sign in sign up
<<
Home , DRDO Daksh, HGC019, Omkareshwar Dam, Reservation in India, Stranded in India, Trypanosomiasis vaccine

Note: First few volume of target shots are bigger because we are covering news in detail with static linkages considering fresher's preparation also. Next coming volumes will be more concise Environment. 9 Pangolin 9 Dzukou Forest Fire 9 Umed Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary 9 Sabari river 10 Asian Waterbird Census-2020 10 Nile River 11 Climate of during 2020 11 Draft Arctic Policy of India 12 Air Pollution 13 Caracal 14 NCAVES India Forum 2021 15 Ecosystem Services 15 Antarctic Ozone Hole 16 Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Protected Areas 17 One Planet Summit 18 Sultanpur National Park 18 Khadi Prakritik Paint 19 Asian Houbara Bustard 19 Polar vortex 20 Nagi-Nakti Bird Sanctuaries 20 Harike Wetland 21 India’s costliest mushroom: 21 Indian Star Tortoise 22 Greater Adjutant Stork 22 Carbon Sequestration 23 Bandipur Tiger Reserve 24 First wildlife sanctuary exclusively for wolves 24 Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary 24 Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) 25 Great Green Wall Initiative 25 Greenhouse gas emissions from man-managed grasslands 26 Green tax 26 Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve 27 SHOOLPANESHWAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 27

Science & Technology. 28 KSTAR ‘Artificial Sun’ Of Korea Sets World Record 28 What is anaemia? 28 Bird flu Or Avian influenza (AI) 29

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 1 SAHAYAK-NG 29 Satyameva Jayate: Digital Media Literacy 29 Lithium-ion Battery 30 Lightning 31 Banana Grit 32 Radiation Dazzlers (Laser Dazzlers) 33 “Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)” scheme: 33 India approved two COVID-19 for Emergency Use 34 Covishield 34 : 34 National Metrology Conclave 35 Enriched Uranium: 35 Flue gas desulphurisation 36 Japan Solution for Space Debris 37 ISRO decade plan 37 Toycathon 2021 38 Floating Solar Energy Project 39 Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy 39 Magnetotelluric-MT survey 40 National Atomic Time Scale 40 Biodigester technology 40 National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) 41 Mutation 41 Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-2) Regulations 41 Lithium 42 Vanadium 43 Indian Human Space Flight Programme 43 Recoiling Black Hole 43 Heliophysics Missions 44 Kayakalp Awards 45 Spintronics: 45 Nanobodies 45 Doppler Radar 46 Doppler Weather Radar ( DWR ) 47 CollabCAD software 47 What is 5G ? 47 Mitochondrial DNA 48 Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) 48 Swarm drones 49 Aero India 21 app 49

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 2 Open-RAN (Radio Access Network) Architecture 49 Diamond-studded Meteorite 50 Angiogenesis 50 E-waste 50 Important Terms about Stars 51 National Geochemical Mapping (NGCM) 52 National Mission on Quantum Technology and Applications 52 Parker Solar Probe 53 Root Zone Moisture 53 Sudden Stratospheric Warming 54 Hum of the Universe 54 MeerKAT Radio Telescope 54 M-Sand 55 Climate Adaptation Summit 2021 55 DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 55 56 Barasingha 56 Tilt to Saturn’s rotation axis 57 COVID-19 performance ranking 57 EDISON Alliance 57 Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) 58

Indian Economy. 59 RBI Digital Payments Index 59 Equalization Levy 60 RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) scheme 60 International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) 61 Kochi-Mangaluru natural gas pipeline 62 Budget Session 63 Sagarmala Seaplane Services (SSPS) 64 Faceless tax scheme 66 National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) 66 Payment Infrastructure Development Fund Scheme 67 Spectrum auctions 67 Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) 68 RBI forms Academic Advisory Council for Supervisory College 68 Double Stack Long-Haul Container Train 69 Scheme for Industrial Development of J&K 69 K-shaped economic recovery 70 Eri silk 70 Freight Business Development Portal 70

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 3 Golden Quadrilateral & Golden Diagonal sections 71 SAATHEE Portal 72 Coal in India 73 Initiatives in Coal Sector 73 Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) system 74 Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana ( PMFBY ) 74 Insect Apocalypse 75 Jayant Kumar Dash committee 75 New Foreign Trade Policy 2021-26 75 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana ( PMKVY ) 76 ‘Prarambh: Startup India International Summit’ 77 Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme 77 Suryamitra initiative 78 Disinvestment 78 SAKSHAM Awareness Campaign 79 Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) 80 Indian Railway Finance Corporation 80 CrowdFunding 81 North East Venture Fund 81 Startup India Seed Fund 82 Iron Ore Policy 2021 83 ICEGATE 84 MARKET INFRASTRUCTURE INSTITUTIONS (MIIs) 84 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) (Amendment) Act, 2020 84 Shadow Entrepreneurs 85 National Startup Advisory Council 86 WE Hub: Women Entrepreneurs Hub 86 Tampon tax 86 India Innovation Index 2020 by NITI Aayog 87 Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) 87 National Road Safety Council 88 Spices Board: 88 Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) 88 Non-Convertible Debentures 88 ‘Off-budget borrowing’ 89 Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) 89 National Mission for Edible Oil (NMEO) 89 What is Economic Survey ? 90 Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme: 90 Future Investment Initiative 91 World Gold Council 91

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 4 Bare Necessities Index 91 Start-up India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) 92

Indian Polity. 93 Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 93 The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 94 Judicial Review 94 Vertical and horizontal reservations 96 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 9th Dec 97 Tenth Schedule: 98 Demand for Autonomous State within 99 How a US President can be impeached? 100 Question Hour 100 Zero Hour 101 Aadhar Bill as Money Bill: 101 MGIEP 102 Law Commission 102 North East Council 103 Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 103 2021 103 India Justice Report 2020 104 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2020 104

Social Issues. 106 Global Housing Technology Challenge-India (GHTC-India) 106 Drug Menace In India 107 SunRISE mission: 109 School Bag Policy 2020 109 NHRC recommendations on Manual Scavenging 110 Khelo India Programme 111 Kamdhenu Gau-Vigyan Prachar-Prasar Exam 111 National Programme for Health Care of Elderly 111 G Kishan committee 112 Institutions of Eminence (IoEs) Scheme 112 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi 113 Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana ( MKSP ) 113 Office for International Affairs in Education institutions 113 Rakshita: 114 NEP 2020: Implementation Plan for School Education 114 Project ECHO 115 Shramshakti Portal 115 National Girl Child Day ( 24 Jan ) 116

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 5 ‘Ayushman Bharat: Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’ (AB PM-JAY) 117 Bodos 118 Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 118 STARS project 119 The Gender Park 120

International Relation, Organisation & Reports. 120 Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act 120 A “solidarity and stability” deal 121 World Food Price Index: FAO 121 Global Economic Prospects Report 122 H1B Visa 123 3rd South Asia multilateral meet 123 Trade Policy Review Mechanism 123 India-Japan Economic Relations 124 Henley Passport Index 124 Security Council (UNSC) 124 Adaptation Gap Report 2020 125 Difficult four countries 126 The Open Skies Treaty (OST) 126 Flint Water Crisis 126 The Davos Agenda Summit 127 Global Firepower Index, 2021 127 Article 19 of the UN Charter 127 Global Risks Report, 2021 127 Global Climate Risk Index 2021 128 The Financial Action Task Force ( FATF ) 128 LongOps Project 129 Oxfam International 129 Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons 129 New START Treaty 130 WHO Funds 131 Investment Trends Monitor Report: UNCTAD 131 INDIA INTERNATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL 132 International Energy Agency (IEA) 132 World Economic Outlook 2021 : IMF 133 The Great Reset Initiative of WEF 133 UNEP Global Climate Litigation Report 2021 134 Initiative 135

Defence & Security. 136 Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) 136

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 6 Sea Vigil 21 136 TAPAS UAV 136 Tejas: 136 India’s Eight Point Action Plan to UNSC to combat terrorism 137 Rakshita 137 Desert Knight-21 138 S-400 Triumf Missile 138 STARStreak Air Defence System 139 Exercise Kavach 139 Smart Anti Airfield Weapon 139 Smart Anti Airfield Weapon ( SAAW ) 139 RUDRAM 140 Operation Sard Hawa 140 NG (New Generation) Missile 140 AMPHEX 21: A Tri-Services Exercise 140

Geography. 141 Volcano of Indonesia 142 Western Disturbance 142 Tsari Chu river: 143 K2 mountain 143 Jiadhal River 143 Naku La Pass 144

History , Art & Culture. 145 Yakshagana 145 The ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’ 145 Jagannath Temple 146 National Youth Parliament Festival 2021 147 Indian harvest festivals 147 Caves with Paintings in India 148 Saint Thiruvalluvar 148 Jallikattu 148 Parakram Divas 149 Risa 149 Lala Lajpat Rai 150 Ram Setu 150 Kala Utsav: 150 Patharughat: The forgotten peasant uprising of Assam in 1894 151

Places in News. 152 Gibraltar 152 Pong Dam Or Beas Dam 152 JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 7 Deepor Beel 152 Place in news: Thousand Islands 153 Dzukou Valley: 153 West Bank 154

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 8 Environment.

Pangolin ● Pangolin is the only scaly mammal on the planet. ● They have large protective keratin scales covering their skin. ● Pangolins are nocturnal and Insectivore eat mainly ants and termites ● According to CITES, it is also the most illegally traded vertebrate within its class (Mammalia). ● Of the eight species of pangolin worldwide, two are found in India. 1. Chinese pangolin ○ Critically Endangered ○ mostly found in the Himalayan foothills in Eastern , , Northern India, North-East and through Southern China. 2. Indian pangolin ○ Endangered ○ widely distributed in India, except the arid region, high Himalayas and the North-East. ○ found in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and . ● It is also a Schedule I category protected animal, under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

Dzukou Forest Fire ● Location: This valley is located at the border of states of and . ● It is a sanctuary for the endangered Blyth's tragopan - Nagaland's State Bird. ● It is famous for its wide range of flowers in every season. Rare Dzükou Lily is found only in this valley.

Umed Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary ● Why in news?: A tigress and her two cubs were found dead in the Umed Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagpur, . ● Umed Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary has a connection with Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve through forest along (a tributary of Godavari). ● The sanctuary is home to resident breeding tigers, herds of Gaur, wild dogs and also rare animals like flying squirrels, pangolins and honey badgers. ● Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra. ● Other Protected Sites of Maharashtra: ○ Tadoba National Park ○ Gugamal National Park ○ Pench National Park ○ Navegaon National Park ○ Sanjay Gandhi National Park JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 9 ○ Melghat Tiger Reserve ○ Sahyadri Tiger Reserve ○ Bor Tiger Reserve

Sabari river ● Sabari River is one of the main tributaries of Godavari. ● It originates from the western slopes of Eastern Ghats in state from Sinkaram hill ranges. ● It forms common boundary between and Odisha states and later enters into to merge with River Godavari. ● It is also known as Kolab river in Odisha. ● Sileru River (known as Machkund in its upper reaches) is the major tributary of Sabari, which joins Sabari river at tri-junction boundary point of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

Asian Waterbird Census-2020 ● Asian Waterbird Census is an annual event in which thousands of volunteers across Asia and Australasia count waterbirds in the wetlands of their country. ● This event happens every January. ● This event is coordinated by wetlands International and forms part of global waterbird monitoring programme called the International Waterbird Census (IWC). ● Started in the year 1987. ● Main focus is to monitor the status of waterbirds and the wetlands. ● In India, the AWC is annually coordinated by the Bombay Natural history Society (BNHS) and Wetlands International.

Outcomes brought by recent Census ● There is a need for more bird-watchers in the State, as their critical inputs on the wetlands and waterbirds will help in designing the conservation plans of the respective sites in future ● On the Indian Skimmer, more study was still required to establish that the species breeds on the Kakinada coast (Andhra Pradesh), which supports a great number of Indian Skimmer.

#Target_shots Addition

Indian Skimmer ● Indian Skimmer is a waterbird species. ● They are very brightly marked in black, white and orange, making them difficult to miss. ● Habitat: ○ It is found in southern Asia, where it is patchily distributed and declining in numbers. They are mainly found in rivers or estuaries.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 10 ○ In India, the species can be sighted near the in Central India, in few parts of Odisha and in Andhra Pradesh. ● Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Status–Endangered.

What are waterbirds? ● According to Wetlands International (WI), waterbirds are defined as species of birds that are ecologically dependent on wetlands. These birds are considered to be an important health indicator of wetlands of a region.

Nile River ● The River Nile is in Africa. It originates in Burundi, south of the equator, and flows northward through northeastern Africa, eventually flowing through and finally draining into the Mediterranean Sea. ● Source: ● The source of the Nile is sometimes considered to be Lake Victoria, but the lake itself has feeder rivers of considerable size like the Kagera River. ● The Nile River is considered as one of the longest rivers in the world. ● The Nile has a length of about 6,695 kilometers (4,160 miles). ● The Nile basin is huge and includes parts of Tanzania, Burundi, , Congo (Kinshasa), . ● The Nile River forms an arcuate delta as it empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Deltas with triangular or fan-shape are called arcuate (arc-like) deltas. ● The Nile is formed by three principal streams: the Blue Nile, the Atbara, and the White Nile.

Climate of India during 2020 ● Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recently released its Statement on during 2020 Key Highlights ● Around twelve out of fifteen warmest years since 1901 were between 2006 and 2020. ● The rainfall as a whole during South West Monsoon was above normal. It was 109% of the Long Period Average (calculated between 1961 and 2010). ● The past decade, 2019-20 was the warmest decade on record. ● and were the hardest hit states due to adverse weather. More than 350 deaths were reported in these two states sue to thunderstorms. Cold wave events and lightning. ● Thunderstorm and Lightning caused 815 deaths in 2020. ● The average Land Surface Air Temperature over India in 2020 was 0.29 Degrees Celsius above normal. ● The mean temperature during winters was also above normal. It was recorded as 0.140 degrees Celsius greater than the normal.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 11 ● The Monsoon and post monsoon seasons recorded mean temperature anomalies of +0.430 degrees Celsius and +0.53 degrees Celsius respectively. ● According to the World Meteorological Organization, the Global mean surface temperature anomaly was recorded as +1.2 degrees Celsius.

Draft Arctic Policy of India ● The recently released the Draft Arctic Policy. Main objective ● The policy ensures that the Arctic resources are explored and used sustainable. ● Under its policy, India will make sure the it abides by rules and regulations of Arctic Council. ● India became the observer of Arctic Council in 2013 and its membership as an observer was renewed in 2018 for another five years. ● The main five pillars of Arctic Policy are as follows: ○ Science and Research ○ Economic and Human Development ○ Transportation and Connectivity ○ National Capacity building ○ Governance and International Cooperation ● Nodal Body: India has designated -based National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research to lead scientific research and act as a nodal body to coordinate among various scientific bodies to promote domestic scientific research capacities in the Arctic. ● Implementation: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research that operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences will serve as the nodal agency in implementing the Arctic Policy. ● India and Arctic Research ○ India signed the Svalbard Treaty in Paris. The treaty allowed free access to the Arctic region along with the commitment of not militarizing it. ○ India launched its first scientific expedition to Arctic in 2007. ○ In 2008, India established a research base called Himadri at Ny Alesund, Svalbard, Norway. ○ In 2014, India deployed IndArc. It is a multisensory observatory in Kongsfjorden. ○ In 2016, India set up Gruvebadet Atmponsheric Laboratry at Ny Alesund, Svalbard.

About Arctic region: ● The Arctic region comprises the Arctic Ocean and parts of countries such as , Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Russia, USA (Alaska), Finland, Sweden and Iceland. ● Himadri: India already has a research station in the Arctic, Himadri, for the research work.

Arctic Council ● High-level intergovernmental forum for Arctic cooperation

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 12 ● Set up in 1996 with the twin-mandate of environmental protection and sustainable development ● Headquarters: Tromsø, Norway ● Members: It comprises 8 member states, permanent participants and observers. Canada, Denmark, Finland, Russia, US, Iceland, Norway, Sweden are member states ● India became an Observer nation in 2013 ( NOT a member).

Air Pollution ● Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical, or biological change in the air. It is the contamination of air by harmful gases, dust, and smoke which affects plants, animals, and humans drastically. Air Pollutants: Pollutants are the substances which cause pollution. ● Primary: The pollutants that directly cause air pollution or the pollutants that are formed and emitted directly from particular sources. Examples are particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur oxide. ● Secondary: The pollutants formed by the intermingling and reaction of primary pollutants are known as secondary pollutants. Examples are ozone and secondary organic aerosol (haze).

#Target_shots Addition

Causes of Air Pollution: ● Indoor burning of fossil fuels, woods and other biomass to cook, heat and light homes. ● Industry, including power generation such as coal-fired plants and diesel generators. ● Transport, especially vehicles with diesel engines. ● Agriculture, including livestock, which produces methane and ammonia, rice paddies, which produce methane, and the burning of agricultural waste. ● Open waste burning and organic waste in landfills.

Effect of Air Pollution on Human Health: ● As per the State of Global Air 2020 (SoGA 2020) released by the Health Effects Institute (HEI): ○ High PM contributed to the deaths of more than 1,16,000 Indian infants who did not survive their first month. ○ More than half of these deaths were associated with outdoor PM2.5 and others were linked to the use of solid fuels such as charcoal, wood, and animal dung for cooking. ● According to the 2017 Global Burden of Disease report published by the Lancet Planetary Health journal: ○ India, which accounts for 18% of the global population, recorded 26% of the global premature deaths and disease burden due to air pollution.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 13 ○ One in every eight deaths in India (2017) could be attributed to air pollution, which now contributes to more disease burden than smoking. ○ According to recent study poor air quality is associated with a considerable proportion of pregnancy loss in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. ● Household air pollution causes about 3.8 million premature deaths each year. ● Air quality has become a serious health issue because the pollutants enter deep inside the lungs and the lungs capacity to purify blood gets reduced which affects the person’s growth, mental ability and the working capacity especially for children, pregnant women and elderly people. ○ In children, it is associated with low birth weight, asthma, childhood cancers, obesity, poor lung development and autism, among others.

#Target_shots Addition

Indian Initiatives to Control Air Pollution:

● The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas: It coordinates efforts of state governments to curb air pollution, and will lay down the parameters of air quality for the region. ● Bharat Stage (BS) VI norms: These are emission control standards put in place by the government to keep a check on air pollution. ● Dashboard for Monitoring Air Quality: It is a National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) based dashboard, built on data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM) Network which was started in 1984-85 and covers 344 cities/towns in 29 states and 6 UTs. ● National Clean Air Programme: Launched in 2019, it is a comprehensive pan-India air pollution abatement scheme for 102 cities. ● National Air Quality Index (AQI): It focuses on health effects one might experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. ● National Ambient Air Quality Standards: They are the standards for ambient air quality with reference to various identified pollutants notified by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. ● Breathe: It is a 15 point action plan to fight air pollution by NITI Aayog. ● Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): It aims at providing clean-cooking fuel to the poor households and bringing in qualitative charges in the living standards.

Caracal ● Caracal is a medium-sized wild cat that roams the savannas, deserts, and forests of much of Africa and parts of the Middle East. ● IUCN Status : Critically Endangered ● They are also found in Central Asia and India. ● In India, caracals are mostly found in the tropical dry deciduous and tropical thorn and shrub forests of Central and .

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 14 NCAVES India Forum 2021 ● Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of the Ecosystem Services (NCAVES) ● Organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) ● Key focus area: The Forum aims to build a stronger awareness about the different perspective to Environment and to show a way forward towards realizing the contribution of the natural capital to achieve a “better environment, better tomorrow”.

NCAVES Project ● NCAVES project seeks to advance the theory and practice of environmental and ecosystem accounting in , China, India, and . ● Implementation: The project has been jointly implemented by the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Secretariat of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD). ● Aims to assist the five participating partner countries, to advance the knowledge agenda on environmental-economic accounting, in particular ecosystem accounting. ● The project will have a duration until the end of 2021. ● Funding: The project is funded by the European Union through its Partnership Instrument (PI). ● In India, the NCAVES project is being implemented by the MoSPI in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under the Department of Space.

Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) ● An umbrella term covering efforts to make use of an accounting framework to provide a systematic way to measure and report on stocks and flows of natural capital. ● NCA covers accounting for individual environmental assets or resources, both biotic and abiotic (such as water, minerals, energy, timber, fish), as well as accounting for ecosystem assets (e.g. forests; wetlands), biodiversity and ecosystem services, in both physical and monetary terms

Ecosystem Services ● As a part of an ecosystem, humans derive lots of benefits from the biotic and abiotic components. These benefits are collectively termed as ecosystem services. Four types Ecosystem services: ● Provisioning Services: This includes the products/raw materials or energy outputs like food, water, medicines and other resources from ecosystems. ● Regulating Services: This includes the services which regulate the ecological balance. For example, forests purify and regulate air quality, prevent soil erosion, and control greenhouse gases etc. ● Supporting Services: These form the basis for other services. They provide habitat for different life forms, retain biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and other services for supporting life on the earth.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 15 ● Cultural Services: It includes recreational, aesthetic, cultural and spiritual services, etc. Most natural elements such as landscapes, mountains, caves, are used as a place for cultural and artistic purposes.

Antarctic Ozone Hole ● Discovered by British Antarctic Survey scientists Farman, Gardiner and Shanklin in 1985. ● It was the longest-lasting and one of the largest and deepest holes since the ozone layer monitoring began 40 years ago. ● Depletion of the ozone layer occurs globally, however, the severe depletion of the ozone layer over the Antarctic is often referred to as the ‘ozone hole’.

#Target_shots Addition

What is Ozone? ● Ozone (composed of three atoms of oxygen) is a gas that occurs both in the Earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level. ● Ozone occurs in two layers of the atmosphere. ● Bad Ozone: The layer closest to the Earth’s surface is the troposphere. Here, groundlevel or “bad” ozone is an air pollutant that is harmful to breathe and it damages crops, trees and other vegetation. ○ It is a main ingredient of urban smog. The troposphere generally extends to a level about 6 miles up, where it meets the second layer, the stratosphere. ● Good Ozone: The stratosphere or “good” ozone layer extends upward from about 6 to 30 miles and protects life on Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Ozone layer depletion ● The ozone layer is found in the lower portion of the earth’s atmosphere. It has the potential to absorb around 97-99% of the harmful ultraviolet radiations coming from the sun that can damage life on earth. ● Ozone layer depletion is the gradual thinning of the earth’s ozone layer in the upper atmosphere caused due to the release of chemical compounds containing gaseous bromine or chlorine from industries or other human activities.” ● Ozone Depleting Substances: Chlorofluorocarbons, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, Carbon tetrachloride, Methyl chloroform, Halons, Methyl bromide. ● One chlorine can destroy 100,000 molecules of ozone. It is destroyed more quickly than it is created.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 16 ● ● The 1985 Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was an international agreement in which United Nations members recognized the fundamental importance of preventing damage to the stratospheric ozone layer. ● Montreal Protocol was proposed in 1987 to stop the use, production and import of ozone-depleting substances and minimize their concentration in the atmosphere to protect the ozone layer of the earth. ○ International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated on September 16 to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol, one of the most successful environmental treaties. ○ The Montreal Protocol has led to the phase-out of 99% of ozone-depleting chemicals in refrigerators, air-conditioners and many other products. ● The adoption of the 2016 Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol will phase down the production and consumption of some HFCs and avoid much of the projected global increase and associated climate change.

Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Protected Areas ● Released by Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) ● Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of 146 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries (NP&WLS) in the country. ● Purpose: To understand strengths and weaknesses of the protected area management systems. ● MEE is defined as the assessment of how well NP&WLS are being managed—primarily, whether they are protecting their values and achieving the goals and objectives agreed upon. ● The ratings are assigned in four categories, as Poor – upto 40%; Fair - 41 to 59%; Good - 60 to 74%; Very Good – 75% and above. ● A new framework for MEE of Marine Protected Areas has also been jointly prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and MoEF&CC. Findings: ● Overall Performance: The results of the present assessment are encouraging with an overall mean MEE score of 62.01% which is higher than the global mean of 56%. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 17 ● Regional Performance: The eastern region of India presents the highest overall mean MEE Score of 66.12% and the Northern region represents the lowest mean MEE Score of 56%. ● Best NP&WLS: Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary and Great Himalayan National Park (GNHP) in have performed the best among the surveyed protected areas (Total -146). ● Worst NP&WLS: The Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh was the worst performer in the survey.

One Planet Summit ● The One Planet summit is an international event that focused on biodiversity to mobilize commitments to protect the ecosystems and make links to human health. ● Aims to: promote worldwide ecological transformation. The summit will measure environmental and climate protection combined with innovation and economy. ● Theme: Let’s act together for nature ● Organized by: United Nations, World Bank and France. ● Objective: The summit focuses on four major topics ○ Protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems; promoting agroecology (relation of agricultural crops and environment) ○ more sustainable way to grow food ○ increasing funding to protect biodiversity ○ Identifying links between deforestation and the health of humans and animals.

High Ambition Coalition ( HAC ) ● The High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People is an intergovernmental group of more than 45 countries co-chaired by Costa Rica and France and by the United Kingdom as Ocean co-chair, ● Championing a global deal for nature and people that can halt the accelerating loss of species, and protect vital ecosystems that are the source of our economic security ● The HAC for Nature and People is raising our global ambition to achieve at least 30% protection of the land and ocean and ignite transformative change for the future of all life on Earth.

Sultanpur National Park ● Location: Situated in Gurgaon district of ● Sultanpur National Park is a bird paradise for bird watchers. It is famous for its migratory as well as resident birds. ● Declared as a National Park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in July 1991. ● Mammals: Blackbuck, Nilgai, Hog deer, Sambar, Leopard etc. ● Birds: Siberian Cranes, Greater Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane etc. ● Other National Park in Haryana: Kalesar National Park, District Yamunanagar

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 18 Birds of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve ● Report was recently published by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). Key Findings: ● The Indian Sunderbans, which is part of the largest mangrove forest in the world, is home to 428 species of birds. This means that one in every three birds in the country is found in the unique ecosystem. ● Some birds, like the masked finfoot and the Buffy fish owl, are recorded only from the Sunderbans. ● The area is home to nine out of 12 species of kingfishers found in the country as well rare species such as the Goliath heron and the spoon-billed sandpiper.

About Sunderban ● Indian Sunderbans is part of the world’s largest mangrove forest ● Covers 4,200 sq. km and includes the Sunderban Tiger Reserve of 2,585 sq. km — home to about 96 royal Bengal tigers (as per the last census in 2020). ● It is a world heritage site and a Ramsar site (a wetland site designated to be of international importance). ● Home to a large number of “rare and globally threatened species, such as ○ The critically endangered northern river terrapin (Batagur baska), ○ The endangered Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), and ○ The vulnerable fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus).” ● Two of the world’s four horseshoe crab species, and eight of India’s 12 species of kingfisher are also found here. Recent studies claim that the Indian Sundarban is home to 2,626 faunal species and 90% of the country’s mangrove varieties.

Khadi Prakritik Paint ● What is it?: It is a first-of-its-kind product, with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. ● Features: ○ It is an eco-friendly and non-toxic paint. ○ It is based on cow dung as its main ingredient. ○ The paint is cost-effective and odorless. ● Developed by : Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). ● It has been certified by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). ● Benefits: ○ The paint is free from heavy metals like lead, mercury, chromium, arsenic, cadmium and others. ○ It will be a boost to local manufacturing and will create sustainable local employment through technology transfer.

Asian Houbara Bustard ● It is a large terrestrial bird found in parts of Asia, the Middle East and Africa. ● Two Distinct Species of Houbara Bustard:

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 19 ○ North Africa (Chlamydotis undulata) and ○ Asia (Chlamydotis macqueenii). ● Conservation Status: ○ IUCN Status- Vulnerable ○ Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)- Appendix I ○ Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)- Appendix II

Polar vortex ● It is described as a whirling cone of low pressure over the poles that is strongest in the winter months due to the increased temperature contrast between the polar regions and the mid-latitudes, such as the US and Europe. Features: ● The polar vortex spins in the stratosphere. ● Usually, when the vortex is strongest, cold air is less-likely to plunge deep into North America or Europe. In other words, it forms a wall that protects the mid-latitudes from cold Arctic air. ● But occasionally, the polar vortex is disrupted and weakens, due to wave energy propagating upward from the lower atmosphere. When this happens, the stratosphere warms sharply in an event known as sudden stratospheric warming, in just a few days, miles above the Earth’s surface. ● The warming weakens the polar vortex, shifting its location somewhat south of the pole or, in some instances, ‘splitting’ the vortex up into ‘sister vortices’. Effects of Polar Vortex: ● The split higher up in the atmosphere can give rise to both, sudden and delayed effects, much of which involves declining temperatures and extreme winter weather in the eastern US along with northern and western Europe. ● A sudden stratospheric warming also leads to a warm Arctic not only in the stratosphere but also in the troposphere as well. ● A warmer Arctic, in turn, favours more severe winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes including the eastern US.

Nagi-Nakti Bird Sanctuaries ● Bihar’s first state-level bird festival ‘Kalrav’ started at the Nagi-Nakti bird sanctuaries in the Jamui district, Bihar. ● The Nagi Dam and Nakti Dam are two sanctuaries so close to each other that they can be taken as one bird area. ● Over 136 species of birds have been spotted at these sanctuaries. ● Other major birds: Bar-headed geese, Indian Courser, Indian Sandgrouse, Yellow-wattled Lapwing and Indian Robin

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 20 Other Bird Sanctuaries of Bihar: ● Gautam Budha bird sanctuary, Gaya ● Kawar Jheel bird sanctuary, Bigusarai ● Kusheshwar asthan bird sanctuary, Darbhanga

Harike Wetland ● The Harike wetland, one of the largest in northern India, is situated in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. ● It came into existence in 1952 after the construction of barrage near the confluence of rivers Sutlej and Beas. ● It stands on the confluence of the Beas and the Sutlej. ● Migratory Birds: ○ The wetland is a significant abode for the migratory birds as every winter, the birds make their way to India through the central Asian flyway which covers a large continental area of Europe-Asia between the Arctic and Indian Oceans. ○ Birds such as the Eurasian coot, Greylag goose, Bar-headed goose, Gadwall and the northern shoveler are the prominent ones that could be sighted at Harike Wetland. ● Fauna: The wetland also harbors endangered aquatic mammalian as well as reptilian fauna like the Indus river dolphin, smooth-coated otter and seven species of rare freshwater turtles. ● It was accorded the wetland status in 1990 by the Ramsar Convention.

India’s costliest mushroom: ● Grows in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district. ● Locally called Gucchi, or Morel, the mushroom, priced at over ₹20,000 a kg, is a forest produce collected by local farmers and tribals. ● It is said to have medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties. ● It is found in the temperate forests.

#Target_shots Addition

About GI tag: ● A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. ● Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin. ● Security: Once the GI protection is granted, no other producer can misuse the name to market similar products. It also provides comfort to customers about the authenticity of that product. ● Who is a registered proprietor of a geographical indication?

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 21 ○ Any association of persons, producers, organisation or authority established by or under the law can be a registered proprietor. ○ Their name should be entered in the Register of Geographical Indication as registered proprietor for the Geographical Indication applied for. ● How long the registration of Geographical Indication is valid? ○ The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years. ○ It can be renewed from time to time for further period of 10 years each. ● In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 which came into force with effect from September 2003. The first product in India to be accorded with GI tag was Darjeeling tea in the year 2004-05.

Indian Star Tortoise ● Scientific name: Geochelone elegans. ● Habitat : ○ Inhabit a variety of dry vegetation types, including scrublands, grasslands, desert edges and agricultural landscapes of fields. ○ The Indian sub-continent, more specifically, in the Central and Southern parts of India, in West Pakistan and in Sri Lanka. ● Protection Status: ○ Wild Life Protection Act 1972: Schedule IV ○ Convention on International Trade inSpecies (CITES): Appendix I ○ IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Greater Adjutant Stork ● The Endangered Greater Adjutant stork (Leptoptilosdubius) is one of the rarest species of Storks out of twenty species of Storks in the world. ● In India, eight species of residential storks are found, out of which Greater Adjutant is one of them. ● Once abundantly distributed in Southeast Asia, this stork is now restricted to a few isolated pockets in Assam and Bihar in India and PrekToal in . ● This colonial birds breeds in traditional nesting colonies within thickly populated villages in Assam and breeds in tall trees species.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 22 ●

Carbon Sequestration ● Carbon sequestration is the long-term storage of carbon in plants, soils, geologic formations, and the ocean. ● Carbon sequestration occurs both naturally and as a result of anthropogenic activities and typically refers to the storage of carbon. Types: ● Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration: Terrestrial carbon sequestration is the process through which CO2 from the atmosphere is absorbed by trees and plants through photosynthesis and stored as carbon in soils and biomass (tree trunks, branches, foliage, and roots) ● Geologic Carbon Sequestration: CO2 can be stored, including oil reservoirs, gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams, saline formations and shale formations with high organic content. ● Ocean Carbon Sequestration: Oceans absorb, release and store large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. This can be done in two ways- enhancing productivity of ocean biological systems through Iron fertilization, and injecting CO2 into the deep ocean. ○ The dumping of iron stimulates phytoplankton production, which in turn leads to enhanced photosynthesis from these microorganisms, helping in CO2 absorption.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 23 Bandipur Tiger Reserve ● Established in 1973 under Project Tiger ● Status: In 1974, Bandipur Tiger reserve was established as one of the first 9 Tiger Reserves under Project Tiger. ● Location: It is situated in two contiguous districts (Mysore and Chamarajanagar) of and is located at the tri-junction area of the States Karnataka, and . It forms a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. ● The park is located between the Kabini river in the north and the Moyar river in the south. The Nugu river runs through the park

Other Tiger Reserves in Karnataka: ● Bhadra Tiger Reserve ● Nagarahole Tiger Reserve ● Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve ● Biligiriranganatha Swamy Temple(BRT) Tiger Reserve

First wildlife sanctuary exclusively for wolves ● Location: It is proposed in the drylands of Bankapur in Koppal district of the Kalyana Karnataka region. ● The proposed sanctuary is good for the conservation of not only Indian Grey wolves but also striped hyena, Indian fox, gold fox and other animals.

Indian Grey Wolf ● It is a subspecies of grey wolf that inhabits semi-arid and arid areas. ● It inhabits the dry grassland regions of in pockets and prey on blackbucks and other herbivores. ● It has a wide distribution range that extends from Southwest Asia to the Indian Subcontinent. ● IUCN Status: Least Concern ● Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 - Schedule I Part I.

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary ● A bird festival is to be organised at Mahananda wildlife Sanctuary in . ● Organised by Darjeeling Wildlife Division. ● The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary has been identified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area.

#Target_shots Addition

Important Bird Area ● An Important Bird and Biodiversity Area is identified using internationally agreed set of criteria that are globally important for conservation of bird population. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 24 ● The Important Bird Area concept was developed by Birdlife International. ● Currently there are 12,000 Important Bird Area spread all over the world. ● The thresholds of the Important Bird Areas are set by the respective national governing organisations. ● In order to be listed under Important Bird Area, the site must satisfy at least one of the following criteria: ● A1: Globally threatened species : The site should hold population of bird species listed as Critically Endangered, vulnerable or endangered under IUCN red list. ● A2: Restricted range species : The site should be an Endemic bird Area. The Endemic Bird Area is identified by the Birdlife International as those habitats that contains restricted bird species that are endemic to them. ● A3: Biome-restricted range species: The site should hold restricted biome species. The site should form a set of selected adequate representation of all species in that biome. ○ That is, the species living in the site should be endemic and should be found only in that particular biome (not anywhere else in the world). ● A4: Congregations: This applies to waterbirds, seabirds and wetland birds. This has been created based on Ramsar Convention.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ● The Commission for Air Quality Management was formed by an ordinance in October 2020, the “Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance 2020”. Composition: ● Chairperson: To be chaired by a government official of the rank of Secretary or . ○ It will be a permanent body and will have over 20 members. ● The Commission will be a statutory authority. ● The Commission will supersede bodies such as the central and state pollution control boards of , Punjab, Haryana, UP and . ● It will have the powers to issue directions to these state governments on issues pertaining to air pollution. Jurisdiction: ● Exclusive jurisdiction over the NCR, including areas in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, in matters of air pollution, and will be working along with CPCB and ISRO, apart from the respective state governments.

Great Green Wall Initiative ● The Great Green Wall initiative aims to transform the lives of 100 million Africans by growing 8,000 kilo metre long and fifteen kilo metre wide mosaic of trees, vegetation, grasslands, plants. ● The Great Green Wall is an African-led initiative.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 25 ● Started in 2007 by the African Union to combat desertification, land degradation, drought. ● The project aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. So far between 2007 and 2019, the Great Green Wall initiative has restored only four million hectares of land. ● PROGREEN is a World Bank fund dedicated to boosting countries’ efforts to address landscape degradation

Greenhouse gas emissions from man-managed grasslands ● A new study shows that emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from grasslands increased by a factor of 2.5 since 1750 mainly due to increased emissions from livestock. ● This has more than compensated for reduced emissions from the shrinking number of wild grazers, said the study published in Nature Communications. ● The net carbon sink effect of grasslands (the ability of grasslands to absorb carbon and pack it in the soil) worldwide was estimated to have intensified over the last century but mainly in sparsely-grazed, natural grasslands.

Green tax ● The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways has approved the following proposals: ○ To levy a “Green Tax” on old vehicles which are polluting the environment. ○ The policy of deregistration and scrapping of vehicles owned by Government department and PSU, which are above 15 years in age. ○ Revenue collected from the Green Tax to be kept in a separate account and used for tackling pollution, and for States to set up state of-art facilities for emission monitoring. Applicability of green tax: ● Transport vehicles older than 8 years could be charged Green Tax at the time of renewal of fitness certificate, at the rate of 10 to 25 % of road tax; ● Personal vehicles to be charged Green Tax at the time of renewal of Registration Certification after 15 years. ● Public transport vehicles, such as city buses, to be charged lower Green tax. ● Higher Green tax (50% of Road Tax) for vehicles being registered in highly polluted cities. ● Differential tax, depending on fuel (petrol/diesel) and type of vehicle. Exemptions: ● Vehicles like strong hybrids, electric vehicles and alternate fuels like CNG, ethanol, LPG etc. ● Vehicles used in farming, such as tractor, harvester, tiller etc.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 26 Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve ● The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected forest area in India. ● The Biosphere Reserve spread across three states. Namely, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. ● The Nilgiri Sub-Cluster is a part of the Western Ghats which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2012. ● The reserve includes the Aralam, Mudumalai, Mukurthi, Nagarhole, Bandipur, and Silent Valley national parks. Similarly, the reserve also includes the Wayanad, Karimpuzha, and Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuaries. ● It has the largest population of two endangered species, the lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri tahr. The reserve hosts more than 400 tigers.

SHOOLPANESHWAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ● Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in state, located in the western south of the . ● Created in 1982 as ‘Dumkhal Sanctuary’ ● It shares a common boundary with and Maharashtra. ● Why in News?: Recently Center notifies some villages around the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary as Eco sensitive Zones

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 27 Science & Technology.

KSTAR ‘Artificial Sun’ Of Korea Sets World Record ● It is a superconducting fusion device, known as the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR). ● KSTAR is built to recreate the sun’s fusion reactions on Earth. ● The KSTAR Research Center at the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE), succeeded in the continuous operation of plasma for 20 seconds with an ion-temperature higher than 100 million degrees Celsius, in collaboration with: ● The duration is a new world record.

Tokamak ● A tokamak is a device which uses a powerful magnetic field to confine hot plasmain the shape of a torus. ● The tokamak is one of several types of magnetic confinement devices being developed to produce controlled thermonuclear fusion power.

ITER(International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) ● an international nuclear fusion research and engineering mega project. ● It is the world’s largest magnetic confinement plasma physics experiment. ● The goal of ITER is to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy for peaceful use, and subsequently to bolster the global nuclear fusion industry. ● The project is funded and run by seven member entities: ○ The European Union, China, India, Japan, Russia, South Korea, United States of America ○ Overall, 35 countries are participating in the project directly or indirectly. ● Location: Next to the Cadarache facility in Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, in Provence, southern France.

What is anaemia? ● The condition of having lower than normal number of red blood cells or quantity of haemoglobin. ● It can make one feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable and short of breath, among other symptoms. ● A diet which does not contain enough iron, folic acid or vitamin B12 is a common cause of anaemia.

Why is anaemia so high in the country?

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 28 ● Iron-deficiency and vitamin B12-deficiency anaemia are the two common types of anaemia in India. ● Among women, iron deficiency prevalence is higher than men due to menstrual iron losses and the high iron demands of a growing foetus during pregnancies. ● Lack of millets in the diet due to overdependence on rice and wheat, insufficient consumption of green and leafy vegetables, and dominance of packaged and processed foods which are low in nutrition could be the reasons behind the high prevalence of anaemia in India.

Bird flu Or Avian influenza (AI) ● a highly contagious viral disease affecting several species of food-producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc.) as well as pet birds and wild birds. ● Occasionally mammals, including humans, may contract avian influenza. ● Types: ○ Type A is known to infect animals and is zoonotic, meaning it can infect animals and also humans. ○ Type B and C mostly infect humans and typically cause mild disease. ○ Avian influenza virus subtypes include A(H5N1), A(H7N9), and A(H9N2). ● Prevention: Strict biosecurity measures and good hygiene are essential in protecting against disease outbreaks. ● Eradication: If the is detected in animals, a policy of culling infected and contact animals is normally used in an effort to rapidly contain, control and eradicate the disease. ● India’s Status: ○ Previously in 2019, India was declared free from Avian Influenza (H5N1), which had also been notified to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). ○ The status will last only till another outbreak is reported.

SAHAYAK-NG ● SAHAYAK-NG is India’s first indigenously designed and developed Air Droppable Container. ● It is a GPS aided air dropped container with the capacity to carry a payload of up to 50 kg and can be dropped from a heavy aircraft. ● The successful maiden test was conducted by the DRDO along with the .

Satyameva Jayate: Digital Media Literacy ● Announced by Kerala Government ● What is it ?: a digital media literacy programme called ‘Satyameva Jayate’ (Truth alone triumphs) to counter the menace of Fake News.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 29 ● The programme would be taught at schools and colleges, which would be encouraged to develop curriculum on digital media literacy. ● The programme would cover five points : ○ What is wrong information. ○ Why they are spreading fast. ○ What precautions have to be adopted while using the content of social media. ○ How those who spread fake news make profit. ○ What steps can be initiated by citizens. ● Smartphone and internet penetration is much higher in Kerala than any other state. Large number of people is now depending upon social media for news updates. ● Hence, people should understand the laws and benchmarks which control social media and the internet. It is important to distinguish between truth and untruth.

#Target_shots Addition

Satyameva Jayate ● Satyameva Jayate (Truth alone triumphs) is a part of a mantra from scripture Mundaka Upanishad. ● Following the independence of India, it was adopted as the national motto of India on 26th January 1950. ● It is inscribed in the Devanagari script at the base of the Lion Capital of Ashoka and forms an integral part of the Indian national emblem. ● The emblem and the words "Satyameva Jayate" are inscribed on one side of all Indian currency and national documents.

Lithium-ion Battery ● A type of rechargeable battery. ● Li-ion batteries use an intercalated (Intercalation is the reversible inclusion or insertion of a molecule into materials with layered structures) lithium compound as one electrode material, compared to the metallic lithium used in a non-rechargeable lithium battery. ● The battery consists of electrolyte, which allows for ionic movement, and the two electrodes are the constituent components of a lithium-ion battery cell. ● Lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge and back when charging.

Lithium-ion Battery Applications: ● Electronic gadgets, Tele-communication, Aerospace, Industrial applications. ● Lithium-ion battery technology has made it the favourite power source for electric and hybrid electric vehicles.

#Target_shots Addition

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 30 Other types of Battery

Lead Acid Battery ● These kinds of batteries require proper care and maintenance for lasting longer. ● These are used in inverters, automobiles, and in backup power systems. ● It has to be charged for a longer duration and performs well when maintained properly at regular intervals. ● These provide the best value for power and energy per kilowatt-hour.

Nickel Cadmium Battery ● This battery can be recharged many times and has a more physical and electrical withstanding capacity. ● It has nickel oxide as the cathode and cadmium as the anode with potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte. ● These batteries are used in portable computers, cam recorders other small battery-operated instruments.

Solid-state Batteries: ● It uses alternatives to aqueous electrolyte solutions, an innovation that could lower the risk of fires, sharply increase energy density and potentially take only 10 minutes to charge an EV, cutting the recharging time by two-thirds. ● These cells can extend the driving distance of a compact electric vehicle while maintaining legroom - a quantum leap in battery tech.

Lightning Meaning: ● Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by imbalances between storm clouds and the ground, or within the clouds themselves. Most lightning occurs within the clouds. ● Inter cloud or intra cloud (IC) lightning are visible and harmless. ● It is cloud to ground (CG) lightning, which is harmful as the ‘high electric voltage and electric current’ leads to electrocution. ● The potential difference between cloud and ground is of the order of 10 to 100 million volts, and the peak currents in return strokes to negative leaders are typically about 30,000 amperes. ● The peak temperatures in the return-stroke channel are on the order of 30,000 °C (50,000 °F). ● The entire process is very rapid; the leader stroke reaches the ground in about 30 milliseconds, and the return stroke reaches the centre of the cloud in about 100 microseconds.

Process: ● It is a result of the difference in electrical charge between the top and bottom of a cloud.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 31 ● Lightning occurs when regions of excess positive and negative charge develop within the cloud. Typically, there is a large volume of positive charge in the upper regions of the cloud, a large negative charge in the centre, and a small positive charge in the lower regions. These charges reside on water drops, ice particles, or both. ● As water vapour moves upwards in the cloud, it condenses into water due to decreasing temperatures. A huge amount of heat is generated in the process, pushing the water molecules further up. ● As they move to temperatures below zero, droplets change into small ice crystals. As they continue upwards, they gather mass, until they become so heavy that they start descending. ● It leads to a system where smaller ice crystals move upwards while larger ones come down. The resulting collisions trigger release of electrons, in a process very similar to the generation of electric sparks. The moving free electrons cause more collisions and more electrons leading to a chain reaction. ● The process results in a situation in which the top layer of the cloud gets positively charged while the middle layer is negatively charged. ● In little time, a huge current, of the order of lakhs to millions of amperes, starts to flow between the layers. ● It produces heat, leading to the heating of the air column between the two layers of cloud. ● It is because of this heat that the air column looks red during lightning. ● The heated air column expands and produces shock waves that result in thunder sounds.

Banana Grit ● Banana Grit and its byproduct can improve gut health and is an ideal ingredient in a healthy diet. The concept was introduced to utilise the presence of resistant starch in bananas. ● Developed by : Scientists at the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) at Pappanamcode in Kerala ● Significance: ○ By diversifying the products sourced from Banana, farmers can fetch better prices for their harvest. ○ It will help in maintaining health and well-being. ● About Starch ○ Starch is a white, granular, organic chemical that is produced by all green plants. It is a soft, white, tasteless powder that is insoluble in cold water, alcohol, or other solvents. ○ In humans and other animals, starch from plants is broken down into its constituent sugar molecules, which then supply energy to the tissues.

#Target_shots Addition

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 32 Nendran Bananas: ● Chengazhikodan Nendran Banana, also known as Chengazhikode Banana, is among the most popular traditional fruits cultivated in Thrissur district, Kerala. ● This variety of Nendran Banana is famed for its characteristic taste, bunch shape and fruit colour. ● The crop is mainly cultivated in organic mode and the crop duration is 13-14 months. ● The Chengalikodan Nendran banana grown in Kerala got Geographical indication (GI) Tag in 2014

Radiation Dazzlers (Laser Dazzlers) ● It is used as a non-lethal method for warning and stopping suspicious vehicles/ boats/ aircrafts/ UAVs/ pirates etc. from approaching secured areas during both day and night. ● Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). ● It is indigenously designed and developed for first time for the Armed Forces. ● It is capable of dazzle and thereby suppresses the person’s/optical sensor’s action with disability glares in case of non-compliance to orders. ● It disorients/ confuse/blind a person temporarily. ● It also dazzles and distracts aircraft/UAVs. ● It is a portable, shoulder operated and ruggedized (shock-resistant.) for military use in adverse environmental conditions.

“Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)” scheme: ● ACROSS scheme pertains to the atmospheric science programs of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). ● Objective: is to provide a reliable weather and climate forecast for betterment of society. ● Scheme aims at: improving skill of weather and climate forecast through sustained observations, intensive R & D, and by adopting effective dissemination and communication strategies to ensure its timely reach to the end-user of all services like Agro-meteorological Services, Aviation service, Environmental monitoring services, Hydro-meteorological services, climate services, , pilgrimage, mountaineering etc. ● It addresses different aspects of weather and climate services, which includes warnings for cyclone, storm surges, heat waves, thunderstorms etc. ● Each of these aspects is incorporated as nine sub-schemes under the umbrella scheme “ACROSS” and is implemented in an integrated. Benefits of the Scheme: ● The scheme will provide improved weather, climate and ocean forecast and services, thereby ensuring transfer of commensurate benefits to the various services.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 33 ● It will also provide a sizable number of scientific and technical staff along with requisite administrative support, thereby generating employment. ● To ensure last-mile connectivity of the weather based services to the end -user, a large number of agencies like the Krishi Vigyana Kendras of ICAR, Universities and local municipalities are roped in thus generating employment opportunities to many people.

India approved two COVID-19 vaccines for Emergency Use

Covishield ● Developed by : Oxford University in collaboration with Astrazeneca. ● Pune-based is their manufacturing and trial partner. ● Features : It uses a replication-deficient chimpanzee viral vector based on a weakened version of a common cold virus. This virus causes in chimpanzees and contains the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein.

Covaxin: ● Developed by : and it is India’s first indigenous vaccine against Covid-19. ● Involved Agency : Bharat Biotech has developed this vaccine in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Virology. ● Features: It is an which is developed by inactivating (killing) the live microorganisims that cause the disease. ● This destroys the ability of the pathogen to replicate, but keeps it intact so that the can still recognise it and produce an immune response.

#Target_shots Addition

What are the COVID-19 vaccines in India? ● Apart from COVAXIN and COVSHIELD the following are the other COVID-19 vaccines in India ○ ZyCoV-D ○ Sputnik V ○ NVX-Cov 2373 ○ Biological E Limited Vaccine ○ HGCO19

What is ZyCoV-D? ● ZyCoV-D is a covid-19 vaccine that has been approved by the DCGI in India. The vaccine was developed by Zydus Cadila.

What is Sputnik V? JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 34 ● Sputnik V is a Russian vaccine that is under phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials in India. ● It was developed by the Gameleya institute of Russia. ● The clinical trials of the vaccine is being conducted by Dr Reddys Laboratories in India. The Government of India has planned to make 300 million doses of Sputnik V vaccine.

What is NVX-Cov 2373? ● NVX-Cov 2373 is a covid-19 vaccine developed by serum Institute of India in collaboration with an American company NovaVax. ● The Phase III trial of the vaccine is under consideration .

What is Biological E Limited Vaccine? ● The Biological E Limited is to start large scale stage trials of COVID-19 vaccine in India. ● The company has started early and mid stage human trials of its vaccine in India. ● The vaccine is being developed in collaboration with us-based dynavax Technologies and baylor college of medicine in Houston.

What is HGC019? ● It is a mRNA vaccine candidate developed by Pune based Gennova biopharmaceuticals. ● The vaccine is supported by Ind-CEPI mission. ● Gennova is to start the Phase 1 of the vaccine in January 2021.

National Metrology Conclave ● Organised by: The National Metrology Conclave 2020 is being organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi. ● Theme: The theme of the conclave is ‘Metrology for the Inclusive Growth of the Nation’. ● He also dedicated National Atomic Timescale and Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya to the nation and lay the foundation stone of the National Environmental Standards Laboratory. ○ The National Atomic Timescale generates Indian Standard Time with an accuracy of 2.8 nanosecond. ● Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya is supporting testing and calibration of laboratories for quality assurance, at par with international standards. ● The National Environmental Standards Laboratory will aid self-reliance in the certification of ambient air and industrial emission monitoring equipment.

Enriched Uranium: ● Enriched uranium is produced by feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into centrifuges to separate out the most suitable isotope for nuclear fission, called U-235. ● Low-enriched uranium, which typically has a 3-5% purity of U-235, can be used to produce fuel for commercial nuclear power plants.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 35 ● Highly enriched uranium has a concentration of 20% or more and is used in research reactors. ● Why is 20% purity significant? ○ Experts at the Arms Control Association said last month that 120kg of uranium enriched to 20% was about half the amount of uranium that, when enriched to weapons-grade (90% or more), was necessary for one bomb.

○

● Why in news?: ○ Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei told media the process of enriching uranium to 20% had started at Fordo. ○ Under the nuclear deal, was allowed to enrich uranium only up to a 3.67% purity;

Flue gas desulphurisation ● Removal of Sulfur Dioxide is called as Flue-gas Desulphurization (FGD).

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 36 ● It seeks to remove gaseous pollutants viz. SO2 from exhaust flue gases generated in furnaces,boilers, and other industrial processes due to thermal processing, treatment, and combustion.

Common methods used for desulphurisation : ● Wet scrubbing using a slurry of alkaline sorbent, usually limestone or lime, or seawater to scrub gases; ● Spray-dry scrubbing using similar sorbent slurries; ● Wet sulfuric acid process recovering sulfur in the form of commercial quality sulfuric acid; ● SNOX Flue gas desulfurization removes sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulates from flue gases;

#Target_shots Addition

What is Flue Gas: ● Flue gas is the gas exiting to the atmosphere via a flue, which is a pipe or channel for conveying exhaust gases from a fireplace, oven, furnace, boiler or steam generator, Power plant. ● Composition: Nitrogen , Carbon DIoxide , Water vapor , Oxygen

Japan Solution for Space Debris ● In order to solve the problem of space debris, Japanese researches are to launch wooden satellites by 2023. What are wooden satellites? ● These satellites are made of wood. ● They will burn up without releasing harmful substances into the atmosphere when they plunge back to the earth. ● With this the satellite will not leave out any waste in space after it completes its service or when it becomes de functional. ● designed by the Sumitomo Forestry and Kyoto University. What is the issue of space debris? ● All the satellites that re-enter the earth atmosphere burn and create tiny Alumina particles. ● These particles float in upper atmosphere for many years. ● According to NASA, 95% of man-made objects in orbit were space junk. ● These objects are dangerous to functioning live satellite.

ISRO decade plan Key Highlight of Plan: ● ISRO is to complete its moon mission Chandrayaan-3, the solar mission Aditya-L1 and first Indian Data Relay Satellite in the decade 2021-2030.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 37 ● Also, the space agency will complete the first developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle. ● The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre will help to boost the Semi-Cryogenic Propulsion capability. ● With this, the Indian rockets will be able to carry 5.5 tonnes to the Geostationary Transfer Orbit.

#Target_shots Addition

What is Aditya Mission? ● The Aditya-L1 mission is the first Indian scientific expedition to the sun. ● The Aditya space probe will be placed at a point in space called the L1 Lagrange point and hence the name Aditya-L1 mission. ● The mission will study the photosphere, chromosphere, corona of the sun. ● It will also study solar winds, solar emissions and solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections.

What is Chandrayaan-3? ● It is the planned third lunar mission of the ISRO. ● It is very much similar to Chandrayaan-2. ● Under Chandrayaan-2 mission, the lander failed to land on the lunar surface as it crashed towards the ground. ● The Chandrayaan-3 is thus a mission repeat. ● The Chandrayaan-3 is to include only Rover and lander. It will not have an orbiter.

What is Indian Data Relay Satellite? ● India is to launch India Data Relay Satellite System series to track the space assets and enable communication between space-to-space assets. ● The IDRS is important to track the Indian satellites and stay in touch with then. ● ISRO has planned to launch three of the satellites in the series. ● Each satellite will cover a third of the earth.

Toycathon 2021 ● The government has launched a virtual toy hackathon ‘Toycathon 2021’. ● Initiative of: The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Textile, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and All India Council for Technical Education. Aim: ● To conceptualize innovative toys based on the Indian value system which will inculcate the positive behaviour and good value among the children. ● To promote India as a global toy manufacturing hub (Atmanirbhar Abhiyan).

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 38 Features: ● Based on: Indian culture and ethos, local folklore and heroes, and Indian value systems. ● Themes: Nine themes, including fitness and sport and rediscovering traditional Indian toys. ● Participants: Students, teachers, start-ups and toy experts. ● Prize: Participants can get prizes upto Rs. 50 lakhs.

Floating Solar Energy Project ● The Government of India is to construct the largest floating solar energy project in the world. ● Location: The project is to be constructed at Omkareshwar Dam on Narmada river. ● The project will begin its power generation by 2022 to 2023. ● Energy Capacity : 600 megawatts of solar energy ● Financial Assistance : Power Grid, International Finance Corporation and World bank. ● The solar panels are to be installed over the backwaters of the Omkareshwar Dam. ● The project is to be completed in two years. ● The electricity is to be generated in about two thousand hectares of water area by installing solar panels in the dam. ● The solar panels will automatically adjust upward and downward based on the water level of the Dam. The floods and strong waves will not have any effect on the solar panels. The solar panels are to float on the surface of water.

Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy ● The draft Science, Technology and Innovation Policy released ● Unlike previous STI policies which were largely top-driven in formulation, the 5th national STI policy (STIP) follows core principles of being decentralised, evidence-informed, bottom-up, experts-driven, and inclusive. Overall objectives: ● To position India among the top three scientific superpowers in the decade to come. ● To attract, nurture, strengthen, and retain critical human capital through a people-centric STI ecosystem. ● To double the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) researchers, gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) and private-sector contribution to GERD every five years. ● To build individual and institutional excellence in STI with the aim of reaching the highest levels of global recognition and awards in the coming decade.

Key components: ● It proposes an Open Science Framework, with free access for all to findings from publicly funded research. ● One Nation, One Subscription: The idea is to democratise science by providing access to scholarly knowledge to not just researchers but to every individual in the country.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 39 ● It suggests modification or waiver of General Financial Rules (GFR), for large-scale mission mode programmes and projects of national importance.

Magnetotelluric-MT survey ● The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) is conducting a unique geophysical (magnetotelluric-MT) survey in Delhi- NCR region to accurately assess potential seismic hazards. ● Its findings will help different user agencies for designing quake-resistant buildings, industrial units and structures such as hospitals and schools. ● What is MT method? ○ Magnetotelluric (MT) is a geophysical method which uses natural time variation of the earth’s magnetic and electric fields to understand geological (underground) structure and processes. It’s quite a reliable technique.

National Atomic Time Scale ● Atomic Time provides the exact speed at which the clock ticks. ● In technical words, it measures the actual length of a second. Atomic Clocks deviate only one second in up to 100 million years. ● the newly inaugurated National Atomic Time, India has become self-reliant in measuring time within the range of nanosecond. ● It has now achieved the accuracy level of 2.8 Nanosecond matching the International Standard Time.

Universal Time ● The Universal Time is the time standard based on the rotation of the earth. ● This is was in use for several decades. ● However, this is not accurate as the earth’s rotation is not constant and is affected by the celestial bodies around it. ● The Greenwich Meridian Time is a Universal Time.

Biodigester technology ● Developed by DRDO ● The biodigester technology degrades and converts human waste into usable water and gases. ● The generated gas is used for cooking and water for purposes. ● This is done in an eco-friendly manner. Process: ● The biodigester technology involves bacteria that feed upon fecal matter. ● The fecal matter is dumped into a tank along with the bio digesting bacteria. ● The bacteria through anaerobic process will degrade the fecal matter. ● During the process water and methane gas are released.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 40 National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) ● What is it ?: National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is a not for profit organization working since 2003 for spreading the internet technology to the citizens of India. ● Purpose : It was set up for peering of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) among themselves to route the domestic traffic within the country,instead of taking it all the way to US/Abroad. ● The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) announced that it will offer a free IDN (Internationalized Domain Name) in any of their preferred 22 official Indian language. ● It will be available along with every IN domain booked by the registrant. ● This offer has been created to stimulate the adoption of भारत (IDN) domain name and proliferation of local language content.

Indian Registry for Internet Names and Numbers ● What is it?: IRINN, a non-profit organization, is a division functioning under NIXI. ● It was previously known as National Internet Registry (NIR). ● Functions: It provides allocation and registration services of IP addresses and internet-related information to its Affiliates at national level.

Mutation ● A mutation is a change in a DNA sequence. ● Mutation, an alteration in the genetic material (the genome) of a cell of a living organism or of a virus that is more or less permanent and that can be transmitted to the cell’s or the virus’s descendants. ● Mutations can result from DNA copying mistakes made during cell division, exposure to ionizing radiation, exposure to chemicals called mutagens, or infection by viruses. ● Germ line mutations occur in the eggs and sperm and can be passed on to offspring, while somatic mutations occur in body cells and are not passed on. ● Mutations result either from accidents during the normal chemical transactions of DNA, often during replication, or from exposure to high-energy electromagnetic radiation (e.g., ultraviolet light or X-rays) or particle radiation or to highly reactive chemicals in the environment.

Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-2) Regulations ● CAFE or Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency/Economy regulations are in force in many advanced as well as developing nations, including India. ● They aim at lowering fuel consumption (or improving fuel efficiency) of vehicles by lowering Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, thus serving the twin purposes of reducing dependence on oil for fuel and controlling pollution. ● Corporate Average refers to sales-volume weighted average for every auto manufacturer. The idea of CAFÉ is to push manufacturers to achieve fuel efficiency targets by producing and selling more fuel-efficient models, including electric vehicles

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 41 #Target_shots Addition

BS-VI Stage II Norms ● Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards are laid down by the government to regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine and spark-ignition engine equipment, including motor vehicles. ● These standards are targeted at making improvements in three areas - emission control, fuel efficiency and engine design. ● The central government has mandated that vehicle makers must manufacture, sell and register only BS-VI (BS6) vehicles from 1st April, 2020. ● BS-VI is equivalent to Euro-VI norms currently in place across countries in Europe. ● As per BS-VI emission norms, petrol vehicles will have to effect a 25% reduction in their NOx, or nitrogen oxide emissions. Diesel engines will have to reduce their HC+NOx (hydro carbon + nitrogen oxides) by 43%, their NOx levels by 68% and particulate matter levels by 82%. ● Sulphur content in fuel is a major cause for concern. BS-VI fuel's sulphur content is much lower than BS-IV fuel. It is reduced to 10 mg/kg max in BS-VI from 50 mg/kg under BS-IV.

Lithium Properties: ● It is a chemical element with the symbol Li. ● It is a soft, silvery-white metal. ● Under standard conditions, it is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element. ● It is highly reactive and flammable, and must be stored in mineral oil. ● It is an alkali metal and a rare metal Reserves: ● 1,600 tonnes of lithium resources is found in the pegmatites (igneous rocks) of Marlagalla-Allapatna region, along the Nagamangala Schist Belt of Karnataka Uses: ● Lithium metal is used to make useful alloys. ● For example, with lead to make ‘white metal’ bearings for motor engines, with aluminium to make aircraft parts, and with magnesium to make armour plates. ● In Thermonuclear reactions. ● To make electrochemical cells. Lithium is an important component in Electric Vehicles, Laptops etc.

Vanadium ● Vanadium is a chemical element with the symbol V and atomic number 23. It is a hard, silvery-grey, malleable transition metal. ● The elemental metal is rarely found in nature. It is recovered as a by-product from the slag collected from the processing of vanadiferous magnetite ores (iron ore).

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 42 ● Significance: ○ Vanadium alloys are durable in extreme temperature and environments, and are corrosion-resistant. ○ Vanadium is a high-value metal used in strengthening steel and titanium. ○ It increases the fuel-efficiency in automotive and aviation industries due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. ○ It forms the integral part of vanadium redox batteries that have the least ecological impact in energy storage. ● Why in news?: Concentrations of vanadium have been found in the palaeo-­proterozoic (era) carbonaceous phyllite rocks in the Depo and Tamang areas of Papum Pare district in .

Indian Human Space Flight Programme ● ISRO aims to launch its maiden Human Space Mission, Gaganyaan before the 75th anniversary of India’s independence in 2022. ● Objectives of the Mission: ○ Enhancement of science and technology levels in the country ○ A national project involving several institutes, academia and industry ○ Improvement of industrial growth ○ Inspiring youth ○ Development of technology for social benefits ○ Improving international collaboration

Recoiling Black Hole ● Every large galaxy in the universe has a supermassive black hole at its centre, whose mass is millions or billions of times that of the Sun. ● The black hole at the centre of our galaxy– the Milky Way– is called Sagittarius A*, and is 26,000 light-years away from Earth. What are recoiling black holes? ● When two black holes merge, they release what are known as gravitational waves– invisible ripples travelling at the speed of light, which squeeze and stretch anything in their path. ● Differences in mass, spin, and orientation of the two merging black holes cause asymmetry in the gravitational waves produced, which at the final moment of merging can give the object that results a massive kick in one preferred direction. ● This is called recoil, and it results in a single supermassive black hole moving in a distinct direction away from the center of its galaxy. ● This sort of speed will eject merging binary black holes from globular clusters, thus preventing the formation of massive black holes in globular cluster cores.

#Target_shots Addition

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 43 Black Hole ● It is a region in space where the pulling force of gravity is so strong that neither matter nor light can escape. This phenomenon occurs when a star is dying. ● For anything approaching a black hole, the point of no return is called the “event horizon” and anything that comes within the event horizon will be consumed forever. ● Since no light can escape from it, a black hole is invisible. ● However, advanced space telescopes can identify black holes by observing the behaviour of material and stars that are very close to black holes.

Dark Matter ● Dark matter, though never detected, is believed to be present in the entire universe, its existence presumed because a number of observable celestial phenomena could not be possible if the universe did not have much more matter in it than is seen. ● It is believed to make up more than 95% of all universe. ● Its gravitational force prevents stars in our Milky Way from flying apart.

Heliophysics Missions ● NASA has approved two heliophysics missions to explore the Sun and the system that drives space weather near Earth. ● Together, NASA’s contribution to the following will help in understanding the Sun and Earth as an interconnected system, ● 1. Extreme Ultraviolet High-Throughput Spectroscopic Telescope Epsilon Mission (EUVST) and ○ The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) leads the EUVST Epsilon Mission (Solar-C EUVST Mission), along with other partners. ○ Targeted for launch in 2026, EUVST is a solar telescope. ○ It will study how the solar atmosphere releases solar wind and drives eruptions of solar material. ● 2. Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer (EZIE) ○ To be launched in 2024, EZIE will study electric currents in Earth’s atmosphere linking aurora to Earth’s magnetosphere that responds to solar activity and other factors. ○ EZIE is an investigation comprising a trio of CubeSats that will study the source of and changes in the auroral electrojet (AE). ● Understanding the physics that drive the solar wind and solar explosions could help in predicting these events.

Kayakalp Awards ● The Kayakalp Awards are presented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare annually to the health facilities with the highest standards of sanitation and hygiene ● Factors considered : Waste Management, Hospital Upkeep, Sanitation and Hygiene, Infection Control, hygiene promotion, support services and beyond hospital boundary.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 44 Objective: ● The scheme aims to incentivize public health care facilities that show high performance in following protocols, infection control, cleanliness and sanitation. ● It inculcates a culture of peer review of performance related to sanitation, hygiene, infection control. ● It shares and create sustainable practices related to improving cleanliness in public health facilities.

#Target_shots Addition

Swachh Swasth Sarvatra ● Swachh Swasth Sarvatra scheme was launched in 2016. Objective ● To strengthen community health centres in open defecation blocks, especially in the region of those Public Health Centres or hospitals that have received the Kayakalp Awards. ● To enable Gram Panchayats where the Kayakalp awarded Public Health Centres are located to become Open Defecation Free. ● To strengthen the Public Health Centres to reach the Kayakalp standards through support of Rs 10 lakhs under the National Health Mission. ● To build capacity through training in sanitation, water and hygiene.

Spintronics: ● Spintronic, also known as spin electronics, is the study of the intrinsic spin of the electron and its associated magnetic moment, in addition to its fundamental electronic charge, in solid-state devices. ● A phenomenon called the ‘Rashba effect’, which consists of splitting of spin-bands in an electronic system, might play a key role in spintronic devices. ● The Rashba effect, or Rashba-Dresselhaus effect, is a momentum-dependent splitting of spin bands in two-dimensional condensed matter systems.

Nanobodies ● Nanobodies are antibody fragments that are so simple that they can be produced by bacteria or yeast, which is less expensive. ● These are antibodies with a single variable domain located on a heavy chain, also known as VHH antibodies. ● These are often seen as an alternative to conventional antibodies, and have significant differences in both production and use that influence their suitability. Use: ● Nanobodies are much smaller than classic antibodies and they, therefore, penetrate the tissue better and can be produced more easily in larger quantities.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 45 ● Nanobodies are stable in a wide range of temperatures, remaining functional at temperatures as high as 80°C. As an added bonus, unfolding of the nanobody due to high temperatures has been shown to be fully reversible, unlike conventional antibody fragments. ● Nanobodies are also stable at extreme pH levels, able to survive exposure to gastric fluid. ● Nanobodies are also compatible with genetic engineering methods, which allow alteration of amino acids to improve binding.

Doppler Radar ● What is Radar?: Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging) is a device which uses electromagnetic waves in the microwaves region to detect location (range & direction), altitude, intensity and movement of moving and non-moving objects.

What is Doppler Principle ? ● When the source and the signal are in relative motion to each other there is a change in the frequency observed by the observer. If they are moving closer frequency increases and vice versa. ● Doppler radar is a specific radar that uses the Doppler principle to produce relative motion data about objects at a distance.

#Target_shots Addition

Doppler effect: ● When the source and the signal are in relative motion to each other there is a change in the frequency observed by the observer. If they are moving closer frequency increases and vice versa. ● It does this by bouncing a microwave signal off a desired target and analyzing how the object’s motion has altered the frequency of the returned signal. ● This variation gives direct and highly accurate measurements of the radial component of a target’s velocity relative to the radar. ● Application of Doppler Radars: ○ Aviation, ○ Sounding satellites ○ Meteorology ○ Radar guns ○ Radiology and healthcare ○ Nursing or clinic purpose ○ Bistatic radar (surface-to-air missile)

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 46 Doppler Weather Radar ( DWR ) ● Dsigned and developed by ISRO and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru. ● Based on Doppler principle the radar is designed to improve precision in long-range weather forecasting and surveillance using a parabolic dish antenna and a foam sandwich spherical radome. ● DWR has the equipment to measure rainfall intensity, wind shear and velocity and locate a storm centre and the direction of a tornado or gust front. ● The DWR will help in rainfall estimation and detect thunderstorm, cyclones and other severe weather events within a radius of 400 km.

CollabCAD software ● Launched by The National Informatics centre and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) ● The CollabCAD software provides engineering solution for students and Faculty of Engineering Graphics curriculum. ● Aims to provide a platform to students across the country to create and modify digital designs. ● Aim is to provide a good platform to the students of Atal tinkering labs across the country. ● With the software the students of Atal tinkering labs will be able to create and modify 3D designs with free flow of creativity. ● It will enable students to create data across the network and access the same design data for storage and visualisation.

What is 5G ? ● 5G is the next generation of mobile broadband that will eventually replace, or at least augment 4G LTE connection. ● 5G offers exponentially faster download and upload speeds. ● 5G will deliver multi-Gbps peak rates, ultra-low latency, massive capacity, and a more uniform user experience.

#Target_shots Addition ● 3G: ○ The introduction of 3G networks in 1998 ushered in faster data-transmission speeds. ○ It helped us in using our cell phone in more data-demanding ways such as for video calling and mobile internet access. ○ The maximum speed of 3G is estimated to be around 2 Mbps. ● 4G: ○ The fourth generation of networking was released in 2008.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 47 ○ It supports mobile web access like 3G does and also gaming services, HD mobile TV, video conferencing, 3D TV, and other features that demand high speeds. ○ The max speed of a 4G network is 1 Gbps. ● 5G: ○ 5G is a not-yet-implemented wireless technology that's intended to improve on 4G. ○ 5G promises significantly faster data rates, higher connection density, much lower latency, and energy savings, among other improvements. ○ The anticipated theoretical speed of 5G connections is up to 20 Gbps.

Mitochondrial DNA ● Mitochondrial DNA is the small circular chromosome found inside mitochondria. ● These organelles found in cells have often been called the powerhouse of the cell. ● The mitochondria, and thus mitochondrial DNA, are passed almost exclusively from mother to offspring through the egg cell. ● The new study doesn’t tell about the origin of the human genome but the place and time where our mitochondrial DNA appeared. ● It is different in a way from the DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) that's in the nucleus. ○ Mitochondrial DNA is small and circular. It has only 16,500 or so base pairs in it. It encodes different proteins that are specific for the mitochondrial. ○ The nuclear genome is linear and is made of 3.3 billion DNA base pairs. ○ The mitochondrial genome is not enveloped, and it is not packaged into chromatin. ○ Mitochondrial DNA, unlike nuclear DNA, is inherited from the mother, while nuclear DNA is inherited from both parents.

#Target_shots Addition

Mitochondria ● Mitochondria is called the power house of the cell. ● They are membrane bound organelle. ● It functions as the digestive system of a cell. It promotes growth of new cells and cell multiplication. ● It is found in both plant cell and animal cell.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) ● It is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to the alterations of a protein called dystrophin that helps keep muscle cells intact. ● Symptoms: ○ Muscle weakness ○ Enlargement of the calves ○ A waddling gait

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 48 ○ Lumbar lordosis (an inward curve of the spine)

Swarm drones ● Swarm drones are lightweight drones that carry multiple packages to a single destination at a time. ● In simple words, multiple drones are engaged in a single operation. ● Here, multiple drones receive commands from a single drone. ● They overcome single drone’s payload and battery limitations. ● They work on swarm intelligence. Swarm Intelligence is the collective behaviour of decentralized and self-organized Systems. ● Range : 50 kilometres ● Capability to hit the target from a distance of 500 metres. ● These drones can also be used for dropping food, ammunition, medicine and other special needs for soldiers positioned in locations cut away from supply lines.

Aero India 21 app ● The mobile app will act as a handy interactive interface for all the issues related to Aero India 2021. ● The Aero India is a biennial air show held in Bengaluru. ● Organised by the Defence Exhibition Organisation operating under the Ministry of Defence. ○ The Defence Exhibition Organisation was established in 1981. It was established to promote the export potential of the Indian defence industry. It is responsible for organizing international exhibitions such as DEFEXPO. ● Theme: “Runaway to a Billion Opportunities”. ● Aero India-21 is the first hybrid event where the business element will happen both physically and virtually. ● The first edition of Aero India was held in 1996.

Open-RAN (Radio Access Network) Architecture ● Open-RAN is not a technology, but rather an ongoing shift in mobile network architecture that allows networks to be built using subcomponents from a variety of vendors. ○ O-RAN has an open, multi-vendor architecture for deploying mobile networks, as opposed to the single-vendor proprietary architecture. ○ O-RAN uses software to make hardware manufactured by different companies work together. ● The key concept of Open RAN is “opening” the protocols and interfaces between the various subcomponents (radios, hardware and software) in the RAN. ● Radio Access Network (RAN): ○ It is the part of a telecommunications system that connects individual devices to other parts of a network through radio connections.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 49 ○ A RAN resides between user equipment, such as a mobile phone, a computer or any remotely controlled machine, and provides the connection with its core network. ● As a technical matter this is what the industry refers to as a disaggregated RAN.

Diamond-studded Meteorite ● The study suggests that the meteorite was part of a giant asteroid in our solar system, which was the same size as the dwarf planet Ceres. The latter is the largest celestial object in the asteroid belt. ● A sample of 50 grams analysed by a team under an infrared microscope has found that the meteorite had a unique mineral makeup, including ‘amphibole’ which requires prolonged exposure to water in order to develop. ● It belongs to the category of 4.6% of meteorites that have been found on Earth, which are known as Almahata Sitta (AhS)

Angiogenesis ● Angiogenesis is the physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels, formed in the earlier stage of vasculogenesis. ● It is a normal and vital process in growth and development, as well as in wound healing and in the formation of granulation tissue. ● However, it is also a fundamental step in the transition of tumours from a benign state to a malignant one. Deregulation of angiogenesis is the main reason for tumour growth and progression.

E-waste ● Electronic waste or e-waste describes discarded electrical or electronic devices. ● Used electronics which are destined for refurbishment, reuse, resale, salvage recycling through material recovery, or disposal are also considered e-waste. ● India’s first e-waste clinic for segregating, processing and disposal of waste from household and commercial units has been be set-up in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. ● The Solving the E-waste Problem (StEP) initiative ○ Solving the E-waste Problem is a membership organization that is part of United Nations University and was created to develop solutions to address issues associated with electronic waste. ● Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE): ○ The EU commission has classified ‘Waste Electrical & Electrical Equipment (WEEE)’ as the waste generated from electrical devices and household appliances like refrigerators, televisions, and mobile phones, etc.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 50 Important Terms about Stars ● Nebula: ○ A nebula is a cloud of gas (mostly hydrogen and helium) and dust in space. ○ Nebulae are the birthplaces of stars. ● Main Sequence Stars: ○ Main sequence stars are stars that are fusing hydrogen atoms to form helium atoms in their cores. ○ Most of the stars in the universe i.e. about 90% of them are main sequence stars. The sun is a main sequence star. ○ Towards the end of its life, a star like the Sun swells up into a red giant, before losing its outer layers as a planetary nebula and finally shrinking to become a white dwarf. ● Red Dwarf: ○ The faintest (less than 1/1000th the brightness of the Sun) main sequence stars are called the red dwarfs. ○ Proxima Centauri, the nearest star to the Sun, is a red dwarf. ● Red Giant: ○ Red giants have diameters between 10 and 100 times that of the Sun. ○ They are very bright, although their surface temperature is lower than that of the Sun. ○ A red giant is formed during the later stages of the evolution as it runs out of hydrogen fuel at its centre. ○ A very large red giant is often called Red Supergiant. ● Planetary Nebula: ○ Planetary nebula is an outer layer of gas and dust that are lost when the star changes from a red giant to a white dwarf. ● White Dwarf: ○ A white dwarf is a very small, hot star, the last stage in the life cycle of a star. ○ White dwarfs are the remains of normal stars, whose nuclear energy supplies have been used up. ○ White dwarf consists of degenerate matter with a very high density due to gravitational effects. ● Nova: ○ Novae occur on the surface of a white dwarf in a binary system. ○ If the two stars of the system are sufficiently near to one another, material (hydrogen) can be pulled from the companion star’s surface onto the white dwarf. ○ When enough material builds up on the surface of the white dwarf, it triggers a nuclear fusion on a white dwarf which causes a sudden brightening of the star. ● Supernova: ○ A supernova is the explosive death of a star and often results in the star obtaining the brightness of 100 million suns for a short time. ○ The extremely luminous burst of radiation expels much or all of a star’s material at a great velocity, driving a shock wave into the surrounding interstellar medium.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 51 ○ These shock waves trigger condensation which is a nebula paving the way for the birth of a new star.

National Geochemical Mapping (NGCM) ● It aims to cover the entire surface area for exploring Obvious Geological Potential’ (OGP) by geochemical sampling. ● by Geological Survey of India (GSI) ● It will generate the distribution pattern of 62 elements ○ for use in managing and developing natural resources; ○ for application in environmental, agricultural, human health, other social concerns ○ to search for hidden mineral deposits

National Geophysical Mapping (NGPM) ● It aims to survey gravity and magnetic anomalies across the nation. ● These anomaly maps will help all stakeholders in the creation of a framework to design exploration strategies.

National Aero Geophysical Mapping Program (NAGMP) ● It is the first of its kind project in the country using multi-sensor aero-geophysical surveys (magnetic gradiometry and spectrometric). ● Objectives: ○ To delineate concealed, deep-seated structure/ litho-units capable of hosting mineralization, ○ To delineate the extension of the existing mineralized zone ○ To understate the shallow crustal architecture in the context of mineral occurrence.

National Mission on Quantum Technology and Applications ● Implemented by the Department of Science and Technology operating under Ministry of Science and Technology. ● The mission focuses on fundamental science, technology development and addresses the issues concerning the national priorities. ● It will next generation skilled manpower and encourages entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem development. ● The Union Budget 2020-21 had proposed to spend Rs 8,000 crores on the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications.

#Target_shots Addition

Quantum Technology ● The Quantum Technology is based on principles of quantum physics. ● That is, it is based on quantum theory.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 52 ● In simple words, it is the behaviour of energy and material in atomic and subatomic levels. ● It will help achieve information processing that will go beyond the limits of classical world. A conventional computer will process in bits. ● On the other hand, a quantum computer will process in quantum bits.

Applications of Quantum Technology ● Communication: The Quantum Technology is used by China to link its terrestrial stations and satellites. As the technology promises fast computing, it is significant to military and cyber security. ● The Quantum technology will help in solving fundamental questions related to black hole and gravity. ● The Quantum Technology will give boost to Genome India Project. It is a collaborative project of twenty institutions. ● With Quantum technology, natural disasters such as tsunamis, drought, earthquakes and floods become highly predictable. ● The technology will reduce the time frame of discovery of new molecules in the field of pharmaceuticals. ● Quantum technology will help to augment industrial revolution 4.0.

Quantum Entanglement ● It is the physical phenomenon that occurs when a pair or group of particles is generated and they interact in such a way that the quantum state of each particle of the pair or group cannot be described independently of the state of the others. ● In this quantum mechanical phenomenon, the quantum states of two or more objects have to be described with reference to each other, even though the individual objects may be spatially separated. ● This leads to correlations between observable physical properties of the systems. ● Albert Einstein dismissed this idea as a 'spooky action'. ● Quantum entanglement is one of the peculiarities of quantum mechanics, which makes phenomena such as quantum teleportation and super-dense coding possible.

Parker Solar Probe ● NASA’s historic Parker Solar Probe mission will revolutionize our understanding of the sun, where changing conditions can propagate out into the solar system, affecting Earth and other worlds. ● Parker Solar Probe will travel through the sun’s atmosphere, closer to the surface than any spacecraft before it, facing brutal heat and radiation conditions — and ultimately providing humanity with the closest-ever observations of a star.

Root Zone Moisture ● The water and moisture in the soil to a depth of 39 inches is called root zone moisture.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 53 ● It takes a lot of time for the aquifers to recover from droughts in the absence of rain. ● The aquifers rely on surface moisture to percolate through soil and rocks. ● When there are no rains and surface moisture, the root zone moisture might vanish completely. This eventually will make the soil unfit for trees and plants.

Sudden Stratospheric Warming ● The Sudden Stratospheric Warming is an event where the polar stratospheric temperature increases up to fifty degrees Celsius. It is preceded by a situation where the polar jet stream of westerly winds in the northern hemisphere is disturbed by natural weather patterns. This is usually addressed as polar vortex. ● The polar vortex is a whirling cone of low pressure over the poles. The polar vortex is the strongest in winter. It spins in the stratosphere. ● During winter, the polar vortex is the strongest due to the difference in temperature between polar and mid latitude regions. ● When the polar vortex is the strongest, it forms a wall protecting the mid-latitudes from cold Arctic air. When Polar Vortex weakens, the stratosphere begins to warm and the event is called Sudden Stratospheric Warming.

Hum of the Universe ● Detected by the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves (NANOGrav). According to the researchers, the hum was produced by gravitational waves. ● The Hum of the Universe comes from a type of dead star called a “Pulsar”. These stars are basically neutron stars. They are oriented in such a manner that they flash beams of radio waves from their poles as they rotate. ● This is the first time the humming sound has been heard from a pulsar collision. Earlier scientists have observed such humming sound. However, they were from black hole mergers. The humming sound from blackhole mergers were detected by LIGO observatories. LIGO is LASER Inferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory.

MeerKAT Radio Telescope ● The MeerKAT Radio Telescope recently discovered two giant radio galaxies. ● The MeerKAT Radio Telescope is located in Northern Cape of South Africa. It is a radio telescope with sixty-four antennas. ● The array configuration of MeerKAT Radio Telescope has 61% of antennas located within one kilo metre diameter circle and the remaining 39% is distributed to a radius of four kilo metres. ● MeerKAT is a follow up to Karoo Array Telescope (KAT 7). In simple words, KAT 7 is a precursor to MeerKAT. KAT 7 has seven dishes of Prime Focus Reflecting Telescope. ● It is built in the semi-desert Karoo region of Northern Cape.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 54 ● It will address key questions of astrophysics such as how did the galaxies evolve, how are the galaxies formed, etc. ● MeerKAT is one of the four precursors to the final Square Kilometre Array. The SKA is an intergovernmental radio telescope project built in South Africa and Australia.

M-Sand ● M-sand is a substitute of river sand for concrete construction. ● Manufactured sand is produced from hard granite stone by crushing. ● The crushed sand is of cubical shape with grounded edges, washed and graded to as a construction material. ● The size of manufactured sand (M-Sand) is less than 4.75mm. Significance: ● It can be dust free, the sizes of m-sand can be controlled easily so that it meets the required grading for the given construction. ● It is well graded in the required proportion. ● It does not contain organic and soluble compounds that affect the setting time and properties of cement, thus the required strength of concrete can be maintained. ● It does not have the presence of impurities such as clay, dust and silt coatings.

Climate Adaptation Summit 2021 ● The climate adaptation summit was hosted by the Netherlands government on January 25, 2021. ● The summit was held online and it is being called “CAS Online”. ● The summit was built on the advances of the UN Climate Action Summit. ● The summit also showcased the pioneering solutions of the climate emergency and sustaining momentum through UNFCCC’s COP26. ● CAS will help in delivering the action and inspire the change to help the societies build back better. ● The summit was organized with the aim of realizing the transitions which is required for a climate-resilient world.

DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 ● As per the Bill, national and regional DNA data banks will be set up for maintaining a national database for identification of victims, suspects in cases, undertrials, missing persons and unidentified human remains. ● Punishment: Those leaking the DNA profile information to people or entities who are not entitled to have it, will be punished with a jail term of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh. ● Usage: As per the bill, all DNA data, including DNA profiles, DNA samples and records, will only be used for identification of the person and not for “any other purpose”.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 55 ● The bill’s provisions will enable the cross-matching between persons who have been reported missing on the one hand and unidentified dead bodies found in various parts of the country on the other, and also for establishing the identity of victims in mass disasters. ● The Bill establishes a DNA Regulatory Board to accredit the DNA laboratories that analyse DNA samples to establish the identity of an individual.

Kanha Tiger Reserve ● Location: Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh. ● Kanha National Park is the largest National Park in Central India. Features: ● Fauna: ○ The State animal of Madhya Pradesh - Hard Ground Barasingha (Swamp deer or Rucervus duvaucelii) is found exclusively in Kanha Tiger Reserve. ○ Other Species found include Tiger, Leopard, Dhole, Bear, Gaur and Indian Python etc. ● Flora: ○ It is best known for its evergreen Sal forests (Shorea Robusta). ○ It is the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot, “Bhoorsingh the Barasingha”. ● Other Tiger Reserves in Madhya Pradesh: ○ Sanjay-Dubri. ○ Panna. ○ Satpura. ○ Bandhavgarh. ○ Pench.

Barasingha ● Subspecies: There are three subspecies of swamp deer found in the Indian Subcontinent. ○ The western swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) found in Nepal, ○ Southern swamp deer/Hard Ground Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi) found in central and and ○ Eastern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi) found in the Kaziranga (Assam) and Dudhwa National Parks (Uttar Pradesh). ● Protection Status of Swamp Deer: ○ IUCN Red List: Vulnerable ○ CITES: Appendix I ○ Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 56 Tilt to Saturn’s rotation axis ● Saturn’s axis interacted with the path of the planet Neptune and gradually tilted until it reached the inclination of 27 degrees observed today. ● This current tilt of Saturn’s rotation axis is caused by the migration of its satellites, and especially by that of its largest moon, Titan. ● Recent observations have shown that Titan and the other moons are gradually moving away from Saturn much faster than astronomers had previously estimated.

About Saturn ● Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second-largest in the Solar System, after Jupiter. ● It is a gas giant with an average radius of about nine times that of Earth. ● It only has one-eighth the average density of Earth; however, with its larger volume, Saturn is over 95 times more massive. ● The Saturn is yellowish in colour. ● It has an icy ring around it. ● It has more than 60 known moons. ● It takes 11 hours to complete a rotation (second-shortest day in the solar system).

COVID-19 performance ranking ● The COVID-19 “performance index” has been put together by the Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank. About the Index: ● The index seeks “to gauge the relative performance of countries”. ● The index is based on six different indicators : Confirmed cases, confirmed deaths, cases per million people, deaths per million people, cases as a proportion of tests, and tests per thousand people. ● Publicly available and comparable data on Covid-19 response was used for this index. Performance of various countries: ● New Zealand, Vietnam and Taiwan have been ranked the top three spots, respectively. ● India has ranked 86th. ● Sri Lanka was the best faring nation in South Asia, ranking 10. ● was at 25, Pakistan at 69, Nepal at 70, and Bangladesh at 84. ● The lowest score was given to Brazil. ● Mexico, Colombia, Iran and the United States too featured among the bottom five countries in terms of performance.

EDISON Alliance ● Essential Digital Infrastructure and Services Network (EDISON) Alliance ● Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF), which describes itself as an international organization for public-private partnership, will serve as the secretariat and platform for the EDISON Alliance. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 57 ● A wider group of ‘Champions Leaders’ will advise and support the Alliance, the WEF said while announcing the launch. ● Alliance aims to work towards ensuring global and equitable access to the digital economy. ● Its prime goal is to ensure an unprecedented level of cross-sectoral collaboration between the technology industry and other critical sectors of the economy, according to the WEF.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) ● The NTDs are a diverse group of communicable diseases that prevail in tropical and subtropical conditions. ● The people who are most affected by these diseases are often the poorest populations, living in remote, rural areas, urban slums or conflict zones. ● Neglected tropical diseases persist under conditions of poverty and are concentrated almost exclusively in impoverished populations in the developing world. ● As per the WHO major NTDs are: Buruli Ulcers, Chagas Disease, Dengue, , Sleeping Sickness (Human African Trypanosomiasis), Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy), Trachoma Mycetoma, chromo-blastomycosis, deep mycoses etc. ● Spread: Infections are caused by unsafe water, poor housing conditions and poor sanitation.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 58 Indian Economy.

RBI Digital Payments Index ● Released by RBI ● to measure the growth in cashless transactions in India. ● The has set the base year of Digital Payments Index as 2018. ● Publish the Digital Payments Index on a semi-annual basis from March 2021. ● Parameters & Its penetration: ○ Payment Enablers: 25% ○ Payment Infrastructure-Demand Side factors: 10% ○ Payment Infrastructure-Supply Side factors: 15% ○ Payment Performance: 45% ○ Consumer Centricity: 5% ● Index Value for 2019 and 2020: ○ The DPI for March 2019 and March 2020 worked out to be 153.47 and 207.84 respectively, indicating appreciable growth. ● Key findings: ○ During the second quarter (Q2) of 2020-21, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments recorded an 82% jump in volume and a 99% jump in value, compared with the same quarter last year, according to the Worldline India Digital Payments report. ○ In Q2, 19 banks joined the UPI ecosystem, bringing the total number of banks providing UPI services to 174 as of September 2020 while the BHIM App was available for customers of 146 banks.

#Target_shots Addition

About RBI ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central bank of India, which was established on Apr. 1, 1935, under the Reserve Bank of India Act. ● This central banking institution was established based on the suggestions of the “Royal Commission on Indian Currency & Finance” in 1926. This commission was also known as Hilton Young Commission. ● In 1949, the Reserve Bank of India was nationalized ● Structure ○ The Reserve Bank's affairs are governed by a central board of directors. The board is appointed by the Government of India in keeping with the Reserve Bank of India Act. ○ The directors are appointed/nominated for a period of four years. ● Constitution

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 59 ○ Official Directors (central board of directors): Full-time: and not more than four Deputy Governors ● Non-Official Directors: Nominated by Government: ten Directors from various fields and two government Official ○ Others: four Directors - one each from four local boards ( regional ) ● RBI’s Other Publications ○ Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS - Quarterly) ○ Inflation Expectations Survey of Households (IESH - Quarterly) ○ Financial Stability Report (Half-Yearly) ○ Monetary Policy Report (Half-Yearly) ○ Report on Foreign Exchange Reserves (Half-Yearly)

Equalization Levy ● Introduced in India in 2016, with the intention of taxing the digital transactions i.e. the income accruing to foreign e-commerce companies from India. ● It is aimed at taxing business to business transactions. ● The following services are currently covered under the EL: ○ Online advertisement; ○ Any provision for digital advertising space or facilities/ service for the purpose of online advertisement; ● Applicability ○ Equalization Levy is a direct tax, which is withheld at the time of payment by the service recipient. ○ The two conditions to be met to be liable to the levy: ■ The payment should be made to a non-resident service provider; ■ The annual payment made to one service provider exceeds Rs. 1,00,000 in one financial year.

RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) scheme ● Launched in 2020 to boost exports of India in International markets. ● Under the scheme, a mechanism will be created for reimbursement of levies, taxes or duties at central, state and local levels. ● Prior to the scheme, the reimbursements were not done under any mechanism. ● Replaced Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS). It was introduced to offset infrastructural inefficiencies and associated costs involved in exporting goods that are produced in India. ● WTO Compliant: The RoDTEP Scheme will coordinate with the World Trade Organization to reduce the post production transaction costs for the exporters. In order to achieve this, the RoDTEP Scheme implementation measures must provide

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 60 production-oriented processes. This is in accordance to WTO rules. This will help to boost the production of MSMEs. ● Benefits of RoDTEP Scheme? ○ The exporters of India will meet international standards for exports. ○ This will boost the value of Indian products in the international market. ○ It is being achieved through certification and affordable testing that will be provided under the scheme rather than relying on international organizations. ○ By replacing MEIS, the RoDTEP Scheme created an automated route for the Input Tax Credit. ● The Input Tax Credit is provided to set off the taxes paid on purchase of consumables, raw materials that are used in the manufacturing goods and services. Therefore, it helps to avoid double taxation.

International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) ● The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has become an Associate Member of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

About IOSCO: ● It is the international body that brings together the world’s securities regulators and is recognized as the global standard setter for the securities sector. ● IOSCO develops, implements and promotes adherence to internationally recognized standards for securities regulation. ● It works intensively with the G20 and the Financial Stability Board (FSB) on the global regulatory reform agenda. ● Members: IOSCO was established in 1983. Its membership regulates more than 95% of the world’s securities markets in more than 115 jurisdictions; securities regulators in emerging markets account for 75% of its ordinary membership.

#Target_shots Addition

IFSC in India: ● The first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in the country has been set up at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) in Gandhinagar. ● To regulate such institutions, the government established IFSCA on April 27 last year with its head office in Gandhinagar. ● In December 2019, Parliament passed a bill to set up a unified authority for regulating all financial activities at IFSCs in the country. ● It would provide Indian corporates easier access to global financial markets. IFSC would also compliment and promote further development of financial markets in India. ● Services an IFSC can provide: ○ Fund-raising services for individuals, corporations and governments.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 61 ○ Asset management and global portfolio diversification undertaken by pension funds, insurance companies and mutual funds. ○ Wealth management. ○ Global tax management and cross-border tax liability optimization, which provides a business opportunity for financial intermediaries, accountants and law firms. ○ Global and regional corporate treasury management operations that involve fund-raising, liquidity investment and management and asset-liability matching. ○ Risk management operations such as insurance and reinsurance. ○ Merger and acquisition activities among trans-national corporations.

Kochi-Mangaluru natural gas pipeline ● Length: The 450-km pipeline has been built by GAIL (India) Ltd ● Transportation capacity: It has transportation capacity of 12 million standard cubic metres per day ● Location: It will carry natural gas from the liquefied natural gas (LNG) regassification terminal at Kochi to Mangaluru. ● Benefits : The pipeline will supply environment friendly and affordable fuel to households, transportation sector and to commercial and industrial units across the districts along the pipeline.

#Target_shots Addition

“One nation, one gas grid” concept: ● It will be high-voltage electric power transmission network in mainland India, connecting power stations and major substations and ensuring that electricity generated anywhere in mainland India can be used to satisfy demand elsewhere.

National Gas Grid ● Objectives: To remove regional imbalance within the country with regard to access to natural gas and provide clean and green fuel throughout the country. ● To connect gas sources to major demand centres and ensure availability of gas to consumers in various sectors.

#Target_shots Addition

Other Gas & Oil Pipeline in india ● Naharkatia-Nunmati-Barauni Pipeline: ○ This was the first pipeline constructed in India to bring crude oil from Naharkatia oilfield to Nunmati. ○ 1,167 km long. ● Mumbai High-Mumbai-Ankleshwar-Kayoli Pipeline ○ Connects oilfields of Mumbai High and Gujarat with oil refinery at Koyali

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 62 ○ It provides facilities for transporting crude oil and natural gas. ● Salaya-Koyali-Mathura Pipeline ○ From Salaya in Gujarat to Mathura in U.P. via Viramgram. ○ 1,256 km long pipeline ○ Supplies crude oil to refineries at Koyali and Mathura ● Hajira-Bijapur-Jagdishpur (HBJ) Gas Pipeline ○ To transport Gas ○ 1,750 km long ○ Connects Hazira in Maharashtra to Bijapur in M.P. ○ world s largest underground pipeline and has brought about a big transformation in the economy of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. ● Jamnagar-Loni LPG Pipeline: ○ 1,269 km long ○ connects Jamnagar in Gujarat to Loni near Delhi in U.P. ○ longest LPG pipeline of the world. ● Kandla-Bhatinda Pipeline: ○ 1,331 km long pipeline ○ proposed to be constructed for transporting crude oil to the proposed refinery at Bhatinda

Budget Session ● The budget session is held in February to May every year. ● It is considered to be a highly crucial session of the Parliament.

Stages of Enactment of Budget: 1. Presentation of Budget: The Budget is usually presented on the last working day of the month of February. 2. General Discussion: Here, the members discuss the various provisions of the budget and matters concerning taxation, after the Finance Minister presents the budget. 3. Scrutiny by dept committees: An in-depth scrutiny of demand for grants by department is made by each departmental standing committee of parliament. Three to four weeks are given for this and the house remains in recess. The standing committees make a report to the house at the end. 4. Voting on the demand for grants: The MP's of study and vote on each demand for grant. The Lok Sabha only can vote on demand for grants and no voting is allowed on the expenditure charged on the consolidated fund of India. MP's can move motion for reduction of a grant called CUT Motions; 5. Appropriation bill and Finance bills: The appropriation bill contains voted demand for grants and also expense charged on the consolidated fund of India. No amendments can be made on these in any house. After the bill receives assent of the president it becomes appropriation act. This allows expense from the consolidated fund. ● The budget session is generally split into two periods with a gap of one month between them.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 63 ● This session every year starts with the President’s Address to both Houses.

#Target_shots Addition

Constitutional Provisions: ● Article 85 requires that there should not be a gap of more than six months between two sessions of Parliament. ● The Constitution does not specify when or for how many days Parliament should meet.

Cut Motion ➢ Policy cut: Reduces allocation of grant to Re. 1 to indicate disapproval to a policy. ➢ Token cut: Reduce amount by Rs.100 to ventilate specific grievance ➢ Economy cut: Reduction by specific amount to suggest economic use of funds. ● 26 days are allotted for discussions and voting of the demand for grants at the last day all remaining demands are put to vote and disposed. This is referred to as “Guillotine”.

Other Grants: ➢ Supplementary grant: Amount authorised by parliament is found insufficient ➢ Additional grant: extra amount is needed that wasn’t dealt with earlier ➢ Excess grant: Amount is spent in excess of the authorised amount; this has to be approved by the Public accounts committee. ➢ Vote of credit: for meeting an unexpected demand ➢ Exceptional grant: sanctioned for a special purpose ➢ Token grant: funds to meet a new expenditure can be met by transferred from one head to another.

Funds of India: ➢ Consolidated fund of India: All revenues credited to the government; all loans received; all payment received as repayment of loans given; are credited to this fund. No money can be issued or withdrawn except by law. ➢ Contingency fund of India: To meet unforeseen circumstances parliament created this fund. It is at the disposal of the president. Money can be issued pending authorization of parliament. However the finance secretary handles it; it is operated by executive action. ➢ Public account of India: Payment usually of the nature of banking transactions are made from this account; It is operated by executive action so parliaments authorization not needed; Provident fund deposits, judicial deposits, savings bank deposits, departmental deposits or remittances are credited here.

Sagarmala Seaplane Services (SSPS) ● Aim : The project aims at initiating the process of commencing operations of the Seaplane services, on the select routes, under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) framework through prospective airline operators.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 64 ● SPV is a legal object formed for a specifically-defined singular purpose. ● Project Implementation: ○ The project execution and implementation would be through Sagarmala Development Company Ltd (SDCL), which is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. ○ Airline operators will be invited to form a SPV with SDCL. ○ The routes may be operated under the government’s subsidised ude desh ka aam nagrik (UDAN) scheme.

#Target_shots Addition

Project Sagarmala: ● Purpose: seeks to develop a string of ports around India’s coast. ● The objective of this initiative is to promote “Port-led development” along India’s 7500 km long coastline. ● Aims to develop access to new development regions with intermodal solutions and promotion of the optimum modal split, enhanced connectivity with main economic centres and beyond through expansion of rail, inland water, coastal and road services. ● Nodal ministry: The Union Ministry of Shipping has been appointed as the nodal ministry for this initiative. ● To implement this, State governments would set up State Sagarmala committees, headed by the chief minister or the minister in charge of ports. ● At the central level, a Sagarmala Development Company (SDC) will be setup to provide equity support to assist various special purpose vehicles (SPVs) setup for various projects.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 65 ●

Faceless tax scheme ● In the Union Budget 2019, the Finance Minister proposed the introduction of a scheme of faceless e-assessment. ● It is an attempt to remove individual tax officials’ discretion and potential harassment for income tax payers. ● The scheme allows for appropriate cases where a certain hearing is necessary, so then after following protocols, a hearing is given. ● The main objective is to remove physical interaction as much as possible. ● National e-Assessment Centre (NeAC) an independent office created to oversee implementation of the scheme. ● It will be located in Delhi. There will be 8 Regional e-Assessment Centres (ReAC) set up at Delhi, Mumbai

National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) ● In the budget speech of 2019-2020, Finance Minister announced an outlay of Rs 100 lakh Crore for infrastructure projects over the next 5 years. ● NIP is a first-of-its-kind initiative to provide world-class infrastructure across the country and improve the quality of life for all citizens.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 66 ● It will improve project preparation, attract investments (both domestic & foreign) into infrastructure, and will be crucial for attaining the target of becoming a $5 trillion economy by FY 2025. ● Covers both economic and social infrastructure projects.

Payment Infrastructure Development Fund Scheme ● Objective: Develop payment acceptance infrastructure in tier-3 to tier-6 cities (centres), with a special focus on the north-eastern states of the country. ● Time Period: The fund will be operational for three years effective from 1st January, 2021 and may be extended for two more years. ● The fund is to be operational for two years, 2021 and 2022. ● Management: An Advisory Council (AC) under the chairmanship of RBI deputy governor BP Kanungo has been constituted for managing the PIDF. ● Fund Allocated: The PIDF presently has a corpus of Rs. 345 crore, with Rs. 250 crore contributed by the RBI and Rs. 95 crore by the major authorised card networks in the country.

●

Spectrum auctions ● A spectrum auction is a process whereby a government uses an auction system to sell the rights to transmit signals over specific bands of the electromagnetic spectrum and to assign scarce spectrum resources. ● Devices such as cellphones and wireline telephones require signals to connect from one end to another. These signals are carried on airwaves, which must be sent at designated frequencies to avoid any kind of interference. Spectrum auctions in India

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 67 ● The Union government owns all the publicly available assets within the geographical boundaries of the country, which also include airwaves. ● With the expansion in the number of cellphone, wireline telephone and internet users, the need to provide more space for the signals arises from time to time. ● To sell these assets to companies willing to set up the required infrastructure to transport these waves from one end to another, the central government through the DoT auctions these airwaves from time to time. ● These airwaves are called spectrum, which is subdivided into bands which have varying frequencies. ● All these airwaves are sold for a certain period of time, after which their validity lapses, which is generally set at 20 years.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) ● What is it?: The National Standard Body of India working under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India. ● established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 which came into effect on 23 December 1986. ● The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 made the BIS a National Standards Body. The BIS Act has been implemented since 12 October 2017. ● BIS is responsible for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

RBI forms Academic Advisory Council for Supervisory College ● Under former deputy governor N S Vishwanathan to advise the director of the central bank on supervisory colleges. Role of the council: ● The council will identify areas where upskilling and building are required in supervisory colleges. ● Also, the council will plan and develop curricula of all programmes and benchmark the programmes with international standards and best practices. ● The council will develop appropriate teaching methods. ● The council will also benchmark the programmes with the international standards and improve the teaching methods.

What is RBI Supervisory College? ● The Reserve Bank of India Supervisory Colleges were introduced to reinforce supervisory skills among its regulatory bodies. ● This was done to facilitate unified and focused training inputs to the supervision staffs. ● The Reserve Bank of India established supervisory colleges to monitor Indian banks abroad.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 68 ● Main objectives of Supervisory colleges are to improve understanding of risk profile of the banking group, to enhance information exchange and cooperation among supervisors and facilitate effective supervision of internationally active banks.

Double Stack Long-Haul Container Train ● First double stack long-haul container train from New Ateli in Haryana to New Kishanganj in Rajasthan. ● The train is to be operated in the 360-km long Rewari-Madar Section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. ● The train is 1.5 kilo metres long. ● It is hauled by Electric traction. ● Speed Limit: Currently, the freight trains are operated at maximum speed of 75 kilometres per hour. The speed is to be increased to 100 km/hr. The average speed of the freight trains are to be increased from 26 km/hr to 70 km/hr.

#Target_shots Addition

Mission Sheeghra ● The Indian Railways operated Mission Sheeghra in Uttar Pradesh. ● It was launched by the Lucknow Division of Indian Railways. ● Under the mission, the trains attained a maximum permissible speed of 100 km/hr.

Scheme for Industrial Development of J&K ● The Government of India has allocated 28,400 crores of Rupees for the industrial development of Jammu and Kashmir scheme. ● The funds are to be used to develop industrial sector of the territory till 2037. Key features: ● Objective of the scheme is to generate jobs that will lead to economic development and boost industry and service later development of the union territory. This in turn will attract new investment. ● The scheme is ambitious as it offers attractions to both large and small industrial units. Scheme offers incentives as follows: ● The scheme will provide capital investment incentive at 30% in zone. ● It will provide investment incentive of 50% in Zone B. This includes investment in manufacturing and construction sector. ● The maximum limit of incentive is 5 crores of Rupees in zone a and 7.5 crores of Rupees in Zone B respectively. ● The scheme will provide interest subvention at an annual rate of 6 pc for 7 years on loan amounts up to 500 Crores of rupees.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 69 K-shaped economic recovery ● A K-shaped recovery happens when different sections of an economy recover at starkly different rates. ● Households at the top of the pyramid are likely to have seen their in- comes largely protected, and savings rates forced up during the lockdown, increasing ‘fuel in the tank’ to drive future consumption. ● Meanwhile, households at the bottom are likely to have witnessed permanent hits to jobs and incomes. ● To the extent that COVID has triggered an effective income transfer from the poor to the rich, this will be demand-impeding because the poor have a higher marginal propensity to consume (i.e. they tend to spend (instead of saving) a much higher proportion of their income.

Eri silk ● Eri silk comes from the caterpillar of Samia ricini (silk-producing caterpillar ), found in and some parts of China, Japan. ● The name "eri" is derived from the Assamese word "era", which means castor, as the silkworm feeds on castor plants. ● Eri silk is also known as endi or errandi in India. ● The woolly white silk is often referred to as the fabric of peace when it is processed without killing the silkworm. This process results in a silk called Ahimsa silk. Moths leave the cocoon and then the cocoons are harvested to be spun.

#Target_shots Addition

Other type of Silk: ● India has the distinction of being the only country in the world producing all Five major types of silk broadly divided into two categories: ● Mulberry silk: Mainly in Karnataka. ● Non-mulberry Silk: ○ Temperate tussar silk in Maharashtra, WB, Odisha,, Andhra Pradesh; ○ Tropical tussar silk in sub –himalayan belt (Manipur, Assam, ,etc); ○ Muga Silk in Assam and Eri silk in Assam,Odisha, Bihar.

Freight Business Development Portal ● Freight Business Development Portal was recently launched as one stop solution for all the needs of freight customers. ● Launched by Ministry of Railways. ● The portal is designed to replace physical processes with online ones to minimise the need of human-to-human interaction. ● it will help them use rail mode seamlessly.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 70 ● The personalised dashboard of freight business portal provides customers a view with their business in railways, outstanding indents, on-run consignments, status of various interactions and facility to apply for various services and raising concerns. ● Customers also get to know about discount schemes, diversion, rebooking, and wharfage (Place for loading, unloading or storage of goods) waivers, stacking permissions.

Golden Quadrilateral & Golden Diagonal sections ● It is a highway network which links Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai thus connecting the major industrial, agricultural and cultural centres of India ● The project was started in 2001 by Atal Bihari Vajpayee under the NDA government and was completed in January 2012. ● It was the Phase-1 of the bigger National Highway Development Project that was launched in 1998 by the same government. ● It is managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways. ● Benefits of the project : ○ It has brought opportunities for farmers, through improved transportation of produce from the agricultural hinterland to major cities and ports for export, through lesser wastage and spoils. ○ It is driving economic growth directly, through construction as well as through indirect demand for cement, steel and other construction materials.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 71 ●

SAATHEE Portal ● The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has developed a Management Information System (MIS) portal namely State-wise Actions on Annual Targets and Headways on Energy Efficiency (SAATHEE). ● Purpose: a portal for the State Designated Agency (SDA) for state level activities. ● Useful in capturing the physical and financial status/ progress of Energy Efficiency activities being implemented by States/ UTs across the country. Thus, it will facilitate Real Time Monitoring. ● Streamlines Decision Making and Compliance: It will also help in decision making, coordination, control, analysis, and implementation and enforcement of the compliance process for various energy consumers at the pan India level.

#Target_shots Addition

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 72 Other Initiative:

SATHI (Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institutes): ● It is an initiative of the Department of Science & Technology (Ministry of Science and Technology). ● Objective: To provide a shared, professionally managed services and strong Science and Technology infrastructure/facilities, to service the demands of faculty, researchers, etc., to enable them to carry out R&D activities on a round the clock basis with minimum downtime.

SAATHI (Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help Small Industries) Initiative: ● It is an initiative of the Ministry of Textiles. ● Objective: To sustain and accelerate the adoption of energy efficient textile technologies in the powerloom sector and cost savings due to use of such technology.

SATH (Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital) Program: ● It is a program of NITI Aayog. ● Objective: To initiate transformation in the education and health sectors and build 3 future ‘role model’ states.

Coal in India ● India has the world’s 5 th largest reserves of coal & the world’s 2nd largest importer ● India’s 83% of the production coming from Coal India Ltd (CIL) ● Coal reserves: Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Madya Pradesh, , Maharashtra ● Types: Indian coal reserves are primarily of Lignite and Bituminous types (other two types are Peat and Anthracite ● Quality: Indian coal has lower calorific value and high ash content

Initiatives in Coal Sector UTTAM (Unlocking Transparency by Third Party Assessment of Mined Coal): ● In April 2018, the Ministry of Coal launched UTTAM Application for coal quality monitoring. ● UTTAM App ensures accountability, transparency, effectiveness and efficiency in the coal ecosystem. It provides a platform for monitoring of sampling and coal dispatches. ● The App is designed with an aim to make the citizens a stakeholder in the coal ecosystem. ● UTTAM is an example of leveraging technology to facilitate a bidirectional channel between Coal India Limited and a common citizen. ● It ensures transparency and efficiency in the coal quality monitoring process and brings coal more accountable and open to the common folk.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 73 Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala (Coal) Transparently in India (SHAKTI): ● Launched in May 2017, for allocation of future coal linkages in a transparent manner for the power sector. ● Objective: To auction long-term coal linkages to power companies. ● The government’s move is likely to benefit 20,000 MW private-sector thermal capacities with power purchase agreements (PPAs). ● The new policy will lead to gradual phasing out of the old one and is expected to bring 30,000 MW of locked capacity into generation. ● It also seeks to alleviate the stress that certain power units are under due to unavailability of linkages.

Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) system ● Introduced by RBI for all payment transactions of fifty crores and above through NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) and RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement). ● The LEI is a 20-digit number used to uniquely identify parties to financial transactions worldwide. ● Developed by: International Organization for Standardization. ● Objective : To improve the quality and accuracy of financial data systems for better risk management post the Global Financial Crisis.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana ( PMFBY ) ● Launched on 13th January 2016. ● It provides a comprehensive insurance cover against failure of the crop thus helping in stabilising the income of the farmers. ● It aims to reduce the premium burden on farmers and ensure early settlement of crop assurance claim for the full insured sum. ● Merged schemes include National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS). ● Scope: All food & oilseed crops and annual commercial/horticultural crops for which past yield data is available. ● Premium: The prescribed premium is 2% to be paid by farmers for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all rabi crops. In the case of annual commercial and horticultural crops, the premium is 5%. ● Premium cost over and above the farmer share was equally subsidized by States and GoI. ● However, GoI shared 90% of the premium subsidy for North Eastern States to promote the uptake in the region. ● The scheme was compulsory for loanee farmers availing Crop Loan/Kisan Credit Card (KCC) account for notified crops and voluntary for others.

Revamped PMFBY :

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 74 ● In order to ensure more efficient and effective implementation of the scheme, the central government had revamped PMFBY in the 2020 Kharif season. Features ● Enrolment 100% voluntary for all farmers from 2020 Kharif. ● Limit to Central Subsidy: The Cabinet has decided to cap the Centre’s premium subsidy under the scheme for premium rates up to 30% for unirrigated areas/crops and 25% for irrigated areas/crops. ● More Flexibility to States: The government has given the flexibility to states/UTs to implement PMFBY and given them the option to select any number of additional risk covers/features. ● Investing in ICE Activities: Insurance companies have to now spend 0.5% of the total premium collected on information, education and communication (IEC) activities.

Insect Apocalypse ● The Earth is losing 2% of its insects every year. This is being termed as “Insect Apocalypse”. ● Main reasons of Insect Apocalypse are as follows: ● Insecticides, Climate Change, Light Pollution, Herbicides, Invasive Species, Changes in land use, Intensive agriculture ● Honey Bees and Butterflies two insects best illustrate insect decline ● Insects outweigh humanity by seventeen times. They are essential for the proper functioning of the ecosystem as pollinators, food for other creatures and as recyclers of nutrients.

Jayant Kumar Dash committee ● Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has constituted a working group on digital lending — including online platforms and mobile apps. ● The working group consists of both internal and external members and is chaired by Jayant Kumar Dash, Executive Director, RBI ● The working group will: ○ Evaluate digital lending activities and assess the penetration and standards of outsourced digital lending activities in RBI regulated entities; ○ Identify the risks posed by unregulated digital lending to financial stability, regulated entities and consumers; and ○ Suggest regulatory changes to promote orderly growth of digital lending.

New Foreign Trade Policy 2021-26 ● Goal: To make India a 5 trillion USD economy. Key Highlights: ● The District Export hubs are to play a major role in the new Foreign Trade Policy.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 75 ● The policy will aim to boost exports. ● It will enhance ease of doing business. ● It will bring improvements in the operations of domestic manufacturing and services sector through infrastructure support. ● The policy will bring changes to regulatory and operational framework and lower transactional costs. Largest trading partners of India: ● Bangladesh, UK, USA, Bhutan, UAE, Switzerland, , Switzerland, Israel, Nepal, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, Iraq. ● Biggest export of India: Pharmaceuticals

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana ( PMKVY ) ● Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), launched in 2015 ● The flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) implemented by National Skill Development Corporation. ● Objective: is to enable a large number of Indian youth to take up industry-relevant skill training that will help them in securing a better livelihood. ● Key Components: Short Term Training, Special Projects, Recognition of Prior Learning, Kaushal & Rozgar Mela, etc. ● Outcome: In 2015-16, 19.85 lakh candidates were trained.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 2.0 (PMKVY 2.0) 2016-20 ● After the successful implementation of pilot PMKVY (2015-16), PMKVY 2016-20 was launched by scaling up both in terms of Sector and Geography and by greater alignment with other missions of Government of India like , Digital India, Swachh Bharat, etc. ● Objectives: Enable and mobilize a large number of youths to take up industry designed quality skill training, become employable and earn their livelihood. ● Encourage standardisation of the Certification process and put in place the foundation for creating a registry of skills. ● Benefit 10 million youth over the period of four years (2016- 2020).

About PMKVY 3.0: ● Skill India Mission PMKVY 3.0 envisages training of eight lakh candidates over a scheme period of 2020-2021. ● The 729 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs), empaneled non-PMKK training centres and more than 200 ITIs under Skill India will be rolling out PMKVY 3.0 training to build a robust pool of skilled professionals. ● It will be more trainee- and learner-centric. The focus is on bridging the demand-supply gap by promoting skill development in areas of new-age and Industry 4.0 job roles. ● It will be a propagator of vocational education at an early level for youth to capitalize on industry-linked opportunities.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 76 ● On the basis of the learning gained from PMKVY 1.0 and PMKVY 2.0, the Ministry has improved the newer version of the scheme to match the current policy doctrine and energize the skilling ecosystem affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic

‘Prarambh: Startup India International Summit’ ● Organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. ● Significance: The Summit will bring together speakers from all over the world. This will facilitate discussions on innovation, technologies, robust policies and enable international organisations and governments to share their views and thereby driving them to solve the problems and challenges. ● The Summit marks the fifth anniversary of the Startup India initiative, launched on 16 January, 2016. ● Over 25 countries and more than 200 global speakers participated. ● Objectives: The sessions of the Summit are designed to showcase the spread and depth of entrepreneurship based on innovation in India. ○ Provide opportunities to startups for entering domestic (private and public) and international markets ○ Enable ease of doing business for startups and investors.

Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme ● The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme in order to generate solar power by installing solar panels on the roof of the houses. ● Objective : To achieve the cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from Rooftop Solar(RTS) Projects by the year 2022. ● Subsidy: Under this scheme, the Ministry is providing 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20% subsidy beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW. ● Implementation: The scheme is being implemented in the state only by DISCOMs. The DISCOMs have empaneled vendors through the bidding process and have decided rates for setting up a rooftop solar plant. ● Condition: Subsidy will be available for the residential sector only and for availing the benefit of subsidy, indigenously manufactured PV Modules and Cells are to be used. ● Incentives to Discoms: Performance-based incentives are provided to DISCOMs based on Rooftop Solar capacity achieved in a financial year over and above the base capacity i.e. cumulative capacity achieved at the end of previous financial year.

Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India (SRISTI) scheme ● The scheme is a part of the larger grid-connected Rooftop Solar (RTS) power programme, aims to bring discoms to the forefront in the implementation of rooftop solar projects by providing them financial support which will be linked to their performance in facilitating the deployment of RTS.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 77 ● The scheme shall integrate discoms as an implementing agency in Phase II of rooftop solar scheme. ● The proposed scheme aims to achieve a national solar rooftop target of 40 GW till 2021-22. ● Under this schemes, it is proposed that Central Financial Assistance will be provided only for installation of roof top solar plants in residential sector.

State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index – SARAL ● An initiative of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) collaboration with Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (SSEF), Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and Ernst & Young (EY). ● Aim: to introduce a measuring scale or an index to evaluate and rank all states according to their performance, growth, level of maturity, policy framework, and implementation environment in the rooftop solar sector. ● SARAL currently captures five key aspects : ○ Robustness of policy framework, ○ Implementation environment, ○ Investment climate, ○ Consumer experience, ○ Business ecosystem

Suryamitra initiative ● Ministry/Department : Ministry of New and Renewable Energy ● Objective: To provide skill training to rural youth in handling solar installations About Scheme: ● It is Union Government’s skill development program ● The programme is 100% funded by GOI and implemented by National Institute for Solar Energy (NISE) across the country. ● Aims to create skilled manpower in commissioning, installation, O&M of solar power plants and equipment. ● It primary objective is to provide entrepreneurship and employability opportunities to rural and urban youth & women. ● The scheme is aimed at creating 50,000 trained solar photovoltaic technicians by March 2020. ● Special emphasis is given to skill youth from SC/ST/OBC categories. ● The qualification required to participate in the program is ITI (Electrical & Wireman) / Diploma in Engineering (Electrical, Electronics & Mechanical). ● Higher qualified participants such as B.Tech etc are not eligible for this programme.

Disinvestment ● Disinvestment means sale or liquidation of assets by the government, usually Central and state public sector enterprises, projects, or other fixed assets.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 78 ● The government undertakes disinvestment to reduce the fiscal burden on the exchequer, or to raise money for meeting specific needs, such as to bridge the revenue shortfall from other regular sources. ● Strategic disinvestment is the transfer of the ownership and control of a public sector entity to some other entity (mostly to a private sector entity). ● Unlike the simple disinvestment, strategic sale implies a kind of privatization. ● The disinvestment commission defines strategic sale as the sale of a substantial portion of the Government shareholding of a central public sector enterprises (CPSE) of upto 50%, or such higher percentage as the competent authority may determine, along with transfer of management control. ● The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) under the Ministry of Finance is the nodal department for the strategic stake sale in the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

#Target_shots Addition

Key Differences Between Privatization and Disinvestment ● When more than 51% of the stake is sold by the government of a public sector undertaking, to the private individuals or firm, the process is termed as privatization. On the other hand, Disinvestment alludes to the disposal of assets by the government or any other organization, leading to a change in ownership and control, influenced by financial, political or strategical reasons. ● Privatization involves a change in ownership, whereas Disinvestment involves dilution of ownership. ● In privatization, the government sell more than 50% of its shareholding, while in case of disinvestment shareholding less than 50% is sold by the government. ● Disinvestment refers to the dilution of government shareholding in a public sector entity. However, if the dilution is less than 50%, the management of the enterprise is kept by the government. However, when the dilution of shares exceeds 50%, there is a change in management along with the ownership, which is practically called Privatization. ● Disinvestment aims at lessening the fiscal burden on the government, because of the inefficiency of the Public Sector Undertaking. Moreover, it also aims at providing financial aid. On the flip side, privatization is encouraged to make the best possible use of the country’s resources as well as to increase the operational and dynamic efficiency of the concern.

SAKSHAM Awareness Campaign ● Launched by: Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas ● It is a people-centric fuel conservation mega campaign that aims to highlight the adverse health and environmental impacts of increasing carbon footprints. ● The idea is to convince consumers to switch to cleaner fuels and bring in behavioral change to use fossil fuel intelligently.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 79 ● Campaign: The campaign through various pan-India activities such as cyclothon, farmer workshops, seminars, painting competition, CNG vehicle driving contest will spread awareness among masses about the advantages of using clean fuels. ● Seven Key Drivers: The campaign will also spread awareness about 7 key drivers mentioned by the Prime Minister: ○ Moving towards a gas-based economy, ○ Cleaner use of fossil fuels, ○ Greater reliance on domestic sources to drive bio-fuels, ○ Achieving renewable targets with the set deadlines, ○ Increased use of electric vehicles to decarbonize mobility, ○ Increased use of cleaner fuels like Hydrogen, and ○ Digital innovation across all energy systems

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) ● A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is a partnership in which some or all partners have limited liability. It therefore exhibits elements of partnerships and corporations. ● In an LLP, one partner is not responsible or liable for another partner’s misconduct or negligence. Salient features of an LLP: ● An LLP is a body corporate and legal entity separate from its partners. It has perpetual succession. ● Being the separate legislation (i.e. LLP Act, 2008), the provisions of Indian Partnership Act, 1932 are not applicable to an LLP and it is regulated by the contractual agreement between the partners. ● Every Limited Liability Partnership shall use the words “Limited Liability Partnership” or its acronym “LLP” as the last words of its name. ● Composition: Every LLP shall have at least two designated partners being individuals, at least one of them being resident in India and all the partners shall be the agent of the Limited Liability Partnership but not of other partners.

Indian Railway Finance Corporation ● A subsidiary of the Indian Railways, it is the dedicated market borrowing arm of the Indian Railways. ● Established: It was incorporated in 1986. ● It follows a financial leasing model to finance the acquisition of rolling stock assets, which includes locomotives, coaches, wagons, trucks, flats, electric multiple units, containers, cranes, trollies, etc. ● Finance Leasing Model: ○ Deriving revenues through the leasing model typically involves three parties: the seller, the buyer (lessee) and the financier (lessor). ○ In exchange for payment, ownership of an item (usually equipment) is transferred from the seller to the lessor.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 80 ○ The lessee then contracts with the lessor for the use of the item in exchange for a periodic fee. ○ The seller may or may not retake ownership of the item once the leasing contract has ended. ● Contribution: It plays a significant role in supporting the capacity enhancement of the Indian Railways by financing the majority proportion of their annual plan outlay which gives a long term business visibility, the brokerage feels. ● Other Functions: It is also into leasing railway infrastructure assets and national projects of the Government of India (project assets) and lending to other entities under the Ministry of Railways (MoR).

CrowdFunding ● What is it?: Crowdfunding is a method of raising capital through the collective effort of a large number of individual investors. ● This approach taps into the collective efforts of a large pool of individuals, primarily online via social media and crowdfunding platforms and leverages their networks for greater reach and exposure. Types: ● Donation-Based Crowdfunding: Donation-based crowdfunding is a way to source money for a project by asking a large number of contributors to individually donate a small amount to it. In return, the backers may receive token rewards that increase in prestige as the size of the donation increases. For the smallest sums, however, the funder may receive nothing at all. ● Rewards-Based Crowdfunding: Rewards-based crowdfunding involves individuals contributing to a business in exchange for a “reward,” typically a form of the product or service which company offers. Even though this method offers backers a reward, it’s still generally considered a subset of donation-based crowdfunding since there is no financial or equity return. ● Equity-Based Crowdfunding: Unlike the donation-based and rewards-based methods, equity-based crowdfunding allows contributors to become part-owners of the company by trading capital for equity shares. As equity owners, the contributors receive a financial return on their investment and ultimately receive a share of the profits in the form of a dividend or distribution.

North East Venture Fund ● Set up by North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi) in association with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (M-DoNER), the North East Venture Fund scheme was launched in September 2017. ● It is the first dedicated venture capital fund for the North Eastern Region (NER) ● Corpus Amount: Capital commitment of Rs 100 crore. ● Objectives:

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 81 ○ To contribute to the entrepreneurship development of the NER and achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns through long term capital appreciation by way of investments in privately negotiated equity/ equity related investments. ○ The fund targets to invest in Start-Ups and unique business opportunities to provide resources for new entrepreneurships in Food Processing, Healthcare, Tourism, segregation of services, IT, etc.

#Target_shots Addition

North East Rural Livelihood Project (NERLP) ● It is a World Bank aided, multi-state livelihood project ● Under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), ● Launched in 2012. ● Implemented in 11 districts of , Nagaland, and . ● Aim: to improve rural livelihoods especially that of women, unemployed youth and the most disadvantaged, in four North Eastern States. ● The project has focussed on five development strategies, namely, ○ social empowerment, ○ economic empowerment, ○ partnership development, ○ project management and ○ livelihood & value chain developments. ● The project also works in partnerships with expert organizations to focus on cluster development through value chains.

Startup India Seed Fund ● Objective: Fund has been set up to provide initial capital to the startups. After that start-ups will be provided with the Govt. Guarantees, to help them raise debt capital. ● Coverage: The fund would offer financial assistance to startups for proofs of concept, prototype development, product trials, market-entry, and commercialization of products or ideas. ● Funding : The Scheme will offer startups up to Rs. 20 Lakhs as a grant for Proof of Concept. Upto Rs. 50 Lakhs can also be availed through convertible debentures or debt or debt-linked instruments for commercialization. ● Convertible debentures: A unique feature of convertible debentures is that they can be converted into stock at specified times. A convertible debenture is usually an unsecured bond or a loan as in there is no primary collateral interlinked to the debt. They are long-term debt securities that pay interest returns to the bondholder. ● Need : It is the need of the hour that the technologies of the future come out of the lab of Asia and the entrepreneurs of the future should be prepared from here.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 82 Iron Ore Policy 2021 ● Come into effect from February 10, 2021. ● The provisions of the new policy will be updated in the rake allotment system module by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). ● Iron ore is the second most important stream of traffic of Railways and along with steel accounts for nearly 17% of total 1210 million tonne freight loading of Indian Railways in 2019-2020. ● Scrutiny of documentation by Railways has been removed. Executive Director Rake Movement of Railway Board (EDRM) office, Kolkata which has been sanctioning programmes for movement of iron-ore traffic will have no regulatory role in the new policy. ● Customers now desirous of moving their traffic under any priority will have to give (an) undertaking that they have procured, transported and utilized materials as per rules and regulations of Central and State Governments. ● Higher priority will be given to the movement of iron-ore traffic for domestic manufacturing activity. ● Old and new plants will be treated similarly as far as allotment and loading of rakes is concerned.

#Target_shots Addition

Iron Ore ● Iron ores are rocks and minerals from which metallic iron can be economically extracted. ● Types: ○ Magnetite ( 72.4% Fe), ○ Hematite ( 69.9% Fe), ○ goethite (62.9% Fe), ○ limonite ( 55% Fe) ○ Siderite ( 48.2% Fe). ● Iron ore distribution: Principal states producing iron ore in India are Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan.

Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession (Amendment) Rules, 2021 ● Purpose: To amend the Minerals Concession Rules, 2016 ● Prepared by Ministry of Mines ● Aim: to terminate the iron ore leases of those mines that have, not started production after lapse of 7-8 months of auction and not maintained minimum dispatch quantity up to the level required under MCR for three consecutive quarters

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 83 ICEGATE ● Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE) is the national portal of Indian Customs of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) that provides e-filing services to the Trade, Cargo Carriers and other Trading Partners electronically. ● All electronic documents/ messages being handled by the ICEGATE are processed at the Customs' end by the Indian Customs EDI System (ICES). e- SANCHIT ● launched on a pilot basis by the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC). ● It is mainly for paperless processing, uploading of supporting documents, to facilitate the trading across borders which will reduce the precious time and provide digital easing.

Single Window Interface for Facilitation of Trade (SWIFT)/‘SWIFT’ Initiative ● Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC)(Now CBIC) has launched ‘SWIFT’ ● provides a single-point interface for clearance and is expected to reduce documentation and costs

MARKET INFRASTRUCTURE INSTITUTIONS (MIIs) ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has floated a discussion paper on review of ownership and governance norms to facilitate new entrants to set up stock exchanges and depositories, otherwise called as market infrastructure institutions (MIIs). ● As per the key proposals, a resident promoter setting up an MII may hold up to 100% shareholding, which will be brought down to not more than (either 51% or 26%) in 10 years. ● A foreign promoter from Financial Action Task Force FATF member jurisdictions setting up an MII may hold up to 49% shareholding, which shall be brought down to not more than (either 26% or 15%) in 10 years. ● Foreign individuals or entities from other than FATF member jurisdictions may acquire or hold up to 10% in an MII. ● Any person other than the promoter may acquire or hold less than 25% shareholding.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) (Amendment) Act, 2020 ● Enactment: The IBC was enacted in 2016. ● Objective: ○ To streamline and speed up the resolution process of failed businesses. ○ To consolidate provisions of the existing legislative framework to form a common forum for debtors and creditors of all classes to resolve insolvency. ○ To stipulate that the resolution process of a stressed company will have to be completed in a maximum of 270 days. ● Threshold Amount for Invoking Insolvency: ○ In March 2020, the government raised the threshold for invoking insolvency under the IBC to Rs. 1 crore from Rs. 1 lakh with a view to prevent triggering of JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 84 such proceedings against small and medium enterprises that are facing the heat of the Covid-19 pandemic. ● Institutions to Facilitate Resolution of Insolvency: ○ Insolvency Professionals: These professionals administer the resolution process, manage the assets of the debtor, and provide information for creditors to assist them in decision making. ○ Insolvency Professional Agencies: The agencies conduct examinations to certify the insolvency professionals and enforce a code of conduct for their performance. ○ Information Utilities: Creditors will report financial information of the debt owed to them by the debtor. Such information will include records of debt, liabilities and defaults. ● Adjudicating Authorities: ○ The proceedings of the resolution process is adjudicated by the NCLT, for companies; and the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), for individuals. ○ The duties of the authorities will include approval to initiate the resolution process, appoint the insolvency professional, and approve the final decision of creditors. ● Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board: ○ The Board regulates insolvency professionals, insolvency professional agencies and information utilities set up under the Code. ○ The Board consists of representatives of the Reserve Bank of India, and the Ministries of Finance, Corporate Affairs and Law.

#Target_shots Addition

What is Section 32A of IBC ?

● Section 32A provides that Corporate Debtor shall not be prosecuted for an offence committed prior to commencement of Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) once Resolution Plan has been approved by Adjudicating Authority (AA). ● The section further provides that no action shall be taken against property of Corporate Debtor covered under such a Resolution Plan.

Shadow Entrepreneurs ● Shadow entrepreneurs are individuals who manage a business that sells legitimate goods and services but they do not register their businesses. ● This means that they do not pay tax, operating in a shadow economy where business activities are performed outside the reach of government authorities. ● Types of businesses include unlicensed taxicab services, roadside food stalls and small landscaping operations. ● In a study of 68 countries, the Imperial College Business School found that after Indonesia, India has the second highest rate of shadow entrepreneurs.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 85 National Startup Advisory Council ● Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) had constituted the ‘National Startup Advisory Council’ in 2020. ● It would advise the Government on measures needed to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country. ● Composition of the Council: ○ Chairman: Minister for Commerce & Industry. ○ Convener of the Council: Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. ○ Ex-officio Members: Nominees of the concerned ministries/ Departments/ Organisations not below the rank of Joint Secretary. ○ Non-official members, to be nominated by the Central Government, from various categories like founders of successful startups, veterans who have grown and scaled companies in India, persons capable of representing the interests of investors into startups, etc. The term of the non-official members will be for a period of two years. ● Functions: The council will facilitate public organizations to assimilate innovation to improve public service delivery, promote creation, protection and commercialization of intellectual property rights.

WE Hub: Women Entrepreneurs Hub ● WE Hub recently announced its partnership with i-Hub. What is we Hub?: ● WE Hub is Women Entrepreneurs Hub. It is a startup incubator, that is, it provides an environment for the women entrepreneurs to grow their business. ● Aims to support women entrepreneurs with solutions, innovative ideas and entitles to focus on emerging areas. ● It also supports unexplored and under explored sectors along with service sectors. ● The main goal of WE Hub is to eliminate financial and societal barriers for women. ● I-Hub operates under Government of Gujarat. WE Hub operates under Government of Telangana. i-Hub ● i-Hub is Student Startup and Innovation Hub. ● It aims to develop end-to-end innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state of Gujarat. ● Also, it provides amenities such as futuristic and advanced technology labs, techno-commercial mentoring, networking and regulatory and advisory services. ● It was created under the Student Startup and Innovation Policy of Gujarat.

Tampon tax ● Recently, the United Kingdom has begun 2021 by abolishing the “tampon tax”. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 86 ● The UK was a part of the EU, where period products such as sanitary napkins and tampons are classified as non-essential, and member states are required to levy a 5 per cent tax on them. ● In 2015, the Conservative Party government had established a ‘Tampon Tax Fund’ which allocated the funds generated from VAT on period products to projects supporting vulnerable women and girls.

India Innovation Index 2020 by NITI Aayog ● Released by NITI Aayog ● The first edition of the index was launched in October 2019. ● The index attempts to create an extensive framework for the continual evaluation of the innovation environment of states and union territories in India and intends to perform the following three functions: ○ Ranking of states and UTs based on their index scores. ○ Recognizing opportunities and challenges. ○ Assisting in tailoring governmental policies to foster innovation. ● Two dimensions – Enablers and Performance ○ The Enablers are the factors that underpin innovative capacities, grouped in five pillars: (1) Human Capital, (2) Investment, (3) Knowledge Workers, (4) Business Environment, and (5) Safety and Legal Environment. ○ The Performance dimension captures benefits that a nation derives from the inputs, divided in two pillars: (6) Knowledge Output and (7) Knowledge Diffusion. ● Performance of various states: ○ Top States: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Kerala ○ Bottom States: Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Bihar ○ UT and City–States è Delhi has retained its first rank in this category followed by .

Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) ● SOFR is a secured interbank overnight interest rate and reference rate. ● It is based on the Treasury repurchase market (repo), Treasuries loaned or borrowed overnight. ● It is a replacement for USD LIBOR (London Inter-bank Offered Rate) that may be phased out end-2021. ● The overnight rate is generally the interest rate that large banks use to borrow and lend from one another in the overnight market. ● The secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) is based on data from observable transactions rather than on estimated borrowing rates, as is sometimes the case with LIBOR.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 87 National Road Safety Council ● It is an advisory body which was established under section 215 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. ● Its main objective is to improve road safety aspects in road transport sector. ● The Council is chaired by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways.

Spices Board: ● Spices Board is a body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. ● It was constituted in 1987 under the Spices Board Act, 1986 by merging the Cardamom Board and the Spices Export Promotion Council. ● The Spices Board is one of the five commodity boards functioning under the Commerce Ministry. ● It is an autonomous body responsible for the promotion of the 52 scheduled spices and the development of small and large cardamom.

Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) ● A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 ● These are establishments that provide financial services and banking facilities without meeting the legal definition of a Bank. Features of NBFCs ● NBFC cannot accept demand deposits. ● NBFCs do not form part of the payment and settlement system and cannot issue cheques drawn on itself. ● Deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation is not available to depositors of NBFCs. Types of Non- Banking Financial Institutions ● Mutual Funds ● Insurance Companies ● Hedge Fund ● Venture Capital Firms ● Merchant Banks ● Finance Companies ● Micro Finance Institutions (MFI) ● Vulture Funds ● Leasing Companies

Non-Convertible Debentures ● Debentures are long-term financial instruments that are issued by companies to borrow money.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 88 ● Some debentures have a feature of convertibility into shares after a certain point of time at the discretion of the debenture holder. ● The debentures which cannot be converted into shares are called non-convertible debentures (or NCDs). ● There are two types of NCDs-secured and unsecured. ○ Secured: A secured NCD is backed by the assets of the company. If the company fails to pay the obligation, the investor holding the debenture can claim that through liquidation of those assets. ○ Unsecured: Contrary to secured NCD, there is no backing in unsecured NCDs if the company defaults.

‘Off-budget borrowing’ ● Off-budget borrowings are loans that are taken not by the Centre directly, but by another public institution which borrows on the directions of the central government. ● Such borrowings are used to fulfil the government’s expenditure needs. ● But since the liability of the loan is not formally on the Centre, the loan is not included in the national fiscal deficit.

Fiscal deficit: ● It is essentially the gap between what the central government spends and what it earns. ● In other words, it is the level of borrowings by the Union government. ● This fiscal deficit is the most important metric to understand the financial health of any government’s finances.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) ● It integrates land use and transport planning and aims to develop planned sustainable urban growth centers, having walkable and livable communes with high density mixed land-use. ● A TOD typically includes a central transit stop (such as a train station, or light rail or bus stop) surrounded by a high-density mixed-use area, with lower-density areas spreading out from this center. ● Need of TOD: Factors such as rapidly growing population, Urbanization, migration to cities, and traffic congestion etc. ● Benefits: Higher quality of life with better places to live, work, and play, greater mobility with ease of moving around, reduced traffic congestion, car accidents and injuries, reduced household spending on transportation, resulting in more affordable housing etc.

National Mission for Edible Oil (NMEO) ● Aim: To increase the domestic availability and reduce the import dependency. ● The mission has been proposed for next five years in the span of 2020-21 to 2024-25.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 89 ● The NMEO comprises of the three Sub-Missions into it with the objective of increasing the production of oilseeds and edible oils from the three sources: ○ Primary Sources- it includes the Annual Crops, Plantation Crops and Edible TBOs ○ Secondary Sources- it includes the Rice bran oil and Cotton seed oil. ○ Consumer Awareness to maintain the edible oil consumption constant at 19.00 kg per person per annum.

What is Economic Survey ? ● The economic survey for 2020-2021 will be tabled in the parliament on January 29, 2021 days before the presentation of Union Budget on February 1, 2021. ● The Economic Survey is a flagship annual document that reviews the development in the Indian economy. ● The survey reviews the development of economy over the past fiscal year and presents a holistic preview of the Budget. ● It is released by the Department of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Finance. ● The survey is prepared by the country’s Chief Economic Advisor and tabled in both houses of Parliament one day before the budget presentation. ● The document is also discussed by the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) and his team during a press conference. ● Significance: The document helps in reviewing the development of the Indian economy over the past year. It also summarises the performance on major development programs besides highlighting the policy initiatives of the central government. The economic survey also projects the India’s GDP growth for the next fiscal and suggests measures to boost the growth.

Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme: ● Aim: It seeks to encourage people to buy gold bonds instead of actual gold. ● Issuer: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issues these bonds on behalf of the central government. Features: ● The gold bonds will be denominated in multiples of gram (s) of gold with a basic unit of one gram while the minimum investment limit is two grams. ● The maximum subscription is 500 grams per person per fiscal (April-March) and for joint holders, the limit will be applied on the first holder. ● The gold bonds will be sold only to resident Indian entities including individuals, Hindu undivided families, trusts, universities, and charitable institutions. ● The bond tenure is eight years with exit option beginning the fifth year onwards. They will also be tradable. ● These bonds can also be used as collateral for loans.

#Target_shots Addition

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 90 Revamped Gold Metal Loan Scheme (GML) ● It is a mechanism under which a jewellery manufacturer borrows gold metal instead of rupees and settles the GML with the sale proceeds obtained. ● GML can be availed for 180 days in case of domestic jewellery manufacturers and for 270 days in case of exports. ● Amendments are also being planned in the GML scheme. ● Issue of Liquidity: According to the Scheme, the banks can lend or sell gold to jewellers or other banks that are part of the Scheme. ○ However, a cash deposit can be given to anybody. But a gold deposit can only go to those looking specifically for gold. ○ Thus, there is a chance of banks finding it difficult to match gold borrowers with gold depositors. ○ That means there could be a situation where banks don’t have enough interest accruing to them to cater to the interest they have to pay gold depositors.

Future Investment Initiative ● The Future Investment Initiative (FII) is an annual investment forum held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss trends in the world economy and investment environment. ◎ ● Hosted by: Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF). The first event was held in 2017. ● Purpose of 4th FII : To find solutions on how business and government can expand access to healthcare, train healthcare workers, remove regulatory barriers and encourage investment in advanced health technologies.

World Gold Council ● The World Gold Council (WGC) is a non-profit association of the world's leading gold producers. ● It works across all parts of the industry, from gold mining to investment, and their aim is to stimulate and sustain demand for gold. ● It is an association whose members comprise the world’s leading gold mining companies. ● It helps to support its members to mine in a responsible way and developed the Conflict Free Gold Standard. ● Headquartered in the UK, they have offices in India, China, Singapore, Japan and the United States.

Bare Necessities Index ● This index is a means of assessing equity in economic development among states and regions in India. It uses the basic needs approach.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 91 ● Indicators: This index uses 26 indicators on five dimensions of basic necessities— water, sanitation, housing, micro-environment, and other facilities. ● Data Collection: The index has been created for all states based on data collected by the National Statistical Office(NSO) in 2012 and 2018. ● Range:The index classifies areas on three levels of access — high, medium, low — to bare necessities. The index has a range of 0 to 1 where 1 represents the best access to the basic necessities Key takeaways ● Performance of States : States such as Kerala, Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat top the index. While eastern Indian States of Odisha,Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Tripura have occupied the lowest positions. ● Inter-State disparity in access to the basic necessities has declined in 2018, when compared to 2012. ● Richer vs Poorer States : The Poorer States have reduced the gap with rich States in providing access to the basics of daily life housing, water, power, sanitation, cooking gas.

Start-up India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) ● The scheme will be launched with a corpus of Rs 945 crore. ● Aim of providing the financial assistance to start-ups for the product trials, market-entry, proof of concept, prototype development and commercialization. ● The funds under SISFS will be disbursed through the selected incubators across the country. ● The scheme will be in mission mode for the year 2021-25. ● The official notification on the launch of SISFS was released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). ● The overall execution and monitoring of the SISFS will be done by the DPIIT. The DPIIT will form an Experts Advisory Committee (EAC) to look after the same. ● The Expert Advisory Committee (EAC) will evaluate and select the incubators in order to allot the Seed Funds, take all required measures for efficient utilization of funds and to monitor the progress. ● The seed support will be provided only once to any start-up.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 92 Indian Polity.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana ● Why in news?: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas recently announced that more than 14 crores of free of cost cylinders have been provided under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana to the beneficiaries of the scheme during covid-19 crisis. About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: ● Aim: To provide LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) connections to poor households. ● Key features: A deposit-free LPG connection is given to eligible with financial assistance of Rs 1,600 per connection by the Centre. ● Target: The scheme gained traction with its ambit being expanded to include 80 million poor families from the earlier target of 50 million families with an additional allocation of Rs4,800 crore. ● Eligibility criteria: ○ Applicant must a woman above the age of 18 and a citizen of India. ○ Applicant should belong to a BPL () household. ○ No one in the applicant’s household should own an LPG connection. ○ The household income of the family, per month, must not exceed a certain limit as defined by the government of the Union Territories and State Government. ○ Applicant must not be a recipient of other similar schemes provided by the government. ● Objectives of the scheme are: ○ Empowering women and protecting their health. ○ Reducing the serious health hazards associated with cooking based on fossil fuel. ○ Reducing the number of deaths in India due to unclean cooking fuel. ○ Preventing young children from significant number of acute respiratory illnesses caused due to indoor air pollution by burning the fossil fuel.

#Target_shots Addition

How are LPG prices fixed in India? ● The LPG pricing in India is done on the basis of Import Parity Price. ● The Import Parity price is determined based on LPG prices in the international market. ● It is based on LPG prices of Aramco of Saudi Arabia. ● It also includes free on-board prices, custom duty, Ocean freight charges, insurance, port dues, etc. The retail selling price of the non-subsidised LPG cylinder include the cost of Inland right, GST, bottling charges, marketing costs and margins charged by the Oil Companies, dealer Commission. ● Therefore, a weak performing rupee will also lead to higher prices of LPG in India. The current price rise in the recent past few months is due to this reason.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 93 What is Import Parity Price? ● According to the United Nations World Food Programme, the Import Parity Price is the price at the border of a goods being imported. ● It includes International transport cost and tariffs.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 ● Objective: to “prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals”. ● The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Act. ● This Act provides for punishment for causing unnecessary cruelty and suffering to animals. The Act defines animals and different forms of animals. ● Discusses different forms of cruelty, exceptions, and killing of a suffering animal in case any cruelty has been committed against it, so as to relieve it from further suffering. ● Provides the guidelines relating to experimentation on animals for scientific purposes. ● The Act enshrines the provisions relating to the exhibition of the performing animals, and offences committed against the performing animals. ● This Act provides for the limitation period of 3 months beyond which no prosecution shall lie for any offences under this Act. ● The 2017 Rules allow a Magistrate to forfeit the cattle of an owner facing trial under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. ● The animals are then sent to infirmaries, ‘gaushalas’, ‘pinjarapole’, etc. These authorities can further give such animals for “adoption”.

Judicial Review ● Judicial review is the power of Judiciary to review any act or order of Legislative and Executive wings and to pronounce upon the constitutional validity when challenged by the affected person. Judicial review present in India: ● The power of Judicial Review comes from the itself (Articles 13, 32, 136, 142 and 147 of the Constitution). ● The power of judicial review is evoked to protect and enforce the fundamental rights guaranteed in Part III of the Constitution. ● Article 13 of the Constitution prohibits the Parliament and the state legislatures from making laws that “may take away or abridge the fundamental rights” guaranteed to the citizens of the country. ● The provisions of Article 13 ensure the protection of the fundamental rights and consider any law “inconsistent with or in derogation of the fundamental rights” as void. ● Judicial review has two important functions, like, of legitimizing government action and the protection of constitution against any undue encroachment by the gov­ernment. ● Judicial review is considered a basic structure of the constitution (Indira Gandhi vs Raj Narain Case 1975).

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 94 ● Judicial review is also called the interpretational and observer roles of the Indian judiciary. ● Suo Moto cases and the Public Interest Litigation (PIL), with the discontinuation of the principle of Locus Standi, have allowed the judiciary to intervene in many public issues, even when there is no complaint from the aggrieved party.

#Target_shots Addition

Judicial Overreach ● The line between Judicial activism and Judicial Overreach is very narrow. ● In simple terms, when Judicial activism crosses its limits and becomes Judicial adventurism it is known as Judicial Overreach. ● When the judiciary oversteps the powers given to it, it may interfere with the proper functioning of the legislative or executive organs of government.

Constitutional Provisions for Judicial Review ● There is no direct and express provision in the constitution empowering the courts to invalidate laws, but the constitution has imposed definite limitations upon each of the organs, the transgression of which would make the law void. ● The court is entrusted with the task of deciding whether any of the consti­tutional limitations has been transgressed or not.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 95 ● Some provisions in the constitution supporting the process of judicial review are: ● Article 372 (1) establishes the judicial review of the pre-constitution legislation. ● Article 13 declares that any law which contravenes any of the provisions of the part of Funda­mental Rights shall be void. ● Articles 32 and 226 entrusts the roles of the protector and guarantor of fundamental rights to the Supreme and High Courts. ● Article 251 and 254 states that in case of inconsistency between union and state laws, the state law shall be void. ● Article 246 (3) ensures the state legislature’s exclusive powers on matters pertaining to the . ● Article 245 states that the powers of both Parliament and State legislatures are subject to the provisions of the constitution. ● Articles 131-136 entrusts the court with the power to adjudicate disputes between individuals, between individuals and the state, between the states and the union; but the court may be required to interpret the provisions of the constitution and the interpretation given by the Supreme Court becomes the law honoured by all courts of the land. ● Article 137 gives a special power to the SC to review any judgment pronounced or order made by it. An order passed in a criminal case can be reviewed and set aside only if there are errors apparent on the record.

Vertical and horizontal reservations ● Vertical reservation: ○ Reservation for Scheduled , Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes is referred to as vertical reservation. ○ It applies separately for each of the groups specified under the law.

● Horizontal reservation ○ refers to the equal opportunity provided to other categories of beneficiaries such as women, veterans, the transgender community, and individuals with disabilities, cutting through the vertical categories.

How are the two categories of quotas applied together? ● The horizontal quota is applied separately to each vertical category, and not across the board. ● For example, if women have 50% horizontal quota, then half of the selected candidates will have to necessarily be women in each vertical quota category i.e., half of all selected SC candidates will have to be women, half of the unreserved or general category will have to be women, and so on.

Constitutional Provisions Governing Reservation in India

● Article 15(3) allows protective discrimination in favour of women.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 96 ● Article 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution enabled the State and Central Governments to reserve seats in government services for the members of the SC and ST. ● The Constitution was amended by the Constitution (77th Amendment) Act, 1995 and a new clause (4A) was inserted in Article 16 to enable the government to provide reservation in promotion. ● Recently, the has said that reservation of seats provided to certain communities is not a fundamental right. ● Later, clause (4A) was modified by the Constitution (85th Amendment) Act, 2001 to provide consequential seniority to SC and ST candidates promoted by giving reservation. ● Constitutional 81st Amendment Act, 2000 inserted Article 16 (4 B) which enables the state to fill the unfilled vacancies of a year which are reserved for SCs/STs in the succeeding year, thereby nullifying the ceiling of fifty percent reservation on total number of vacancies of that year. ● Article 330 and 332 provides for specific representation through reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Parliament and in the State Legislative Assemblies respectively. ● Article 243D provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every Panchayat. ● It also provides for the reservation of not less than one-third of the total number of seats for women (including the number of seats reserved for women belonging to the SCs and STs). ● Article 233T provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every Municipality. ● Article 335 of the Constitution says that the claims of SCs and STs shall be taken into consideration constituently with the maintenance of efficacy of the administration.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 9th Dec ● Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India. ● Ttheme was "Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat". ● the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs and provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Indians. ● The theme of 16th PBD Convention 2021: “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat”. Why PBD is celebrated on January 9 ? ● January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that , the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever. Significance ● These conventions provide a platform to the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and people of the land of their ancestors for mutually beneficial activities. ● These conventions are also very useful in networking among the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 97 #Target_shots Addition

Initiatives for Indian Diaspora:

Vande Bharat Mission ● Vande Bharat Mission is the biggest evacuation exercise to bring back Indian citizens stranded abroad amidst the coronavirus-induced travel restrictions. ● in which more than 45 lakh Indians were rescued during Corona times.

Operation Samudra Setu ● The program named Samudra Setu by Indian navy entails to bring back around two thousand Indians in two ships during the first phase of evacuation. ● INS Jalashwa and INS Magar are being operated as part of efforts to repatriate Indian nationals from foreign shores.

Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY) ● Skill development scheme of the Ministry of External Affairs, ● Aimed at enhancing the skill set of potential emigrant workers in select sectors and job roles in line with international standards. ● It will be implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) through its training partners and in consultation with the Union Ministry of External Affairs and the Union Skill Development Ministry.

Global Pravasi Rishta Portal ● Launched by Minister of State for External Affairs ● Aims to connect with Indian Diaspora across the world. ● The portal will act as a dynamic communication platform between the Pravasis of India. ● The mobile app will be used by the diaspora and the Indian nationals, while the portal web interface will be used by the missions. ● The portal is going to facilitate the Indian government to connect with the overseas Indian community.

Vaishwik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Summit: ● It aims to bring out comprehensive roadmap to leverage the expertise and knowledge of global Indian researcher for solving emerging challenges ● VAIBHAV Summit is a collaborative initiative by S&T and Academic Organisations of India to enable deliberations on thought process, practices and R&D culture with a problem solving approach for well defined objectives

Tenth Schedule: ● The Tenth Schedule was inserted in the Constitution in 1985 by the 52nd Amendment Act. ● Popularly referred to as the ‘Anti-Defection Law’

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 98 ● It lays down the process by which legislators may be disqualified on grounds of defection by the Presiding Officer of a legislature. ● The law applies to both Parliament and state assemblies.

Provisions under Anti-Defection Law

Grounds for Disqualification: ● If a member of a House belonging to a political party: ○ Voluntarily gives up the membership of his political party, or ○ Votes or abstains from voting in such House contrary to any direction issued by his political party without obtaining prior permission of such party and such act has not been condoned by the party within 15 days. ● If an independent candidate joins a political party after the election. ● If a nominated member joins a party six months after he becomes a member of the legislature.

Exceptions under the Law: ● In the situation where two-thirds of the legislators of a political party decide to merge into another party, neither the members who decide to join nor the ones who stay with the original party will face disqualification. ● Any person elected as chairman or speaker can resign from his party, and rejoin the party if he demits that post. ● Earlier, the law allowed parties to be split, but at present, this has been outlawed.

Deciding Authority ● Any question regarding disqualification arising out of defection is to be decided by the presiding officer of the House.

Decision of the Presiding Officer is Subject to Judicial Review: ● In the Kihoto Hollohan case (1993), the Supreme Court declared that while deciding a question under the 10th Schedule, the presiding officer should function as a tribunal. ● Hence, his/her decision (like that of any other tribunal) was subject to judicial review on the grounds of mala fides, perversity, etc.

Demand for Autonomous State within Assam ● Article 244: This article deals with the administration of the Scheduled and Tribal Areas. ○ It defines Scheduled Areas as the areas defined so by the and are mentioned in the fifth schedule of the Constitution. ● Article 244A: Formation of an autonomous state comprising certain tribal areas in Assam and creation of local legislature or Council of Ministers or both therefore. ● The appeal to the Centre has been for the creation of an autonomous State for the Karbi Anglong region. ● This has been a demand since 1986.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 99 ● The districts are currently governed by two autonomous councils Karbi Anglong and North Cachar hills.

#Target_shots Addition

Administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas: ● There are two schedules (5th and 6th) of the Indian Constitution which entail the details about the control and management of the Scheduled and Tribal Areas. ● Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution: ○ The provisions regarding the administration and control of Scheduled and Tribal Areas of any state except the four states (Assam, Meghalaya,Tripura, Mizoram) are mentioned under this schedule. ○ At present, 10 States namely Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana have Fifth Schedule Areas. ● Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution ○ This schedule deals with the administration and control of the scheduled and tribal areas of the four states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram.

How a US President can be impeached? ● Impeachment is a provision that allows Congress to remove the President of the United States. Under the US Constitution: ● The House of Representatives (Lower House) has the “the sole power of impeachment” while the Senate (Upper House) has “the sole power to try all impeachments”. ● The Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court has the duty of presiding over impeachment trials in the Senate. ● Grounds for impeachment: ○ The President can be removed from office for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors”. ○ Essentially, it means an abuse of power by a high-level public official. This does not necessarily have to be a violation of an ordinary criminal statute. ○ Historically, in the US, it has encompassed corruption and other abuses, including trying to obstruct judicial proceedings..

Question Hour ● The first hour of every parliamentary sitting is termed as Question hour. ● During this one hour, Members of Parliament (MPs) ask questions to ministers and hold them accountable for the functioning of their ministries. ● The questions can also be asked to the private members (MPs who are not ministers). ● Regulation : It is mentioned in the Rules of Procedure of the House.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 100 ● The presiding officers of the both Houses ( and Lok Sabha) are the final authority with respect to the conduct of Question Hour. ● Kinds of Questions: There are three types of questions asked. 1. Starred question (distinguished by an asterisk)- this requires an oral answer and hence supplementary questions can follow. 2. Unstarred question- this requires a written answer and hence, supplementary questions cannot follow. 3. Short notice question is one that is asked by giving a notice of less than ten days. It is answered orally. ● Frequency : Question Hour in both Houses is held on all days of the session. But there are two days when an exception is made. ○ When the President addresses MPs from both Houses. ○ The President’s speech takes place at the beginning of a new Lok Sabha and on the first day of a new Parliament year. ○ On the day the Finance Minister presents the Budget.

Zero Hour ● Zero Hour is an Indian parliamentary innovation. It is not mentioned in the parliamentary rules book. ● Under this, MPs can raise matters without any prior notice. ● The zero hour starts immediately after the question hour and lasts until the agenda for the day (i.e. regular business of the House) is taken up. ○ In other words, the time gap between the question hour and the agenda is known as zero hour.

Aadhar Bill as Money Bill: ● Section 7 of Aadhaar Act provided that the expenditure for subsidy, services or benefits under welfare schemes would be met from the Consolidated Fund of India. Because of this, the bill was qualified to be categorised as a money bill.

What is a Money Bill ? ● A Money Bill is one that contains provisions for taxes, appropriation of funds etc. ● Money Bills can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha cannot make amendments to such bills passed by the Lok Sabha. ● The Rajya Sabha can suggest amendments, but it is the Lok Sabha’s choice to accept or reject them. ● Under Article 110(1), a Bill is deemed to be a money Bill if it deals only with matters specified in Article 110 (1) (a) to (g) — taxation, borrowing by the government and appropriation of money from the Consolidated Fund of India among others.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 101 ● According to Article 110 (3) of the Constitution, “if any question arises whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not, the decision of the Speaker of the House of the People thereon shall be final.”

MGIEP ● Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) ● MGIEP is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO's) category 1 Research Institute. ● UNESCO’s Category 1 institutes build scientific capacity in Member States, essentially in developing countries. ● Establish: It was established by UNESCO in cooperation with the Government of India in 2012. ● Working : It will support member governments, provide advocacy, commission research and enhance capacity building. ○ It focuses on mobilising the world’s youth to put into practice in their own communities the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. ○ It will act as a clearing house for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Peace Education. ● Both MGIEP and UNESCO will play a major role in the implementation of the National Educational Policy -2020.

Law Commission ● Status : The Law Commission of India is a non- statutory body constituted by the Government of India from time to time. ● Background : The Commission was originally constituted in 1955 and is re-constituted every three years. ● The first such Commission was established in 1834 under the Charter Act of 1833 under the Chairmanship of Lord Macaulay. ● The First Law Commission of Independent India was established in 1955 under the Chairmanship of the then Attorney-General of India, M. C.Setalvad. ● Composition: The 22nd Law Commission will consist of – ○ a full-time Chairperson; ○ Four full-time Members (including Member-Secretary); ○ Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs as ex-officio Member; ○ Secretary, Legislative Department as ex officio Member; and ○ Not more than five part-time Members. Mandate : ● The Law Commission shall, on a reference made to it by the Central Government or suo-motu, undertake research in law and review of existing laws in India for making reforms therein and enacting new legislations.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 102 ● It shall also undertake studies and research for bringing reforms in the justice delivery systems for elimination of delay in procedures, speedy disposal of cases, reduction in cost of litigation etc.

North East Council ● The North Eastern Council is the nodal agency for the economic and social development of the North Eastern Region. ● States : It consists of the eight States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. ● It was constituted in 1971 by an Act of Parliament. ● The constitution of the Council has marked the beginning of a new chapter of concerted and planned endeavour for the rapid development of the Region. ● Composition : The Union Home Minister is ex-officio Chairman and the MoS(IC) DoNER is the ex-officio Vice-Chairman of the NEC. ● Working: It is an apex level advisory Body, for securing balanced and coordinated development and facilitating effective co-ordination among the members of NEC. ● Significance of North East Council (NEC) : The NEC has been working to raise livelihoods in the North-East besides launching several projects, which shows how important the role of NEC is.

Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 ● It governs the use of wired and wireless telegraphy, telephones, teletype, radio communications and digital data communications. ● It gives the Government of India exclusive jurisdiction and privileges for establishing, maintaining, operating, licensing and oversight of all forms of wired and wireless communications within Indian territory. ● It also authorizes government law enforcement agencies to monitor/intercept communications and tap phone lines under conditions defined within the Indian Constitution. ● Section 5(2) of the act allows central and state governments to prevent the transmission of messaging during a “public emergency or in the interest of public safety”, or “in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state”.

Bharat Parv 2021 ● The annual event Bharat Parv that celebrates the spirit of India is being organised virtually from January 26, 2021 till January 31, 2021. ● Bharat Parv is being organised with the overall theme focusing on the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat. About Bharat Parv: ● The Bharat Parv is organized by the Ministry of Tourism every year. ● It was started in the year 2016.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 103 ● The event is organised in front of the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Republic Day Celebrations. ● The events are organised with the aim of generating patriotic fervour. It also showcases the rich and varied cultural of India.

India Justice Report 2020 ● Prepared by the Tata Trusts in collaboration with the Centre for Social Justice, Common Cause, DAKSH, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy and the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative has been released recently. ● The Report assesses the capacity of various states to deliver justice. ● The report analysed expenditure, vacancies, representation of women, human resources, infrastructure, workload, diversity across 18 large and medium-sized states with a population of over 1 crore and 7 small states. Overall Ranking: ● The overall ranking is a result of a state’s ranking across the four pillars of justice delivery system - Judiciary, Police, Prisons and Legal aid. ● Maharashtra was ranked topmost among 18 states for the second time in a row, followed by Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Uttar Pradesh remains last. ● Amongst the smaller states, Goa remained at the top and Arunachal Pradesh at the bottom. ● Women Ratio in Judiciary: ○ Overall, only 29% judges in High Courts across the country are women, but no state except Sikkim has over 20% women judges. ○ Four states - Bihar, , Tripura and Meghalaya have no woman judges in high courts. ● Women Ratio in Police Force: Bihar leads the list of 25 states for employing most women in its police force which is 25.3%.

Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2020 ● Released by Transparency International. ● It is a composite index that draws from 12 surveys to rank nations around the globe. ● It has become a benchmark gauge of perceptions of corruption and is used by analysts and investors. ● The index highlights the concern of persistent corruption in the health care systems and contributing in weakening of democracy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. ● How are the countries ranked? ○ It ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, according to experts and business people. ○ It uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean. ● Key Points: ○ Denmark and New Zealand topped the list with scores of 88, followed by Finland, Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland (85 each).

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 104 ○ Somalia and South Sudan rank lowest at 179th position with scores of 12. ○ Indian Scenario : ■ India has slipped six places to 86th among 180 countries in the corruption perception index (CPI) in 2020. ■ India was ranked at 80th position out of 180 countries in 2019. ■ India is still very low on the corruption index.

#Target_shots Addition

Transparency International: ● A global movement working in over 100 countries to end the injustice of corruption. ● It is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit. ● Founded in 1993 and Based in Berlin.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 105 Social Issues.

Global Housing Technology Challenge-India (GHTC-India) ● Launched in 2019, the challenge is undertaken under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban (PMAY-U). ● Aims to identify and mainstream a basket of innovative technologies from across the globe for the housing construction sector that are sustainable, eco-friendly and disaster-resilient. ● GHTC aims to fast-track the construction of affordable housing and meet the target of constructing 2 crore houses by 2022. ● GHTC focuses on identifying and mainstreaming proven demonstrable technologies for lighthouse projects and spotting potential future technologies for incubation and acceleration support through ASHA (Affordable Sustainable Housing Accelerators) — India. ● 3 Components of GHTC-India: ○ Grand Expo and Conference: It is organized biennially to provide a platform to all stakeholders associated with housing construction for the exchange of knowledge and business. ○ Proven Demonstrable Technologies for the Construction of Lighthouse Projects: These projects demonstrate the merits of the selected technologies and serve as live laboratories for research, testing, technology transfer, increasing mass awareness and for mainstreaming them in the country. The funding for the LHPs is as per the guidelines of PMAY-U. ○ Potential Future Technologies for Incubation and Acceleration Support: Potential future technologies from India that are applicable to the housing sector will be supported and encouraged through the ASHA (Affordable Sustainable Housing Accelerators) India program.

#Target_shots Addition

Affordable Sustainable Housing Accelerators - India (ASHA-India) ● Aims to promote domestic research and entrepreneurship by providing incubation and acceleration support to potential future technologies. ● Under ASHA-India initiative, five ASHA-India Centers have been set up for providing incubation and acceleration support. ● The potential technology winners under acceleration support will be announced by the Prime Minister. ● The technologies, processes and materials identified through this initiative will provide a major fillip to young creative minds, start-ups, innovators and entrepreneurs.

Light house projects ● Under Global Housing Technology Challenge-India (GHTC-India)

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 106 ● Implemented by Union Urban Ministry. ● The LHPs are being constructed at Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Rajkot (Gujarat), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Ranchi (Jharkhand), Agartala (Tripura) and Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh). ● They comprise about 1000 houses at each location along with allied infrastructure facilities. ● These projects will demonstrate and deliver ready to live houses at an expedited pace within twelve months, as compared to conventional brick and mortar construction, and will be more economical, sustainable, of high quality and durability. ● Under the Light House Projects, people are provided sustainable housing considering the local climate and ecology. ● Under the project, cheap and strong houses are built using special techniques. ● Advance Technologies used: These LHPs demonstrate a variety of technologies, including Prefabricated Sandwich Panel System in LHP at Indore, Monolithic Concrete Construction using Tunnel Formwork etc. ● The entire carpet area of this project will be in 34.50 square meters. ● Under this, 14-storey towers will be built. ● A total of 1,040 flats are to be built. Each flat will be 415 square feet.

Drug Menace In India ● The menace of drug addiction has spread fast among the youth of India. ● India is sandwiched between two largest Opium producing regions of the world that is the Golden triangle on one side and the Golden crescent on other.

#Target_shots Addition

Golden Triangle ● It represents the region coinciding with the rural mountains of , Laos, and Thailand. ● It is Southeast Asia’s main opium-producing region and one of the oldest narcotics supply routes to Europe and North America.

Golden Crescent ● This region of South Asia is a principal global site for opium production and distribution. ● It comprises , Iran, and Pakistan.

Millennium Alliance: ● It is an innovation-driven and impact-focused initiative ● Objective : Leveraging collaborative resources to identify test and scale Indian innovations that address global development solutions. ● Significance ➔ The program has played an important role in providing funding, capacity building and business development support to Indian social enterprises.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 107 ● A consortium of partners (Public-Private Partnership) including the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID), Facebook and Marico Innovation Foundation.

Anti-Drug Working Group BRICS ● The group reaffirmed their commitments towards the Anti-Drug Conventions. ● The meeting focused on misuse of technologies for drug trafficking( Darknet ).

Anti-Drug Action Plan 2020-21 ● Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. ● International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (June 26) ● The plan includes identification of drug dependent population, awareness generation programme, focus on treatment facilities ● action plan includes: De-addiction facilities in Districts , drop-in centres for addicts.Drug-free India campaign, Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCAs),

#Target_shots Addition

Government Initiatives to Tackle Drug Addiction: ● It constituted the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in November, 2016 and revived the scheme of “Financial Assistance to States for Narcotics Control”. ● has been provided funds for developing a new software i.e. Seizure Information Management System (SIMS) which will create a complete online database of drug offences and offenders. ● The government has constituted a fund called “National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse” to meet the expenditure incurred in connection with combating illicit traffic in Narcotic Drugs; rehabilitating addicts, and educating the public against drug abuse, etc. ● The government is also conducting a National Drug Abuse Survey to measure trends of drug abuse in India through the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment with the help of National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre of AIIMS.

'Project Sunrise' ● Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2016, ● to tackle the rising HIV prevalence in north-eastern states in India, especially among people injecting drugs. ● The AIDS prevention special project aims to diagnose 90 per cent of such drug addicts with HIV and put them under treatment by 2020. ● Project Sunrise aims at bringing the people living with HIV/AIDS into the national mainstream and create more awareness about the disease in these N-E states.. ● It will be implemented in the North East in addition to the existing projects of the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO).

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 108 ● The project has been sponsored by US based Centre for Disease Control and would be implemented by Family Health International 360. ● North Eastern States like Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram account for highest adult (15-49 years) HIV prevalence in the country.

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, (NDPS) 1985: ● It prohibits a person from producing, possessing, selling, purchasing, transporting, storing, and/or consuming any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance. ● The NDPS Act has since been amended thrice – in 1988, 2001 and 2014. ● The Act extends to the whole of India and it applies also to all Indian citizens outside India and to all persons on ships and aircraft registered in India.

Drug free India Campaign ● Government has also announced the launch of the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’, or Drug-Free India Campaign which focuses on community outreach programs.

#Target_shots Addition

SunRISE mission: ● The Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment (SunRISE) ● NASA has selected a new mission to study how the Sun generates and releases giant space weather storms – known as solar particle storms – into planetary space. ● Objectives of the mission: ○ To study how the Sun creates and releases giant solar particle storms. ○ To help scientists understand the workings of the Solar System. ● The mission design relies on six solar-powered CubeSats to simultaneously observe radio images of low-frequency emission from solar activity and share them via NASA’s Deep Space Network.

School Bag Policy 2020 ● Released by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). ● The weight of the school bags, as per the policy, should be ○ 1.6 to 2.2 kg for students of Classes I and II, ○ 1.7 to 2.5 kg for Classes III, IV and V, ○ 2 to 3 kg for Classes VI and VII, 2.5 to 4 kg for Class VIII, ○ 2.5 to 4.5 kg for Classes IX and X and ○ 3.5 to 5 kg for Classes XI and XII. ● It lays down the guidelines on homework and weight of school bags for classes I to XII. ○ School bags should not be more than 10% of the bodyweight of students across classes I to X and there should be no bags in pre-primary students.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 109 ○ It recommends no homework up to class II and a maximum of two hours per week for classes III to V, one hour a day for classes VI to VIII and two hours a day for classes IX and above. ● The Policy will also require schools to introduce infrastructural changes as students will not be able to carry many books daily. ○ The schools need to provide lockers right from preschool to senior secondary to enable children to leave books in school and carry home only what is required. ● It adds that the teachers should take the responsibility of checking the weight of school bags of the students every three months on a day selected for the whole class and any information about heavy bags should be communicated to the parents. ● It adds that files and thin/light exercise books should be preferred to thick/heavy ones.

NHRC recommendations on Manual Scavenging ● Purpose: to achieve Zero Manual Scavenging in the country and and Nil sanitary latrines. What are the recommendations? ● The rehabilitation process of manual scavengers should be linked to schemes. By this the manual scavengers can immediately start earning. The authorities should revisit to see how their families or doing after rehabilitation. ● The compensation amount being paid as one-time cash assistance for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers should be enhanced to Rs 1 lakh. Currently, the one-time cash assistance of rehabilitation paid to manual scavengers is 40,000 rupees. ● The role of middlemen in making provisions such as direct benefit transfer for collaboration with Non-Governmental organisations should be removed. ● Strict actions should be taken against local authorities for employing manual scavengers. A toll free number and mobile application for registration of complaint should be launched. ● The National Crime Record Bureau should monitor the sewer deaths and include their death in its report. ● The Ministry of Finance should designate a particular nationalized bank for each state to extend loans to the manual scavengers up to 10 lakhs of rupees. ● The National Safai Karmachari Finance and Development Corporation should provide financial assistance to manual scavengers. This will help them startup working in the domain of sanitation. ● The Government of India should plan adequately to facilitate investments in shifting towards Technology based sanitary cleaning. Also, the workers should be trained to operate the technology. ● A Vigilance committee and a monetary mechanism should be established. ● A police investigation officer with special training has to be deployed.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 110 Khelo India Programme ● Khelo India Programme is a national yojana/scheme for the development of sports in India. ● Launched by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports ● Launched in the year 2018 ● It will be a Central Sector Scheme (Scheme implemented by the Central Government machinery and 100% funding by the Union Government). ● Program has been launched to improve the sports culture in India. ● Aimed at mainstreaming sports as a tool for national development, economic development, community development and individual development ● It is a Pan India Sports Scholarship scheme covering the 1000 most deserving and talented athletes across the sports discipline, every year. ● Selected athletes will be entitled to a scholarship amount of Five Lakh Rupees for eight consecutive years. ● To enable the sportsman to pursue both studies and sports, the program aims at identifying and promoting 20 Universities in the country as centres of sporting distinction. ● The program strives to promote “Sports for Excellence” as well as “Sports for All”. ● The Union Cabinet approved the execution of the revamped ‘Khelo India’ program by consolidating the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan’ (formerly called the ‘Yuva Krida & Khel Abhiyan’), the ‘Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme’ and the National Sports Talent Search System Programme’. ● Why in news?: launched the Assam Rifles Public School as a Khelo India Sports School.

Kamdhenu Gau-Vigyan Prachar-Prasar Exam ● Announced by Rastriya Kamdhenu Aayog. ○ Rastriya Kamdhenu Aayog is an agency under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying) established for the protection of cows. ● The exam has been initiated for raising mass awareness about Indigenous cows among young students and all citizens. ● It will also help make study materials about cow science available. ● It will be conducted in four categories, primary, secondary, college and general public levels. ● The exam will be in Hindi, English and 12 regional languages. ● There will be no fee for taking the exam.

National Programme for Health Care of Elderly ● What is it ?: The programme is being implemented under the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) flexible pool within the overarching umbrella of the National Health Mission for Districts and below in the States. ● Vision: JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 111 ○ To provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality long-term, comprehensive and dedicated care services to an Ageing population. ○ Creating a new “architecture” for Ageing. ○ To build a framework to create an enabling environment for “a Society for all Ages”. ○ To promote the concept of Active and Healthy Ageing. ● Funding Pattern: The Centre bears 75% of the total budget and the State Government contributes 25% of the budget, for activities up to district level. ● Eligible Beneficiary: All elderly People (above 60 Years) in the country. ● Types of Benefits: Free, Specialized health care facilities exclusively for the elderly people through the State health delivery system. #Target_shots Addition

Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) Wave-1 Report About Report: ● Released by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare ● It is a full scale national survey of scientific investigation of the health, economic, and social determinants and consequences of population ageing in India. It was commissioned in 2016. Key findings: ● In the 2011 census, the 60+ population accounted for 8.6% of India’s population, accounting for 103 million elderly people. ● Growing at around 3% annually, the number of elderly people will rise to 319 million in 2050. ● 75% of the elderly people suffer from one or the other chronic disease. 40% of the elderly people have one or the other disability and 20% have issues related to mental health. ● The self-reported prevalence of diagnosed cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is 28% among older adults aged 45 and above.

G Kishan Reddy committee ● Centre has decided to form a committee to protect the language, culture and land of Ladakh and ensuring citizen's participation in the Union Territory's development. ● Background : The decision to form the Committee came after Union Home Minister met a 10-member delegation from Ladakh who expressed their views about the need to protect Ladakh's unique cultural identity.

Institutions of Eminence (IoEs) Scheme ● The Ministry of Education launched the IoE scheme in 2018. ● Institutions of Eminence scheme has been launched in order to implement the commitment of the Government to empower the Higher Educational Institutions and to help them become world class teaching and research institutions.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 112 ● The scheme was announced by the Finance Minister in his budget speech of 2016. ● This will enhance affordable access to high quality education for ordinary Indians. ● IoEs scheme: Launched in order to empower the Higher Educational Institutions and to help them become world-class teaching and research institutions. ● Objectives: To develop the capacity of the students and researchers to compete in the global tertiary education marketplace through the acquisition and creation of advanced knowledge in those areas. ● As per scheme, 20 institutions were to be selected (10 public and 10 private ones ) that would enjoy complete academic and administrative autonomy. ● Why in news?: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has amended its regulations, allowing Institutions of Eminence (IoEs) to set up campuses abroad after receiving no objection certificates from the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi ● It is implemented as a central sector scheme by the Government of India. ● This scheme was introduced to augment the source of income of many small and marginal farmers. ● Under the Scheme an amount of Rs.6000/- per year is transferred directly into the bank accounts of the farmers, subject to certain exclusion criteria relating to higher income status. ● The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiaries rests with the State / UT Governments. ● The Scheme initially provided income support to all Small and Marginal Farmers’ families across the country, holding cultivable land upto 2 hectares. ● Its ambit was later expanded w.e.f. 01.06.2019 to cover all farmer families in the country irrespective of the size of their land holdings.

Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana ( MKSP ) ● It is a sub component of the Deendayal Antodaya Yojana-NRLM (DAY-NRLM). ● It seeks to improve the present status of women in Agriculture, and to enhance the opportunities available to empower her. ● MKSP recognizes the identity of “Mahila” as “Kisan” and strives to build the capacity of women in the domain of agro-ecologically sustainable practices. ● It has a clear vision to reach out to the poorest of poor households and expand the portfolio of activities currently handled by the Mahila Kisan. ● The focus of MKSP is on capacitating smallholders to adopt sustainable climate resilient agro-ecology and eventually create a pool of skilled community professionals.

Office for International Affairs in Education institutions ● The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently asked the higher education institutes across the country to establish an office for international affairs.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 113 About the Office of International Affairs ● The Office of International Affairs will be an integral part of internationalisation of higher . ● They will be responsible for academic and research collaborations with foreign institutes. ● The Offices will act as a liaison body between foreign students and sponsoring agency. ● It will address the grievances of foreign students. ● The Office for International affairs will facilitate networking and extend all support to foreign students to adapt to the country. ● The office will disseminate information related to admission process among prospective foreign students. ● It will engage in promotional activities and brand campaigns abroad. ● The Office will coordinate all matters related to welcoming and supporting foreign students.

Rakshita: ● It is a bike-based casualty transport emergency vehicle. ● Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi based DRDO laboratory, handed over Rakshita to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). ● The bike ambulance will help in overcoming the problems faced by Indian security forces and emergency healthcare providers.

NEP 2020: Implementation Plan for School Education ● It is the third in the series of National Education Policies (1968 and 1986 modified in 1992) in India and is the first education policy of the 21st century. ● NEP 2020 covers major reforms in wider spectrum of school education from pre-primary to senior secondary. ● The recommendations under NEP have varied timelines as the policy is made for next 20 years. Therefore, the implementation of NEP is being carried out in a phased manner. So far steps taken includes ● National Initiative for School Heads' and Teachers' Holistic Advancement (NISTHA), an initiative to build capacities of teachers and school principals at the elementary stage. ● Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) Portal was launched to expand E-learning by providing access to a large number of curriculum linked e-content. ● Approval for setting up of the National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission. ● ’Manodarpan’ initiative for mental health and wellbeing of students aiming to provide emotional support and counselling to the students under distress. ● Development of Indian Sign Language dictionary (for deaf community ) for school education has been proposed. ● Existing schemes, Samagra Shiksha, Mid Day Meal and Padhna Likhna Abhiyan are being aligned with the recommendations of NEP 2020.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 114 ● States and UTs are also constituting their own Task Force to steer implementation of the NEP

Project ECHO ● Project ECHO began in 2003 as a healthcare initiative. ● ECHO India is a not-for-profit organization operational since 2008 and working towards both building capacity and extending access to speciality care for underserved communities. ● The organization was started with a mandate to replicate the impact of the telementoring model perfected by Project ECHO. ● Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) helps improve access to preventive and specialty care for people living in remote or underserved areas in India and Vietnam. ● ECHO started as a strategy for treating Hepatitis-C, and is now responsible for newly trained experts in HIV, Malaria, Tuberculosis, addictions, mental health and many other conditions.

Shramshakti Portal ● Launched by The Union Minister of Tribal Affairs ● It is a National Migration Support Portal. ● It will record various data including demographic profile, livelihood options, skill mapping and migration pattern. ● It would effectively help in the smooth formulation of state and national level programs for migrant workers. ● The tribal migration repository, ShramShakti would be able to successful able to address the data gap and empower migrant workers who generally migrate in search of employment and income generation.

#Target_shots Addition

Recent Government Initiatives to Help Migrant Workers: ● ASEEM Portal: ○ The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched ‘AtmaNirbhar Skilled Employee Employer Mapping (ASEEM)’ portal to help skilled people find sustainable livelihood opportunities. ● NMIS Dashboard: ○ The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has developed an online dashboard called ‘National Migrant Information System (NMIS)’. ○ It would maintain a central repository of migrant workers and help in speedy inter-state communication to facilitate the smooth movement of migrant workers to their native places.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 115 National Girl Child Day ( 24 Jan ) ● The objective is to raise awareness on the issue of declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR). ● The celebrations will also mark the anniversary of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme.

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) ● Launch and expansion: Launched in January, 2015 at Panipat in Haryana. All India Expansion of BBBP covering all 640 districts (as per Census 2011) was launched at Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan on 8th March 2018. ● It is a tri-ministerial effort of Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health & Family Welfare and Human Resource Development. ● Implementation: A Central Sector Scheme with 100% financial assistance for District level component and the fund are directly released to the DC/DM’s account for smooth operation of the Scheme. ● Objectives: ○ Main Objective of the scheme is to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and related issues of empowerment of women over a life-cycle continuum. ○ The specific objectives of the scheme include preventing gender biased sex selective elimination; ensuring survival and protection of the girl child and ensuring education and participation of the girl child. ● Performance of BBBP Scheme: ○ Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) has improved by 16 points from 918 (2014-15) to 934 (2019-20), as per the Health Management Information System (HMIS) data. ○ ANC Registration: Percentage of 1st Trimester ANC (AnteNatal Care) Registration has shown an improving trend from 61% in 2014-15 to 71% in 2019-20. ○ Institutional Deliveries: Percentage of Institutional Deliveries has shown an improving trend from 87% in 2014-15 to 94% in 2019-20. ○ Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): GER of girls in the schools at secondary level has improved from 77.45 (2014-15) to 81.32 (2018-19) as per Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) provisional data.

#Target_shots Addition

Others Steps Taken by Government

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: ● It is a small deposit scheme for the girl child launched as a part of the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign. ● A Sukanya Samriddhi Account can be opened any time after the birth of a girl till she turns 10, with a minimum deposit of Rs 250 (Earlier it was Rs 1,000). In subsequent years, a minimum of Rs 250 and a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh can be deposited during the ongoing financial year.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 116 ● The account can be opened in any post office or authorised branches of commercial banks. ● The account will remain operative for 21 years from the date of its opening or till the marriage of the girl after she turns 18. ● To meet the requirement of her higher education expenses, partial withdrawal of 50% of the balance is allowed after she turns 18.

UJJAWALA Scheme: ● It is a comprehensive Scheme for Prevention of trafficking and Rescue, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Victims of Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation.

National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 ● It has introduced a “Gender Inclusion Fund’‘ for targeting the development of girl child. ● The fund will focus on ensuring 100% enrollment of girls in schooling and a record participation rate in higher education, decrease gender gaps at all levels, practice gender equity and inclusion in society.

KIRAN’ Scheme ● The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched ‘Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN)’ Scheme to provide various career opportunities to women scientists and technologists.

SERB Women Excellence Award ● Program for Gender Advancement in S&T Institutions which started in 2020, ● Aims to develop a Charter for Gender Equality in STEM with a focus on bringing about transformational changes at the institutional level. ● The project aims to create a new ecosystem based on building competencies of institutions and provide them with ongoing mentoring support to achieve transformation.

‘Ayushman Bharat: Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’ (AB PM-JAY) ● It was launched as the National Health Protection Mission and renamed later. ● The world’s largest health insurance/ assurance scheme fully financed by the government. Features of PM-JAY: ● It provides cover of 5 lakhs per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization across public and private empaneled hospitals in India. ● Coverage: Over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable entitled families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) are eligible for these benefits. ● Provides cashless access to health care services for the beneficiary at the point of service. Eligibility: ● No restrictions on family size, age or gender.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 117 ● All pre–existing conditions are covered from day one. ● Covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses such as diagnostics and medicines. ● Benefits of the scheme are portable across the country. ● Services include approximately 1,393 procedures covering all the costs related to treatment, including but not limited to drugs, supplies, diagnostic services, physician’s fees, room charges, surgeon charges, OT and ICU charges etc. ● Public hospitals are reimbursed for the healthcare services at par with the private hospitals.

Bodos ● Bodos are the single largest tribal community in Assam, making up over 5-6 per cent of the state’s population. They have controlled large parts of Assam in the past. ● The four districts in Assam — Kokrajhar, Baksa, Udalguri and Chirang — that constitute the Bodo Territorial Area District (BTAD), are home to several ethnic groups.

#Target_shots Addition

The Bodoland dispute: ● In 1966-67, the demand for a separate state called Bodoland was raised under the banner of the Plains Tribals Council of Assam (PTCA), a political outfit. ● In 1987, the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) renewed the demand. “Divide Assam fifty-fifty”, was a call given by the ABSU’s then leader, Upendra Nath Brahma. ● The unrest was a fallout of the Assam Movement (1979-85), whose culmination — the Assam Accord — addressed the demands of protection and safeguards for the “Assamese people”, leading the Bodos to launch a movement to protect their own identity.

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar ● Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is given under two categories: ○ Bal Shakti Puraskar, and ○ Bal Kalyan Puraskar.

Bal Shakti Puraskar ● It is given by the Government of India every year to recognize exceptional achievements of children in various fields i.e., innovation, scholastic achievements, social service, arts & culture, sports and bravery. ● Eligibility : A child who is an Indian Citizen and residing in India and is between 5-18 years of age. ● Award : A medal, a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000, book vouchers worth Rs.10,000, a certificate and citation.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 118 ● Background: It was instituted in 1996 as the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement, renamed from 2018 as Bal Shakti Puraskar.

Bal Kalyan Puraskar ● Background : It was instituted in 1979 as the National Child Welfare Awards, renamed from 2018 as Bal Kalyan Puraskar. ● It is given as recognition to Individuals and Institutions, who have made an outstanding contribution towards service for children in the field of child development, child protection and child welfare. ● Eligibility: An individual who is an Indian Citizen and residing in India and should have attained the age of 18 years or above (as on 31st August of respective year). She should have worked for the cause of children for not less than 7 years. ● The institution should not be entirely funded by the government and should have been in the field of child welfare for 10 years and performing consistently in the field. ● Award : Three awards are given in each of the two categories - Individual and Institution - along with cash prizes (Rs. 1,00, 000 and Rs. 5,00, 000 respectively).

STARS project ● Strengthening Teaching-Learning And Results for States (STARS) project. ● The STARS project would be implemented as a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education (MoE). ● Supported by World Bank ● The agreement has been signed with an aim of improving the quality and governance of school education in six states of India. ● The 6 Indian states include- Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Odisha. ● Aim : To improve the overall monitoring and measurement activities in the Indian school education system through interventions in selected states. ● Coverage: The project covers 6 States: Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Odisha. ● Implementation : ○ At National level, Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education(MOE) will be the main implementing agency. ○ At the State level, the project will be implemented through the integrated State Implementation Society(SIS) for Samagra Shiksha.

PARAKH: ● A major component of the project is the establishment of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) as a National Assessment Centre. ● Included in the National Education Policy 2020, this autonomous institution under the Union Education Ministry will set norms for student assessment and evaluation for all

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 119 school boards across the country, most of which currently follow norms set by State governments. ● It will also guide standardised testing to monitor learning outcomes at the State and national levels, according to the NEP.

The Gender Park ● The gender park was established by the government of Kerala in 2013. ● It is an initiative that work towards gender equality and empowerment in Kerala. ● The headquartered for the initiative is in the capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. ● The park has been set with its main focus on gender justice. The platform will provide an environment for policy analysis, research, capacity development, advocacy, economic and social initiative. The park will be operational under the Department of Social Justice. This space is first of its kind across the world. ● Aim: The gender park was established with the aim of creating relevant interventions so as to address a range of gender-based issues. It includes both off-campus and on-campus activities and other projects that work to empower the individuals and communities.

International Relation, Organisation & Reports.

Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act ● The United States recently passed the Malala Yousafzai Act for Pakistani Women. Key Features: ● The Act requires the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to award at least 50% of scholarship to Pakistani women between 2020 and 2022. ● It requires the USAID to leverage investments by Pakistani private sector in the United States. This is being done to improve and expand access to education programs in Pakistan. ● The act makes it mandatory for the USAID to brief the US Congress about the number of scholarships provided under the programme ● The USAID has so far awarded more than 6000 scholarship to the young women of Pakistan since 2010. ● These scholarships help the Pakistani women to receive Higher Education in Pakistan.

#Target_shots Addition

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) ● USAID is an independent agency of the US government that administers civilian foreign aid and development assistance. ● Created by John F Kennedy in 1961. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 120 ● The Agency’s aids are authorised by the US Congress. ● It works chiefly in the areas of reducing poverty and furthering democratic governance. ● Mission: On behalf of the American people, we promote and demonstrate democratic values abroad, and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world. ● Objective: To support partners to become self-reliant and capable of leading their own development journeys.

A “solidarity and stability” deal ● Gulf leaders have signed a “solidarity and stability” deal after leaders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar publicly embraced, bringing Doha back into the regional fold after a three-year-long rift. ● Members of the GCC signed a deal in Al­Ula, Saudi Arabia to remove all the sanctions over Qatar and re-open their land, sea and air borders to Qatar. ○ , , , Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE are the members of GCC. ● Reasons of Sanctions on Qatar: ○ Qatar was charged to be too close to Iran and backed radical Islamist groups. ○ The country was alleged to support and fund terror through its support of Iran and Muslim Brotherhood (a Sunni Islamist political group outlawed by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE).

#Target_shots Addition

Gulf Cooperation Council ● Political and economic alliance of countries in the Arabian Peninsula. ● Established in 1981 to foster socioeconomic, security, and cultural cooperation. ● Members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the (UAE). All these member the Persian Gulf Region.

World Food Price Index: FAO ● Introduced in 1996 ● A public good to help in monitoring developments in the global agricultural commodity markets. ● The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) is a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities. ● It measures changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar. ● Base Period: 2014-16. ● The Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) food price index averaged 107.5 points in December 2020, up 2.3 points from November 2020.

#Target_shots Addition

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 121 Food and Agriculture Organization ● FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. ● Headquarters : Rome, Italy. ● Founded : 16 October 1945. ● World Food Day is celebrated every year around the world on 16th October. ● India released a commemorative coin of Rs. 75 denomination to mark the 75th Anniversary of the FAO (16th October 2020). ● It is one of the UN food aid organisations based in Rome (Italy). Its sister bodies are the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). ● 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 Taken: ● Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). ● Monitors the Desert Locust situation throughout the world. ● The Codex Alimentarius Commission or CAC is the body responsible for all matters regarding the implementation of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. ● The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture was adopted by the Thirty-First Session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization in 2001. Flagship Publications: ● The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA). ● The State of the World's Forests (SOFO). ● The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI). ● The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA). ● The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO).

Global Economic Prospects Report ● Released by World Bank Key findings ● According to the report the Indian economy is to contract by 9.6% in 2020-21. ● The Indian economy is to recover 5.4 percent in 2021-22. ● The contraction in Indian economy will be mainly due to sharp decline in household spending and private investment. ● The informal sector that accounts to four fifth of employment in the country has been badly affected. ● On the other hand, the world economy is to expand by 4% in 2021. ● The services and manufacturing sector are gaining Momentum. ● According to World Bank India is facing its first technical recessionary phase.

Technical recessionary phase

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 122 ● When the GDP growth is negative for two consecutive quarters or more than the period it is called technical recessionary phase. ● In India, the Gross Domestic Product declined by 23.9 percent between April and June quarter. ● The Gross Domestic Product growth rate contracted by 7.5 % during the July and September quarter.

H1B Visa ● What is it?: It is a non-immigrant visa given by the US to employ skilled workers from other countries for various specialised fields of occupation for a certain period of time. ● Duration: They are generally approved for three years, after which holders often change employers and continue working for other companies based in the US. ● The biggest beneficiaries of H-1B visas are Indians, followed by the Chinese. ● Present Status of Providing H-1B Visa : The selection of H-1B work visas was done by a randomised lottery system, which did not take into account factors such as wage, experience or any other requirements and demands.

3rd South Asia multilateral meet ● The third and recent January 6 meeting was attended by all five countries that have taken part in these dialogues — Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India, Bhutan and the Maldives were not present at the virtual event ● aimed at “anti-epidemic cooperation and poverty reduction cooperation” ● The first such meeting was convened by China in July, and was attended by Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan. ● The second meet was held in November by a five-member grouping attended by China, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. ● All three dialogues have been attended by Pakistan and Nepal, which are emerging as two lynchpins in China’s regional strategy.

Trade Policy Review Mechanism ● The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) was an early result of the Uruguay Round. ● It is the main transparency instrument of the WTO, affording opportunities for a process of collective evaluation of the trade policies and practices of individual members. ● Objectives: to Facilitating the smooth functioning of the multilateral trading system by enhancing the transparency of Members’ trade policies. ● To examine the impact of a Member’s trade policies and practices on the multilateral trading system. ● Mechanism: The reviews take place in the Trade Policy Review Body which is actually the WTO General Council — comprising the WTO’s full membership — operating under special rules and procedures. ● All WTO Members are subject to review under the TPRM.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 123 ● Function: ○ The trade policy review allows members to put the overall trade and economic policies of a country under the scanner. ○ The trade policies of developing countries are taken up for review every four years while developed ones face similar scrutiny every two years. ○ The mandate of the TPRM was broadened to cover services trade and intellectual property.

India-Japan Economic Relations ● India and Japan have had a long and fruitful history of bilateral development cooperation since 1958. ● In the last few years, the economic cooperation between India and Japan has strengthened and grown into strategic partnership. ● Japan was the 4th largest investor for India in FY2019. ● India has been the largest recipient of Japanese ODA Loan for the past decades. Delhi Metro is one of the most successful examples of Japanese cooperation through the utilization of ODA. ● Further, Japan continues to cooperate in supporting strategic connectivity linking South Asia to Southeast Asia through the synergy between ''Act East'' policy and ''Partnership for Quality Infrastructure.''

Henley Passport Index ● The Henley Passport Index (HPI) is a global ranking of countries according to the travel freedom for their citizens. ● The ranking is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). ● The HPI consists of a ranking of passports according to how many other territories can be reached ‘visa-free’.

Key Highlights ● Top Performer: Japan , Singapore , South Korea & Germany ● Pakistan (rank 107) and Nepal (rank 104) continue to be in the 'worst passports to hold' category ● About India: ○ India ranks 85th in the most powerful passport report with a visa-free score of 58. ○ India slipped nine places on the list, from 77 in 2010 to 86 in 2019. ○ The position of India among the BRICS countries is Brazil (19th), Russia (50th), India (85th), China (70th) and South Africa (54th).

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) ● Established in 1945

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 124 ● Headquarter: Newyork USA ● The UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. ● Powers: Its powers include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action through Security Council resolutions. ● Members: ● Five permanent members: China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States. ● Ten non-permanent members: Elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. ○ Each year, the General Assembly elects five non-permanent members (out of ten in total) for a two-year term. The ten non-permanent seats are distributed on a regional basis.

Adaptation Gap Report 2020 ● The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Adaptation Gap Report 2020 estimated the annual cost of adaptation to the effects of climate change for developing countries to at least quadruple by 2050. ● Adaptation is adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities. ● Adaptation is a key pillar of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. ● It aims to reduce countries’ and communities’ vulnerability to climate change by increasing their ability to absorb impacts. ● It provided a preliminary framework for assessing adaptation gaps and proposed three dimensions: the funding gap, the technology gap and the knowledge gap. Overall Findings of the Report: ● Though countries have made progress in planning for climate change adaptation, there are significant financing shortfalls in getting them to the stage where they provide real protection against droughts, floods and rising sea levels.

#Target_shots Addition

United Nations Environment Programme ● The UNEP is a leading global environmental authority established on 5th June 1972. ● Functions: It sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for global environment protection. ● Major Reports : Emission Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook,Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet. ● Major Campaigns : Beat Pollution, UN75, World Environment Day, Wild for Life. ● Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 125 Difficult four countries ● Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and India. ● These are the Countries where citizens do not have the capacity to fight for their rights. ● The classification has been made by Chatham House, the century-old UK-based policy institute also known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs. ● Why the report chose to characterise India as such? ○ Because of a critique of India’s domestic political developments. ○ The report notes how “the overt Hindu nationalism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is weakening the rights of Muslims and other minority religious groups, leading to a chorus of concern that intolerant majoritarianism is replacing the vision of a secular, democratic India bequeathed by Nehru”.

The Open Skies Treaty (OST) ● It is an accord between over 30 countries that allows participants to fly unarmed reconnaissance flights over any part of their fellow member states. History ● First proposed in 1955 by former US President Dwight Eisenhower as a means to deescalate tensions during the Cold War, ● Signed in 1992 ● Effective in 2002 ● Members: Ratified by 34 States ( Kyrgyzstan has not yet ratified ) .India is not a member of this treaty. ● Aims of the OST : Build confidence among members through mutual openness, thus reducing the chances of accidental war. Features of the treaty: ● Under the treaty, a member state can “spy” on any part of the host nation, with the latter’s consent. ● A country can undertake aerial imaging over the host state after giving notice 72 hours before, and sharing its exact flight path 24 hours before. ● The information gathered, such as on troop movements, military exercises and missile deployments, has to be shared with all member states. ● Only approved imaging equipment is permitted on the surveillance flights, and officials from the host state can also stay on board throughout the planned journey. Why in News?: Recently, Russia pulled out of the Open Skies Treaty (OST) citing earlier withdrawal of the USA from the treaty.

Flint Water Crisis ● The Flint Water Crisis is an ongoing investigation on public health crisis. ● The issue began when the City of Flint in the state of Michigan shifted its water supply from Lake Huron to Flint river. ● The city has a population of 100,000 people. The shift caused water distribution pipes to corrode. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 126 ● This resulted in leaching of lead and other contaminants into the municipal drinking water. ● The city suffered from an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease due to the leaching of lead. This is referred to as Flint Water crisis.

The Davos Agenda Summit ● Organised by the World Economic Forum ● The theme of the Davos Agenda Summit, 2021 is “Stakeholders for a cohesive and sustainable world”. ● The following discussions will be the key focus at the Davos Agenda Summit, 2021: ● America First: The America First policy of USA has created huge breakdown in international agreements in the last few years. It has undermined several global agreements including Paris Climate Change deal. ● Tensions in Iran: Upon the authorisation of the US President Donald Trump, General Qasem Soleimani was killed by the US army in a drone attack. This has increased the geopolitical tensions between USA and Iran. ● Russia’s annexation of Crimea has strained the tensions between US and Russia more than at any time since the cold war.

Global Firepower Index, 2021 ● The Global Firepower Index ranks the countries based on their potential military strength. ● The Global Firepower Index ranked 138 countries. ● The countries were evaluated based on prolonged offensive and defensive military campaigns. ● The Global Firepower Index is calculated using fifty individual factors from geography to logistical capability. It also includes manpower, land forces, airpower, natural resources, naval forces, logistics and financials. ● Ranking: Top five : USA , Russia , China , India & Japan

Article 19 of the UN Charter ● According to the Article 19 of the UN Charter, a member shall have no voting rights if it has arrears in the payment of its financial contributions to the UN. ● The Charter provided two years of grace period. ● That is, if the arrears are pending for more than two years, then the voting rights are suspended.

Global Risks Report, 2021 ● Released virtually by World Economic Forum (WEF)

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 127 ● Report findings are based on the Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS). GRPS was undertaken by more than 650 members of leadership communities of WEF (World Economic Forum). ● Aim: To highlight the risks and consequences of widening inequalities and increasing societal fragmentation, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021 and over the next decade. Key Takeaways ● Top Risk by Impact: The risk posed by infectious diseases has been ranked as no. 1 on the list of risks, while in 2020 was listed at 10th place. ● Impact of Covid-19 : The immediate human and economic cost of COVID-19 is huge. ● It threatens to scale back years of progress on reducing global poverty and inequality. It will also damage social cohesion and global cooperation. ● Widening digital gaps : Digitalization which was accelerated by the pandemic is widening the digital gap between individuals and across countries. Thereby it is aggravating existing inequalities, polarization, and regulatory uncertainties. ● Climate concerns: Despite the impact of COVID-19, climate-related matters make up the bulk of this year’s risk list. The report has described these threats as an existential threat to humanity.

Global Climate Risk Index 2021 ● Released annually by Germanwatch-a NGO based in Bonn, Germany. ● The index analyses the impact of extreme climate events on the country and the economy. ● It analyses how countries have been affected by the impacts of weather-related loss events. ● The index is prepared on the basis of data from Munich Re’s NatCatSERVICE.

Key Findings of the report ● As per the report, monsoon continued for a month longer than normal in India in the year 2019. ● In the period of June to September 2019, 110% of the long-period average was recorded. ● Heavy rain caused the severe flooding in India that resulted into death of 1,800 across14 states. The flood also caused the displacement of 1.8 million people. ● As per the report, eight tropical cyclones cam in India. Six of them intensified to be very severe. ● Report further highlights that, ‘Extremely severe’ cyclone Fani affected 28 million people and killed 90 people in India and Bangladesh.

The Financial Action Task Force ( FATF ) ● an inter-governmental body established in 1989 on the initiative of the G7.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 128 ● It is a “policy-making body” which works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms in various areas. ● The FATF Secretariat is housed at the OECD headquarters in Paris. Roles and functions: ● Initially it was established to examine and develop measures to combat money laundering. ● In October 2001, the FATF expanded its mandate to incorporate efforts to combat terrorist financing, in addition to money laundering. ● In April 2012, it added efforts to counter the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. What is FATF Blacklist? ● It is a list of countries that the intra-governmental organisation considers non-cooperative in the global effort to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

LongOps Project ● The LongOps Project is a collaboration between UK and Japan ● Aim: Under the operation, the scientists from Japan and UK will develop new and safe technologies to dismantle old nuclear facilities such as the Fukushima that were severely damaged by tsunamis and earthquakes. ● The project is to use long-reach robotic arms and hence is called “LongOps Project”. The project will reduce the risks to human health and will speed up decommissioning of nuclear reactors that are non-operational.

Oxfam International ● Oxfam International is a group of independent non-governmental organisations formed in 1995. ● The name “Oxfam” comes from the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, founded in Britain in 1942. ● The group campaigned for food supplies to starving women and children in enemy-occupied Greece during the Second World War. ● It aims to maximize efficiency and achieve greater impact to reduce global poverty and injustice. ● The Oxfam International Secretariat is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons ● The Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was adopted on July 7, 2017. ● The treaty entered into force on January 22, 2021. ● The treaty is the first legally binding international agreement that aim to eliminate nuclear weapons completely. ● only 120 members have signed the treaty.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 129 ● Major nuclear powers that did not support the treaty were China, US, India, France, Japan, North Korea, Russia, Pakistan and Israel. Key Features ● The treaty prohibits the use of nuclear weapons on national territories. ● The signatories should provide adequate assistance to individuals affected by the testing of nuclear weapons. They should also take required environmental remediation in areas under its jurisdiction that was contaminated as result of nuclear weapon testing. ● A state party joining the treaty should declare if it has eliminated its previous nuclear weapon programme. The party should also disclose if it holds nuclear weapons of other countries in its territories. In case if the party holds other countries’ nuclear weapons it must remove them before signing the treaty. ● The non-nuclear weapon states should have a minimum safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty ● Signed in 1987 ● Its a cold war era treaty between Russia and USA to end arms race ● US has recently announced that it will withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty ● INF treaty prohibits US and Russia from possessing, producing or test-flying ground-launched cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers ● it does not cover air-launched or sea-launched weapons ● INF like many arms control treaty faces enforcement lacunas as parties take advantage of absence of verification process

New START Treaty ● START : Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty Key Features: ● The New START Treaty was signed between United States and Russia in 2010 in Prague (capital of Czech Republic). It entered into force in 2011. ● The formal name of New START Treaty is “Measures for the further reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms”. ● The treaty was signed to reduce nuclear arms production and utilisation by US and Russia. ● Under the treaty, the countries will reduce their strategic nuclear missile launchers by half. ● The treaty established an inspection and verification regime replacing SORT. ● It reduced the number deployable strategic nuclear warheads to 1,550. This was 10% lower than the strategic warhead limit set by Moscow treaty signed by the countries in 2002. ● It reduced the number of submarine-launched ballistic missiles, inter-continental launchers, heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments to 800.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 130 ● It reduced the number of heavy bombers equipped nuclear armaments to 700. ● The New START Treaty is to lapse in February 2021.

WHO Funds ● There are 4 kinds of contributions that make up funding for the WHO. ● These are: ● Assessed contributions are the dues countries pay in order to be a member of the Organization. The amount each Member State must pay is calculated relative to the ● country’s wealth and population. ● Voluntary contributions come from Member States (in addition to their assessed contribution) or from other partners. They can range from flexible to highly earmarked. ● Core voluntary contributions allow less well-funded activities to benefit from a better flow of resources and ease implementation bottlenecks that arise when immediate financing is lacking. ● Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Contributions were started in 2011 to improve and strengthen the sharing of influenza viruses with human pandemic potential, and to increase the access of developing countries to vaccines and other pandemic related supplies.

Investment Trends Monitor Report: UNCTAD ● According to the recent Investment Trends Monitor Report issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) collapsed in 2020 by 42% to an estimated USD 859 billion from USD 1.5 trillion in 2019.

Global Trend: ● India and China: ○ India witnessed a 13% year-on-year rise, the highest among key nations, in FDI inflows in 2020, China’s rose by 4%. ○ In absolute terms, China remained way ahead, with an inflow of as much as $163 billion, while India’s stood at $57 billion. ● Advanced Economies: The UK and Italy saw an over 100% crash each in FDI inflows, followed by Russia (96% drop), Germany (61%), Brazil (50%), the US (49%), Australia (46%) and France (39%). ● Developing Economies: ○ Developing economies drew as much as 72% of global FDI in 2020 – their highest share on record. ○ Asian nations did particularly well, attracting USD 476 billion in FDI in 2020. ● In 2020, schemes like production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for electronics manufacturing, have been notified to attract foreign investments.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 131 ● In 2019, the Central Government amended FDI Policy 2017, to permit 100% FDI under automatic route in coal mining activities.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) ● a permanent intergovernmental body established in 1964. ● headquartered at Geneva in Switzerland. ● Objective: It promotes development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy. ● Reports Published: ○ Trade and Development Report ○ World Investment Report ○ The Least Developed Countries Report ○ Information and Economy Report ○ Technology and Innovation Report ○ Commodities and Development Report.

INDIA INTERNATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL ● Held annually at Shillong Meghalaya ● These beautiful flowers can be spotted across Meghalaya during this time of the year. It is expected that the flowers will continue to bloom till the end of November.

International Energy Agency (IEA) ● India signs Strategic Partnership Agreement with International Energy Agency (IEA). ● The agreement seeks to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation & enhance global energy security, stability and sustainability. Benefits: ● It will lead to a wider exchange of knowledge and will be a step towards making India a full member of the IEA. ● Strengthen mutual trust and cooperation & enhance global energy security, stability and sustainability. ● A phased increase in benefits and responsibilities for India as an IEA strategic partner.

#Target_shots Addition

About IEA: ● Established in 1974 as per framework of the OECD, IEA is an autonomous intergovernmental organisation. ● Its mission is guided by four main areas of focus: energy security, economic development, environmental awareness and engagement worldwide. ● Headquarters (Secretariat): Paris, France.

Roles and functions:

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 132 ● Established in the wake of the 1973-1974 oil crisis, to help its members respond to major oil supply disruptions, a role it continues to fulfil today. ● IEA’s mandate has expanded over time to include tracking and analyzing global key energy trends, promoting sound energy policy, and fostering multinational energy technology cooperation. Members: ● It has 30 members at present. IEA family also includes eight association countries. A candidate country must be a member country of the OECD. But all OECD members are not IEA members. Reports By IEA : ○ Global Energy & CO2 Status Report. ○ World Energy Outlook. ○ World Energy Statistics. ○ World Energy Balances. ○ Energy Technology Perspectives.

World Economic Outlook 2021 : IMF ● Released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Key Findings of report

About Global : ● The report further highlights that the global growth for 2021 will be 5.5 percent as compared to 5.2 percent October 2020. ● The economic growth of the world is projected at 4.2 percent in 2022. ● As per the report, U.S. will experience the growth to 5.1 percent in 2021 from 3.1 percent in 2020. ● Report projects that, there will be slight variation in China’s growth in 2021. The growth will lower down to 8.1 percent from 8.2 percent. India Specific Projections: ● The report highlights that, India will witness the strongest growth among the main economies. ● FY 2020-21: For the current fiscal, the IMF had forecast a record 10.3% contraction. ● FY 2021-22: For the next fiscal, starting from April 1st, GDP growth projection is at 11.5%, 2.7% higher than the projection made in October, 2020. ● FY 2022-23: In FY 2022-23, the economy will likely grow 6.8%.

The Great Reset Initiative of WEF ● It is based on the assessment that the world economy is in deep trouble.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 133 ○ Situation has been made a lot worse by many factors, including the pandemic’s devastating effects on global society, the un- folding technological revolution, and the consequences of climate change. ● Agenda: ○ The world must act jointly and swiftly to revamp all aspects of our societies and economies, from education to social contracts and working conditions. Every country must participate, and every industry, from oil and gas to tech, must be transformed. ○ In short there should be a ‘Great Reset’ of capitalism.

#Target_shots Addition

World Economic Forum ● The World Economic Forum (WEF) is a Swiss nonprofit foundation established in 1971, based in Geneva, Switzerland. ● Recognized by the Swiss authorities as the international institution for public-private cooperation. ● Mission: Committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.

Other reports published by WEF are: ○ Energy Transition Index. ○ Global Competitiveness Report. ○ Global IT Report ○ WEF along with INSEAD, and Cornell University publishes this report. ○ Global Gender Gap Report. ○ Global Risk Report. ○ Global Travel and Tourism Report.

UNEP Global Climate Litigation Report 2021 ● Released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) ● Published by the UNEP in cooperation with the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University. ● The report highlights that the Climate litigation cases have increased in recent years. ● The litigations have made the courtroom increasingly relevant to efforts to address the climate change across the world.

Key Findings of the report ● As per the report, climate cases have nearly doubled over the last three years. ● Increasing climates cases are increasingly compelling the governments and corporate actors to implement their climate commitments. ● The cases are also compelling the government to pursue more ambitious climate change mitigation and adaptation goals.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 134 ● As per the data provided by the report, in 2017 884 cases were brought in 24 countries. While as of 2020, cases have increased to 1,550 filed in 38 countries and the European Union courts. ● Report finds that the climate litigation continues to be concentrated in high-income countries and the trend might further grow in the global south.

Vaccine Maitri Initiative ● The or the Vaccine Friendship initiative was started on January 20, 2021. ● Under the initiative, India will supply Made-in-India Covid-19 vaccines to its neighbouring. ● Other key partners of the Neighbourhood First Policy will also be getting the vaccine.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 135 Defence & Security.

Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) ● Objective: To foster innovation and indigenisation for self-reliance in defence in keeping with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The NIIO is a three-tiered organisation. ● Naval Technology Acceleration Council (N-TAC) will bring together the twin aspects of innovation and indigenisation and provide apex level directives. ● A working group under the N-TAC will implement the projects. ● A Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC) has also been created for induction of emerging disruptive technology in an accelerated time frame. ● Functions of NIIO: The NIIO puts in place dedicated structures for the end users to interact with academia and industry towards fostering innovation and indigenisation for self-reliance in defence in keeping with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Sea Vigil 21 ● The biennial pan-India coastal defence exercise ● The exercise is conducted by the Indian Navy. ● First Sea Vigil exercise held in 2019 ● India's largest coastal defence drill. ● Aim: To check the efficacy of the measures initiated to plug gaps in coastal security following the Mumbai terror attack in 2008. ● Geographical Extent: The 2021 exercise is being undertaken along the entire 7516 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India. ● The , , the , oil handling agencies and airports also participate in the exercise. ● It involves all the 13 coastal States and Union Territories along with other maritime stakeholders, including the fishing and coastal communities.

TAPAS UAV ● TAPAS is Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance beyond horizon. It is also known as RUSTOM-2. ● It was developed by India on the lines of American Predator Drones. The first flight of TAPAS took place in 2016. ● TAPAS 201 is India’s indigenously developed long-endurance combat-capable drone.

Tejas: ● Tejas is a single-seat, single-jet engine, multirole light fighter. ● It replaced the ageing Mig 21 fighter planes. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 136 ● It is the smallest and lightest multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft in the Indian Air Force. ● It has been designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Features: ● It is designed to carry a range of air-to-air, air-to-surface, precision-guided, and standoff weaponry. ● Air to air refuelling capability. ● Maximum payload capacity of 4000 kg. ● It can attend the maximum speed of Mach 1.8. ● The range of the aircraft is 3,000km

India’s Eight Point Action Plan to UNSC to combat terrorism ● All the member nations should fulfil their obligations in international counter-terrorism conventions and instruments. ● The countries should not bring in double standards in the battle. For instance, there are countries that support terrorism by offering financial support. Such countries are black listed by the international bodies such as FATF (Financial Action Task Force). These countries are being referred to double standard countries. ● The working methods of the committees dealing with counter-terrorism should be reformed. ● The enlisting and delisting of individuals and entities under the United Nations should be done objectively and not for political and religious considerations. ● The linkages between transnational organised crime and terrorism should be addressed vigorously. ● The FATF should continue to identify weaknesses in anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing frameworks. ● Adequate funding should be allocated to the UN Counter terrorism bodies.

Rakshita ● Recently, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over ‘Rakshita’ to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). ● It is a bike-based casualty transport emergency vehicle developed by Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS). ● It is fitted with a customized reclining Casualty Evacuation Seat (CES), which can be fitted in and taken out as per requirement. ● The other major features are the head immobilizer, safety harness jacket, hand and foot straps for safety, adjustable footrest, physiological parameter measuring equipment with wireless monitoring capability and auto warning system for driver. ● Significance of Rakshita: ○ The bike ambulance will help in overcoming the problems faced by Indian security forces and emergency healthcare providers.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 137 ○ It will provide life-saving aid for evacuation of injured patients from low intensity conflict areas. ○ It will be handy in the congested streets and remote locations, where access through ambulance is difficult and time consuming.

Desert Knight-21 ● A bilateral Air exercise Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force will conduct ● The exercise is unique as it includes fielding of Rafale aircraft by both sides and is indicative of the growing interaction between the two premier Air Forces. ● Defence Exercises between India and France: ○ Varuna – Naval exercise ○ Garuda – Air exercise ○ Shakti – Army exercise

#Target_shots Addition

Other Exercise: ● Gagan Shakti is conducted by the Indian Air Force to showcase its air dominance over the entire extended area of the Indian Ocean Region. ● Garuda Shakti is the joint military exercise between India and Indonesia. ● Mitra Shakti is the joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka.

S-400 Triumf Missile ● S-400 Triumf is one of the world’s most advanced air defence systems. ● It is a mobile, surface-to-air missile system(SAM) designed by Russia. Key Features: ● Range of 250km. ● It is capable of firing four types of missiles to create a layered defence. ● The system can engage all types of aerial targets including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles(UAV) and ballistic and cruise missiles within the range of 400km, at an altitude of up to 30km. ● It can track 100 airborne targets and engage six of them simultaneously.

#Target_shots Addition

CAATSA ● Enacted in 2017, it is a US federal law that imposed sanctions on Iran, North Korea and Russia. ● It includes sanctions against countries that engage in significant transactions with Russia’s defense and intelligence sectors.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 138 ● Its “ultimate goal”, “is to prevent revenue from flowing to the Russian Government.

STARStreak Air Defence System ● The STARStreak is a short-range surface-to-air missile. ● It was earlier called as the Shorts Missile System. ● It travels at Mach 3 speed ● The minimum range of the system is 0.3 km and the maximum range is 7 km.

Exercise Kavach ● It is a Joint Military exercise involving assets of the , Indian Navy, Indian Air Force,and Indian Coast Guard. ● Conducted under: The exercise will be conducted under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the only Joint Forces Command of the country. ● The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is the first integrated theatre command in India with headquarters at Port Blair. ● Aim: ○ To fine-tune joint war-fighting capabilities and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for enhancing operational synergy. ○ To execute multi-domain, high-intensity offensive and defensive maneuvers in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. ● The exercise involves synergized application of maritime surveillance assets, coordinated air and maritime strikes, air defense, submarine and landing operations.

Smart Anti Airfield Weapon ● DRDO has successfully conducted captive and release trial of indigenously developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) from Hawk-I of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) off the Odisha coast. ● Smart Anti Airfield Weapon is a 125 Kg class smart weapon, capable of engaging ground enemy airfield assets such as radars, bunkers, taxi tracks, and runways, etc. up to a range of 100 kms.

Smart Anti Airfield Weapon ( SAAW ) ● The system belongs to the glide bomb category and its development began around 2012-13, with crucial inputs from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the first test was carried out in 2016. ● Manufactured by: DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Hyderabad. ● Features: ○ It is a long-range precision-guided anti-airfield weapon. ○ The weapon is designed to strike ground targets, especially adversary airfield infrastructure or similar strategically important installations.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 139 ○ This is a 125-kilogram class smart weapon, capable of engaging ground enemy airfield assets such as radars, bunkers, taxi tracks, and runways, up to a range of 100 kilometres. ○ The high precision guided bomb is lightweight compared to weapon systems of the same class.

RUDRAM ● It is India’s first indigenous anti-radiation air-to-surface missile for Indian Air Force(IAF). ● The missile is integrated on SU-30 Mk1 fighter aircraft. ● Purpose: It is designed to detect, track and neutralise the adversary’s radar, communication assets and other radio frequency sources which are generally part of their air defence systems.

Operation Sard Hawa ● The Operation Sard Hawa was launched by the Border Security Force in the western border of Rajasthan. ● Purpose: The main purpose of the operation is to check the instances of infiltration due to dense fog in the region. ● The Operation has also been launched to enhance the security ahead of Republic Day. The operation is to run till January 27, 2021. About Operation Sard Hawa ● The operation was launched to keep a hawk’s eye in the international border. ● Under the operation, the jawans will patrol with advanced weapons in the police station areas near to the border. ● The number of jawans deployed in the border has been increased under the operation. ● The intelligence wing of Border Security Force is also to be in active mode during Operation Sard Hawa.

Akash NG (New Generation) Missile ● It is a new generation Surface-to-Air Missile meant for use by the Indian Air Force. ● Purpose : It aims at intercepting high maneuvering low RCS aerial threats. ● Features : It is an advanced variant of Akash missile. It comes with an Active Electronically Scanned Array(AESA) multi-function radar that features all three functions – search, track and fire control in one platform. ● Range: The earlier variant has a maximum range of 30 km while Akash- NG can strike targets up to 70 km.

AMPHEX 21: A Tri-Services Exercise ● In this exercise, the Naval ships, amphibious troops of the Army and different types of aircraft from the Air force participated.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 140 ● The exercise was conducted with the aim of validating India’s capabilities to safeguard the territorial integrity of the island territories. ● The exercise was also aimed at enhancing the operational synergy and joint warfighting capabilities between the three Services. ● Exercise KAVACH for the defence of Andaman & Nicobar Islands was also the part of AMPHEX – 21.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 141 Geography.

Volcano of Indonesia ● Indonesia, with the maximum number of active volcanoes in the world, is prone to seismic upheaval due to its location on the Pacific’s Ring of Fire. ● Semeru volcano (Java), the Merapi volcano (Java) and Sinabung volcano (Sumatra), erupted recently. ● Semeru - also known as "The Great Mountain"

Pacific Ring of Fire: ● The Ring of Fire, also referred to as the Circum-Pacific Belt, is a path along the Pacific Ocean characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. ● It traces boundaries between several tectonic plates—including the Pacific, Cocos, Indian-Australian, Nazca, North American, and Philippine Plates. ● 75% of Earth’s volcanoes i.e. more than 450 volcanoes are located along the Ring of Fire. 90% of Earth’s earthquakes occur along its path. ● The abundance of volcanoes and earthquakes along the Ring of Fire is caused by the amount of movement of tectonic plates in the area.

#Target_shots Addition

Island Arcs: ● They are long, curved chains of oceanic islands associated with intense volcanic and seismic activity and orogenic (mountain-building) processes. ● An island arc typically has a land mass or a partially enclosed, unusually shallow sea on its concave side. ● Along the convex side there almost invariably exists a long, narrow deep-sea trench. ● The greatest ocean depths are found in these depressions of the seafloor, as in the case of the Mariana (deepest trench in the world) and Tonga trenches. ● Prime examples of this form of geologic feature include the Aleutian-Alaska Arc and the Kuril-Kamchatka Arc.

Western Disturbance ● It is an extratropical storm originating in the Mediterranean region that brings sudden winter rain to the north-western parts of the Indian sub-continent. ● It is a non-monsoonal precipitation pattern driven by the westerlies. ● Extratropical storms are a global phenomenon with moisture usually carried in the upper atmosphere, unlike their tropical counterparts where the moisture is carried in the lower atmosphere. ● In the case of the Indian subcontinent, moisture is sometimes shed as rain when the storm system encounters the Himalayas. ● Formation: JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 142 ○ Western Disturbance originates in the Mediterranean Sea as extra- tropical cyclones. ○ A high-pressure area over and neighbourhood consolidates, causing the intrusion of cold air from Polar Regions towards an area of relatively warmer air with high moisture. ○ This generates favourable conditions for cyclogenesis in the upper atmosphere, which promotes the formation of an eastward-moving extratropical depression. ○ They gradually travel across the middle-east from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to enter the Indian sub-continent. ● Impact: ○ Plays important role in bringing moderate to heavy rain in low-lying areas and heavy snow to mountainous areas of the Indian Subcontinent. ○ This disturbance is usually associated with cloudy sky, higher night temperatures and unusual rain. This precipitation has great importance in agriculture, particularly for the Rabi crops. Wheat among them is one of the most important crops, which helps to meet India’s food security. ● Excessive precipitation due to this disturbance can cause crop damage, landslides, floods and avalanches.

Tsari Chu river: ● Satellite image shows China built new village in Arunachal. ● The settlements are situated on the banks of Tsari Chu river in Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal. ● The village lies south of the McMahon Line. The McMahon Line demarcates between Tibet and India’s Northeast, which is disputed by China.

K2 mountain ● K2 is the only mountain over 8,000 metres that had not been summitted in winter. ● It is situated in the Karakoram Range to the northeast of the Himalayas. ● K2 is surrounded by five of the world’s 17 highest mountains. ● K2 is the world's second tallest peak after Mount Everest. Located in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Jiadhal River ● It is a Northern Sub-tributary of the river Brahmaputra originates in the sub-Himalayan mountains of Arunachal Pradesh. ● After passing through a narrow gorge in Arunachal Pradesh, the river enters the plains of Assam in Dhemaji district where it flows in braided channels. ● The river is also known as ‘Kumotiya’ and ‘Sampara’ at some places.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 143 ● The river finally joins Subansiri river, a major tributary of Brahmaputra River. Jiadhal River is known as ‘Sorrow of Dhemaji’ for the heavy damage caused by annual flood and erosion.

Naku La Pass ● Naku La sector is a pass at a height of more than 5,000 meters above Mean Sea Level(MSL) in the state of Sikkim. ● It is located ahead of Muguthang or Cho Lhamu (source of River Teesta). ● The other passes located in the state of Sikkim are Nathu La Pass and Jelep La Pass. ● While Nathu La pass is located on the east side of Sikkim, Naku La pass is located on the northern border of Sikkim.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 144 History , Art & Culture.

Yakshagana ● Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form of Karnataka. ● It is a temple art form that depicts mythological stories and Puranas. ● It is performed with massive headgears, elaborate facial make-up and vibrant costumes and ornaments. ● It combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques with a unique style and form. ● Usually recited in Kannada, it is also performed in Malayalam as well as Tulu (the dialect of south Karnataka). ● It is performed with percussion instruments like chenda, maddalam, jagatta or chengila (cymbals) and chakratala or elathalam (small cymbals). ● The most popular episodes are from the Mahabharata i.e. Draupadi swayamvar, Subhadra vivah, etc. and from Ramayana i.e. Rajyabhishek, Lav-Kush yuddh, etc.

#Target_shots Addition

Other Theatre Forms ○ Nautanki: Uttar Pradesh ○ Tamasha: Maharashtra ○ Jatra: West Bengal/Orissa and eastern Bihar ○ Koodiyattam: Kerala ○ Mudiyettu: Kerala ○ Bhaona: Assam ○ Maach: Madhya Pradesh ○ Bhand: Pather Kashmir

The ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’ ● Foundation stone laid for ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’ in Basavakalyan, the place where 12th century poet-philosopher Basavanna lived for most of his life. ● The project will showcase the 12th Century Anubhava Mantapa (often referred to as the “first Parliament of the world”) established by him in Basavakalyan, where philosophers and social reformers held debates. ● The building will adopt the Kalyana Chalukya style of architecture. About Basavanna: ● Basavanna was a 12th-century philosopher, statesman, Kannada poet and a social reformer during the reign of the Kalachuri-dynasty king Bijjala I in Karnataka, ● Basavanna spread social awareness through his poetry, popularly known as Vachanaas. ● Basavanna rejected gender or social discrimination, superstitions and rituals.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 145 ● The tradition of Lingayatism is known to have been founded by him. ● He introduced new public institutions such as the Anubhava Mantapa (or, the “hall of spiritual experience”), which welcomed men and women from all socio-economic backgrounds to discuss spiritual and mundane questions of life, in open. ● As a leader, he developed and inspired a new devotional movement named Virashaivas, or “ardent, heroic worshippers of Shiva”. This movement shared its roots in the ongoing Tamil Bhakti movement, particularly the Shaiva Nayanars traditions, over the 7th- to 11th-century. ● Basava championed devotional worship that rejected temple worship and rituals led by , and replaced it with personalized direct worship of Shiva through practices such as individually worn icons and symbols like a small linga.

#Target_shots Addition

Sharana Movement: ➢ The Sharana movement he presided over attracted people from all castes, and like most strands of the Bhakti movement, produced a corpus of literature, the vachanas, that unveiled the spiritual universe of the Veerashaiva saints. ➢ The egalitarianism of Basavanna’s Sharana movement was too radical for its times. ➢ He set up the Anubhava Mandapa, where the Sharanas, drawn from different castes and communities, gathered and engaged in learning and discussions. ➢ Sharanas challenged the final bastion of the order: they organised a wedding where the bridegroom was from a lower caste, and the bride a .

Jagannath Temple ● History: The temple is believed to be constructed in the 12th century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty (Reigned from Kalinga from as early as the 5th century to the early 15th century). ● Jagannath Puri temple is called ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath. ● This temple was called the “White Pagoda” and is a part of Char Dham pilgrimages (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram). ● Features: ○ There are four gates to the temple- Eastern ‘Singhdwara’ which is the main gate with two crouching lions, Southern ‘Ashwadwara’,Western 'Vyaghra Dwara and Northern ‘Hastidwara’. There is a carving of each form at each gate. ○ In front of the entrance stands the Aruna stambha or sun pillar, which was originally at the Sun Temple in Konark.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 146 National Youth Parliament Festival 2021 ● Organized by : National Service Scheme (NSS) and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) under the aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. ● Objective: To propagate the concept of national integration, spirit of communal harmony, brotherhood, courage and adventure amongst the youth by exhibiting their cultural prowess in a common platform. ● Purpose: It is organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of youth icon Swami Vivekananda. ● Eligibility: Youth in the age bracket of 18-25 years are invited to participate in the festival. ● Theme: The theme for the festival is “YUVAAH—Utsah Naye Bharat Ka”.

#Target_shots Addition

Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) ● He was born as Narendranath Datta on 12th January, 1863. ● Introduced the world to the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga. ● He was the chief disciple of the 19th-century mystic Ramakrishna Paramhansa. ● Laid the greatest emphasis on education for the regeneration of our motherland. He advocated a man- making character-building education. ● Established the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897. ● It is an organization which works in the area of value-based education, culture, health, women's empowerment, youth and tribal welfare and relief and rehabilitation. ● He died at Belur Math in 1902. Belur Math, located in West Bengal, is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission.

Indian harvest festivals ● Makar Sankranti: The festival of Makar Sankranti will be celebrated in Karnataka when the Sun enters the Makar zodiac and the days begin to lengthen compared to nights. ● Pongal: In and particularly in Tamil Nadu, it’s the festival of Pongal which is being celebrated over 4 days at harvest time. ● Magha Bihu: In Assam and many parts of the North East, the festival of Magha Bihu is celebrated. It sees the first harvest of the season being offered to the gods along with prayers for peace and prosperity. ● Uttarayan: Gujarat celebrates it in the form of the convivial kite festival of Uttarayan. ● Maghi: In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Maghi. Bathing in a river in the early hours on Maghi is important. ● Saaji: In Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh, Makara Sankranti is known as Magha Saaji. Saaji is the Pahari word for Sankranti, start of the new month. Hence this day marks the start of the month of Magha. ● Kicheri: The festival is known as Kicheri in Uttar Pradesh and involves ritual bathing.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 147 ● Makaravilakku festival: Annual festival held on Makar Sankranti in Kerala, at the shrine of Sabarimala. It includes Thiruvabharanam (sacred ornaments of Ayyappan) procession and congregation at the hill shrine of Sabarimala. ● Lohri: Lohri is primarily celebrated by and . ○ It marks the end of the winter season and is traditionally believed to welcome the sun to the northern hemisphere. ○ It is observed a night before Makar Sankranti, this occasion involves a Puja Parikrama (revolve) around the bonfire with prasad.

Caves with Paintings in India ● Ajanta : ○ This cave is located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. ○ Famous fresco paintings of Ajanta are dying princesses, flying apsara and preaching Buddha. ● Ellora : ○ It is located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. ○ It is famous for the largest monolithic excavation in the world- the great Kailasa. ● Elephanta : ○ It is located on Elephanta Islands in Mumbai. ○ There are seven cave excavations in the Elephanta group. ● Bhimbetka : ○ It is located between Hoshangabad and Bhopal, in the foothills of the Vindhya Mountains. ○ It has one of the oldest paintings in India and the world. ● Why in news?: ○ Recently, archaeologists have discovered the world’s oldest known cave art which is a life-sized picture of a wild pig that was painted at least 45,500 years ago in Indonesia.

Saint Thiruvalluvar ● Thiruvalluvar is an ancient saint born in the BC era. ● The earliest references of the poet are found in the text Tiruvalluva Maalai. ● He is credited and revered by Tamil people for writing a collection of 1330 poem couplets called ‘Thirukkural’. ● It talks about ethics and morality, and is considered to be a guideline to lead a good and righteous life. ● It is widely read and respected by the people of Tamil Nadu irrespective of the faith they belong to. ● In the early 16th century, a temple dedicated to Thiruvalluvar was built within the Ekambareswarar temple complex in Mylapore, Chennai. ● In 1976, a temple-memorial called Valluvar Kotam was built in Chennai and houses one of the largest auditoriums in Asia.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 148 Jallikattu ● The bull-taming sport is popular in Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Theni, Pudukkottai and Dindigul districts — known as the Jallikattu belt. ● Jallikattu is celebrated in the second week of January, during the Tamil harvest festival Pongal. ● A tradition over 2,000 years old, Jallikattu is a competitive sport as well as an event to honour bull owners who rear them for mating. ● It is a violent sport in which contestants try to tame a bull for a prize; if they fail, the bull owner wins the prize. ● Importance ? : Jallikattu is considered a traditional way for the peasant community to preserve their pure-breed native bulls.

Parakram Divas ● January 23, birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose, would be celebrated as “Parakram Divas”, day of courage, every year. ● 2021 will be 125th birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose. About Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose: ● Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose had announced the establishment of the provisional government of Azad Hind in occupied Singapore in October 1943 ● Known as Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind, it was supported by the Axis powers of Imperial Japan, Nazi Germany, the Italian Social Republic, and their allies. ● He had launched a struggle to free India from British rule under the banner of the provisional government-in exile during the latter part of the Second World War. ● Under his provisional government, the Indians living abroad had been united. ○ The Indian National Army drew ex- prisoners and thousands of civilian volunteers from the Indian expatriate population in Malaya (present-day Malaysia) and Burma (now Myanmar). ● Under the provisional government, Bose was the head of the state, the prime minister and the minister for war and foreign affairs. ● Subhash Chandra Bose was twice elected President of the , (1938-Haripur and 1939-Tripuri). ● He resigned from the Congress Presidentship in 1939 and organised the All India Forward Bloc a faction within the Congress in Bengal. ● Started the newspaper Swaraj and took charge of publicity for the Bengal Provincial Congress Committee ● Also the editor of the newspaper "Forward", founded by Chittaranjan Das ● He had written a book called “The Indian Struggle”. ● The term “Jai Hind” was coined by Netajji Subhash Chandra Bose..

Risa ● Risa is a customary hand woven cloth used by Tripura’s indigenous tribal communities.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 149 ● It is one of the three parts of customary Tripura female attire, the other two being the Rignai and Rikutu. ● The Risa is used as a head gear, stole and female upper cloth or presented to honour a distinguished recipient.

Lala Lajpat Rai ● Rai is remembered for his role during the Swadeshi movement and for his advocacy of education. ● He became a follower of Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj and went on to become one of the society’s leaders. ● He also helped found the Punjab National Bank. ● In 1885, Rai established the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic School in Lahore and remained a committed educationist throughout his life. ● Rai, Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal (called Lal-Bal-Pal) fervently advocated the use of Swadeshi goods and mass agitation in the aftermath of the controversial Partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon. ● He founded the Indian Home Rule League of America in New York City in 1917. ● He was elected President of the Indian National Congress during its Special Session in Kolkata in 1920, which saw the launch of Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-cooperation Movement. ● The patriot died at Lahore in 1928 after he was attacked by police during a protest rally against the Simon Commission. ● His important works include: ‘The Arya Samaj’, ‘Young India’, ‘England’s Debt to India’, ‘Evolution of Japan’, ‘India’s Will to Freedom’, ‘Message of the Bhagwad Gita’, ‘Political Future of India’, ‘Problem of National Education in India’, ‘The Depressed Glasses’, and the travelogue ‘United States of America’.

Ram Setu ● Ram Setu is a 48-km long bridge-like structure between India and Sri Lanka. ● It is also known as Adam’s bridge. ● The Ramayana mentions the bridge but there is little scientific knowledge about its formation. ● It connects Kodi tip of the Pamban Island (Rameswaram Island) of Tamil Nadu with north-western coast of Sri Lanka. ● It separates Gulf of Mannar from the Palk Strait.

Kala Utsav: ● Kala Utsav is an initiative of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now called Ministry of Education) under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan ● Aim: to promote arts in education by nurturing and showcasing the artistic talent of school students at the secondary stage in the country.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 150 ● Objective: To promote arts in education by nurturing and show casing the artistic talents of school students. Children with special needs too will have the opportunity to display their talents.

Patharughat: The forgotten peasant uprising of Assam in 1894 ● Patharughat peasant uprising took place on January 28, 1894 in Assam. ● The unarmed peasants were protesting against the increase in land revenue levied by the colonial administration, when the military opened fire. What led to the Patharughat uprising? ● After the British annexation of Assam in 1826, surveys of the vast lands of the state began. On the basis of such surveys, the British began to impose land taxes, much to the resentment of the farmers. ● In 1893, the British government decided to increase agricultural land tax reportedly by 70- 80 per cent. Up until then the peasants would pay taxes in kind or provide a service in lieu of cash. ● In Patharughat, despite these gatherings being democratic, the British perceived them as “breeding grounds for sedition” and opened fire. Why was the incident significant? ● For the larger Assamese community, Patharughat comes second only to the Battle of Saraighat, when the Ahoms defeated the Mughals in 1671.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 151 Places in News.

Gibraltar ● Location: It is located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. it is bordered to the north by Spain. ● Governance : Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory. Under the Gibraltar constitution of 2006, Gibraltar is self-governing, with some responsibilities, such as defence and foreign relations, remaining with the British government.

● ● Strait of Gibraltar: It is a narrow strait that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and separates Gibraltar and Peninsular Spain in Europe from and Ceuta (Spain) in Africa. ● Significance: It remains strategically important, with half the world's seaborne trade passing through the strait. It is also an important Tourist and cargo ship refuelling centre.

Pong Dam Or Beas Dam ● It is an earth-fill embankment dam on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh. ● The lake created by the dam, Maharana Pratap Sagar, is a renowned bird sanctuary. ● The purpose of the dam is water storage for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. ● Why in news?: More than 1,400 migratory birds were found dead recently due to an unexplained cause in the Pong Dam area of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 152 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 also an important bird sanctuary habituating many migrant species. ● Fauna: Siberian Crane (CR), Lesser Adjutant Stork, Asian elephants, etc. ● 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.

Place in news: Thousand Islands ● The Thousand Islands (officially Kepulauan Seribu) are a chain of islands to the north of Jakarta’s coast. ● It forms the only regency of Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. ● It consists of a string of 342 islands stretching 45 km (28 mi) north into the Java Sea at West Jakarta Bay and in fact north of Banten Province.

Dzukou Valley: ● Located at the borders of the states of Nagaland and Manipur. ● known as the ‘valley of flower’, Famous for the Dzüko Lily and it is found only in this valley. ● The Asian Highway 1 and also the NH-2 passes through its foothills.

#Target_shots Addition

Forest Fires ● Wildfire, also called forest, bush or vegetation fire, can be described as any uncontrolled and non-prescribed combustion or burning of plants in a natural setting such as a forest, grassland, brush land or tundra, which consumes the natural fuels and spreads based on environmental conditions (e.g., wind, topography). ● Causes: ○ Wildfire can be incited by human actions, such as land clearing, extreme drought or in rare cases by lightning. ○ One of the major reasons for forest fires in the north-east is slash-and-burn cultivation, commonly called jhoom or jhum cultivation.

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 153 ● The fires happen between the months of January and March. The north-east has tropical evergreen forests and, unlike the dry deciduous forests of central India, these are not likely to catch fire easily.

West Bank ● It is a landlocked territory near the Mediterranean coast of Western Asia, ● Bordered by Jordan to the east and by the Green Line separating it and Israel on the south, west and north. ● The West Bank also contains a significant section of the western Dead Sea shore.

●

JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524 154