stabilize of the livelihoods of their farming populations, and strengthen rural development. • The group has advocated the creation of a "special products" exemption, which would allow developing countries to exempt certain products from tariff reductions, and also a "special safeguard mechanism" which would permit tariff increases in response to import surges.

Indo - Sri Lanka currency Swap Agreement: Context : Sri Lanka is “banking on” a $1 billion currency swap from India to meet its debt repayment obligations this year and tide over the current economic crisis, a senior official of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka said. Concept : Currency Swap Arrangement (CSA) • An arrangement between two friendly countries to involve in trading in their own local currencies. • As per the arrangements, both countries pay for import and export trade at the pre-determined rates of exchange, without bringing in third country currency like the US Dollar. • In such arrangements no third country currency is involved, thereby eliminating the need to worry about exchange variations. Significance of the agreement: • Improves the confidence in the Indian market. • Enables the agreed amount of capital being available to India. • Bring down the cost of capital for Indian entities while accessing the foreign capital market. • Aids in bringing greater stability to foreign exchange and capital markets in India.

Govt seeks 'affordable' price , production cut phase - out from OPEC: Context : With domestic retail fuel prices soaring to record high on rising global oil rates, India on Thursday asked oil cartel OPEC for ‘affordable’ oil price within a ‘reasonable band’ and that the producers should phase out production cuts. Concept : • OPEC nations such as Saudi Arabia have mostly been India’s principal oil source. But, OPEC and its allies — called OPEC+ — ignoring its call for ease supply curbs had led to the world’s third-biggest oil importer tap newer sources to diversify its crude oil imports. • As a result, OPEC’s share in India’s oil imports has dropped to about 60 per cent in May from 74 per cent in the previous month. About OPEC • The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded in Baghdad, Iraq, with the signing of an agreement in September 1960 by five countries namely Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. • They were to become the Founder members of the Organization. • As of 2020, OPEC has a total of 13 Member Countries viz. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Angola and Venezuela are members of OPEC. • OPEC’s objective is to co-ordinate and unify petroleum policies among member Countries, in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those investing in the industry. • It is head quartered in Vienna, Austria. • OPEC membership is open to any country that is a substantial exporter of oil and which shares the ideals of the organization. OPEC +

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• OPEC+ is the alliance of crude producers undertaking corrections in supply in the oil markets since 2017. • OPEC plus countries include Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan and Sudan.

SEA SNOT IN TURKEY: Context: Recently, there has been growing environmental concern in Turkey over the accumulation of ‘sea snot’. Concept: • It is a slimy layer of grey or green sludge in the country’s seas, which can cause considerable damage to the marine ecosystem. • Turkey’s Sea of Marmara, that connects the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea, has witnessed the largest outbreak of ‘sea snot’. • The sludge has also been spotted in the adjoining Black and Aegean seas. • The thick slimy layer of organic matter, which looks like a viscous, brown and foamy substance, has spread through the sea south of Istanbul and also blanketed harbours and shorelines. What is a Sea Snot? • It is marine mucilage that is formed when algae are overloaded with nutrients as a result of water pollution combined with the effects of climate change. • The nutrient overload occurs when algae feast on warm weather caused by global warming. • The phenomenon of water pollution adds to the problem. • The overproduction of phytoplankton caused by climate change and the uncontrolled dumping of household and industrial waste into the seas has led to the Sea Snot. • The dumping of sewage in the sea along with rising temperatures is causing the crisis. • A ‘sea snot’ outbreak was first recorded in the country in 2007 and it was also spotted in the Aegean Sea near Greece.

India faces uphill task on MSP, Stockholding: Context : Developed members say India can’t have permanent solution to MSP issue at WTO Ministerial meet. Concept : • Facilitator for the talks on Special safeguard mechanism said that because of political and technical complexities , no outcome could be expected at MC12 . Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) • WTO’s Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) is a protection measure allowed for developing countries to take contingency restrictions against agricultural imports that are causing injuries to domestic farmers. • The contingency measure is imposition of tariff if the import surge causes welfare loss to the domestic poor farmers. The design and use of the SSM is an area of conflict under the WTO. What are safeguards? • In WTO’s terms, safeguards are contingency or emergency restrictions on imports taken temporarily to deal with special circumstances such as a surge in imports. Contingency restriction means imposition of an import tax if the imports are causing injuries to domestic agricultural sector. • The original GATT itself allows such restrictions to protect domestic economy. Doha Development Agenda and the origin of the SSM: • At the Doha Ministerial Conference, the developing countries were given a concession to adopt a Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) besides the existing safeguards (like the Special Agricultural Safeguard or the SSG). • This SSM constituted an important part of the promises offered to the developing world at Doha (known as Doha Development Agenda) and the Doha MC became known as a development round.

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• As mentioned, the Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) allowed developing countries to raise import duties on agricultural products in response to import surges. Difference between SSM and other safeguards under Agreement on Agriculture: • The SSG was available to all countries- both developing and developed whereas the SSM is allowable only to the developing countries. • It is to be mentioned that the SSG was available as it was inducted under the GATT agreement; whereas the SSM was the invention of the Doha MC. Conflict among WTO members about the structure of the SSM: • But the design of exact rules of the SSM created conflict among the WTO members. Setting the conditions for putting restrictions on imports and the amount of tariff imposition became contentious issues and it caused the delay in the implementation of the entire Doha Development Agenda. Powerful negotiating countries at the WTO, the US and India had conflicting versions about the structure of the SSM. • Other countries joined the two sides later. The G33 supports India’s stand whereas the advanced countries and some agricultural exporting countries like Brazil supports the US stand.

China raising new units near borders: Context: China is raising new militia units comprising local Tibetan youth for high-altitude warfare near Eastern Ladakh, as well as near its borders with Sikkim and Bhutan, intelligence intercepts have revealed. Concept: • Available information indicates that the units are also being deployed at Rutog in Tibet, near the Pangong Tso (lake) in eastern Ladakh. About Pangong Tso • Pangong Tso is a long narrow, deep, landlocked lake situated at a height of more than 14,000 ft in the Ladakh, Himalayas. • The 135 km-long lake sprawls over 604 sq. km in the shape of a boomerang, and is 6 km wide at its broadest point. • It is formed from Tethys geosyncline. • The western end of Pangong Tso lies 54 km to the southeast of Leh. • The brackish water lake freezes over in winter, and becomes ideal for ice skating and polo.

Pakistan to remain on FATF greylist: Context : Pakistan was retained on the greylist, or the list of countries under “increased monitoring”, by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), as the Paris-based UN watchdog judged it deficient in prosecuting the top leadership of UN Security Council-designated terror groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e Mohammad, Al Qaeda and Taliban. Concept : Financial Action Task Force • It is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 during the G7 Summit in Paris. • The FATF assesses the strength of a country’s anti-money laundering and anti-terror financing frameworks, however it does not go by individual cases. • The FATF Plenary is the decision making body of the FATF. It meets three times per year. • Its Secretariat is located at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) headquarters in Paris. • The FATF currently has 39 members including two regional organisations — the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council. India is a member of the FATF. Objectives: • To set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

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Lists under FATF: • Grey List: • Countries that are considered safe haven for supporting terror funding and money laundering are put in the FATF grey list. • This inclusion serves as a warning to the country that it may enter the blacklist. • Black List: • Countries known as Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories (NCCTs) are put in the blacklist. • These countries support terror funding and money laundering activities. • The FATF revises the blacklist regularly, adding or deleting entries.

India must first decode impact of EU Green pass: Context : India needs to first ascertain the implication of the 'EU Green Pass' on Indian travellers before taking up the matter with the bloc, as many European countries have their own 'vaccine passport' mechanism in place, based on vaccines listed by the World Health Organisation, said a source tracking the development. Concept : • The digital “vaccine passport” recognises the Vaxzevria version of the AstraZeneca vaccine that is produced in the UK and Europe, and approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). • Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, is not yet recognised by the EMA. • India will take up the issue of approval of the Serum Institute of India’s Covishield vaccine by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) with the European Union during discussions between Indian and EU officials on the margins of the G20 meeting in Italy on Tuesday. • Those vaccinated with Covishield, the version of the AstraZeneca vaccine being manufactured in India by SII, are not eligible for the EU Digital Covid certificate or “green pass”. EU Digital Covid certificate or “green pass” • The digital document will contain a QR code and can be carried on a mobile phone. • It is an immunity document to ease travel within and to the 27-member bloc. It will be in place by July 1. • It has deliberately not been called a “vaccine passport” because some member states felt that would discriminate against those who had not yet been offered a shot. • All EU citizens or third-country nationals who are legally staying in the EU will be able to use these digital certificates and thereby will be exempted from free movement restrictions.

SC URGED TO STOP ILLEGAL ADOPTION: Context: The Supreme Court has agreed to intervene after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) sounded the alarm on a spate of complaints about illegal adoption of COVID orphans through private individuals and organizations. Concept: • NCPCR statistics shows that 3,621 children were orphaned, 26,176 children lost either parent and 274 children were abandoned between April 1, 2021 to June 5, 2021. • The second wave of the pandemic was at its worst form during this period, leaving a trail of death across the country. • NCPCR had received many complaints in May that private individuals and organisations have been actively collecting data on these children while claiming that they want to assist families and children in adoption. • Social media posts are circulating that children are up for adoption. This is plainly illegal and violates the Juvenile Justice Act. • The Act also prohibits the disclosure of identity of children with regard to the name, school, age, address or any information which would reveal the essential details of the child. What is the procedure to be followed with children who have been orphaned?

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• If someone has information about a child in need of care, then they must contact one of the four agencies: Childline 1098, or the district Child Welfare Committee (CWC), District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) or the helpline of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. • Following this, the CWC will assess the child and place him or her in the immediate care of a specialized Adoption Agency. • When there is a child without a family, the State becomes the guardian. About JJ Act, 2015: • Aim: To comprehensively address children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection. • It mandates setting up Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees in every district. Both must have at least one-woman member each. • Also, the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) was granted the status of a statutory body to enable it to perform its function more effectively. • All Child Care Institutions, whether run by State Government or by voluntary or non-governmental organisations are to be mandatorily registered under the Act within 6 months from the date of commencement of the Act.

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Context : India will vote in support of Maldives’ Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid in the election of the President of the UNGA on June 7, a decision which will disappoint Afghanistan, which has former Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul in the running. Concept : • The President is the chair and presiding officer of the General Assembly. • The President is a position voted for by representatives in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on a yearly basis. • The presidency rotates annually between the five geographic groups: African, Asia-Pacific, Eastern European, Latin American and Caribbean, and Western European and other States. • It is customary that no permanent member of the United Nations Security Council ever serves as UNGA president. • The only countries that had a national elected as President of UNGA twice are Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Nigeria; all the other member states had been represented only once by their nationals holding this office. • Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit (1900 – 1990) of India served as 8th President of the UNGA in 1953. she was also First woman president of UNGA.

US DELAYS TARIFFS AGAINST DIGITAL SERVICES TAX: Context: During the past week, the United States announced and then immediately suspended a 25% tariff on $2 billion of imports from six countries, including India, as a retaliatory measure against each of these countries’ imposition of a digital services tax. Concept: • The immediate suspension of the tariff is likely in part a recognition of the fact that the six countries potentially impacted are limping through a feeble post-COVID-19 recovery and opening a new trade war front could be damaging not only to them, but also to the broader global economy Digital Services Tax • The “digital services tax” (DST) is a levy on the overall revenues earned by the supplier of specific digital services. • India has earlier expanded the scope of the Equalization Levy, or digital tax, to the sale of goods and services in the country by overseas e-commerce firms. • The Equalization Levy was introduced for the first time in 2016 as 6 per cent tax on revenues earned by non-residents from online advertising and related services.

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• The burden of this tax eventually fell on local firms advertising on these platforms. Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR): • It is responsible for developing and coordinating US international trade. • The Section 301 gives the USTR broad authority to investigate and respond to a foreign country’s action which may be unfair or discriminatory as well as negatively affect US commerce. • Adopted through the 1974 Trade act, the Section allows the US President to impose tariffs or other curbs on foreign nations. • However, the law mandates consultations with trading partners.

Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) Programme: Context : Recently, the Ministry of Finance has announced that Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) programme was launched in Bhutan. Concept : Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) • It is a joint initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). • It was launched at the Third Financing for Development conference in Addis Ababa in 2015. • It was widely hailed as capable of assisting developing countries mobilize much-needed domestic revenues in support of the post-2015 sustainable development agenda. • It facilitates targeted, tax audit assistance programmes in developing countries across the globe. • It is a strong response to the attention given to effective and efficient mobilisation of domestic resources in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals to strengthen international tax co-operation. • The joint OECD/UNDP TIWB Secretariat is based in Paris and supported by UNDP's network of Country Offices in developing countries. TIWB in Bhutan • It is expected to be of about 24 months’ duration. • Under the programme, India in collaboration with the UNDP and the TIWB Secretariat aims to aid Bhutan in strengthening its tax administration. • India will transfer the technical know-how and skills to its tax auditors, and through sharing of best audit practices. • The focus of the programme will be in the area of International Taxation and Transfer Pricing.

UK & USA to sign New Atlantic Charter: Context: Biden, Johnson sign new Atlantic Charter on trade, defense amid Covid recovery. Concept: Atlantic Charter • The Atlantic Charter was a statement issued on 14 August 1941 that set out American and British goals for the world after the end of World War II. • The charter’s adherents signed the Declaration by United Nations on 1 January 1942, which was the basis for the modern United Nations. • The charter inspired several other international agreements and events that followed the end of the war. • The dismantling of the British Empire, the formation of NATO, and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) all derived from the Atlantic Charter. Why sign new charter? • At their meeting, the two leaders plan to sign what they’re calling a new Atlantic Charter, pledging to “defend the principles, values, and institutions of democracy and open societies.” • US hopes to reassure European allies that the US had shed the transactional tendencies of Donald Trump’s term and is a reliable partner again. • The US staunchly opposed the Brexit movement, the British exodus from the European Union that Mr. Johnson championed, and has expressed great concern with the future of Northern Ireland.

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• Biden once called the British leader a “physical and emotional clone” of Trump.

IRAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS ON JUNE 18: Context: On May 25, the Guardian Council in Iran announced a slate of seven candidates who would compete in the presidential election on June 18. Concept: • Iran has a dichotomous political order whose two parts are constantly at odds with each other. • It has the institutions of a normal democratic system — a directly elected President, an elected national assembly, and a government responsible to the assembly. • The other part of the political order is devoted to safeguarding the ideology and principles of the Islamic Revolution; this has provided the country with institutions that are unique to Iran and do much to dilute, if not undermine, the country’s democratic credentials. • Placed above the popularly elected President is the Supreme Leader, who wields supreme authority in all matters of national governance — security, defence, foreign relations, the judiciary. • One of the bodies under the Supreme Leader is the 12-member Guardian Council.

G 7 NATIONS AGREE ON MINIMUM CORPORATE TAX: Context: The Group of Seven said it would back a minimum global corporation tax rate of at least 15%, and put in place measures to ensure that taxes were paid in the countries where businesses operate. Concept: • Major economies are aiming to discourage multinationals from shifting profits — and tax revenues — to low-tax countries regardless of where their sales are made. • Increasingly, income from intangible sources such as drug patents, software and royalties on intellectual property has migrated to these jurisdictions, allowing companies to avoid paying higher taxes in their traditional home countries. Global minimum tax • The global minimum tax rate would apply to overseas profits. • Governments could still set whatever local corporate tax rate they want, but if companies pay lower rates in a particular country, their home governments could “top-up” their taxes to the minimum rate, eliminating the advantage of shifting profits. • The OECD said last month that governments broadly agreed on the basic design of the minimum tax but not the rate. • Other items still to be negotiated include whether investment funds and real estate investment trusts should be covered, when to apply the new rate and ensuring it is compatible with U.S. tax reforms aimed at deterring erosion. What about that minimum rate? • Talks are focusing around the U.S. proposal of a minimum global corporation tax rate of 15% - above the level in countries such as Ireland but below the lowest G7 level. • Any final agreement could have major repercussions for low-tax countries and tax havens. • The Irish economy has boomed with the influx of billions of dollars in investment from multinationals. Dublin, which has resisted EU attempts to harmonise its tax rules, is unlikely to accept a higher minimum rate without a fight.

Taliban capture Afghanistan’s main Tajikistan border crossing: Context : The seizure of Shir Khan Bandar, in the far north of Afghanistan, about 50 km from Kunduz city, is the most significant gain for the Taliban since the United States began the final stage of its troop withdrawal in May. Concept : • Kunduz is a city in northern Afghanistan, which serves as the capital of Kunduz Province.

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• Kunduz is located near the confluence of the Kunduz River with the Khanabad River.

Linking land records with database will exclude labourers, farmers, warn experts: Context : The Union government’s new exercise to give agriculture a shot of technology — by creating a centralised farmer database under ‘AgriStack’— may not run a smooth course. Concept : AgriStack • The AgriStack is a collection of technologies and digital databases proposed by the Central Government focusing on India’s farmers and the agricultural sector. • The central government has claimed that these new databases are being built to primarily tackle issues such as poor access to credit and wastage in the agricultural supply chain. • Under AgriStack’, the government aims to provide ‘required data sets’ of farmers’ personal information to Microsoft to develop a farmer interface for ‘smart and well-organized agriculture’. • The digital repository will aid precise targeting of subsidies, services and policies, the officials added. • Under the programme, each farmer of the country will get what is being called an FID, or a farmers’ ID, linked to land records to uniquely identify them. India has 140 million operational farm-land holdings. • Alongside, the government is also developing a unified farmer service platform that will help digitise agricultural services delivery by the public and private sectors. Issues with the move • Agriculture has become the latest sector getting a boost of ‘techno solutionism’ by the government. • But it has, since then, also become the latest sector to enter the whole debate about data privacy and surveillance. • Since the signing of the MoUs, several concerns related to sharing farmers’ data with private companies the major one being Microsoft whose owner Bill Gates is said to be the largest private farmland owner in the US. • In all the MoUs, there are provisions under which the agriculture ministry will enter into a data sharing agreement with the private companies of the likes of Amazon, Microsoft and Patanjali. • The development has raised serious concerns about information asymmetry, data privacy and consent, profiling of farmers, mismanaged land records and corporatization of agriculture. • The formation of ‘Agristack’ also implies commercialization of agriculture extension activities as they will shift into a digital and private sphere.

COLOMBO PORT CITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT: Context: Last month, Sri Lanka passed the controversial Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill, which governs the China-backed Colombo Port City project worth $1.4 billion, amid wide opposition to the creation of a “Chinese enclave” in the island nation. Concept: • The project was launched in September 2014 by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit to the island nation under the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration’s second term. • It is named the “Colombo Port City”. • It is the largest single foreign investment by China in Sri Lanka among the other massive infrastructure projects. • The Port City will attract billions of dollars for trade, banking and offshore services similar to what is available in Dubai and Singapore. • The Port City will be administered by a commission with various powers to fast track investment approvals. • All transactions within the Port City will be denominated in foreign currency and all salaries earned by any worker will be tax-exempt.

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INTERPOL HAS LAUNCHED A NEW GLOBAL DATABASE: Context: The Interpol has launched a new global database named ‘I-Familia’. It will identify missing persons or unidentified human remains around the world through DNA of relatives. Concept: • The International Police Organization is commonly known as Interpol. • It is an international organization facilitating international police cooperation against cross-border terrorism, trafficking, and other crime. • INTERPOL has 194 member countries, making us the world's largest police organization. State of Palestine is its member. • All decisions regarding the activities of INTERPOL are made by the General Assembly which is it’s supreme governing body which meets annually. • It is not a unit or part of united nation system. It is an independent international organization. • HQ: Lyon in France. • It was founded in 1923. • Each country hosts an INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), which links national police with our global network. in India, CBI is the NCB. • Interpol notices: These are international alert/requests circulated by Interpol allowing police in member countries to share critical crime-related information. There are eight types of notices, seven of which are colour-coded by their function. An eighth Special Notice is issued at the request of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Tibet gets first bullet train, links Lhasa to India border: Context : China started operating the first bullet train line in Tibet, linking Lhasa to Nyingchi near the border with Arunachal Pradesh. Concept : • Lhasa-Nyingchi rail line is the second route linking Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) with mainland China – the Qinghai-Tibet railway line that connected Lhasa to the hinterland is the first such line. • he China State Railway Group said that the new Railway line operating the first bullet train, on which construction began in 2014, 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 3000 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. • 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. India’s Border Area Development Programme (BADP) • The Border Area Development Programme (BADP) was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1986-87 as part of a comprehensive approach to Border Management. • BADP was initiated in the border areas of the western region during the Seventh Five Year Plan (1985- 90), for ensuring balanced development of border areas through development of infrastructure and promotion of a sense of security among the border population. • It is a centrally sponsored scheme. Funds are provided to the states as a non-lapsable special central assistance for the execution of projects relating to infrastructure, livelihood, education, health, agriculture and allied sectors. • The States covered are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.

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CHEMICAL WEAPONS USED IN SYRIA: Context: Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has told the United Nations Security Council that it investigated 77 allegations against Syria, and concluded in 17 cases chemical weapons were likely or definitely used. Concept: • Syria was pressed to join the chemical weapons convention in 2013 by its close ally Russia after a deadly chemical weapons attack that the West blamed on Damascus. • In 2014, President Bashar al-Assad’s government declared that the destruction of its chemical weapons was completed. • But Syria’s initial declaration to the OPCW has remained in dispute. • In April 2021, the OPCW suspended Syria’s rights until all outstanding issues are resolved. Organisation For The Prohibition Of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) • OPCW is an intergovernmental organisation and the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, which entered into force on 29 April 1997. • Mandate: It oversees the global endeavour to permanently and verifiably eliminate chemical weapons. • Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands. • Member states: 193 (All states party to the CWC are automatically members. 4 UN Member States are non-members: Egypt, Israel, North Korea and South Sudan. Of these Israel signed CWC but didn’t ratified it, rest 3 are non-signatories). • Nobel Peace Prize: The organisation was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize "for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons with most recent being in Syria civil war". • The OPCW–The Hague Award: It is an annual award founded by the OPCW as a result of their being presented with the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize. The Award honours individuals and institutions that have significantly contributed towards the goal of a world free of chemical weapons.

WORLDBANK APPROVES 500 M TO SUPPORT MSME'S: Context: The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors has approved a $500 million program to support India's nationwide initiative to revitalize the MSME sector, which has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Concept: • The $500 million Raising and Accelerating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Performance (RAMP) Program is the World Bank's second intervention in this sector, the first being the $750 million MSME Emergency Response Program, approved in July 2020 to address the immediate liquidity and credit needs of millions of viable MSMEs severely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. • The RAMP Program will support the Government of India's efforts to increase MSME productivity and financing in the economic recovery phase, crowd in private sector financing in the medium term, and tackle long-standing financial sector issues that are holding back the growth of the MSME sector. • The RAMP program will provide better access to finance and working capital for MSMEs by strengthening the receivable financing markets; • It will scale up online dispute resolution mechanisms to address the problem of delayed payments. Such efforts are expected to improve the cost-effectiveness, quality, accessibility, impact, and outreach of such schemes.

USA EAGLE ACT CHANGES FOR GREEN CARD CAP: Context : US House of Representatives has reintroduced bipartisan legislation to eliminate per country cap on employment-based green card. This legislation is called as “EAGLE Act” and was introduced to benefit Indian IT professionals who are waiting over decades for green card. Concept :

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• EAGLE Act is called as “Equal Access to Green cards for Legal Employment Act”. It proposes to phase out limit of seven per cent per-country on employment-based immigrant visas. • It also seeks to raise seven per cent per-country limit to 15 percent on family-sponsored visas. How will it help Indians? • Due to existing cap, a person from a large-population country like India with extraordinary qualifications, who could contribute to US economy & create jobs, waits behind person with lesser qualifications from small country. Thus, new legislation will reduce waiting time for Indian professionals. Indian Migrants to United States • Immigration from India to US started in early 19th century when Indian immigrants started to settle in communities along the West Coast. • They originally arrived in small numbers but as new opportunities opened up in middle of 20th century, population grew larger in following decades. • As of 2019, more than 2.7 million Indian immigrants reside in United States. Indian immigrants account for l6 percent of U.S. foreign-born population. Thus, they are second largest immigrant group in country after Mexicans.

Roadblocks to Vaccine Passport: Context: With all US adults now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines and businesses and international borders reopening, a fierce debate has kicked off across the United States over whether a digital health certificate (often and somewhat misleadingly called a “vaccine passport”) should be required to prove immunization status. Concept: Vaccine Passports: • A vaccine passport is an e-certificate that stores and records jabs and Covid-19 test status. • It can be kept in a smartphone app or in other digital formats. • Its contents can be flashed at security checkpoints when people travel across borders. • The idea is modelled on the proof of vaccination that several countries required even before the pandemic. • Travellers from many African countries to the USA or India are required to submit proof that they have been vaccinated against diseases such as yellow fever. • In February 2021, Israel became the first country to introduce a certification system that allows those who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 to access certain facilities and events. Function of Vaccine Passports: • Will digitise vaccination records across countries. • Supposed to function as proof that the holder has been vaccinated against Covid-19 and is, therefore, safe. Potential Beneficiary of the Vaccine Passports: • The primary benefit will be to the tourism and the hospitality industries, which are both seen as being at the heart of Covid-19 spread and are the worst hit by the pandemic. • The international air travel, which suffered massively because of the outbreak. • Several associations and non-profits have been issuing their own versions for international travel: • IATA Travel Pass: The global trade body representing airlines (The International Air Transport Association) is developing an app called IATA Travel Pass that will provide airlines and other aviation industry stakeholders with a common platform to check for the proof of vaccination and its validity. • CommonPass: Non-profit Commons Project has been trying out an app called CommonPass, which contains a passenger’s vaccination record.

PAKISTAN MAKES PROGRESS ON TERROR FINANCE RATINGS: Context : Pakistan improved its ratings with the Asia Pacific Group (APG) on Money Laundering ahead of a decision on its grey listing status later this month.

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Concept : • Of the 40 parameters on anti-money laundering/combating financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) measures, Pakistan has made progress in about 21 and been downgraded on 1, the APG’s Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) published on June 4 said, adding that this meant Pakistan moves ‘up’ one category in its evaluation at the APG. Asia-Pacific Group (APG) On Money Laundering • The Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering is an inter-governmental organisation. • It currently consists of 41 member jurisdictions in the Asia-Pacific region. • To ensure that its members effectively implement the international standards against money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing related to weapons of mass destruction. • It is a part of global network of similar bodies, referred to as Financial Action Task Force-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs) and is the largest in terms of membership numbers and geographical size. • Secretariat: Sydney, Australia. • Established in: APG was founded in 1997 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Taiwan reports ‘largest’ incursion by Chinese forces: Context : As many as 28 Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday, the island’s government said. It is the largest reported incursion to date. Concept : • While there was no immediate comment from Beijing, the news comes after the Group of Seven leaders issued a joint statement on Sunday scolding China and underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Air Defence Identification Zone • It is a zone which provides an early warning system to help a country detect possible incursions into its sovereign airspace. • When an aircraft enters an ADIZ without warning, the country in question may scramble fighter jets to visually identify the aircraft and determine whether it poses a threat • In other words, ADIZ is airspace over land or water in which the identification, location, and control of civil aircraft are performed in the interest of national security. • The first ADIZ was established by the United States in 1950 when it created a joint North American ADIZ with Canada, citing the legal right of a nation to establish reasonable conditions of entry into its territory • The concept of an ADIZ is not defined in any international treaty and is not regulated by any international body Air Defence Identification Zone in India • India established ADIZs in the mid-twentieth century. Among other rules, notifications are required 10 minutes prior to entry. • India has demarcated six ADIZ near its territory. They are the international border with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar, Over the Line of Actual Control with China and two in the southern region of India. Taiwan Strait • The Taiwan Strait, also known as the Formosa Strait, is a 180 km wide strait separating Taiwan and mainland China. • The strait is currently part of the South China Sea and connects to the East China Sea to the north. The narrowest part is 130 km wide. • The entire strait is on Asia’s continental shelf. • Historically both the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan espoused a One-China Policy that considered the strait part of the exclusive economic zone of a single “China”.

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Generalized System of Preferences (GSPs): Context: Recently, the European Union (EU) Parliament has adopted a resolution which has urged the EU Commission to consider temporary withdrawal of the GSP+ status given to Sri Lanka. Concept: About Generalized System of Preferences (GSPs) • It was instituted in 1971 under the aegis of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). • It is aimed at creating an enabling trading environment for developing countries. • The countries which grant GSP preferences are Australia, Belarus, Canada, the European Union, Iceland, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States of America. • The provision and utilization of trade preferences is a key goal the Istanbul Program of Actions adopted at the UN LDC IV in 2013, as further reaffirmed in SDGs Goal 17. • The objective of UNCTAD's support on GSP and other preferential arrangements is to help developing countries to increase utilization of GSP and other trade preferences. European Union’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSPs) • It is a set of EU rules allowing exporters from developing countries to pay less or no duties on their exports to the European Union. • The EU adopted a new Generalized Scheme of Preferences in 2012. The Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) has 3 strands: • GSP general arrangement: for all beneficiary countries • GSP+: A special scheme with entire removal of tariffs on essentially the same product categories as those covered by the general arrangement. • The countries need to ratify and implement international conventions relating to human and labour rights, environment and good governance. • Everything But Arms: A special arrangement for least developed countries (as recognised and classified by the UN) giving them duty- and quota-free access for all products, except arms and ammunitions. About UNCTAD • It is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. • Its headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland. • It is part of the UN Secretariat. • Its goals are to maximize the trade, investment and development opportunities of developing countries and assist them in their efforts to integrate into the world economy on an equitable basis. • Its objective is to formulate policies relating to all aspects of development including trade, aid, transport, finance and technology.

Exercise Sea Breeze 2021: Context : Recently, the Exercise Sea Breeze 2021 has kicked off at Black Sea. Concept : About Exercise Sea Breeze 2021 • It is an annual exercise started in 1997. • The 2021 edition of Exercise Sea Breeze is being led by the United States and Ukraine. • The exercise involves sea, land, and air components. • It has the largest number of participating nations in the exercise’s history with 32 countries from six continents. • The participants are Albania, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Morocco, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Senegal, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States. Significance of Exercise Sea Breeze

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• It provides the opportunity for personnel of participating nations to engage in realistic maritime training to build experience and teamwork and strengthen their interoperability. • It will focus on multiple warfare areas including amphibious warfare, land maneuver warfare, diving operations, maritime interdiction operations, air defense etc. • It brings most Black Sea nations and NATO Allies and partners together to train and operate with NATO members in the pursuit of building increased capability.

8th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus: Context : Recently, the eighth edition of ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+) was held. Concept : ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+) • It is an annual meeting of Defence Ministers of 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries and eight dialogue partner countries. • The eight dialogue partner countries are Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States. • Brunei is the Chair of the ADMM Plus forum for 2021. The objectives of the ADMM-Plus, are: • To benefit ASEAN Member States in building capacity to address shared security challenges, while cognizant of the differing capacities of various ASEAN Member States; • To promote mutual trust and confidence between defence establishments through greater dialogue and transparency; • To enhance regional peace and stability through cooperation in defence and security, in view of the transnational security challenges the region faces; • To contribute to the realisation of an ASEAN Security Community which, as stipulated in the Bali Concord II, embodies ASEAN’s aspiration to achieve peace, stability, democracy and prosperity in the region where ASEAN Member States live at peace with one another and with the world at large; • To facilitate the implementation of the Vientiane Action Programme as it calls for ASEAN to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous ASEAN.

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ECONOMICS

NATIONAL ASSET RECONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD (NARCL): Context: Banks in India have identified about 22 bad loans worth ₹ 89,000 crore to be transferred to the National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd. (NARCL) in the initial phase. Concept: • Setting up of NARCL, the proposed bad bank for taking over stressed assets of lenders, was announced in the Budget for 2021-22. • The plan is to create a bad bank to house bad loans of ₹ 500 crore and above, in a structure that will contain an asset reconstruction company (ARC) and an asset management company (AMC) to manage and recover dud assets. • The new entity is being created in collaboration with both public and private sector banks. How is NARCL different from existing ARCs? How can it operate differently? • The proposed bad bank will have a public sector character since the idea is mooted by the government and majority ownership is likely to rest with state-owned banks. • At present, ARCs typically seek a steep discount on loans. With the proposed bad bank being set up, the valuation issue is unlikely to come up since this is a government initiative. • The government-backed ARC will have deep pockets to buy out big accounts and thus free up banks from carrying these accounts on their books. Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) • It is a specialized financial institution that buys the Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) from banks and financial institutions so that they can clean up their balance sheets. This helps banks to concentrate on normal banking activities. • The asset reconstruction companies or ARCs are registered under the RBI. • The Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002 provides the legal basis for the setting up of ARCs in India.

RURAL INDIA PLAYED THE ECONOMY'S SAVIOUR IN 2020 – 21: Context: The economy saw it’s worst-ever contraction in 2020-21, but the farm sector actually grew by 3.6%. In the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic, however, farmers face new challenges and uncertainties. Concept: Gross Value Added • In 2015, India opted to make major changes to its compilation of national accounts and decided to bring the whole process into conformity with the United Nations System of National Accounts (SNA) of 2008. • The SNA is the internationally agreed standard set of recommendations on how to compile measures of economic activity. • It describes a coherent, consistent and integrated set of macroeconomic accounts in the context of a set of internationally agreed concepts, definitions, classifications and accounting rules. • As per the SNA, GVA is defined as the value of output minus the value of intermediate consumption and is a measure of the contribution to growth made by an individual producer, industry or sector. • It provides the rupee value for the number of goods and services produced in an economy after deducting the cost of inputs and raw materials that have gone into the production of those goods and services. • It can be described as the main entry on the income side of the nation’s accounting balance sheet, and from an economics perspective represents the supply side.

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• At the macro level, from a national accounting perspective, GVA is the sum of a country’s GDP and net of subsidies and taxes in the economy. • Gross Value Added = GDP + subsidies on products - taxes on products • Earlier, India had been measuring GVA at ‘factor cost’ till the new methodology was adopted in which GVA at ‘basic prices’ became the primary measure of economic output. • GVA at basic prices will include production taxes and exclude production subsidies. • GVA at factor cost included no taxes and excluded no subsidies. • The base year has also been shifted to 2011-12 from the earlier 2004-05. • The NSO provides both quarterly and annual estimates of output of GVA. It provides sectoral classification data on eight broad categories that includes both goods produced and services provided in the economy.

Inflation spurs spike in bond yield; rupee hits 1-month low: Context : India’s benchmark 10-year bond yield closed at its highest level in more than six weeks while the rupee ended at a one-month low on the back of a larger-than-expected surge in retail inflation. Concept: • The benchmark 10-year bond yield ended at 6.04%, after touching 6.05%, its highest since April 30 and up 4 basis points on the day. • Retail inflation rate rose 6.3% year-on-year in May, from 4.29% in April and sharply above analysts’ estimate of 5.3%. The wholesale price inflation rate rose 12.9%, its highest in at least two decades. Bond Yields • Bond yield is the return an investor realizes on a bond. The mathematical formula for calculating yield is the annual coupon rate divided by the current market price of the bond • Bond: Is an instrument to borrow money. A bond could be issued by a country’s government or by a company to raise funds. • Coupon Rate: It is the rate of interest paid by bond issuers on the bond's face value. • Yield curve: It is a line that plots yields (interest rates) of bonds having equal credit quality but differing maturity dates. • The slope of the yield curve gives an idea of future interest rate changes and economic activity. Factors affecting the yield: • Monetary policy of the RBI (interest Rates), fiscal position of the government and its borrowing programme, global markets, economy, and inflation. • A fall in interest rates makes bond prices rise, and bond yields fall. • Rising interest rates cause bond prices to fall, and bond yields to rise. • To control high inflation: the interest rate is increased.

Sugar mills demand hike in MSP: Context: Sugar mills are demanding a hike in the minimum selling price to enable them to clear the dues to the farmers which have touched a whopping Rs 23,000 crore. Rising output have caused ex-mill prices to fall to Rs 31-33 per kg, almost to the levels of the minimum selling price. Concept: FRP: • Fair and remunerative price (FRP) is the minimum price at which rate sugarcane is to be purchased by sugar mills from farmers. • The Federal/Central Government announces Fair and Remunerative Prices which are determined on the recommendation of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and are announced by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, which is chaired by Prime Minister. • The State Advised Prices (SAP) are announced by key sugarcane producing states which are generally higher than FRP.

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• The approval will ensure a guaranteed price to cane growers. The ‘FRP’ of sugarcane is determined under Sugarcane (Control) Order. • This will be uniformly applicable all over the country. Determination of FRP will be in the interest of sugarcane growers keeping in view their entitlement to a fair and remunerative price for their produce. • Fair and remunerative price (FRP) is the minimum price at which rate sugarcane is to be purchased by sugar mills from farmers. Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) • The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) is an attached office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It came into existence in January 1965. • It is an advisory body whose recommendations are not binding on Government.

Farming Black Kadaknath brings cheers to Odisha families in dark COVID 19 times: Context : The Kadaknath, the black, protein-rich breed of chicken from Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh, is changing lives of people in Odisha for the better in these dark days of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID- 19) pandemic. The fear of COVID-19 has made many in the state eat the meat of Kadaknath to increase their immunity. Concept : Kadaknath chicken • Kadaknath chicken breed is unique for its black colour due to its black-feathers. • Its black colour stems from the deposition of melanin pigment. • This breed of chicken is popular for its adaptability and flavourful good-tasting black meat, which is believed to have medicinal properties. • It is native tribal districts of Jhabua, Alirajpur and parts of Dhar in Madhya Pradesh. • Kadaknath chicken contains 25-27% of protein in comparison with other breeds of chickens that contain 18% protein. • It is also known for its high iron content. • It has fat and cholesterol content lower compared with other chicken breeds. • Due to this special characteristics, Kadaknath chicken’s chicks and eggs are sold at much higher rate than other varieties of chicken. • This chicken breed is very popular among local tribal people mainly due to its adaptability to the local environment, disease resistance, meat quality, texture and flavour. • It has been granted GI tag. The GI tag will ensure that no one else can use name Kadaknath Chicken while selling any other black chicken.

Financial Relief Package for 2nd Wave of COVID 19 Pandemic: Context : Union Finance Minister announced a slew of measures to provide relief to diverse sectors affected by the 2nd wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Concept : • Finance Minister announced a relief package of Rs 6,28,993 crore to support Indian economy in fight against COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 17 measures amounting to Rs. 6,28,993 crore were announced. • These included two measures announced earlier, i.e. the additional Subsidy for DAP & P&K fertilizers, and extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) from May to November, 2021. • She announced Rs. 1.1 lakh crore Loan Guarantee Scheme for COVID affected sectors. Of them Rs. 50 thousand crore will be for health sector. The scheme is aimed at upscaling medical infrastructure targetting unreserved areas.

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• She also announced Rs. 1.5 lakh crore for Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme, ECLGS which was launched as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Package in May, 2020. • She announced Creadit Guarantee Scheme which is a new scheme to facilitate loans to 25 lakh people through Micro Finance Institutions, MFI. • The guarantee will be provided to Scheduled Commercial Banks for loans to new or existing NBFC- MFIs for on lending upto Rs. 1.25 lakh to about 25 lakh to small borrowers.

India jumps 3 spots in global start up ecosystem rankings: Context : India has jumped three spots up in the global start-up ranking this year, a possible silver lining amid the chaos that the pandemic has wrought upon us. India stands at the 20th spot among the top 100 countries that have been ranked in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2021 by Startup Blink. Concept : About the Report • Israel’s tech ecosystem has ranked third globally and Tel Aviv came in eighth among cities in the new Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2021 published this month by StartupBlink, an Israeli-founded startup ecosystem research center. • The index is compiled from a variety of data sources processed by an algorithm and is integrated with the interactive and crowdsourced StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Map. • Data from StartupBlink’s global data partners, such as Crunchbase, Semrush, and Meetup, are also incorporated to supplement the analyses. • The report provides two sets of rankings: the first is for countries, and the second for individual ecosystems within cities. • Each location has a total score, which is a sum of three scores measuring Quantity, Quality, and Business Environment. The scores have comparative importance, providing unique insights into the differences between different ecosystems in absolute terms. • Building upon past years’ algorithms, this year’s report gave more weight to B2B startups, added more parameters related to technological services in the datasets, and increased data gathering of the R&D centers of international corporations.

Jalgaon farmers ship GI certified banana to Dubai: Context: Recently, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has announced that it had started the export of Jalgaon Banana to Dubai. Concept: Jalgaon is considered Banana city of India • In 2016, Jalgaon Banana got GI certification which was registered with Nisargraja Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Jalgaon. • It is located over 300 km from the west coast and on the northern edge of the Deccan plateau. • It receives an average rainfall of just 750 mm yearly and the bananas are wholly produced by independent growers. • It contributes about half of Maharashtra’s banana production and more than 16% of that of India. • Its average yields at 70 tonnes per hectare are way above global levels. • The district is located near the Bhusaval railway station enabling access to the North Indian market. • As per the report, the main advantage with tissue-cultured banana plants is that it is based on the disease-free and genetically pure material. • The spread of drip irrigation has made efficient use of scarce water possible. Significance of Geographical Indication (GI) Tag • A GI is a name or sign used on certain products under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 that corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin. • It indicates a community's intellectual property attached to that particular product.

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• It implies that the product's uniqueness has been verified by an expert committee of the Government of India. • It helps the community get a premium price for the product. • It creates a distinct identity, assures the buyers of quality, brings reputation to the product and creates an international market for it.

US regulators urge financial firms to quickly ditch Libor rate benchmarks: Context : US financial regulators urged market participants on Friday to accelerate their efforts to detach financial products from Libor interest rate benchmarks, while casting doubt on new benchmarks built to compete with their preferred replacement. Concept : LIBOR • LIBOR is a benchmark interest rate at which major global lend to one another in the international interbank market for short-term loans. • LIBOR, which stands for London Interbank Offered Rate, serves as a globally accepted key benchmark interest rate that indicates borrowing costs between banks. • The rate is calculated and published each day by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). • LIBOR is the average interest rate at which major global banks borrow from one another. • It is based on five currencies including the US dollar, the euro, the British pound, the Japanese yen, and the Swiss franc, and serves seven different maturities—overnight/spot next, one week, and one, two, three, six, and 12 months. • The combination of five currencies and seven maturities leads to a total of 35 different LIBOR rates calculated and reported each business day. • The most commonly quoted rate is the three-month U.S. dollar rate, usually referred to as the current LIBOR rate. Why the transition from Libor? • The rate isn’t sustainable because of a lack of transactions providing data. Libor became a byword for corruption after traders were caught manipulating the benchmark, leading to about $9 billion in fines and the conviction of several bankers. • The London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor) transition opens up a sizeable business opportunity for large consulting firms such as PwC, KPMG, EY and Deloitte and also for global IT firms, including leading players in India. • Regulators globally have asked firms to move away from Libor to other alternate, risk-free rates (RFRs)

Divergence between Global and Domestic Inflation: Context : The UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) world food price index (FPI) touched 127.1 points in May, its highest value since September 2011. But unlike fuel, the increase in global food prices is not getting reflected in what consumers in India are paying. Concept : Why the divergence ? • One needs to first understand the drivers of both global and domestic inflation. • The spike in international food prices from September-October has been due to demand returning with economies unlocking, even as restoration of supply chains is taking time. • This has been further aided by Chinese stockpiling (for building strategic reserves, as well as in anticipation of fresh corona outbreaks) and dry weather-induced production shortfalls in Brazil, Argentina, Ukraine, Thailand and even the US. • India, by contrast, has had good monsoons in 2019 and 2020, making it the only agricultural powerhouse, apart from Australia and Canada, not to have faced serious weather-related issues.

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• Not surprisingly, food inflation started falling from December with a bumper post-monsoon kharif crop being harvested and arriving in the markets. World Food Price Index • The FAO Food Price Index is a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities. • It consists of the average of five commodity group price indices [cereal, vegetable, dairy, meat and sugar], weighted with the average export shares. • The index has become a critical and timely monthly indicator of the state of international food markets, gauging the change in food commodity prices over time in nominal and real terms.

NAFED Fortified Rice Bran Oil: Context : Department of Food and Public Distribution E-launched “NAFED Fortified Rice Bran Oil”. Concept : • Rice bran oil is the oil extracted from the hard outer brown layer of rice called chaff (rice husk). It is known for its high smoke point of 232 °C (450 °F) making it suitable for high-temperature cooking methods such as stir frying and deep frying. • Rice bran oil has a composition similar to that of peanut oil. • Rice Bran oil has multiple health benefits, including lowering cholesterol level due to its low trans-fat content and high mono unsaturated and poly unsaturated fat contents. It also acts as a booster and reduces the risk of cancer due to the high amount of Vitamin E it contains. • This oil is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the best substitutes for other edible oils. NAFED • National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) is an apex organization of marketing cooperatives for agricultural produce in India. • It was founded on 2 October 1958. • It is registered under Multi State Co-operative Societies Act. • It is Headquartered in New Delhi.

Government ready with Action Plan to make India Aatmanirbhar in Rock Phosphate, the key raw material of DAP and NPK Fertlizers: Context : In order to improve the availability of phosphatic fertilisers (DAP and NPK) and to reduce the dependence on imports, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers chaired a meeting Concept : • Rock phosphates or phosphorites are sedimentary phosphatic deposits comprising fine-grained mixture of various calcium phosphates, most important being hydroxylapatite, carbonateapatite, fluorapatite and their solid solutions. • About 80% phosphate production in the world is derived from phosphate rocks (phosphorite) • Rock Phosphate is the key raw material for DAP and NPK fertilisers and India is 90% dependent on imports. • Of the total reserves/resources, 34% are in Jharkhand, 31% in Rajasthan, 19% in Madhya Pradesh, 8% in Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand each , respectively. Meagre quantities of resources are also located in Gujarat and Meghalaya.

GOVT SEEKS COMMENTS ON PROPOSED REVISION OF WPI: Context: Wholesale price index makeover on the cards, base year to be 2017-18 Concept:

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• The wholesale price index (WPI), the widely tracked inflation indicator, is set for an overhaul with the base year being revised to 2017-18 from 2011-12 and the possibility of bringing within its tent fresh items to capture emerging consumption patterns. Wholesale Price Index • It is the most widely used inflation indicator in India. • Published by the Office of Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. • All transactions at the first point of bulk sale in the domestic market are included. • Major criticism for this index is that the general public does not buy products at wholesale price. • The base year of All-India WPI has been revised from 2004-05 to 2011-12 in 2017.

Co-operative banks must put in place an outsourcing policy : RBI Context : RBI said that the board and CEO along with the Senior Management shall be ultimately responsible for outsourcing operations and for managing risks inherent in such outsourcing relationships. Concept : • The Reserve bank of India on Monday asked cooperative banks to ensure that the outsourcing policy does not diminish its ability to fulfill its obligations to customers and RBI. • RBI said that the policy should also not impede effective supervision by RBI or National Bank for Agriculture and Development (NABARD). • The policy also requires banks to put in place criteria for selection of such activities as well as service providers, parameters for defining material outsourcing based on the broad criteria, a delegation of authority depending on risks and materiality, and systems to monitor and review the operations of these activities. Co-operative Banking • A Co-operative bank is a financial entity which belongs to its members, who are at the same time the owners and the customers of their bank. It is distinct from commercial banks. • They are broadly classified into Urban and Rural co-operative banks based on their region of operation. • They are registered under the Co-operative Societies Act of the State concerned or under the Multi- State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002. • The Co-operative banks are also governed by the Banking Regulations Act, 1949. Banking Laws (Co-operative Societies) Act, 1955. Features of Co-operative Banks: • Customer Owned Entities: Co-operative bank members are both customer and owner of the bank. • Democratic Member Control: These banks are owned and controlled by the members, who democratically elect a board of directors. Members usually have equal voting rights, according to the cooperative principle of “one person, one vote”. • Profit Allocation: A significant part of the yearly profit, benefits or surplus is usually allocated to constitute reserves and a part of this profit can also be distributed to the co-operative members, with legal and statutory limitations. • Financial Inclusion: They have played a significant role in the financial inclusion of unbanked rural masses. They provide cheap credit to masses in rural areas.

NCP OPPOSES RBI SUPERVISION OF COOPERATIVE BANKS: Context : The changes to The Banking Regulation Act approved by Parliament in September 2020, brought cooperative banks under the direct supervision of the RBI Concept : • Before, all the co-operative banks came under dual regulation of the RBI and the Registrar of Co- operative Societies, resulting in regulatory and supervisory lapses at many of these banks. • The RBI had no powers to draw up an enforceable scheme of reconstruction of a co-operative bank.

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• However, from now onwards the urban and multi-state co-operative will come under the direct supervision of RBI. Benefit: • The move will empower the RBI to regulate all urban and multi-state co-operative banks on the lines of commercial banks. • Earlier, the Supreme Court pronounced that co-operative banks come within the definition of ‘Banks’ under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 for the purposes of the Sarfaesi Act, 2002. • The Sarfaesi Act is an effective tool for bad loans (Non-Performing Assets) recovery. • It will also provide more security to depositors. • In India, there are 1482 urban co-operatives banks and 58 multi-state co-operative banks. • These banks have a depositor base of 8.6 crores, who have saved a huge amount of Rs. 4.84 lakh crore with these banks. Co-operative Banking • A Co-operative bank is a financial entity which belongs to its members, who are at the same time the owners and the customers of their bank. It is distinct from commercial banks. • They are broadly classified into Urban and Rural co-operative banks based on their region of operation. • They are registered under the Co-operative Societies Act of the State concerned or under the Multi- State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002. • The Co-operative banks are also governed by the Banking Regulations Act, 1949. Banking Laws (Co-operative Societies) Act, 1955.

Mukesh Ambani eyes a 75k crore green future for Reliance: Context : Reliance Industries has laid out an ambitious plan worth Rs 75,000 crore to pivot towards green energy as its chief Mukesh Ambani announced that the company will look to cut down its carbon footprint to nil by 2035 and join in the efforts to bridge the green energy divide “in India and globally. Concept : • Talking up a total investment of over Rs 60,000 crore in the next 3 years, Ambani said that the first part of the plan is to build “Four Giga Factories" that will “manufacture and fully integrate all the critical components of the new energy ecosystem". • The four component factories will comprise “an integrated solar photovoltaic module factory" for the production of solar energy while “an advanced energy storage battery factory" will be set up for the storage of intermittent energy. • An electrolyser factory will come up for the production of green hydrogen and, “for converting hydrogen into motive and stationary power", a fuel cell factory, too, is in the works. Working of a gigafactory • Gigafactory, a giant operation that first took shape in the Nevada desert, is a massive battery factory, a part of the plan to help transition of the world onto renewable sources. • Tesla CEO Elon Musk is the founder of Giga factory who is believed to have first coined the term “Gigafactory” in November 2013, and the word comes from the prefix “giga” which is used to denote a measurement that’s been multiplied by one billion. • The gigafactory is intended to gradually provide cradle-to-cradle handling of batteries, from raw material over components to finished products, and recycling old batteries into new. • Cells constitute most of the value creation, whereas packing and electronics are minor parts. More engineers are assigned to developing production equipment than to developing products.

88% of SMB's yet to avail stimulus benefits: Context: A nationwide survey conducted among self employed, micro and small businesses (SMBs) during June 10-15 indicates that 88 per cent of the respondents have not yet availed the benefits of any of the stimulus packages announced by the government.

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Concept : • Conducted by Chennai based Consortium of Indian Associations (CIA) and its 40 partner SMB associations, the survey found that 73 per cent of the SMB respondents did not make any profit during 2020-21. Over 81,000 SMBs participated in the survey. • The respondents included manufacturers (49 per cent), service providers (15 per cent), self-employed (14 per cent), and consultants, start-ups, traders, food and hospitality and others. • The CIA also proposed the government amend the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006, to strengthen the state facilitation councils.

Federal Reserve signals hike in interest rates: Context : Recently, the Dow Jones Industrial index in the US fell 0.77% and treasury yields rose after the Federal Reserve indicated that there could be two rate hikes by 2023. Concept : • In India, the benchmark Sensex fell marginally and the rupee lost over 1% against the dollar after indication from Federal Reserve. • The wholesale price index-based (WPI) inflation have scaled a record high of 12.94% in recent month which was pushed by higher fuel and commodity prices and a low base effect. • It also translated into retail inflation of 6.30% which led to breach of the inflation target of 4 ± 2% set by the Reserve Bank of India. Key Highlights of signals from Federal Reserve • They said that they would continue with an accommodative monetary policy and bond buying programme to support the economy, generate employment and achieve inflation of around 2%. • It discussed the rate hike and an eventual reduction, or tapering, of the central bank’s bond buying programme. • The Fed had signalled that there could be at least two rate hikes by 2023 as economic activity indicators have strengthened and inflation has firmed up. Impact of an early hike in interest rates • The indication of a hike in interest rates earlier than expected resulted in a rise in bond yields and strengthening of the dollar. • It impacts currencies and stock markets in emerging economies such as in India, benchmark Sensex fell 461 points or 0.87% during the day. • It would lead to an outflow of funds from equities into US treasury bonds and outflow of funds from emerging economies to the US. • The experts believe that a rise in yields leads to a situation where they start competing with equities, and market movement is severely impacted. • The rupee is also expected to come under pressure as the dollar strengthens.

Foreign Reserves crosses 600 billion dollars first time: Context: India’s foreign exchange reserves have crossed the $600 billion mark for the first time. The reserves kitty rose by $6.842 billion to $605.008 billion in the week of June 4, latest data from the Reserve Bank of India showed on Friday. Concept: • The increase in foreign kitty in the reporting week was mainly on the back of a rise in the value of foreign currency assets (FCA) held by the central bank even as the value of gold reserves held by RBI fell. Foreign exchange reserves • Foreign exchange reserves are assets held on reserve by a central bank in foreign currencies, which can include bonds, treasury bills and other government securities. • It needs to be noted that most foreign exchange reserves are held in U.S. dollars.

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• These assets serve many purposes but are most significantly held to ensure that the central bank has backup funds if the national currency rapidly devalues or becomes altogether insolvent. India’s Forex Reserves include: • Foreign Currency Assets • Gold • Special Drawing Rights • Reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Foreign Currency Assets • FCA are assets that are valued based on a currency other than the country’s own currency. • FCA is the largest component of the forex reserve. It is expressed in dollar terms. • FCA includes the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves. • Currency appreciation refers to the increase in value of one currency relative to another in the forex markets. • Currency depreciation is a fall in the value of a currency in a floating exchange rate system. • In a floating exchange rate system, market forces (based on demand and supply of a currency) determine the value of a currency. Special Drawing Rights • The SDR is an international reserve asset, created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1969 to supplement its member countries’ official reserves. • The SDR is neither a currency nor a claim on the IMF. Rather, it is a potential claim on the freely usable currencies of IMF members. SDRs can be exchanged for these currencies. • The value of the SDR is calculated from a weighted basket of major currencies, including the U.S. dollar, the euro, Japanese yen, Chinese yuan, and British pound. • The interest rate on SDRs or SDRi is the interest paid to members on their SDR holdings. Reserve Position in the International Monetary Fund • A reserve tranche position implies a portion of the required quota of currency each member country must provide to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that can be utilized for its own purposes. • The reserve tranche is basically an emergency account that IMF members can access at any time without agreeing to conditions or paying a service fee.

Fast Tracking Freight in India: Context : NITI Aayog, RMI and RMI India’s new report, Fast Tracking Freight in India: A Roadmap for Clean and Cost-Effective Goods Transport, presents key opportunities for India to reduce its logistics costs. Concept : • Freight transportation is a critical backbone of India’s growing economy, and now more than ever, it’s important to make this transport system more cost-effective, efficient, and cleaner. • Due to the rising demand for goods and services, freight transport demand is expected to grow rapidly in the future. • While freight transport is essential to economic development, it is plagued by high logistics costs and contributes to rising CO2 emissions and air pollution in cities. Highlights of the Roadmap • According to the report, India has the potential to: • Reduce its logistics cost by 4% of GDP • Achieve 10 gigatonnes of cumulative CO2 emissions savings between 2020 and 2050 • Reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions by 35% and 28%, respectively, until 2050 • The report outlines solutions for the freight sector related to policy, technology, market, business models, and infrastructure development.

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IIP Edged up 0.08% in April from same month in 2019: Context: India’s April industrial output edged up 0.08%, from the level recorded during the same month in 2019, index of industrial production (IIP) data released by the National Statistical Office on Friday showed. Concept : • The IIP data was not comparable with the year-earlier figures as ‘a majority of the establishments did not operate in April 2020’ as a result of the nationwide lockdown imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 infections, the NSO observed. • The manufacturing sector, hit hardest by last year’s national lockdown, posted a 0.9% decline when compared with April 2019. Economists said the IIP data needed to be seen in perspective, given the impact of the second wave. Index of Industrial Production • The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is an index that shows the growth rates in different industry groups of the economy in a fixed period of time. • It is compiled and published monthly by the Central Statistical Organization (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. • IIP is a composite indicator that measures the growth rate of industry groups classified under: Broad sectors: Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity. Use-based sectors: Basic Goods, Capital Goods, and Intermediate Goods. • Base Year for IIP is 2011-2012. • The eight core industries of India represent about 40% of the weight of items that are included in the IIP. Significance of IIP: • IIP is the only measure on the physical volume of production. • It is used by government agencies including the Ministry of Finance, the Reserve Bank of India, etc, for policy-making purposes. • IIP remains extremely relevant for the calculation of the quarterly and advance GDP estimates.

Review GST Sops timing, urges Industry: Context : While the GST Council meets on Saturday to discuss tax cuts on critical COVID-19 related material including vaccines, medicines and equipment, industry donors are urging a rethink on the timing for the applicability of the Integrated GST (IGST) exemption announced on imported relief supplies after the council’s last meeting. Concept: • IGST meaning Integrated Goods and Service Tax, is one of the three categories under Goods and Service Tax (CGST, IGST and SGST) with a concept of one tax one nation. • IGST falls under Integrated Goods and Service Tax Act 2016. • IGST is charged when movement of goods and services from one state to another. For example, if goods are moved from Tamil Nadu to Kerala, IGST is levied on such goods. • The revenue out of IGST is shared by state government and central government as per the rates fixed by the authorities. Under Article 269A of the Constitution, • The GST on supplies in the course of interState trade shall be levied and collected by the Government of India and • such tax shall be apportioned between the Union and the States according to the provisions of law on the recommendations of the Goods and Services Tax Council. • Under the IGST scheme, 50% of the collections will go to the Centre (as the Central Goods and Services Tax component) and the remaining 50% will be allocated to the States and Union Territories (as the State Goods and Services Tax component). And, 42% of the CGST will be devolved to the States and Union Territories.

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CII urges ₹ 3-lakh crore stimulus: Context : Mooting ‘urgent’ fiscal support to shore up the economy, industry body CII on Thursday said the government has room to provide a ₹ 3-lakh crore stimulus and advocated a reduction in fuel taxes and enhancement in cash transfers to households to revive demand. Concept : • Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) president T.V. Narendran called for employment generation to be the central focus of policy measures and an expansion of the central bank’s balance sheet to accommodate a fiscal push of 1.3% of GDP. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) • CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization, playing a proactive role in India's development process. • Founded in 1895, India's premier business association has around 9000 members, from the private as well as public sectors, including SMEs and MNCs, and an indirect membership of over 300,000 enterprises from around 276 national and regional sectoral industry bodies. • It works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the development of India, partnering industry, Government, and civil society, through advisory and consultative processes.

Base Effect sends IIP soaring 134% in April: Context: The country’s industrial growth technically jumped 134 per cent year-on-year in April, mainly due to the base effect. Concept: • According to National Statistical Office (NSO) data, the Index of Industrial Production surged to 126.6 in April 2021 from 54.0 in the same month last year, when the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 had brought production to halt at most units. • The IIP had expanded 24.14 per cent in March 2021 to 145.5, also mainly on base effect. • To put the IIP number in perspective, in April 2019, it had grown 4.3 per cent over the same month the previous year. Base Effect • The base effect refers to the impact of the rise in price level (i.e. last year’s inflation) in the previous year over the corresponding rise in price levels in the current year (i.e., current inflation) • If the price index had risen at a high rate in the corresponding period of the previous year leading to a high inflation rate, some of the potential rise is already factored in, therefore a similar absolute increase in the Price index in the current year will lead to a relatively lower inflation rates. • Ex. If inflation in June 2016 was 8% and absolute increase in Price index in June 2017 was say 9%, then, inflation in June 2017 will be low i.e. 1% • On the other hand, if the inflation rate was too low in the corresponding period of the previous year, even a relatively smaller rise in the Price Index will arithmetically give a high rate of current inflation. • Ex. If inflation in June 2016 was 1% and absolute increase in Price index in June 2017 was say 4%, then, inflation in June 2017 will be low i.e. 3%

Indira Gandhi Canal Repair completed in record time: Context : In an engineering feat, the repair and relining of the Indira Gandhi Canal, the country’s longest canal which terminates in irrigation facilities in Thar desert, was accomplished in a record 60-day period amid the second wave of the pandemic, restoring 70 km of both the main canal and the feeder distributaries. Concept : About • Indira Gandhi Canal is one of the largest canal systems located in Rajasthan, India. • Previously called the Rajasthan Canal. • Conceived by Kanwar Sain in 1948, • It was launched on 31st March 1958.

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• The canal originates at Harike barrage in Punjab and runs parallel to the Pakistan border at an average distance of 40 km in Thar Desert (Marusthali) of Rajasthan. • The total planned length of the system is 9,060 km catering to the irrigation needs of a total culturable command area of 19.63 lakh hectares. • Out of the total command area, about 70 percent was envisaged to be irrigated by the flow system and the rest by the lift system. • The construction work is of two stages: Stage-I and Stage-II STAGE-I: • The command area of Stage-I lies in Ganganagar, Hanumangarh and northern part of Bikaner districts. It has a gently undulating topography and its culturable command area is 5.53 lakh hectares. STAGE-II: • The command area of Stage-II is spread over Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Nagaur and Churu districts covering an area of 14.10 lakh hectares. It comprises desert land dotted with shifting sand dunes and temperature soaring to 50oC in summers. • In the lift canal, the water is lifted up to make it flow against the slope of the land. All the lift canals of the Indira Gandhi Canal system originate at the left bank of the main canal while all the canals on the right bank of the main canal are flow channels.

NSE-BSE bulk deals: IDBI Bank sells stake in Zicom Electronic: Context : IDBI Bank NSE 0.26 % today sold 500,000 shares of Zicom Electronic Security NSE 4.00 % at Rs 1.3 per share through a bulk deal on the National Stock Exchange. Concept : Bulk Deals • A deal which happens under a single client code in either single or multiple transactions and involves more than 0.5% of equity shares of a company is known as a bulk deal. It can be materialised at any time during the trading hours in a day. It has the following features: • The deal should involve at least 0.5% of the equity shares of the company listed in an exchange or a scrip. • The broker is completely responsible for the transaction and about notifying the exchange about the bulk deals daily. • It happens in a single trade transaction. • The trade should materialise in delivery and cannot be reversed. • All surveillance, risk and regulation measures applicable in common trading are applied here as well. • It is mostly the mutual funds, asset management companies, insurance companies, banks etc. which participate in these deals.

Money multiplier: Context :C Rangarajan, D K Srivastava write: A word of caution, though: With higher expenditure, financed through borrowings, the impact of liquidity expansion on inflation needs to be monitored. Concept : Money Supply: • The total stock of money in circulation among the public at a particular point of time is called money supply. • It needs to be noted that total stock of money is different from total supply of money. • Supply of money is only that part of total stock of money which is held by the public at a particular point of time. • The circulating money involves the currency, printed notes, money in the deposit accounts and in the form of other liquid assets. • RBI publishes figures for four alternative measures of money supply, viz. M1, M2, M3 and M4.

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M1 = CU + DD M2 = M1 + Savings deposits with Post Office savings banks M3 = M1 + Net time deposits of commercial banks M4 = M3 + Total deposits with Post Office savings organisations (excluding National Savings Certificates) • CU is currency (notes plus coins) held by the public and DD is net demand deposits held by commercial banks. • The word ‘net’ implies that only deposits of the public held by the banks are to be included in money supply. • The interbank deposits, which a commercial bank holds in other commercial banks, are not to be regarded as part of money supply. • M1 and M2 are known as narrow money. M3 and M4 are known as broad money. • These gradations are in decreasing order of liquidity. • M1 is most liquid and easiest for transactions whereas M4 is least liquid of all. • M3 is the most commonly used measure of money supply. It is also known as aggregate monetary resources. Money Multiplier Effect : • Money multiplier is a term in monetary Economics that is a phenomenon of creating money in the economy in the form of credit creation, based on the fractional reserve banking system. • Money multiplier is also known as the monetary multiplier. It is the maximum limit to which money supply can be affected by bringing about changes in the amount of money deposits. • Money multiplier effect is seen in commercial banks as they accept deposits and after keeping a certain amount as a reserve, distribute the money as loans for injecting liquidity in the economy. • The amount of money that should be kept by commercial banks in their reserve for withdrawal purposes by the customers is referred to as the reserve ratio or required reserve ratio or cash reserve ratio. • Mathematically, money multiplier formula can be represented as Money Multiplier = 1/ r Where r = Required reserve ratio or cash reserve ratio • It means that if the reserve ratio is higher, then the money multiplier will be lower and the banks need to keep more reserves. As a result, they will not be able to lend more money to individuals and businesses. • Similarly, a lower reserve ratio results in a higher money multiplier which allows a lesser amount of money to be kept as a reserve and more lending opportunities to the public.

KERALA WON BATTLE AGAINST KARNATAKA FOR KSRTC: Context : After a seven-year legal battle for the trademark, Kerala has announced that the Trade Marks Registry’s final verdict on Wednesday gave it the right to use the abbreviation KSRTC, its emblem, and even the nickname ‘Anavandi’, which means elephant vehicle. Concept : Trademark • Trademark refers to graphical representation of goods or services to make it distinguishable from others. • It can be words, symbols, sound, colours, shape of goods, graphics representation or packaging etc. • It protects owner against unfair competition, prevents damage to reputation of owner and consumer welfare. • In India, trademarks are governed under Trademarks Act, 1999 ( it deals with precise nature of rights one can acquire in respect of trademarks), under aegis of Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce. • The implementing body is Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks.

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GOVT HAS ADVANCED THE TARGET FOR ETHANOL BLENDING: Context: The government of India has advanced the target for 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol (also called E20) to 2025 from 2030. E20 will be rolled out from April 2023. Concept: • The central government has also released an expert committee report on the Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by 2025. • The roadmap proposes a gradual rollout of ethanol-blended fuel to achieve E10 fuel supply by April 2022 and phased rollout of E20 from April 2023 to April 2025. • Currently, 8.5 per cent of ethanol is blended with petrol in India. In order to introduce vehicles that are compatible the committee recommends roll out of E20 material-compliant and E10 engine-tuned vehicles from April 2023 and production of E20-tuned engine vehicles from April 2025. E 20 Fuel • E20 fuel is a blend of 20% of ethanol with gasoline. • The current permissible level of blending is 10% of ethanol, though India reached only 5.6% of blending in 2019. • It will help in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, etc. • It will help reduce the oil import bill, thereby saving foreign exchange and boosting energy security. • Compatibility of Vehicles: As per the government, the compatibility of the vehicle to the percentage of ethanol in the blend of ethanol and gasoline shall be defined by the vehicle manufacturer and the same shall be displayed on the vehicle by putting a clearly visible sticker.

Finance Ministry releases 9871 cr as third instalment of revenue grant to 17 states: Context : With the release of this instalment, total ₹ 29,613 crore has been released in the first three months of the current financial year as Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant to states Concept : • The Centre provides PDRD grant to states under Article 275 of the Constitution. • The grants are released as per the recommendations of the Finance Commission in monthly instalments to meet the gap in Revenue Accounts of states post devolution. • The 15th Finance Commission has recommended PDRD grants to 17 states — Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. • The eligibility of states to receive this grant and the quantum of grant was decided by the Commission based on the gap between assessment of revenue and expenditure of the state • Assessed devolution for financial year 2021-22 was also taken into account by the Commission. • The 15th Finance Commission has recommended total PDRD grant of ₹ 1,18,452 crore to 17 states in 2021-22. The grant is released to states in 12 monthly instalments. Article 275 of the Constitution: • It provides for the payment of such sums as Parliament may by law provide as grants-in aid to such States as Parliament may determine to be in need of assistance. • The grants are paid out of the Consolidated Fund of India in each year, and different sums may be fixed for different States. • These grants are to be of the nature of capital and recurring sums as may be necessary. • These aim to enable that State to meet the costs of such schemes of development as may be undertaken by it with the approval of the Government of India for the purpose of promoting the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes in that State or raising the level of administration of the Scheduled Areas there in to that of the administration of the rest of the areas of that State. • Grants are primarily intended to correct Inter-State disparities in financial resources and to coordinate the maintenance and expansion of the welfare schemes of the State Governments on a uniform national level.

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16 MINERAL BLOCKS UP FOR AUCTION SOON: Context : The Chhattisgarh government is planning to auction 16 new blocks of iron ore and limestone in the next two to three months, a press release issued by the state government stated. Concept : District Mineral Foundation • DMFs were instituted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act 2015. • They are non-profit trusts to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining- related operations. • Objective: To work for the interest of the benefit of the persons and areas affected mining related operations in such manner as may be prescribed by the State Government. • Its manner of operation comes under the jurisdiction of the relevant State Government. • The fund is collected at the district level. There are certain high-priority areas identified in all states’ DMF rules, where at least 60 per cent of the fund must be used. These include vital and pressing concerns, including healthcare. The various state DMF rules and the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Khestra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) guidelines stipulate some “high priority” issues for DMFs, including: • Drinking water. • Health • Women and child welfare. • Education • Livelihood and skill development. • Welfare of aged and disabled. • Sanitation

CORE INDUSTRIES OUTPUT FALL: Context : The output of eight core industries grew 56.1 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in April 2021 on a low- base effect as industrial production was very low in the year-ago month because of a nationwide lockdown. Concept: • However, the industrial output declined 15.1 per cent as compared to March 2021 due to the emergence of second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, with all eight industries registering a decline in output. • The combined ICI stood at 126.7 in April 2021, which increased by 56.1 per cent (provisional) as compared to the Index of April 2020. This high growth rate in April 2021 is largely due to low Index base in April 2020 consequent to the low industrial production across all sectors caused by nationwide lockdown imposed to contain spread of Covid-19 last year. • The growth rate of ICI during April-March 2020-21was (-)6.5% (P) as compared to the corresponding period of last FY. Base Effect • The base effect refers to the impact of the rise in price level (i.e. last year’s inflation) in the previous year over the corresponding rise in price levels in the current year (i.e., current inflation) • If the price index had risen at a high rate in the corresponding period of the previous year leading to a high inflation rate, some of the potential rise is already factored in, therefore a similar absolute increase in the Price index in the current year will lead to a relatively lower inflation rates. • Ex. If inflation in June 2016 was 8% and absolute increase in Price index in June 2017 was say 9%, then, inflation in June 2017 will be low i.e. 1% • On the other hand, if the inflation rate was too low in the corresponding period of the previous year, even a relatively smaller rise in the Price Index will arithmetically give a high rate of current inflation. • Ex. If inflation in June 2016 was 1% and absolute increase in Price index in June 2017 was say 4%, then, inflation in June 2017 will be low i.e. 3%. Core Industries • Core industry can be defined as the main industry which has a multiplier effect on the economy.

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• In most countries, there is particular industry that seems to be backbone of all other industries and it qualifies to be the core industry. • The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). • The eight Core Industries in decreasing order of their weightage: Refinery Products> Electricity> Steel> Coal> Crude Oil> Natural Gas> Cement> Fertilizers.The eight Core Industries in decreasing order of their weightage: Refinery Products> Electricity> Steel> Coal> Crude Oil> Natural Gas> Cement> Fertilizers.

POWER MINISTRY CIRCULATED DISCUSSION PAPER ON MBED: Context : Ministry of Power has circulated discussion Paper on Market Based Economic Despatch (MBED) on 1st June 2021 to all concerned stakeholders for obtaining their inputs and comments. Concept : • Since electricity cannot be stored in power lines, the entity operating the power grid must continuously adjust the output of its power plants to meet electricity demand. This process is called the "dispatch" of power plants. Background • The existing electricity scheduling and despatch mechanisms in the country are siloed and the day- ahead procedures result in sub-optimal utilization of the country’s generating resources. • It has been observed that the states very often end up committing and utilizing costlier generation plants, while cheaper generation plants are not fully scheduled / utilized across the country. MBED • MBED will ensure that the cheapest generating resources across the country are despatched to meet the overall system demand. • This will be a win-win for both the distribution companies and the generators and ultimately result in an estimated annual savings in excess of INR 12,000 crores for the electricity consumers. MBED shall also facilitate larger integration of variable renewable energy • Implementing Market Based Economic Despatch (MBED) will ensure a “One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency, One Price” framework. Timeline • It has been suggested to implement MBED in phases. • The Ministry of Power intends to implement Phase 1 of MBED from 1 April 2022. • The first phase of MBED would involve only the thermal fleet of central generating stations to test the efficacy of the mechanism and allow for necessary infrastructure and systems to be built out and tested before scale-up.

CENTRE ANNOUNCES HIKE IN MSP FOR PADDY , PULSES : Context : The Central government has hiked the minimum support price (MSP) for common paddy to ₹1,940 a quintal for the coming kharif season, less than 4% higher than last year’s price of ₹ 1,868. Concept : Minimum support price • MSP is the minimum price paid to the farmer for procuring food crops. • It offers an assurance to farmers that their realisation for the agricultural produce will not fall below the stated price. • The government uses the MSP as a market intervention tool to incentivise production of a specific food crop which is in short supply. • It also protects farmers from any sharp fall in the market price of a commodity. • MSPs are usually announced at the beginning of the sowing season and this helps farmers make informed decisions on the crops they must plant.

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• MSP is computed on the basis of the recommendations made by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). • It considers factors such as the cost of production, change in input prices, market price trends, demand and supply, and a reasonable margin for farmers. • The Centre has increased the MSP of kharif crops for 2020-21 crop year in line with the principle of fixing MSPs at a level which is at 1.5 times the cost of production that was announced in Union Budget 2018-19. • Concerted efforts were made over the last few years to realign the MSPs in favour of oilseeds, pulses and coarse cereals to encourage farmers shift to larger area under these crops and adopt best technologies and farm practices, to correct demand – supply imbalance. • The added focus on nutri-rich nutri-cereals is to incentivize its production in the areas where rice-wheat cannot be grown without long term adverse implications for groundwater table. • Crops covered under MSP: Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Maize, Tur, Moong, Urad, groundnut, sunflower seed, soyabean, nigerseed, Cotton and sesamum • Besides, the Umbrella Scheme “Pradhan MantriAnnadataAaySanraksHanAbhiyan” (PM-AASHA) announced by the government in 2018 will aid in providing remunerative return to farmers for their produce. The Umbrella Scheme consists of three sub-schemes i.e. • Price Support Scheme (PSS) • Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) • Private Procurement &Stockist Scheme (PPSS) on a pilot basis.

FIRST NANO LIQUID UREA BY IFFCO: Context: In a statement, IFFCO said the “World’s 1st Nano Urea Liquid” was unveiled during its 50th annual general body meeting. Concept: • FFCO Nano Urea Liquid is developed to replace conventional urea and it can curtail the requirement of the same by at least 50%. • It contains 40,000 ppm of nitrogen in a 500 ml bottle which is equivalent to the impact of nitrogen nutrient provided by one bag of conventional urea. • The Nano Urea Liquid, developed by IFFCO’s scientists and engineers, will be available in 500 ml bottles. • IFFCO has priced Nano Urea at Rs 240 per 500 ml bottle for the farmers, which is 10% cheaper than the cost of a bag of conventional Urea. Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) • IFFCO is large scale fertiliser cooperative federation in India which is registered as Multistate Cooperative Society. • It is one of India’s biggest cooperative society which is wholly owned by Indian Cooperatives. • It was founded in 1967 with just 57 cooperatives and at present it has amalgamation of over 36,000 Indian Cooperatives with diversified business interests ranging from General Insurance to Rural Telecom apart from its core business of manufacturing and selling fertilisers. • It is headquartered in New Delhi.

INDIA’s GDP FALL: Context: 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. GDP growth in 2019-20, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, was 4%. Concept: • The Gross Value Added (GVA) in the economy shrank 6.2% in 2020-21, compared to a 4.1% rise in the previous year.

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• • 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%). • 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%). Significance • 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.

NEW GOLD SPOT EXCHANGE PROPOSED BY SEBI: Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has added a breath of freshness to the commodity market by floating the idea of having a new gold spot exchange. Concept: • The spot exchange is where financial instruments, such as commodities, currencies, and securities, are traded for immediate delivery. • SEBI is a statutory body established in April, 1992 in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992. Framework of Gold Exchange: • In the first tranche, an entity desirous of delivering gold, locally manufactured or imported, on the exchange platform would have to approach a SEBI regulated vault manager and deposit physical gold meeting quality and quantity parameters with it. • Against this, the vault manager will issue an EGR (Electronic Gold Receipt), which will be tradeable on the exchanges, in the second tranche. • A beneficial owner will surrender the EGR to a vault manager and take delivery of the gold in the third tranche. • A common interface will be developed between vault managers, depositories, clearing corporations and stock exchanges to enable seamless execution of the three tranches. • The proposed denominations - reflecting underlying physical gold - of EGRs are 1 kilogram, 100 gram, 50 gram and subject to conditions, those can also be even for 5 and 10 gram. • STT (Security Transaction Tax) will be levied on trading of the EGR and IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax) at the time of delivery. Reason for Creating Separate Exchange for Gold: • To create a vibrant gold ecosystem in India which is commensurate with its large share of global gold consumption. • India (after China) is the second largest consumer of gold globally, with annual gold demand of approximately 800-900 tonnes, and holds an important position in the global markets. • The objective behind setting up gold exchanges is for India to become a price setter rather than a price taker and to establish an India good delivery standard, akin to London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) accredited gold bars. • Setting up a new stock spot gold exchange has advantages such as single good delivery standard, reduced market fragmentation, improved liquidity, and single reference price.

COMMITTEE ON VARIABLE CAPITAL COMPANY: Context : Recently, the expert committee on Variable Capital Company (VCC) submits its report to the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).

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Concept : • The Committee of Experts to examine the feasibility of the Variable Capital Company (VCC) was constituted by International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). • It aims to examine the suitability of the Variable Capital Company as a vehicle for fund management in the International Financial Services Centre in India. • It was set up to explore the potential for allowing another legal structure i.e. variable capital company (VCC) as an additional option through which asset managers could pool the investors’ funds. • It examined the relevance and adaptability of the VCC for the IFSC in India or alternative structures to attract fund business in the IFSC. The pooling of funds in India is undertaken through three types of entities, namely: • Limited liability companies governed under the Companies Act, 2013; • Limited liability partnerships under the Limited Liability Partnership Act; and • Trusts governed under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. Variable Capital Company (VCC) • It is a new corporate structure for investment funds. • It has a variable capital structure that provides flexibility in the issuance and redemption of its shares. • It can be set up as a single standalone fund or an umbrella fund with two or more sub-funds, each holding a portfolio of segregated assets and liabilities. • It is basically an alternative form of corporate vehicle that dispenses with some of the key limitations of companies and LLPs. • It can be used for both open-ended and closed ended alternative and traditional fund strategies.

SURGE IN FDI INFLOWS: Context: Recently, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has announced that in a pandemic-ravaged year, India managed to rake in the highest ever foreign direct investment during financial year 2020-21 at $81.72 billion. Concept: • Singapore was the biggest investor in India last fiscal, accounting for 29 per cent FDI, followed by the United States at 23 per cent and Mauritius at 9 per cent. • The US and UK reported 227 per cent and 44 per cent year-on-year increase in FDI in India during FY21. • Out of top 10 countries, Saudi Arabia was the top investor in terms of percentage increase during FY21. • It invested $2,816.08 million in comparison to $89.93 million reported in the previous financial year. • Among states, Gujarat received the highest FDI at 37 per cent of the total equity inflows. • Maharashtra and Karnataka had the second and third highest flow at 27 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively. • The computer software and hardware segment received the most FDI in FY21, accounting for 44 per cent of total FDI equity inflow. Significance of increase in FDI inflows • It reflects the confidence of international investors in India’s market as FDI inflows play an important role as India faces huge infrastructure funding requirements to boost growth. • Increased Employment and Economic Growth: The increased FDI boosts the manufacturing as well as the services sector which in turn creates jobs, and helps reduce unemployment among the educated youth. • Human Resource Development: The skills gained and enhanced through training and experience boost the education and human capital quotient of the country. • Development of Backward Areas: The FDI enables the transformation of backward areas in a country into industrial centres which in turn provides a boost to the social economy of the area.

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• Provision of Finance & Technology: The introduction of newer, enhanced technologies and processes results in their diffusion into the local economy, resulting in enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of the industry. • Increase in Exports: The creation of 100% Export Oriented Units and Economic Zones have further assisted FDI investors in boosting their exports from other countries. • Exchange Rate Stability: The constant flow of FDI into a country translates into a continuous flow of foreign exchange which helps the country’s Central Bank maintain a comfortable reserve of foreign exchange.

ETHANOL BLENDING TARGET YEAR SHIFTED: Context : Ethanol-petrol-blending 20% target date advanced to 2025. Concept : • As India looks to cut carbon emissions and reduce oil imports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that the deadline for achieving 20% ethanol-blending with petrol was pushed to 2025 in the country. • The government set a target of reaching 10% ethanol-blending in petrol by 2022 last year, and aimed to mix 20% of ethanol mixed with 90 per cent of diesel by 2030. About Ethanol • Ethanol is a bio-fuel obtained primarily from sugarcane, damaged food grains such as wheat and broken rice. • It has a higher octane number than gasoline and hence, it improves the petrol octane number. • Mixing it with petrol eases the pressure on India, which is the world's third-biggest oil importer, and also helps farmers as it provides them with an alternate source of income. • It is also environment-friendly as agriculture waste is less polluting.

Maharashtra govt may reject RBI guidelines: Context: Maharashtra govt may reject RBI’s plan on merger of DCCBs with State co-operative banks Concept: • Cooperative banks were set up to supplant indigenous sources of rural credit, particularly money lenders, today they mostly serve the needs of agriculture and allied activities, rural-based industries and to a lesser extent, trade and industry in urban centers. Co-operative banks have a three tier structure — • Primary (agriculture or urban) credit societies, • District central co-operative banks and at the apex level, • State co-operative banks. Functions and Regulations • Primary (urban) credit societies that meet certain specified criteria can apply to RBI for a banking license to operate as urban co-operative banks. • Primary (urban) co-operative banks are registered and governed by state governments under the respective co-operative societies acts of the concerned states. • This is because as per our Constitution "Cooperation" is defined under the State list. • Since they are also covered by the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, they come under the control of the RBI as well. • While the managerial aspects of these banks are controlled by the state governments, matters related to banking are governed by RBI directives. • Traditionally, the area of operation of primary (urban) co-operative banks is confined to metropolitan, urban or semi-urban centres and caters to the needs of small borrowers. • However, there is no formal restriction as such and today UCBs can conduct business in the entire district in which they are registered, including rural areas. Well managed primary UCBs with deposits

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of over Rs 50 crore are also allowed to operate in more than one state subject to certain norms. These banks are also included in the Second Schedule of the RBI Act 1934. • They are registered under the Central Registrar of Cooperatives and become Multi State scheduled banks. District central co-operative banks and State co-operative banks (SCBs) • Primary Agriculture credit societies operate at village level and are affiliated to DCCB's. DCCB operate at district level and are affiliated to SCB. • Earlier these two tiers were also under the supervision of the RBI. However, following the establishment of the National Bank of Agriculture and Development (NABARD) in 1982, the supervisory function of these banks has been passed on to NABARD.

PETROL AND DIESEL PRICES ARE CONTINUING TO RISE IN INDIA: Context : Petrol has crossed the Rs 100 mark in at least six states as a result of a Rs 4.9 per litre hike in its price since the beginning of May. Concept : Fuel price dynamics in India • Retail petrol and diesel prices are in theory decontrolled — or linked to global crude oil prices. • It means that if crude prices fall retails prices should come down too, and vice versa. • But this does not happen in practice, largely because oil price decontrol is a one-way street in India. • When global crude oil prices fall and prices slide, the government slaps fresh taxes and levies to ensure that it rakes in extra revenues. • The consumer should have ideally benefited by way of lower pump prices, is forced to either shell out what she’s already paying or spend even more for every litre of fuel. • The main beneficiary in this subversion of price decontrol is the government. Why crude oil prices are rising now? • The price of crude oil has risen sharply in 2021 on the back of a recovery in global demand as the world economy recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic. • The price of Brent crude has risen by 37.1 per cent to about $71 per barrel from about $51.8 per barrel at the beginning of the year. • The price of petrol and diesel are pegged to a 15-day rolling average of the international prices of the petrol and diesel. • However, current petrol prices are significantly higher than prices in FY14 when the average price of India’s crude basket was $105.5 per barrel. What is the impact of taxes? • Increasing central and state taxes on petrol and diesel are the key reason for the prices of petrol and diesel being at record highs, even though the price of crude oil is only 3.5 per cent higher than at the beginning of 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic led to a sharp fall in the demand for crude oil.

DEVIKA PROJECT OF UDHAMPUR: Context : Recently, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions has said that Devika Project is for all and therefore suggestions are welcome from every Party. Concept : About Devika Project • It is North India’s first- of- its- kind project located in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir. • It is Rs.190 Crore project under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) which started in March 2019. The activities involved under the project are: • Bathing “ghats” (places) on the banks of the Devika River will be developed; • Encroachments will be removed; and

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• Natural water bodies will be restored and catchment areas will be developed along with cremation ground. • The project includes the construction of three sewage treatment plants of 8 MLD, 4 MLD and 1.6 MLD capacities. About Devika River • It holds great religious significance as it is revered by Hindus as the sister of river Ganga. • In the Nilmat Puran that was written in the 7th century by Nela Muni, it is mentioned that the Devika River is a manifestation of the mother Goddess Parwati herself to benefit the people of Mader Desha. • It originates from the hilly Suddha Mahadev temple in Udhampur district and flows down towards western Punjab (now in Pakistan) where it merges with the Ravi River.

Decline in gold & curerncy assets pull forex reserves off record high: Context : Sliding from the life-time high recorded a week ago, the forex reserves declined by $4.148 billion to reach $603.933 billion for the week ended June 18 on account of a fall in gold and currency assets, as per data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Concept : • Sustained foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign portfolio investor (FPI) inflows had led to the gains in foreign exchange — or forex — reserves in the past few weeks. • In the reporting week ended June 18, the FCA — a major component of the overall reserves — declined by $1.918 billion to $561.540 billion for the reporting week, as per data released by by the Reserve Bank on Friday. Foreign Exchange Reserves: • Foreign exchange reserves are assets held on reserve by a central bank in foreign currencies, which can include bonds, treasury bills and other government securities. • It needs to be noted that most foreign exchange reserves are held in U.S. dollars. • These assets serve many purposes but are most significantly held to ensure that the central bank has backup funds if the national currency rapidly devalues or becomes altogether insolvent. India’s Forex Reserves include: • Foreign Currency Assets • Gold • Special Drawing Rights • Reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Foreign Currency Assets • FCA are assets that are valued based on a currency other than the country's own currency. • FCA is the largest component of the forex reserve. It is expressed in dollar terms. • FCA includes the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves. • Currency appreciation refers to the increase in value of one currency relative to another in the forex markets. • Currency depreciation is a fall in the value of a currency in a floating exchange rate system. • In a floating exchange rate system, market forces (based on demand and supply of a currency) determine the value of a currency. Special Drawing Rights • The SDR is an international reserve asset, created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1969 to supplement its member countries’ official reserves. • The SDR is neither a currency nor a claim on the IMF. Rather, it is a potential claim on the freely usable currencies of IMF members. SDRs can be exchanged for these currencies. • The value of the SDR is calculated from a weighted basket of major currencies, including the U.S. dollar, the euro, Japanese yen, Chinese yuan, and British pound. • The interest rate on SDRs or SDRi is the interest paid to members on their SDR holdings.

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Reserve Position in the International Monetary Fund • A reserve tranche position implies a portion of the required quota of currency each member country must provide to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that can be utilized for its own purposes. • The reserve tranche is basically an emergency account that IMF members can access at any time without agreeing to conditions or paying a service fee.

SARDAR SAROVAR DAM IS PROVIDING IRRIGATION WATER IN SUMMER FOR FIRST TIME: Context : Called the ‘lifeline of Gujarat', the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam usually has no water for irrigation during summers. However, this year the dam had 122.72 metres with live storage of 1,711 million cubic metres in the month of June. Concept : About Sardar Sarovar Dam • Sardar Sarovar Project is a concrete gravity dam on the Narmada river in Kevadiya near Navagam, Gujarat. • It is the second-largest concrete dam in the world in terms of the volume of concrete used to construct the dam (after the Grand Coulee Dam in the United States). • It involves a series of large irrigation and hydroelectric multi-purpose dams. • The irrigation benefits accrue to the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat while the hydroelectric power of the SSP is to be shared by the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Maharashtra is to get around 57 percent of the electricity produced; Madhya Pradesh will get around 27 percent and Gujarat around 16 percent. • It was funded by the World Bank through its International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), although it withdrew in 1994. • It is a part of the Narmada Valley Project, a large hydraulic engineering project involving the construction of a series of large irrigation and hydroelectric multi-purpose dams on the Narmada river.

RBI: Context : Recently, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the RBI has kept the repo rate, unchanged at 4 per cent for the sixth time in a row and slashed the growth rate to 9.5 per cent for fiscal 2021-22. Concept : • The panel said that the second wave of Covid-19 has altered the near-term outlook. • It necessitated urgent policy interventions, active monitoring and further timely measures to prevent emergence of supply chain bottlenecks and build-up of retail margins. • The policy support from all sides i.e. fiscal, monetary and sectoral, was required to nurture recovery and expedite return to normalcy. • The MPC decided to retain the prevailing repo rate and continue with the accommodative stance as long as necessary to revive and sustain growth on a durable basis and continue to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on the economy. Reasons for slashing growth rate • The central bank has scaled down the FY22 (2021-22) gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 9.5 per cent as against the previous projection of 10.5 per cent. • The urban demand has been dented by the second wave, but adoption of new Covid-compatible occupational models by businesses for an appropriate working environment may cushion the hit to economic activity. • The panel said domestic monetary and financial conditions remain highly accommodative and supportive of economic activity. • The vaccination process is expected to gather steam in the coming months and should help to normalise economic activity quickly. RBI’s plans on the liquidity front

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• It will continue to conduct regular operations for liquidity management. • It has decided to conduct another operation under G-SAP (government securities acquisition programme) for purchase of G-Secs of Rs 40,000 crore. • It has also been decided to undertake another G-SAP in Q2 of 2021-22 and conduct secondary market purchase operations of Rs 1.20 lakh crore to support the market. • It has undertaken regular open market operations and injected additional liquidity to the tune of Rs 36,545 crore in addition to Rs 60,000 crore under the first G-SAP.

INFLATION AND ITS EFFECTS: Context: Global Inflation usually spills over to emerging economies through the commodities channel which is already showing up in the WPI which captures inflation in the producer's level. Concept: • Inflation refers to the rise in the prices of most goods and services of daily or common use, such as food, clothing, housing, recreation, transport, consumer staples, etc. • Inflation measures the average price change in a basket of commodities and services over time. • The opposite and rare fall in the price index of this basket of items is called ‘deflation’. • Inflation is indicative of the decrease in the purchasing power of a unit of a country’s currency. This could ultimately lead to a deceleration in economic growth. • However, a moderate level of inflation is required in the economy to ensure that production is promoted. Who measures Inflation in India? • Inflation is measured by a central government authority, which is in charge of adopting measures to ensure the smooth running of the economy. In India, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation measures inflation. • In India, inflation is primarily measured by two main indices — WPI (Wholesale Price Index) and CPI (Consumer Price Index) which measure wholesale and retail-level price changes, respectively. The CPI calculates the difference in the price of commodities and services such as food, medical care, education, electronics etc, which Indian consumers buy for use. Adverse impacts of inflation: • Inflation causes decrease in the real value of money and other monetary items over time. • Inflation causes uncertainty over future and this may discourage investment and savings. • High inflation may lead to shortages of goods if consumers begin hording out of concern that prices will increase in the future. Favorable impacts of Inflation: • Inflation ensures that the central banks adjust the interest rates. • Inflation encourages non-monetary investment.

Alternatives like RBI printing currency: Context : Last week, T V Narendran, the CEO and Managing Director of Tata Steel Limited as well as the new president of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), urged the government to provide a fresh fiscal stimulus to boost demand in the economy Concept : • CII president has yet again reiterated what the last president had suggested: Government should ask the RBI to “expand its balance-sheet in order to accommodate the increased stimulus so that lending costs remain contained”. • In other words, CII wants the government to simply ask the RBI to print Rs 3 lakh crore worth of new cash and give it to the government to spend. Helicopter Money • This is an unconventional monetary policy tool aimed at bringing a flagging economy back on track.

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• It involves printing large sums of money and distributing it to the public. American economist Milton Friedman coined this term. • It basically denotes a helicopter dropping money from the sky. • Friedman used the term to signify “unexpectedly dumping money onto a struggling economy with the intention to shock it out of a deep slump.” • Under such a policy, a central bank “directly increases the money supply and, via the government, distributes the new cash to the population with the aim of boosting demand and inflation.” Is helicopter money the same as quantitative easing (QE)? • Quantitative easing involves the use of printed money by central banks to buy government bonds. • But not everyone views the money used in QE as helicopter money. • It sure means printing money to monetize government deficits, but the govt has to pay back for the assets that the central bank buys. • It’s not the same as bond-buying by central banks “in which bank-owned assets are swapped for new central bank reserves. • Helicopter money is also different from a central bank directly financing the debt of a government. Alternatives to printing money by RBI • The government can consider Covid bonds as an option to raise borrowing, not in addition to budgeted borrowing, but as a part of that. • They can provide relief to savers who are short-changed by the low-interest rates on bank fixed deposits. • Compressing “pay ratios” in the corporate world: It does not involve the government at all and follows the notion that charity begins at home. • The pay ratio of a firm is the ratio of the salary of the top-paid manager in the firm to the median salary in the firm. • The “median” salary means that level of salary which marks the middle point in terms of salaries i.e. half the number of employees earns less than this level and half of them earn more. • Wealth Tax: The economists Prabhat Patnaik and Jayati Ghosh refer to the Global Wealth Migration Review (2019) that found that the total net worth of private individuals in India in 2018 was Rs 570 lakh crore. • They pointed out that a 2% tax on the wealth of just the top 1% would fetch Rs 6.6 lakh crore. • Inheritance Tax: It is assumed that if every year 5% of the total wealth of top startup gets transferred to their children, or other legatees, as inheritance, then even a modest taxation of one-third of such inheritance would fetch Rs 5.5 lakh crore.

Meme Stocks: Context : Meme stocks, what many believed was a pandemic-induced diversion, seems to be staying on as a trend. Beginning with AMC Entertainment, GameStop and Blackberry, the list of meme stocks keeps on growing. Concept : • The term ‘meme stocks’ refers to under-the-radar stocks listed in the US market, usually without fundamentals, that suddenly catch the fancy of individual investors or day traders because they’re the subject of social media attention. • Meme stocks usually start to rise as retail investors gang up on forums such as Reddit to thwart big guys such as hedge funds with short (sell) positions and buy them just for the fun of it. • But such stocks, once they get going, can acquire a momentum of their own that defies all known metrics of valuation. • Such stocks have seen huge gains, sometimes 50-100 per cent in a day, after day traders, inspired by discussions on message boards such as Reddit, started buying them in a coordinated manner. • This has caught out short sellers such as large hedge funds such as Melvin Capital and White Square Capital.

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• Short sellers make losses when a stock price rises (they’ve sold the stock without owning it) and have to buy more stock to cover their positions. This propels prices even higher.

Retail Inflation breaches RBI Comfort Zone: Context : Recently, the Wholesale Price Index-based inflation scaled to a record high of 12.94 per cent in May which translated into a higher retail inflation of 6.30 per cent. Concept : Retail Inflation • The change in the consumer price index over a period of time is referred to as CPI-based inflation, or retail inflation. • The CPI is an index measuring retail inflation in the economy by collecting the change in prices of most common goods and services used by consumers. • The CPI is calculated for a fixed list of items including food, housing, apparel, transportation, electronics, medical care, education, etc. • The CPI specifically identifies periods of deflation or inflation for consumers in their day-to-day living expenses. • The CPI is used as a: Macroeconomic indicator of inflation; Tool by the central bank and government for inflation targeting and for inspecting price stability; and Deflator in the national accounts. Consumer Price Index in India • In India, there are four consumer price index numbers, which are calculated, and these are as follows: CPI for Industrial Workers (IW) CPI for Agricultural Labourers (AL) CPI for Rural Labourers (RL) and CPI for Urban Non-Manual Employees (UNME) • The Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation collects CPI (UNME) data and compiles it but the remaining three are collected by the Labour Bureau in the Ministry of Labour. Reasons for Retail Inflation breaching comfort zone of RBI • The wholesale inflation has been rising for five months, and is expected to rise further as the impact of high crude prices and surging commodity prices feeds in. • It would cause the retail inflation to rise as well, putting the central bank on a tightrope walk in balancing the growth-inflation dynamics. • The food inflation component for retail inflation rose significantly higher to 5.01 per cent in May from 1.96 per cent in the preceding month. • The items that pushed retail inflation were fuel which recorded an inflation of 11.6 per cent, transport and communication at 12.6 per cent, edible oil at 30.8 per and pulses at 9.3 per cent. • The high rate of inflation in May 2021 is primarily due to low base effect and rise in prices of crude petroleum, mineral oils viz. petrol, diesel, naphtha, furnace oil etc. and manufactured products. • The continued rise in global crude oil prices, a weaker rupee and the upward revision in domestic fuel prices remain risk factors for the upcoming WPI print.

Mandatory hallmarking roils jewellery industry: Context: Recently, the government has announced the phased implementation of mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery. In the first phase, gold hallmarking will be available in only in 256 districts and jewellers having annual turnover above Rs 40 lakh will come under its purview. Concept:

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Hallmarking of gold • The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) operates gold and silver hallmarking scheme in India. • It defines hallmarking as the accurate determination and official recording of the proportionate content of precious metal in precious metal articles. • The government has notified two categories i.e. gold jewellery and gold artefacts and silver jewellery and silver artefacts under the purview of hallmarking. • The hallmarking in India is available for jewellery of only two metals i.e. gold and silver. Exemptions under mandatory hallmarking • A certain category of jewellery and items will be exempted from the mandatory requirement of hallmarking. • The export and re-import of jewellery as per Trade Policy of Government of India i.e. Jewellery for international exhibitions, jewellery for government-approved B2B domestic exhibitions will be exempted from mandatory Hallmarking. • The fountain pens and special types of jewellery such as Kundan, Polki and Jadau will be exempted from hallmarking. Provisions under mandatory hallmarking • The government has announced that no penalty will be imposed till August 2021 for non-compliance with the hallmarking norm. • The jewellers with annual turnover up to Rs 40 lakh will be exempted from mandatory hallmarking. Purity standards for gold and silver under the hallmarking scheme • As per BIS standards, there are three categories of hallmarking based on purity of gold i.e. 22 carat, 18 carat and 14 carat. • The ministry has announced that the gold of additional carats 20, 23 and 24 will also be allowed for Hallmarking. • The ministry further said that jewellers can continue to buy back old gold jewellery without a hallmark from consumers.

RBI MOPS UP 70 % OF 10 YEAR G-SEC BONDS: Context: The Reserve Bank of India has mopped up about 70 per cent of the benchmark 10-year Government Security (coupon rate: 5.85 per cent) the government has issued since December 1, 2020 Concept: • It keeps the G-Sec yields under check and ensuring that banks have enough liquidity to subscribe at the weekly bond auctions. • The current outstanding in the 10-year benchmark G-Sec is ₹ 1.05-lakh crore. Of this, around 70 per cent is with the RBI. • The central bank has accumulated all this via open market operation (purchases), the G-Sec Acquisition Programme and via the secondary market. • What this means is the RBI is providing liquidity to banks to encourage them to buy G-Secs at the weekly auctions. G-Secs • A Government Security (G-Sec) is a tradable instrument issued by the Central Government or the State Governments. • It acknowledges the Government’s debt obligation. • Such securities are short term (usually called treasury bills, with original maturities of less than one year- presently issued in three tenors, namely, 91 day, 182 day and 364 day) or long term (usually called Government bonds or dated securities with original maturity of one year or more). • In India, the Central Government issues both, treasury bills and bonds or dated securities while the State Governments issue only bonds or dated securities, which are called the State Development Loans (SDLs). • G-Secs carry practically no risk of default and, hence, are called risk-free gilt-edged instruments.

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• Gilt-edged securities are high-grade investment bonds offered by governments and large corporations as a means of borrowing funds.

GINI COEFFICIENT: Context : NITI AYOG Index show some improvement in SDG on inequality. Concept : Lorenz Curve and Gini Coefficient • The distribution of Income in an economy is represented by the Lorenz Curve and the degree of income inequality is measured through the Gini Coefficient. • One of the five major and common macroeconomic goals of a government is the equitable (fair) distribution of income. • The Lorenz Curve (the actual distribution of income curve), a graphical distribution of wealth developed by Max Lorenzin 1906, shows the proportion of income earned by any given percentage of the population. • The line at the 45º angle shows perfectly equal income distribution, while the other line shows the actual distribution of income. The further away from the diagonal, the more unequal the size of the distribution of income.

Gini Coefficient • The Gini Coefficient, which is derived from the Lorenz Curve, can be used as an indicator of economic development in a country. • The Gini Coefficient measures the degree of income equality in a population. • The Gini Coefficient can vary from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality). • A Gini Coefficient of zero means that everyone has the same income, while a Coefficient of 1 represents a single individual receiving all the income.

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

RIL SUBMITS A PROPOSAL FOR A POTENTIAL COVID DRUG: Context: Reliance Industries Ltd's R&D arm has proposed the use of Niclosamide - the drug used to treat tapeworm infestation - for treating COVID-19 patients. Concept : • Niclosamide, a drug on the World Health Organisation's list of essential medicines, has been used to treat tapeworm infestation for more than 50 years. • The oral antiviral drug was also used to treat patients during the SARS outbreak of 2003-04. • The drug regulator will now evaluate the proposal for public use. • The company however did not say if it plans to manufacture the drug or would use it to treat COVID patients at hospitals run by the group. • The Indian government has already given clearance for the Phase 2 clinical trials of Niclosamide in COVID-19 treatment in adult patients. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines • The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, published by the World Health Organization (WHO), contains the medications considered to be most effective and safe to meet the most important needs in a health system. • The list is frequently used by countries to help develop their own local lists of essential medicines. • This includes countries in both the developed and developing world. • The list is divided into core items and complementary items.The core items are deemed to be the most cost-effective options for key health problems and are usable with little additional health care resources. • The complementary items either require additional infrastructure such as specially trained health care providers or diagnostic equipment or have a lower cost–benefit ratio. • About 25% of items are in the complementary list.Some medications are listed as both core and complementary.While most medications on the list are available as generic products, being under patent does not preclude inclusion • The first list was published in 1977 and included 208 medications.[8][2][9] The WHO updates the list every two years. • The WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines has been updated every two years since 1977. • The current versions are the 21st WHO Essential Medicines List (EML) and the 7th WHO Essential Medicines List for Children (EMLc) updated in June 2019.

Two Indians selected to CEPI scientific advisory committee: Context: Immunologist Dr Vineeta Bal and Bharat Biotech Executive Director Dr Krishna Mohan have been selected to the scientific advisory committee at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Concept: Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness for Innovation (CEPI) • The CEPI is a foundation that takes donations to finance independent research projects to develop vaccines against emerging infectious diseases (EID). • It is focused on the WHO’s “blueprint priority diseases. • These diseases include the Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the SARS coronavirus 2 the Nipah virus, the Lassa fever virus, and the Rift Valley fever virus, as well as the Chikungunya virus and the hypothetical, unknown pathogen “Disease X”. • CEPI investment also requires “equitable access” to the vaccines during outbreaks. • CEPI was conceived in 2015 and formally launched in 2017 at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

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Context : Single-dose of Covishield vaccine elicits a stronger immunity in individuals recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with those having no prior exposure, indicated a study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases. Concept : • All the seropositive or seronegative participants developed neutralizing antibodies by day 28 after the first dose of Covishield. • The previously infected group mounted greater antibody response to a single dose of Covishield vaccine compared with the no prior exposure group. • These results suggest protective immune memory in previously exposed individuals after a single dose of vaccine. • Such individuals could mount memory recall response on a subsequent encounter with antigen as they have developed adaptive immune memory. Immunological memory • Immunological memory is the ability of the immune system to respond more rapidly and effectively to pathogens that have been encountered previously, and reflects the preexistence of a clonally expanded population of antigen-specific lymphocytes. • Memory responses, which are called secondary, tertiary, and so on, depending on the number of exposures to antigen, also differ qualitatively from primary responses. • This is particularly clear in the case of the antibody response, where the characteristics of antibodies produced in secondary and subsequent responses are distinct from those produced in the primary response to the same antigen. • Memory T-cell responses have been harder to study, but can also be distinguished from the responses of naive or effector T cells. • The principal focus of this section will be the altered character of memory responses, although we will also discuss emerging explanations of how immunological memory persists after exposure to antigen. • A long-standing debate about whether specific memory is maintained by distinct populations of long- lived memory cells that can persist without residual antigen, or by lymphocytes that are under perpetual stimulation by residual antigen, appears to have been settled in favor of the former hypothesis.

WHO ASSIGNS NON-STIGMATISING LABELS TO COVID VARIANT: Context: WHO has assigned simple, easy to say and remember labels for key variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, using letters of the Greek alphabet. Concept: • These labels were chosen after wide consultation and a review of many potential naming systems. • WHO convened an expert group of partners from around the world to do so, including experts who are part of existing naming systems, nomenclature and virus taxonomic experts, researchers and national authorities. • WHO will assign labels for those variants that are designated as Variants of Interest or Variants of Concern by WHO.These will be posted on the WHO website. • These labels do not replace existing scientific names (e.g. those assigned by GISAID, Nextstrain and Pango), which convey important scientific information and will continue to be used in research.

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Covaxin is 'highly purified' says Bharat Biotech: Context: The Union Health Ministry on Wednesday refuted some social media posts on the composition of Covaxin, where it has been suggested that it contains newborn calf serum. Concept: • It said that newborn calf serum was used only for the preparation/growth of vero cells. The final vaccine did not contain newborn calf serum, it asserted. • Vero cells were washed with water and chemicals (also technically known as buffer) many times to make them free from newborn calf serum. • Thereafter, they were infected with coronavirus for viral growth. Thereafter, the grown virus was also killed (inactivated). • This killed virus was then used to make the final vaccine and in the final vaccine formulation, no calf serum was used. Vero Cell • Vero cells are lineages of cells used in cell cultures. The Vero lineage was isolated from kidney epithelial cells extracted from an African green monkey. • Vero cells are used for many purposes, including, Screening for the toxin of Escherichia coli, first named "Vero toxin". As host cells for growing viruses. • The Vero cell lineage is continuous and aneuploid. • A continuous cell lineage can be replicated through many cycles of division and not become senescent (i.e. not deteriorates with age). • Aneuploidy is the characteristic of having an abnormal number of chromosomes.

T CELL IMMUNITY IS NOT MEASURED IN THE RECENT STUDY: Context: T cell immunity was not measured in the recent study of healthcare workers (HCW) in India. Concept: • T cells (also called T lymphocytes) are one of the major components of the adaptive immune system. • Their roles include directly killing infected host cells, activating other immune cells, producing cytokines and regulating the immune response. • There are two major types of T cells: the helper T cell and the cytotoxic T cell. • As the names suggest, helper T cells ‘help’ other cells of the immune system, whilst cytotoxic T cells kill virally infected cells and tumours.

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Chinese vaccine CoronaVac found safe, effective in kids, adolescents: Context : Trials of the Chinese vaccine CoronaVac, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal, have found it is safe and provokes a strong antibody response among children and adolescents aged 3-17. Concept : • The randomised controlled trial covered 550 young people. More than 96% of children and adolescents who received two doses of the vaccine, manufactured by Sinovac, developed antibodies against SARS- CoV-2. • Most adverse reactions were mild or moderate, with pain at the injection site the most commonly reported symptom. • The authors conducted a randomised, double-blind, controlled phase 1/2 clinical trial between October and December 2020. The vaccine or a control was given by intramuscular injection in two doses (1.5 or 3 micrograms). CoronaVac • CoronaVac or Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine is an inactivated virus COVID-19 vaccine. It was developed by Chinese company Sinovac Biotech. • Phase III clinical trial for this vaccine was carried in Chile, Brazil, Indonesia, Philippines, and Turkey. It does not need to be frozen. • The World Health Organization (WHO) on June 1, 2021, gave its approval for China’s second COVID- 19 vaccine Sinovac-CoronaVac for emergency use. • Earlier in May 2021, the WHO had approved China’s COVID-19 vaccine Sinopharm.

Govt Confirms first death from reaction to vaccine: Context: A government panel studying COVID-19 vaccine side effects on Tuesday confirmed the first death due to anaphylaxis following vaccination. Concept: • According to a report submitted by the national Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) Committee, a 68-year-old man died from anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) after being vaccinated with Covishield on March 8. • The death is reported as “vaccine product related reaction” in the report. Adverse event following immunization (AEFI) • Adverse event following immunization (AEFI) is defined as any untoward medical occurrence which follows immunization and which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the usage of the vaccine. • The adverse event may be any unfavorable or unintended sign, abnormal laboratory finding, symptom or disease. • Reported adverse events can either be true adverse events, i.e. actually a result of the vaccine or immunization process, or coincidental events that are not due to the vaccine or immunization process, but are temporally associated with immunization. What are the categories of AEFIs? • Vaccine product-related reaction: inherent property of the vaccine formulation • Vaccine quality defect-related reaction: deficient quality of the vaccine, diluent and/or delivery equipment from the manufacturer’s side • Immunization error-related reaction: due to inappropriate handling or administration of the vaccine, thus preventable • Immunization anxiety-related reaction: arising from anxiety about immunization • Coincidental event: is caused by something other than the vaccine product, immunization error or immunization anxiety. An AEFI will be considered serious if it • Results in death, • Requires hospitalization, • Results in persistent or significant disability/incapacity or

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• A cluster (two or more cases) of AEFIs occur in a geographical area.

Coating carbon on lithium metal oxide electrode, can double battery life: Context: Researchers have developed a non-expensive way to coat carbon on lithium metal oxide electrodes for lithium-ion batteries. The life of the lithium-ion cells prepared using these electrode materials is expected to be doubled due to protective carbon coating. Concept: About Lithium Ion Battery • Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used power source for electric vehicles. However, its penetration to the daily usage against gasoline-based vehicles require drastic improvement in the lifetime and cost as well as mileage per charge. • The active components of lithium-ion batteries are cathode, anode, and electrolyte. While commercial graphite is used as anode, lithium metal oxides or lithium metal phosphates are used as a cathode in Li ion battery. • The electrolyte is a lithium salt dissolved in organic solvents. The capacity of the lithium-ion battery determines the mileage of the electric vehicle. • Before the capacity reduces to 80%, the number of charging cycles determines the life of the battery. Carbon Coating Technique • Carbon being inert to most chemicals and stable under the operating window is the best choice of coating material to improve the cyclic stability of the active materials. • Carbon coating on the active materials can double the lifetime of the lithium-ion cells. • However, coating carbon on lithium metal oxide is very challenging, because of the difficulty involved in coating carbon during the synthesis of lithium metal oxide material in a single step. • The electrochemical performance of the lithium-ion cells constructed using carbon-coated NMC111 is at par with that of the commercial lithium-layered oxide cathodes. • Superior cyclic stability of the carbon coated product with capacity retention of more than 80% after 1000 cycles of charging/discharging is demonstrated with an optimum carbon thickness matching commercial samples

Moderna Vaccine elicits immune response in infant model : study: Context : The results, published in Science Immunology, suggest that vaccines for young children are likely important, safe tools to curtail the pandemic, according to the researchers. Concept : • A group of scientists reported that the Moderna mRNA vaccine and a protein-based vaccine candidate elicited durable neutralising antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in pre-clinical research with baby rhesus macaques. There were no adverse effects • The strong neutralising antibody responses elicited by the vaccines in 16 baby rhesus macaques persisted for 22 weeks. mRNA 1273 : • mRNA-1273 is the working name of Moderna’s vaccine. It is currently under the aegis of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a part of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). • The mRNA means the messenger RNA. This carries the carries the genetic formula for the coding of a specific protein. • The mRNA is a molecule that genetically encodes a set of instructions, based on which cells make proteins and send them to various parts of the body. • Vaccines based on mRNA technology take advantage of normal biological processes of the body to create the desired therapeutic effect.

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Delta Plus is a Variant of Concern: Context : Addressing at the 29th Group of Ministers meeting, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that Delta plus is a variant of concern and special surveillance is being done in the 12 States wherein these variants have been detected. Concept : Variants of Interest (VoI) and Variants of Concern (VoC) • When the mutations happen – if there is any previous association with any other similar variant which is felt to have an impact on public health – then it becomes a Variant under Investigation. • Once genetic markers are identified which can have association with receptor binding domain or which have an implication on antibodies or neutralizing assays, we start calling them as Variants of Interest. • The moment we get evidence for increased transmission through field-site and clinical correlations, it becomes a Variant of Concern. Variants of concern are those that have one or more of the following characteristics: • Increased transmissibility • Change in virulence/ disease presentation • Evading the diagnostics, drugs and vaccines • The 1st Variant of Concern was announced by the UK where it was found. Currently there are four variants of concern identified by the scientists - Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. Delta Plus variant • Delta Plus or AY.1 is one of the emerging variants of Delta or B.1.617.2 variant of SARS-CoV-2. • The new variant is characterized by the acquisition of K417N mutation, said Vinod Scaria, clinician and scientist, Delhi’s CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB). • The mutant K417N is found in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The spike protein enables the entry of the virus into the human cells. • So far, 63 genomes of Delta (B.1.617.2) with the new K417N mutation have been detected on the global science initiative GISAID, as per Public Health England. • In its latest report, as of June 7, the Delta plus variant was found in six genomes from India. • The variant frequency for K417N mutation is not much in India as of now. The sequences are mostly from Asia, America, and Europe.

Novavax announces efficacy of about 90% for its 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. Concept: • NVX-CoV2373 is a vaccine candidate engineered from the genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 disease. • It was created using Novavax’ recombinant nanoparticle technology to generate antigen derived from the coronavirus spike (S) protein and contains Novavax’ patented saponin-based Matrix-M adjuvant to enhance the immune response and stimulate high levels of neutralizing antibodies • Novavax was awarded $1.6 billion by the US government as part of Operation Warp Speed (OWS), a program to deliver millions of doses of a safe, effective vaccine for Covid-19 to the US population. • The announcement of Novavax’s efficacy is significant in the fight against covid for India, where the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, Serum Institute of India, will be making 1 billion doses of the shot for domestic supply and export under its brand Covovax.

Govt gives nod for Cipla to import Modern'a Vaccine: Context : Mumbai-based pharma company Cipla has received regulator's approval to import Moderna's Covid-19 Vaccine for restricted emergency use in India, sources told news agency PTI. Concept :

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• Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country as per the provisions of the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules , 2019 under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 • This permission is for restricted use in emergency situations in public interest. • The firm has to submit 7 days safety assessment of the vaccine in first 100 beneficiaries before rolling out of vaccine for further immunisation programme, according to the approval order. • Moderna's vaccine will be the fourth COVID-19 jab to be available in India after Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik. mRNA 1273 : • mRNA-1273 is the working name of Moderna’s vaccine. It is currently under the aegis of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a part of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). • The mRNA means the messenger RNA. This carries the carries the genetic formula for the coding of a specific protein. • The mRNA is a molecule that genetically encodes a set of instructions, based on which cells make proteins and send them to various parts of the body. • Vaccines based on mRNA technology take advantage of normal biological processes of the body to create the desired therapeutic effect. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) • The CDSCO is the Central Drug Authority for discharging functions assigned to the Central Government under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. • Major Functions: • Regulatory control over the import of drugs, approval of new drugs and clinical trials. • Approval of certain licences as Central Licence Approving Authority Drug Controller General of India(DCGI) • DCGI is responsible for approval of licences of specified categories of drugs such as blood and blood products, IV fluids, vaccines and sera in India. • It comes under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Multi-drug resistance: Context : It is not clear why some bacteria evolve multi-drug resistance while others do not. New research from the Population Biology Lab at IISER Pune could hold a key to this and a similar class of puzzles. Concept : • When bacteria become fit in one environment, they either lose fitness or fail to increase fitness in other environments. “Our study is showing that when the environment is fluctuating, large (but not small) populations can by-pass this effect. Multiple drug resistance (MDR) • Multiple drug resistance (MDR), multidrug resistance or multiresistance is antimicrobial resistance shown by a species of microorganism to at least one antimicrobial drug in three or more antimicrobial categories. • Antimicrobial categories are classifications of antimicrobial agents based on their mode of action and specific to target organisms. • The MDR types most threatening to public health are MDR bacteria that resist multiple antibiotics; other types include MDR viruses, parasites (resistant to multiple antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic drugs of a wide chemical variety). • Recognizing different degrees of MDR in bacteria, the terms extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and pandrug-resistant (PDR) have been introduced. • Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) is the non-susceptibility of one bacteria species to all antimicrobial agents except in two or less antimicrobial categories. • Within XDR, pandrug-resistant (PDR) is the non-susceptibility of bacteria to all antimicrobial agents in all antimicrobial categories.

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Billions Of cicadas have emerged across eastern parts of the United States: Context : Periodical cicadas, so called because of their 13- or 17-year life cycle, most of which is spent underground, emerge from their earthy digs to romance, reproduce and retire. This year is the year of the Brood X periodical cicadas. Here, X stands for the Roman numeral and refers to the sequence of emergence Concept: Cicadas • Cicadas are insects that spend most of their lives underground and emerge from the soil mainly to mate. • Once out of the ground, their life span is fairly short, somewhere between two-four weeks. • At present, there are about 15 active broods of these cicadas as some have gone extinct. • The insects are found in America’s as well as New Zealand and Australia. • The name 13 and 17 year refers to the number of years that cicada nymphs take to reach adulthood. • It is not clear why their development period is so long, researchers suspect that it may be linked to avoiding predators above the soil. How are the fed? • During this time underground the nymphs feed on sap from plant roots. • After this developmental period, the cicada nymphs construct a “cicada hut” and burrow their way out from the soil and climb onto any nearby tree or vegetation.

RDSO BECOMES FIRST INSTITUTION TO BE DECLARED AS SDO UNDER ONE NATION ONE STANDARD MISSION: Context : Recently, the Research Design & Standards Organization (RDSO) of Indian Railways has become the first institution to be declared SDO (Standard Developing Organization) under “One Nation One Standard" mission. Concept : One Nation One Standard Mission • It is a scheme which provides for “Recognition of SDO”. • It is an initiative of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). • It is envisioned on the line of ‘one nation one ration card’ in order to ensure quality products in India. Significance of One Nation One Standard Mission • It aims at aggregating and integrating the existing capabilities and dedicated domain specific expertise available with various organizations in the country engaged in standards development. • It will enable convergence of all standard development activities in the country resulting in “One National Standard for One Subject”. • It aims to usher in more faster transition from development of technology & innovation stage to actual use on ground. • It aims to make India the leader in setting global benchmarks in setting standards. About Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) • It is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016. • It came into existence, through an act of parliament in 1987. • It is established for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization and marking and quality certification of goods.

Government report flags 'lapses ' in Nagaland bat study: Context : More than a year after a probe into a filovirus study of bats in Nagaland by the Bengaluru-based National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), the government has concluded that there had been “concerning lapses” in the conduct. Concept : About NCBS

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• National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bangalore, Karnataka, is a research centre specialising in biological research. • It is a part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) under the Department of Atomic Energy of the Government of India. • The mandate of NCBS is basic and interdisciplinary research in the frontier areas of biology. • The research interests of the faculty are in four broad areas ranging from the study of single molecules to systems biology. • NCBS focuses on fundamental research from diverse fields of biology including Biochemistry, Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Neurobiology, Cellular Organization and Signalling, Genetics and Development, Theory and Modelling of Biological Systems, Ecology and Evolution etc. Filovirus • Filoviruses belong to a virus family called Filoviridae. • Filovirus is a filamentous RNA virus of a genus which causes severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates. • 3 genera of this virus family have been identified: Cuevavirus, Marburgvirus and Ebolavirus.

Surge in illegal HTBt cotton acreage worries seed industry: Context: The illegal cultivation of herbicide tolerant (HT) Bt cotton has seen a huge jump this year, with seed manufacturers claiming that the sale of illegal seed packets has more than doubled from 30 lakh last year to 75 lakh this year. Concept: • Bt cotton remains the only GM crop allowed to be cultivated in the country. • It was developed by US giant Bayer-Monsanto. • It involves insertion of two genes viz ‘Cry1Ab’ and ‘Cry2Bc’ from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis into cotton seeds. • This modification codes the plant to produce protein toxic to Heliothis bollworm (pink bollworm) thus making it resistant to their attack. • The commercial release of this hybrid was sanctioned by the government in 2002. About HT Bt Cotton • The farmers planted an herbicide-tolerant variety of Bt cotton. • This variety (HtBt) involves the addition of another gene, ‘Cp4-Epsps’ from another soil bacterium, Agrobacterium tumefaciens. • It is not cleared by GEAC. • The farmers claim that the HtBt variety can withstand the spray of glyphosate, an herbicide that is used to remove weeds, and thus it substantially saves them de-weeding costs. What is the procedure involved? • In India, it is the responsibility of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Environment Ministry to assess the safety of a genetically modified plant, and decide whether it is fit for cultivation. • The GEAC comprises experts and government representatives, and a decision it takes has to be approved by the Environment Minister before any crop is allowed for cultivation. • Besides Bt cotton, the GEAC has cleared two other genetically modified crops,brinjal and mustard. • But these have not received the consent of the Environment Minister. • Legally, sale, storage, transportation and usage of unapproved GM seeds is a punishable offence under the Rules of Environmental Protection Act 1986. • Also, sale of unapproved seeds can attract action under the Seed Act of 1966 and the Cotton Act of 1957. • The Environmental Protection Act provides for a jail term of five years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh for violation of its provisions, and cases can be filed under the other two Acts. • The culprit can also be charged under various sections of the Essential Commodities Act and the Indian Penal Code.

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Nipah Virus (NiV): Context : Recently, a cross-sectional survey by ICMR- National Institute of Virology has picked up samples with the presence of antibodies against the Nipah virus in some bat species from a cave in Mahabaleshwar. Concept : • The new study focussed on detection of possible Nipah virus infection in Rousettus leschenaultii and Pipistrellus pipistrellus bats in Maharashtra. • Blood, throat and rectal swab samples were collected onsite from anaesthetised bats and the throat and rectal swab specimens were collected from all the bats. • The RNA was extracted from samples and Anti-NiV IgG antibodies were detected in a number of the samples. • The cross-sectional survey was initiated to study the prevalence of NiV in bats of India by random sampling of P medius, R leschenaultii and P pipistrellus bats that have wide prevalence in India. • The exposure of R leschenaultii bats to NiV warrants further investigation as roosting and breeding habitats of the Rousettus and Pteropus vary greatly. • The NiV detection in P pipistrellus bats, an insectivorous species, and their role in virus spill-over to humans appears remote. What is Nipah Virus? • The Pteropus medius bats, which are large fruit-eating bats, are the incriminated reservoir for NiV in India. • It is a zoonotic virus which implies that it can spread between animals and people. • The NiV is a member of the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus. • It is on the top-10 priority list pathogens identified by the World Health Organization. • The infection with NiV is associated with encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and can cause mild to severe illness and even death. • It was first discovered in 1999 following an outbreak of disease in pigs and people in Malaysia and Singapore. Transmission of Nipah Virus • The Nipah virus (NiV) can spread to people from: • Direct contact with infected animals, such as bats or pigs, or their body fluids (such as blood, urine or saliva); • Consuming food products that have been contaminated by body fluids of infected animals (such as palm sap or fruit contaminated by an infected bat); and • Close contact with a person infected with NiV or their body fluids (including nasal or respiratory droplets, urine, or blood) • The person-to-person spread of NiV is regularly reported in Bangladesh and India which is most commonly seen in the families and caregivers of NiV-infected patients, and in healthcare settings. Diagnosis of Nipah Virus • The laboratory testing can be conducted using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from throat and nasal swabs, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and blood. • The testing for antibodies is conducted using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Laurel Hubbard has become the first openly transgender athlete selected for the Olympics: Context : New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard has become the first openly transgender athlete selected for the Olympics. Hubbard, 43, had participated in the men’s category as Gavin before coming out in 2013. She will compete in the women’s 87-kilogram class in Tokyo. Concept : • The International Olympic Committee’s guidelines on transgender athletes allow those like Hubbard, who have made the transition from male to female, to compete if certain conditions are fulfilled.

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• Such athletes, to be eligible to compete in the women’s category, must keep their testosterone levels in the serum to below 10 nanomoles per litre for the preceding 12 months before a competition. • The athlete will be monitored regularly and non-compliance could result in ineligibility. Testosterone • Testosterone is the primary sex hormone and anabolic steroid in males. • In male humans, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair. • In addition, testosterone in both sexes is involved in health and well-being and in the prevention of osteoporosis. • Insufficient levels of testosterone in men may lead to abnormalities including frailty and bone loss.

The worst of Nagaland's African swine fever outbreak may be over , say officials: Context : Nagaland’s animal husbandry and veterinary services department informed April 5, 2021 they have observed “unusual mortality” among pigs in Mon, Kiphire and Phek districts. Almost a fortnight later, the department officially declared the outbreak and issued advisories. Concept : • No fresh case has been recorded in the last two weeks, Nagaland’s director of animal husbandry and veterinary service department Dr Budhi Lama said. • The cases were the highest in April, with areas surrounding Phek reporting the highest fatalities, said chief veterinary officer of Phek, Dr Kewelelo Mero. The outbreak is mostly under control now in the district, he added. • The department is not letting its guard down and constantly monitoring and sending weekly status reports to the Centre and State chief secretaries. African Swine Fever • It is a highly contagious viral and fatal animal disease that infects and leads to an acute form of hemorrhagic fever in domestic and wild pigs. • It was first detected in Africa in the 1920s. • The mortality is close to 100% and since the fever has no cure, the only way to stop its spread is by culling the animals. • ASF is not a threat to human beings since it only spreads from animals to other animals. • ASF is a disease listed in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code and thus, reported to the OIE. World Organisation for Animal Health • OIE is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide. • In 2018, it had a total of 182 Member Countries. India is one of the member countries. • OIE standards are recognised by the World Trade Organization as reference international sanitary rules. • It is headquartered in Paris, France.

Space-time induces neutrino oscillations: Context : Professor Amitabha Lahiri of S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) an autonomous institute under the DST, showed in a paper published along with Subhasish Chakrabarty, his student, that the geometry of space-time can cause neutrino oscillations through quantum effects even if neutrinos are massless. Concept: • Neutrinos are mysterious particles, produced copiously in nuclear reactions in the Sun, stars, and elsewhere.

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• They also "oscillate"-- meaning that different types of neutrinos change into one another – as has been found in many experiments. • Probing of oscillations of neutrinos and their relations with mass are crucial in studying the origin of the universe. • Neutrinos interact very weakly with everything else – trillions of them pass through every human being every second without anyone noticing; a neutrino’s spin always points in the opposite direction of its motion, and until a few years ago, neutrinos were believed to be massless. • It is now generally believed that the phenomenon of neutrino oscillations require neutrinos to have tiny masses. Neutrino • Proton, neutron, and electron are tiny particles that make up atoms. The neutrino is also a tiny elementary particle, but it is not part of the atom. Such particles are also found to exist in nature. • Neutrino has a very tiny mass and no charge. It interacts very weakly with other matter particles. So weakly that every second trillions of neutrinos fall on us and pass through our bodies unnoticed. • Neutrinos come from the sun (solar neutrinos) and other stars, cosmic rays that come from beyond the solar system, and from the Big Bang from which our Universe originated. They can also be produced in the lab.

India's First VSC Based HVDC System: Context: POWERGRID has fully commissioned India’s First Voltage Source Convertor (VSC) based High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) System. Concept: • It has commissioned Monopole-I of the 2000 Mega-Watt (MW), Pugalur (Tamil Nadu) – Thrissur (Kerala) Voltage Source Convertor (VSC) based High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) System. • This Project strengthens the power system of Southern Region of our Country. • Monopole-II of the project was inaugurated by PM Modi in February, 2021 and with the commissioning of Monopole-I, the project has attained its full capacity. • The Pugalur-Thrissur HVDC system, costing Rs. 5070 crore, is a part of the Raigarh-Pugalur-Thrissur 6000 MW HVDC system and enables transfer of 2000 MW to Kerala through the VSC HVDC station at Thrissur. Voltage Source Convertor (VSC) • An HVDC converter converts electric power from high voltage alternating current (AC) to high- voltage direct current (HVDC), or vice versa. • Electronic converters for HVDC are divided into two main categories. • Line-commutated converters (HVDC classic) are made with electronic switches that can only be turned on. • Voltage-sourced converters are made with switching devices that can be turned both on and off. It uses transistors, usually the Insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). Benefits • The VSC technology significantly reduces the land requirement compared to the conventional HVDC systems and is particularly suitable for areas, where land is scarce. • It also facilitates development of smart grid and improves system resilience under various operating conditions. • The state-of-the-art VSC Technology has been brought to India for the first time by POWERGRID through this Project.

CROSS REACTIVE CORONA VIRUS ANTIBODY: Context : In a new study that appears in Nature Communications, scientists investigated how the immune system’s previous exposure to cold-causing coronaviruses impact immune response to Covid-19 Concept :

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• Besides SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19, there are other coronaviruses that people are exposed to. Some of them cause less severe illnesses, such as the common cold. • They discovered one cross-reactive coronavirus antibody that’s triggered during a Covid-19 infection. • In later tests, the antibody also neutralised SARS-CoV-1, the coronavirus that causes SARS. • The researchers determined that this type of cross-reactive antibody is likely produced by a memory B cell that’s initially exposed to a coronavirus that causes the common cold, and is then recalled during a COVID-19 infection. • Memory B cells “remember” initial disease threats and can circulate in the bloodstream for decades, ready to be called back into action if the threat emerges again. • These cells are responsible for producing targeted antibodies.

SINOVAC GETS WHO EMERGENCY APPROVAL: Context: Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved China's Sinovac Covid vaccine for emergency use. Concept: About Sinovac Vaccine • It is an inactivated vaccine. • It works by using killed viral particles to expose the body's immune system to the virus without risking a serious disease response. • The Beijing-based biopharmaceutical company Sinovac is behind the CoronaVac. • It is the second Chinese vaccine to receive the green light from the WHO, after Sinopharm. • It is a more traditional method of vaccine that is successfully used in many well-known vaccines like rabies. • One of Sinovac's main advantages is that it can be stored in a standard refrigerator at 2-8 degrees Celsius. • It implies that Sinovac is a lot more useful to developing countries which might not be able to store large amounts of vaccine at low temperatures. • The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization recommends the vaccine for use in adults 18 years and older, in a two-dose schedule with a spacing of two to four weeks.

FDA CONDITIONALLY APPROVES ALZHEIMERS DRUG: Context: The U.S.’s pharma regulator, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), made a much anticipated ruling on Monday, in conditionally approving the use of an Alzheimer’s drug, called aducanumab, the first such approval since 2003. Concept: • 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. About the Drug • 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.

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First Reactor in Kudankulam sopped for fuel replacement: Context : The first reactor of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) was stopped at 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday for the scheduled and mandatory annual fuel replacement. Concept : • The exercise, which was done last time from May 31, 2020, is expected to last 45 to 60 days for replacing 33% of the spent fuel with enriched uranium fuel bundles. The process is done by fully automated refuelling equipment. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant • KKNPP is the single largest nuclear power station in India. • It is situated in Koodankulam in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. • It is scheduled to have six VVER-1000 reactors with an installed capacity of 6,000 MW of electricity. • It has been built in collaboration with Atomstroyexport, the Russian state company and NPCIL. • Unit 1 and 2 have started generating electricity • Unit 3 and 4 are under construction. PRESSURIZED HEAVY WATER REACTORS(PHWR) • Natural Uranium is used as a fuel and heavy water as a coolant and moderator • The 0.7% U-235 undergoes fission to release energy. As the remaining 99% U-238 is not fissionable, it undergoes transmutation and forms Plutonium-239(Pu-239). Working of the reactor –

• The heat is removed from the reactor by water flowing in a closed pressurised loop • The heat is transferred to a second water loop through a heat exchanger. • The second loop is kept at a low pressure allowing the water to boil and create steam, that is used to turn the turbine-generator • Then the steam is condensed into water and returned to the heat exchanger VVER – Reactors • The water-water energetic reactor (WWER) or VVER is a series of pressurized water reactor designs originally developed in the Soviet Union, and now Russia, by OKB Gidropress. • Two Russian-built VVER-1000 reactors have been in commercial operation in Kudankulam, southern India, since 2014 and 2017 respectively.

Grey matter loss seen after COVID: Context : 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. Concept :

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• 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. Grey Matter & White Matter • Cerebrum forms the major part of the human brain. A deep cleft divides the cerebrum longitudinally into two halves, which are termed as the left and right cerebral hemispheres. • The hemispheres are connected by a tract of nerve fibres called corpus callosum. • The layer of cells which covers the cerebral hemisphere is called cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex is referred to as the grey matter due to its greyish appearance. The neuron cell bodies are concentrated here giving the colour. • The cerebral cortex contains motor areas, sensory areas and large regions that are neither clearly sensory nor motor in function. These regions called as the association areas are responsible for complex functions like intersensory associations, memory and communication. • Fibres of the tracts are covered with the myelin sheath, which constitute the inner part of cerebral hemisphere. They give an opaque white appearance to the layer and, hence, is called the white matter.

Aluminium - The EV Manufacturer's dream metal: Context: Electric vehicles are set to push the demand for aluminium exponentially, with innovation in products being the focus of the downstream aluminium sector. Concept: • Aluminium is a soft, silvery-white, ductile, nonmagnetic metal in the boron group. • It is the third most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Depending on the surface reference, aluminium appears in the range from silvery to dull grey. • Aluminium has a density lower than those of other common metals, at approximately one third that of steel. • It has a great affinity towards oxygen, and forms a protective layer of oxide on the surface when exposed to air. • Aluminium visually resembles silver, both in its color and in its great ability to reflect light. Uses of Aluminium • It is used in the transportation of railway, trucks, and automobiles as castings. • It is used in packaging. • Al (II) compounds are observed in the reactions of Al metal with oxidants. • Using aluminum the presence of aluminium can be detected in qualitative analysis. Properties of Aluminium • The element is highly reactive. It has about one-third of stiffness and density of steel. • Aluminium has good corrosion resistivity. • It is capable of superconductivity.

CHINA'S ARTIFICIAL SUN EXPERIMENTAL FUSION REACTOR: Context: For 20 seconds, China's 'artificial sun' EAST achieved a peak temperature of 288 million degrees Fahrenheit, which is over ten times hotter than the sun Concept: • China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), which mimics the energy generation process of the sun, set a new record after it ran at 216 million degrees Fahrenheit (120 million degrees Celsius) for 101 seconds, according to state media. • For another 20 seconds, the “artificial sun” also achieved a peak temperature of 288 million degrees Fahrenheit (160 million degrees Celsius), which is over ten times hotter than the sun. Artificial Sun

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• The HL-2M Tokamak reactor is China’s largest and most advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device, and scientists hope that the device can potentially unlock a powerful clean energy source. • HL-2M Tokamak device is used in it to replicate the nuclear fusion process that occurs naturally in the sun. • It uses a powerful magnetic field to fuse hot plasma and can reach temperatures of over 150 million degrees Celsius, approximately ten times hotter than the core of the sun. • Located in Sichuan province, the reactor is often called an “artificial sun” on account of the enormous heat and power it produces. Nuclear Fusion: • Nuclear Fusion is defined as the combining of two lighter nuclei into a heavier one. • Such nuclear fusion reactions are the source of energy in the Sun and other stars. • It takes considerable energy to force the nuclei to fuse. The conditions needed for this process are extreme millions of degrees of temperature and millions of pascals of pressure. • The hydrogen bomb is based on a thermonuclear fusion reaction. However, a nuclear bomb based on the fission of uranium or plutonium is placed at the core of the hydrogen bomb to provide initial energy.

Clues from meteorite to Earth’s mantle: Context : A new study has now shown that by studying this meteorite and its minerals we may find new clues about the Earth’s lower mantle Concept : • On November 13, 2015, a meteorite fell near the town of Kamargaon in Assam, India. It weighed a little over 12 kg and scientists decoded its mineral composition and classified it as a chondrite, a variety of stony meteorite. • Using new high-resolution electron microscopy and spectroscopy, researchers studied this dissociation reaction of olivine in the Kamargaon meteorite. They noted an alternative mechanism and reactions that may be driving the transformation of olivine. • It is possible that when materials are transported to the lower mantle by convection or subduction, there would be high-temperature conditions in the lower mantle that would cause this dissociated reaction. Meteor, Meteorite and Meteoroid • When meteoroids enter Earth's atmosphere (or that of another planet, like Mars) at high speed and burn up, the fireballs or “shooting stars” are called meteors. • When a meteoroid survives a trip through the atmosphere and hits the ground, it's called a meteorite. • Meteorites are classified into three groups: Stony (silicaterich), Iron (Fe–Ni alloy), and Stony Iron (mixed silicate iron alloy). Components of Meteorite: • Detailed spectroscopic studies revealed that the meteorite had very high (about 90%) phyllosilicate minerals comprising both magnesium and iron. • Forsterite and FeO olivine, calcium aluminium rich inclusion (CAI) minerals. • Few magnetites, sulphides, aluminium complexes and calcites were also found.

LEO TECHNOLOGY: INTERNET FROM SKY : Context: Following the successful launch of 36 satellites on May 28, OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation reached 218 in-orbit satellites. Concept: • The company only has one more launch to complete before it obtains the capacity to enable its ‘Five to 50’ service of offering internet connectivity to all regions north of 50 degrees latitude. What is OneWeb?

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• OneWeb is a global communications company that aims to deliver broadband satellite Internet around the world through its fleet of LEO satellites. • In 2010, the company declared bankruptcy but was able to resume operations following an inflow of investment from a consortium consisting of the UK Government, Hughes Communication, Sunil Mittal’s Bharti Global Limited, SoftBank and Eutelsat, a leading European satellite operator. LEO technology • LEO satellites have been orbiting the planet since the 1990s, providing companies and individuals with various communication services • LEO satellites are positioned around 500km-2000km from earth, compared to stationary orbit satellites which are approximately 36,000km away. • Latency, or the time needed for data to be sent and received, is contingent on proximity. • As LEO satellites orbit closer to the earth, they are able to provide stronger signals and faster speeds than traditional fixed-satellite systems. • Additionally, because signals travel faster through space than through fibre-optic cables, they also have the potential to rival if not exceed existing ground-based networks. • However, LEO satellites travel at a speed of 27,000 kph and complete a full circuit of the planet in 90- 120 minutes. As a result, individual satellites can only make direct contact with a land transmitter for a short period of time thus requiring massive LEO satellite fleets and consequently, a significant capital investment. • Due to these costs, of the three mediums of Internet – fibre, spectrum and satellite – the latter is the most expensive. • Therefore, LEO satellite broadband is only preferable in areas that cannot be reached by fibre and spectrum services. OneWeb’s target market will therefore be rural populations and military units operating away from urban areas.

Coming soon : Alcohol free , non toxic hand sanitiser: Context : Pune based start-up, WeInnovate Biosolutions, has developed the hand sanitiser that prolongs antimicrobial activity. Concept : • WeinnovateBiosolutionswas supported by CAWACH 2020 grant of National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and incubated at Entrepreneurship Development Centre (Venture Centre), Pune. • They developed the colloidal silver solution-based hand sanitiser. The technologyoperates on the ability of the silver nanoparticles to prevent the synthesis of viral negative-strand RNA and viral budding. • It has successfully completed Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved clinical trial for the hand sanitizer and demonstrated high efficiency in killing viruses. Silver Nano particles • Silver nanoparticles have been found to be an effective antiviral which act against many deadly viruses like HIV, Hepatitis B, Herpes simplex virus, Influenza virus, and so on. • Recent reports have suggested the role of Glutathione capped-Ag2S NCs (Silver nanoclusters) in inhibiting the proliferation of Coronavirus by preventing the synthesis of viral negative-strand RNA and viral budding. • Thecolloidal silver on which the technology of the sanitizers of WeinnovateBiosolutions is based can help arrest Covid -19 spread by blocking the RNA replication and infectivity by blocking the surface glycoproteins.

Test using graphene shown to detect coronavirus in lab: Context: Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago (IUIC) have successfully used graphene to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in laboratory experiments.

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Concept: • In experiments, researchers combined sheets of graphene, which are more than 1,000 times thinner than a postage stamp, with an antibody designed to target the spike protein on the coronavirus. • They then measured the atomic-level vibrations of these graphene sheets when exposed to Covid- positive and Covid-negative samples in artificial saliva. These sheets were also tested in the presence of other coronaviruses, like MERS-CoV. • The researchers found that the vibrations of the antibody-coupled graphene sheet changed when treated with a Covid-positive sample, but not when treated with a Covid-negative sample or with other coronaviruses. About Graphene: • Graphene has been touted in the global electronics industry as a “miracle material” given its strength, electrical conductivity and elasticity, and has been seen as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries since its discovery in 2004. • It is a form of carbon that can be used to develop smaller, slimmer batteries but with higher capacity. • Graphene is a carbon material that is one atom thick. • Its thin composition and high conductivity means it is used in applications ranging from miniaturised electronics to biomedical devices. • These properties also enable thinner wire connections; providing extensive benefits for computers, solar panels, batteries, sensors and other devices. Applications: • Graphene is widely used in making solar cells, light-emitting diodes, touch panels and smart windows. Graphene supercapacitors serve as energy storage devices with a capacity for faster charging and longer life span than traditional electrolytic batteries. • Other potential applications of graphene include water filtration and purification, renewable energy, sensors, personalised healthcare and medicine, to name a few.

Are your staple rice and wheat losing their nutrients?: Context : Researchers from various institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya found depleting trends in grain density of zinc and iron in rice and wheat cultivated in India. Concept : • The team collected seeds of rice (16 varieties) and wheat (18 varieties) from the gene bank maintained at the ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Chinsurah Rice Research Station and ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research. • Cultivar repositories are nodal institutes that preserve and archive the old cultivars or varieties from our country. These institutes are repositories of genetic materials. • The team noted that zinc and iron concentrations in grains of rice cultivars released in the 1960s were 27.1 mg/kg and 59.8 mg/kg. This depleted to 20.6 mg/kg and 43.1 mg/kg, respectively in the 2000s. • In wheat, the concentrations of zinc and iron --- 33.3 mg/kg and 57.6 mg/kg in cultivars of the 1960s, dropped to 23.5 mg/kg and 46.4 mg/kg, respectively in cultivars released during the 2010s. • Zinc and iron deficiency affects billions of people globally and the countries with this deficiency have diets composed mainly of rice, wheat, corn, and barley. Micronutrients • Micronutrients are nutrients that are required by the body in lesser amounts for its growth and development. They play a major role in the metabolic activities of the body. These include vitamins and minerals. • Since our body cannot produce vitamins and minerals, they are taken externally from different food products. • The micronutrient content for every food is different; therefore, it is advisable to eat varieties of food for enough vitamin and mineral consumption.

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• These micronutrients help in preventing and fighting certain diseases. However, they should be taken in adequate quantities: excess intake or inadequate intake results in several disorders such as visual impairment, mental retardation, etc. About ICAR • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was established on 16 July 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. • It is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. • It is headquartered at New Delhi. With 102 ICAR institutes and 71 agricultural universities spread across the country this is one of the largest national agricultural systems in the world. • It is the apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire country.

National Sickle Cell Conclave on ‘Sickle Cell Disease’: Context: The Minister of Tribal Affairs inaugurated the Second National Sickle Cell Conclave on ‘Sickle Cell Disease’. The Conclave is being held to mark the World Sickle Cell Day observed on 19thJune 2021 every year. Concept: • It is characterized by a modification in the shape of the red blood cell from a smooth, donut-shape into a crescent or half-moon shape. • These cells lack plasticity and can block small blood vessels, impairing blood flow. This condition leads to shortened red blood cell survival, and subsequent anaemia, often called sickle-cell anaemia. • This leads to chronic acute pain syndromes, severe bacterial infections, and necrosis (tissue death). • Anaemia is a medical condition in which the red blood cell count or hemoglobin is less than normal. Symtoms of anemia include Fatigue, Shortness of breath, Hair loss etc. • Treatment: It can be managed by simple procedures including: . High fluid intake . Healthy diet . Folic acid/Iron supplementation . Pain medication . Vaccination and antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of infections . A number of other therapeutic measures.

Indian scenario: • Sickle cell disease (SCD), which is the most prevalent inherited blood disorder, is widespread amongst many tribal population groups in India • The disease in India is prevalent predominantly in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, western Odisha, eastern Gujarat and in pockets of the Nilgiri Hills in north Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Javedakar releases LiDAR Survey of forest areas for 10 states: Context : Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar in a virtual event today released the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of LiDAR based survey of forest areas in ten states namely Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura. Concept : LiDAR • LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges & variable distances.

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• These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system— generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics. • A LiDAR instrument principally consists of a laser, a scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver. • Airplanes and helicopters are the most commonly used platforms for acquiring LiDAR data over broad areas. Applications: • LiDAR is used for agriculture, hydrology and water management systems and geology-related applications. • It is also used in archaeology.

The debate around gain-of-function research: Context: With the re-emergence of the lab-leak origin theory for the SARS-CoV-2, questions are also being raised on what gain-of-function research is, and whether the benefits of conducting such research outweigh the risk of pathogens escaping from labs. Concept: • Gain-of-function research refers to the serial passaging of microorganisms to increase their transmissibility, virulence, immunogenicity, and host tropism by applying selective pressure to a culture. • These experiments are termed ‘gain of function’ because they involve manipulating pathogens in a way that they gain an advantage in or through a function, such as increased transmissibility. • Such experiments allow scientists to better predict emerging infectious diseases, and to develop vaccines and therapeutics. • Gain of function research may use genetic engineering or serial passaging. • Genetic engineering involves ‘editing’ the genetic code to modify the virus in a way predetermined by the scientists. • Meanwhile, serial passaging involves allowing the pathogen to grow under different circumstances and then observing the changes. • For example, the pathogen may first be grown in one environment, and then a portion of it may be taken and allowed to grow in different sets of controlled environments. • The process is continuously repeated, and the final product is compared to the original pathogen to understand how the microbe changed its genetic code.

No discrimination over allocation of medicines to treat Black Fungus: Context: The Centre on Wednesday informed the Bombay High Court that anti-fungal drugs like Amphoterecin B used for treating black fungus had been allocated to states on a need-based system and there was no discrimination against any state, including Maharashtra. Concept: • Mucormycosis — a rare form of fungal infection which could affect vision, and threatens life, if people do not get treated immediately after spotting its symptoms. • Mucormycosis has to be suspected in COVID-19 patients, diabetics and immuno-suppressed individuals when they have sinusitis – nasal blockade or congestion, nasal discharge (blackish/bloody), local pain on the cheek bone. Symptoms: • One-sided facial pain, numbness or swelling. Blackish discolouration over bridge of nose or palate. Toothache, loosening of teeth, jaw involvement. Blurred or double vision with pain; fever, skin lesion; thrombosis & necrosis (eschar). Chest pain, pleural effusion, haemoptysis, worsening of respiratory symptoms Treatment:

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• Treatment includes aggressive surgery or radical debridement and exenteration of effected or blind eye, long term follow-up along with anti-fungal medications. Apart from surgery, prolonged anti-fungal treatment plays a major role in curing the patient. Amphotericin B • It is fungistatic or fungicidal depending on the concentration obtained in body fluids and the susceptibility of the fungus. • The antibiotic is without effect on bacteria, rickettsiae, and viruses. • The drug acts by binding to sterols (ergosterol) in the cell membrane of susceptible fungi. • It creates a transmembrane channel and the resultant change in membrane permeability allowing leakage of intracellular components. • Amphotericin B, a polyene, binds irreversibly to ergosterol, resulting in disruption of membrane integrity and ultimately cell death.

USE OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES WILL HALT COVID PROGRESSION: Context : The initial use of monoclonal antibody cocktail, the combination of drugs used on former US President Donald Trump and given emergency use approval in India in early May, has given encouraging results, with doctors involved touting it as the “first real treatment for Covid-19”. Concept : Monoclonal Antibodies: • Antibodies are proteins produced naturally by the immune system that target a specific foreign object (antigen). They are called monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) when they are produced by clones derived from a single parent cell. • They are man-made proteins that act like a human antibody in the immune system. They are made by cloning a unique white blood cell. • mAbs have monovalent affinity, it binds only to the same epitope i.e. the part of an antigen that is recognized by the antibody. • They are designed to perform many roles, like they can be used to carry drugs, toxins, or radioactive substances directly to affected cells. • mAbs are used to treat many diseases, including some types of cancer.

Blue Origin auctions New Shepard ride with Jeff Bezos for $28 million: Context: The flight aboard New Shepard, slated for July 20th, will mark the company’s first mission flying humans, in which the winning bidder will bask in a few minutes of microgravity with Bezos, his brother Mark, and one other passenger before returning back to land. Concept : New Shephard • New Shephard has been named after astronaut Alan Shephard, the first American to go to space, and offers flights to space over 100 km above the Earth and accommodation for payloads. • Essentially, it is a rocket system that has been designed to take astronauts and research payloads past the Karman line – the internationally recognised boundary of space. • The idea is to provide easier and more cost-effective access to space meant for purposes such as academic research, corporate technology development and entrepreneurial ventures among others. • It is built by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s Space Company called Blue Origin. • In 2018, Blue Origin was one of the ten companies selected by NASA to conduct studies and advance technologies to collect process and use space-based resources for missions to the Moon and Mars. How does it work? • The rocket system consists of two parts, the cabin or capsule and the rocket or the booster. • The cabin can accommodate experiments from small mini payloads up to 100 kg. • The cabin is designed for six people and sits atop a 60-feet tall rocket and separates from it before crossing the Karman line, after which both vehicles fall back to the Earth.

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• The system is a fully reusable, vertical takeoff and vertical landing space vehicle that accelerates for about 2.5 minutes before the engine cuts off. • After separating from the booster, the capsule free falls in space, while the booster performs an autonomously controlled vertical landing back to Earth. • The capsule, on the other hand, lands back with the help of parachutes. Karman Lines • The Karman line is an attempt to define a boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. • The line is named after Theodore von Kármán (1881–1963), a Hungarian American engineer and physicist, who was active primarily in aeronautics and astronautics. • He was the first person to calculate the altitude at which the atmosphere becomes too thin to support aeronautical flight and arrived at 83.6 km (51.9 miles) himself.

MIXING COVID VACCINES: Context : India plans to embark soon on an exercise to investigate if it can immunise people using a “mix and match” of different Covid-19 vaccines. Concept : • This would mean following up one dose of a particular vaccine with a second dose of a different vaccine. In scientific terms, this is called “heterologous” immunisation. • In India, whose vaccination programme currently uses Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik V, this practice has not been approved yet. Other countries have already been testing this out. Why mix and match Covid-19 vaccines? • BETTER IMMUNE RESPONSE: Some scientists believe that using a different vaccine for the second dose could potentially boost the immune response against the virus. This may especially be true for viral vector vaccines like Covishield/AstraZeneca, which use a modified and weakened chimpanzee ‘adenovirus’ (common cold virus) to deliver the genetic code of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to the body. • MUTATIONS & VARIANTS: Mixing and matching vaccines of different technologies — for example, a viral vector vaccine followed up with an mRNA vaccine like Pfizer’s — might encourage our immune system to build a wider response. • SHORTAGES IN SUPPLY: Current Covid vaccine production cannot sufficiently cater to the existing demand, resulting in stock-outs. In parts of India, government vaccination centres for those in the 18- 44 age group had closed down due to limited Covishield and Covaxin supplies. • SAFETY CONCERNS: Countries like Germany, France, the UK and Canada have halted the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine in younger age groups due to concerns of rare blood clot. Concerns • UNTESTED COMBINATIONS: Some vaccines like Covaxin have not even been administered in a mix and match scenario • DIFFERENCES IN VACCINES: International bodies like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, which is looking into mixing and matching Covid-19 vaccines, have highlighted certain complexities. • SIDE EFFECTS: Studies such as the Com-COV trials show that some combinations, like AstraZeneca with Pfizer vaccines, could lead to an increase in side effects. • THE SILVER LINING: As of now, there are no issues theoretically that could make mixing and matching of Covid-19 vaccines a major safety threat.

SPACE TOURISM: Context: Last week, Amazon founder and billionaire Jeff Bezos’s space company called Blue Origin concluded the online auction for the first seat on New Shephard, a rocket system meant to take tourists to space. The seat went for a winning bid of $28 million. Concept:

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• Space tourism is human space travel for recreational purposes. There are several different types of space tourism, including orbital, suborbital and lunar space tourism. • To date, orbital space tourism has been performed only by Roscosmos.[2] Work also continues towards developing suborbital space tourism vehicles. This is being done by aerospace companies like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic. • In addition, SpaceX (an aerospace manufacturer) announced in 2018 that they are planning on sending space tourists, including Yusaku Maezawa, on a free-return trajectory around the Moon on the Starship.

BIOMEDICAL WASTE: Context : The report titled, “State of India's Environment 2021,” released by the Centre for Science and Environment, said 2,03,000 kg of COVID-19 biomedical waste was produced daily in May this year and it was roughly 33% of India's non-COVID biomedical waste. Concept : • As per Bio-medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, Bio-medical waste is required to be segregated in 4 colour coded waste categories, and the same is treated and disposed as per the methods prescribed under Schedule I of the Rules. Common methods of treatment and disposal of bio-medical waste are by • incineration/plasma pyrolysis/deep-burial for Yellow Category waste; • autoclaving/microwaving/chemical disinfection for Red Category waste; • sterilization and shredding, disinfection followed by burial in concrete pit/recycling through foundry/encapsulation for White Category sharps waste; and • washing, disinfection followed by recycling for Blue Category glass waste.

Coronavirus stays on surfaces of hospitals, floors of patient rooms: Study Context : The researchers also noted that even though the virus’ unique genetic signature was detected on a surface, it didn’t necessarily mean that they were able to infect the healthcare workers tending to the patients. Concept : • A gene signature or gene expression signature is a single or combined group of genes in a cell with a uniquely characteristic pattern of gene expression that occurs as a result of an altered or unaltered biological process or pathogenic medical condition. • This is not to be confused with the concept of gene expression profiling. Activating pathways in a regular physiological process or a physiological response to a stimulus results in a cascade of signal transduction and interactions that elicit altered levels of gene expression, which is classified as the gene signature of that physiological process or response. • The clinical applications of gene signatures breakdown into prognostic, diagnostic and predictive signatures. • The phenotypes that may theoretically be defined by a gene expression signature range from those that predict the survival or prognosis of an individual with a disease, those that are used to differentiate between different subtypes of a disease, to those that predict activation of a particular pathway. • Ideally, gene signatures can be used to select a group of patients for whom a particular treatment will be effective.

CHIME Collaboration have assembled the largest collection of fast radio bursts (FRBs): Context: Scientists with the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) Collaboration have assembled the largest collection of fast radio bursts (FRBs) in the telescope’s first FRB catalogue. Concept: CHIME Telescope

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• CHIME is an interferometric radio telescope at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory in British Columbia, Canada. • It consists of four antennas consisting of 100 x 20-meter cylindrical parabolic reflectors with 1024 dual-polarization radio receivers suspended on support above them. • The telescope receives radio signals each day from half of the sky as the Earth rotates. • While most radio astronomy is done by swiveling a large dish to focus light from different parts of the sky, CHIME stares, motionless, at the sky, and focuses incoming signals using a correlator. • This is a powerful digital signal processor that can work through huge amounts of data, at a rate of about seven terrabytes per second, equivalent to a few percent of the world’s Internet traffic. What are FRBs? • FRBs are oddly bright flashes of light, registering in the radio band of the electromagnetic spectrum, which blaze for a few milliseconds before vanishing without a trace. • These brief and mysterious beacons have been spotted in various and distant parts of the universe, as well as in our own galaxy. • Their origins are unknown and their appearance is highly unpredictable. • But the advent of the CHIME project has nearly quadrupled the number of fast radio bursts discovered to date. • With more observations, astronomers hope soon to pin down the extreme origins of these curiously bright signals.

Role of animal serum in making of vaccines: Context : The government on Wednesday issued a clarification stating that Covaxin, the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, did not contain the serum of a newborn calf. Concept : • The virus is killed, or inactivated, before being used in the vaccine, and injected into the human body, but it is still able to trigger an immune response. • To be used in the vaccine, the virus needs to be grown, or cultured, in the laboratory. Scientists try to create conditions conducive for the growth of these viruses by recreating the kind of environment that exists in an infected person’s tissues. • Therefore, solutions containing ‘nutrients’ act as the growth medium for the virus. These nutrients, like specific sugar and salt molecules, are extracted from tissues of suitable animals like horses, cow, goat or sheep. • The virus grows in these nutrient-rich solutions. After that, it goes through several stages of purification that make it suitable to be used in a vaccine. There is no trace of the growth medium after the entire process is over. Why calf serum • According to the website of the Food and Drug Administration of the United States, cow components are used mainly because cows are large animals, easily available, and rich in some of the useful chemicals and enzymes.

Antigenic Drift: Concept : Background • In India, it was known as the Bombay Fever that broke out in the city in June 1918, with one of the possible entry points being ships carrying troops returning from the First World War in Europe. It hit different parts of the country in three waves, with the second recording the highest fatality rate. • The pandemic is believed to have killed 17-18 million people in the country. By early 1919, it had largely disappeared.

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• It is argued that since the whole world had been exposed to the virus, and had therefore developed natural immunity against it, the 1918 strain began to mutate and evolve in a process called “antigenic drift”. Antigenic Drift • Antigenic drift is a kind of genetic variation in viruses, arising by the accumulation of mutations in the virus genes that code for virus-surface proteins that host antibodies recognize. • This results in a new strain of virus particles that is not effectively inhibited by the antibodies that prevented infection by previous strains. • This makes it easier for the changed virus to spread throughout a partially immune population. Antigenic drift occurs in both influenza A and influenza B viruses. Antigenic shift is a closely related process; it refers to more dramatic changes in the virus's surface proteins. Genetic drift is very different and much more broadly applicable; it refers to the gradual accumulation in any DNA sequence of random mutational changes that do not interfere with the DNA's function and thus that are not seen by natural selection.

NEW VARIANT T478K: MOSTLY FOUND IN MEXICO, ALSO FOUND IN EUROPE: Context: An analysis of more than one million SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences has led to the identification of a new variant that, over the past weeks, has been spreading mostly in Mexico but has also been found in Europe. Concept: • Biotechnologists of the University of Bologna have published their paper in the Journal of Medical Virology, describing the new variant, whose scientific name is T478K. Like other strains, this presents a mutation in the spike protein. • This variant represents 52.8% of all sequenced coronaviruses in Mexico, whereas in the US it shows up only in 2.7% of the sequenced samples. Mutations • The DNA sequence is specific to each organism. It can sometimes undergo changes in its base-pairs sequence. It is termed as a mutation. • A mutation may lead to changes in proteins translated by the DNA. Usually, the cells can recognize any damage caused by mutation and repair it before it becomes permanent.

DECLINE IN STAR FORMATION ACTIVITY: Context : Recently, a team of astronomers from the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA- TIFR) in Pune, and the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have discovered the reason behind decline in star formation activity 8 billion years ago Concept : • The study stated that the fuel critical to hydrogen formation is atomic hydrogen gas content of galaxies. • The researchers used the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) to measure the atomic hydrogen gas content of galaxies 9 billion years ago. • The measurement of the atomic hydrogen gas mass was done by using the GMRT to search for a spectral line in atomic hydrogen, which can only be detected with radio telescopes. • The star formation in early galaxies was so intense that they would consume their atomic gas in just two billion years and if the galaxies could not acquire more gas, their star formation activity would decline and finally cease. • It appears likely that the cause of the declining star- formation in the Universe is simply that galaxies were not able to replenish their gas reservoirs after some epoch. About Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) • It is a unique facility for radio astronomical research using the metre wavelengths range of the radio spectrum.

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• It is located at a site about 80 km north of Pune. • It consists of 30 fully steerable gigantic parabolic dishes of 45m diameter each spread over distances of upto 25 km. It has been set up by National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), a center of the school of natural sciences of the TIFR.

Discovery of China’s Dragon Man: Context: Recently, the researchers from China have claimed to have found an ancient human skull that could belong to an altogether new species of humans. Concept: • The researchers working in Israel have also identified a previously unknown kind of ancient human called “Nesher Ramla Homo” that co-existed with Homo sapiens nearly 100,000 years ago. Key Highlights • The researchers have noted that the cranium (the portion that encloses the brain) could be over 146,000 years old. • The skull was found in the Songhua River in north-east China’s Harbin city. • The findings from the site in Israel have been dated to 140,000-120,000 years ago. • The members of the species Nesher Ramla Homo could hunt small and large game and they used wood for fuel, cooked and roasted meat, and maintained fires. • Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) are believed to be the closest extinct human relatives and lived about 400,000-40,000 years ago in Europe and southwestern to central Asia. • As per the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, there are over 21 human species . How China’s Dragon fit in the definition of human? • The cranium found in China has been dubbed the “Dragon Man” or Homo longi. • The name has been derived from the Long Jiang or Dragon River in the Heilongjiang province of China where the city of Harbin is located. • The skull was reportedly discovered back in 1933, when a bridge was built over the Songhua River. • The UK’s Natural History Museum notes that because of the distinctive shape of the skull, which was found almost complete, some members of the team have suggested that it be declared a part of a new species of the genus Homo. • The size of the skull, which has a considerable brain capacity, is comparable to that of modern humans and Neanderthals. Songhua River • It flows northward out of the Changbai Mountains and cuts across the Manchurian Plain before emptying into the Amur River, which separates northeastern China from Russia’s Far East. • It is the largest tributary of the Heilong River. • The source of the river is a crater lake called Heavenly Lake with an elevation of 2,189 meters at the top of the Changbai Mountain. • It is considered that its Chinese name "Songhua" is from its Manchurian pronunciation "Songga- liwula".

Delta Variant Greatest Threat To US Pandemic Response: Context : The Delta variant of the novel coronavirus that was first found in India is the greatest threat to the United States' effort to eradicate COVID-19 in its borders, said US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci . Concept : • The transmissibility is unquestionably greater in the Delta variant than the original variant of COVID- 19 and also it is associated with an increased disease severity. • The Delta variant is becoming the globally dominant version of the disease, the World Health Organization's chief scientist said. Delta Variant

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• The World Health Organization (WHO) has named B.1.617.1 variant as ‘Kappa‘ and B.1.617.2 variant as ‘Delta‘ • These variants are sub-lineages of B.1.617 which was detected in India in 2021. • This new nomenclature for the various variants of the coronavirus using Greek alphabets was introduced to simplify public discussions and also help remove the stigma from the names. • Moreover, WHO has also categorized the Delta variant as a Variant of Concern (VOC). Variant of Concern (VOC) • WHO classifies a variant as a VOC when it is associated with • An increase in transmissibility or detrimental change in Covid-19 epidemiology or • Increase in virulence (Ability to cause severe/life-threatening disease) • Decrease in the effectiveness of public health measures or available diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics. Why is Delta Variant more dangerous than other variants? • This variant has multiple mutations that appear to give it an advantage over other strains. • The most important advantage is that the mutations may make the strain more transmissible.This will make the delta variant the most dangerous variant yet. • One study indicated that the Delta variant may be up to 50% more transmissible than the B.1.1.7 (U.K./Alpha) variant. What is a mutation? • A mutation means a change in the genetic sequence of the virus. • In the case of Covid-19, which is a Ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, a mutation means a change in the sequence in which its molecules are arranged. • A mutation in an RNA virus often happens when the virus makes a mistake while it is making copies of itself.

Summit on Green Hydrogen Initiatives: Context : India is hosting a summit on Green Hydrogen initiatives involving the BRICS nations. The event offers a platform to share their respective Green Hydrogen initiatives and views on how to take it to the next level in their own countries. The event will be anchored by NTPC Ltd , a Maharatna CPSU under the Ministry of Power. Concept : • Hydrogen when produced by electrolysis using renewable energy is known as Green Hydrogen which has no carbon footprint. Significance of Green Hydrogen: • Green hydrogen energy is vital for India to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) Targets and ensure regional and national energy security, access and availability. • Green Hydrogen can act as an energy storage option, which would be essential to meet intermittencies (of renewable energy) in the future. • In terms of mobility, for long distance mobilisations for either urban freight movement within cities and states or for passengers, Green Hydrogen can be used in railways, large ships, buses or trucks, etc. Applications of green hydrogen: • Green Chemicals like ammonia and methanol can directly be utilized in existing applications like fertilizers, mobility, power, chemicals, shipping etc. • Green Hydrogen blending up to 10% may be adopted in CGD networks to gain widespread acceptance. • Benefits: • It is a clean-burning molecule, which can decarbonize a range of sectors including iron and steel, chemicals, and transportation. • Renewable energy that cannot be stored or used by the grid can be channelled to produce hydrogen.

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H10N3 BIRD FLU DETECTED IN HUMAN: Context : A 41-year-old man in China’s eastern Jiangsu Province is the first known human to be infected with a strain of bird flu known as H10N3, China’s National Health Commission said on Tuesday — a development that experts said merited close monitoring because of an underlying continued risk of pandemic flus. Concept: • H10N3 is a type of bird flu or avian flu. These illnesses are common in wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. • Infected birds shed avian flu in their saliva, mucus, and poop, and humans can get infected when enough of the virus gets in the eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled from infected droplets or dust. Is it a cause for concern? • Health authorities have played down the outbreak, saying the case was a sporadic virus transmission from poultry to humans, and the risk of causing a pandemic was extremely low. • H10N3 is a low pathogenic or relatively less severe strain of the virus in poultry and the risk of it spreading on a large scale is very low. How to prevent the spread of H10N3 among people’? • People should avoid contact with sick or dead poultry and avoid direct contact with live birds as much as possible. • People must pay attention to food hygiene at the moment. • People should wear masks and improve self-protection awareness, while constantly monitoring fever and respiratory symptoms. Different strains of bird flu: • Several strains of bird flu have been found among animals in China but mass outbreaks in humans are rare. • The last human epidemic of bird flu in China occurred in late 2016 to 2017, with the H7N9 virus. • H5N8 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus (also known as the bird flu virus). While H5N8 only presents a low risk to humans, it is highly lethal to wild birds and poultry. • In April, a highly pathogenic H5N6 avian flu was found in wild birds in northeast China’s Shenyang city. Classification: • Influenza viruses are classified into subtypes based on two surface proteins, Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA). For example, a virus that has an HA 7 protein and NA 9 protein is designated as subtype H7N9.

ECHOLOCATION: Context : The Durham research, published on Wednesday in the journal PLOS One, focuses on how easily visually impaired people can learn echolocation, and whether age influences learning. Concept : Echolocation • Echolocation, also called bio sonar, is a biological sonar used by several animal species. Echolocating animals emit calls out to the environment and listen to the echoes of those calls that return from various objects near them. • They use these echoes to locate and identify the objects. Echolocation is used for navigation, foraging, and hunting in various environments. • Echolocating animals include some mammals (most notably Laurasiatheria) and a few birds. • Especially some bat species and odontocetes (toothed whales and dolphins), but also in simpler forms in other groups such as shrews, and two cave dwelling bird groups, the so-called cave swiftlets in the genus Aerodramus (formerly Collocalia) and the unrelated Oilbird Steatornis caripensis. Durham study • The researchers organised a 10-week training programme, in which 12 blind and 14 sighted volunteers aged between 21 and 79 were taught click-based echolocation, as per BBC Science Focus.

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• The volunteers were trained in distinguishing between the size of objects, orientation perception and virtual navigation. • At the end of the training, the participants had been able to improve their ability to navigate using clicking noises either from one’s mouth, walking cane taps or footsteps.

GLOBAL OUTAGE OF INTERNET: Context: Several big websites around the world went down for about half an hour, because of a major issue with the content delivery network (CDN) of American cloud computing services provider fastly. Most users would have seen a 503 error when trying to access these websites, indicating that the browser was not able to access the server. Concept: What is a CDN? • A CDN (Content Delivery Network) is a highly-distributed platform of servers that helps minimize delays in loading web page content by reducing the physical distance between the server and the user. • Without a CDN, content origin servers must respond to every single end user request. • A CDN refers to a geographically distributed group of servers that work together to provide fast delivery of Internet content. • They house content close to the telecom service providers’ networks. Majority of web traffic across the world today is routed through CDNs. • Platforms such as Netflix, Facebook, and Amazon— ones with large quantities of data held in global libraries — host their geographically relevant content closer to where that content is to be consumed. • This ensures the end customer is able to access the content faster. Another reason companies rely on these CDNs is to help protect their sites against traffic spikes, distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks, etc.

Past experiences: • This is not the first time that an issue with CDN has caused many other dependent websites to go down. Previously in 2020, Cloud flare, another leading global cloud platform, had faced issues that impacted its client websites. • The Cloud flare glitch resulted in sites such as Discord, Feedly, Politico, Shopify, and League of Legends going down.

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Exposure to common cold virus can help fight Covid 19: Context : In a new study, published in the the Journal of Experimental Medicine, researchers from Yale University found that the common respiratory virus jump-starts the activity of interferon-stimulated genes. Concept : • These are molecules in the immune system whose early response can halt replication of the SARS- CoV-2 virus within airway tissues infected with the cold. • One way to trigger these defences is by treating patients with interferons, an immune system protein which is also available as a drug. Interferons • Interferons are a family of naturally-occurring proteins that are made and secreted by cells of the immune system (for example, white blood cells, natural killer cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells). • Three classes of interferons have been identified : Alpha , Beta & Gamma • Each class has many effects, though their effects overlap. Commercially available interferons are human interferons manufactured using recombinant DNA technology. • The mechanism of action of interferon is complex and is not well understood. Interferons modulate the response of the immune system to viruses, bacteria, cancer, and other foreign substances that invade the body. • Interferons do not directly kill viral or cancerous cells; they boost the immune system response and reduce the growth of cancer cells by regulating the action of several genes that control the secretion of numerous cellular proteins that affect growth.

Astronauts boards chinese space station: Context : China launches Shenzhou-12 shuttle carrying three astronauts, first crew to new space station. Concept : • China launched three astronauts as its first crew to its new Tiangong space station on Thursday (June 17), the country's first manned spaceflight in nearly five years. • The high-stakes mission, named Shenzhou 12, was launched on the back of the Long March 2F rocket. China’s Space Station: • The new, 66-tonne, multi-module Tiangong station is set to be operational for at least 10 years. • kTianhe is one of three main components of what would be China’s first self-developed space station, rivalling the only other station in service – the ISS. • It forms the main living quarters for three crew members in the Chinese space station. • The Tianhe launch is the first of 11 missions needed to complete the space station, which will orbit Earth at an altitude of 340 to 450 km. • In the later missions, China will launch the two other core modules, four manned spacecraft and four cargo spacecraft.

PASHIPAE Mission will peep into unknown regions of the sky: Context : Recently, the Scientists from the University of Crete, Greece, Caltech, USA, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), India, the South African Astronomical Observatory and the University of Oslo, Norway, are involved in PASIPHAE Mission. Concept: PASIPHAE Mission • Polar-Areas Stellar-Imaging in Polarisation High-Accuracy Experiment (PASIPHAE) is an international collaborative sky surveying project. • The project has been funded by the world’s leading institutions from USA, Norway, South Africa and Private foundations. • Scientists aim to study the polarisation in the light coming from millions of stars. • The survey will use two high-tech optical polarimeters to observe the northern and southern skies, simultaneously.

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• It will focus on capturing starlight polarisation of very faint stars that are so far away that polarisation signals from there have not been systematically studied. • The distances to these stars will be obtained from measurements of the GAIA satellite (of European Space Agency) • By combining these data, astronomers can create a 3-Dimensional model of the distribution of the dust and magnetic field structure of the galaxy using a novel polarimeter instrument known as WALOP (Wide Area Linear Optical Polarimeter). What is WALOP? • Wide Area Linear Optical Polarimeter (WALOP) is an instrument, when mounted on two small optical telescopes, that will be used to detect polarised light signals emerging from the stars along high galactic latitudes. • A WALOP each will be mounted on the 1.3-metre Skinakas Observatory, Crete (Greek islands), and on the 1-metre telescope of the South African Astronomical Observatory located in Sutherland. • Once built, they will be unique instruments offering the widest ever field of view of the sky in polarimetry. In simple terms, the images will simultaneously have the finest of details of a star along with its panoramic background. • 200 kg weighing WALOP will be capable of observing hundreds of stars concurrently present both in the northern and the southern skies.

CIBER 2 AND COUNTING OF STARS: Context : Recently, a NASA-funded rocket’s launch window will open at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, USA. Concept : Cosmic Infrared Background Experiment (CIBER)-2 • The scientists have estimated that on average each galaxy consists of about 100 million stars in order to roughly estimate the number of stars in the Universe. • The instrument will launch aboard a sounding rocket, a small suborbital rocket that will carry scientific instruments on brief trips into space before it falls back to Earth for recovery. • The aim of this mission is to count the number of stars that exist in the Universe. • It is designed to continue the spectro-photometric and fluctuation campaign of the Extragalactic Background Light (EBL) in the near infrared. • It will help to evaluate and find the true figures of the stars, as the highest estimated number of the celestial bodies from the massive universe might not be enough. • It is a near-infrared rocket-borne instrument designed to conduct comprehensive multi-band measurements of extragalactic background light (EBL) anisotropy on arc-second to degree angular scales. Working of CIBER-2 • It will survey a patch of sky that will include dozens of clusters of galaxies. • The instrument will not actually count individual stars but it will instead detect the extragalactic background light, which is all of the light that has been emitted throughout the history of the Universe. • It will focus on a portion of the cosmic infrared background, which is emitted by some of the most common stars. • It is aiming to look at how bright this light is to give scientists an estimate of how many of these stars are out there. Extragalactic Background Light and Cosmic Infrared Background • The EBL is a background glow of the collective photons produced in the universe over time. • It was used in the first CIBER mission to determine the total light from stars through optical to ultraviolet scale. • The objective is to use cosmic infrared background to point out the common types of stars such as M and K dwarfs.

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• The sounding rocket will measure the number of stars not by counting the physical bodies themselves, but by the traces of lights that are emitted by stars in faint galaxies.

ASPAGNII(TM) - INDIGENEOUS TUMOUR ANTIGEN: Context: DBT-NII Receives Trademark for India’s First Indigenous Tumour Antigen SPAG9. Concept: • India's first indigenous tumour antigen SPAG9 was discovered by Dr Anil Suri in 1998 who is heading the Cancer Research Program at the New Delhi-based National Institute of Immunology (NII), an Autonomous Institute of Department of Biotechnology (DBT). • In a recent development, the SPAG9 antigen has received the trademark ASPAGNIITM. • Currently, ASPAGNIITM is being used in dendritic cell (DC) based immunotherapy in cervical, ovarian cancer and will also be used in breast cancer. Immunotherapy • Immunotherapy is a new approach that exploits the body’s inner capability to put up a fight against cancer. • With this approach, either the immune system is given a boost, or the T cells are “trained’’ to identify recalcitrant cancer cells and kill them.

WE WILL PROBABLY NEED BOOSTER SHOTS FOR COVID 19: Context: As the nation edges closer to President Joe Biden’s goal of a 70% vaccination rate, many people are beginning to wonder how long their protection will last. Concept: • For now, scientists are asking a lot of questions about COVID-19 booster shots, but they do not yet have many answers. • The National Institutes of Health recently announced that it has begun a new clinical trial of people fully vaccinated — with any authorized vaccine — to see whether a booster of the Moderna shot will increase their antibodies and prolong protection against getting infected with the virus. Booster Dose • In medical terms, a booster dose is an extra administration of a vaccine after an earlier (primer) dose. • After initial immunization, a booster injection or booster dose is a re-exposure to the immunizing antigen. It is intended to increase immunity against that antigen back to protective levels, after memory against that antigen has declined through time. • For example, tetanus shot boosters are often recommended every 10 years, before which memory cells specific against tetanus have lost their function or undergone apoptosis. • The need for a booster dose following a primary vaccination is evaluated in several ways. One way is to measure the level of antibodies specific against a disease, a few years after the primary dose is given. • Anamnestic response, the rapid production of antibodies after a stimulus of an antigen, is a typical way to measure the need for a booster dose of a certain vaccine. If the anamnestic response is high after receiving a primary vaccine many years ago, there is most likely little to no need for a booster dose. • People can also measure the active B and T cell activity against that antigen after a certain amount of time that the primary vaccine was administered, or determine the prevalence of the disease in vaccinated populations

WHY DO AIRCRAFT RUN INTO TURBULENCE?: Context: Eight passengers on board a Vistara flight from Mumbai to Kolkata on Monday, June 7, suffered injuries after the Boeing 737-800 encountered severe turbulence during its descent. Concept: • Air turbulence means disruption of airflow over the wings of an airplane, which causes it to enter an irregular vertical motion.

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• There are at least seven different kinds of turbulence which an aircraft can face. • Jet streams trigger sudden changes in wind speed that can rock the plane. • Another type is thermal turbulence. It's created by hot rising air, usually from cumulus clouds or thunderstorms. • Mechanical turbulence is caused by the landscape. Mountains or tall buildings can distort the wind flow in the sky above them. • Airplanes can also create turbulence. The wings cause wake turbulence as it passes through the air. This can affect planes flying behind one another. It's why planes avoid taking the same flight path on take offs and landings. • Pilots and air traffic control do a lot to avoid turbulence. • Other kinds of turbulence include “wake turbulence”, which forms behind an aircraft when it flies through air, creating wingtip vortices. Are turbulence incidents dangerous? • It depends on the nature and intensity of the turbulence. Aircraft face some form of turbulence on a regular basis, and pilots are trained to deal with these disturbances.

INDEMNITY CLAUSE AND COVID 19 VACCINES: Context: The Union government is in talks with foreign manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines on their demand for indemnity from liability as a condition for selling their vaccines to the country. Concept: • Pfizer, which supplies the Pfizer-Biotech mRNA vaccine, is said to have requested that the government indemnify it from any claim that may arise from vaccine users in the future based on any adverse effects after getting the jab. • No decision has been made yet on the request. However, it has already given rise to a similar demand from domestic vaccine-maker Serum Institute of India (SII), which says all players should be treated the same way. Indemnity from liability Clause • In simple terms, indemnity means security against a loss or other financial stress. • In legal terms, it means a contractual obligation of one party to compensate another party due to the acts of the former. • The clause is commonly used in insurance contracts. • In the case of India, if the government gives an indemnity to foreign vaccine makers to roll out their vaccine in the country, the government, and not the vaccine maker, would be liable to compensate any citizen who claims to have side effects after taking the vaccine jab. What are ‘Bridging trials’? • ‘Bridging trials’ are localized clinical trials which generate data related to the impact of foreign medicines/vaccines on the indigenous population before they are rolled out for the public. • These trials are important in ascertaining the efficacy and potential side-effects related to the medicine/vaccine. • Besides clearance on indemnity clause, foreign vaccine makers including Pfizer and Moderna had sought relaxation on the requirement for a post-approval bridging trial for its vaccine. Are there any exceptions to indemnification? • There are a number of common exceptions to indemnification. • An indemnification provision may exclude indemnification for claims or losses that result from the indemnified party’s: Negligence or gross negligence. Improper use of the products. Bad faith failure to comply with its obligations in the agreement.

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BOSE EINSTEIN CONDENSATES: Context: Emergence of order from chaos in turbulent systems and Bose-Einstein condensation. This ordering leads to aeroelastic flutter and thermoacoustic instabilities as observed during the failure of the F1 engine of Apollo rocket during trials. Concept: Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) • Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) — the existence of which was predicted by Albert Einstein and Indian mathematician Satyendra Nath Bose almost a century ago — are formed when atoms of certain elements are cooled to near absolute zero (0 Kelvin, minus 273.15 Celsius). • At this point, the atoms become a single entity with quantum properties, wherein each particle also functions as a wave of matter. • BECs straddle the line between the macroscopic world governed by forces such as gravity and the microscopic plane, ruled by quantum mechanics. Why are BECs important? • Scientists believe BECs contain vital clues to mysterious phenomena such as dark energy — the unknown energy thought to be behind the Universe’s accelerating expansion. • But BECs are extremely fragile. The slightest interaction with the external world is enough to warm them past their condensation threshold. • This makes them nearly impossible for scientists to study on Earth, where gravity interferes with the magnetic fields required to hold them in place for observation.

EnVision Mission to Venus: Context: Recently, the European Space Agency (ESA) had announced that it has selected EnVision as its next orbiter that will visit Venus sometime in the 2030s. Concept: EnVision Mission • It is an European Space Agency (ESA) led mission with contributions from NASA. • The earliest launch opportunity for EnVision is 2031, followed by 2032 and 2033. • The spacecraft will take about 15 months to reach Venus and will take 16 more months to achieve orbit circularisation. • The spacecraft will carry a range of instruments to study the planet’s atmosphere and surface, monitor trace gases in the atmosphere and analyse its surface composition. • A radar provided by NASA will help to image and map the surface. • It will follow another ESA-led mission to Venus called ‘Venus Express’ (2005-2014) that focussed on atmospheric research and pointed to volcanic hotspots on the planet’s surface. About Venus • It is the second-brightest object in the sky after the moon. • It appears bright because of its thick cloud cover that reflects and scatters light. • It is called the Earth’s twin because of their similar sizes. • The planet’s thick atmosphere traps heat and is the reason that it is the hottest planet in the solar system, despite coming after Mercury. • The surface temperatures on Venus can go up to 471 degrees Celsius, which is hot enough to melt lead. • It moves forward on its orbit around the Sun but spins backwards around its axis slowly which implies that on Venus the Sun rises in the west and sets in the East. • One day on Venus is equivalent to 243 Earth days because of its backward spinning, opposite to that of the Earth’s and most other planets. • Venus also does not have a moon and no rings.

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MORE ANTIBODIES PRODUCED BY COVISHIELD THAN COVAXIN : STUDY: Context: Seropositivity rates to anti-spike antibody were significantly higher in Covishield recipients compared to Covaxin after the first dose, the study claimed. Concept: • This ongoing, Pan-India, Cross-sectional, Coronavirus Vaccine-induced Antibody Titre (COVAT) study is being conducted amongst HCW, with or without past history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. • SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike binding antibody is being assessed quantitatively at four time points between 21 days or more after the first dose to 6 months after the second dose, the study said. Antibody • Antibodies are also called immunoglobulins or Ig. They are Y-shaped proteins made by your immune system’s B lymphocytes or B cells. • B cells attack and eliminate viruses and other toxins outside the cell. They do this by making specific antibodies for a single type of antigen. • These tailored antibodies lock on to their specific antigens and tag them for attack. Antibodies also block these antigens, keeping them away from your healthy cells. Ultimately, antibodies kill these antigens, stopping infection. The main types of antibodies (immunoglobulins) include: • IgG. These are the most abundant types of antibodies in your plasma. They detoxify harmful substances and provide long-term protection. • IgM. These are the first antibodies made by B cells in response to antigens. • IgA. These antibodies collect antigens and remove them from your body in your mucus or other body fluids. • IgE. These antibodies trigger allergies and protect against parasites. Small amounts are in your skin, lungs, and mucosal membranes. • IgD. These antibodies bind to B cells and signal them to release IgM antibodies. • Each antibody guards against its target antigen and many types of antibodies are found throughout your body. They play a vital role in your body’s defense against illness and disease. Antigens • Antigens, or immunogens, are substances or toxins in your blood that trigger your body to fight them. • Antigens are usually bacteria or viruses, but they can be other substances from outside your body that threaten your health. This battle is called an immune response.

NICLOSAMIDE FOR COVID TREATMENT: Context: Recently, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with Laxai Life Sciences began the phase-II clinical trials of the Niclosamide drug for treatment of Covid-19. Concept: Niclosamide • It is an orally bioavailable chlorinated salicylanilide, with anthelmintic and potential antineoplastic activity. • It is an antihelminthic used for the treatment of tapeworm infections. • It has been extensively used in past for treatment of tapeworm’s infection in adults as well as children. • It is also used as a molluscicide in the control of schistosomiasis. • It appears to be minimally absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract because neither the drug nor its metabolites have been recovered from the blood or urine. Tapeworm infection • It is caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with tapeworm eggs or larvae. • If certain tapeworm eggs are ingested, they can migrate outside intestines and form larval cysts in body tissues and organs (invasive infection). • An adult tapeworm consists of a head, neck and chain of segments called proglottids. • Intestinal tapeworm infections are usually mild, with only one or two adult tapeworms but invasive larval infections can cause serious complications.

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ISRO DEVELOPS 3 TYPES OF VENTILATORS: Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation has developed three types of ventilators, and has come forward to transfer the technology to industry for clinical usage as the country battles the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Concept: PRANA • A low-cost and portable critical care ventilator, 'PRANA' ("Programmable Respiratory Assistance for the Needy Aid') is based on the automated compression of an AMBU (Artificial Manual Breathing unit) bag. • The system has a sophisticated control system that includes airway pressure sensor, flow sensor, oxygen sensor, servo actuator as well as expiration and PEEP (Positive End Expiratory Pressure) control valves, • ISRO said PRANA supports both invasive and non- invasive ventilation modes and is capable of giving mandatory breaths (controlled by ventilator) as well as spontaneous breaths (controlled by the patient). VaU • The ICU grade positive pressure mechanical ventilator titled 'VaU' (abbreviation of Ventilation assist Unit) can assist or replace the spontaneous breathing in patients under respiratory distress, ISRO said. • VaU is based on a centrifugal blower which draws in filtered ambient air, compresses it and delivers it to the patient to achieve ventilation and can therefore operate without a compressed pneumatic source. • Provision is also given in the ventilator to connect a high pressure oxygen source, from which oxygen is metered automatically, to achieve the desired oxygen concentration (FiO2) in the inspiratory flow. SVASTA • Gas-powered ventilator 'Space Ventilator Aided System for Trauma Assistance (SVASTA)', a basic mode for non- invasive ventilation, is well-suited for emergency use for first line treatment and as transit ventilators inside vehicles, according to ISRO. • The basic design is simple, and the components can be easily mass produced for emergency use in pandemic like situations. • This ventilator, which runs on compressed air, is able to perform various ventilation conditions using manual mechanical settings.

SAN FRANCISCO IS LEADING THE WAY TO HERD IMMUNITY: Context : Top epidemiologists have predicted that San Francisco, California will be the first major American city to arrive at the possible endgame of the pandemic — herd immunity. Concept : • Experts believe San Francisco’s vaccination drive is largely to thank for its success in combating the virus. • So far, nearly 80 per cent of all adults have already received at least one dose of the vaccine in the city, according to San Francisco health department data. Herd Immunity • Herd immunity is when a large number of people are vaccinated against a disease, lowering the chances of others being infected by it. • When a sufficient percentage of a population is vaccinated, it slows the spread of disease. • It is also referred to as community immunity or herd protection. • The decline of disease incidence is greater than the proportion of individuals immunized because vaccination reduces the spread of an infectious agent by reducing the amount and/or duration of pathogen shedding by vaccines, retarding transmission. • The approach requires those exposed to the virus to build natural immunity and stop the human-to- human transmission. This will subsequently halt its spread.

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Ambergris or 'Whale Vomit ': Context : Recently, there have been two cases where the Mumbai Police has arrested five persons trying to sell Ambergris or 'whale vomit'. Concept : Ambergris • It is generally referred to as whale vomit. • It is a solid waxy substance that floats around the surface of the water body and at times settles on the coast. • A sperm whale eats several thousand squid beaks a day and a beak makes it way to the whale’s stomach and into its looping convoluted intestines where it becomes ambergris. • It was called as “preternaturally hardened whale dung” by a German physician Franz Schwediawer in 1783. • It is produced only by an estimated one per cent of sperm whales. • It contains alkaloids, acids, and a specific compound called ambreine, which is similar to cholesterol. Value of Ambergris • It is referred to as floating gold because 1 kg of ambergris is worth Rs 1 crore in the international market. • The reason for its high cost is its use in the perfume market, especially to create fragrances like musk. • It is believed to be in high demand in countries like Dubai that have a large perfume market. • The ancient Egyptians used it as incense and it is also believed to be used in some traditional medicines. Laws governing trade of Ambergris • The sperm whale is a protected species and hunting of the whale is not allowed. • The buying or selling of ambergris in India is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Sperm Whale • They are the largest of the toothed whales and have one of the widest global distributions of any marine mammal species. • They are found in all deep oceans, from the equator to the edge of the pack ice in the Arctic and Antarctic. • They are named after the waxy substance i.e. spermaceti, found in their heads. • It is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. • They inhabit all of the world’s oceans.

NCDC STUDY POINTD TO DELTA VARIANT BEHIND APRIL CORONA WAVE: Context : In a study carried out by scientists of INSACOG (the consortium of labs undertaking genome sequencing in India) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on the reasons behind the second wave has revealed that despite Delhiites having sero positivity of over 56 per cent, they got little protection against the Delta variant that took over the national capital March 2021 onwards. Concept : Delta variant of Covid-19 • B.1.617 is one of the multiple SARS COV-2 variants and its sub-lineage B.1.617.2, known as the Delta variant. • The early evidence suggests that Delta variant of Covid-19 is more transmissible than contemporary lineages. • The World Health Organization (WHO), which has given it the label Delta, has categorised it as a variant of concern (VOC). The WHO classifies a variant as a VOC when: • It is associated with an increase in transmissibility or detrimental change in Covid-19 epidemiology; • Increase in virulence; or • Decrease in the effectiveness of public health measures or available diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics. Why Delta variant is considered as variant of concern (VOC)?

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• An RNA virus, such as SARS-CoV-2, is made of about 30,000 base pairs of amino acids, placed like bricks next to each other. • The Delta variant contains multiple mutations in the spike protein. About NCDC • The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), formerly National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), had its origin as the Central Malaria Bureau, established at Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh) in 1909. • NICD was transformed into the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) with a larger mandate of controlling emerging and re-emerging diseases in 2009. • It functions as the nodal agency in the country for disease surveillance facilitating prevention and control of communicable diseases. • It is also a national level institute for training specialized manpower for public health, laboratory sciences and entomological services and is involved in various applied research activities. • The Institute is under administrative control of the Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. • The Institute has its headquarters in Delhi.

ENVIRONMENT

Environment minister announced the “India Plastic Challenge – Hackathon 2021”: Context : Environment minister announced the “India Plastic Challenge – Hackathon 2021” to spur innovation and entrepreneurship in area of tackling plastic waste pollution and elimination of single use plastic. Concept : • It is a unique competition calling upon start-ups /entrepreneurs and students of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop innovative solutions to mitigate plastic pollution and develop alternatives to single use plastics. Steps in India • PM Modi gave a clarion call to phase out single use plastics by 2022 • Government of India has already banned import of plastic waste in the country. • Ministry of Environment brought out Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, for handling plastic waste in an environmentally sound manner. Under the rules plastic carry bags below 50 microns have been banned. • Further, the Ministry has issued a draft notification in March 2021 for amending the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, with respect to prohibiting identified 12 single use plastic items such as disposable plastic cutlery etc.”

LITORIA MIRA: Context: Recently, a team of Australian scientists has discovered a curious "chocolate frog" tree frog i.e. Litoria Mira in the lowland rainforests of New Guinea. Concept:

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About Litoria Mira • It is a species of frog lives in the rainforests of New Guinea that appears to be made from chocolate. • It is inspired by the Latin adjective mirum, which means surprised or strange. • It stems from the scientist’s surprise in discovering an undescribed member of the predominately Australian Litoria genus of tree frogs. • It has a well-known relative i.e. the common green tree frog of Australia called Litoria cerulean. • It can be distinguished from all other Litoria by its unique combination of moderately large size, webbing on hand, relatively short and robust limbs, and small violet patch of skin on the edge of its eyes. • The reason that the chocolate frog from New Guinea and the Australian green tree frog are similar is that Australia and New Guinea used to be linked by land for much of the late Tertiary period. • It was discovered in one of the world’s most unpleasant places for humans i.e. a hot rainforest swamp infested with malarial mosquitoes, spiky trees and crocodiles and without roads.

NAGALAND BAMBOO FINDS HOME IN KERALA: Context: A rare bamboo from Nagaland in northeast India has found a second home in picturesque Wagamon in Idukki district of Kerala, courtesy a conservation programme of the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI). Concept: • In its efforts to conserve the species, JNTBGRI has also heeded the United Nations call for ecosystem restoration, he said. • JNTBGRI has plans to propagate the bamboo species in Kerala, given its soil-binding abilities. • Chimonobambusa callosa, an eastern Himalayan hill bamboo, can grow to a height of five to 10 metres • A long-rhizomed spreading bamboo, Chimonobambusa callosa is ideal for soil protection. • Characterised by straight, green culms, with rings of thorns adorning the nodes, the bamboo also has ornamental value, according to the botanic garden. BLUE FINNED MAHSEER OUT OF RED LIST: Context : The Blue-Finned Mahseer, which was on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) red list of endangered species, has now moved to the ‘least concern’ status, a statement from Tata Power said. Concept : • The group is involved in conservation of the blue-finned and golden mahseer for 50 years in Lonavala. However, the golden mahseer is still in danger of going extinct. • "Blue Fin / Deccan Mahseer" or Tor Khudree first described by Sykes from the Mota Mola river east of Pune. • This species is also found in other rivers of the Deccan Plateau. The following sub species of Mahseer are generally recognized by scientists in India • "Golden Mahseer" or Tor Putitora found in the Himalayan streams and rivers. • "Red Finned Mahseer" or Tor Tor found in the rivers of central India. • "Chocolate Mahseer" or Neolissochilus hexagonolepis found in the Indian Himalayan region. • "Humpback Mahseer” or Tor remadevii found in the Cauvery River and its tributaries.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: Context: The World Environment Day was observed on 5th June, 2021. Concept: • World Environment Day is the United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. • Date of observance: Every year on 5th of June. • It marks the first day of The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment which was held in Stockholm, Sweden from June 5–16 in 1972.

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• First year of observance of WED: In 1974 the first WED was held with the theme "Only One Earth". • Theme for 2021 is “REIMAGINE. RECREATE. RESTORE” with focus on ecosystem restoration (i.e. to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean). • Every World Environment Day has a different host country, where the official celebrations take place. Host for 2021 is Pakistan. PM Modi addresses the World Environment Day event • The Prime Minister released the "Report of the Expert Committee on Road Map for ethanol blending in India 2020-2025". • Government has resolved to meet the target of 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol by 2025. • Earlier the resolve was to achieve the target by 2030 which is now preponed by 5 years. • He also launched the ambitious E-100 pilot project in Pune for the production and distribution of ethanol across the country.

VIDARBHA TIGER CORRIDORS: TWO STATES ONE BRAND: Context: Study maps Vidarbha tiger corridors; movement far beyond guarded areas. Concept: • In a first-of-its-kind project, radio telemetry has been deployed to identify corridors used by tigers in the Vidarbha landscape, tracking their actual movement — indicating that the animals are moving in a much wider swathe of area outside the protected areas than previously known. • Vidarbha has 331 tigers in a forest area of around 26,775 sq km, dissected by 84,202 km of roads, apart from irrigation canals and other projects. There have been growing instances of man-tiger conflict in the region. • The project, carried out between 2017 and 2020 using radio signals, identified 37,067 sq km, in all, of tiger corridors, further categorised into five classes as per frequency of tiger use — namely very low (10,289 sq km), low (18,727 sq km), medium (5,689 sq km), high (1,418 sq km) and very high (942 sq km). • Their report says that the tiger movement extends well beyond forested structural corridors modelled by earlier studies. The study shows extensive use of agricultural land by tigers adjoining small fragmented forests and rivers.

CCS TECHNIQUE POSES THE CHALLENGE OF ESTABLISHING ECONOMIC VALUE: Context: Researchers from Universities of Sydney and Toronto have designed advanced electrolysers to convert captured carbon into building blocks of everyday materials. Some of it is used to produce ethylene. Concept: • CCS technology is designed to capture CO2 emissions from combustion of fossil fuels. It can absorb 85-95% of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. What is the process? • The process starts with the capture of generated CO2 which undergoes a compression process to form a dense fluid. This eases the transport and storage of the captured CO2. • The dense fluid is transported via pipelines and then injected into an underground storage facility.Captured CO2 can also be used as a raw material in other industrial processes such as bicarbonates. Global progress on CCS • Absent from INDCs: CCS is absent from intended nationally determined contributions(INDCs) of most countries.Thus, it is clear that national policies have not accepted CCS as a promising technology. • Less CCUS Facilities: As of 2020, there were only 26 operational CCS facilities capturing around 36- 40 million tonnes of carbon per year as cost on storage and transportation is one of the major bottlenecks for implementation of CCS. Indian Government Initiative:

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• National Programme on CO2 Research:India’s Department of Science and Technology has established a national programme on CO2 storage research. • ACT Initiative: In August 2020, India made a call for proposals to support CCS research, development, pilot and demonstration projects.This is part of the accelerating CCS technologies(ACT) initiative. • ACT is an international initiative of 16 countries to facilitate the emergence of CCUS via transnational funding of projects aimed at accelerating and maturing CCUS technology through targeted innovation and research activities. • Industry Charter: In September 2020, an ‘Industry Charter’ for near zero emissions by 2050 was agreed to by six Indian companies that will explore different decarbonisation measures including carbon sequestration.

May 2021 was the sixth warmest May on record ,says NOAA: Context : The upward trend of warming is global and unambiguous: May 2021 has tied with 2018 as the world’s sixth-warmest May on record, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA). Concept : • The average global temperature in May 2021 was 1.46 degrees Fahrenheit (0.81 degrees Celsius) above the 20th-century average, according to the report by scientists at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information. • The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration rated May 2021 the seventh- warmest May on record. • The average global temperature for March through May was 1.48 degrees F (0.82 degree Celsius) above average. It was the eighth-warmest such season for the world on record. About NOAA • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is an American scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere. • NOAA warns of dangerous weather, charts seas, guides the use and protection of ocean and coastal resources and conducts research to provide the understanding and improve stewardship of the environment.

Kochi based firm to promote Pokkali Farming: Context : Agronature, a Kochi-based private company working for the farmers' economic upliftment, has drawn up a plan to promote and sustain this unique traditional farming practice. Concept : Pokkali Rice Farming • The pokkali variety of rice is known for its saltwater resistance and flourishes in the rice paddies of coastal Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts of Kerala. • The single-season paddy is raised in saltwater fields between June and November followed by a season of fish-farming. • The uniqueness of the rice has brought it the Geographical Indication (GI) tag and is the subject of continuing research. • Several foreign research institutes, including the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, have been studying pokkali’s gene pools and have identified a portion of DNA on one of its chromosomes that is crucial for salt tolerance. • Given its ability to thrive under harsh climatic conditions and produce high yield, it can help in promoting climate-resilient agriculture. • Pokkali has medicinal properties and its higher value of antioxidants and low carbohydrate content makes it preferable to those on a low sugar diet. • Vyttila-11 is the latest variety of pokkali developed by the Kerala Agricultural University.

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• Other GI Tag Registered Varieties from Kerala: Kaipad, Wayanad Jeerakasala, Wayanad Gandhakasala, Palakkadan Matta and Navara. • Further, the Kuttanad below-sea level farming system has been recognised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). • It is unique as it practices rice cultivation below sea level.

Odisha resumes evicting illegal prawn gherries in Chilika: Context : Removal of illegal prawn gherries (enclosure) in the Chilika Lake, Asia’s biggest brackish water lagoon, resumed June 24, 2021 after pandemic. The drive to remove net gherries inside the lake and demolish prawn culture ponds in the fringe areas of the lake will continue for a few more days, official sources said. Concept : Chilika Lake • Chilika is Asia's largest and world's second largest lagoon. • It lies on the east coast of India in the state of Odisha, separated from the mighty Bay of Bengal by a small strip of sand. • It spreads over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal, covering an area of over 1,100 square kilometers. • It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent and is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals. • In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. • Major attraction at Chilika is Irrawady dolphins which are often spotted off Satpada Island. • The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987. • Kalijai Temple - Located on an island in the Chilika Lake.

India on track to achieve national commitment of land degradation neutrality: PM: Context : "We are on track to achieve our national commitment of land degradation neutrality. We are also working towards restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030,” he said during his virtual keynote address at the High-Level Dialogue on Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Concept : Land Degradation Neutrality • Land degradation neutrality (LDN) is a condition where further land degradation (loss of productivity caused by environmental or human factors) is prevented and already degraded land can be restored. LDN has been defined by the Parties to the Convention as: • – A state whereby the amount and quality of land resources, necessary to support ecosystem functions and services and enhance food security, remains stable or increases within specified temporal and spatial scales and ecosystems. Benefits of LDN • As land is fixed in quantity, there is ever-increasing competition to control land resources and capitalize on the flows of goods and services from the land. • LDN represents a paradigm shift in land management policies and practices. • It is a unique approach that counterbalances the expected loss of productive land with the recovery of degraded areas. • This has the potential to cause social and political instability, fueling poverty, conflict and migration. About UNCCD: • Established in 1994.

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• It is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. • It is the only convention stemming from a direct recommendation of the Rio Conference’s Agenda 21. • To help publicise the Convention, 2006 was declared “International Year of Deserts and Desertification”. • The Convention addresses specifically the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as the drylands, where some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and peoples can be found. • Aim : Its 197 Parties aim, through partnerships, to implement the Convention and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The end goal is to protect land from over-use and drought, so it can continue to provide food, water and energy. • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal Ministry for this Convention.

Uttarakhand has decided to keep Corbett and Rajaji Tiger Reserves open all year: Context : Uttarakhand Forest Minister Harak Singh Rawat announced on Wednesday that the state’s two Tiger Reserves — Corbett and Rajaji — would now remain open for tourism round the year. Concept : • Until now, the reserves would remain closed to tourists during the monsoon for 4-5 months every year. The statement has sparked a debate with many warning that tourism activities in the rainy season will disturb tigers in their mating season. Jim Corbett National Park • It was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park- the first national park in India.It is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The Corbett national park has highest tiger count from single reserve in the recent Tiger census(carried once in 4 years) • The park was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973- the first to come under the Project Tiger initiative. • The tiger reserve is situated in the Shivalik hills of Himalayas while administratively it spreads over Pauri Garhwal, Nainital and Almora districts of Uttarakhand State in India. Rajaji National Park: • It is a national park and tiger reserve that encompasses the Shivaliks, near the foothills of the Himalayas. • It was declared as a tiger reserve in 2015 and is the second tiger reserve in the Uttarakhand and 48th Tiger Reserve of India. • The park extends over the Shivalik Range in the north-west to the Rawasan River in the southeast with the Ganges dividing it into two parts. • Some of the basic features of the Shivalik formations are to be seen in the park and is rightly known as a veritable storehouse of Shivalik biodiversity and ecosystems. • The western part of the Park consists of the Ramgarh, Kansrao, Motichur, Hardwar, Dholkhand and Chillawali Ranges.

After 45 years, Odisha Welcomes Gharial hatchlings: Context: Recently, Odisha has seen natural nesting of gharials for the first time since they were introduced in its rivers back in 1975. Concept: • Odisha had become the only state to have all the three species of the reptile i.e. freshwater gharials, muggers and saltwater crocodiles with the introduction of gharials in 1975. • All the original gharials introduced over the years in Odisha are dead now and Odisha has introduced 13 more gharials over the past three years in the Mahanadi. • The Odisha Forest Department announced Rs 1,000 for anyone rescuing a gharial, and compensation for those whose fishing nets are destroyed by the reptiles. Freshwater gharials

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• They are a type of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts. • They were granted full protection in the 1970s and later listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. • It is listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. • They live in clear freshwater river systems, congregating at river bends where the water is deeper. • Their range has shrunk to two countries i.e. India, along the Chambal, Girwa, and Son Rivers and Nepal, along the Narayani River. Muggers • It is a medium to large crocodilian species. • It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and in Bangladesh and also its range extends westwards into eastern Iran. • It is a hole-nesting species, with egg-laying taking place during the annual dry season. • It is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. • It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Saltwater Crocodiles • It is the largest of all crocodilians, and the largest reptile in the world. • Saltwater crocs have an enormous range, populating the brackish and freshwater regions of eastern India, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. • Apart from the eastern coast of India, the saltwater crocodile is extremely rare on the Indian subcontinent. • A large population is present within the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary of Odisha while smaller populations occur throughout the Sundarbans. • It is listed as ‘Least Concern’ under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Great apes in peril: Context : A study involving over 60 co-authors has found that African great apes, are set to suffer massive range declines due to impacts of climate change, land-use changes and increase in human population. Concept : • The study looked at the impact of climate change, human population growth and human land use on great ape habitat range, and developed estimates for habitat loss in the best and worst case scenarios. • The researchers predict that Africa’s great apes, which include gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos, will lose 85 per cent of their habitat range by 2050. • Climate change, human land use and population growth push vegetation and other food sources uphill, leaving the survival of Africa’s great apes, as well as other land animals, up to their ability to climb and adapt to new environments. • African ape populations are currently endangered, largely due to habitat loss, poaching, pet trades and climate change. • Asia's only great ape, the orangutan, is also in deep trouble(critically endagered species). • Its last remaining strongholds in the rainforests of Sumatra (Indonesia) and the island of Borneo (Indonesia and Malaysia) are being destroyed by illegal logging, a proliferation of palm oil plantations, and by widespread forest fires, many set by plantation owners.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) : Context: Recently, the Guinean authorities have announced the end of the country’s Ebola epidemic after a 42-day countdown during which no new cases were recorded. Concept: About Ebola virus disease (EVD) • It was formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever. • It is a rare but severe, often fatal illness in humans.

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• The virus family Filoviridae is responsible for EVD which includes three genera: Cuevavirus, Marburgvirus, and Ebolavirus. Transmission of Ebola • It is thought that fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are natural Ebola virus hosts. • It is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to- human transmission. • It is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals. • It spreads through human-to-human transmission via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with: Blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola Objects that have been contaminated with body fluids (like blood, feces, vomit) from a person sick with Ebola or the body of a person who died from Ebola. Treatment of Ebola virus disease (EVD) • The two monoclonal antibodies (Inmazeb and Ebanga) were approved for the treatment of Zaire ebolavirus (Ebolavirus) infection in adults and children by the US Food and Drug Administration. • The Ervebo vaccine has been shown to be effective in protecting people from the species Zaire ebolavirus, and is recommended by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization.

Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary: Context : Recently, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has given the green signal to Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary as 52nd Tiger Reserve of India. Concept : Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary • It is the fourth tiger reserve of Rajasthan after Ranthambore, Sariska and Mukundra tiger reserves. • It is like a buffer for the Ranthambore National Park. • It is located almost 45 kilometers on Bundi-Nainwa Road and covers an area of 252 square kilometers. • It is home to wild predators like hyena, tigers, panthers, antelopes and wild boars. • It was notified as a sanctuary in 1982. • It comprises of hilly dry deciduous forests on Vindhyan formations. • It includes floral diversities like Mango, Dhok, Khair and Salar. National Tiger Conservation Authority • National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. • It was established in 2005 following the recommendations of the Tiger Task Force. • It was constituted under enabling provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006, for strengthening tiger conservation, as per powers and functions assigned to it.

PYROSTRIA LALJII: Context: A 15-metre-tall tree that belongs to the genus of the coffee family has recently been discovered from the Andaman Islands. Concept: • The new species, Pyrostria laljii 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. • The new species is also the first record of the genus Pyrostria in India. Plants belonging to genus Pyrostria are usually found in Madagascar. • Features: The tree is distinguished by a long stem with a whitish coating on the trunk and oblong- obovate leaves with a cuneate base.

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• Other physical features that distinguish the tree from other species of the genus is its umbellate inflorescence with eight to 12 flowers. • Pyrostria laljii has been assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List criteria. • The species has been named Pyrostria laljii after Lal Ji Singh, Joint Director and Head of Office, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, Botanical Survey of India.

Maharashtra’s proposed amendment for protection of Heritage Trees: Context: Recently, the Maharashtra government has decided to make amendments to the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act of 1975, to introduce provisions for the protection of ‘heritage trees’. Concept: Heritage Trees • Under the proposed amendment, a tree with an estimated age of 50 years or more shall be defined as a heritage tree. • The heritage tree may belong to specific species, which will be notified from time to time. • The state climate change department should also consider a tree’s rarity, its botanical, historical, religious, mythological and cultural importance in defining a heritage tree. • The local Tree Authority will have to ensure tree census to be carried out every five years along with counting of heritage trees. Amendments proposed by Maharashtra Government • The plan includes: Concept of heritage tree and plan of action for conservation; Method to define age of the tree; Rules to be followed before hacking trees; Formation of the Maharashtra Tree Authority; Structure of the local tree authority and their duties; and Tree cess and fine to be charged • The State will bring about amendments in the Maharashtra (Urban Area) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act. • A State-level Tree Authority will be formed to protect and preserve heritage trees. • The authority will hear applications seeking permission to cut 200 or more trees that are five or more years old. • The State authority will issue directions for the use of tree cess and the fine amount cannot be more than ₹ 1 lakh per tree in case of violations.

Bharitalasuchus tapani, a carnivorous reptile that lived 240 million years ago: Context: In the mid-20th century, researchers from the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, carried out extensive studies on rocks of the Yerrapalli Formation , 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. Concept: • The Yerrapalli Formation of the Pranhita-Godavari Basin in Telangana has had several fossils unearthed from it. • One of the species identified includes a carnivorous reptile that lived 240 million years ago. It has been named Bharitalasuchus tapani. • Studies have revealed that the reptile belonged to a family of extinct reptiles named Erythrosuchidae. • The 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.

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• Apart from this erythrosuchid reptile, the fossil assemblage of the Yerrapalli Formation includes many other extinct creatures such as ceratodontid lungfish, rhynchosaur and allokotosaurian.

Hardy, vigorous corals (Blue Rice Corals): Context : In 2014 and 2015, the brown rice coral in Hawaii was completely bleached, but the blue rice coral recovered quickly after bleaching, and blue coral was unaffected by the elevated ocean temperatures. Concept : • Hawaiian blue rice corals have a deep blue pigment derived from algae called zooxanthellae that live inside the coral tissue. • The researchers found that these algae produce sunscreen for the coral. • This pigment has a protein named chromoprotein which filters out harmful UV radiation. • After the 2014 and 2015 Hawaii bleaching events, the blue rice coral was found to have exceptional reproductive vigour at 90% motility. • But the brown coral's motility was only half this. A key factor in the blue rice coral's ability to reproduce successfully might be its sunscreen pigment, which the coral may retain even if it bleaches. Corals: • Corals are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps. These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues. • The corals and algae have a mutualistic relationship. • The coral provides the zooxanthellae with the compounds necessary for photosynthesis. In return, the zooxanthellae supply the coral with organic products of photosynthesis, like carbohydrates, which are utilized by the coral polyps for the synthesis of their calcium carbonate skeletons. • In addition to providing corals with essential nutrients, zooxanthellae are responsible for the unique and beautiful colors of corals. • They are also called the “rainforests of the seas”. There are two types of corals: • Hard, shallow-water corals—the kind that builds reefs. • Soft corals and deepwater corals that live in dark cold waters.

Brood X: The lives and encounters of America’s largest group of cicadas: Context: US President Joe Biden’s first trip abroad was delayed unexpectedly when a swarm of cicadas bombarded the plane Air Force One, which was about to take off for the UK. Biden had to swat a cicada away when it landed on him at the Joint Base Andrews in Maryland Concept: • Swarms of these insects have been spotted in a number of American states. These are part of a group named Brood X, based on their life cycles and periodic appearances. • The cicadas in Brood X number in billions and come out of their underground homes every 17 years. Brood X • Brood X are the biggest of the fifteen known Cicadas. They are now to emerge in Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, Washington DC, Indiana. Cicadas molt as they emerge from underground. • Molt is to shed skin or hair or feathers paving way for the new growth. The molts add up nutrients to he soil. The total biomass of cicadas is greater then the biomass of cattle the area can support if it were to turned into pastures. • There are more than three thousand Cicadas on the earth. However, only seven are periodical. Some believe that the long underground periods are to avoid predators. Cicadas • As they emerge from the underground, they live in trees feeding on leaves. The desert Cicadas regulate their body temperatures by evaporative cooling. Evaporative coiling is similar to sweating.

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Sea surge on Kerala coast : Context : Kerala’s 590-kilometre-long coastline — one of the most densely populated in India and exposed to rogue waves — has for long been susceptible to large-scale sea erosion. Concept : • A recent study has flagged the possibility of coastal areas in the state witnessing an increasing trend of sea surge in the coming years, mainly due to the rise in sea surface temperature. • The scientists have advocated for nature-based solutions, in such a case, involving active participation of residents of the coastal communities. • He added that the most impacted communities in Kerala — bordered by the Western Ghats on the east and the Lakshadweep Sea on the west — live at the ecotone of land and the sea. This calls for urgent intervention of the state government. Ecotone • An ecotone is a zone of junction or a transition area between two biomes (diverse ecosystems). • Ecotone is the zone where two communities meet and integrate. • For e.g. the mangrove forests represent an ecotone between marine and terrestrial ecosystem. • Other examples are grassland (between forest and desert), estuary (between fresh water and salt water) and riverbank or marshland (between dry and wet). Characteristics of Ecotone • It may be narrow (between grassland and forest) or wide (between forest and desert). • It has conditions intermediate to the adjacent ecosystems. Hence it is a zone of tension. • Usually, the number and the population density of the species of an outgoing community decreases as we move away from the community or ecosystem. • A well-developed ecotone contains some organisms which are entirely different from that of the adjoining communities. Ecocline • Ecocline is a zone of gradual but continuous change from one ecosystem to another when there is no sharp boundary between the two in terms of species composition. • Ecocline occurs across the environmental gradient (gradual change in abiotic factors such as altitude, temperature (thermocline), salinity (halocline), depth, etc.). Edge Effect – Edge Species • Edge effect refers to the changes in population or community structures that occur at the boundary of two habitats (ecotone). • Sometimes the number of species and the population density of some of the species in the ecotone is much greater than either community. This is called edge effect. • The organisms which occur primarily or most abundantly in this zone are known as edge species. • In the terrestrial ecosystems edge effect is especially applicable to birds. • For example, the density of birds is greater in the ecotone between the forest and the desert.

‘Operation Olivia’ to the rescue of Olive Ridleys: Context : Every year, the Indian Coast Guard’s “Operation Olivia”, initiated in the early 1980s, helps protect Olive Ridley turtles as they congregate along the Odisha coast for breeding and nesting from November to December. Concept : • Operation Oliva has been launched by the Indian Coast Guard in the state of Odisha. • It is an annual mission that aims to protect the Olive Ridley sea turtles during their breeding seasons and to conserve their natural breeding habitats. • The Mission has been launched this year jointly with the Odisha state forest department. Two dedicated ships of the coast guard and some aircraft have been engaged in this novel nature conservation activity. • The two ships will ensure that fishing vessels do not enter the major breeding sites of the turtles like Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, Dhamara River, and Rushikulya beach.

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• The Coast guard keeps a vigil on the illegal fishing and turtle catching in this area as a part of the mission. • The ICG also makes interactions with the fishermen and people of the local community to raise awareness on conserving the Olive Ridleys. Olive Ridley Turtles • Olive Ridley turtles are one of the species of sea turtles and have been listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). • It is included in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and in the Appendix I of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. • The species is one of the most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. • It is primarily found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but also in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. • They are famous for their unique mass nesting called arribadas wherein females lay eggs in the moonlight.

Pact signed to conserve rare turtle in Assam: Context : 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. Concept : About Black Softshell Turtle( Nilssonia nigricans) • 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. • The black softshell turtle is being bred in the pond of Hayagriva Madhab Temple at Hajo in Guwahati, Assam. • Locals regard the turtles in the pond as Kurma avatar of Lord Vishnu to whom the Hajo temple is dedicated. • India hosts 28 species of turtles, of which 20 are found in Assam. Threats to turtles include hunting for meat and eggs, silt mining, encroachment of wetlands and change in flooding pattern have had a disastrous impact on the turtle population.

Turtle researchers opposes NITI Aayog’s plans to develop two islands in the Union Territory (UT) of Andaman and Nicobar: Context : Turtle researchers have banded together to launch a signature campaign against the NITI Aayog’s plans to develop two islands in the Union Territory (UT) of Andaman and Nicobar. They say the islands’ rich biodiversity will be greatly affected if the plans reach fruition. Concept : • The campaign has been launched under the leadership of the Students’ Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTCN), Chennai, to oppose the plans for Little Andaman and Great Nicobar islands. • The islands provide nesting sites for leatherback turtles and are also home to indigenous peoples like the Shompen and the Onge. • This made these nesting sites globally significant and internationally important for marine ecological health and global leatherback numbers in the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific Ocean, the letter added. • Besides Little Andaman Island, Great Nicobar Island holds one of the most important global leatherback nesting sites: Galathea Bay, within the Galathea Bay wildlife sanctuary.

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• The National Marine Turtle Action Plan released February 1, 2021, has listed Galathea Bay as one of the ‘Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Areas’ and ‘Important Marine Turtle Habitats’ in India. Leatherback sea turtle • Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelyscoriacea) is largest of the seven species of sea turtles on the planet and also the most long-ranging, being found in all oceans except the Arctic and the Antarctic. • Within the Indian Ocean, they nest only in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. • It is the only living species in the genus Dermochelys and family Dermochelyidae. • It can easily be differentiated from other modern sea turtles by its lack of a bony shell, hence the name. Instead, its carapace is covered by skin and oily flesh. • They are listed in Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, according it the highest legal protection.

THREAT OF OIL SPILL IN INDIAN OCEAN: Context : Sri Lanka on Thursday readied for the possibility of an oil spill after a cargo ship laden with chemicals sank off its western coast. Concept : Oil Spill • An oil spill refers to any uncontrolled release of crude oil, gasoline, fuels, or other oil by-products into the environment. Oil spills can pollute land, air, or water, though it is mostly used for oceanic oil spills. • They have become a major environmental problem, chiefly as a result of intensified petroleum exploration and production on continental shelves and the transport of large amounts of oils in vessels. Environmental Impacts • Oil on ocean surfaces is harmful to many forms of aquatic life because it prevents sufficient amounts of sunlight from penetrating the surface, and it also reduces the level of dissolved oxygen. • Crude oil ruins the insulating and waterproofing properties of feathers and fur of birds, and thus oil- coated birds and marine mammals may die from hypothermia (decrease in body temperature to below- normal levels). • Moreover, ingested oil can be toxic to affected animals, and damage their habitat and reproductive rate. • Saltwater marshes and mangroves frequently suffer from oil spills. • Experts say that despite best efforts, generally less than 10% of oil spilled in incidents like these is successfully cleaned up. Cleanup of Oil Spill: • Containment Booms: Floating barriers, called booms are used to restrict the spread of oil and to allow for its recovery, removal, or dispersal. • Skimmers: They are devices used for physically separating spilled oil from the water’s surface. • Sorbents: Various sorbents (e.g., straw, volcanic ash, and shavings of polyester-derived plastic) that absorb the oil from the water are used. • Dispersing agents: These are chemicals that contain surfactants, or compounds that act to break liquid substances such as oil into small droplets. They accelerate its natural dispersion into the sea. • Biological agents: Nutrients, enzymes, or microorganisms such as Alcanivorax bacteria or Methylocella silvestris that increase the rate at which natural biodegradation of oil occurs are added. Liability: • Under the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution, 2001, the owners of vessels are responsible for damage caused by oil leaks. • This convention, also known as BUNKER convention, came into force in 2008 and is administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). • The Convention was adopted to ensure that adequate, prompt, and effective compensation is available to persons who suffer damage caused by spills of oil, when carried as fuel in ships' bunkers.

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DEFENCE AND SECURITY

OPERATION SAGAR AARAKSHA II: Context : Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, has been tirelessly engaged in fighting a major fire onboard the Chemical laden container vessel MV X-Press Pearl anchored off Colombo since 25 May 2021. Concept : • The coordinated joint operation between India and Sri Lanka undertaken to respond to potential environmental danger has been christened as Sagar Aaraksha-II. • Indian Coast Guard ships, including the specialised pollution response vessel Samudra Prahari and offshore patrol vessel Vajra are standby in vicinity to respond to the developing situation. • The ICG being an active member of South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) remains committed to its responsibility of safeguarding of the ocean environment in the region. International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) • The vessel when caught with fire was carrying 1486 containers containing chemical cargo classified as International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG). • Among other chemicals, the IMDG cargo consisted of highly inflammable Nitric Acid, Methanol, Methyl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide and Polystyrene beads.

INS SANDHAYAK DECOMMISSIONED: Context : Recently, the Ministry of Defence has announced the decommissioning of INS Sandhayak. Concept : About INS Sandhayak • It is the first of its class indigenously designed and built Hydrographic Survey Ship of Indian Navy. • It was conceptualised by then Chief Hydrographer to the Govt. of India, Rear Admiral FL Fraser. • The design was finalised by Naval Headquarters and the construction of the ship began at GRSE Kolkata by laying the keel in 1978. • It was commissioned in the Indian Navy in 1981. • It has undertaken approximately 200 major Hydrographic Surveys and numerous minor surveys in both East and West coasts of the country, the Andaman seas and the neighbouring countries too. • It has been an active participant in many significant operations such as: Operation Pawan: Assisting the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka in 1987; Operations Sarong and Rainbow: Rendering humanitarian assistance post Tsunami of 2004; and Participation in maiden joint INDO-US HADR Exercise ‘Tiger-Triumph’

FUTURISTIC INFANTRY COMBAT VEHICLES (FICVs): Context : The Indian Army has issued a tender, or a Request For Information (RFI), for the procurement of 1,750 Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs) to replace the Russian-origin infantry vehicles in service. Concept : • This is the Army’s third attempt for the procurement of a new infantry vehicle. • According to the RFI, the FICVs would be employed for cross-country operations, including amphibious operations in plain and desert terrain along the Western borders and high altitudes, up to 5,000 m, and mountain terrain along the northern borders in eastern Ladakh, the central sector and north Sikkim. • They would replace the 1980s vintage Russian-origin BMP-2.

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• Based on the responses to the RFI, the Army would finalise the specifications and also decide the procurement category. • The main operational tasks that would have to performed by the FICV include destroying enemy tanks, armoured personnel carriers, combat vehicles, low-flying helicopters and other ground-based weapon platforms and positions.

INDO - THAI COORDINATED PATROL: Context : Recently, the 31st edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy is being conducted Concept : About Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) • The two navies have been carrying out CORPAT along their International Maritime Boundary Line twice a year since 2005. • The aim of the Indo-Thai CORPAT exercise is to keep the vital part of the Indian Ocean safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade. • It builds up the understanding and interoperability between navies. • It facilitates institution of measures to prevent and suppress Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and piracy. • It enhances the operational synergy by exchange of information for prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration and for conduct of SAR operations at sea. • It will contribute towards Indian Navy’s efforts to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship with Royal Thai Navy. • The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Saryu, and His Majesty’s Thailand Ship (HTMS) Krabi, along with Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies are participating in the CORPAT. • The other countries with which India conducts CORPAT exercise are Bangladesh (IN-BN CORPAT) and Indonesia (IND-INDO CORPAT).

Coast Guard inducts three ALH Mk-III helicopters: Context: The Coast Guard on Saturday inducted the first batch of three Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL). Concept: About ALH MK-III Helicopter • The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-DHRUV), designed and built in-house, is a twin-engine, multi- role, multi-mission new generation helicopter in the 5.5 tonne weight range. • It’s a multi-role chopper powered by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Shakti engine (HAL). • HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) is an Indian state-owned aerospace and defence corporation headquartered in Bangalore. • The Ministry of Defence is in charge of its administration. • The ALH Mk III will be used for search and rescue, special operations, and coastal surveillance and will have an all-glass cockpit. • The Advanced Light Helicopter programme was conceived by HAL in 1984. Dhruv Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk- III, and Mk-IV are the four main variants of Dhruv. Features of ALH MK-III Helicopter • The plane, which is a step up from the Mk 1, would be able to reduce low visibility during nighttime search and rescue operations. • It has a 0.7 mm gun, giving it a significant capability in LIMO (low intensity maritime operations). • The new automatic flight control system outperforms the previous one by a long shot.

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Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX): Context : Recently, the Ministry of Defence has approved the budgetary support of Rs 498.8 crore to Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) - Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) for the next five years. Concept : Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) • It was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in April 2018. • It will be funded and managed by a Defence Innovation Organization (DIO). • It will function as the executive arm of DIO, carrying out all the required activities while DIO will provide high level policy guidance to iDEX. • It aims at creation of an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace. The objectives of iDEX are: • Facilitate rapid development of new, indigenized, and innovative technologies for the Indian defence and aerospace sector, to meet needs for these sectors in shorter timelines; • Create a culture of engagement with innovative startups, to encourage co-creation for defence and aerospace sectors; and • Empower a culture of technology co-creation and co-innovation within the defence and aerospace sectors Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) • It is formed as a “not for profit‟ company as per Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013. • Its primary objective is to fund and manage the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX). • It will provide high level policy guidance to iDEX. • The CEO of iDEX will be selected and recruited by the DIO and will be a professional person of sound technical, scientific and engineering background. • The CEO of iDEX would also be CEO of DIO thereby providing the linkage between the high level policy guidance given by DIO and its implementation in a professional manner through iDEX.

IN-EUNAVFOR Exercise: Context: Recently, the first edition of IN-EUNAVFOR Exercise was commenced in Gulf of Aden. Concept: About IN-EUNAVFOR Exercise • It is a joint naval exercise between Indian Navy and European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR). • The participants of IN-EUNAVFOR Exercise are Indian Naval Ship Trikand, Italian Navy Ship ITS Carabinere, Spanish Navy Ship ESPS Navarra, and two French Navy Ship FS Tonnerre and FS Surcouf. • It will see high tempo-naval operations at sea, including: Advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises; Cross deck helicopter operations; Tactical manoeuvres, boarding operations and underway replenishment; Search & Rescue Operations; Man Overboard drills and other maritime security operations • It will endeavour to enhance and hone their war-fighting skills and their ability as an integrated force to promote, peace, security and stability in the maritime domain. • It showcases increased levels of synergy, coordination and inter-operability between IN and EUNAVFOR. • It underscores the shared values as partner navies, in ensuring freedom of seas and commitment to an open, inclusive and a rules-based international order. Gulf of Aden • It is a deep-water basin that forms a natural sea link between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. • It is situated between the coasts of Arabia and the Horn of Africa. • It connects to the Red Sea in the West and the Arabian Sea in the East.

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• The Gulf of Aden and Red Sea are connected through Bab-al-Mandeb Strait. • It is majorly shared between 3 neighbouring nations i.e. Djibouti to the East, Somalia to the South, and Yemen to the North.

Keel of additional Krivak class second frigate laid: Context : The keel of the second frigate, of additional Krivak class stealth ships, being built with technology transfer from Russia by the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) was laid by Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm G Ashok Kumar on Friday. Concept : • The Krivak class, Soviet designation Project 1135 Burevestnik (storm petrel), were a series of frigates and guard ships (patrol boats) built in the Soviet Union primarily for the Soviet Navy since 1970. • Later some sub-branches, like the Nerey (Nereus) were designed for coastal patrol by the KGB Border Troops. Until 1977, the ships in the class were considered to be large anti-submarine warfare vessels. • These ships are commonly known by their NATO reporting class name of Krivak and are divided into Krivak I, Krivak II, Krivak IV (navy), and Krivak III (coast guard) classes. • They were designed as a successor to the Riga class. The design started in the late 1950s and matured as an anti-submarine ship in the 1960s. • The Indian Navy ordered six frigates of upgraded Krivak III class as the Talwar class. • The Talwar-class frigates or Project 11356 are a class of stealth guided missile frigates designed and built by Russia for the Indian Navy. • The Talwar-class guided missile frigates are the improved versions of the Krivak III-class (Project 1135) frigates used by the Russian Coast Guard.

Covid Vaccine Makers and indemnity: Context : In talks over supply of their vaccines in India, Pfizer and Moderna are seeking indemnity against costs of compensation for adverse events. Concept : • Globally, the two companies have supplied their Covid-19 vaccines only after indemnities were given against the costs of compensation for adverse effects due to vaccination. • This means that they cannot be sued in those countries on account of such effects. • Grant of indemnity does not always mean beneficiaries cannot seek compensation for adverse events, but the bar is very high. In India • The Indian drug regulator has not granted indemnity against the costs of compensation for severe side effects to the manufacturers of any of the three Covid-19 vaccines — Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik V — to which it has given emergency use authorisation. • For clinical trials, Indian law has laid out rules and a formula for grant of compensation in case of injury or death of any trial subject. • But when a vaccine is approved for commercial use, there is no specific provision under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act for compensation. • However, beneficiaries seeking compensation can file petitions before legal forums, such as consumer courts or a High Court. International level • The US, which began vaccinating its population in December, was the first country to provide such legal protection to Covid-19 vaccine manufacturer. The UK too has granted indemnity to vaccine manufacturers. • And the World Health Organization (WHO) has a special compensation programme for low-income countries covered under its COVAX facility.

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• The Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP) Act authorises the US Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to limit legal liability for losses relating to the administration of medical countermeasures such as vaccines. • Immunity under the PREP Act covers “all claims for loss” — death; physical, mental, or emotional injury, illness, disability, or condition; fear of such injury, including medical monitoring costs; and loss of or damage to property, including business interruption loss.

Proposed Integrated Theatre Commands: Context : While deliberations continue for a consensus on the creation of the military’s integrated theatre commands, the four proposed commands are likely be raised by year-end, according to a government official. Concept : Integrated Theatre Command: • An integrated theatre command envisages a unified command of the three Services, under a single commander, for geographical theatres (areas) that are of strategic and security concern. • The commander of such a force will be able to bear all resources at his disposal — from the Army, the Indian Air Force, and the Navy — with seamless efficacy. • The integrated theatre commander will not be answerable to individual Services. • Integration and jointness of the three forces will avoid duplication of resources. The resources available under each service will be available to other services too. • The services will get to know one another better, strengthening cohesion in the defence establishment. • The Shekatkar committee has recommended the creation of 3 integrated theatre commands — northern for the China border, western for the Pakistan border, and southern for the maritime role. Current Situation: • The Indian armed forces currently have 17 commands. There are 7 commands each of the Army and the Air Force. The Navy has 3 commands. • Each command is headed by a 4-star rank military officer. • There is one joint command in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. • It is the first Tri-Service theatre command of the Indian Armed Forces, based at Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. • It was created in 2001 to safeguard India's strategic interests in Southeast Asia and the Strait of Malacca by increasing rapid deployment of military assets in the islands. • The other tri-service command, the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), looks after the delivery and operational control of the country’s nuclear assets.

Indian Navy to get its first ever indigenous aircraft carrier IAC-1 Vikrant next year: Context : Onboard the deck of IAC-1, the defence minister said, “The IAC boasts of nearly 75 percent indigenous content. This includes the design, the steel used in the construction and key weapons and sensors.” Concept : INS Vikrant • Named after its predecessor and the first airbase reinforced warship of India. It is also known as Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 1 (IAC-1). • It is informally called INS Vikrant 2. • It is currently under construction and conducting trials by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, Kerala. • It is the first aircraft carrier warship to be made in India. • It weighed up to 40,000 tonnes and can carry up to 40 aircraft. • It is expected to be commissioned in 2023.

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Agni Prime Missile: Context: Recently, the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully test-fired Agni Prime missile from a defence base off Odisha coast. Concept: About Agni Prime Missile • It is a new generation advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles. • It is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile. • It is a next-generation, nuclear-capable weapon made fully of a composite material. • It is a canisterised missile with range of 1,000-2,000 kilometres. • It has been designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). • It can carry a payload of around 1,000 kg or a nuclear warhead. • It is a double stage missile which is lighter and much sleeker than its predecessor Agni-1. • The ballistic missile weighs 50% less than Agni 3 and has new guidance and a new generation of propulsion. • It can be launched from rail and road and stored for a longer period and transported all across the country as per operational requirements. About AGNI Missile • The Agni series of ballistic missiles is being developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme of the DRDO. • The Agni missile family consists of three deployed variants. • The Agni-I, Agni-II and Agni-III are in service with the Indian Army. • The Agni-I is a short or intermediate-range ballistic missile. • The Agni-II is a medium-range ballistic missile equipped with two solid fuel stages. • The Agni-III is a two-stage ballistic missile which can support a series of warhead configurations and a total payload of 2,490kg for a range of 4,500km. • The Agni-IV is a two-stage nuclear-capable intermediate range ballistic missile. • The Agni-V is an Indian nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile.

DRDO tests enhanced range Pinaka rocket: Context : The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Friday successfully test fired the enhanced range versions of the indigenously developed 122 mm calibre rocket as well as the extended range version of indigenously developed Pinaka rocket from a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) at integrated test range, Chandipur in Odisha. Concept : Pinaka Missile System • Pinaka is an indigenously developed rocket system named after Lord Shiva’s mythological bow. • It is used for attacking the adversary targets prior to the close-quarter battles which involve smaller range artillery, armoured elements and the infantry. • The development of the Pinaka was started by the DRDO in the late 1980s, as an alternative to the multi-barrel rocket launching systems of Russian make, called like the ‘Grad’, which are still in use. • After successful tests of Pinaka Mark-1 in late 1990, it was first used in the battlefield during the Kargil War of 1999, quite successfully. • Subsequently, multiple regiments of the system came up over the 2000s. Its versions and capabilities • The Pinaka, which is primarily a multi-barrel rocket system (MBRL) system, can fire a salvo of 12 rockets over a period of 44 seconds. • One battery of the Pinaka system consists of six launch vehicles, accompanied by the loader systems, radar and links with network-based systems and a command post. • It can neutralize an area one kilometre by one kilometre. • The Mark-I version of Pinaka has a range of around 40 kilometres and the Mark-II version can fire up to 75 kilometres.

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• The Mark-II version of the rocket has been modified as a guided missile system by integrating it with the navigation, control and guidance system to improve the end accuracy and increase the range. • The navigation system of the missile is linked with the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.

DAC CLEARS BUILDING OF 6 ATTACK SUBMARINES: Context : Recently, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved proposals concerning Capital Acquisitions of various equipment for modernisation and operational needs of the Armed Forces amounting to approx. Rs 6,000 crore. Concept : • The DAC also approved issue of RFP for construction of six Conventional Submarines under Project P 75 (I) under the Strategic Partnership (SP) Model. • The project envisages indigenous construction of six conventional submarines equipped with the state- of-the-art Air Independent Propulsion system at an estimated cost of Rs 43,000 crore. • It is being the first case processed under the Strategic Partnership model which would be one of the largest ‘Make in India’ projects. Strategic Partnership model • Strategic Partnership model aims to revitalise defence industrial ecosystem and progressively build indigenous capabilities in the private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex weapon system for future needs of armed forces. • The SP model has four segments — submarines, single-engine fighter aircraft, helicopters and armoured carriers/main battle tanks — which would be specifically opened up for the private sector. • Under this policy, one Indian private company would be selected in each segment which would tie-up with shortlisted global equipment manufacturers to manufacture the platforms in India under technology transfer. • All procurements under the SP model would be executed by specially constituted Empowered Project Committees to provide focussed attention and ensure timely execution. Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) • It is chaired by the Union Minister of Defence. • Its objective is to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved requirements of the Armed Forces in terms of capabilities sought. The functions of the DAC include: • In-principle approval of 15 Year Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan for Defence Forces; • Accord of Acceptance of Necessity to acquisition proposals; • Categorization of the acquisition proposals relating to 'Buy', 'Buy & Make' and 'Make'; • Issues relating to Single vendor clearance; and • Decision regarding 'offset' provisions in respect of acquisition proposals above Rs. 300 crores

INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

IMF says board discussed US 650 Billion dollars expansion of reserves: Context : The International Monetary Fund’s executive board on Friday discussed a proposed $650 billion expansion of its emergency reserves, marking the next step in a process expected to be completed in August, the IMF said in a statement. Concept : • G7 leaders this month welcomed the proposed expansion of the IMF’s emergency reserves, and backed a global target of providing $100 billion to the most vulnerable countries. Reserve Tranche

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• A reserve tranche is a portion of the required quota of currency each member country must provide to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that can be utilized for its own purposes—without a service fee or economic reform conditions. • Initially, member nations’ reserve tranches are 25% of their quota, but this position can change according to any lending that the IMF does with its holdings of the member’s currency. • The reserve tranches that countries hold with the IMF are considered their facilities of first resort, meaning they will tap into them before seeking a formal credit tranche that charges interest. • The IMF is funded through its members and their quota contributions. The reserve tranche is basically an emergency account that IMF members can access at any time without agreeing to conditions or paying a service fee.

Halti , Malta , Philippines , South Sudan put In FATF 'increased monitoring ' list: Context : Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has added four more countries — Haiti, Malta, the Philippines and South Sudan — to the list of ‘jurisdiction under increased monitoring’ for strategic deficiencies. Concept : Lists under FATF: • Grey List: Countries that are considered safe haven for supporting terror funding and money laundering are put in the FATF grey list (or ‘Jurisdictions under increased monitoring’). • This inclusion serves as a warning to the country that it may enter the blacklist. • Black List: Countries known as Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories (NCCTs) are put in the blacklist. These countries support terror funding and money laundering activities. • The FATF revises the blacklist regularly, adding or deleting entries. As of this year, there are only two countries on the FATF's black list - North Korea and Iran.

SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION (SCO): Context : The Union Cabinet of India has approved the ratification of an Agreement on “Cooperation in the field of Mass Media” between all the Member States of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The Agreement was signed in June, 2019. Concept : • The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation. It is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance and has been the primary security pillar of the region. • It was established in 2001. It was preceded by the Shanghai Five mechanism. • The Heads of State Council (HSC) is the supreme decision-making body in the SCO. It meets once a year and adopts decisions and guidelines on all important matters of the organisation. • The organisation has two permanent bodies: the SCO Secretariat based in Beijing. the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent. • Eight member states: India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. • Four observer states: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia.

UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (ECOSOC): Context: India has been elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, ECOSOC for the term 2022-24. Concept: • The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations. • The Council consists of 54 Members States, which are elected yearly by the General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms.

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• Seats on the Council are allotted based on geographical representation with 14 allocated to African states, 11 to Asian states, six to eastern European states, 10 to Latin American and Caribbean states and 13 to western European and other states. Mandate: • It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. • It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits. ECOSOC’s annual High-Level Segment includes: • High-Level Political Forum, which reviews implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is convened under the auspices of the Council every July. • Development Cooperation Forum reviews trends and progress in development cooperation. • Specialized agencies: The specialized agencies of the United Nations are autonomous organizations working within the United Nations System, meaning that while they report their activities to the Economic and Social Council, they are mostly free to their own devices.

UNSC ENDORSES SECRETARY GENERAL GUTERRES FOR SECOND TERM: Context: The United Nations Security Council has endorsed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a second five-year term- from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2026. Concept: About the UN Secretary General: • The UN Charter describes the Secretary-General as “chief administrative officer” of the Organization, who shall act in that capacity and perform “such other functions as are entrusted” to them by the Security Council, General Assembly, Economic and Social Council and other United Nations organs. • The Charter also empowers the Secretary-General to bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in their opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security. Appointment: • The Security Council recommends a candidate for the General Assembly’s 193 members to appoint. Although all UN members get a voice in the secretary-general’s selection, the five permanent members of the Security Council hold the most influence. Any one of them can eliminate a nominee with a veto. Issues/challenges with the office of UN Secretary General: • The UN Charter doesn’t clearly define the functions and powers of the Secretary General. • Selection is not done entirely on merit and transparency. • Critics of the appointment process say it lacks transparency and falls prey to cronyism due to the permanent Security Council members’ veto power and their secret negotiations over candidates. • The secretary-general often struggles to balance the interests of other large funders and powerful member states as well.

Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) of 1972: Context: For bio-weapons, all we have is the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) of 1972 with no implementing body. Concept: Biological weapons • Also called germ weapons, they are any of a number of disease-producing agents—such as bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi, toxins, or other biological agents—that may be utilized as weapons against humans, animals, or plants. • Biological weapons, like chemical weapons, radiological weapons, and nuclear weapons, are commonly referred to as weapons of mass destruction. The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC):

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• It is the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning the development, production and stockpiling of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction, was opened for signature on 10 April 1972. The BWC entered into force on 26 March 1975. • The Convention is of unlimited duration. As of May 2021, 183 states have become party to the treaty. • Four additional states have signed but not ratified the treaty, and another ten states have neither signed nor acceded to the treaty The BWC bans: • The development, stockpiling, acquisition, retention, and production of: • Biological agents and toxins “of types and in quantities that have no justification for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes;” • Weapons, equipment, and delivery vehicles “designed to use such agents or toxins for hostile purposes or in armed conflict.” • The transfer of or assistance with acquiring the agents, toxins, weapons, equipment, and delivery vehicles described above.

UN SPECIAL RIGHTS RAPPORTEUR: Context : The UN’s special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has warned of “mass deaths” from starvation and disease in the wake of fighting between rebel groups and junta forces in the east of the country. Concept : UN Special Rapporteur • The Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council are independent human rights experts with mandates to report and advise on human rights (civil, cultural, economic, political, and social) from a thematic or country-specific perspective. • The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system made up of 47 States responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe. • Universal Periodic Review happens under the aegis of the Human Rights Council. • Current membership of the Council includes India. • It meets at the UN Office at Geneva (Switzerland). • Special procedures are either an individual (called "Special Rapporteur" or "Independent Expert") or a working group composed of five members, one from each of the five United Nations regional groupings: Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and the Western group. • They are not United Nations staff members and do not receive financial remuneration. • The independent status of the Special Procedures mandate-holders is crucial for them to be able to fulfil their functions in all impartiality. • A mandate-holder’s tenure in a given function, whether it is a thematic or country mandate, is limited to a maximum of six years. • Most Special Procedures receive information on specific allegations of human rights violations and send communications (urgent appeals and other letters) to States, and occasionally to non-State actors, asking for clarification and action.

Global nuclear warhead stockpile appears to be growing, SIPRI warns: Context: The overall number of nuclear warheads in global military stockpiles appears to be increasing this year, a new finding released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on Monday reveals. Concept: • The nine nuclear-armed states - the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) - together possessed an estimated 13 080 nuclear weapons at the start of 2021. • This marked a decrease from the 13 400 that SIPRI estimated these states possessed at the beginning of 2020," SIPRI said.

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• However, SIPRI research shows that this declining trend appears to have stalled. About SIPRI • SIPRI is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. • Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public. • Based in Stockholm, SIPRI is regularly ranked among the most respected think tanks worldwide. • The Statutes are the guiding principles of SIPRI's work. They were adopted by the Swedish Government. • SIPRI was established on the basis of a decision by the Swedish Parliament and receives a substantial part of its funding in the form of an annual grant from the Swedish Government. • The Institute also seeks financial support from other organizations in order to carry out its research.

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Context: India’s new information technology (IT) rules do not conform with global human rights norms, experts from the United Nations have said Concept: • The letter says that India’s new IT Rules are in violation of rules laid down in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), a key international human rights treaty. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights • The ICCPR is a key international human rights treaty, providing a range of protections for civil and political rights. • The ICCPR, together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, are considered the International Bill of Human Rights. • The Bill influences the decisions and actions of Government, State and Non-State actors to make economic, social and cultural rights a top-priority in the formation and implementation of national, regional and international policy and law. • The ICCPR obligates countries that have ratified the treaty to protect and preserve basic human rights, such as: the right to life and human dignity; equality before the law; freedom of speech, assembly, and association; religious freedom and privacy; freedom from torture, ill-treatment, and arbitrary detention; gender equality; the right to a fair trial; right family life and family unity; and minority rights. • The Covenant compels governments to take administrative, judicial, and legislative measures in order to protect the rights enshrined in the treaty and to provide an effective remedy. • The Covenant was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1966 and came into force in 1976. 173 countries including India have ratified the Covenant.

UN re-elects Antonio Guterres as Secretary -general: Context : UN Secretary Basic Antonio Guterres is all set to be re-elected as chief of the world physique after the highly effective Safety Council adopted by acclamation a decision recommending his title to the Basic Meeting for a second five-year time period starting January 1, 2022.. Concept: • The UN Secretary-General is appointed by the UN General Assembly on the recommendation of the UN Security Council. • To be selected as a UN Secretary-General, a candidate must receive the votes of at least 9 members of the United Nations Security Council, with no vetoes from permanent members. • Therefore, the Secretary-General’s selection is subject to the veto of any of the five permanent members (France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) of the UN Security Council. • The US used this power to deny Egypt’s Boutros-Ghali a second term in 1997 and China did the same in 1981 for denying Austria’s Waldheim a third term.

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• The other 10 elected non-permanent members of the UN Security Council do not have veto powers. But their backing is crucial, as a candidate requires at least 9 out of 15 votes to be recommended for the top job. • Moreover, for any candidate to have a real chance at being considered for the top post, a recommendation by any UN member state is essential. • In the current race, Guterres was endorsed by Portugal for a second term, and none of his seven other challengers received backing from a member state. Functions of UN Secretary-General: • The UN Charter refers to the Secretary-General as the UN chief administrative officer. • Mandate: UN Secretary-General shall act and perform such functions as given to him by the UN Security Council, General Assembly, Economic and Social Council and other United Nations organs. • Functions: • Attendance at sessions of United Nations bodies; • Consultations with world leaders, government officials and • Worldwide travel intended to keep the Secretary-General in touch with the peoples of the UN member states. 42nd session of FAO Conference: Context : Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar addressed the 42nd session of FAO Conference. Concept : • The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. • Its Latin motto, fiat panis, translates to "let there be bread". • It was founded in 1945. It completed 75 years of service to humanity on 16th Oct 2020. • The FAO is headquartered in Rome, Italy. • Composed of 197 member states, the FAO is governed by a biennial conference representing each member country and the European Union, which elects a 49-member executive council. Initiatives • World Food Summits are convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The first food summit, the "World Food Conference", took place in Rome in 1974. • The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is a 1951 multilateral treaty overseen by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

Iran won't deliver nuclear activities' record to IAEA: Context: Iran will not deliver records of its nuclear activities to the International Atomic Energy Agency after a temporary understanding reached in January expired, Parliament Speaker said. Concept : About IAEA: • The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an UN agency is the world’s central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical co-operation in the nuclear field. • It works for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, contributing to international peace and security and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. • It was formed in 1957 as a result of Conference on the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency held at the UN headquarters. Initially it was known as ‘Atoms for peace’. • It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria. • It has 171 members (Sain Lucia being most recent member). • Though it is and independent international agencies, yet, it reports annually to UNGA. • It along with its Director General won Nobel Peace prize in 2005. • The IAEA’s policy-making bodies decide on the Agency’s programmes and budgets. They comprise the General Conference of all Member States and the 35-member Board of Governors. The IAEA’s three main areas of work are:

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• Safety and security • Science and technology • Safeguards and verification Funding of IAEA: • The IAEA carries out its work in two main areas: the regular programme and the Technical Cooperation programme. These two programmes are financed from separate funds. • They are additionally supported by extra-budgetary contributions from Member States and non- member states donors. The IAEA’s budget is approved annually by the IAEA General Conference.

Iran gets its new president: Context : Hardliner Ebrahim Raisi became Iran’s president. He succeeded Hassan Rouhani. Concept : • Iran’s 13th presidential elections were recently held. • As per rules, the president should be a Shiite Muslim. Over 90 per cent of Iran’s population is comprised of Shiite Muslims. Who is Raisi? • Raisi first came to prominence when he became the Prosecutor General of Karaj in 1980, when he became the Prosecutor of Tehran and the First Deputy to the Head of Judiciary from 2004 to 2014 after which he became the Prosecutor General of Iran from 2014 to 2016. • In 2019, Raisi was appointed the head of Iran’s judiciary, an appointment that sparked concerns because of his involvement in the mass executions of thousands of political prisoners in 1988 after the Iran-Iraq war. • Amnesty International has identified Raisi as a member of the “death commission” that carried out “enforced disappearance and extrajudicial executions of several thousand political dissidents in Evin and Gohardasht prisons near Tehran between late July and early September 1988. Victims’ bodies were mostly buried in unmarked mass graves.” • Raisi also has ties to the paramilitary group Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

PALESTINE QUESTIONS INDIA'S SILENCE AT UNHRC: Context: Palestine has conveyed its disappointment after India abstained from voting at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on a resolution against Israel. Concept: About UNHRC • The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. • The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006. It replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights. • The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) serves as the Secretariat of the Human Rights Council. • OHCHR is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Members: • It is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly (UNGA). • The UNGA takes into account the candidate States' contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as their voluntary pledges and commitments in this regard. The Council's Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution. Seats are distributed as follows: • African States: 13 seats • Asia-Pacific States: 13 seats • Latin American and Caribbean States: 8 seats

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• Western European and other States: 7 seats • Eastern European States: 6 seats • Members of the Council serve for a period of three years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms. Procedures and Mechanisms: • Universal Periodic Review: UPR serves to assess the human rights situations in all United Nations Member States. • Advisory Committee: It serves as the Council’s “think tank” providing it with expertise and advice on thematic human rights issues. • Complaint Procedure: It allows individuals and organizations to bring human rights violations to the attention of the Council. • UN Special Procedures: These are made up of special rapporteurs, special representatives, independent experts and working groups that monitor, examine, advise and publicly report on thematic issues or human rights situations in specific countries.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

CRAFTSMAN TRAINING SCHEME: Context: The Directorate General of Training (DGT) announced results of the All India Trade Test (AITT) held in December 2020, for Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) Academic session 2020-2021. Concept: • The Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) was introduced by the Government of India in year 1950 by establishing about 50 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) for imparting skills in various vocational trades • It is implemented by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. • It’s objective is to ensure a steady flow of skilled workers in different trades for the domestic industry. Vocational Training • Vocational Training is a concurrent subject of both Central and State Governments. • The development of training schemes at National level, evolution of policy, laying of training standards, norms, conducting of examinations, certification, etc. are the responsibilities of the Central Government, whereas the implementation of the training schemes largely rests with the State Govts./UT Administrators.

HORTICULTURE CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (CDP): Context: To ensure holistic growth of horticulture, Union Minister of Agriculture launched the Horticulture Cluster Development Programme (CDP). Concept: • In a pilot phase, the programme will be implemented in 12 horticulture clusters covering 11 States/UTs out of the total 53 clusters selected for the programme. • It is a central sector programme. • It will be implemented by the National Horticulture Board (NHB) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. • The programme aims at growing and developing identified horticulture clusters to make them globally competitive. • The programme will benefit about 10 lakh farmers and is expected to attract an investment of Rs. 10,000 crore when implemented in all the 53 clusters • The programme will address all major issues related to the Indian horticulture sector including pre- production, production, post-harvest management, logistics, marketing and branding.

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SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TOWARDS AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION: Context: Recently, the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel presided over a virtual ceremony in which a number of initiatives were launched to provide major fillip to the SATAT initiative. Concept: • A Cooperation Agreement was signed by Oil and Gas majors including IndianOil, HPCL, BPCL, GAIL and IGL, for the promotion and development of the SATAT. • The Cooperation agreement provides for establishing a strong network for marketing the entire produced quantity of CBG Plants through various channels. SATAT Scheme • It was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in association with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. • It envisages targeting production of 15 MMT of CBG from 5000 plants by 2023. • It aims to set up Compressed Bio-Gas production plants and make CBG available in the market for use as a green fuel. Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) • Bio-gas is produced naturally (through a process of anaerobic decomposition) from waste / bio-mass sources like agriculture residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste, sewage treatment plant waste, etc. • After purification, it is compressed and called CBG, which has high methane content. • It is exactly similar to the commercially available natural gas in its composition and energy potential. • It can be used as an alternative, renewable automotive fuel with similar calorific value and other properties similar to CNG.

PRODUCTION LINKED INCENTIVE (PLI) SCHEME OF PHARMACEUTICALS: Context: Government of India issued Operational guidelines for Production Linked Incentive Scheme of Pharmaceuticals. The scheme is now open to applications from the industry. Concept: • With an aim to enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities by increasing investment and production in the sector and to contribute to product diversification to high value goods in the pharmaceutical sector, Department of Pharmaceuticals notified the 'Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals' 3rd March, 2021. • The approved outlay of the scheme is Rs 15000 crore. • The applications are invited in three groups based on the Global Manufacturing Revenue of FY 2019- 20 of the applicants. A special carve out for MSMEs has been kept under the scheme. • All the applications will be submitted through an online portal maintained by SIDBI, the Project Management Agency for the scheme. • The eligible products have been categorized into three categories. The products covered under the scheme are formulations, biopharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients, key starting material, drug intermediates, in-vitro diagnostic medical devices, etc. • The category-1 and category-2 products attract 10% incentive and category-3 products attract 5% incentive on the incremental sales. Incremental sales of a product mean sales of that product in a year over and above the sales of that product in FY 2019-2020.

FAME II to spur new tech, says Venu Context : TVS Motor Company Limited’s Joint Managing Director Sudarshan Venu on Saturday welcomed the revision of FAME II subsidies for electric two-wheelers, and said the move would give a fillip to both increased adoption and technology development. Concept : • With an aim to promote eco-friendly vehicles, the government had launched the FAME India scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Strong) Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India) in 2015.

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• The second phase of FAME India Scheme focuses on supporting electrification of public and shared transportation and aims to support electrification through subsidies for electric vehicles, including buses, passenger cars and two-wheelers. • FAME-II will cost Rs 10,000 crore over 3 years till 2022 and intends to provide incentives to the manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicles. • Out of total budgetary support, about 86 percent of fund has been allocated for Demand Incentive so as to create demand for xEVs in the country. • The incentives for electric vehicles will help increase penetration and lead to the indigenous development of future electric technology. • It also motivates to establish the necessary charging Infrastructure for electric vehicles.

KERALA'S SMART KITCHEN PROJECT: Context : Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan has announced a secretary-level committee will formulate guidelines and recommendations on implementation of the “Smart Kitchen Scheme” in state to fulfil commitments of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Concept : • Under the scheme, KSFE would give soft loans to women from all walks of life for purchasing household gadgets or equipment. • The cost of household equipment can be repaid as instalments within a particular period. • The interest of the loan/cost would be equally shared among the beneficiary, local self-government body and the state government. • To implement the scheme, KSFE would start smart kitchen chits. • The budget has set apart an amount of Rs 5 crore for the initial phase of the scheme, which would be implemented through the Kerala State Financial Enterprises (KSFE), a state-run chit fund and lending firm.

Minister of Tribal Affairs has launched ‘Adi Prashikshan Portal’ : Context: Recently, the Minister of Tribal Affairs has launched ‘Adi Prashikshan Portal’ and inaugurated a training programme on “Capacity Building Training of Master Trainers for ST PRI Members” as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Concept: About Adi Prashikshan Portal • It would be a repository of all training programmes conducted by the Ministry, TRIs, COEs and EMRS, upcoming NTRI and TRIFED. • It will have data base of trainees, trainers and resource persons. • The trainees will have access to course material even after completion of training. • The portal has been developed by Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with UNDP and TRI- Odisha. Significance of Adi Prashikshan Portal • It should be interactive and should also include feedback in the form of actual experiences of the PRIs in implementation which will also help to improve the programme. • It is intended to reach remotest areas with ‘knowledge packets’ using information technology (IT). • It is an effort to bring Training Institutions/ Organizations, Experts and Trainers together for addressing thematic knowledge gaps among Tribal PRIs, Communities, Officials and various other stakeholders involved in tribal area development. • It will transform the various ongoing training initiatives under different units of the Ministry like TRIs, COEs and converge the initiatives for better skill and knowledge building.

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Cabinet Approves Deep Ocean Mission: Context: Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Deep Ocean Mission. Concept: About Deep Ocean Mission • It is a Rs 4,077-crore mission that will be led by scientists at the Ministry of Earth Sciences. • It is a five-year inter-ministerial and inter-departmental mission. The five thrust areas under the Deep Ocean Mission are: • Development of technologies for deep sea mining; • Manned submersible; • Development of ocean climate change advisory services; • Development of technology for exploration and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity; and • Deep ocean survey and setting up of a marine station for ocean Biology. • Under the mission, India will build a research vessel specifically for carrying out deep ocean explorations and it will be built at an Indian shipyard. Significance of Deep Ocean Mission • It will bring together researchers and experts from the ISRO, DRDO, Department of Atomic Energy, CSIR, Department of Biotechnology and the Indian Navy. • It will make India one among the handful of powerful nations that already have dedicated ocean studies and missions, including the US, Japan, France, Russia and China. • It provides impetus to India’s Blue Economy initiatives planned from 2020 to 2030 which envisages a number of researches that will be performed to study the oceans. • It will help India tighten its grip in the South Asia region given India’s long coastline of 7500km and flanked by sea on three sides.

PRADHAN MANTRI AWAS YOJANA – URBAN: Context : Recently, the Government has approved 708 proposals for construction of 3.61 lakh houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U). The ‘PMAY-U Awards 2021-100 Days Challenge’ was also launched by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Concept : Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) • It is a flagship Mission of Government of India being implemented by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). • It was launched in 2015. • The main stakeholders are State Level Nodal Agencies (SLNAs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)/ Implementing Agencies (IAs), Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) and Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) • All houses under PMAY (U) have basic amenities like toilet, water supply, electricity and kitchen. Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) • It is aimed at providing pucca houses to all eligible beneficiaries of Urban India by 2022 with the vision of ‘Housing for All’. • It addresses urban housing shortage among the EWS/LIG and MIG categories including the slum dwellers. • It adopts a cafeteria approach to suit the needs of individuals based on the geographical conditions, topography, economic conditions, availability of land, infrastructure etc. About PMAY-U Awards 2021-100 Days Challenge • The awards are given to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contribution and performances by States, Union Territories (UTs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and beneficiaries. • It aims to encourage healthy competition among States/UTs/ULBs and recognize their best performance. The awards have broadly been classified into 3 major levels: • State Awards, Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats Awards

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• Special Category Awards • Beneficiary Awards

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sectors Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR): Concept : • Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sectors Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) is a unique scheme of Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW). • It is aimed at strengthening infrastructure in Agriculture and Allied sectors to promote Agripreneurship and Agribusiness by facilitating financial aid and nurturing a system of business incubation. • MANAGE-CIA, Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship is a Centre of Excellence and Knowledge Partner to Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare for Implementation of RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme About RKVY-RAFTAAR : • RKVY scheme was initiated in 2007 as an umbrella scheme for ensuring holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors. • The scheme incentivizes States to increase public investment in Agriculture & allied sectors. • The Cabinet has approved (as on 1st November 2017) for the continuation of the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme (State Plans) – Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana- Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RKVY- RAFTAAR). The main objective of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is to develop farming as a main source of economic activity. Some of the objectives also include: • Risk mitigation, strengthening the efforts of the farmers along with promoting agri-business entrepreneurship through the creation of agri-infrastructure. • Providing all the states with autonomy and flexibility in making plans as per their local needs. • Helping farmers in increasing their income by encouraging productivity and promoting value chain addition linked production models. • To reduce the risk of farmers by focusing on increasing the income generation through mushroom cultivation, integrated farming, floriculture, etc. • Empowering the youth through various skill development, innovation and agri-business models. Funding: • RKVY-RAFTAAR will continue to be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in the ratio of 60: 40 (Government of India and State Share respectively) except in the case of northeastern and hilly states where the sharing pattern is 90:10. • For UTs the grant is 100% as Central share.

Government approved 708 proposals for construction of 3.61 lakh houses under PMAY-U: Context: With this, as on date, the total number of sanctioned houses under PMAY(U) is now 112.4 of which 48.31 lakh have been completed/delivered. Concept: • In addition, ‘PMAY- U Awards 2021 - 100 Days Challenge’ was also launched by Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) . • The awards are given to recognize and celebrate the outstanding performances by States, Union Territories (UTs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and beneficiaries for successful implementation of the Mission. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (URBAN) • The Mission will be implemented during 2015-2022.

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• Mission: To achieve the goal of Housing for All in Urban areas by 2022, when the Nation completes 75 years of its Independence. • Under it, central assistance will be provided to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and other implementing agencies through States/UTs for: In-situ Rehabilitation of existing slum dwellers using land as a resource through private participation Credit Linked Subsidy Affordable Housing in Partnership Subsidy for Beneficiary-led individual house construction/enhancement. • Funding: Credit linked subsidy component will be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme while other three components will be implemented as Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). • Eligibility: All statutory towns as per Census 2011 and towns notified subsequently would be eligible for coverage under the Mission.

Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS): Context : Recently, a 50 kWp solar roof top was inaugurated in Solan, Himachal Pradesh under the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) of Ministry of Power. Concept : • The 50 kWp solar roof top project is commissioned by Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd (HPSEBL). • The inauguration of solar roof top project is a part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations. • A total of 152 PV Panels are installed which will produce approximately 165 Kwh of electricity on a daily basis. • The project reinforces the ‘Go Green’ Initiative of the government envisaged in Urban Distribution scheme of government of India. About Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) • It was launched in 2014 under the Ministry of Power. • All Discoms including private sector DISCOMS and State Power Departments will be eligible for financial assistance under the scheme. • The Power Finance Corporation Ltd. (PFC) is the nodal agency for implementation of “Integrated Power development Scheme (IPDS). • The projects under IPD Scheme will be completed within a period of 24 months from the date of issue of Letter of Award (LoA) by the utility. Power Finance Corporation Ltd. (PFC) • It is an Indian financial institution established in 1986 under the ownership of Ministry of Power. • It is a Schedule-A Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE). • It is a leading Non-Banking Financial Corporation in India. • It was classified as an Infrastructure Finance Company by the RBI in 2010.

REPORTS

India maintains 43rd rank on IMD's World Competitiveness Index: Context : Recently, the Institute for Management Development (IMD) has released the World Competitiveness Index 2021. Concept : • It is led by Switzerland, while Sweden has moved up to the second position (from sixth last year). • Denmark has lost one place to rank third, the Netherlands has retained its fourth place and Singapore has slipped to the fifth place (from first in 2020). Performance of India under World Competitiveness Index 2021

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• India has maintained 43rd rank on an annual World Competitiveness Index. • Among the BRICS nations, India is ranked second after China (16), followed by Russia (45th), Brazil (57th) and South Africa (62th). • India has maintained its position for the past three years but this year, it had significant improvements in government efficiency. • India's improvements in the government efficiency factor are mostly due to: • Relatively stable public finances; and • Support and subsidies provided by the government to the private companies About World Competitiveness Index • It ranks 64 economies and assesses the extent to which a country promotes the prosperity of its people by measuring economic well-being. • It measures the prosperity and competitiveness by examining four factors i.e. economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. • It is an annual ranking which was first published in 1989. • It analyzes and ranks countries according to how they manage their competencies to achieve long-term value creation. • It is based on 334 competitiveness criteria selected as a result of comprehensive research using economic literature, international, national and regional sources and feedback from the business community, government agencies and academics.

CONSUMER CONFIDENC SURVEY: Context: The latest Consumer Confidence Survey has shown that the Indian consumer sentiment has hit an all-time low. Concept: • The RBI conducts this survey every couple of months by asking households in 13 major cities about their current perceptions and future expectations on a wide variety of economic variables. • Based on these specific responses, the RBI constructs two indices. One, the Current Situation Index (CSI) and two, Future Expectations Index (FEI). • The CSI maps how people view their current situation (on income, employment etc.) vis a vis a year ago. • The FEI maps how people expect the situation to be (on the same variables) a year from now. • CSI has fallen to an all-time low of 48.5 in May. The future expectations index (FEI) also moved to the pessimistic territory for the second time since the onset of the pandemic.

WORLD BANK SLASHES INDIA'S GDP FORECAST TO 8.3%: Context: The World Bank on Tuesday has slashed India's GDP forecast to 8.3 per cent for FY22, the fiscal year starting April 2021, as against its earlier estimate of 10.1 per cent. Concept: • The Washington-based global lender, in its latest issue of Global Economic Prospects released here, noted that in India, an enormous second Covid-19 wave is undermining the sharper-than-expected rebound in activity seen during the second half of Fiscal Year 2020/21, especially in services. Global Economic Prospects (GEP) • GEP is a World Bank Group flagship report that examines global economic developments and prospects, with a special focus on emerging market and developing economies. • It is issued twice a year, in January and June. • The January edition includes in-depth analyses of topical policy challenges while the June edition contains shorter analytical pieces.

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Birth, death registrations up in 2019: Context : The level of registration of births and deaths in the country improved in 2019, according to the “Vital Statistics of India Based on The Civil Registration System” report. Concept : • The report states that the level of birth registration increased from 87.8% in 2018 to 92.7% in 2019; and death registrations went up from 84.6% to 92% during the period. • While 14 States/Union Territories achieved 100% level of birth registrations, 19 States/Union Territories achieved the same level in cases of death. • The highest sex ratio at birth (SRB) based on registered events was reported by Arunachal Pradesh (1,024), followed by Nagaland (1,001) Mizoram (975) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (965). The lowest SRB was reported by Gujarat (901), Assam (903) and Madhya Pradesh (905), followed by Jammu & Kashmir (909). • The report was published by the Registrar General of India. Registrar General of India • Registrar General of India was founded in 1961 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs. • It arranges, conducts and analyses the results of the demographic surveys of India including Census of India and Linguistic Survey of India. • The position of Registrar is usually held by a civil servant holding the rank of Joint Secretary. Civil Registration System (CRS) in India is the unified process of continuous, permanent, compulsory and universal recording of the vital events (births, deaths, stillbirths) and characteristics thereof. The data generated through a complete and up-to-date CRS is essential for socio-economic planning.

NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

Food unit bills to carry FSSAI license details: Context : Food safety regulator FSSAI has mandated food business operators to mention FSSAI licence or registration number on cash receipts or purchase invoice with effect from October 1. Concept : About FSSAI: • Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous statutory body. • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been established under Food Safety and Standards , 2006 which consolidates various acts & orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in various Ministries and Departments. • FSSAI has been created for laying down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. • Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India is the Administrative Ministry for the implementation of FSSAI.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES (NIEPID): Context : The Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment inaugurated the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Bhawan (Hostel Building) of NIEPID Secunderabad. Concept : • It is an Autonomous Body under the administrative control of Deparment of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

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• It is dedicated to provide quality services to Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (Divyangjan) in the National interest. • It was formerly known as National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped. • It was established in the year 1984 • HQ: Secunderabad (Telangana). • NIEPID has three regional centers located at Noida/ New Delhi, Kolkata, & Mumbai.

No annuity rider for NPS exits upto 5 Lakhs: Context : Pension regulator PFRDA has allowed National Pension System (NPS) subscribers to withdraw the full contributions at one go without purchasing an annuity if the pension corpus is equal to or less than Rs 5 lakh. Concept : • The PFRDA made these changes under the PFRDA Amendment Act published in the Gazette of India. • At present, beneficiaries can withdraw up to Rs 2 lakh from their NPS account. Beyond this limit, the pensioners can withdraw 60% of the contributions. • At least 40% of the contributions has to be mandatorily parked in government-approved annuities, according to the current rule. Pension Fund and Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA) • PFRDA is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament to promote old age income security by establishing, developing and regulating pension funds, to protect the interests of subscribers to schemes of pension funds and for matters connected there with or incidental thereto. • PFRDA performs the function of appointing various intermediate agencies like Pension Fund Managers, Central Record Keeping Agency (CRA) etc. • It develops, promotes and regulates the pension industry under National Pension System and also administers the Atal Pension Yojana. National Pension System • The Central Government has introduced the National Pension System (NPS) with effect from January 01, 2004 (except for armed forces). • NPS is being implemented and regulated by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority in the country. • National Pension System Trust (NPST) established by PFRDA is the registered owner of all assets under NPS. • NPS is structured into two tiers: • Tier-I account: This is the non-withdrawable permanent retirement account into which the accumulations are deposited and invested as per the option of the subscriber. • Tier-II account: This is a voluntary withdrawable account which is allowed only when there is an active Tier I account in the name of the subscriber. The withdrawals are permitted from this account as per the needs of the subscriber as and when claimed. • NPS was made available to all Citizens of India from May 01, 2009. Any individual citizen of India (both resident and Non-resident) in the age group of 18-65 years (as on the date of submission of NPS application) can join NPS. • However, OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) and PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card holders and Hindu Undivided Family (HUFs) are not eligible for opening of NPS account.

SIDBI INVITES BID TO SET UP NaBFID: Context : SIDBI on behalf of the government has floated Request for Proposal (RFP) inviting bids from consultants to help set up Rs 20,000 crore DFI called National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) to catalyse investment in fund-starved infrastructure sector. Concept:

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• Parliament in March cleared National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) Bill 2021 to support the development of long-term non-recourse infrastructure financing in India, including the development of the bonds and derivatives markets necessary for infrastructure financing. • The objective of the assignment is to select a management consultant to support in the setting up of an infra Development Finance Institution (DFI), as an All-India Financial Institution (AIFI) to provide, enable and catalyse infrastructure financing, the RFP said. • The Infra DFI is being established through an Act of Parliament as a statutory body. Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) • SIDBI is the principal development financial institution for promotion, financing and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in India. • It was established on April 2, 1990 through an Act of Parliament (thus, it is statutory body). • It is headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. • SIDBI aims to facilitate and strengthen credit flow to MSMEs and address both financial and developmental gaps in MSME eco-system across the country. • It co-ordinates functions of institutions engaged in similar activities. • Currently, the shares of SIDBI are held by Central Government and 29 other institutions including public sector banks (PSBs), insurance companies owned and controlled by Central Government.

Cabinet approval for OFB corporatization: Context : Addressing a long pending reform, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a plan to corporatise the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), which has 41 factories, into seven fully government owned corporate entities on the lines of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSU). Concept : • Once implemented, the OFB, the establishment of which was accepted by the British in 1775, will cease to exist. • This restructuring is aimed at transforming the ordnance factories into productive and profitable assets, deepening specialisation in the product range, enhancing competitiveness, improving quality and achieving cost efficiency. • Corporatization refers to the restructuring or transformation of a state-owned asset or organization into a corporation. These organizations typically have a board of directors, management, and shareholders. Ordinance Factory Board: • It is an umbrella body for the ordnance factories and related institutions, and is currently a subordinate office of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). • The first Indian ordnance factory was set up in the year 1712 by the Dutch Company as a GunPowder Factory, West Bengal. • It is a conglomerate of 41 factories, 9 training Institutes, 3 regional marketing centres and 5 regional controllers of safety. • Headquarters: Kolkata • Significance: A major chunk of the weapon, ammunition and supplies for not just armed forces but also paramilitary and p744olice forces comes from the OFB-run factories. • Production includes: Civilian and military-grade arms and ammunition, explosives, propellants and chemicals for missile systems, military vehicles, armoured vehicles, optical devices, parachutes, support equipment, troop clothing and general store items.

NATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING AUTHORITY (NFRA): Context : NFRA has invited suggestions from public on consultation paper on NFRA’s engagement with its stakeholders. Concept : • NFRA is an independent regulatory body set up under Section 132 of the Companies Act. • It was established by the Central Government in October 2018.

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• After the Satyam scandal took place in 2009, the Standing Committee on Finance proposed the concept of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) for the first time in its 21st report. • It oversee compliance with Accounting and Auditing Standards by companies that can be described as Public Interest Entities (PIEs). This group includes all listed companies, and large unlisted companies. • To discharge this mandate, NFRA is in the process of creating a verified and accurate database of companies and auditors that come under the regulatory ambit of NFRA. • HQ: New Delhi • NFRA consists of one chairman, three full-time members and one secretary. Former IAS officer Rangachari Sridharan was appointed as the first chairman of the body in October 2018.

Central Warehousing Corporation: Context : Union Cabinet approves merger of Central Railside Warehouse Company Limited (CRWC) with Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC). Concept : • Central Warehousing Corporation is a Mini-Ratna Category-I CPSE. • It is a statutory body which was established under ‘The Warehousing Corporations Act, 1962. • It is a public warehouse operator established by the Government of India in 1957 for the purpose of warehousing of agriculture produce and certain other commodities notified by the Central Government and for matters connected there with. • Headquarters: New Delhi. ‘Central Railside Warehouse Company Ltd.’ (CRWC) • CWC formed a separate subsidiary company named ‘Central Railside Warehouse Company Ltd.’ (CRWC) in 2007 to develop Railside Warehousing Complexes (RWCs) on land leased from Railways. • CRWC is a Mini-Ratna Category-II Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956. • CRWC developed specialization, expertise and goodwill in development and operation of RWCs but due to shortage of capital and also due to some of the restrictive clauses in its MoU with Ministry of Railways, its pace of growth was not as expected. • A separate Division with the name ‘RWC Division’ will be created by CWC for handling operations and marketing of RWCs.

KVIC records Highest Ever Turnover in FY 2020-21 Despite Covid-19 Pandemic: Context : In a year completely marred by Covid-19 pandemic, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has recorded its highest-ever turnover. In the year 2020-21, KVIC registered a gross annual turnover of Rs. 95,741.74crores, as compared to Rs. 88,887 crores turnover in 2019-20, thus, registering an increase of 7.71%. Concept : Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC): • The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament (Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956). • In April 1957, it took over the work of former All India Khadi and Village Industries Board. • It is an apex organization under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, with regard to khadi and village industries within India, which seeks to – “plan, promote, facilitate, organise and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary.”

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Aadhaar, PAN data of workmen in multiple cos under insolvency: Context : Officials aware of developments admitted to the “mistake”, which happened as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) was working on a portal to host details of claims by all creditors against corporates undergoing a corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP), to improve transparency in the bankruptcy process. Concept : • Government agencies have previously issued public warnings against revealing details of Aadhaar or PAN publicly as such information could be used for identity theft. CIRP • Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) is a recovery mechanism for creditors. If a corporate becomes insolvent, a financial creditor, an operational creditor, or the corporate itself may initiate CIRP. • Financial Creditor could be any person to whom a business debt is owed or a person to whom such amount is legally assigned or transmitted. For example: Banks or other financial institutions • Operational Creditor could be any person to whom an operational debt is owed and includes any person to whom such amount has been legally assigned or transferred for goods or services done by them. For example: vendors and suppliers, employees, government etc. • The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 provides a provision for an application for insolvency or bankruptcy of start-ups, individuals, partnership firms, limited liability partnership, and companies. • The Code has provided a slab of default amount in each category however the final amount is to be notified by the Government as the trigger point to initiate the proceeding while keeping in view the fluctuation of the economy. • It is important to understand that the said amount is not the minimum or maximum fixed amount of debt default but it is a ‘range’. • CIRP is initiated after making an application. CIRP is the process through which it is determined whether the person who has defaulted is capable of repayment or not. If a person is not capable of repaying the debt the company is restructured or liquidated.

National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI): Context : Recently, the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) had celebrated its 18th Foundation Day. Concept : About National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) • It is a not for profit Organization under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013. • It is under Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). • It was set up for peering of ISPs among themselves for the purpose of routing the domestic traffic within the country. • It is working since 2003 for spreading the internet technology to the citizens of India through the following activities: • Internet Exchanges through which the internet data is exchanged amongst ISPs and between ISPs and CDNs • IN Registry, managing and operation of IN country code domain. • IRINN, managing and operating Internet protocol (IPv4/IPv6) Indian Registry for Internet Names and Numbers (IRINN) • It provides allocation and registration services of IP addresses and AS numbers. • It contributes to the society by providing Internet-related information as a non-profit, affiliation-based organisation, and performing research, education and enlightenment activities.

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MISCELLANEOUS

ORIGIN AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PRIDE MONTH: Context : In many parts of the world, June is the ‘Gay Pride Month’, dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ community and their struggle against discrimination and social ostracisation. Concept : • June month is celebrated as the Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) Pride month all over the world. The LGBTQ pride month is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of Stonewall riots at Stonewall Inn in New York, a gathering space for LGBTQ community during the 60s. • It provides role models, builds community, and represents a civil rights statement about the contributions of the LGBT community. The month is observed by United States, United Kingdom, Canada. LGBT History Month originated in the United States. It was first celebrated in 1994. • The commemoration of the month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. • Note: On June 28, 1969, police raided the inn, leading to the gay liberation movement in the US. ‘Mother of Pride’ Brenda Howard organised the first pride parade a year later.

Onus of dialogue on J&K lies with Centre: Gupkar alliance: Context: CPI (M) leader and Gupkar alliance spokesman M.Y. Tarigami on Saturday said the onus of engagement and dialogue lay with the Centre and there had to be a credible agenda for it. Concept: • People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) was formerly known as Gupkar Declaration. • It is a political alliance between the multiple mainstream regional political parties of Jammu and Kashmir aimed at safeguarding and restoring special status along with Article 35A of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. • First Declaration: The Declaration signed on 4 August 2019 stated that modification or abrogation of Article 35A or Article 370 would be aggression against the people of J&K. • The venue was the Gupkar Residence in Srinagar and thus it became known as the Gupkar Declaration. • Gupkar Declaration II: Gupkar Declaration II, signed on 22 August 2020 by the six political parties asserted that the signatories were bound by August 4, 2019 Gupkar declaration and parties would strive for restoration of Article 370 and Article 35a.

TOTAL FERTILITY RATE: Context : The Assam unit of the Congress has slammed Chief Minister for asking a minority community to adopt population control measures to prevent encroachment and pressure on land resources. Concept : • It cited the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS) released in December 2020, which said the total fertility rate (TFR) declined across most Indian States in the last five years. • The total fertility rate is defined as the average number of children that would be born to a woman by the time she ends childbearing. • According to the UN Population Division, a total fertility rate (TFR) of about 2.1 children per woman is called replacement-level fertility. • The fertility rate of less than 2.1 implies that the total population will be less than the existing population which is also called the negative growth rate. • The same survey said the fertility rate of women in Assam declined from 2.2 in 2015-16 to 1.9 in 2020- 21, which means the future population of Assam will only be less than the current population. Hence there is no question of an increase in population.

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Indicators of fertility • High fertility: Total fertility levels above 5 children per woman. • Replacement-level fertility: Total fertility levels of about 2.1 children per woman. • Below-replacement fertility: Total fertility levels below 2.1 children per woman. • Very low fertility: Total fertility levels below 1.3 children per woman.

FCI rice to be used for ethanol production: Context: 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 ₹ 20 a kg, Food Secretary Sudhanshu Pandey said. Concept: • 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 this month, 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, according to a Ministry statement. Bioethanol • It is derived from corn and sugarcane using fermentation process. • A litre of ethanol contains approximately two thirds of the energy provided by a litre of petrol. • When mixed with petrol, it improves the combustion performance and lowers the emissions of carbon monoxide and sulphur oxide. Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP): • It aims at blending ethanol with petrol, thereby bringing it under the category of biofuels and saving millions of dollars by cutting fuel imports and decreasing carbon emissions. • The target is to achieve 20% blending of ethanol by 2025. • In 2018, the Central Government extended the ambit of the EBP programme to extract the fuel from surplus quantities of food grains such as maize, jawar, bajra fruit and vegetable waste. • Earlier, only excess sugarcane production was allowed to be converted into ethanol for procurement under the programme. • First generation bioethanol: These are made from food sources such as sugar, starch, vegetable oil, or animal fats using conventional technology.

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PLAN TO REDEVELOP CSMT RAILWAY STATION: Context : The plan is to turn CSMT into a state-of-the-art transport hub with world-class amenities while restoring its heritage value. After completion of the project, the station is expected to offer a much-improved travel experience for commuters. Concept : • The Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Ltd (IRSDC), which is the nodal agency for station redevelopment in India, has this week shortlisted nine bidders for the redevelopment of the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railway station in Mumbai. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) • The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus in Mumbai, Maharashtra is a fine example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India, with a blend of themes derived from Indian traditional architecture. • The terminus exhibits an important interchange of influences between the two. The building, designed by the British architect F.W. Stevens, became the symbol of Bombay (now Mumbai) as the 'Gothic City' and the major international mercantile port city in the Indian subcontinent within the British Commonwealth. • The terminal was built over ten years, starting in 1878 according to a High Victorian Gothic design based on late medieval Italian models. Its remarkable stone dome, turrets, pointed arches, and eccentric ground plan are close to traditional Indian palace architecture. • This magnificent terminus serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways in India and is one of the busiest stations of the nation. Till 1996, it was known as Victoria Terminal, named so in the honour of Queen Victoria. • On 2nd July 2004, the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO nominated this magnificent specimen of late 19th century railway architecture as a World Heritage Site. • This terminus is one of the rare specimens of the excellent fusion of traditional western and Indian architecture and adds a unique variety to the rich Indian heritage.

International Yoga Day 2021: Context : The International Yoga Day 2021 will be held through a virtual meet and focus on the importance of Yoga in mental and physical well being. Also, its recognition to fight social depression and anxiety caused due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Concept : International Yoga Day • International Yoga Day was declared by the UN General Assembly on 11th December 2014. Yoga is a mental, physical and spiritual discipline or practice that has its origins in India. • The day of 21st June was suggested by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the UN because it is the longest day of the year. • The day also has special relevance in several different parts of the globe. The draft resolution was introduced in the General Assembly by India’s Permanent Representative. • The draft received support from 177 members and they adopted the text without a vote. • Many international leaders supported this initiative. • The resolution was co-sponsored by 175 countries, which is the highest number of co-sponsors for a UN General Assembly resolution of such a type. • Indian diplomatic missions, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Prime Minister of India himself have ramped up their social media diplomacy on yoga. Yoga is seen as one of the best examples of soft power. • This year, the theme for International Yoga Day is “Yoga for well-being” and focuses on the importance of Yoga not just for physical well being but also for mental health.

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Club for the Future Foundation: Context : More than 50,000 people have signed online petitions urging Amazon founder and billionaire Jeff Bezos to not return to Earth after he takes his maiden flight to space on July 20. Concept : • Earlier this month, Bezos announced he will venture into space on board New Shephard, the rocket system developed by his space company Blue Origin. • Bezos will be accompanied by his brother and the winner of the auction who will be paying $28 million to fly with Bezos. • This amount will be donated to Blue Origin’s foundation called “Club for the Future” that aims to inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEM. About 'Club for the Future' • Founded by Blue Origin in 2019, Club for the Future is a foundation whose mission is to inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEM and to help invent the future of life in space. • The Club and its collaborators are doing this through Postcards to Space, space-focused curriculum, and access to space on Blue Origin’s rockets.

INDIAN NAVY – BLUE WATER OPERATIONS WITH A GREEN FOOTPRINT:

Context : Indian Navy has adopted a comprehensive ‘Indian Navy Environment Conservation Roadmap (INECR)’ for synergising the aim of ‘Blue Water Operations with a Green Footprint’. Concept : • Indian Navy commissioned one of its largest solar plant with a capacity of 3MW at Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala in July 2020. Another 2MW solar power plant was installed at Naval Station Karanja, Mumbai in July 2020. With this, the overall installed solar plant capacity at Naval Stations is 11 MW. • The installation of SPVs are in line with Navy’s objective of fulfilling Govt of India’s ‘Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)’ mission. • Further, viability of setting up urban forests concepts such as Miyawaki forests is being emphasised to match the theme of World Environment Day 2021- ‘Ecosystem Restoration’ Miyawaki method of forest creation • Miyawaki is a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki (born 1928), that helps build dense, native forests. • The approach is supposed to ensure that plant growth is 10 times faster and the resulting plantation is 30 times denser than usual. • It involves planting dozens of native species in the same area, and making them maintenance-free after the first three years. • In July 2020, Union Environment Minister inaugurated a unique urban forest at the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in New Delhi. • This would be a dense urban forest with multiple tree layers including 12000 saplings of 59 indigenous species in another year or so. The Miyawaki method of forest creation is employed.

International Olympic Day: Context : The Prime Minister International Olympic Day 2021 has conveyed the pride that nation feels for those who have represented India in various Olympics over the years. Concept : • The day was chosen by the International Olympic Committee in 1948. • It aims to promote the Olympic idea and the importance of organising mass sports competitions all around the world. • As a result of the effort many nations adopted it to empower youth and represent nations in the global sports competitiop.

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• Besides a number of school from various countries adopted Olympics/Sports as a part of their curriculum. What is special about this Year ? • Summer Olympics in Tokyo, scheduled to be held between July 23 and August 8. • Infact this was delayed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic • The event will be referred to as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. • A total of 339 events across 33 sports are lined up at the Games from different countries. International Olympic Committee • Non-governmental sports organisation based in Lausanne, Switzerland, authority responsible for organising the Summer and Winter Olympic Games • It is constituted in the form of an association under the Swiss Civil Code (articles 60-79). • IOC is the governing body of the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) • NOC is a national constituent of the worldwide Olympic movement. • Current president of the IOC is Thomas Bach of Germany. • In 2009 the UN General Assembly granted the IOC Permanent Observer status.

International Tea Day auction sets price record: Context : The first International Tea Day special auction, held on a digital platform, in eastern Assam’s Jorhat, considered the tea capital of the region, fetched record prices. Concept : • The auction was conducted on June 21 — a month after the best leaves were plucked to mark International Tea Day on May 21 — by Mjunction Services Ltd., a B2B e-com firm. About International Tea Day • International Tea Day was observed on 21st May after it was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2019. • The UN General Assembly called on the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO is an agency of the United Nations) to lead the observance of the day. • May 21 was chosen because the season of tea production begins in May in most of the tea producing countries. Key Points • Tea is a beverage made from the Camellia sinesis plant. It is the world’s most consumed drink, after water. • It is believed that tea originated in northeast India, north Myanmar and southwest China, but the exact place where the plant first grew is not known. There is evidence that tea was consumed in China 5,000 years ago. Economy: • Tea production and processing constitutes a main source of livelihoods and subsistence for millions in developing and least developed countries. • It is a labour-intensive sector, providing jobs, especially in remote and economically disadvantaged areas. • Tea can play a significant role in rural development, poverty reduction and food security in developing countries, being one of the most important cash crops. Plantation condition: • Tea is a tropical and sub-tropical plant and grows well in moderately hot and humid climates. • The ideal temperature for its growth is 20°-30°C and temperatures above 35°C and below 10°C are harmful for the bush. • It requires 150-300 cm annual rainfall which should be well distributed throughout the year. • The most suitable soil for tea cultivation is slightly acidic soil (without calcium) with porous sub-soil which permits a free percolation of water.

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In a first, Rubber Board starts field trials in Assam: Context: In a major experiment in rubber farming, Rubber Board has started field trial of world’s first genetically modified (GM) rubber in Assam. Concept: • GM Rubber was developed in biotechnology laboratory at Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) in Puthuppally, Kottayam. • It was planted at Rubber board’s Sarutari research farm in Guwahati. • Rubber Board launched field trial of GM Rubber in Assam a decade after Kerala Government denied permission for the same because of its adverse impact on environment. Background • GM Rubber is the second genetically modified crop for which field trial has started after Bt. Cotton. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) had allowed to open field trials of GM rubber in 2010 at Chetchackal, Thombikandom, in Kottayam. Significance of GM Rubber • GM variant rubber has the capacity to withstand adverse climatic conditions. It will give a big boost to rubber production in India. • It will greatly benefit farmers after trials are over. The crop is resistant to reduced moisture or drought, low & high temperatures as well as high light intensity. It will also cut short the maturity period of rubber. It will result into early yielding. Issue with the growth of rubber • Growth of young rubber gets slower in winter season in North East because plants do not get enough light during monsoon. Lack of adequate water during summer season also creates stress to plants. Thus, GM rubber can overcome these issues and result into faster growth.

Empathising with the LGBTQIA+ community: Context: Empathising with the LGBTQIA+ community, the Madras High Court directed the Union Ministry of Social Justice to enlist NGOs that could provide counselling, monetary support, legal assistance and protection to them until a law could be enacted to protect them. Concept: • Ministry should upload the details of the NGOs on its website within eight weeks and revise the information periodically. Any person who faced an issue because he/she/they belonged to the LGBTQIA+ community could approach any of the enlisted NGOs for safeguarding their rights. • NGOs should also coordinate with the police with respect to offences committed against them. • Appropriate changes should be made to the existing government short stay homes, anganwadi shelters, Garima Greh (shelter home for transgender persons) for providing accommodation, food, medical care facilities to those from the community in need of such assistance. • Sensitisation programmes could also be conducted for stakeholders, including police and prison authorities, judges, physical and mental health professionals, educational institutions, health workers, public and private workplaces. • LGBTQIA+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and such others’ (LGBTQIA+) community.

UPSC to meet on June 28 to select panel for TN Police chief post: Context : The names of seven DGP rank officers of the Tamil Nadu cadre drawn from the 1987 to 1989 IPS batches were already sent to the UPSC for shortlisting. Concept : • However, the UPSC has directed the state government to send a revised list and according to senior officers with the police headquarters, a list of nine ADGP level officers of the 1990 and 1991 IPS batches was forwarded to the UPSC.

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DGP Appointment • Earlier In July 2018, the Supreme Court had refrained State governments from appointing DGPs without first consulting the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). • The State governments concerned have to send UPSC the names of the probables three months before the incumbent DGPs are to retire. • The UPSC will prepare a panel of three officers fit to be DGP and send it back. • The UPSC shall, as far as practicable, choose the people within the zone of consideration who have got a clear two years of service and must give due weightage to merit and seniority. • The State, in turn, shall “immediately” appoint one of the persons shortlisted by the UPSC. • On the practice of States appointing “Acting DGPs”, the court rejected the idea of acting or temporary DGPs, i.e.. States shall appoint a person as permanent DGP. • The court also ruled that any rule or state law on the subject of appointment of police officers will be kept in suspension. However, the States, which have made laws on police appointments, can move to court seeking modifications of its order.

Six Maoists including top leaders of the CPI(Maoist) were killed: Context : Six Maoists including top leaders of the CPI(Maoist) were killed by the Greyhounds in Koyyuru mandal in Visakhapatnam Agency. Concept : Greyhounds • Greyhounds is a police special forces unit operating in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and belongs to the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Police departments. • Greyhounds specialises in anti-insurgency operations against Naxalite and Maoist terrorists. • Several Indian paramilitary and police officers have described the Greyhounds as the best anti- insurgency force that specialises in anti-Maoist operations and as experts in jungle warfare. • Greyhound has played paramount role in crushing Maoist militancy in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Currently both states are largely free of Maoists.

America’s fascination with UFOs: Context : US government released an unclassified report that concerns the assessment of the threat posed by unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) — known in popular culture as unidentified flying objects (UFOs) — and the progress that the Department of Defense (DoD) Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) has made in understanding this threat. Concept : • The report, which is largely inconclusive, looks at instances of apparent UFO sightings noticed between November 2004 and March 2021. While there is no evidence that the sightings were UFOs, there is no other explanation either for what these sightings were. What is a UFO ? • A UFO is an Unidentified Flying Object that cannot immediately be identified or explained. • The term is widely used for making claims about sighting an extraterrestrial spacecraft i.e. a spacecraft that does not belong to Earth and humans. World UFO Day • World UFO Day is an awareness day celebrated by UFO enthusiasts to educate people about the 'undisputed evidence' that UFOs are real and to get governments de-classify files about UFO sightings. • Some celebrate the day on June 24 which is the date that aviator Kenneth Arnold reported a UFO sighting for the first time in the United States. • Some others observe the day on July 2 which is the day when the supposed Roswell UFO crash took place in 1947. Roswell UFO incident

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• In July 1947, a crash took place near Roswell in New Mexico which led to the speculation that the object was a "flying disc". • The United States Army Air Forces, however, later said that it was just a weather balloon which crashed. • The curiosity around the incident only bolstered and led to exhaustive investigations by enthusiasts who believed that the US military was trying to cover up the incident. • In turn, the conspiracy theories around an 'alien spacecraft' crashing near Roswell met with an equally thorough counter of claims debunking speculations. Kenneth Arnold's UFO sightings • Kenneth Arnold was an American aviator who claimed to have seen nine objects flying in a tandem which could not be identified, while he was flying his aircraft near Mount Rainier, Washington on June 24, 1947. • Arnold's claim is widely regarded as the first to have sparked theories around alien objects on Earth. • The US Air Force formally listed the Arnold case as a 'mirage'. Arnold had described the shape of the object as "flat like a pie pan" or "saucer-like" which led media to coin the term "flying saucer" and "flying disc". By 1977, Kenneth claimed that they "have 15 million witnesses...who have seen something."

Illegal Adoption in India: Context : The Supreme Court agreed to intervene after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) sounded the alarm on a spate of complaints about illegal adoption of COVID orphans through private individuals and organisations. Concept : • Social media posts are circulating that children are up for adoption. This is plainly illegal and violates the Juvenile Justice Act. • The adoption of orphaned/abandoned/ surrendered children is lawful only after the adoption procedure as given under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 is followed and the final adoption order is passed by the prescribed authority. • Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act prohibits the disclosure of identity of children with regard to the name, school, age, address or any information which would reveal the essential details of the child. • Placing any confidential information about children in the public domain which would make them susceptible to trafficking, • NCPCR statistics shows that 3,621 children were orphaned, 26,176 children lost either parent and 274 children were abandoned between April 1, 2021 to June 5, 2021. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights • NCPCR is a statutory body set up in March 2007 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005. • It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development. • The Commission’s mandate is to ensure that all laws, policies, programmes, and administrative mechanisms are in consonance with the child rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. • It inquires into complaints relating to a child’s right to free and compulsory education under the Right to Education Act, 2009. • It monitors the implementation of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

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LAQSHYA 2022

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