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Contents Indian Polity Data Governance Quality Index ( DGQI ): NITI Aayog 18 New rules for postal ballot 19 Air India One 19 Lokpal and Lokayukta 20 Single SBI branch for all FCRA accounts 22 Inter-State River Water Disputes 22 Gupkar Declaration 24 Autonomous District Councils 24 Supreme Court on Right to Protest 25 New H-1B curbs 25 Google to face antitrust case in India 26 Gorkhaland Territorial Administration 26 Television Rating Points(TRP) 26 Who is a declared foreigner? 27 National Commission for Protection of Child Rights 27 Types of Political Parties 28 Right to Information (RTI) Act 29 Right to Information Act, 2005 30 Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index, 2020 32 How Election Commission decides on party symbols 33 Diminishing role of Parliament: 33 Gurkha Rights in Assam 35 Saral Jeevan Bima 35 Pradhan Mantri Jivan Jyoti Bima Yojana 36 State Water Grid to overcome flood crisis 36 National Company Law Appellate Tribunal 39 Rationalisation of Autonomous Institutions 39 Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) 41 Chapter Proceedings 41 JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

Chief Information Commissioner 41 District Development Councils (DDC) 42 Election Commission sets up panel to revise Expenditure Limit for candidates 42 Integrity Pact in govt. Organisations 43 Central Vigilance Commission 44 Draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 44 Model Code of Conduct: EC 45 land laws for the Jammu and Kashmir 45 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 46 Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) 47 President’s Rule: Imposition of Article 356 47 Prevention Of Sexual Harassment ( POSH ) Law 2013 48 International Press Institute ( IPI ) 48 Public Affairs Index 2020 49

Economy

Government borrowing 52 The Chardham road project 52 Dhaulasidh Hydro Project 53 PM SVANidhi Yojana 53 Monetary Policy Committee ( MPC ) 54 Sittwe Port 54 Reserve Bank of India 55 South Asia Economic Focus report 55 MODERN SLAVERY 59 New Development Bank ( NDB ) 60 Asian Development Bank (ADB) 61 SVAMITVA SCHEME 61 IND Spring Board 62 AMHUB: India’s first advanced manufacturing hub 62 RBI bans FDI establishments from Mauritius 62

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Financial Action Task Force (FATF) 63 Round the Clock RTGS Facility 64 Long term repo operation (LTRO) 64 Goa becomes first ‘Har Ghar Jal’ State 65 Bharatmala Pariyojana 66 Skal International Asia Area (SIAA) 67 Human Cost of Disasters 2000-2019: UNDRR 68 Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 69 Additional Tier-1 bonds 70 Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog 70 National Livestock Mission 72 India Energy Modeling Forum 73 NATURAL GAS MARKETING 74 ASSET RECONSTRUCTION COMPANIES (ARCs) 75 Corporatization of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) 75 Blue Economy 76 Blue Bond 76 Rajeev Gauba Panel set up to streamline Spectrum Allocation 77 National Authority for Recycling of Ships 77 Electoral Bonds 78 Operation Greens 79 Guidelines for Digital Media Regulation 79 Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) 80 Insurance Ombudsman 81 Ayushman Sahakar Scheme 81 IFSCA introduces Framework for Regulatory Sandbox 82 Country’s first multi-modal logistic park in Assam 83 Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project 83 The Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Council) 84 Intellectual Property cooperation 85 Food Safety Compliance platform(FoSCoS) 85 Punjab Assembly Rejects Centre’s Farm Laws 87 JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

Mobile Application for Geo Tagging: PMKSY 88 Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) 89 UDAN Day (21 Oct ) 91 CPI-IW Base Year Revised to 2016 91 “E-Dharti Geo Portal” launched 93 Forex Reserves 94 Injeti Srinivas Committee submits report 95 International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) 95 NITI Aayog’s Panel to reform Urban Planning Education System 97 Kisan Suryodaya Yojana: Gujarat 97 India - Australia Circular Economy Hackathon ( I-ACE ) 97 Srisailam Hydroelectric Power Plant 99 Direct Port Entry (DPE) facility 99 Compound Interest Waiver Scheme 100 U.K. to partner for developing GIFT City 100 National Program and Project Management Policy Framework’ (NPMPF) 101 Quality Council of India 101 Vivad se Vishwas scheme 101 Periodic Labour Force Survey 2019 102 Institution of Eminence Scheme ( IoE ) 104 Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project 104 Depreciation & Devaluation 105 Foreign Echange and Exchange Rate: 106 Credit default swap: 107 National Productivity Council (NPC) 107 The Amur Falcon 107 Code on Wages Act, 2019 108 What is Rural Development Fund ( RDF ) ? 108 Draft model Act on land titles 108

Environment

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Zombie Fire or Holdover fires 111 Pipeworts 112 Report Confronting Carbon Inequality 112 Inadequate Compensatory Afforestation 113 CBD Oil 113 Madhuca diplostemon 114 Zoological Parks 114 Yuddh Pradushan Ke Virudh 115 Indian Gazelle ( Chinkara ) 115 Fishing Cat 115 Temporary Shelters for Migratory Birds: Sambhar Lake 115 United Nations Biodiversity Summit 116 New Emission Norms of Tractors and Construction Vehicles 117 Ecosystem Services 118 My Ganga My Dolphin campaign 119 Dolphins in Pearl River Estuary 120 Project Dolphin 121 Stockholm Convention on POPs 122 Arctic Amplification 124 LEED 126 Taro Vegetable 127 Circular Bioeconomy: 127 Earthshot Prize 128 Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) 128 “Ranking the World’s Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Hotspots: 2019-2020”. 129 Skinks of India 129 Buldhana Pattern of water conservation 130 Tree Transplantation Policy 130 National butterfly 131 Indigenous varieties of Calcium Nitrate and Boronated Calcium Nitrates 131 Brahma Kamal 133 Synedrella Yellow Vein Clearing Virus 133 JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

World Migratory Bird Day(10 Oct) 134 Nitrous Oxide (N2O) 136 Smog Tower 136 Aquaponics Facility 136 Common Leopard (Panthera pardus) 138 Fly Ash 138 Impact-based cyclone warning system 139 Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary 140 Passage of the Animals: SC 140 Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) 141 State of Climate Services Report of WMO 141 Bioremediation Mechanism for Oil Spills 142 Asan Conservation Reserve 143 Delhi Air Pollution 143 Heeng Cultivation Project in India 144 National Green Tribunal (NGT) 144 State of Global Air 2020: HEI 147 International Snow Leopard Day ( 23 Oct ) 147 Two New Ramsar Sites 149 Himalayan brown bears 150 Yellow Dust (Asian Dust) 150 INCOIS 150 GoI to create a permanent body to control air pollution in Delhi 151 National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 151 Particulate Matter 152 Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas 152 Translocation of Corals in Mumbai 153 Shivalik Elephant Reserve , Uttarakhand 155 The Olive ridley turtles 156 What is Naturopathy 158

Science & Technology

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Decarbonization and Energy Transition Agenda 158 Mutation 158 SHUKRAYAAN: ISRO’s Venus Mission 158 World’s First Asteroid Mining Robot will be Launched by China 159 CSIR Technologies for Rural Development 159 iMediX- A Telemedicine System 160 AYUSH GRID Project 162 Purified Antisera treatment for COVID-19 163 Diffie–Hellman key exchange 164 RT-PCR Test 164 The S.S. Kalpana Chawla Cygnus 166 Polygraph or Lie Detector Test 166 Narcoanalysis Test 166 Brain Mapping Test or P-300 test: 167 Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum 167 National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy 167 National Maritime Domain Awareness Centre (NMDAC) 168 Graphene 168 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, 2020 168 Nobel Prize for Physics 2020 169 Nobel Prize for Chemistry 2020 169 Nobel Prize in Literature 2020 170 Outer Space Treaty 170 CEPI to include India for COVID-19 Vaccine Testing 171 What is an Adjuvant ? 172 Nuclear Weapons & India 172 High security registration plate (HSRP) 174 CAWACH 174 India’s fastest AI Super Computer: PARAM Sidhi-AI 174 Draft Spacecom Policy 175 Fluoride & Iron Removal technology of CMERI 175 World Space Week ( 4th-10th Oct ) 177 JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

Gyan Circle Ventures 178 The International Barcode of Life (iBOL) 178 Vigyan Jyoti 178 Engage with Science 179 IIT Delhi’s Study on Ultrafine Particles 179 Lepidoptera 180 The ‘Feluda’ test for Covid-19 180 About different masks 180 MOSAiC Expedition 181 Kerala: First State in country to become Digital in Public Education 181 C-DAC’s MoUs on Supercomputing 181 Mars Opposition 182 Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) 183 Novichok nerve agents 183 5,000 remote villages to receive Internet using ISRO satellites 183 STARS Project 184 Holographic Imaging Based Method 185 New Shephard 186 ENFUSER (Environmental information FUsion SERvice) 186 SILAM 186 Regional Raw Drug Repository for AYUSH launched 187 Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) 187 Cloud Innovation Centre 188 ICT Grand Challenge 188 Bepi Colombo Spacecraft reaches Mercury in its journey towards Venus 188 International Solar Alliance: Solar Awards presented for the first time 189 Sustainable Solid Waste Processing Facility developed by CSIR-CMERI 190 India International Science Festival 2020 ( IISF ) 190 Aditi Urja Sanch 191 OSIRIS-REx 192 COVIRAP : A Quick Covid-19 Test 193 India’s first seaplane project 194

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What is infodemic? 194 CuRED 194 Monoclonal Antibodies for Covid-19 194 Tubarial salivary glands 195 Soil-Transmitted Helminths 196 South Asian Flash Flood Guidance System 196 First room-temperature superconductor 197 World Polio Day 2020 ( 24 Oct ) 198 Polio 198 IndiGenomes Resource Database 198 Water on the Moon 200 NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy ( SOFIA ) 200 Earth Observation Satellite EOS-01: ISRO 201 Green Crackers 201 What are QR codes ? 202 NASA-ISRO to launch NISAR satellite in 2022 202 Indian Army launches Secure Messaging Application: SAI 203

International Relation , Organisation & Reports

India-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue 205 World Trade Organization to be led by a woman for first time 205 India-Kyrgyzstan 207 Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987 207 China’s Debt-trap diplomacy 207 United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) 207 75th Anniversary of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) (16th Oct ) 211 Report titled: Stacked odds 211 Bandung Conference(1955) & Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) 212 Geneva Conventions 213 Uranium Supply From Australia to India 213 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action 215

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Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 215 India joins UK-led fight against encrypted online messages 215 World Economic Outlook 2020 217 Report on Food Consumption: WWF 219 South China sea Dispute 220 New START treaty (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) 221 SCO Startup Forum 222 Myanmar Rohingya- an overview of the crisis 222 Israel and Bahrain to formalise diplomatic ties 223 Green Strategic Partnership 223 Australia and the Malabar Exercise 223 Global Tuberculosis Report, 2020 224 WHO backs India’s proposal against “COVID-19 Vaccine Nationalism” 225 International Maritime Organization ( IMO ) 226 India Invited to Join the Blue Dot Network 226 World Bank “Beaten or Broken? Informality and COVID-19 in South Asia” report: 227 Cabinet approves India-Nigeria Space Cooperation 228 The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) 228 The Future of Jobs Report, 2020 228 World Energy Outlook (WEO) 2020 229 G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting 231 Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report 2020 232 Chair of ILO Governing Body: India 232 India-Israel Water Attache 233 India-USA 2+2 Dialogue 2020 234 The European Union 234 Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement(BECA) 235 OSCE Minsk Group 236 Women and Trade: The Role of Trade in Promoting Women’s Equality: 236 NDC-Transport Initiative for Asia 237 India-France Ties 237 India-Central Asia Dialogue 237

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Daring Cities 2020 Conference 238 Global Himalayan Expedition ( GHE ) 238 UNFCCC 239 Migration and Development Brief Report 239 The World's Women 2020: Trends and Statistics 240 Ashgabat Agreement 240

Defense & Security

BrahMos Land-Attack Cruise Missile (surface-to-surface) 242 Karnaklata Barua 243 Exercise Bongosagar 243 New version of Shaurya Missile 243 SMART Torpedo 244 TSIRKON: Russia test fires Hypersonic Cruise Missile successfully 245 Rapid Action Force (RAF) 245 Anti Radiation Missile: Rudram-1 247 Sagar Kavach Coastal Security Exercise 247 Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) 248 Vessels Traffic Monitoring Systems (VTMS) 249 RUSTOM II 250 DRDO test fire of Nirbhay Cruise Missile fails 252 EXERCISE SURAKSHA KAVACH 253 36th NSG Raising Day 253 SLINEX-20 253 Assam-Mizoram Border Dispute 254 SANT Missile 257 Cyber Crime and Cyber Security in India 258 INS Kavaratti 259 INS Sindhuvir 259 Integrated Theatre Command 260 Central Bureau of Investigation 260

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Indo- Nepal border issue 261 Harpoon coastal defence systems 261 Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) 261 What is an Anti-Ship Missile? 262

Social Issues

NCRB Report: Crime in India 2019 263 International Day of Older Persons( 1st Oct ) 264 Tribes India E-Marketplace (market.tribesindia.com) 265 Tribal Entrepreneurship Development Programme 266 Criminal Justice System in India 266 100-Day Campaign 267 Central Water Commission(CWC) 267 Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) 267 Hearing Impairment in India 268 Biennial Poverty and Shared Prosperity Report 269 Poverty in India 269 World Food Programme 270 ‘10 Hafte 10 Baje 10 Minute’ Campaign 272 Tech for Tribals Initiative 272 World Mental Health Day 2020 ( 10 Oct ) 272 AMRUT Mission 274 Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan 275 Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission 276 Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna 277 Healthy Ageing 279 Biofortification 279 Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 280 Mahila Kisan Diwas 281 Global Hunger Index( GHI ) 281 October 15: World Students Day 283

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KAPILA Campaign 284 India & its Sex Ratio 284 Scale India App: 285 World Statistics Day ( 20 Oct ) 285 Anemia Mukt Bharat Index 285 Abortion 286 Tarang Suposhit Maharashtracha 286 CHILD CARE LEAVE: 287 GoI to launch two centres of excellence for Tribal Welfare 287 ASER Survey 2020 289 Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana 290 Power scheme for women scientists 290 Operation “Meri Saheli” 292 Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital in Education (SATH-E) project 292 History , Art & Culture Kakinada kaja ...... 295 Gandhi Jaynti : International Day of Non-Violence on October 2. 295 Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti 2nd Oct 295 Maru Mani 295 Etikoppaka Toys 295 Garba 296 Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana 296 Azad Hind Government 297 SHYAMJI KRISHNA VARMA 297 Life in Miniature project 298 Aligarh Movement 298 Langa & Manganiar 298 Kati Bihu festival celebrated in Assam 299 Parampara Series — National Festival of Music and Dance: 299 Jamia Millia Islamia 300 “Bundi: Architectural Heritage of a Forgotten Rajput Capital” 300

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Geography

Xoo Infection: Rice 302 Pakur Honey 302 Session on Precision Agriculture 303 Geographical Indications ( GI ) tag 303 World Cotton Day 304 Khardungla Pass 306 Bangalore Rose Onions 306 Zozilla tunnel 306 Wheat Variety MACS 6478 307 Taiwan Strait 309 Sadhna Pass 310 Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone (ITSZ) of Himalaya 310 Urban Flooding 311 Jute 312

Places in News

Places in News- New Caledonia 313 Mount Kilimanjaro 313 Chabahar Port 314 Demchok Sector 314 Nazca Lines: Peru 314 Mount Girnar 315 KHADI OAXACA 315 Libya 315 FENI BRIDGE 315

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Indian Polity ..

Data Governance Quality Index ( DGQI ): NITI Aayog ● Why in news ? ○ The Department of Fertilizers (Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers) has been ranked 3rd out of the 65 Ministries/Departments with a score 4.11 on a scale of 5 on Data Governance Quality Index (DGQI). ○ It has been ranked 2nd amongst the 16 Economic Ministries/Departments. About DGQI ➔ Who conduct Survey : Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), Niti Aayog ➔ Aim: to assess different Ministries/Departments' performance on the implementation of Central Sector Schemes (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). ➔ Objective: To drive healthy competition among them and promote cooperative peer learning from best practices. ➔ In this survey, an online questionnaire was prepared under Six major themes : Data Generation; Data Quality; Use of Technology; Data Analysis, Use and Dissemination; Data Security and HR Capacity and Case Studies. ➔ Ministries/Departments were classified in six categories: Administrative, Strategic, Infrastructure, Social, Economic and Scientific. #Target_shots Addition

Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office ( DMEO ) ● DMEO constituted in September 2015 ● by merging the erstwhile Program Evaluation Office (PEO) and the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO). ● DMEO attached office under NITI Aayog, ● Vision is to improve sustainable outcomes and impacts of the government. ● Aims to enable high-quality monitoring and evaluation of government programs to improve effectiveness, efficiency, equity and sustainability of service delivery, outcomes and impacts.

Central Schemes ➢ The central schemes are divided into Central Sector Schemes and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). Central sector schemes ➢ 100% funded by the Central government. ➢ Implemented by the Central Government machinery. ➢ Formulated on subjects mainly from the Union List. ➢ E.g.: Bharatnet, Namami Gange-National Ganga Plan, etc.

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Centrally Sponsored Schemes ( CSS ) ➢ These are schemes by the centre where there is financial participation by both the centre and states. ➢ Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) are again divided into Core of the Core Schemes, Core Schemes and Optional schemes. ➢ 6 core of the core schemes while 22 core schemes. ➢ Most of these schemes prescribe specific financial participation by states. For example, in the case of MGNREGA, state governments have to incur 25% material expenditure. The 6 core of the core CSS : 1. National Social Assistance Programme 2. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Program 3. Umbrella Scheme for Development of Scheduled Castes 4. Umbrella Programme for Development of Scheduled Tribes 5. Umbrella Programme for Development of Minorities 6. Umbrella Programme for Development of Other Vulnerable Groups

New rules for postal ballot ● The returning officer would deploy polling teams, which will deliver and collect the postal ballot on pre-informed dates and then deposit it with the returning officer. ● The form required to opt for the postal ballot would be delivered at the residence of all those aged above 80 and people with disabilities by the booth level officer under his polling station.

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About Postal Voting ● Procedure: A restricted set of voters can exercise postal voting. Through this facility, a voter can cast her vote remotely by recording her preference on the ballot paper and sending it back to the election officer before counting. ● Who else can avail this facility ? ○ Members of the armed forces like the Army, Navy and Air Force, members of the armed police force of a state (serving outside the state), government employees posted outside India and their spouses are entitled to vote only by post. ● The exception to the above-mentioned category of voters is provided under Section 60 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Air India One ● It is India's first-ever VVIP plane. ● It will be used by the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister. ● It is one of the two Boeing 777-300 ERs, which joined Air India’s fleet in 2018. Features:

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● It is equipped with missile warning sensors and counter-measures dispensing defence system. ● The B777 planes will have state-of-the-art missile defence systems called Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and Self-Protection Suites (SPS). ● The two B777 aircraft will be operated by pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and not of Air India.

Lokpal and Lokayukta ● Constitution: The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 provided for the establishment of Lokpal for the Union and Lokayukta for States. ● "India Against Corruption Movement" led by Anna Hazare put pressure on the then government at the Centre and resulted in the passing of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2013, in both the Houses of Parliament. ● It received assent from the President on 1st January 2014 and came into force on 16th January 2014. ● These institutions are statutory bodies without any constitutional status. ● Purpose: They perform the function of an "ombudsman” and inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for related matters. ● The term Lokpal and Lokayukta were coined by Dr L. M. Singhvi. Exemptions: ● PM with respect to functions such as National Security and Maintenance of public order. ● SC judges. ● Election Commission. ● All entities receiving donations from foreign sources in the context of FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) below Rs 10 lakh per year.

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Lokpal ● Purpose – It is an institution that will inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries. ● Composition – The Lokpal shall consist of a chairperson and up to eight members. ○ The chairperson and at least half of the members have to be current or former judges of the Supreme Court or Chief Justices of High Courts. ○ The other members will have at least 25 years’ experience in matters related to anti-corruption policy, vigilance, public administration, finance, law and management. ● The selection committee comprises the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition, the Chief Justice of India and an eminent jurist as members. ● Term:The term of office for Lokpal Chairman and Members is 5 years or till the age of 70 years. ● Removal: Lokpal members can be removed by the President after the inquiry by a committee consists of CJI and 2 senior most SC judges. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

Jurisdiction of Lokpal: ● Includes Prime Minister, Ministers, members of Parliament, Groups A, B, C and D officers and officials of Central Government. ● Jurisdiction of the Lokpal included the Prime Minister except on allegations of corruption relating to international relations, security, the public order, atomic energy and space. ● The Lokpal does not have jurisdiction over Ministers and MPs in the matter of anything said in Parliament or a vote given there. ● Its jurisdiction also includes any person who is or has been in charge (director/ manager/ secretary) of anybody/ society set up by central act or any other body financed/ controlled by central government and any other person involved in act of abetting, bribe giving or bribe taking.

Powers of Lokpal: ● It has the powers to superintendence over, and to give direction to CBI. ● If Lokpal has referred a case to CBI, the investigating officer in such case cannot be transferred without the approval of Lokpal. ● The Inquiry Wing of the Lokpal has been vested with the powers of a civil court. ● Powers of confiscation of assets, proceeds, receipts and benefits arisen or procured by means of corruption in special circumstances. ● Power to recommend transfer or suspension of public servant connected with allegation of corruption. ● Power to give directions to prevent the destruction of records during the preliminary inquiry.

Lokayukta ● Purpose: Lokayukta is an anti-corruption authority or ombudsman – an official appointed by the government to represent the interests of the public. ● Appointment: The Lokayukta is usually a former High Court Chief Justice or former Supreme Court judge and has a fixed tenure. ● Selection of Lokayukta: ○ The Chief Minister selects a person as the Lokayukta after consultation with the High Court Chief Justice, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Chairman of the Legislative Council, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council. The appointment is then made by the Governor. ● Removal: Once appointed, Lokayukta cannot be dismissed nor transferred by the government, and can only be removed by passing an impeachment motion by the state assembly.

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Single SBI branch for all FCRA accounts ● The Union Home Ministry has asked all NGOs seeking foreign donations to open a designated FCRA account at the State Bank of India’s New Delhi branch by March 31, 2021. ● NGOs registered under FCRA shall not receive any foreign donations in any other bank account from April 1, 2021. ● As of now there are 22,434 such NGOs and associations active under the FCRA. ● Background: In September, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2020 was amended by Parliament and a new provision that makes it mandatory for all non- government organisations and associations to receive foreign funds in a designated bank account at SBI’s New Delhi branch was inserted.

Inter-State River Water Disputes ● The Centre will determine the jurisdictions of the Krishna and Godavari river management boards (KRMB and GRMB), Union Jal Shakti Ministry (MoJS) announced at the Apex Council Meeting. ● Article 262 of the Constitution provides for the adjudication of inter-state water disputes. ○ Under this, Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use, distribution and control of waters of any inter- state river and river valley. ○ Parliament may also provide that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court is to exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute or complaint. ● The Parliament has enacted the two laws, the River Boards Act (1956) and the Inter- State Water Disputes Act (1956). ● The River Boards Act 1956 provides for the establishment of river boards by the Central government for the regulation and development of inter-state river and river valleys. ○ A River Board is established on the request of state governments concerned to advise them. ● The Inter-State Water Disputes Act 1956 empowers the Central government to set up an ad hoc tribunal for the adjudication of a dispute between two or more states in relation to the waters of an inter-state river or river valley. ○ The decision of the tribunal is final and binding on the parties to the dispute. ○ Neither the Supreme Court nor any other court is to have jurisdiction in respect of any water dispute which may be referred to such a tribunal under this Act.

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Godavari River ● Source: Godavari river rises from Trimbakeshwar near Nasik in Maharashtra and flows for a length of about 1465 km before outfalling into the Bay of Bengal.

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● Drainage Basin: The Godavari basin extends over states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha in addition to smaller parts in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Union territory of Puducherry. ● Tributaries: Pravara, Purna, Manjra, Penganga, Wardha, Wainganga, Pranhita (combined flow of Wainganga, Penganga, Wardha), Indravati, Maner and the Sabri.

Krishna River ● Source: It originates near Mahabaleshwar (Satara) in Maharashtra. It is the second biggest river in peninsular India after the Godavari River. ● Drainage: It runs from four states Maharashtra (303 km), North Karnataka (480 km) and the rest of its 1300 km journey in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh before it empties into the Bay of Bengal. ● Tributaries: Tungabhadra, Mallaprabha, Koyna, Bhima, Ghataprabha, Yerla, Warna, Dindi, Musi and Dudhganga.

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Interstate River Water Disputes Amendment Bill 2019 ● The Bill seeks to amend the Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 with a view to streamline the adjudication of inter-state river water disputes and make the present institutional architecture robust. ● Key Provisions: ● Disputes Resolution Committee (DRC): The bill requires the central government to set up a DRC for resolving any inter-state water dispute amicably. The DRC will get a period of one year, extendable by six months, to submit its report to the central government. ● Members of DRC: Members of the DRC will be from relevant fields, as deemed fit by the central government. ● Permanent Tribunal: The Bill envisages to constitute a standalone Tribunal with permanent establishment and permanent office space and infrastructure. It can have multiple benches. All existing tribunals will be dissolved and the water disputes pending adjudication before such existing tribunals will be transferred to this newly formed tribunal. ● Composition of the Tribunal: The tribunal shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice- Chairperson, and not more than six nominated members (judges of the Supreme Court or of a High Court), nominated by the CJI. The central government may appoint two experts serving in the Central Water Engineering Service, not below the rank of Chief Engineer, as assessors to advise the bench in its proceedings. ● Time allotted to Tribunal to take its decision: Under the Bill, the proposed tribunal has to give its decision on a dispute within a period of two years. This period is extendable by a maximum of one year. ● Decision of the Tribunal: Earlier, the decision of the tribunal must be published by the central government in the official gazette. After publication, the decision has the same

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force as that of an order of the Supreme Court. Under the Bill, the requirement of publication in the official gazette has been removed. ○ The Bill also adds that the decision of the bench of the tribunal will be final and binding on the parties involved in the dispute. This decision will have the same force as that of an order of the Supreme Court. ● Maintenance of data bank and information: The Bill also calls for the transparent data collection system at the national level for each river basin and a single agency to maintain data bank and information system. ● Additional rule -making powers: The Bill gives the central government powers to make rules in which water will be distributed during stress situations arising from shortage in the availability of water.

Gupkar Declaration ● On August 4, 2019, first Gupkar declaration was signed before the abrogation of Article 370. ● Why it signed: On August 22, 2020, the six political parties of Jammu and Kashmir signed a statement titled as ‘Gupkar Declaration II’ to collectively fight against the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. ● The six parties have jointly stated the Centre’s decision to alter the special status of Jammu and Kashmir is ‘grossly unconstitutional’.

Autonomous District Councils ● As per the Sixth Schedule, the four states viz. Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram contain the Tribal Areas which are technically different from the Scheduled Areas. ● Though these areas fall within the executive authority of the state, provision has been made for the creation of the District Councils and regional councils for the exercise of the certain legislative and judicial powers. ● Each district is an autonomous district and Governor can modify / divide the boundaries of the said Tribal areas by notification.

Constitution of District Councils and Regional Councils ● There shall be a District Council for each autonomous district consisting of not more than thirty members, of whom not more than four persons shall be nominated by the Governor and the rest shall be elected on the basis of adult suffrage. ● There shall be a separate Regional Council for each area constituted an autonomous region. ● Each District Council and each Regional Council shall be a body corporate by the name respectively of the District Council of (name of district) and the Regional Council of (name of region), shall have perpetual succession and a common seal and shall by the said name sue and be sued.

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Supreme Court on Right to Protest ● Why in news?: Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the right to peaceful protest against the law but also cleared that public ways and public spaces cannot be occupied and that too indefinitely. ● The judgment upheld the right to peaceful protest against a law but made it unequivocally clear that public ways and public spaces cannot be occupied, and that too indefinitely. ● It is the duty of the administration to remove such road blockades. ● Dissent and democracy go hand in hand but protests must be carried out in designated area.

#Target_shots Addition Right to Protest peacefully ● The right to protest peacefully is guaranteed by the Constitution of India. ● Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) give to all citizens the right to freedom of speech and expression, and to assemble peaceably and without arms. ● However, under Articles 19(2) and 19(3), the right to freedom of speech is subject to “reasonable restrictions”. ● These include the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.

New H-1B curbs ● The United States has issued new rules that make it harder for US companies to employ people on H-1B non-immigrant visas. ● The Interim Final Rules change: ○ The definitions of specialty occupation, employer and employee-employer relationship. ○ Limit visa validity to one year for a worker at a third-party work site. ○ Increases enforcement and investigations for these visas

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What are H-1B, H-2B, L1 and J1 Visas ● In order to fill a vacuum of highly-skilled low-cost employees in IT and other related domains, the US administration issues a certain number of visas each year which allows companies from outside the US to send employees to work on client sites. ● H-1B: Person is Specialty Occupation: To work in a specialty occupation. Requires a higher education degree of its equivalent. ● L1 visas allows companies to transfer highly skilled workers to US for a period of up to seven years. ● H-2B visas allow food and agricultural workers to seek employment in the US.

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● J-1 Visas: It is for students on work-study summer programmes.

Google to face antitrust case in India ● Google is facing a new antitrust case in India. It is alleged to have abused its Android operating system’s position in the smart television market. #Target_shots Addition

What are anti-trust laws? ● Also referred to as competition laws. ● They are developed to protect consumers from predatory business practices. ● They ensure that fair competition exists in an open-market economy. ● They guard against would-be monopolies and disruptions to the productive ebb and flow of competition.

India’s Anti-Trust Regulation Framework ● The Competition Act, 2002 is India’s antitrust law. It replaced the Monopolistic and Restrictive Trade Practices Act of 1969. ● The Act prohibits: anti-competitive agreements; abuse of dominant position by enterprises; and regulates combinations (Mergers and Acquisition), which causes or likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition within India. ● Under the provisions of this act, the central government has established Competition Commission of India in 2003 which acts as a watchdog of free market economy.

Gorkhaland Territorial Administration ● It is an Autonomous District Council for the Darjeeling and Kalimpong areas of the West Bengal state in India. ● It was formed as a result of tripartite agreement between the West Bengal government, the Centre and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) in 2011. ● The GTA was formed to replace the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, which was formed in 1988 and administered the Darjeeling hills for 23 years. ● GTA presently consists of three hill subdivisions Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, some areas of Siliguri subdivision of Darjeeling district and the whole of Kalimpong district under its authority.

Television Rating Points(TRP) ● The TRP is the metric used by the marketing and advertising agencies to evaluate viewership. ● Viewer: Anyone who watches television for more than a minute is considered a viewer. ● It represents how many people, from which socio-economic categories, watched which channels for how much time during a particular period. This period is one minute as per the international standards.

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● Bar-o-meters: BARC has installed Bar-O-meters in over 45,000 empanelled households. These record viewing details as well as audio watermarks of content.

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Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) ● It is a company created in 2010 and jointly owned by advertisers, ad agencies, and broadcasting companies, represented by the Indian Society of Advertisers, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation and the Advertising Agencies Association of India. ● The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting notified the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India on January 10, 2014, and registered BARC in July 2015 under these guidelines, to carry out television ratings in India.

Who is a declared foreigner? ● Why in news: The Gauhati High Court has said that people declared as foreigners cannot be kept in jails that serve as detention centres, depriving them of basic human rights and human dignity. ● What is a declared foreigner or DF ? : a person marked by Foreigners’ Tribunal (FT) for allegedly failing to prove their citizenship after the State police’s Border wing marks him or her as an illegal immigrant.

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Foreigners tribunal ● In 1964, the govt brought in the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order. ● Composition: Advocates not below the age of 35 years of age with at least 7 years of practice (or) Retired Judicial Officers from the Assam Judicial Service (or) Retired IAS of ACS Officers (not below the rank of Secretary/Addl. Secretary) having experience in quasi-judicial works. ● The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has amended the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964, and has empowered district magistrates in all States and Union Territories to set up tribunals (quasi-judicial bodies) to decide whether a person staying illegally in India is a foreigner or not. ● The amended order (Foreigners (Tribunal) Order, 2019) also empowers individuals to approach the Tribunals.

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights ● The Supreme Court has sought a response from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to its request to eight States to “produce” children living in care homes before the local child welfare committees for their “immediate repatriation” with their families.

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● NCPCR is a statutory body set up in March 2007 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005. ● Under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development. ● Composition: ○ This commission has a chairperson and six members of which at least two should be women ○ All of them are appointed by Central Government for three years. ○ The maximum age to serve in commission is 65 years for Chairman and 60 years for members. ● Functions: ○ The Commission's mandate is to ensure that all laws, policies, programmes, and administrative mechanisms are in consonance with the child rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. ○ It inquires into complaints relating to a child's right to free and compulsory education under the Right to Education Act, 2009. ○ It monitors the implementation of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012

Types of Political Parties ● The Election Commission of India lists political parties as “national party”, “state party” or “registered (unrecognised) party”. ● The conditions for being listed as a national or a state party are specified under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. Conditions for recognized parties: ● National Party: ○ 6% valid votes polled in any four or more states at a general election to the Lok Sabha or to the State legislative assembly; and, in addition, it wins four seats in the Lok Sabha from any state or states. ○ 2% of all Lok Sabha seats in the last such election, with MPs elected from at least three states. ○ Recognition as a state party in at least four states. ● State Party: ○ Two seats plus a 6% vote share in the last Assembly election in that state. ○ One seat plus a 6% vote share in the last Lok Sabha election from that state. ○ 3% of the total Assembly seats or 3 seats, whichever is more. ○ One of every 25 Lok Sabha seats (or an equivalent fraction) from a state. ○ An 8% state-wide vote share in either the last Lok Sabha or the last Assembly polls. ● Loss of Recognised Status: ○ Once recognised as a national or a state party, a political party loses its given status only if it fails to fulfil any of the conditions for two successive Assembly and two successive Lok Sabha elections. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

○ That means a party retains that status irrespective of its performance in the next elections.

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Election Commission of India ● an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India. ● The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country. Constitutional Provision: ● Part XV of the Indian constitution deals with elections, and establishes a commission for these matters. ● The Election Commission was established in accordance with the Constitution on 25th January 1950. ● Article 324 to 329 of the constitution deals with powers, function, tenure, eligibility, etc of the commission and the member Structure, Appointment & Removal : ● Originally the commission had only one election commissioner but after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989, it has been made a multi-member body. ● The commission consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. ● The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. ● They have a fixed tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. ● They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India. ● The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through a process of removal similar to that of a Supreme Court judge for by Parliament.

Right to Information (RTI) Act ● more than 2.2 lakh Right to information cases are pending at the Central and State Information Commissions (ICs), which are the final courts of appeal under the RTI Act, 2005. ● completion of the 15 years of Right to Information (RTI) Act.

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Historical Background ● The right to information is a fundamental right under Article 19 (1) of the Indian Constitution. ● First right to information law was enacted by Sweden in 1766. ● The idea of RTI Act in India was floated by the former Prime Minister of India, Shri. V.P. Singh in 1990. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

● Tamil Nadu became the first Indian State to pass RTI law in 1997.

Right to Information Act, 2005 ● The basic objective of the Right to Information Act 2005 (RTI Act) is to empower the citizens, to seek information from Public Authorities. Thereby it promotes transparency and accountability in the working of the Government also helps in containing corruption, and makes Indian democracy work for the people in real sense. ● Bill for the present RTI Act, 2005 was passed on the recommendations of National Advisory Council (NAC) in May 2005, and RTI Act, 2005 became effective from October 12, 2005.

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Important provisions ● Section 1(2) : It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. ● Section- 2 (f): "Information" means any material in any form, including Records, Documents, Memos, e-mails, Opinions, Advices, Press releases, Circulars, Orders, Logbooks, Contracts, Reports, Papers, Samples, Models, Data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a Public Authority under any other law for the time being in force. ● Section 2(h): Public authorities mean all authorities and bodies under the union government, state government or local bodies. The civil societies that are substantially funded, directly or indirectly, by the public funds also fall within the ambit of RTI. ● Section 4 of the RTI Act requires suo motu disclosure of information by each public authority. However, such disclosures have remained less than satisfactory. ● Section 4 1(b): Government has to maintain and proactively disclose information. ● Section 6: Prescribes a simple procedure for securing information. ● Section 7: Prescribes a time frame for providing information(s) by PIOs. ● Section 8: Only minimum information exempted from disclosure. ● Section 8 (1) mentions exemptions against furnishing information under the RTI Act. ● Section 8 (2) provides for disclosure of information exempted under the Official Secrets Act, 1923 if the larger public interest is served. ● Section 19: Two-tier mechanism for appeal. ● Section 20: Provides penalties in case of failure to provide information on time, incorrect, incomplete or misleading or distorted information. ● Section 23: Lower courts are barred from entertaining suits or applications. However, the writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India and high courts under Articles 32 and 225 of the Constitution remains unaffected. ● The Act also provides for appointment of Information Commissioners at Central and State level. Public authorities have designated some of its officers as Public Information Officer. They are responsible to give information to a person who seeks information under the RTI Act.

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● Time period: In normal course, information to an applicant is to be supplied within 30 days from the receipt of application by the public authority. ● If information sought concerns the life or liberty of a person, it shall be supplied within 48 hours. #Target_shots Addition

Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019 ● It provided that the Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner (of Centre as well as States) shall hold office for such term as prescribed by the Central Government. Before this amendment, their term was fixed for 5 years. ● It provided that the salary, allowances and other service conditions of the Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner (of Centre as well as States) shall be such as prescribed by the Central Government. ● Before this amendment, the salary, allowances and other service conditions of the Chief Information Commissioner were similar to those of the Chief Election Commissioner and that of an Information Commissioner were similar to those of an Election Commissioner (State Election Commissioners in case of States). ● It removed the provisions regarding deductions in salary of the Chief Information Commissioner, an Information Commissioner, the State Chief Information Commissioner and a State Information Commissioner due to pension or any other retirement benefits received by them for their previous government service. ● The RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 was criticized on grounds of diluting the law and giving more powers to the central government.

Central Information Commission ● Established: The Central Information Commission was established by the Central Government in 2005, under the provisions of the Right to Information Act (2005). ● It is not a constitutional body. ● Members: The Commission consists of a Chief Information Commissioner and not more than ten Information Commissioners. ● At present (2019), the Commission has six Information Commissioners apart from the Chief Information Commissioner. ● Appointment: They are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. ● Tenure: The Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner shall hold office for such term as prescribed by the Central Government or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. ● They are not eligible for reappointment. ● Power and Functions of CIC ○ It is the duty of the Commission to receive and inquire into a complaint from any person regarding information request under RTI, 2005.

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○ The Commission can order an inquiry into any matter if there are reasonable grounds (suo-moto power). ○ While inquiring, the Commission has the powers of a civil court in respect of summoning, requiring documents etc.

State Information Commission ( SIC ) ● Right to Information Act of 2005 provides State Information Commission at the state level also ● The State Information Commission is a high powered independent body which inter-alia looks into the complaints made to it and decide the appeals. ● Role: It entertains complaints and appeals pertaining to offices, financial institutions, public sector undertakings, etc., under the concerned state government. ● Members: The Commission consists of a State Chief Information Commissioner and not more than ten State Information Commissioners. ● Appointment: They are appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Chief Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and a State Cabinet Minister nominated by the Chief Minister.

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RTI vs Right to Privacy ● Conceptually, RTI and the right to privacy are both complementary as well as in conflict to each other. ● While RTI increases access to information, the right to privacy protects it instead. ● At the same time they both function, as citizen rights safeguarding liberty, against state’s overreach. ● When the question of harmonising the contradicting rights arises, it should ○ give justice to the larger public interest ○ advance the public morality

Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index, 2020 ● Released by Oxfam ● The index ranks 158 countries measuring their policies and actions in three areas that it said are proven to be directly related to reducing inequality: ○ Public services(health, education and social protection) ○ Taxation and ○ Workers rights. ● Topped by : Norway followed by Denmark and Germany. ● About India : ○ Ranked 129 overall in the index. ○ Public Services: In terms of its public services such as health, education and social protection, India has been ranked 141. ○ Taxation: In terms of taxation, India has been ranked 19th in the index. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

○ Workers Rights: India has failed poorly in protecting labour rights and has slipped to rank 151.

How Election Commission decides on party symbols ● The symbols help the several unrecognised parties and independent candidates differentiate themselves from one another and help voters identify the party of their choice. How many types of symbols are there ? ● As per the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) (Amendment) Order, 2017, party symbols are either: ○ Reserved: Eight national parties and 64 state parties across the country have “reserved” symbols. ○ Free: The Election Commission also has a pool of nearly 200 “free” symbols that are allotted to the thousands of unrecognised regional parties that pop up before elections. How are symbols allotted to political parties ? ● As per the guidelines, to get a symbol allotted: ○ A party/candidate has to provide a list of three symbols from the EC’s free symbols list at the time of filing nomination papers. ○ Among them, one symbol is allotted to the party/candidate on a first-come-first- serve basis. ○ When a recognised political party splits, the Election Commission takes the decision on assigning the symbol.

Diminishing role of Parliament: ● Context: How the present government’s actions are undermining the role of Parliament today.

Actions that have diminished the role of Parliament:

A. PM Modi has spoken only 3.6 times a year in Parliament: 22 times in six years. a. This illustrates the populist style of communication of Modi, who prefers to communicate directly with the people, either on the radio (like Indira Gandhi in the 1970s) or via social media (like the US President Donald Trump). b. Now the main concern here is that these methods reflect a preference for one- way messaging, which obviates the risk of contradiction, and questioning by the receiver. B. Ordinance route: In order to circumvent Parliament, the Modi government has often followed the ordinance route. a. While ordinances are usually resorted to by minority governments or coalition governments, the Modi government has used it more than any of his predecessors despite the BJP enjoying a majority in the Lok Sabha.

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b. The average number of ordinances jumped from six a year under Manmohan Singh to 11 a year under Modi. C. No role for Parliamentary Committees: a. The number of Bills that have been referred to parliamentary committees — the deliberative core of parliamentary work — has shrunk dramatically, from 68 (71 per cent of the total) in the 15th Lok Sabha to 24 (25 per cent of the total) in the 16th Lok Sabha — and zero in 2020. D. Resort to money Bill route: a. Several key pieces of legislation have been passed as Money Bills, despite the fact that they did not fit this category. E. Less discussions: a. Ordinary Bills are not so much discussed, either because their texts are handed over to the MPs at the last minute or because there is little time for debates. F. Role and significance of Parliament in deliberations: ● By definition, Parliament is the crucible of criticism, deliberation and even consensus- making. ● Parliamentarism stands poles apart from populism, not only because it epitomises representative democracy, but also because it treats opponents as adversaries, not as enemies. ● So, what’s the main concern now? ● Clearly, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha are ceasing to be places for debates.

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What is the role of Parliament in a democracy? ● The Constitution provides for the legislature to make laws, scrutinise the functioning of the executive, and hold the executive accountable for its decisions. ● The Constitution provides for MPs to raise issues of public importance in Parliament, and examine the Government’s response to problems being faced by citizens through - ● Debate - which entails a reply by the concerned minister ● Motion - which entails a vote ● Motions are made for discussing important issues such as inflation, corruption, drought, etc. or adjourning the business in the house or to express no confidence in the Government. ● The Government is collectively responsible to Parliament for its actions. ● The Parliament may use various methods including, debates on Bills and issues, questioning ministers during Question Hour and in parliamentary committees. ● Question Hour is one of the forums of holding the Government accountable for its actions. ● During this hour, MPs pose questions to the ministers regarding the implementation of laws and policies by the Government.

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Gurkha Rights in Assam ● Why in news: The Gurkha community in Assam has sought gazette notification ensuring that the safeguards according to Clause 6 of the 1985 Assam Accord are also extended to Gurkha people of Assam. ● What is Clause 6 of the 1985 Assam Accord: Clause 6 envisages constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards for protecting, preserving and promoting the culture, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. ● Committee: formed under the Chairmanship of Biplab Kumar Sharma by the Union Home Ministry on Clause 6 of Assam Accord ● Recommendation: The committee recommended that all Gurkhas of Assam are not indegenous Assamese people as per the definition of Assamese people .

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Assam Accord ● It was a tripartite accord signed between the Government of India, State Government of Assam and the leaders of the Assam Movement in 1985. ● The Accord ended the anti-foreigners Assam Agitation from 1979-1985. ● The signing of the Accord led to the conclusion of a six-year agitation that was launched by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) in 1979, demanding the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants from Assam. ● It sets a cut-off of midnight of 24th March 1971, for the detection of illegal foreigners in Assam. ● However, the demand was for detection and deportation of migrants who had illegally entered Assam after 1951.

Saral Jeevan Bima By the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI).

Key features of the product- Saral Jeevan Bima: 1. It will be a non-linked, non-participating individual pure risk premium life insurance plan providing for payment of the sum assured in lump sum to the nominee in case of the insured’s death during the policy term. 2. Eligibility: The plan will be for those in the 18-65 years age group. 3. Policy term will be 5-40 years. 4. It allows for a maximum maturity age of 70 years. 5. Sum assured will be a minimum of ₹5 lakh and a maximum of ₹25 lakh. Insurers, however, have the option of offering sum assured beyond ₹25 lakh with all other terms and conditions remaining the same. 6. No restrictions: The product shall be offered to individuals without restrictions on gender, place of residence, travel, occupation or educational qualifications. 7. There will be only one exclusion under the policy – exclusion for suicide.

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8. There will be no maturity benefit. Neither will there be any surrender value nor can any loan be taken against the product. 9. The policy will also offer optional Accident Benefit and Permanent Disability Rider.

Pradhan Mantri Jivan Jyoti Bima Yojana ● Anybody who has an Aadhaar number with a linked bank account and falls in the age- bracket of 18-50 years can enrol for the same. ● Premium: Rs.330 per annum. It will be auto-debited in one instalment. ● Payment Mode: The payment of premium will be directly auto-debited by the bank from the subscribers account. ● Risk Coverage: Rs.2 Lakh in case of death for any reason. ● Terms of Risk Coverage: A person has to opt for the scheme every year. He can also prefer to give a long-term option of continuing, in which case his account will be auto- debited every year by the bank. ● Who will implement this Scheme?: The scheme will be offered by Life Insurance Corporation and all other life insurers who are willing to join the scheme and tie-up with banks for this purpose.

State Water Grid to overcome flood crisis ● The State Water Grid will be formed on the lines of the National Power Grid and Highway Grid. ● The idea is to divert the flood water from one river basin to the other river basin in the drought prone area of the state. ● The areas with shortage of the water, scanty rainfall can get relief by the Grid. ● It Help the government to ensure the availability of the water in drought prone areas and save the resources to manage the flood crisis.

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What is River Inter-interlinking ? ● The National River Linking Project (NRLP) formally known as the National Perspective Plan, envisages the transfer of water from water ‘surplus’ basins where there is flooding, to water ‘deficit’ basins where there is drought/scarcity, through inter-basin water transfer projects.

National Interlinking of Rivers Authority(NIRA) ● The Central government is working on the establishment of an exclusive body to implement projects for linking rivers. ● To be called the NIRA, the proposed body is expected to take up both inter-State and intra-State projects. ● It will also make arrangements for generating up funds, internally and externally.

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● Headed by Union Minister of Jal Shakti, the panel includes Irrigation or Water Resources Ministers and Secretaries of States. ● It is being assisted by a Task Force for ILR, which is a committee of experts essentially drawn from the Jal Shakti Ministry, Central Water Commission and the NWDA.

ILR Projects in India ● As of now, six ILR projects — the Ken-Betwa, Damanganga- Pinjal, Par-Tapi-Narmada, Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga, Mahanadi-Godavari and Godavari-Cauvery (Grand Anicut) — have been under examination of the authorities. ● The Ken-Betwa ILR is India’s first such project. ● With regard to the peninsular rivers, the Centre has chosen to focus on the Godavari- Cauvery link than the earlier proposal to link the Mahanadi-Godavari-Krishna-Pennar- Cauvery rivers.

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National Company Law Appellate Tribunal ● NCLAT is the Appellate Tribunal for hearing appeals against the orders passed by NCLT(s) under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 and also the Appellate Tribunal to hear and dispose of appeals against any direction issued or decision made or order passed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) ● Constitute in : June,2016 under Section 410 of the Companies Act, 2013. Composition: ● The chairperson and judicial members of the Appellate Tribunal shall be appointed by government of India after consultation with the Chief Justice of India. ● Chairperson Should be/been judge of the Supreme Court or should be/been Chief Justice of the High Court. ● Judicial Member has been a judge of a High Court or is a judicial member of a tribunal for 5 years or more. ● Technical member- Person with proven ability, integrity and standing having special knowledge and experience of 25 years or more (in specified areas) Term of office ● Chairperson and members is 5 years and they can be reappointed for once. ● The Members of the Tribunal and the Technical Members of the Appellate Tribunal shall be appointed on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.

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Competition Commission of India (CCI) ● Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body of the Government of India responsible for enforcing the Competition Act, 2002, ● It was duly constituted in March 2009. ● The commission is a quasi-judicial body which gives opinions to statutory authorities and also deals with other cases. ● Functions: Its duties are to eliminate practices having adverse effect on competition, promote and sustain competition, protect the interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade in the markets of India. ● CCI consists of a Chairperson and maximum 6 Members appointed by the Central Government.

Rationalisation of Autonomous Institutions ● The Ministry of Finance has recommended that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) “disengage” from five autonomous institutions working under it and merge two others, thus reducing the 16 autonomous organisations under the ministry to 9. ● Aim: of ‘minimum government, maximum governance,’ ensuring efficient use of public funds.

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Recommendations for MoEFCC: ● Disengagement from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII-Dehradun), Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM-Bhopal), Indian Plywood Industries Research & Training Institute (Bengaluru), CPR Environmental Education Centre (Chennai) and Centre for Environment Education (Ahmedabad). ○ Disengagement will involve two aspects - phasing out government support to the institution in a time-bound manner, disassociating from the management of the institutions and allowing the relevant industry/stakeholders to run them. ● Disengagement by the government with a three-year timeline and a gradual budget reduction of 25% each year is recommended. ● Both WII and IIFM can be converted to deemed universities. ● The Society of Integrated Coastal Management (New Delhi) should be merged with the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (Tamil Nadu), as both perform similar roles of promoting coastal management. This will avoid duplication of activities and attain economies of scale. ● Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (Tamil Nadu), which receives Rs. 14 crore annually from MoEFCC, should be merged with the ministry. ● Statutory bodies such as Central Pollution Control Board, Central Zoo Authority (CZA), National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), National Biodiversity Authority should continue to function under and with the financial support of MoEFCC. ○ These bodies should be encouraged to become ‘self-financed’.

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What are Autonomous Bodies (ABs)? ● Autonomous Bodies are set up whenever it is felt that certain functions need to be discharged outside the governmental set up with some amount of independence and flexibility without day-to-day interference of the Governmental machinery. ● These are set up by the Ministries/Departments concerned with the subject matter and are funded through grants-in-aid, either fully or partially, depending on the extent which such institutes generate internal resources of their own.

Wildlife Institute of India ● An autonomous institution under the Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate change. ● Established in : 1982 ● Headquarter : Dehradun ● Objective : WII carries out wildlife research in areas of study like biodiversity, endangered species, wildlife policy, wildlife management, wildlife forensics, spatial modeling, ecodevelopment, habitat ecology and climate change.

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Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) ● A village development project launched by Government of India in October 2014, ● What is it ?: under which each Member of Parliament will take the responsibility of developing physical and institutional infrastructure in three villages by 2019 ● The goal: is to develop three Adarsh Grams by March 2019, of which one would be achieved by 2016. Thereafter, five such Adarsh Grams (one per year) will be selected and developed by 2024. ● Occasion: The Project was launched on the occasion of birth anniversary of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan. Implementation: ● The scheme will be implemented through a village development plan that would be prepared for every identified gram panchayat with special focus on enabling every poor household to come out of poverty. ● The constituency fund, MPLADS, would be available to fill critical financing gaps. ● The planning process in each village will be a participatory exercise coordinated by the District Collector. The MP will play an active facilitating role in this exercise. ● Focus on: SAGY gives focus to community participation. Social mobilization of village community can trigger a chain of other development activities in the village.

Chapter Proceedings ● They are preventive actions taken by the police if they fear that a particular person is likely to create trouble and disrupt the peace in society. ● These proceedings are unlike punitive action taken in case of an FIR with an intention to punish. ● Here, the police can issue notices under sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure that the person is aware that creating nuisance could result in action against him, which includes paying a fine, in the absence of which, he could be put behind bars. ● Generally a notice is issued to a person under section 111 of the CrPC whereby he is asked to present himself before the Executive Magistrate an ACP-rank officer

Chief Information Commissioner ● The Central Information Commission is the highest appellate authority under the RTI Act,2005 and consists of a chief and up to 10 Commissioners. ● Appointed by : the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of - Prime Minister as Chairperson, Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha), Union Cabinet Minister (nominated by the Prime Minister). ● Tenure : The Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner shall hold office for such terms as prescribed by the Central Government or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. ○ They are not eligible for reappointment. Currently 3 years. ● Removal: The President can remove the Chief Information Commissioner or any Information Commissioner on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity and other JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

charges. The President has to refer the matter to the Supreme Court for an enquiry. If the Supreme Court, after the enquiry,upholds the cause of removal and advises so, then the President can remove him. ● Functions : It is the duty of the Commission to receive and inquire into a complaint from any person: ○ who has not been able to submit an information request because of non- appointment of a Public Information Officer; ○ who has been refused information that was requested; ○ who thinks information given is incomplete, misleading or false; ● Power: ○ The Commission can order inquiry into any matter if there are reasonable grounds (suo-moto power). ○ While inquiring, the Commission has the powers of a civil court.

District Development Councils (DDC) ● The Centre amended the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, to facilitate the setting up of District Development Councils (DDC). ● A legislation to this effect was brought in by the Ministry of Home Affairs. #Target_shots Addition

What are DDCs? What are their functions? ● This system effectively replaces the District Planning and Development Boards in all districts. ● They will prepare and approve district plans and capital expenditure. ● The term of the DDC will be five years. ● The council will hold at least four “general meetings” in a year, one in each quarter. Structure: ● Their key feature, however, is that the DDCs will have elected representatives from each district. ● Their number has been specified at 14 elected members per district representing its rural areas, alongside the Members of Legislative Assembly chairpersons of all Block Development Councils within the district. ● The electoral process will allow for reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women. ● The Additional District Development Commissioner (or the Additional DC) of the district shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the District Development Council. ● Members will be directly elected by voters in the Union Territory.

Election Commission sets up panel to revise Expenditure Limit for candidates ● Election Commission constituted a committee under Harish Kumar, the former director general investigation and the election commission Secretary General Umesh Sinha

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● The two- member committee will examine the expenditure limit of candidates contesting in Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections. ● The need to increase expenditure has come up due to the increase in the size of electorate and increasing inflation. ● Previously the expenditure sealing of a candidate was revised in 2014. ● The committee has been set up in the wake of GoI measure to enhance the expenditure limit by 10% as per the suggestion of the election commission for bigger States such as a Gujarat Andhra Pradesh Haryana and Bihar. ● This is because the candidates face difficulty in campaigning amidst covid-19 times.

Integrity Pact in govt. Organisations ● The Central Vigilance Commission has amended the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on adoption of “Integrity Pact” in government organisations for procurement activities. ● This order revises the SOP issued in January 2017. ● As per the amended SOP: ○ For appointment as Integrity External Monitors (IEMs), the Ministry, department or organisation concerned has to forward a panel of suitable persons to the CVC, of those persons who are in the panel maintained by the Commission. ○ Maximum tenure of IEMs: 3 years in an organisation.

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What is an integrity pact ? ● The pact is to ensure transparency, equity and competitiveness in public procurement. ● They were developed as a tool for preventing corruption in public contracting. ● It is a vigilance tool that envisages an agreement between the prospective vendors/bidders and the buyer, committing both the parties not to exercise any corrupt influence on any aspect of the contract. ● It is a tool developed by Transparency International.

Who are IEMs ? ● The Integrity Pact envisages a panel of Independent External Monitors (IEMs) for each organisation. ● IEM reviews independently and objectively, whether and to what extent parties have complied with their obligations under the pact. ● They may submit a report to the chief executive of the organisation concerned or directly to the CVO and the CVC, if they find serious irregularities attracting the Prevention of Corruption Act provision

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Central Vigilance Commission ● Set up by the Government in February, 1964 on the recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, headed by Shri K. Santhanam. ● In 2003, the Parliament enacted CVC Act conferring statutory status on the CVC. ● The CVC is not controlled by any Ministry/Department. It is an independent body which is only responsible to the Parliament. ● It submits its report to the President of India. ● Its role is to monitor all vigilance activity under the Central Government and advising various authorities in Central Government organizations in planning, executing, reviewing and reforming their vigilance work. ● Composition: ○ Central vigilance commissioner along with 2 vigilance commissioners. ● Appointment: Appointed by the President of India on the recommendations of a committee consisting of Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha (if there is no LoP then the leader of the single largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha). ● Term is 4 years or 65 years, whichever is earlier. ● Removal: Removed from his office only by order of the President on the ground of proved misbehavior or incapacity after the Supreme Court, on a reference made to it by the President, has, on inquiry, reported that the Central Vigilance Commissioner or any Vigilance Commissioner, as the case may be, ought to be removed.

Draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 ● It is commonly referred to as the “Privacy Bill” and intends to protect individual rights by regulating the collection, movement, and processing of data that is personal, or which can identify the individual. ○ The Bill derives its inspiration from a previous draft version prepared by a committee headed by retired Justice B N Srikrishna. ● Significance: The Bill gives the government powers to authorise the transfer of certain types of personal data overseas and has given exceptions allowing government agencies to collect personal data of citizens. ● The Bill divides the data into three categories and mandates their storage depending upon the type. ○ Personal Data: Data from which an individual can be identified like name, address, etc. ○ Sensitive Personal Data: Some types of personal data like financial, health- related, sexual orientation, biometric, genetic, transgender status, caste, religious belief, and more. ○ It needs to be stored only in India and can be processed abroad only under certain conditions including approval of the Data Protection Agency (DPA). ○ Critical Personal Data: Anything that the government at any time can deem critical, such as military or national security data.

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○ It must be stored and processed in India only. ● It removes the requirement of data mirroring (in case of personal data). Only individual consent for data transfer abroad is required. ○ Data mirroring is the act of copying data from one location to a storage device in real-time. ● It mandates data fiduciaries to provide the government with any non-personal data when demanded. ○ Non-personal data refers to anonymised data, such as traffic patterns or demographic data. ○ Data Fiduciary: It may be a service provider who collects, stores and uses data in the course of providing such goods and services. ● The Bill requires companies and social media intermediaries, which are “significant data fiduciaries”, to enable users in India to voluntarily verify their accounts. ○ It would be visible in a “demonstrable and visible mark of verification, which shall be visible to all users of the service”. ● This intends to decrease the anonymity of users and prevent trolling.

Model Code of Conduct: EC ● History: The origins of the MCC lie in the Assembly elections of Kerala in 1960, when the State administration prepared a ‘Code of Conduct’ for political actors. ● The MCC is a set of guidelines issued by the EC to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections. ● It helps EC in keeping with the mandate it has been given under Article 324 of the Constitution, which gives it the power to supervise and conduct free and fair elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures. ● The MCC is operational from the date on which the election schedule is announced until the date of result announcement. ● Though MCC does not have any statutory backing, it has come to acquire strength in the past decade because of its strict enforcement by the EC. ● Certain provisions of the MCC may be enforced through invoking corresponding provisions in other statutes such as the Indian Penal Code 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure 1973, and Representation of the People Act 1951. land laws for the Jammu and Kashmir ● Centre has notified new land laws for the Jammu and Kashmir UT region, ending the exclusive rights enjoyed by the local population over land under the now-diluted Article 370. Who introduced the changes? ● The introduction of the UT of J&K Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Third Order, 2020, by the Ministry of Home Affairs What are the latest changes?

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1. Under the newly introduced J&K Development Act, the term “being permanent resident of the State” as a criteria has been “omitted”, paving the way for investors outside J&K to invest in the UT. 2. No land used for agriculture purposes shall be used for any non-agricultural purposes except with the permission of the district collector. 3. The government may now allow transfer of land “in favour of a person or an institution for the purpose of promotion of healthcare or senior secondary or higher or specialized education in J&K”. 4. Also, No sale, gift, exchange, or mortgage of the land shall be valid in favour of a person who is not an agriculturist. 5. An Army officer not below the rank of Corps Commander can declare an area as “Strategic Area” within a local area, only for direct operational and training requirements of the armed forces.

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 ● Passed in 1967, ● Aims: at effective prevention of unlawful activities associations in India. ● The Act assigns absolute power to the central government, by way of which if the Centre deems an activity as unlawful then it may, by way of an Official Gazette, declare it so. ● It has death penalty and life imprisonment as highest punishments.

Key Points: ● Under UAPA, both Indian and foreign nationals can be charged. ● It will be applicable to the offenders in the same manner, even if crime is committed on a foreign land, outside India. ● Under the UAPA, the investigating agency can file a charge sheet in maximum 180 days after the arrests and the duration can be extended further after intimating the court. ● As per amendments of 2019: 1. the Central Government had amended the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 in August 2019, to include the provision of designating an individual as a terrorist. 2. Prior to this amendment, only organizations could be designated as terrorist organizations. 3. The Act empowers the Director General of National Investigation Agency (NIA) to grant approval of seizure or attachment of property when the case is investigated by the said agency. 4. The Act empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases of terrorism in addition to those conducted by the DSP or ACP or above rank officer in the state.

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Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) ● Purpose: A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is set up to examine a particular bill presented before the Parliament, or for the purpose of investigating cases of financial irregularities in any government activity. ● The JPC is an ad-hoc body. ● It is set up for a given period of time and is aimed at addressing a specific issue. Composition: ● In order to set up a JPC, a motion is passed in one House and supported by the other House. ● The committee’s members are decided by Parliament. ● The number of members can vary. There are twice as many Lok Sabha members as the Rajya Sabha. Powers and Functions: ● A JPC is authorised to collect evidence in oral or written form or demand documents in connection with the matter. ● The proceedings and findings of the committee are confidential, except in matters of public interest. ● The government can take the decision to withhold a document if it is considered prejudicial to the safety or interest of the State. ● The Speaker has the final word in case of a dispute over calling for evidence. ● The committee can invite interested parties for inquiry and summon people to appear before it. ● The committee gets disbanded following the submission of its report to Parliament.

President’s Rule: Imposition of Article 356 ● Article 356 of the Constitution of India gives President of India the power to suspend state government and impose President’s rule of any state in the country “if he is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution”. ● It is also known as ‘State Emergency’ or ‘Constitutional Emergency’. ● Implications: ○ Upon the imposition of this rule, there would be no Council of Ministers. ○ The state will fall under the direct control of the Union government, and the Governor will continue to head the proceedings, representing the President of India. ● Parliamentary Approval and Duration: ○ A proclamation imposing President’s Rule must be approved by both the Houses of Parliament within two months from the date of its issue. ○ The approval takes place through simple majority in either House, that is, a majority of the members of the House present and voting. ○ Initially valid for six months, the President’s Rule can be extended for a maximum period of three years with the approval of the Parliament, every six months.

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● Report of the Governor: ○ Under Article 356, President’s Rule is imposed if the President, upon receipt of the report from the Governor of the State or otherwise, is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. ● Revocation: ○ A proclamation of President’s Rule may be revoked by the President at any time by a subsequent proclamation. ○ Such a proclamation does not require parliamentary approval.

Prevention Of Sexual Harassment ( POSH ) Law 2013 ● Under it, sexual harassment includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behaviour (whether directly or by implication): ○ Physical contact and advances. ○ Demand or request for sexual favours. ○ Making sexually coloured remarks. ○ Showing pornography. ○ Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature. ● Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): As per the POSH law guidelines, firms are required to form an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to inquire into complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace. ● Role & Power of ICC: ○ ICC is required to make recommendations to employers on the action required pursuant to its inquiry in such complaints. ○ If the ICC upholds a complaint, it could be interpreted as a conviction and ICC has the powers to decide if someone is guilty and report it further to the police, though not all sexual harassment cases translate into a police case.

International Press Institute ( IPI ) ● What is it ?: IPI is a Vienna-based global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists who share a common dedication to quality, independent journalism. ● In 1950, to promote and protect press freedom and to improve the practices of journalism, 34 editors from 15 countries gathered at Columbia University and formed the global organisation. ● The original Secretariat was set up in 1951 in Zürich (Switzerland), which was shifted to London in 1976 and then to Vienna in 1992. ● Objectives: ○ To promote conditions that allow journalism to fulfil its public function, the most important of which is the media’s ability to operate free from interference and without fear of retaliation. ○ To defend media freedom and the free flow of news wherever they are threatened.

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Prasar Bharati Act of 1990 ● History: ○ September 1990, the Indian Parliament passed the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act. This Act provided for the establishment of a broadcasting corporation of India called Prasar Bharati. The act, however, came into effect only on 15 September 1997. ○ Prior to the act, Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR/Akashvani) were under the central government’s control under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. ● What is the purpose behind the act? : to give the broadcaster more autonomy and freedom like in many other countries. ● The Act brought both DD and AIR under the ambit of the corporation Prasar Bharati. ● Primary functions: To organize and conduct public broadcasting services to inform, educate and entertain the public and to ensure abalanced development of broadcasting on radio and television ● Board Members ○ 1 Chairman ○ 1 executive member ○ 1 member for finance ○ 1 member for personnel ○ 6 part-time members ○ Director-General (Akashvani), ex-officio ○ Director-General (Doordarshan), ex-officio ○ 1 representative of the Information and Broadcasting ministry (nominated by the ministry) ○ 2 representatives of the employees of the corporation (1 elected by the engineering staff and 1 elected by the other staff, from amongst themselves) ○ The Chairman and other members except for the ex-officio members, the elected and the nominated members are appointed by the President.

Public Affairs Index 2020 ● The Public Affairs Index, 2020 was released by Public Affairs Centre, a non-profit organisation ● The report was released by the committee headed by a former Indian Space Research Organisation chairman Kasturirangan. ● The Governance of the states was analysed based on three pillars namely growth, equity and sustainability. ● About Report: ● Top 3 states: ○ In large state category : Kerala, tamilnadu , Andhra Pradesh ○ In small state category : Goa , Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh ● Bottom 3 States: JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

○ In large state category : UP , Odisha , Bihar ○ In small state category : Manipur, Delhi , Uttarakhand

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Economy ..

Government borrowing ➢ What is Borrowing?: Borrowing is a loan taken by the government and falls under capital receipts in the Budget document ➢ Usually, Government borrows through issue of government securities called G-secs and Treasury Bills. ➢ It is essentially the total amount of money that the central government borrows to fund its spending on public services and benefits ➢ Bulk of government's fiscal deficit comes from its interest obligation on past debt. If the government resorts to larger borrowings, more than what it has projected, then its interest costs also go up risking higher fiscal deficit. That hurts government's finances. ➢ Larger borrowing programme means that the public debt will go up and especially at a time when the GDP growth is subdues, it will lead to a higher debt-to-GDP ratio.

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Basic Concepts: ➢ Government Securities ( G-Sec ): a tradeable instrument issued by the Central Government or the State Governments. G-Secs carry practically no risk of default and, hence, are called risk-free gilt-edged instruments. ➢ Treasury Bills are short term (up to one year) borrowing instruments of the Government of India which enable investors to park their short term surplus funds while reducing their market risk. ➢ Cash Management Bills ( CMB ): are short term bills issued by the central government to meet its immediate cash needs. The bills are issued by the RBI on behalf of the government having a maturity of less than 90 days. ➢ Ways and Means Advances (WMA) a temporary liquidity arrangement with the central bank, which enables the Centre and States to borrow money up to 90 days from the RBI to tide over their liquidity mismatch. Scheme was introduced in 1997 and to meet mismatches in the receipts and payments of the government.

The Chardham road project ● Why in news? : The Supreme Court appointed Ravi Chopra Committee has alleged that the Chardham road project has violated court order About Project: ● The project comprises improvement as well as the development of 889 km length of national highways. ● The project will connect Chota Char dham: Badrinath Dham, Kedarnath Dham, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and part of the route leading to Kailash Mansarovar yatra. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

● Implementing Agencies: Uttarakhand State Public Works Department (PWD), BRO and the National Highway & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). ● Project Mode: The work under the programme is being implemented on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode. ○ Under the EPC mode, the project cost is completely borne by the government. ○ However, the contractor is directly responsible for ensuring quality of the work as well as rectification of defects and maintenance of the project stretch for a period of 4 years after completion of construction. ● Location: The Chota Char Dham Yatra is a relatively shorter but very important pilgrimage circuit which is located in the Garhwal part of Uttarakhand. ● Temples: The Vaishnav shrine is located at Badrinath. The Shaiva temple is located at Kedarnath. The two Shakta temples are at Gangotri and Yamunotri.

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Char Dham Yatra: ● The Char Dham Yatra is regarded as one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations of the Hindus. ● the Char Dham or four sacred pilgrims of India are located in four different directions of India. ○ Badrinath is in the North in Uttarakhand Region. ○ Puri or Jagannath Puri is in the East in Odisha. ○ Rameshwaram is in the South in Tamil Nadu. ○ Dwarka is in the West in Gujarat. ● Hindus believe that by completing the Char Dham Yatra, one gets freed from all the sins did in the past and attains moksha or salvation.

Dhaulasidh Hydro Project ● Prime Minister has announced the construction of 66 MW Dhaulasidh Hydro Project at Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. ● Where : The project is going to be launched in Beas River in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. ● Capacity : The capacity of the project will be 66 MW. ● It is a run-of-the river project with little storage capacity for production of electricity during lean period.

PM SVANidhi Yojana ● What it is ? : The scheme was launched to bring microcredit facility to street vendors at door steps. ● Criteria & Loan: ○ Under the scheme, the street vendors can avail a working capital loan of up to Rs 10,000.

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○ If the vendor repays the instalment on time, the loan credit amount can be extended to Rs 20,000. ○ The loan is provided without collateral. ● The scheme was announced as part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. ● Beneficiary: Under the scheme, the street vendors from rural and peri-urban areas are included as beneficiaries of the urban livelihood. ● This is the first time in Indian history such an inclusion is being made. ● Validity: The validity of the scheme is till March 2022. ● Why in news? : Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs signed Memorandum of Understanding with Swiggy to take street food vendors online. This was achieved under PM Svanidhi Scheme.

Monetary Policy Committee ( MPC ) ● The MPC frames monetary policies for the country using monetary tools such as bank rate, repo rate, reverse repo rate, cash reserve ratio.These tools are called monetary policy instruments. Composition ● The committee consists of six members. Of these three are nominated by GoI as done recently. A Government official cannot be appointed to the committee. ● The other three member of the committee are appointed within RBI. ● The Governor is the ex-officio chairperson of the committee. ● The Deputy Governor is the Executive Governor of the bank. Selection ● The members appointed by the GoI are selected through a search-cum-selection committee. This committee constitutes of RBI Governor, three experts in the field of economics (or finance or banking) and economic affairs secretary. Term of the members ● The members are appointed for a period of four years. The members are not eligible of reappointment. Functions of the Committee ● According to the recommendations made by Chakravarty Committee, the following are the main functions of RBI ● The crucial roles of the committee connected to monetary policy of India are economic growth, price stability, social justice, equity and encouraging growth of new financial enterprises. ● RBI will try to keep the inflation rates in control while the Government tries to accelerate the GDP growth rate ● The policy interest rate is determined by the committee.

Sittwe Port ● Countries involved: India and Myanmar have agreed to work towards the operationalization of the Sittwe port.

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● Where it is Located ? : It is a deep-water port constructed by India in 2016 at Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State in Myanmar. ● The port is situated at the mouth of the Kaladan River and is being financed by India as a part of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.

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Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project ● Aimed at: connecting the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Myanmar. ● Link between: In Myanmar, it will then link Sittwe seaport to Paletwa in Chin State via the Kaladan river boat route and then from Paletwa by road to Mizoram state in Northeast India. ● Significance : The project will reduce distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by approximately 1328 km and will reduce the need to transport goods through the narrow Siliguri corridor also known as Chicken’s Neck.

Reserve Bank of India Composition of RBI ● Reserve Bank of India is controlled by a central board of directors. The directors are appointed for a 4-year term by the Government of India in keeping with the Reserve Bank of India Act. ● The Central Board consists of: ○ Governor (Know the list of RBI Governors here.) ○ 4 Deputy Governors ○ 2 Finance Ministry representatives ○ 4 directors to represent local boards headquartered at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and New Delhi ● The executive head of RBI is Governor. ● The Governor is accompanied by 4 deputy governors. ● The First Governor of RBI was Sir Osborne Smith and the First Indian Governor of RBI was CD Deshmukh. ● The First woman Deputy Governor of RBI was KJ Udeshi. ● The only Prime Minister who was the Governor of RBI was Manmohan Singh.

South Asia Economic Focus report ● Released by: world Bank ● Purpose: a biannual economic update presenting recent economic developments and a near-term economic outlook for South Asia. ● Prepared by the Office of the Chief Economist for the South Asia region. ● Report includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

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Key findings ● The entire South Asia region may face its worst-ever recession. ● The regional GDP is estimated to contract by 7.7% in 2020, which stayed above 6% annually in the past five years. ● Private consumption, which has been traditionally the backbone of demand in South Asia and a core indicator of economic welfare, will decline by more than 10%. This will spike poverty rates. ● A decline in remittances is also expected to accelerate the loss of livelihoods for the poorest in some countries. About India: ● Estimated that India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) can contract by 9.6% in 2020-21. ● The contraction is due to the impact of the national lockdown against the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the income shock experienced by households and small urban service firms. ● The manufacturing and exporting industries are likely to be depressed, and the construction sector is also likely to experience a protracted slowdown. ● Significant disruptions to jobs are likely to boost the poverty rate, with 2020 rates back to levels in 2016. ● The demand slowdown could lead to rising loan non-repayment and risk aversion impacting the financial markets. ● Other concerns include health care system capacity constraints, rising food prices, sharp drops in earnings of informal workers, impact on the MSMEs etc.

Other international agencies that have made a similar growth estimates: ➢ The Asian Development Bank (ADB) sees India’s economic growth decrease to 4% in the current fiscal. ➢ S&P Global Ratings has estimated the GDP growth forecast for the country to 3.5% from a previous downgrade of 5.2%. ➢ Moody’s Investors Service has slashed its estimate of India’s GDP growth during the 2020 calendar year to 2.5%, from an earlier estimate of 5.3%.

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1991 Economic Reforms ➢ Year 1990-1991 Indian economy faced several uncertainties and strains. Inflation had increased to an annual rate of 17%. ➢ The fiscal deficit reached a peak of 8.2% of GDP while revenue deficit reached to a height of 2.6% of GDP, growth rate decelerated to about 1% showing symptoms of recession and industrial production falling at low level. ➢ The foreign exchange reserves of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had fallen to less than USD $1 billion resulting in an unprecedented external debt crisis.

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➢ Hence, the New Economic Policy was introduced, which consisted of a gradual process of easing out government controls of industrial deregulations and some import liberalization. ➢ Significant changes in national policy with regards to Taxation, Industrial Licensing, Imports, Technology and Investment priorities were made.

Economy-The Generations of Economic Reforms ● With the aim of accelerating economic growth and eradicating poverty the Reform Process in India was initiated and three generations of Economic Reforms as a way forward to 1991 reform have been announced till date, although some experts have suggested the fourth generation too.

First Generation Reforms (1991 - 2000) ● Reform undertaken from 1991 to 2000 were called by the government as the reforms of the First Generation. ● With the first generation of reforms, the Govt shifted towards an open economy with greater reliance upon the Market forces and these reforms had far-reaching impacts on the economy since they unlocked India's enormous growth potential. Features: ● Public Sector Reforms: To make the public-sector undertakings profitable and efficient, disinvestment was done. ● Promotion to Private Sector:Dereservation and de-licensing of the industries, the abolition of the MRTP limit. ● External Sector Reforms: Quantitative Restrictions on Imports were abolished and Full Convertibility of Rupee in the Current Account. ● Financial Sector Reforms: Narasimham committee suggested reform in financial Sector and various reforms were taken in the Banking, Insurance, Capital Market, Mutual Funds. ● Tax Reforms: Chelliah Committee suggested for broadening the tax base and Govt Policy initiative focussed upon checking Tax Evasion, Simplifying, Modernising the Tax Structure. ● Industrial Policy Reform: Govt announced a new Industrial Policy that sought to deregulate the industry, Abolished Industrial Licensing, MRTP Act was repealed, Encouraged Disinvestment.

Second Generation Reforms (2000 - 01 onwards) ● Reforms of the 1990 s were not effective enough, so another set of reforms were required. ● These reforms which included Labour Law Flexibility, Pension Reforms based on employee contribution, Liberalised FDI (i.e. FDI in Retail) were not only deeper and delicate but required higher political willpower from the governments.

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● The 2nd generation of reform was difficult to implement in the sense that they were directly affected with the life of people like Manpower rationalization in banks and PSUs through VRS faced resistance, interest cut in a small saving scheme meant less return for the middle-class population. ● After the 2nd Generation of Reform, there was a significant change in Central Govt's policies, which favoured greater financial leverage for the states. ● The Social Sectors like health and Education got much focus in the 2nd Generation Reform. Features: ● Public Sector Reforms: Focussed on areas like Greater functional autonomy, freer leverage to the capital market, international tie-ups and greenfield ventures, disinvestment etc. ● Factor Market Reforms: It consists of dismantling of the Administered Price Mechanism (APM) (Under this govt predetermined prices on the basis of a derived formula). ● Petroleum sector opened for private investment: Factor market reform is not complete in India with 2nd Generation Reform and they are still running on. ● Reforms in Government and Public Institutions: Reform in Govt institutions aims for converting the role of Government from the regulator to facilitator. ● Fiscal Reform: They include Broadening the Income-Tax Base, streamlining the Excise and Customs duty Structure and to establish a credible framework for fiscal discipline. ● Legal Sector Reforms: Reforms in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Labour Laws, Company Laws and enacting suitable legal provisions for new areas like Cyber Law, etc.

Third Generation Reforms ● Both first and Second Generation of Reform has downsides thus, the third generation of reform were announced around the Launch of 10th Five Year Plan and they commit to the cause of a fully functional Panchayati Raj Institution (PRIs), so that the benefits of economic reforms, can reach to the grassroots; and has an objective to make the reform process more inclusive. ● This Generation of Reform focuses on creating World Class Infrastructure and creating, encouraging and nurturing the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Fourth Industrial Revolution ● Fourth Industrial Revolution which builds upon the Third, the digital revolution has been occurring since the middle of the 20th century. It is characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres. ● It includes cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things, big data analytics, cloud computing, cognitive computing, artificial intelligence, 3-D printing, and autonomous vehicles etc. ● The best example would be processed artificial intelligence has broken the distinction between the Man, The Machine and Intelligence.

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● Impact of Industry 4.0 ○ Services and business models improvement. ○ Reliability and continuous productivity. ○ IT security and better resource utilization. ○ Machine safety and better working condition.

India and Industrial Revolution ● India was famous for her handicrafts from the pre-British times. ● In Mughal periods such as the variety of handicrafts that it became famous in the global market. ● However, the Industrial Revolution came late to India. ● This was mainly because of India’s complicated political and economic relations with Britain. ● Impact of the revolution:- ○ India dominated the cotton textile market in the 18th century. It took a severe hit when the Industrial Revolution began in England around 1760s. ○ The use of steam power in British mills reduced the cost of cotton by 85 %. ○ In order to protect its domestic industry, it began to restrict textile imports from India. On the other hand, it started to import textiles to India. ○ British protectionist laws led to deindustrialization in India. ○ The new colonial law forced the farmers to grow cash crops like cotton instead of food crops, leading to famine and poverty. ● The third Industrial Revolution started in India in 1980s. Advancement in this phase encompasses the spread of personal computers, internet, and ICT. ● In India, the Industrial Revolution 4.0 is mainly based on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence.

MODERN SLAVERY ● Modern Slavery : There is no universally accepted definition of “modern slavery” or “contemporary forms of slavery.”. Essentially, it refers to situations of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception, or abuse of power. ● Modern slavery takes many forms such as ○ Human trafficking ○ Forced labour ○ Debt bondage/bonded labour ○ Descent–based slavery: People are treated as property, and their “slave” status was passed down the parental line. ○ Slavery of children including child trafficking, child soldiers etc. ○ Forced and early marriage. ● According to a report titled 'Stacked Odds', one in every 130 females globally is living in modern slavery.

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● Global estimates were studied and reported by Walk Free and two UN agencies - the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). ● Women and girls account for nearly three quarters (71 per cent) of all victims of modern slavery. ○ Females outnumber males as victims of modern slavery in four of the five world regions. They account for 73% of victims in the Asia and Pacific, 71% in Africa, 67% in Europe and Central Asia, and 63 % in the Americas ● The report highlighted that 99 percent of the victims of forced sexual exploitation are women. Additionally, 84 percent of all victims of forced marriage and 58 percent of all victims of forced labour are also women.

New Development Bank ( NDB ) ● New Development Bank has approved infrastructure projects worth 741 million dollars in India. About NDB : ● It is a multilateral development bank operated by the BRICS states (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). ● It was agreed to by BRICS leaders at the 5th BRICS summit held in Durban, South Africa in 2013. ● Established in 2014, at the 6th BRICS Summit at Fortaleza, Brazil. ● Purpose: The bank is set up to foster greater financial and development cooperation among the five emerging markets. ● Headquartered in Shanghai, China. ● In 2018, the NDB received observer status in the United Nations General Assembly, establishing a firm basis for active and fruitful cooperation with the UN. ● Voting: Unlike the World Bank, which assigns votes based on capital share, in the New Development Bank each participant country will be assigned one vote, and none of the countries will have veto power. ● Roles and functions: ○ The Bank will mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries, to supplement existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

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Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) ● a multilateral development bank with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia. ● It was established in December 2015. ● It is headquartered in Beijing (China) and began its operations in January 2016. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

● It has 103 members including India. ● India is among the founding members of AIIB. ● China is the largest shareholder in AIIB with a 26.6% voting power, India with a 7.62%, Russia with 6.06%, Germany and South Korea to considerable amounts. ● India remains the biggest borrower of China-led AIIB.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) ● ADB, India sign $270 million loan to improve urban services in 64 Madhya Pradesh small cities.

#Target_shots Addition About ADB ● It is a regional development bank. Official United Nations Observer. ● Established on 19 December 1966. ● Headquartered — Manila, Philippines. ● Members : ADB now has 68 members, 49 from within Asia. ○ The bank admits the members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP, formerly the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East or ECAFE) and non-regional developed countries. ● Voting rights: It is modeled closely on the World Bank, and has a similar weighted voting system where votes are distributed in proportion with members’ capital subscriptions. ○ Five largest shareholders are Japan and the United States (each with 15.6% of total shares), the People’s Republic of China (6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%). ● Roles and functions: Dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. ○ This is carried out through investments – in the form of loans, grants and information sharing – in infrastructure, health care services, financial and public administration systems, helping nations prepare for the impact of climate change or better manage their natural resources, as well as other areas.

SVAMITVA SCHEME ● Central Sector Scheme launched on National Panchayati Raj Day, 24th April 2020. ● Aims to: provide the record of rights to village household owners in rural areas and issue Property Cards. ● Implementation Plan: The Scheme is being implemented across the country in a phased manner over a period of four years and will cover around 6.62 lakh villages of the country. ● Implementing Agency: ○ Ministry of Panchayati Raj at National Level

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○ Revenue Department/Land Records Department in States ○ Survey of India is a technology partner for implementation Significance: ● The launch will enable around one lakh property holders to download their Property Cards through the SMS link delivered on their mobile phones. ● This would be followed by physical distribution of the Property Cards by the respective State governments. ● The move will pave the way for using property as a financial asset by villagers for taking loans and other financial benefits. ● Nomenclature for Property Cards: Property Cards are known as ‘Title deed’ in Haryana, ‘Rural Property Ownership Records (RPOR)’ in Karnataka, ‘Adhikar Abhilekh’ in Madhya Pradesh, ‘Sannad’ in Maharashtra, ‘Svamitva Abhilekh’ in Uttarakhand, ‘Gharauni’ in Uttar Pradesh.

IND Spring Board ● By Indian Bank and IIT Madras Incubation Cell ● ‘IND SpringBoard’ will offer an exclusive credit facility of up to Rs 50 crore for startups in order to fulfil their capital requirements and purchase of machinery and equipment. ● Under this ‘IND SpringBoard’, IITMIC will refer startups with adequate technology cash flows to the bank. They will also extend advisory to the bank on the business model. ●

AMHUB: India’s first advanced manufacturing hub ● Established by : The World Economic Forum and Guidance will jointly establish AMHUB in the state of Tamil Nadu. ○ Guidance is the nodal investment promotion agency of the state of Tamil Nadu. ● Sectors: AMHUB will help the state in the sectors of solar energy, electronics, electric mobility and textiles ● It will help boost production sector of Tamil Nadu by identifying regional opportunities brought by Fourth Industrial Revolution

About AMHUB ● One of the 19 platforms designed by the World Economic Forum. It focuses on the following ○ Addressing Regional Opportunities ○ Engaging regional production ○ Challenges brought by Fourth Industrial Revolution

RBI bans FDI establishments from Mauritius ● RBI has banned FDI from jurisdictions similar to Mauritius as they do not comply with the norms set by Financial Action Task Force (FATF). JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

● Mauritius was recently listed in grey list of the FATF. ● Reason: ○ To prevent round tripping. Round tripping is common in countries that enjoys tax havens (such as Mauritius). Here, the companies from home country take the route of foreign investment to enjoy tax havens. In other words, shell companies are created in foreign lands. ○ To curb Chinese Investments. Several Chinese companies are using Mauritius to enter Indian market at reduced cost.

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Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ● FATF is all set to decide on Pakistan’s grey list status in a virtual meeting scheduled later this month. It had placed Pakistan on the grey list in June 2018. ● What is FATF ? an inter-governmental body established in 1989 on the initiative of the G7. ● 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. ● Members included: The FATF currently comprises 37 member jurisdictions and 2 regional organisations

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

Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) ● It is a regional body comprising nine countries: India, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus. ● It is an associate member of the FATF.

Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) ● an intergovernmental organization ● Objective of implementing international standards against money laundering. ● Established in 1997. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

● Headquartered in Sydney, Australia. ● Members: 41 nations as its members. Australia is the permanent Co-chair of APG. ● India became a member of APG in 1998 ● APG has 2 Co-chairs, one permanent and one two year term rotating co-chair. India held the rotating 2 year term Co-chair from 2010 to 2012. ● APG is a regional affiliate of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Round the Clock RTGS Facility ● The Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS), used for large value transactions, will be made available round-the-clock from December 2020. ● RTGS: It enables real-time transfer of funds to a beneficiary’s account and is primarily meant for large-value transactions. ● Real time means the processing of instructions at the time they are received and gross settlement implies that settlement of funds transfer instructions occurs individually.

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RTGS vs NEFT : ● Use: RTGS is meant for large-value instantaneous fund transfers while NEFT is generally used for fund transfers of up to Rs. 2 lakh. ○ The minimum amount to be remitted through RTGS is Rs. 2,00,000 with no upper or maximum ceiling. ○ There is no limit imposed by RBI for funds transfer through NEFT system. However, banks may place amount limits based on their own risk perception with the approval of its board. ● Mechanism: ○ NEFT is an electronic fund transfer system in which the transactions received up to a particular time are processed in batches. ○ Contrary to this, in RTGS, the transactions are processed continuously on a transaction by transaction basis throughout the RTGS business hours.

Long term repo operation (LTRO) ● The LTRO is a tool under which the central bank provides one-year to three-year money to banks at the prevailing repo rate, accepting government securities with matching or higher tenure as the collateral.

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How is it different from LAF and MSF? ○ While the RBI’s current windows of liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) and marginal standing facility (MSF) offer banks money for their immediate needs ranging from 1-28 days,

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○ the LTRO supplies them with liquidity for their 1- to 3-year needs. ○ LTRO operations are intended to prevent short-term interest rates in the market from drifting a long way away from the policy rate, which is the repo rate.

Goa becomes first ‘Har Ghar Jal’ State ● Provided 100% Functional Household Tap Connections(FHTCs) in the rural areas by utilising the benefits under Jal Jeevan Mission(JJM).

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About Jal Jeevan Mission: ● Aim: It aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections(HarGharJal) to all rural households by 2024. ● Implemented by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Jal Shakti Ministry. ● Funding Pattern: The fund sharing pattern between the Centre and states is 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern States, 50:50 for other states and 100% for Union Territories. ● Features: ○ Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) envisages supply of 55 litres of water per person per day to every rural household through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024. ○ JJM focuses on integrated demand and supply-side management of water at the local level.

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○ The mission will be based on a community approach to water and will include extensive Information, Education and communication as a key component of the mission. ○ It will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation and rainwater harvesting. ● Every village will prepare a Village Action Plan (VAP) which will have three components: ○ Water source & its maintenance ○ Water supply and ○ Greywater (domestic wastewater) management.

Five technologies recommended by the Technical Committee of Jal Jeevan Mission: ● Grundfos AQpure: It is a solar energy based water treatment plant based on ultra filtration. ● Janajal Water on Wheel: It is an Internet of Things(IoT) based electric vehicle based on GPS location to enable delivery of safe water to the doorstep of households ● Presto Online Chlorinator: It is a non-electricity dependent online chlorinator for disinfection of water for removal of bacterial contamination. ● Johkasou technology: It is an inbuilt packaged black (sewage) and grey water (Kitchen and bath water) treatment system having advanced anaerobic-aerobic configuration that can be installed underground ● FBTec®: It is a site assembled decentralised sewage treatment system using fixed filter media.

Bharatmala Pariyojana ● A total of 322 projects in a length of 12,413 km have been awarded and 2921 km has been constructed under Bharatmala Pariyojana till August 2020. ● Bharatmala Pariyojana is an umbrella program for the highways sector ● Under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. ● Objective: To optimise the efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country by bridging critical infrastructure gaps through effective interventions. ● To generate a large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities ● Phase-I : implementation of 34,800 km of national highways in 5 years (from 2017 to 2022) has been approved at an estimated outlay of Rs. 5,35,000 crore. ○ National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has mandated the development of about 27,500 km of national highways under Phase-I. ○ However, as per ICRA Limited, Phase-I is likely to be delayed by four years due to the prevailing uncertainty due to Covid-19 and consequent impact on valuations. ○ ICRA Limited is an Indian independent and professional investment information and credit rating agency. ● Phase-II envisages around 48,000 km of road network across India by 2024.

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Basic Terms ● Economic Corridors: These are integrated networks of infrastructure within a geographical area designed to stimulate economic development. ● Greenfield Projects: They lack constraints imposed by prior work on the site. Typically, it entails development on a completely vacant site and architects start completely from scratch. ● Brownfield Projects: They carry constraints related to the current state of the site and might be contaminated or have existing structures that architects have to tear down or modify in some way before the project can move forward. ● Multimodal Logistics Parks are a key policy initiative of the Government of India to improve the country's logistics sector by lowering overall freight costs, reducing vehicular pollution and congestion, and cutting warehousing costs.

Skal International Asia Area (SIAA) ● Founded in : 1934. ● Purpose: Skal International is the only professional organization promoting global Tourism and friendship, uniting all sectors of the Tourism industry. ● It is the world’s largest global network of Tourism Professionals promoting Tourism, Business and Friendship worldwide.

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● Members: Its members are Directors and Executives of the Tourism sector who relate to each other to address issues of common interest, improving a business network and promoting destinations. ● Status: It is an Affiliated Member of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). ● Skal International holds an annual World Congress each year in a different country.

Human Cost of Disasters 2000-2019: UNDRR ● The report is published by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). ● International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed on 13th October every year. Key Findings: ● 7,348 major disaster events had occurred between 2000 and 2019, affecting 4.2 billion people and costing the global economy some USD 2.97 trillion. 4,212 major natural disasters between 1980 and 1999. ● 6,681 climate-linked disasters had been recorded in the period 2000-19, up from 3,656 during the previous 20-year-period. ○ Climate-related disasters include disasters categorized as Geophysical, meteorological, climatological, or hydrological. ● Major floods had more than doubled to 3,254, there had been 2,034 major storms up from 1,457 in 20 years. ○ India is the 2nd most affected country by floods after China. ● Extreme heat is proving especially deadly. Heatwaves of 2015 in India resulted in 2,248 deaths. ● The deadliest single disaster in the past 20 years was the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, with 2,26,400 deaths, followed by the Haiti earthquake in 2010, which claimed some 2,22,000 lives. ● In terms of affected countries, China topped the list with 577 events followed by the United States with 467 and India (321 events).

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United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction ( UNDRR ) ● Established in 1999 ● Objective: a dedicated secretariat to facilitate the implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR). ● headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. ● It is mandated to serve as the focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities. ● It is an organisational unit of the UN Secretariat and is led by the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG).

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● UNDRR’s Strategic Framework 2016-2021 has a vision to substantially reduce disaster risk and losses for a sustainable future with the mandate to act as the custodian of the Sendai Framework (India is a signatory).

Sendai Framework for Disaster Reduction 2015-30 ● Approved at the 3rd World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2015, held in Sendai, located in Japan. ● It is the successor to the Hyogo Framework that came into effect from 2005 and ended in 2015, ● This treaty is voluntary and not binding upon the member states. ● Under the framework, the primary role of the Member States is to reduce the identified disaster risks. ● United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) is tasked with the implementation, follow-up, support and review of the Sendai Framework. ● Objective: SFDRR aims at achieving a substantial reduction of disaster risk and disaster losses in lives, livelihoods and health; in the environmental, cultural, social, physical-economic assets of people, communities, businesses over the next 15 years. ● Sendai Framework – High Priorities ○ Understanding the disaster risk. ○ Strengthening the governance of disaster risks for managing disaster risks. ○ Investments in disaster risk reduction for resilience ○ Improving the disaster preparedness to ensure effective response, recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation. ●

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) ● Statutory body for disaster management in India. ● Constituted in 2006, in accordance with the Disaster Management Act, 2005 with the Prime Minister as its Chairperson. ● National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) defines the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders including Central Ministries/ Departments, State Governments, UT Administrations, District Authorities and local self Governments. ○ Primary responsibility of disaster management rests with the States. ○ The Central Government conducts regular mock drill, community training and awareness programmes to prepare the civilian populations for disasters.

Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme ● A seventh tranche of the gold bond scheme will be available for investment on five days starting 12th October, 2020. ● Launch: launched in November 2015 ● Objective: to reduce the demand for physical gold and shift a part of the domestic savings - used for the purchase of gold - into financial savings.

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● Issuance: The Gold Bonds are issued as Government of India Stock under the Government Securities (GS) Act, 2006. ○ These are issued by the RBI on behalf of the Government of India. ● Bonds are sold through Commercial banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), designated post offices (as may be notified) and recognised stock exchanges viz., National Stock Exchange of India Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange, either directly or through agents. ● Eligibility: The bonds are restricted for sale to resident individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), trusts, universities and charitable institutions. ● Features: ○ Minimum permissible investment is 1 gram of gold. ○ Upper limit 4 kg for individual & 20 kg for Trust and similar entities ○ maturity period of eight years, with an option to exit the investment after the first five years. ○ A fixed rate of 2.5% per annum is applicable on the scheme, ● Bonds can be ufsed as collateral for loans. ● The capital gains tax arising on redemption of SGB to an individual has been exempted.

Additional Tier-1 bonds ● They are a type of unsecured, perpetual bonds that banks issue to shore up their core capital base to meet the Basel-III norms. ● Key features: ○ These have higher rates than tier II bonds. ○ These bonds have no maturity date. ○ The issuing bank has the option to call back the bonds or repay the principal after a specified period of time. ○ The attraction for investors is higher yield than secured bonds issued by the same entity. ○ Individual investors too can hold these bonds, but mostly high net worth individuals (HNIs) opt for such higher risk, higher yield investments.

Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog ● Constituted in 2019, ● The Aayog is a high powered permanent apex advisory body ● Mandate to help the Central Government to develop appropriate programmes for conservation, sustainable development and genetic upgradation of indigenous breeds of cows. ● Under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. ● Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog will function as an integral part of Rashtriya Gokul Mission. ● Functions: ○ Develop pastures or grazing lands

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○ Review existing laws, policies as well as suggest measures for optimum economic utilization of cow wealth ○ Promote schemes to encourage the use of organic manure ○ Make provisions for solutions to the problems related to abandoned cows

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Kamdhenu Deepawali Abhiyan 2020 ● Started by Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog (RKA) ● Aims reaching 11 crore families to ignite 33 crore Diyas made of cow-dung during this year’s Deepawali festival. ● Significance: Apart from generating business opportunities for thousands of cow-based entrepreneurs/farmers, the use of cow-dung products will lead to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission ● Launched in 2014 ● under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development (NPBBD). ● Objectives of the mission ○ developmentt and conservation of indigenous breeds. ○ undertake breed improvement programme for indigenous cattle breeds so as to improve the genetic makeup and increase the stock. ○ enhance milk production and productivity. ○ upgrade nondescript cattle using elite indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Deoni, Tharparkar, Red Sindhi. ○ distribute disease free high genetic merit bulls for natural service. ● Implementing Agency: implemented through the “State Implementing Agency (SIA viz Livestock Development Boards). ○ State Gauseva Ayogs will be given the mandate to sponsor proposals to the SIA’s (LDB’s) and monitor implementation of the sponsored proposal.

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Significant initiatives under Rashtriya Gokul Mission: A. Awards: a. Gopal Ratna awards: for farmers maintaining the best herd of Indigenous Breed and practicing best management practices. b. Kamdhenu awards: for best managed Indigenous herd by Institutions/Trusts/ NGOs/ Gaushalas or best-managed Breeders’ societies. B. Gokul Gram or Integrated cattle development centers:to develop indigenous breeds including up to 40% nondescript breeds (belonging or appearing to belong to no particular class or kind) with objectives to: a. Promote indigenous cattle rearing and conservation in a scientific manner.

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b. Propagate high genetic merit bulls of indigenous breeds. c. Optimize modern Farm Management practices and promote Common Resource Management. d. Utilize animal waste in an economical way i.e. Cow Dung, Cow Urine C. National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre: (NKBC) is being established as a Centre of Excellence to develop and conserve Indigenous Breeds in a holistic and scientific manner. D. “E-Pashu Haat”- Nakul Prajnan Bazaar: An e-market portal connecting breeders and farmers, for quality- disease-free bovine germplasm. E. Pashu Sanjivni: An animal wellness program encompassing the provision of animal health cards (‘Nakul Swasthya Patra’) along with UID identification and uploading data on National DataBase. F. Advanced Reproductive Technology: Including Assisted Reproductive Technique- In- vitro Fertilization (IVF)/ Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer (MOET) and sex-sorted semen technique to improve the availability of disease-free female bovines. G. National Bovine Genomic Center for Indigenous Breeds (NBGC-IB) will be established for selection of breeding bulls of high genetic merit at a young age using highly precise gene-based technology.

National Livestock Mission ● Launched in the financial year 2014-15. ● Objective: It seeks to ensure quantitative and qualitative improvement in livestock production systems and capacity building of all stakeholders. ● Four Sub Mission 1. The Sub-Mission on Fodder and Feed Development a. This sub-mission addresses the problems of scarcity of animal feed and fodder and bring its deficiency to nil. 2. Under Sub-Mission on Livestock Development a. This sub-mission focuses on productivity enhancement, entrepreneurship development and employment generation (bankable projects), strengthening of infrastructure of state farms with respect to modernization, automation and biosecurity, conservation of threatened breeds, minor livestock development, rural slaughter houses, fallen animals and livestock insurance 3. Sub-Mission on Pig Development in North-Eastern Region a. This sub-mission on Pig Development in North-Eastern States would support the State Piggery Farms, and importation of germ-plasm so that eventually the masses get the benefit as it is linked to livelihood and contributes in providing protein-rich food in 8 States of the NER. 4. Sub-Mission on Skill Development, Technology Transfer and Extension a. This mission focuses on extension machinery at field level for livestock activities.

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India Energy Modeling Forum ● Jointly launched by NITI Aayog and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the US–India Strategic Energy Partnership. ● Composition: The forum would include knowledge partners, data agencies and concerned government ministries. ● The Forum aims to: ○ Provide a platform to examine important energy and environmental related issues; ○ Inform decision-making process to the Indian government; ○ Improve cooperation between modelling teams, government, and knowledge partners, funders; ○ Facilitate exchange of ideas, ensure production of high-quality studies; ○ Identify knowledge gaps at different levels and across different areas; ○ Build capacity of Indian institutions.

The governing structure of IEMF will consist of: ● An inter-ministerial: ○ The committee will be convened by NITI Aayog and headed by its CEO, and comprise senior officials from the ministries of petroleum and natural gas; power; new and renewable energy; coal; environment, forest and climate change; and department of science and technology. ○ This committee will review the studies/modelling activities and provide directions and new areas of research. ● A steering committee: ○ This committee will shortlist policy issues to be taken up for study and might form various taskforces depending on the specific studies/modelling exercises to be carried out.

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What is Energy Modelling ? ● Energy modeling or energy system modeling is the process of building computer models of energy systems in order to analyze them. ● Such models often employ scenario analysis to investigate different assumptions about the technical and economic conditions at play. ● Outputs may include the system feasibility, greenhouse gas emissions, cumulative financial costs, natural resource use, and energy efficiency of the system under investigation.

What are Energy Modelling Forums (EMF) ? ● The Energy Modelling Forum (EMF) in USA was established in 1976 at Stanford University to connect leading modelling experts and decision makers from government, industry, universities, and other research organizations.

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● The forum provides an unbiased platform to discuss the contemporary issues revolving around energy and environment.

NATURAL GAS MARKETING ● The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved ‘Natural Gas Marketing Reforms’, taking another significant step to move towards gas based economy. Natural Gas Marketing Reforms ● Standardized e- bidding procedure: The Director General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) will propose a standardized e-bidding platform to promote market price discovery of natural gas. ● Producers will be barred from participating in the bidding: Gas producing companies themselves will not be allowed to participate in the bidding process but affiliate companies would be allowed to bid. ● Marketing freedom will be granted to the Field Development Plans (FDPs) of those Blocks in which Production Sharing Contracts already provide pricing freedom.

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Pricing of domestically produced natural gas ● Administered Price Mechanism (APM) ○ Price is set by the Government of India every six months. ○ It is weighted average of prevailing prices in US, UK, Canada and Russia. ○ Presently, it is USD 1.79 million Btu far less than the price of imported LNG. ○ This pricing regime covers almost 80% of the domestically produced natural gas. ● Non-Administered Price Mechanism (Non-APM) or Free Market gas ○ This mechanism is applicable on contractual agreements based gas production. ○ These are only 20% of the total domestic production. ○ The new reform would cover beneficiaries in this regime.

About Natural Gas: ● Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuels among the available fossil fuels. ● It is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, but commonly including varying amounts of other higher alkanes, and sometimes a small percentage of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, or helium. ● It is a potent greenhouse gas itself when released into the atmosphere, and creates carbon dioxide during oxidation. ● Uses: ○ It is used as a feedstock in the manufacture of fertilizers, plastics and other commercially important organic chemicals as well as used as a fuel for electricity generation, heating purpose in industrial and commercial units. ○ Natural gas is also used for cooking in domestic households and a transportation fuel for vehicles. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

● Domestic Gas Sources in India: ○ The domestic gas in the country is being supplied from the oil & gas fields located at western and southeastern areas viz. Hazira basin, Mumbai offshore & KG basin as well as North East Region (Assam & Tripura).

ASSET RECONSTRUCTION COMPANIES (ARCs) ● An asset reconstruction company is a special type of financial institution that buys the debtors of the bank at a mutually agreed value and attempts to recover the debts or associated securities by itself. ● Narsimham Committee – I (1991) envisaged setting up of a central Asset Reconstruction Fund to facilitate Banks to improve their balance sheets by cleaning up their non- Performing loans portfolio. Later, Narsimham Committee – II (1998) proposed ARCs. ● The asset reconstruction companies or ARCs are registered under the RBI and regulated under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act, 2002). The ARCs take over a portion of the debts of the bank that qualify to be recognised as Non-Performing Assets. ● Role of ARCs as defined under SARFAESI Act: ○ Acquisition of financial assets ○ Change or takeover of Management / Sale or Lease of Business of the Borrower ○ Rescheduling of Debts ○ Enforcement of Security Interest ○ Settlement of dues payable by the borrower

Corporatization of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) ● The Centre’s move to corporatize the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has been strongly opposed by the trade unions.

About Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) ● OFB an umbrella body for the ordnance factories and related institutions, and is currently a subordinate office of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). ○ The first Indian ordnance factory was set up in the year 1712 by the Dutch Company as a GunPowder Factory, West Bengal. ● It is a conglomerate of 41 factories, 9 training Institutes, 3 regional marketing centres and 5 regional controllers of safety. ● Headquarters: Kolkata ● Significance: A major chunk of the weapon, ammunition and supplies for not just armed forces but also paramilitary and police forces comes from the OFB-run factories. ● Production includes: Civilian and military-grade arms and ammunition, explosives, propellants and chemicals for missile systems, military vehicles, armoured vehicles, optical devices, parachutes, support equipment, troop clothing and general store items.

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Blue Economy ● The concept was introduced by Gunter Pauli in his 2010 book- “The Blue Economy: 10 years, 100 innovations, 100 million jobs”. ● It is the sustainable use of ocean and its resources for improved livelihoods, economic growth and ocean ecosystem health. ● It encompasses fisheries, renewable energy, maritime transport, climate change, tourism and waste management. ● It is important as 80% of international trade are transported by sea. ● Also, Blue Economy emphasizes on social inclusion and environmental sustainability. ● This is reflected in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 14), which calls to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

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Need for Blue Economy ● At least 3% to 5% of world GDP is derived from oceans. The oceans protect biodiversity and absorb about 30% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The Blue Economy supports diversification, food security, protein food, and seep sea minerals. ● It is the next sunrise sector. ○ Note: Sunrise Sector is a sector that is expanding rapidly and is expected to be increasingly important in the future.

Blue Economy for India ● The marine sector serves as the backbone of blue economy. The maritime services will help India become a 10 trillion USD economy by 2022. Around 80% of global oil trade happens through Indian Ocean. ● India has a long coastline of 7,517 km covering nine states and two union territories – with an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.02 mn. Sq.km. ● Initiatives of India to boost Blue Economy ○ Sagarmala Project to develop inland waterways and coastal shipping. It focuses on development of coastal communities. ○ O-SMART: It is an umbrella scheme that was launched to regulate use of marine resources ○ The Integrated Coastal Zone Management focus on marine and coastal resource conservation improving the livelihood opportunities of coastal communities.

Blue Bond ● Seychelles became the first country in the world to launch sovereign Blue Bonds. ● It is a debt instrument issued by governments, development banks etc to raise capital from investors to finance marine and ocean-based projects.

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● It will help in expansion of marine protected areas, improved governance of priority fisheries and the development of the Seychelles’ blue economy. ● The blue bond is inspired by the green bond concept.

Rajeev Gauba Panel set up to streamline Spectrum Allocation ● The panel has been constituted with secretaries of railways, defence, home, telecom, department of space and Information and Broadcasting.

Spectrum Allocation ● It is the regulation of electromagnetic spectrum bands. ● These bands are of radio frequency. ● The next spectrum auction is looked forward in regard to the 5G network.

What is the issue? ● The Department of Space is not willing to free up 26 GHz of the band as it can cause interference between 5G networks and satellites. ● The bands 26 GHZ, 28 GHz and 40 GHz are the most likely candidates to enable ultra- high speed connectivity of 5G. ● Thus, the tussle has come up between the telecom and the space sector.

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Paulraj Committee ● The Paulraj Committee was formed in 2018 to suggest a road map on adoption of 5G. ● The committee made recommendations in regulatory policy, spectrum policy, standards and education. ● The committee predicted that even after the launch of 5G, the earlier generation mobile technologies will remain in use for at least 10 years.

National Authority for Recycling of Ships ● Roles and functions: ○ As an apex body, DG Shipping is authorized to administer, supervise and monitor all activities relating to ship recycling in the country. ○ It will also be the final authority for the various approvals required by the ship- recycling yard owners and state governments. ● India is the largest ship-breaking player in the world, recycling around 70 lakh gross tonnage every year, followed closely by Bangladesh. ● Pakistan and China are the third and fourth largest players.

Hong Kong Convention for Ship Recycling:

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● Under Ship Recycling Act, 2019, India has acceded to Hong Kong Convention for Ship Recycling under International Maritime Organization (IMO). ● The guidelines are aimed at ensuring that ships, being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, do not pose any unnecessary risks to human health, safety and the environment. ● the Convention is yet to come into force because it has not been ratified by 15 nations,

India designated Vice-Chair of OECD Working Group on GLP: ● India has been designated the ‘Vice-Chair’ of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Working Group of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) ● a quality system, which has been evolved by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ● To ensure that safety data generated on various chemicals like industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals (Human and Veterinary), agrochemicals, cosmetic products, food/ feed additives, and medical devices, etc., can be relied upon by regulatory authorities.

National GLP Compliance Monitoring Authority (NGCMA): ● The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, established the National GLP Compliance Monitoring Authority (NGCMA) with the approval of the Union Cabinet on April 24, 2002. ● NGCMA is the National body which grants GLP certification to test facilities (TFs) conducting safety studies on new chemicals of the above-mentioned categories in accordance with OECD Principles of GLP and OECD Council norms.

Electoral Bonds ● What is it ? : An electoral bond is like a promissory note that can be bought by any Indian citizen or company incorporated in India from select branches of State Bank of India. ● The citizen or corporate can then donate the same to any eligible political party of his/her choice. ● The bonds are similar to bank notes that are payable to the bearer on demand and are free of interest. ● Eligibility : Any party that is registered under section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and has secured at least one percent of the votes polled in the most recent General elections or Assembly elections is eligible to receive electoral bonds. ● The party will be allotted a verified account by the ECI and the electoral bond transactions can be made only through this account. ● Advantage: ○ The electoral bonds would keep a tab on the use of black money for funding elections and this brings about transparency.

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○ As the electoral bonds will not bear the name of the donor the political party might not be aware of the donor’s identity.

Operation Greens ● The Ministry of Food Processing and the ministry of Railways have jointly provided subsidised rate of 50% for freight transportation of perishable agriculture produce such as vegetables and fruits. About Operation Green: ● Implemented by Ministry of Food Processing. ● Announced in the Union Budget 2018-19, ● It is a price fixation scheme that aims to ensure farmers are given the right price for their produce. ● It aims to promote Farmer Producers Organizations (FPO), Agri-logistics, processing facilities and professional management of agri-produce. ● It focuses on organized marketing of Tomatoes, Onions and Potatoes (TOP vegetables) by connecting farmers with consumers. Strategies of the scheme ● The scheme uses two prolonged strategies such as Short term price stabilization measures and Long term integrated value chain development projects. ○ National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) will be the Nodal Agency to implement price stabilization measure.

#Target_shots Addition Operation Flood ● Operation Flood was started by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1970s. ● It was also known as white revolution. ● Objective of the program was to create a nationwide milk grid and raise milk production in the country. ● It led to India becoming the largest producer of milk in 2016-17.

Guidelines for Digital Media Regulation ● Recently, the Centre has announced new guidelines for digital news platforms. New Guidlines: ● The government has put emphasis on compliance to the 26% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) cap under the government approval route in digital media. ● The majority of the directors on the company’s board, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company would have to be an Indian citizen. ● All foreign employees working for more than 60 days would need security clearance. ● The government has given a year to digital media news entities to align their shareholding with these requirements. Application:

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● The guidelines will be applicable to the following categories of entities registered or located in India: ● Digital media entities which streams/uploads news and current affairs on websites, apps or other platforms. ● News agency which gathers, writes and distributes/transmits news, directly or indirectly, to digital media entities and/or news aggregators. ● News aggregator, an entity which uses software of web applications to aggregate news content from various sources, such as news websites, blogs, podcasts, video blogs, user submitted links, etc in one location.

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Foreign Direct Investment ● FDI is an investment made by a firm or individual in one country into business interests located in another country. ● Generally, FDI takes place when an investor establishes foreign business operations or acquires foreign business assets, including establishing ownership or controlling interest in a foreign company. ● It is different from Foreign Portfolio Investment where the foreign entity merely buys equity shares of a company. FPI does not provide the investor with control over the business. ● Routes through which India gets FDI: ○ Automatic Route: In this, the foreign entity does not require the prior approval of the government or the RBI. ○ Government route: In this, the foreign entity has to take the approval of the government. ● The Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal (FIFP) facilitates the single window clearance of applications which are through approval route. ● This portal is administered by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) ● Formed in 1946. ● It is a representative body of management of banking in India operating in India – an association of Indian banks and financial institutions based in Mumbai. ● IBA was formed for development, coordination and strengthening of Indian banking, and assist the member banks in various ways including implementation of new systems and adoption of standards among the members. ● Members: Initially 22 banks, Currently 237 Banks

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Insurance Ombudsman ● The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has advised public sector general insurers to appoint a nodal officer each for the 17 insurance ombudsman offices to ensure proper and timely disposal of complaints. About Insurance Ombudsman: ● The Insurance Ombudsman scheme was created by the Government of India for individual policyholders to have their complaints settled out of the courts system in a cost-effective, efficient and impartial way. ● Who can approach? ● Any person who has a grievance against an insurer, may himself or through his legal heirs, nominee or assignee, make a complaint in writing to the Insurance ombudsman. One can approach the Ombudsman with complaint only if: ● One has first approached insurance company with the complaint and; ○ They have rejected it ○ Not resolved it to satisfaction or ○ Not responded to it at all for 30 days ○ And the value of the claim including expenses claimed should not be above Rs 30 lakhs. Appointment of Ombudsman: ● The Ombudsman is a person in the insurance industry, civil or judicial services, and is appointed by the insurance council. ● The serving term of the Insurance Ombudsman is three years.

Ayushman Sahakar Scheme ● Launched by: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare ● Need: to assist cooperatives in creation of healthcare infrastructure in the country. ● Formulated By: National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). Features: ● NCDC would extend term loans to prospective cooperatives to the tune of Rs.10,000 crore in the coming years. ● Any Cooperative Society with suitable provision in its byelaws to undertake healthcare related activities would be able to access the NCDC fund. ● The scheme covers establishment, modernization, expansion, repairs, renovation of hospital and healthcare and education infrastructure ● NCDC assistance will flow either through the State Governments/ UT Administrations or directly to the eligible cooperatives. ● The scheme also provides working capital and margin money to meet operational requirements. ● Further, the scheme provides interest subvention of 1% to women majority cooperatives.

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Cooperatives ● Definition: According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), a cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise. ● Related Provisions of Indian Constitution: ○ The Constitution (97th Amendment) Act, 2011 added a new Part IXB right after Part IXA (Municipals) regarding the cooperatives working in India. ○ The word “cooperatives” was added after “unions and associations” in Article 19(1)(c) under Part III of the Constitution. This enables all the citizens to form cooperatives by giving it the status of fundamental right of citizens. ○ A new Article 43B: added in the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) regarding the “promotion of cooperative societies”. ○

National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) ● a statutory corporation set up under the National Cooperative Development Corporation Act, 1962. ● Under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. ● The objectives of NCDC are planning and promoting programmes for production, processing, marketing, storage, export and import of agricultural produce, foodstuffs, industrial goods, livestock and certain other notified commodities and services on cooperative principles. ● Head Office at New Delhi ● Recent initiatives include ○ Sahakar Cooptube NCDC Channel (Youth-focussed), ○ Sahakar Mitra (Internship Programme), ○ Yuva Sahakar

IFSCA introduces Framework for Regulatory Sandbox What is a regulatory sandbox? ● It is a safe harbour, where businesses can test innovative products under relaxed regulatory conditions ● Typically, participating companies release new products in a controlled environment to a limited number of customers for a limited period of time. As per the new framework released by IFSCA ● The Regulatory Sandbox shall operate within the IFSC located at GIFT City. ● Entities operating in the capital market, banking, insurance and financial services space shall be granted certain facilities and flexibilities to experiment with innovative FinTech solutions in a live environment with a limited set of real customers for a limited time frame. ● These features shall be fortified with necessary safeguards for investor protection and risk mitigation. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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International Financial Services Centres Authority ● a statutory body established in 2020. ● Works under the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance. ● Headquartered in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Roles and functions: ● to develop and regulate the financial products, financial services and financial institutions located/performed in the International Financial Services Centres in India. Composition: ● The IFSCA will consist of nine members, appointed by the central government. ● Chairperson, one Member each to be nominated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), two members to be dominated by the Central Government and two other whole-time or full-time or part-time members. ● All members of the IFSC Authority will have a term of three years, subject to reappointment

Country’s first multi-modal logistic park in Assam ● Location: Jogighopa in Assam. ● Administration: It will be developed under the ambitious BharatmalaPariyojana of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. ● Significance: ○ The park will provide direct connectivity to air, road, rail and waterways to the people. ○ It will have direct connectivity with National Highway 17, the proposed Jogighopa waterway terminal on Brahmaputra, the newly constructed Rupsi and Guwahati airports as well as the main railway route. ● Services: it will have all the facilities like warehouses, railway siding, cold storage, custom clearance house, yard facility, workshops, petrol pumps, truck parking, administrative building, boarding lodging, eating joints, water treatment plant, etc. ● The park will reduce trade cost by 10% and have cargo capacity of 13 million metric tons (MMT) per year.

Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project ● Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has declared that the environmental clearance (EC) granted to the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project in Telangana was ex post facto (i.e. granted after completion of substantial work) and illegal. ● The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram, Telangana.

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● The Kaleshwaram project is an off-shoot of the original Pranahitha-Chevella Lift Irrigation Scheme taken up by the government in 2007 when Andhra Pradesh was not divided. ● The main target of this project is to harness the flood waters of the Godavari River so that Telangana can be made drought-proof. ● The project starts at the confluence point of Pranahita River (a major tributary of Godavari River) and Godavari River.

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Godavari River ● Godavari is India's second longest river after the Ganga. ● Source is in Triambakeshwar, Maharashtra. ● It flows east for 1,465 kilometres, ● Drainage area: Maharashtra (48.6%), Telangana (18.8%), Andhra Pradesh (4.5%), Chhattisgarh (10.9%) and Odisha (5.7%). ● Empties into the Bay of Bengal ● Tributaries : ○ Left bank (Banganga, Kadva, Shivana, Purna, Kadam, Pranahita, Indravati, Taliperu, Sabari,Dharna) and ○ Right bank (Nasardi,Pravara, Sindphana, Manjira, Manair, Kinnerasani).

The Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Council) ● It monitors implementation of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (the TRIPS Agreement). ● It provides a forum in which WTO Members can consult on intellectual property matters, and carries out the specific responsibilities assigned to the Council in the TRIPS Agreement. ● The TRIPS Agreement: ○ in force since 1995 ○ sets the minimum standards of protection for copyrights and related rights, trademarks, geographical indications (GIs), industrial designs, patents, integrated circuit layout designs, and undisclosed information. ○ establishes minimum standards for the enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs) through civil actions for infringement, actions at the border, ○ and at least in regard to copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting, in criminal actions

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What is TRIPS Plus?

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● TRIPs Plus are higher level of protection norms demanded by the developed countries that are not prescribed by the WTO’s TRIPs regime. ● Although they are named as ‘TRIPS-Plus,’ they are not formally related to TRIPs. ● Rather, the term is used to indicate that these requirements go beyond the minimum standards imposed by TRIPs. ● Many developing countries who are members of FTAs are under pressure to enact these tougher conditions in their patent laws. ● The developing countries have concerns over the higher level of protection demanded by the developed world. They fear that once such levels of protection are given multilaterally, it will reduce competition and may led to price rise of medicines, affececting health security in poor countries.

Intellectual Property cooperation ● The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed the MoU with the Danish Patent and Trademark Office. ● What is it ?: The MoU aims at increasing IP co-operation between the two countries by way of exchange of best practices, experiences and knowledge on IP awareness among public, authorities, businesses and research and educational institutions of both countries. ● It also calls for collaboration in training programmes, exchange of experts, technical exchanges and outreach activities. ● Focuses on the "exchange of information and best practices on processes for disposal of applications for patents, trademarks, industrial designs and Geographical Indications, as also the protection, enforcement and use of IP rights." ●

Food Safety Compliance platform(FoSCoS) ● Launched by FSSAI ● FosCoS is operational in nine states and union territories such as Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, Manipur, Goa, Puducherry and Ladakh. ● From November 1, 2020, FSSAI is to extend FoSCoS to entire country. ● The FoSCoS is to replace the existing FLRS. ○ FLRS is Food Licensing and Registration System. FLRS is operational in all the states of the country. It has so far issued 40 lakh licenses and 70 lakh registrations. ● On the other hand, the FoSCoS is a cloud based and new food safety compliance online platform. ● It will act as an one point stop for all engagement of food business operators.

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Food Safety Index

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● The index is created by FSSAI. ● Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have topped the Food Safety Index of 2019-20. ● The index is generated based on five parameters : such as human resources, compliance, institutional data, food testing facility, training and capacity building. ● Thus, compliance plays a major role in food safety standards and its implementation. ● Among the smaller states, Goa, Manipur and Meghalaya topped the food safety in the country. FSSAI ● FSSAI: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India ● An autonomous statutory body ● Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act). ● Under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, ● Headquarters: Delhi. ● It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety. ● Structure: The FSSAI comprises of a Chairperson and twenty two members out of which one – third are to be women. ○ The Chairperson of FSSAI is appointed by the Central Government. ● Recently, the union government has moved to revamp FSSAI. ● The authority is to be provided with more powers in the jurisdiction of animal feed and imposing penalties for violating food safety.

FSSAI Initiatives ● Heart Attack Rewind – ○ It is the first mass media campaign of FSSAI. ○ Aimed to support FSSAI’s target of eliminating industrially produced trans fat in India by the year 2022. ○ The campaign was developed by experts at Vital Strategies.

● FSSAI-CHIFSS – ○ It is collaboration between FSSAI and CII-HUL Initiative on Food Safety Sciences ○ To promote collaborations between Industry, Scientific Community, Academia for food safety. ○ ● Swasth Bharat Yatra – ○ It is a Pan-India cycle movement called as ‘Eat Right India' ○ Aimed to create consumer awareness about eating safe and nutritious food. ○ Swasth Bharat Yatra was a 100-day consumer outreach programme ○

● Food Safety Mitra (FSM)’ scheme: ○ A Food Safety Mitra is an individual professional certified by FSSAI who assists in compliances related to FSS Act.

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○ Objective: To engage motivated individuals with the food safety ecosystem at ground level. ○ Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare ○ Implementing agency: FSSAI ○ The scheme will support small and medium scale food businesses to comply with the food safety laws and facilitate licensing and registration, hygiene ratings and training. ○ Apart from strengthening food safety, this scheme would also create new employment opportunities for youth, particularly with food and nutrition background. ○ ● Eat Right Movement: ○ The Eat Right Movement’, built on two broad pillars of ‘Eat Healthy’ and ‘Eat Safe’. ○ The movement aims to cut down salt/sugar and oil consumption by 30% in three years. ○ It also aims to engage and enable citizens to improve their health and well-being by making the right food choices. ○

● The PURPLE Book, ○ A handbook on diets for diseases was also launched. ○ It provides general guidelines for hospitals on suitable diets for common medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, gut disorders etc. in a simple format ○ Developed and vetted by experts in the field of food and nutrition. ● ‘Eat Right Jacket’, and ‘Eat Right Jhola’ were launched to strengthen food safety administration and scale up the ‘Eat Right India’ movement. ● Eat Right Jacket’: has a smart design to hold tech devices like tablets/smart phone, a QR code and RFID tag for identification and tracking. ● Eat Right Jhola: is a reusable cloth bag that is expected to replace plastic bags for shopping purpose in various retail chains.

Punjab Assembly Rejects Centre’s Farm Laws ● Recently, Punjab became the first State in the country to formally reject the Central government’s three Farm Acts by passing three Bills to negate the Union laws. Center-State Relations: Constitutional Issues ● Earlier three Farm Acts were passed by the Central government under Entry 33 of the Concurrent List. ○ Entry 33 of the Concurrent List mentions trade and commerce, production, supply and distribution of domestic and imported products of an industry; foodstuffs, including oilseeds and oils; cattle fodder; raw cotton and jute.

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● However, if foodstuffs are considered synonymous with agriculture, then all the powers of states in respect of agriculture, listed so elaborately in the Constitution, shall become redundant. ● States have no authority to overrule the legislations passed by the Centre except under Article 254(2). ● Article 254(2) : enables a State government to pass a law, on any subject in the Concurrent List, that may contradict a Central law, provided it gets the President’s assent. ○ In 2014, the Rajasthan government took this Article 254 (2) route to make changes to the central labour laws — the Factories Act, the Industrial Disputes act, and the Contract Labour Act — which subsequently got the President’s assent. ● However, the Parliament is not barred from enacting at any time any law with respect to the same matter including a law adding to, amending, varying or repealing the law so made by the Legislature of the State. ● Article 257(1): also states that the executive power of every State shall be so exercised as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Centre. ● It authorises the Centre to impose President’s Rule in case when the State is exercising its executive power prejudicial to Centre’s executive power. ● Apart from the Governor, the Punjab government's new farm Bills need the assent of the President since they seek to amend laws passed by the central government. If not, they can at best serve as a symbolic political statement against the Centre's farm laws.

Mobile Application for Geo Tagging: PMKSY ● Launched by: Ministry of Jal Shakti launched a mobile application for geo-tagging of the components of projects under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). ● Developed By: Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications & Geo- informatics (BISAG-N). ○ BISAG-N is an autonomous scientific society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It comes under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. ● Objective: To track the pace of work and actual status of the projects ○ Geo-tagging is the process of adding geographical identification data to various media such as websites, SMS messages, QR Codes. ○ This data usually consists of latitude and longitude coordinates. It can also include altitude, bearing, distance, accuracy data, and place names, and perhaps a time stamp. ○ A geographic information system (GIS) is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing geography related data.

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Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) ● PMKSY is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2015 with the motto of "Har Khet Ko Paani". ● Objectives: PMKSY is being implemented to expand cultivated areas with assured irrigation, reduce wastage of water and improve water use efficiency i.e. Per drop-More crop. ● It also focuses on creating protective irrigation by harnessing rainwater at micro level through "Jal Sanchay" and "Jal Sinchan". ● Protective irrigation includes: ○ Protection of the crops from adverse effects of soil moisture deficiency. ○ Irrigation, which acts as a supplementary source of water over and above rainfall. ○ Providing soil moisture to maximum possible area. ● Convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level. ● To enhance recharge of aquifers and introduce sustainable water conservation practices by exploring the feasibility of reusing treated municipal based water for peri- urban agriculture and attract greater private investment in a precision irrigation system. ● Formulation: It was formulated by amalgamating following schemes: ○ Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) - Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (now Ministry of Jal Shakti). ○ Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) - Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development. ○ On-Farm Water Management (OFWM) - Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC). ● Implementation: Decentralised implementation through State Irrigation Plan and District Irrigation Plan.

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Some Basic Terms: ● An aquifer is a body of porous rock or sediment saturated with groundwater. Groundwater enters an aquifer as precipitation seeps through the soil. It can move through the aquifer and resurface through springs and wells. ● Peri-urban agriculture refers to farm units close to town which operate intensive semi- or fully commercial farms to grow vegetables and other horticulture, raise chickens and other livestock, and produce milk and eggs. ● Precision Irrigation is an innovative technique that uses water wisely and helps farmers achieve higher levels of crop yield in a minimal amount of water.

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What is Irrigation? ● Irrigation is the process of applying water to the crops artificially to fulfil their water requirements.

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● Various sources of water for irrigation are wells, ponds, lakes, canals, tube-wells, and even dams. Types of Irrigation ● There are different types of irrigation practised for improving crop yield. These types of irrigation systems are practised based on the different types of soils, climates, crops and resources. 1. Surface Irrigation: In this system, no irrigation pump is involved. Here, water is distributed across the land by gravity. 2. Localized Irrigation: In this system, water is applied to each plant through a network of pipes under low pressure. 3. Sprinkler Irrigation: Water is distributed from a central location by overhead high- pressure sprinklers or from sprinklers from the moving platform. 4. Drip Irrigation: In this type, drops of water are delivered near the roots of the plants. This type of irrigation is rarely used as it requires more maintenance. 5. Centre Pivot Irrigation: In this, the water is distributed by a sprinkler system moving in a circular pattern. 6. Sub Irrigation: Water is distributed through a system of pumping stations gates, ditches and canals by raising the water table. 7. Manual Irrigation: This a labour intensive and time-consuming system of irrigation. Here, the water is distributed through watering cans by manual labour.

Neeranchal National Watershed Project ● The project aims to fulfil the watershed component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMSKY) to reduce surface runoff of rainwater, increase groundwater levels and better water availability in rain-fed areas ● The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development ● World Bank assisted project ● Bugdet sharing of 50% by Govt and rest 50% by the World Bank. ● a six-year period (2016-21) ● It will be implemented across nine States – Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Rajasthan. ● It can be considered as a new version of Integrated Watershed Management Programme

Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) ● Central Government launched the AIBP in the year 1996-97 to provide Central Assistance to major/medium irrigation projects in the country. ● It is being implemented by Ministry of Jal Shakti. ● Objectives: ○ To accelerate implementation of such projects which were beyond the resource capability of the states. ○ To focus on faster completion of ongoing Major and Medium Irrigation including National Projects.

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● After launch of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) in 2015-16, AIBP became a part of PMKSY.

UDAN Day (21 Oct ) ● Recently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has celebrated the UDAN day on the 4th anniversary of the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) Scheme. About the Scheme: ● Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) was launched as a regional connectivity scheme (RCS) ● Under the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2016. ● Aim: ○ To develop the regional aviation market. ○ To provide affordable, economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes to the common man even in small towns. ● It envisages providing connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the country through the revival of existing airstrips and airports. ● Under-served airports are those which do not have more than one flight a day, while unserved airports are those where there are no operations. ● The scheme is implemented by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and is operational for a period of 10 years.

CPI-IW Base Year Revised to 2016 ● Released by the Ministry of Labour and Employment ● the new series of Consumer Price Index for Industrial Worker (CPI-IW) with base year 2016. ● The new series of CPI-IW with base 2016 has replaced the existing series with base 2001. ● It gives more weightage to spending on health, education, recreation and other miscellaneous expenses, while reducing the weight of food and beverages. ● The number of markets and the sample size for working class family income and expenditure surveys were increased. ● The number of items in the index basket has increased to 463 items as against 392 items in the 2001 series.

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Consumer Price Index ● It measures price changes from the perspective of a retail buyer. It is released by the National Statistical Office (NSO). ● The CPI calculates the difference in the price of commodities and services such as food, medical care, education, electronics etc, which Indian consumers buy for use.

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● The CPI has several sub-groups including food and beverages, fuel and light, housing and clothing, bedding and footwear. ● At present, India has five consumer price indexes (CPIs), three of which are working- class specific. These are: ○ CPI for Industrial Workers (IW). ○ CPI for Agricultural Labourer (AL). ○ CPI for Rural Labourer (RL). ● These three indexes are compiled by the Labour Bureau in the Ministry of Labour and Employment. ● CPIs AL and RL are used to fix minimum wages of agricultural labourers and rural unskilled employees. ● CPI-Urban and CPI Rural. These two indexes are compiled by the National Statistical Office (NSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Wholesale Price Index WPI ● It is the most widely used inflation indicator in India. ● Published by the Office of Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. ● All transactions at the first point of bulk sale in the domestic market are included. ● Major criticism for this index is that the general public does not buy products at wholesale price. ● The base year of All-India WPI has been revised from 2004-05 to 2011-12 in 2017.

CPI vs. WPI ● WPI, tracks inflation at the producer level and CPI captures changes in prices levels at the consumer level. ● Both baskets measure inflationary trends (the movement of price signals) within the broader economy, the two indices differ in which weightages are assigned to food, fuel and manufactured items. ● WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does. ● In April 2014, the RBI had adopted the CPI as its key measure of inflation.

Producer Price Index (PPI) ● The Government had set up a Working Group under the Chairmanship of Professor B. N. Goldar on 21st August, 2014 to suggest the methodology for introducing Producer Price Index (PPI) in India. ● An index used to calculate the movement of price from the seller’s point of view. ● Measures the changes in price for goods and services sold to final and intermediate demand ● The main objective: of Producer Price Index (PPI) is to address rise in prices at the producers level before they pass on to consumer and it excludes indirect taxes, transport, trade margins etc. ● PPI is used as a measure of inflation. ● Advantages of PPI

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○ It will reveal all the costs of production including hidden costs e.g. taxes, shipping charges etc. ○ It is internationally comparable ○ It will show economy’s effectiveness in transferring goods and services from one level of operation to another level. ○ In 2019 The government has set up a working group under Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand to revise the current series of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) with base 2011-12 and devise a new Producer Price Index (PPI).

“E-Dharti Geo Portal” launched ● Launched by: Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs ● What is it? ○ The portal will integrate map and lease plans in the Management Information System. ○ It will make the system Geographic Information System enabled, GIS enabled. ● The Land and Development Office deals with more than 50000 residential, commercial, Industrial and institutional properties. ● Now with the launch of the portal the property certificate details and outline map of the property can be easily accessed online. ● Significance: The portal is highly beneficial to the elderly public. It will help avoid unnecessary litigation. Also, the portal will help a purchaser to learn about the details of the property whether any law suit is pending in respect of the property.

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Geographic information system ● It is a computerized system that captures, stores, checks and displays data related to the position of the earth. ● The system shows different details of data such as buildings streets and vegetation.

Swamitva scheme ● The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. ● It stands for survey of villages and mapping with improvised technology in village area. ● The scheme will use latest technologies such as drones to measure the inhabited lands in villages and rural areas. ● The drones will provide data to create digital map of every property in each Indian village. ● Based on these data collected property cards are to be provided to the respective owners property certificate ● It is usually created during purchase of a property.

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● The property certificate provides information about the property to the purchaser and the lessee. ● This information about the property certificate can now be accessed by paying a nominal fee of thousand rupees.

Forex Reserves ● According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, the country’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves touched a lifetime high of USD 555.12 billion after it surged by USD 3.615 billion in the week ended 16th October 2020. Foreign Exchange Reserves: ● Foreign exchange reserves are assets held on reserve by a central bank in foreign currencies, which can include bonds, treasury bills and other government securities. ● India’s Forex Reserves include: ○ Foreign Currency Assets ○ Gold ○ Special Drawing Rights ○ Reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

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Foreign Currency Assets ● FCA are assets that are valued based on a currency other than the country's own currency. ● FCA is the largest component of the forex reserve. It is expressed in dollar terms. ● FCA includes the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves. ○ Currency appreciation refers to the increase in value of one currency relative to another in the forex markets. ○ Currency depreciation is a fall in the value of a currency in a floating exchange rate system.

Special Drawing Rights ● The SDR is an international reserve asset, created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1969 to supplement its member countries’ official reserves. ● The SDR is neither a currency nor a claim on the IMF. Rather, it is a potential claim on the freely usable currencies of IMF members. SDRs can be exchanged for these currencies. ● The value of the SDR is calculated from a weighted basket of major currencies, including the U.S. dollar, the euro, Japanese yen, Chinese yuan, and British pound. ● The interest rate on SDRs or SDRi is the interest paid to members on their SDR holdings.

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

Injeti Srinivas Committee submits report ● What is it ?: It was an IFSCA Expert Committee that was constituted to study about the international retail business development in IFSC. ● Submitted its second interim report to the chairperson of International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).

Recommendations of the committee ● To allow persons of Indian Origin and permanent non resident Indians to buy life insurance policies in companies that are set up in IFSC. Also, they should be allowed to pay the premium in currency of their own choice. ● The non resident Indians should be permitted to buy portable life insurance policies. These policies provide them flexibility to pay premium in Indian rupees. ● The permanent residents should be allowed to buy Overseas Health Insurance. This shall be facilitated through intermediaries in IFSC ● The insurance companies should be allowed to provide insurance products to family members of non resident Indians and persons of Indian origin as well. ● The Insurance companies in IFSC in should be allowed to offer baggage losses, accident cover, travel Health Insurance and documents lost cover. ● The IFSC should aim to to become an aviation insurance hub for the world ● More of the Asian and African insurance companies should be encouraged. This is because they have huge potential than the rest of the world. ● The Indian investors should be allowed to set up insurance companies to promote insurance abroad. ● Services provided by IFSC ○ it provides fundraising services, Wealth Management, Global tax management, Global and regional corporate treasury management, risk management, merger and acquisition services, insurance and reinsurance services

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International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) ● Established to regulate all financial services in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) with headquarters in Gandhinagar (Gujarat). ● The authority will regulate financial products such as securities, deposits or contracts of insurance, financial services, and financial institutions which have been previously

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approved by any appropriate regulator such as Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) etc., in an IFSC. ● Composition: Consist of nine members, appointed by the central government.

International Financial Services Centre: ● An IFSC enables bringing back the financial services and transactions that are currently carried out in offshore financial centres by Indian corporate entities and overseas branches/subsidiaries of Financial Institutions (such as banks, insurance companies, etc.) to India. ● In India, IFSC has been defined in SEZ Act, 2005. As per the act: ○ The Central Government may approve the setting up of an International Financial Service Centre in a Special Economic Zone and may prescribe the requirements for setting up and operation of such centre. ○ The Central Government shall approve only one International Financial Services Centre in a Special Economic Zone. ● An IFSC caters to customers outside the jurisdiction of the domestic economy. Such centres deal with flows of finance, financial products and services across borders. ● It offers a business and regulatory environment that is comparable to other leading international financial centres in the world like London and Singapore. ● IFSCs are intended to provide Indian corporates with easier access to global financial markets, and to complement and promote further development of financial markets in India. ● The first IFSC in India has been set up at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Gandhinagar.

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Special Economic Zone (SEZ) ● In India, the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Policy was announced in April 2000. ● The Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, was passed by Parliament in May, 2005 and came into effect in 2006. ● SEZs addresses the issue of multiplicity of controls and clearances, have world-class infrastructure, and a stable fiscal regime. ● An SEZ is an enclave within a country that is typically duty-free and has different business and commercial laws chiefly to encourage investment and create employment. ● The chief objectives of the SEZ Act are: ● ○ To create additional economic activity. ○ To boost the export of goods and services. ○ To generate employment. ○ To boost domestic and foreign investments. ○ To develop infrastructure facilities. ● SEZs Facilities & Incentives

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○ Duty-free import or domestic procurement ○ 100% Income tax exemption on export income for SEZ units ○ Units are exempted from Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT). ○ They were exempted from Central Sales Tax, Service Tax and State sales tax. ○ Single window clearance for Central and State level approvals. ○ There is no need for a license for import. ○ In the manufacturing sector, barring a few segments, 100% FDI is allowed.

NITI Aayog’s Panel to reform Urban Planning Education System ● NITI Aayog recently constituted a 14-member panel to reform the urban planning education system. ● The panel is to be headed by Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog. ● The panel will review urban planning education system and examine the availability, supply and demand of qualified urban planners in India What is Urban Planning Education? ● It is a practice of learning and teaching urban theory, professional practices and studies. ● It involves interaction between professional planners, public officials on planning process. ● Formal education of urban planning is provided as a degree in city, urban or regional planning. ● In India, urban planning education began in 1941. However, very few institutes in the country are providing the course. Key Urban Development Missions in India ● Smart City Mission ● Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) ● Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban ● HRIDAY – Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana ● Swachh Bharat Mission ● Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihood Mission.

Kisan Suryodaya Yojana: Gujarat ● Rs. 3,500 crore will be spent over the next three years for providing solar power to farmers for irrigation during daytime (5 AM to 9 PM). ● About 3,500 circuit kilometers (CKM) of new transmission lines will be laid.

India - Australia Circular Economy Hackathon ( I-ACE ) ● Organised by Atal Innovation Mission in association with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), ● Focus: I-ACE will focus on identification and development of innovative technology solutions by students, startups and MSMEs of both nations. ● Key Themes: ○ Innovation in packaging, reducing packaging waste. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

○ Innovation in food supply chains, avoiding waste. ○ Creating opportunities for plastic waste reduction. ○ Recycling critical energy metals and e-waste.

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Circular Economy ● Meaning: It is an economy where products are designed for durability, reuse and recyclability and thus almost everything gets reused, remanufactured, and recycled into a raw material or used as a source of energy. ● Efficient Use of Resources: It includes 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), Refurbishment, Recover, and Repairing of materials. ● India is already on its path to the circular economy. Initiatives of the National Productivity Council (NPC) and government show that. ○ NPC is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Productivity Week 2019 Theme was ‘Circular Economy for Productivity and Sustainability’. ● ‘Digital India’ Program contains a significant component of the recycling of electronic wastes. Swachh Bharat Mission is also about making wealth out of wastes. ● India has a huge potential for reuse and recycling as only around 20% of the total waste generated goes into the recycling process. ● Manufacturing Sector, especially MSMEs can help a lot in transformation towards a circular economy. ● The sector should ‘DECIDE’ i.e. ○ Designing processes for refurbishment and easy cycling. ○ Educating masses on Circular Economy and its benefits. ○ Collaborative Models for smooth implementation of Circular Economy. ○ Innovating Products for circularity. ○ Digitization for transparency, virtualization, dematerialization, and feedback driven intelligence for saving resources. ○ Energy-Efficient for environmental sustainability

The e-Court Mission Mode Project ● Peaject was conceptualized with a vision to transform the Indian Judiciary by ICT enablement of Courts. ● Main objectives: ○ To provide efficient & time-bound citizen-centric service delivery. ○ To develop, install & implement decision support systems in courts. ● The District Court Computer Committee has been constituted and entrusted to monitor the integration of the Civil Court with ICT.

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Srisailam Hydroelectric Power Plant ● Location: constructed across the Krishna River located between Kurnool and Mahabubnagar districts. ● History The construction of the project started in 1980. ● The Srisailam is a Gravity & Masonry type dam ( made out of masonry – ● mainly stone and brick, sometimes joined with mortar. ). ● Gravity Dam ● What is it ? : A gravity dam is a type of dam which is constructed from concrete or stone masonry. ● It is designed in such a way so that it is capable of holding the water pressure by using the weight of its material alone and doesn’t depend on other parts. ● Benefits It will remain unaffected even after the strongest earthquakes happen. ● Examples Tungabhadra Dam, Sardar Sarovar Dam, Bhakra Dam, Hirakud Dam are some of the gravity dams located in India.

Direct Port Entry (DPE) facility ● The state-of-the-art DPE facility is created inside the Truck Parking Terminal which was developed under the ‘Sagarmala’ for issuing customs clearance of export cargo. ● The IT-enabled infrastructure at the ports will make Indian ports, world-class ports aligning with the ‘Maritime Vision 2030’ of the Ministry of Shipping. Significance: ● It will reduce logistics cost and increase the velocity of the cargo. ● It would enable direct movement of containers from factories, ● Facility will bring efficiency and reduce dwell time, lower tariff cost and improve the competitiveness of shippers in international trade.

Maritime India Vision 2030 ● It is a ten-year blueprint for the maritime sector which will be released by the Prime Minister of India at the Maritime India Summit in November 2020. ● It will supersede the Sagarmala initiative ● Aims to boost waterways, give a fillip to the shipbuilding industry and encourage cruise tourism in India.

Policy Initiatives and Development Projects: ● Maritime Development Fund: A Rs. 25,000-crore fund, which will provide low cost, long- tenure financing to the sector with the Centre contributing Rs. 2,500 crore over seven years. ● Port Regulatory Authority: A pan-India port authority will be set up under the new Indian Ports Act (to replace the old Indian Ports Act 1908) for enabling oversight across major and non-major ports, enhance institutional coverage for ports and provide for structured growth of the ports sector to boost investor confidence.

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● Eastern Waterways Connectivity Transport Grid project: It will aim to develop regional connectivity with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. ● Riverine Development Fund: Calls for extending low cost, long-term financing for inland vessels with the support of a Riverine Development Fund (RDF) and for extending the coverage of the tonnage tax scheme (applicable to ocean-going ships and dredgers) to inland vessels also to enhance the availability of such vessels. ● Rationalisation of Port Charges: It will make them more competitive, besides doing away with all hidden charges levied by ship liners to bring in more transparency. ● Promotion of Water Transport: For decongestion of urban areas, and developing waterways as an alternative means of urban transport.

Compound Interest Waiver Scheme ● Government of India has announced a scheme called, ‘Scheme for grant of ex-gratia ( as a favor ) payment of difference between compound interest and simple interest for six months to borrowers in specified loan accounts’. ● Aim: To provide major relief for individuals and MSME borrowers by waiver of the compound interest on specified loans for six months period. ● What does it mean? : In simple words, the borrowers need to pay simple interest on their loan amount for the six month period between March and August as against the compound interest. ● Categories: The loans eligible under the scheme include MSME loans, education loans, housing loans, consumer durable loans, credit card dues, automobile loans, personal loans to professionals and consumption loans. ● Eligibility: Any borrower whose aggregate of all facilities with lending institutions is more than ₹2 crore (sanctioned limits or outstanding amount) will not be eligible for ex- gratia payment under this scheme. ● Also, the loan accounts should not be non-performing assets(NPA) as on the date mentioned above. ● Lending Institutions: The lending institution has to be either a banking company, or a public sector bank, co-operative bank or a regional rural bank, or All India Financial Institution, a non-banking financial institution,housing finance company or a micro finance institution.

U.K. to partner for developing GIFT City ● The United Kingdom has entered into a strategic partnership to develop India’s fledgling international financial services centre GIFT City. ● It has also agreed to set up a new Fund of Funds to be managed by the State Bank of India (SBI) group in order to route the U.K.’s future capital investments into India. ● GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City), located in Gandhinagar is India’s first International Financial Services Centre.

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National Program and Project Management Policy Framework’ (NPMPF) ● Launched by: NITI Aayog and Quality Council of India (QCI). ● The framework envisages to bring radical reforms in the way infrastructure projects are executed in India. ● It has an action plan to: ○ Adopt a program and project management approach to infra development. ○ Institutionalize and promote the profession of program and project management and build a workforce of such professionals. ○ Enhance institutional capacity and capability of professionals.

Quality Council of India ● Formation: QCI was set up in 1997 as an autonomous body. ● Setup jointly by: the Government of India and the Indian Industry represented by the three premier industry associations ○ Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), ○ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and ○ Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) ● Aim: It aims to establish and operate national accreditation structure and promote quality through National Quality Campaign. ● Nodal Ministry: The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion,Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is the nodal ministry for QCI. ● Chairman of QCI : Appointed by the Prime Minister on recommendation of the industry to the government.

#Target_shots Addition e-Quest: ● E-Quest is a program launched by the Quality Council of India, is an online learning platform for the empowerment of Indian professionals on diverse topics on audits and quality management in different sectors of the economy. ● It aims to provide the knowledge and skills for the different professions, and also spread the awareness and significance of quality management in their jobs.

Vivad se Vishwas scheme ● The scheme was introduced in union budget 2020-21 by the finance minister Nirmala sitharaman. ● Aims: to settle pending direct tax cases. ● The scheme will cover disputes pending at the level of income tax appellate Tribunal, commissioner, High Court, Supreme Court and international arbitration. ● Also, the scheme weans penalty and interest to the taxpayers for those who paid their pending taxes by March 31, 2020.

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● For those cases that are under dispute the tax payer paid only 25% of disputed amount as penalty till March 31, 2020.

Periodic Labour Force Survey 2019 ● Released by: National Statistical Office (NSO) Key findings ● Unemployment Rate: It eased in urban areas to 7.9% in October-December 2019 compared to 9.9% in October-December 2018. ● Female unemployment rate decreased to 9.8% in October-December 2019 compared to 12.3% in October-December 2018. ● Male unemployment rate moderated to 7.3% in October-December 2019 from 9.2% in October-December 2018. ● Labour Force Participation Rate: It rose to 37.2% in October-December 2019 from 36.3% in October-December 2018.

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Periodic labour force survey ( PLFS ) ● PLFS is India’s first computer-based survey launched by the National Statistical Office (NSO) in 2017. ● It has been constituted based on the recommendation of a committee headed by Amitabh Kundu. ● PLFS has two fold objective: ○ To estimate the key employment and unemployment indicators (viz. Worker Population Ratio, Labour Force Participation Rate, Unemployment Rate) in the short time interval of three months for the urban areas only in the Current Weekly Status (CWS). ○ To estimate employment and unemployment indicators in both usual status and CWS in both rural and urban areas annually. ● Before PLFS, the NSSO (previous name of NSO) used to bring the data related to employment and unemployment based on its quinquennial (every 5 year) household socio-economic survey programme.

National Statistical Office (NSO) ● To streamline and strengthen the statistical system, the government has decided to merge the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) to form a National Statistical Office (NSO). ● While the NSSO comes out with various sample surveys such as on consumption expenditure, employment and unemployment, the CSO releases various data such as GDP and IIP. ● The move is a follow-up of a decision taken in 2005 by the UPA government’s based on recommendations of the report of the National Statistical Commission, headed by former RBI governor C Rangarajan. ● Both the wings are currently part of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). ● This is a measure to avoid duplication of work and leverage the strength of the statistical system. ● The Statistical Wing, comprising the NSO with constituents as the CSO and the NSSO, to be an integral part of the main ministry. ● The NSO would be headed by Secretary Statistics and Programme Implementation, with various divisions reporting to the Secretary through Director Generals (DGs).

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Key Terms ● Unemployment Rate (UR): UR is defined as the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force.

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● Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): LFPR is defined as the percentage of persons in the labour force (i.e. working or seeking or available for work) in the population. ● Worker Population Ratio (WPR): WPR is defined as the percentage of employed persons in the population. ● Activity Status: The activity status of a person is determined on the basis of the activities pursued by the person during the specified reference period. ● Usual Status: The activity status determined on the basis of the reference period of the last 365 days preceding the date of survey, it is known as the usual activity status of the person. ● Current Weekly Status (CWS): The activity status determined on the basis of a reference period of the last 7 days preceding the date of survey is known as the current weekly status (CWS) of the person.

Institution of Eminence Scheme ( IoE ) ● Earlier in 2018, the Empowered Expert Committee (EEC) chaired by former Chief Election Commissioner, N. Gopalasamy recommended a list of institutions for the consideration of the IoE status. ● Under this, the government aims to establish 20 world class institutes in the country to provide support and prepare them to become world-class institutions and the ultimate aim is to make them secure top global rankings. ● Objectives: ○ Excellence and Innovation, Specialization, Global Rating , Quality teaching and Research ● Benefits: ○ Autonomy: Institutes with IoE tag will be given greater autonomy and freedom to decide fees, course durations and governance structures. ○ Grant: The public institutions under IoE tag will receive a government grant of Rs. 1,000 crore, while the private institutions will not get any funding under the scheme.

Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project ● Started in 2012 and was scheduled to be completed in 2018 ● Extension for two years 2018 to 2020 ● Apart from its general objectives, it also aims at ensuring the safety of downstream population and property that are affected in the case of a dam failure or operational failure. Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and Phase III ● Approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister ● Project Cost and Funding: Rs. 10,211 crore. ○ Financial assistance of Rs. 7,000 from the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

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○ Rs. 3,211 crore is to be borne by the concerned implementing agencies in the states. ● Implementation Period: Over a period of 10 years from April 2021 to March 2031, in two phases of six years duration with two years overlapping.

Other initiative: ● DHARMA (Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring) is a system to monitor the health of dams. At present, it is being used by 18 states. ● A seismic hazard analysis information system (SHAISYS) has also been developed.

Depreciation & Devaluation Devaluation of a currency ● When the government or the central bank reduces the value of its currency, then it is known as the devaluation of the currency. ● The term devaluation is used when the government reduces the value of a currency under Fixed-Rate System. ● Devaluation of currency makes its goods cheaper compared to its International competitors. Reasons and objectives of currency devaluation ● To increase Exports ● Competitive devaluation (race to the bottom):one country devalues its currency other countries are also incentivized to devalue their own currency to maintain their competitiveness ● To reduce trade deficits: currency devaluation makes a countries exports cheaper, while imports become more expensive. ● To reduce the sovereign debt burden: If the debt payments are fixed, devaluation of currency will make the domestic currency weaker and will ultimately make the payments less expensive over time. Disadvantages ● Inflation , ● It reduces the purchasing power of the country’s citizens ● Foreign investors would be less interested in holding the government debt as devaluation reduces the value of their holdings. ● Devaluation of currency negatively impacts the corporates and individuals who hold debt in the foreign currency.

Depreciation of a currency ● A currency depreciates with respect to foreign currency when the supply of currency in the market increases while its demand falls under floating rate system ● Devaluation is the official reduction in the value of a currency, while depreciation refers to an unofficial decline in the currency’s value.

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● Devaluation of the currency is done purposely by the central bank or the government. Whereas the market forces of demand and supply are responsible for the depreciation of a currency. Reasons responsible for currency devaluation ● Decline in exports: ● Large increase in imports ● Monetary policy of Central Bank: if the central bank reduces its policy interest rates it can lead to the outflow of hot money such as foreign portfolio investment etc. ● Open market operations of the central bank

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Foreign Echange and Exchange Rate: ● Foreign Exchange: It refers to money denominated in a currency other than the domestic currency. ● Exchange Rate: Like any other commodity, foreign exchange has a price. The exchange rate is the price of one currency in terms of another. ○ For example, if the exchange rate between the rupee and the US dollar (USD) is Rs. 65, this means that Rs. 65 is required to purchase 1 Dollar. ● Fixed exchange rate ○ In a fixed exchange rate regime, the domestic currency is tied to another foreign currency such as the U.S. dollar, Euro, the Pound Sterling or a basket of currencies. ○ In a fixed exchange rate system, the government (or the central bank acting on the government’s behalf) intervenes in the foreign exchange market to ensure that the exchange rate stays close to a predetermined target ○ it ensures stability in the exchange rate of the domestic currency. It ensures that the domestic currency does not appreciate or depreciate beyond the predetermined level.

● Floating Exchange Rate: ○ It is an exchange rate system in which market’s supply and demand of currencies determines the exchange rate. ○ The Central Bank (RBI) or government can indirectly influence the exchange rate by managing the level and volume of foreign and domestic currencies in the banking system ○ The floating exchange rate regime establishes trust among the foreign investors which can help in the increase in foreign investment in the domestic economy. ● Managed floating exchange rate ○ Managed floating exchange rate regime lies between the fixed exchange rate regime and the floating exchange rate regime. ○ In the system, the exchange rate of domestic currency is allowed to move freely based on the market forces of demand and supply. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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○ However, during difficult circumstances, the central banks intervene to stabilize the exchange rate of the domestic currency.

Credit default swap: ● It is an example of a credit derivative transaction where credit protection is bought and sold. ● In a Credit Default Swap (CDS), one party agrees to pay another party periodic fixed payments in exchange for receiving ‘credit event protection’, in the form of a payment, in the event that a third party or its obligations are subject to one or more pre-agreed adverse credit events over a pre-agreed time period. ● Typical credit events include bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation acceleration, restructuring, and repudiation/moratorium.

National Productivity Council (NPC) ● Established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in 1958, ● Works under Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) ● it is an autonomous, multipartite, non-profit organization. ● NPC is a constituent of the Tokyo-based Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an Intergovernmental Body, of which the Government of India is a founder member. ● NPC has been conducting inspections/audit for different statutory bodies such as Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and is already having high credentials in the area of inspections and audits

The Amur Falcon ● Locally known as ‘Akhoipuina ● Uniqueness: the world’s longest travelling migratory raptors ● Migratory Route: They breed in East Asia and migrate to northeast India, Sri Lanka and sometimes to Thailand, Cambodia and up to the Arabian Sea and parts of Southern Africa. ● Doyang Lake in Nagaland is known as a stopover for the Amur falcons during their annual migration. ● IUCN Status: Least Concern. ● Significance: Nagaland Government organises Amur Falcon festival to spread awareness about the need to provide safe passage to Amur falcons.

Kerala: First State to fix MSP for vegetables ● Kerala became the first Indian state to fix Minimum Support Price for sixteen agriculture items. ● It consists of vegetables, fruits and tubers. The scheme is to support farmers and increase agriculture sector. ● The Base Price will be 20% more than production cost of vegetables. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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Code on Wages Act, 2019 ● The new wage code removes the multiplicity of wage definitions, which can significantly reduce litigation as well as compliance cost for employers. ● Important: It links minimum wage across the country to the skills of the employee and the place of employment. ● Purpose: ○ It seeks to universalise the provisions of minimum wages and their timely payment to all employees irrespective of the sector and wage ceiling. ○ It seeks to ensure Right to Sustenance for every worker and intends to increase the legislative protection of minimum wage. ● A National Floor Level Minimum Wage: will be set by the Centre and will be revised every five years, while states will fix minimum wages for their regions, which cannot be lower than the floor wage. ● It subsumes the following four labour laws: ○ Payment of Wages Act, 1936 ○ Minimum Wages Act, 1948 ○ Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 ○ Equal Remuneration Act, 1976

What is Rural Development Fund ( RDF ) ? ● RDF is the 3 per cent cess levied on the purchase or sale of agricultural produce under the Rural Development Fund Act, 1987 which is executed by Punjab Rural Development Board (PRDB) with the Chief Minister as its chairman. ● It comes mainly from central government’s purchase agency, Food Corporation of India, which buys around 13 million tonnes of wheat and 16 million tonnes of paddy every year. ● This fund is supposed to be used for the creation and maintenance of rural infrastructure in and outside mandis. ● But there have been charges in the past that it was diverted by the state for other purposes.

Draft model Act on land titles ● Released by NITI Aayog ● Objective: To reduce litigations and ease the land acquisition process for infrastructure projects. Under The Model Act: ● State governments will have the power to order for establishment, administration and management of a system of title registration of immovable properties. ● The land dispute resolution officer and land title appellate tribunal are one-shot institutions which will fade away as the work reduces. ● After three years of its notification, the register of title attains conclusivity without any external action.

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● Conclusive land titles are guaranteed by the state for correctness and entail provision for compensation by the state in case of any dispute. ● Any person aggrieved may file an objection before the Title Registration Officer within three years from the date of such notification. Following this, the Title Registration Officer shall make an entry to that effect in Register of Titles and in the Register of Disputes and refer the case to the land dispute resolution officer. ● A party aggrieved with an order of the land dispute resolution officer may file an appeal before the Land Titling Appellate Tribunal within 30 days of passing of such an order. ● A special bench of High court shall be designated to deal with appeals against the orders passed by the Land Titling Appellate Tribunal.

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Environment ..

Zombie Fire or Holdover fires ● What is it ? : Its a fire from a previous growing season that can smoulder under the ground which is made up of carbon-rich peat. When the weather warms, the fire can reignite. ● Location: The fires in the Arctic, spreading to areas which were formerly fire-resistant is a more worrying feature. ● Reason behind it : for this anomaly is that temperatures in winter and spring were warmer than usual during 2019-20. ○ Temperature in Siberia in 2020 had gone through the roof, with the region recording a severe heatwave ● Impact : ○ potential of turning the carbon sink into a carbon source and increasing global warming. ○ The Arctic contains vast stores of carbon and other planet-warming greenhouse gases in its soils, in peat as well as frozen soil that can be freed up through combustion.

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Peatlands ● Peatlands are wetlands that contain ancient, decomposed and partially decomposed organic matter. Nearly half the world’s peatland-stored carbon lies between 60 and 70 degrees north, along the Arctic Circle. ● Multilateral conventions for peatlands: ○ Brazzaville Declaration: was signed to promote better management and conservation of Cuvette Centrale Region in Congo Basin in the backdrop of the 3rd Conference of Partners of the Global Peatlands Initiative (GPI), 2018. ○ Congo Basin, the world’s largest tropical peatlands ○ Global Peatlands Initiative: is an effort by leading experts and institutions to save peatlands as the world’s largest terrestrial organic carbon stock and to prevent it being emitted into the atmosphere. It is led by UN Environment.

A feedback loop: ● As peatlands release more carbon, global warming increases, which thaws more peat and causes more wildfires.

Arctic Permafrost: ● It is ground that remains completely frozen at 0 degrees Celsius or below for at least two years and is defined solely based on temperature and duration.

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● As the climate and permafrost soils have warmed, microbes have started to break down this organic carbon, which has been frozen and fixed in the permafrost. That has led to a rise in land emissions of CO2 and methane.

Pipeworts ● Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute, Pune have recently discovered two new species of pipeworts from the Western Ghats of Maharashtra & Karnataka. ● Pipeworts is a type of wetland plant. ● It belongs to genus Eriocaulon. ● Some of the previously-discovered plant species have medicinal values ● They also have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-cancerous properties. ● However, the team is yet to trace the hidden medicinal applications of these two species. ● Some 111 species exist in India, most of which are endemic to the Western Ghats and eastern Himalayas. ● The two newly-discovered species display different floral characters than previously known species

Report Confronting Carbon Inequality ● Released by the Oxfam International and the Stockholm Environmental Institute (SEI)

Key Points from reports: ● Cumulative Emissions: The richest 1% of humanity accounted for 15% of cumulative emissions, while the poorest 50% accounted for only 7%. ● The richest 10% depleted the global carbon budget by 31% and the poorest 50% used only 4% of the carbon budget. ● Emissions Growth: While the richest 10% accounted for 46% of emissions growth, the poorest 50% accounted for only 6%. About India ● An Indian emitted only 1.97 tonnes of CO2 (tCO2) annually, while Americans and Canadians both emitted well over 16 tCO2. ● The per capita CO2 emissions of the richest 10% of Indians were about 4.4 tonnes in 2018 ● India’s per capita emissions were a fraction of not just the EU (6.78 tCO2/person), but also China (7.95 tCO2/person), making it the lowest per capita emitter amongst the world’s large economies. Concerns : ● The global carbon budget is being rapidly depleted due to the increasing consumption of the rich in the name of dignity and a decent standard of living. ● Of this increased consumption, the largest share of emissions by the rich was from flights and cars, including private jets, luxury SUVs and sports cars. ● Moderate measures such as carbon tax and non-binding climate commitments from corporations and countries are inadequate while considering the scale of transformation.

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Global Carbon project ● The Global Carbon Project is an international research project within the Future Earth research initiative on global sustainability. ● It aims to develop a comprehensive picture of the global carbon cycle, including both its biophysical and human dimensions together. ● The Global Carbon Project was formed in 2001 to help the international science community to establish a common, mutually agreed knowledge base that supports policy debate and action to slow the rate of increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. ● The Global Carbon Project works collaboratively with the International Geosphere- Biosphere Programme, the World Climate Programme, the International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change and Diversitas, under the Earth System Science Partnership.

Inadequate Compensatory Afforestation ● Why in news? : According to a recent study on compensatory afforestation in lieu of forest diversion for development of projects in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, only 10% of saplings said to be planted were actually found on the site and their survival rate was as low as 3.6%. About CAMPA ● CAMPA Stands for : Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority ● What is it ? a national advisory council under the chairmanship of the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for monitoring, technical assistance and evaluation of compensatory afforestation activities. ● What rule say? ○ According to CAMPA rules, every time forest land is diverted for non-forest purposes such as mining or industry, the user agency pays for planting forests over an equal area of non-forest land, or when such land is not available, twice the area of degraded forest land. ○ As per the rules, 90% of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) money is to be given to the states while 10% is to be retained by the Centre

CBD Oil ● CBD oil is an extract from the cannabis plant. ● The two main active substances in it are cannabidiol or CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. ● The high that is caused by the consumption of cannabis is due to THC. ● CBD, however, does not cause a “high” or any form of intoxication. ● CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.

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#Target_shots Addition What are the effects of Cannabidiol? ● Cannabidiol has effects on the brain, preventing the breakdown of a chemical that aggravates the pain and affects mood, and mental function. ● It can reduce pain and anxiety. ● It also reduces psychotic symptoms associated with conditions such as schizophrenia as well as epilepsy.

Madhuca diplostemon ● What is it?: A tree species, long believed extinct, has been rediscovered after a gap of more than 180 years from a sacred grove in Kollam district, Kerala. ● The tree is locally known as Kavilippa in Malayalam. ● Only one mature tree has been found so far, which makes this remarkable rediscovery extremely valuable from a scientific, environmental and conservation point of view. ● Conservation Status: Since the species is represented only by one specimen in a single locality, it is eligible to be categorised ‘Critically Endangered’ by the IUCN.

Zoological Parks ● Zoos or Zoological parks are facilities used for ex situ conservation of animals. ○ Ex-situ conservation is the technique of conservation of organisms outside their natural habitats through different techniques like captive breeding, aquarium, botanical garden, and gene bank. ○ in situ conservation: The process of protecting an endangered plant or animal species in its natural habitat is commonly known as in situ conservation. It includes National Parks, Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, community reserves, sacred groves etc. ● The Zoos in India are managed as per the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and guided by the National Zoo Policy, 1998.

Central Zoo Authority ● The CZA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It was constituted in 1992 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. ● Members: It is chaired by the Environment Minister and has 10 members and a member-secretary. ● Objective: The main objective of the authority is to complement and strengthen the national effort in the conservation of rich biodiversity. ● Functioning: The authority provides recognition to zoos and is also tasked with regulating the zoos across the country. ○ It lays down guidelines and prescribes rules under which animals may be transferred among zoos nationally and internationally. ○ It coordinates and implements programmes on capacity building of zoo personnel, planned breeding programmes, and ex-situ research.

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Yuddh Pradushan Ke Virudh ● Launched by Delhi Government. ● It is an anti-pollution campaign. ● Seeks to reduce air pollution levels in Delhi during winter. ● The campaign will include release of a Green Delhi app, creation of a war room to monitor progress, processing liquid solution for farms in order to curb stubble burning, and hotspot-specific action plans

Indian Gazelle ( Chinkara ) ● The Indian Gazelle (Chinkara) is an antelope endemic to the Indian subcontinent. ● Habitat: Chinkara are native to Iran, Afghanistan,Pakistan, and India. ● Protection: ○ It is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. ○ IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC) ● Chinkara are herbivores (folivores, frugivores) as they feed on grasses, different leaves and fruits (melon, pumpkin).

Fishing Cat

● Habitat: In India, fishing cats are mainly found in the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, on the foothills of the Himalayas along the Ganga and Brahmaputra river valleys and in the Western Ghats. ● Protection Status ○ IUCN Red List: Vulnerable ○ CITES: Appendix II ○ Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I ● Experts from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII-Dehradun) and the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department are all set to begin the country’s maiden exercise of collaring 10 fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in the Godavari estuary to study the species’ ecology, home range, behaviour in different seasons, feeding habits, threats, movements and use of space.

Temporary Shelters for Migratory Birds: Sambhar Lake ● By Rajsthan Government ● Every year, a large number of birds from the cold northern regions of Central Asia come to Sambhar Lake. ● In 2019, more than 20,000 migratory birds died due to avian botulism in the lake.

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Sambhar Lake ● It is India's largest inland saline water body located near Jaipur in Rajasthan. ● It is surrounded on all sides by the Aravali hills.

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● It is the source of most of Rajasthan's salt production. ● Sambhar has been designated as a Ramsar site (recognised wetland of international importance) because the wetland is a key wintering area for tens of thousands of flamingos and other migratory birds.

Avian Botulism ● It is a neuro-muscular illness caused by Botulinum (natural toxin) that is produced by bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. ○ The bacteria is commonly found in the soil, rivers, and seawater. It affects both humans and animals. ○ The bacteria also need anaerobic (absence of oxygen) conditions and do not grow in acidic conditions. ● The illness affects the nervous system of birds, leading to paralysis in their legs and wings. ● The outbreaks of avian botulism tend to occur when average temperatures are above 21 degrees celsius, and during droughts.

United Nations Biodiversity Summit ● The summit is first of its kind ever taken place on Biodiversity in the United Nations General Assembly. ● Theme: Urgent action on biodiversity for sustainable development ● The member-nations of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) took note of the link between biodiversity loss and the spread of animal pathogens. ● They called for an end to destructive industrial and commercial practices. ● There is consensus that conservation targets set a decade ago in Aichi, Japan, to be achieved by 2020, have spectacularly failed. ● The year 2020 which is also the “Super Year for Biodiversity”, as the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity with 20 global Aichi targets adopted in 2010 ends in 2020.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) ● The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), entered into force on 29 December, 1993. It is a legally binding treaty to conserve biodiversity and has 3 main objectives: ○ The conservation of biological diversity. ○ The sustainable use of the components of biological diversity. ○ The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. ● The CBD Secretariat is based in Montreal, Canada and it operates under the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). ● The Parties or Countries under Convention of Biodiversity (CBD), meet at regular intervals and these meetings are called Conference of Parties (COP). ● The convention has been ratified by nearly all countries, except the US. (signed but not ratified).

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● Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS) to the Convention on Biological Diversity ○ In force: From 12 October 2014. ○ Nagoya protocol on ABS: ○ Provides a transparent legal framework for the effective implementation of one of the three objectives of the CBD: the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. ○ Not only applies to genetic resources that are covered by the CBD, and to the benefits arising from their utilization but also covers traditional knowledge (TK) associated with genetic resources that are covered by the CBD and the benefits arising from its utilization. Aichi Targets ● Along with the Nagoya Protocol on Genetic Resources, the COP-10 also adopted a ten- year framework for action by all countries to save biodiversity. ● Officially known as Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, provide a set of 20 ambitious yet achievable targets, collectively known as the Aichi Targets for biodiversity. ● The 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets can be divided into: ○ Strategic Goal A: Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society ○ Strategic Goal B: Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use. ○ Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity ○ Strategic Goal D: Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services ○ Strategic Goal E: Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building.

New Emission Norms of Tractors and Construction Vehicles ● The amendment provides separate emission norms for the agricultural machinery such as power tillers, tractors and harvesters and construction vehicles. Bharat (CEV/TREM) Stage IV ● The engines that are equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) should meet ammonia emission limit of 25 ppm for engines operating at less than 56 KW. ● The engines operating at more than 56 KW should meet ammonia emission of 10 ppm. ● The Particulate Matter emitted by the engines should be 0.025 gram per KWhr irrespective of their power. ● The Carbon Monoxide emitted should be 5.0 g/KWhr for engines with power less than 130 KW and is 3.5 for engines with power greater than 3.5 g/KWhr ● Also, they should pass the NRSC And NRTC tests

NRSC and NRTC tests ● NRSC is Non-road Steady State Cycle test and NRTC is Non-road Transient Cycle test. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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What are Bharat Stage Emission Standards (BSES)? ● Introduced in the year 2000. ● Set by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. ● Objective: To keep air pollutants emitted by the internal combustion engine of vehicles under control. ● They are based on European (EURO) emission standards. ● Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms were first brought into effect in 2000 under the head “India 2000”. This was followed by BS2 in 2001 and BS3 in 2005. ● BS4 : 2010 – Metros and major cities, 2017 – Nationwide ● The government decided to jump directly from BS-IV to BS-VI skipping BS-V in view of the long time it took to move from BS-III to IV. ● BS6: 2018 – Delhi, 2019 – NCR, 2020 – Nationwide

How does BS6 emission norms differ from BS4? ● BS-VI is the highest vehicle emissions standard specification in the world currently. ● The volume of particulate matter 2.5 is between 20 to 40 micrograms per cubic metre in BS-VI fuel, whereas, in BS-IV, it was up to 120 micrograms per cubic metre. ● The sulphur content in the BS-VI compliant fuel is brought down five times when compared to the BS-IV version. (It is 10 ppm of sulphur as against the previous 50 ppm). ● Under the BS-VI fuel, for 1 KM, a car will emit 80% less PM and almost 70% less nitrogen oxide (in a diesel engine). ○ In a petrol engine, the emission of nitrogen oxide would be less by 25%. ● BS-VI norms will lead to the reduction of the emission of certain hydrocarbons (that are produced because of the incomplete combustion of fuel). ● BS-VI fuel contains lesser air pollutants compared to BS-IV fuel. ● Car manufacturers will have to fix three new pieces of equipment for their vehicles to comply with BS-VI: ○ Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) ○ Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system ○ LNT (Lean NOx trap) ● Real Driving Emission (RDE) will be introduced in India for the first time. ○ This will measure a vehicle’s emissions under real conditions as against factory conditions. ● Onboard Diagnostics (OD) has been made compulsory for all vehicles.

Ecosystem Services ● These are the direct and indirect contributions of the ecosystems to humankind’s well- being. ● Classification four types: JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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1. Provisioning services : Products obtained from ecosystems such as food, freshwater, fibre, genetic resources and medicines. 2. Regulating services : Benefits obtained from regulation of ecosystem processes such as flood prevention, climate regulation, water purification and pollination 3. Supporting services : Non-material benefits obtained from ecosystems (e.g. nutrient cycling, soil formation). 4. Cultural services : Non-material benefits that people obtain from ecosystems such as spiritual enrichment, intellectual development, recreational activities and aesthetic values.

My Ganga My Dolphin campaign ● Launched by: National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG), the Wildlife Institute of India and the Forest Department has launched the My Ganga My Dolphin campaign on the occasion of Ganga River Dolphin Day. ● Aim: To promote and boost Dolphin based ecotourism in the country and to conduct Dolphin census. ● Location: The programme also includes dolphin safari in six sites across the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal

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National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) ● It has been established as an Authority under National Council for River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Act, 2016. ● It is the implementing agency of the Namami Gange Programme at the national level.

The Gangetic Dolphins ● Declared as National Aquatic Animal in 2010 ● Endangered under IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. It has been listed under CITES Appendix-1. ● The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary Bihar is the only sanctuary for the Gangetic Dolphins in the country. ● These are generally blind and catch their prey in a unique manner. They emit an ultrasonic sound which reaches the prey. ● These are also called susu. ● Location: Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems and in the Ganga’s tributaries.

Wildlife Institute of India(WII) ● It was established in 1982 as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate change.

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● It carries out wildlife research in areas of study like Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Wildlife Policy, Wildlife Management among others. ● Headquarters : Dehradun, India.

Dolphins in Pearl River Estuary ● Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are also known as Chinese white dolphins or pink dolphins, reflecting the colour of their skin. ● IUCN Status: Vulnerable. ● Pearl River Estuary: It includes Hong Kong, Macau as well as the mainland Chinese cities of Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Dongguan. ● The Pearl River Delta, the low-lying area surrounding the PRE where the Pearl River flows into the South China Sea, is one of the world’s most densely urbanised, heavily industrialised and busiest shipping lanes on Earth.

Echolocation Technique: ● Dolphins use echolocation to find their way in the water and the ships often disturb them in finding their way and even kill them. ● Echolocation is a technique used by bats, dolphins and other animals to determine the location of objects using reflected sound. ● This allows the animals to move around in pitch darkness, so they can navigate, hunt, identify friends and enemies, and avoid obstacles.

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The Gangetic Dolphins ● Declared as National Aquatic Animal in 2010 ● Protection Status: ○ Endangered under IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. ○ It has been listed under CITES Appendix-1. ● The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary Bihar is the only sanctuary for the Gangetic Dolphins in the country. ● These are generally blind and catch their prey in a unique manner. They emit an ultrasonic sound which reaches the prey. ● These are also called susu. ● Location: Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems and in the Ganga’s tributaries. ● It is among the four freshwater dolphins in the world- the other three are: ○ The ‘Baiji’ now likely extinct from the Yangtze River in China, ○ The ‘Bhulan’ of the Indus in Pakistan, and ○ The ‘Boto’ of the Amazon River in Latin America. ○ These four species live only in rivers and lakes.

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Project Dolphin ● Launched to conserve and protect the Dolphins in the rivers and oceans in the country. ● The project will conserve dolphins in aquatic habitat using modern technology especially in anti-poaching activities. ● Project Dolphin is expected to be implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. ● The project is to involve fishermen and other set of population that are dependent on rivers and oceans for their livelihood. ● The Project is to primarily focus on Gangetic Dolphins.

Irrawaddy Dolphin

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● Oceanic dolphin living in brackish water near coasts, river mouths and in estuaries in South and Southeast Asia ● Found in – Ganges, Mekong, the Ayeyarwady (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and Irrawaddy river system ● habitat range — from the Bay of Bengal to New Guinea and the Philippines ● IUCN Status: Endangered

Chinese Pink Dolphins/Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin: ●

Stockholm Convention on POPs ● Union Cabinet has approved the Ratification of seven chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). ● These are: ○ Chlordecone. ○ Hexabromobiphenyl. ○ Hexabromodiphenyl ether and Heptabromodiphenylether. ○ Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and Pentabromodiphenyl ether. ○ Pentachlorobenzene. ○ Hexabromocyclododecane. ○ Hexachlorobutadiene. ● The ratification process would enable India to access Global Environment Facility (GEF) financial resources in updating the National Implementation Plan (NIP).

About Stockholm Convention on POPs ● Signed in 2001 and effective from May 2004 (Ninety days after the ratification by at least 50 signatory states). ● Aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). ● What are POPs? ○ In 1995, the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) called for global action to be taken on POPs, which it defined as “chemical substances that persist in the environment, bio-accumulate through the food web, and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment”. ● Uniqueness of POPs: ○ POPs are lipophilic, which means that they accumulate in the fatty tissue of living animals and human beings. ○ In fatty tissue, the concentrations can become magnified by up to 70 000 times higher than the background levels.

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○ As you move up the food chain, concentrations of POPs tend to increase so that animals at the top of the food chain such as fish, predatory birds, mammals, and humans tend to have the greatest concentrations of these chemicals. ● The 12 initial POPs under the Stockholm Convention placed in 3 categories: ○ Pesticides: aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, mirex, toxaphene; ○ Industrial chemicals: hexachlorobenzene, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); and ○ By-products: hexachlorobenzene; polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDF), and PCBs. ● Since then, additional substances such as carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and certain brominated flame-retardents, as well as organometallic compounds such as tributyltin (TBT) have been added to the list of Persistent Organic Pollutants. ● Sources of POPs: ○ Improper use and/or disposal of agrochemicals and industrial chemicals. ○ Elevated temperatures and combustion processes. ○ Unwanted by-products of industrial processes or combustion. ● Is it legally binding? ○ Yes. Article 16 of the Convention requires that effectiveness of the measures adopted by the Convention is evaluated in regular intervals. ● Other Conventions dealing with POPs: ○ Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollutants (LRTAP), Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

#Target_shots Addition Global Environment Facility ● GEF was established with the Rio Earth Summit of 1992. ● Headquarter: Washington, D.C., USA. ● The GEF is jointly managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). ● The financial mechanism was established to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems. ● It provides funds to the developing countries and transition economies for projects related to climate change, biodiversity, the ozone layer, etc. ● It is a financial mechanism for 5 major international environmental conventions: ○ The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), ○ The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), ○ The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), ○ The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and ○ The Minamata Convention on Mercury.

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Arctic Amplification ● A team of scientists have identified iodic acid (HIO3) as a novel driver of new aerosol particle formation in the Arctic which is responsible for Arctic Amplification or Arctic Warming. Presence of Iodic acid in the region had not been observed previously. ● Process: These aerosol particles influence the formation of clouds. As these clouds reflect solar radiation (known as Aerosol Radiative Forcing) but also retain heat on the Earth's surface, they have an influence on the warming of the Arctic. About: ● Over the past 30 years, the Arctic has warmed at roughly twice the rate as the entire globe, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification. ● This means that global warming and climate change are impacting the Arctic more than the rest of the world. ● Global temperatures from 2000–2009 were on average about 0.6°C higher than they were from 1951–1980. The Arctic, however, was about 2°C warmer. ● Scientists first started to see evidence of changes in Arctic climate in the 1980s. Since then, the changes have become much more pronounced. Reasons: ● Change in Albedo ○ Albedo is a measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed ○ When bright and reflective ice (with more albedo) melts, it gives way to a darker ocean (lowering albedo); this amplifies the warming trend because the ocean surface absorbs more heat from the Sun than the surface of snow and ice. ● Changing Ocean currents ● Changing Weather ○ Ocean currents drive the powerful polar jet stream, which moves hot and cold air masses around the Northern Hemisphere. This is a product of the temperature differences between the Arctic and the tropics. ○ But as the Arctic warms, the jet stream now undulates wildly north and south. This has been injecting the Arctic with warm air. Impact in the Arctic: ● The floating sea ice cover of the Arctic Ocean is shrinking, especially during summer. ● Snow cover over land in the Arctic has decreased, notably in spring. ● In addition, frozen ground in the Arctic, known as permafrost, is warming and in many areas thawing. Comparison with Antarctica: ● There is no Antarctic amplification. Antarctic warming has been similar to the global average, although some parts are warming much faster. ● Reason: Antarctica is surrounded by the vast Southern Ocean, which is soaking up much of the atmosphere’s excess heat.

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Arctic Council ● A high-level intergovernmental body set up in 1996 by the Ottawa declaration ● Aim: to promote cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States together with the indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants. ● The Arctic Council works as a consensus-based body to deal with issues such as the change in biodiversity, melting sea ice, plastic pollution and black carbon.

● ● History: The formation of Arctic Council can be traced in the establishment of the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy (AEPS) in 1991 as a framework for intergovernmental cooperation on environmental protection initiatives among the Arctic States ● Members of the Arctic Council: Ottawa Declaration declares Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden and the United States of America as a member of the Arctic Council. ● 13 non-Arctic observer states: Germany, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, France, Spain, China, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland ● India launched its first scientific expedition to the Arctic Ocean in 2007 and opened a research base named "Himadri” at the International Arctic Research Base at Ny- Alesund, Svalbard, Norway in July 2008 for carrying out studies in disciplines like Glaciology, Atmospheric sciences & Biological sciences.

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LEED ● Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is one of the most popular green building certification programs used worldwide. ● Developed by the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) it includes a set of rating systems for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings, homes, and neighbourhoods. ● Aim is to help building owners and operators be environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently. ● 4 types of ratings: Certifies

#Target_shots Addition Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) ● Evolved by TERI ● The framework applies to commercial, institutional and residential buildings. ● Eliminates implementation challenges that arise from institutions working in silos towards improving waste management, energy conservation etc. ● Objective: It comprehensively approaches the goal of sustainable habitat creation through its overall objective that includes ○ Reduction in resource consumption ○ Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions ○ Enhanced use of renewable and recycled resources by the building sector ● It quantifies building s performance in terms of energy utilization, waste generation and renewable energy adoption so as to help in management and control of these aspects ● It standardizes the definition for green building and helps in evaluation of environmental impact of a building ● The ratings are periodically revised under the supervision of GRIHA Technical Advisory Committee. What is Green Building? ● Green Building is a sustainable building with high efficiency in resource usage (energy, water, and materials) while reducing impacts on health and environment during its lifecycle through good building practices.

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Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) ● Developed by Ministry of Power and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) with technical support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the U.S.-India bilateral Partnership to Advance Clean Energy – Deployment Technical Assistance (PACE-D TA) Program. ● The code provides present as well as futuristic advancements in building technology to cut down building energy consumption and promote low-carbon growth. ● The code sets clear criteria for builders, designers and architects to integrate renewable energy sources in building design through the inclusion of passive design strategies. ● Aims: to optimise energy savings with the comfort levels for occupants. The code aims to achieve energy neutrality in commercial buildings.

ECO Niwas Samhita 2018 ● Launched by Ministry of Power. ● an Energy Conservation Building Code for residential buildings, to push for energy efficiency in residential sector was launched on December 14, 2018. ● Aims to promote design and construction of homes including apartments and townships to give benefits of energy efficiency to the occupants.

Taro Vegetable ● Taro, or Colocasia esculenta, better known as arbi, it is the fifth most consumed root vegetable in the world. ● Its uniqueness lies in the fact that all its parts, from root to shoot, are consumed as each has its own distinct taste. ● But It may soon disappear from the earth due to climate change-led droughts. ● Taro is a great source of carbohydrate therefore, it is used in infant weaning diets and low glycemic index foods suitable for diabetics. ● Uses: Used in cosmetics and in pharmaceuticals as binders in tablets, Interestingly, to make plastic that degenerates over time.

Circular Bioeconomy: ● Bioeconomy: is an economic model based on the consumption of biological resources for the production of food and feed, products and energy. ● Circular bioeconomy: biological resources are renewable, sustainably managed, recovered and reused as much as possible. This economic model is gaining momentum as a way to deliver society’s needs while responding to sustainability issues. ● Circular bioeconomy will result in improved resource and eco-efficiency, low GHG footprint, reducing the demand for fossil carbon etc.

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Earthshot Prize ● Launched by : Britain’s Prince William has launched a new 50-million pound Earthshot Prize, aimed at funding the most innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. ● Theme: The Earthshot Prize is centred around five “Earthshots”, simple but ambitious goals for the planet, which if achieved by 2030 will improve life for all, for generations to come. ● Five Earthshots: ○ Protect and restore nature ○ Clean our air ○ Revive our oceans ○ Build a waste-free world ○ Fix our climate. ● The first awards ceremony will take place in London in autumn 2021.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) ● The Supreme Court has directed Delhi and neighbouring States to implement air pollution control measures under “very poor” and “severe” category air quality of GRAP.

About GRAP ● Approved by: the Supreme Court in 2016. ● Prepared by EPCA [Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority]. ● It works only as an emergency measure.. ● As such, the plan does not include action by various state governments to be taken throughout the year to tackle industrial, vehicular and combustion emissions. ● When the air quality shifts from poor to very poor, the measures listed have to be followed since the plan is incremental in nature. Overview of the plan: ● The plan requires action and coordination among 13 different agencies in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan (NCR areas). ● At the head of the table is the EPCA, mandated by the Supreme Court. ● Before the imposition of any measures, EPCA holds a meeting with representatives from all NCR states, and a call is taken on which actions has to be made applicable in which town.

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Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority ● Constitution: EPCA was constituted under section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for the National Capital Region in compliance with the Supreme Court order dated January 1998. ● Notified in 1998 by Environment Ministry under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

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● Composition: Besides the chairman, the EPCA has 14 members ● Power: to take action suo-moto, or on the basis of complaints made by any individual, representative body or organization functioning in the field of environment. ● Role: It takes all necessary steps for controlling vehicular pollution, ensuring compliance of fuel quality standards, monitoring and coordinating action for traffic planning and management in National Capital Region.

“Ranking the World’s Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Hotspots: 2019-2020”. ● Report released by Greenpeace India and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) Key Findings: ● Top SO2 Emitters: India top spot in the world in sulphur dioxide(SO2) emissions for the fifth consecutive year in 2019.It was followed by Russia and China. ● India’s SO2 Emissions: In 2019, India emitted 21% of global anthropogenic (human- made) SO2 emissions. ● Chennai is one of the biggest emission hotspots in the country. ● Emission Hotspots: The biggest emission hotspots in India are thermal power stations (or clusters of power stations). ● Recommendations: Most of the power plants in India lack flue-gas desulfurization(FGD) units. Hence, FGD units should be installed to reduce SO2 emissions.

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Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and Air Pollution ● Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless gas with a strong odour, similar to a just-struck match. ● Most sulphur dioxide air pollution comes from the burning of coal and oil in power plants. ● It is also emitted by trains, large ships, and some diesel equipment that burns high sulphur fuel and also by volcanic eruptions. ● The primary reason for India’s high emission output is the expansion of coal-based electricity generation over the past decade. ● Sulfur Oxides (SOx) can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form small particles. These particles contribute to Particulate Matter (PM) pollution. ● Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides affect the environment when they react with substances in the atmosphere to form acid rain.

Skinks of India ● Published by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Key takeaways ● It gives a phylogenetic (evolutionary development) and bio-geographical analysis of distribution of these species in all the 11 bio-geographic zones of India. ● India is home to less than 4% of the skinks across the globe.

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● 62 species of skinks are found in India. ● About 57% of them (33 species) are endemic. ● The four genera of skinks which are endemic to India are: (1) Sepsophis punctatus is endemic to the northern part of Eastern Ghats; (2) Barkudia are limbless skinks found in the hills and coastal plains of the eastern coast; (3) Kaestlea, also known as blue-tailed ground skinks, are endemic to the Western Ghats; (4) Ristella, also known as Cat skinks, are endemic to the southern part of Western Ghats. What is Skinks?: ● About 57% of them (33 species) are endemic. ● It is the largest family of lizards. ● There are 1,602 species of skinks across the world. ● It has long body relatively small or no legs, no pronounced neck and glossy scales. ● It is found around homes, garages, and open spaces such as sparks and school playgrounds, and around lakes. ● Skinks are non-venomous, highly alert, agile and fast moving. ● They actively forage for a variety of insects and small invertebrates. ● They have a prominent role in maintaining ecosystems.

Buldhana Pattern of water conservation ● Maharashtra’s ‘Buldana Pattern’ of water conservation’ has won national recognition and the NITI Aayog is in the process of formulating National Policy on water conversation based on it. What is ‘Buldhana Pattern’? ● It is based on the synchronization of national highway construction and water conservation. ● It was achieved for the first time in Buldana district of drought-prone Vidarbha region, by using soil from the water bodies, nallas and rivers. ● This consequently leads to the increase in capacity of water storage across the water- bodies in Buldana district and it came to be known as ‘Buldana Pattern’. ● Creation of State Water Grid and adopting water Conservations works under this pattern will increase the agriculture production and bring prosperity in farmer’s economic life in Vidarbha.

Tree Transplantation Policy ● Delhi Cabinet has given its nod for ‘Tree Transplantation Policy’. ● With this, Delhi has become the first State in India to pass this policy. Highlights of the policy: ● Agencies concerned will have to transplant 80 per cent of the trees affected by their projects to a new location.

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● More importantly, 10 saplings will be planted in addition to the whole tree being dug up with the root intact and scientifically transplanted at another location instead of being felled. ● A dedicated panel of government agencies with track record and experience of tree transplantation is being formed under the policy. ● Payments for transplantation will be made after one year to ensure this, and if less than 80 per cent of the transplanted trees survive, payment will be deducted. ● The government will also form local committees, which will include citizens, for checking, monitoring and certification of the tree transplantation exercise. ● A dedicated Tree Transplantation Cell will also be formed by the Delhi government and local committees, which will include government officials, citizens to monitor the transplanted trees and to certify that the task has been done with due diligence.

National butterfly ● A citizen poll to identify the national butterfly has concluded with three species garnering the highest number of votes. They are: ○ Krishna Peacock (Papilio krishna). ○ Indian Jezebel (Delias eucharis). ○ Orange Oakleaf (Kallima inachus). ● All these have unique features such as ability to camouflage as a dead leaf, exhibit iridescence to stave off predators, and aid farmers in getting rid of pests. ● Background:The nationwide poll was organised by the National Butterfly Campaign Consortium, a collective of 50 butterfly experts and enthusiasts.

Indigenous varieties of Calcium Nitrate and Boronated Calcium Nitrates ● Launched by GSFC ● The Chemicals are being manufactured in the country for the first time. ● All these years these Chemicals were imported from other countries Calcium nitrate ● The calcium nitrate is used as water soluble fertilizer. It is also used to increase the strength of cement concrete and also in wastewater treatment. ● It is a multi-purpose fertilizer that is used to provide the macronutrient, nitrogen, to the plants and also to prevent diseases. ● Also, calcium is essential for the plants to produce healthy seeds. Seeds rich in calcium have better shelf life. Boronated calcium nitrate ● Boron has a crucial role in plant functions. ● It includes cell wall stability, formation and maintenance of structural and functional integrity. ● Boron is also essential for movement of sugar in growing parts of the plant. Also, Boron helps in seed set and pollination. ● Boron deficiency is a widespread micro nutrient deficiency all over the world.

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● It causes large losses in crop production. ● Boron deficiency seldom leads to death of Meristem, inhibition of cell expansion and reduced fertility. ● The optimum Boron content of leaves should be between 20 and 100 PPM.

Plant Macronutrients ● Macronutrients required by the plants in large amounts. ● These include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, Magnesium and potassium. ● Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are obtained from air and water while the others are obtained from the soil.

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Plant Micronutrients ● Micronutrients are the ones required in very small amounts by the plants. ● These include iron, zinc, boron, silicon, cobalt, selenium, and sodium

Functions of Macronutrients and Micronutrients In Plants ● All the essential elements perform several functions like they maintain the osmotic concentration of the cell sap, have buffering action, show enzymatic activity and act as a major constituent of macromolecules and coenzymes. ● Nitrogen: It is required by plants in large amounts. It is taken in the form of ions from the soil. It is required for the division of cells. It is the major constituent of proteins, vitamins, hormones etc. ● Phosphorus: It is a constituent of cell membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids and is required for certain important reactions. ● Potassium: It is a mineral that is required in the growing parts of the plants in large amounts. It is also required for the opening and closing of stomata. It helps in the activation of enzymes and helps in maintaining the turgidity of the cell. ● Calcium: It is required during cell division and in the normal functioning of the cell membrane. Metabolic activities are also regulated by this mineral. ● Magnesium: It is involved in the activation of enzymes in respiration and photosynthesis and helps in the synthesis of DNA and RNA. It is also an important constituent of ribosomes and helps in maintaining the structure of the ribosome. ● Sulfur: It is an important constituent of amino acids, coenzymes, and vitamins. ● Iron: It is required in larger amounts as compared to other micronutrients. It is an important constituent of protein and helps with the activation of enzymes. ● Manganese: Enzymes involved in photosynthesis, respiration etc are activated by this. It helps in the splitting of water during photosynthesis. ● Zinc and copper are also involved in the activation of certain enzymes. interstitial fluid helps in the uptake and utilization of calcium, functioning of the membrane, pollen

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germination, cell elongation, germination etc. Molybdenum is a component of certain enzymes like nitrogenase etc. ● Chlorine: Chlorine helps in determining the solute concentration and the anion-cation balance of the cells.

Brahma Kamal ● The only flower known to bloom after sunset and just once a year ● It is a species of flowering plant native to the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, India, Mongolia, Burma and southwest China. ● It is also the state flower of Uttarakhand. ● The flower is named after God Brahma who is believed to have created the universe. The flower only blooms for a few hours and is said to bring good luck and prosperity. ● Uses: The flower is highly valued in Tibetan medicine and Ayurveda for its healing properties. It is extensively used by the local population to treat cuts and bruises.

Synedrella Yellow Vein Clearing Virus ● The virus was isolated by the researchers from a plant named Synedrella nodiflora, and it was able to infect tobacco and tomato plant. ● It is a representative of the Begomovirus family of viruses and Begomoviruses are a large family with about 400 members. ● The Plant targets the protein called BetaC1 made by the virus which helps in successful infection and intracellular movement within the plant. ● The plants degrade BetaC1 protein of virus by tagging this protein with another smaller protein called ubiquitin.

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World Migratory Bird Day(10 Oct) ● It is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the protection of migratory birds and their habitats. ● It is organized by Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) – together with Environment for the Americas(EFTA). ● Organized twice a year on the second Saturday in May and in October. ● Theme : Birds Connect Our World.

#Target_shots Addition Convention of Migratory Species(CMS) of Wild Animals ( Bonn Convention ) ● CMS is an environmental treaty under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme that provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats. ● Only convention that deals with taking or harvesting of species from the wild. ● Protects 173 migratory species from across the globe. ● Convention came into force on November 1, 1983 ● 130 Parties to the Convention– 129 countries plus the European Union. Maldives is the latest country to join it (November 2019). ● Species Covered: Convention has two Appendices: ○ Appendix I lists migratory species that are endangered or threatened with extinction. ○ Appendix II lists migratory species which have an unfavourable conservation status and which require international agreements for their conservation and management.

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● India has been a party to the Convention since 1983. ● India has taken over its Presidency for the next three years, till 2023. ● With 2.4% of the world’s land area, India contributes to around 8% of the known global biodiversity ● ndia also provides temporary shelter to several migratory species including Amur Falcons, Bar-headed Geese, Black-necked Cranes, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, Humpback Whales, etc.

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CMS COP-13 ● Theme : ‘Migratory species connect the planet and together we welcome them home’. ● The mascot : ‘Gibi – The Great Indian Bustard’. It is a critically endangered species (according to the IUCN) and has been accorded the highest protection status (listed in Schedule I) under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. ● Logo of COP 13 was inspired by ‘Kolam’- a traditional art form Southern India used to depict key migratory species in India like Amur Falcon, and Marine Turtles. ● COP 13, proposes to include ten new species for protection under CMS viz.: ○ Three Indian Species: Asian Elephant, Bengal Florican, Great Indian Bustard. ○ Other 7 from around the world: Jaguar (proposed by Costa Rica, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay), Whitetip shark (Brazil), Little Bustard (EU Nations), Urial (Tajikistan, Iran, Uzbekistan), Antipodean Albatross (New Zealand, Australia, Chile), Smooth Hammerhead Shark (Brazil), and Tope Shark (EU Nations).

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AEWA (African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement) : ● It is an intergovernmental treaty dedicated to the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Greenland and the Canadian Archipelago. ● It was developed under the framework of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and administered by the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP).

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 ➢ To protect and conserve wildlife from illegal poaching and hunting. There are Six Schedules in the Act: ➢ Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provide absolute protection with the highest penalties. ➢ Schedule III and Schedule IV provide protection with lesser penalties. ➢ Schedule V includes animals that can be hunted. ➢ Schedule VI bans cultivation and planting of protected plants

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Nitrous Oxide (N2O) ● Human emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) increased by 30 per cent between 1980 and 2016.

#Target_shots Addition About N2O ● third-highest concentration, after CO2 and methane (CH4), in Earth’s atmosphere among GHGs responsible for global warming. ● A greenhouse gas 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) ● N2O can live in the atmosphere for up to 125 years. ● N2O is also the only remaining threat to the ozone layer, for it accumulates in the atmosphere over a long period of time, just like CO2. ● Main Source: Agricultural sector, mainly because of the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers.

Smog Tower ● A smog tower, which will act as a mega air purifier, will also be installed in Delhi to counter the persistent issue of smog in Delhi as per the November 2019 order of the Supreme Court to the Delhi government and the Central Pollution Control Board. ● The towers to be installed in Delhi will be the result of a collaboration between the IITs at Mumbai and Delhi, and the University of Minnesota. ● Smog towers have been experimented with in recent years in cities in the Netherlands, China, South Korea and Poland. ● The first such tower was erected in 2015, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, created by Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde. ● The world’s largest air-purifying tower is in Xi’an, China. ● What is it ?: The Tower will suck the polluted air from above and release clean air from the bottom. ● Limitations: ○ Many experts have claimed that due to the large volume of air outdoors, smog towers are not efficient in cleaning the air per se. ○ Even in the case of China, there is insufficient data to support the effectiveness of its smog towers.

Aquaponics Facility ● A pilot ‘Aquaponics facility’ has been developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Mohali at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary University (GADVASU), Ludhiana. ● Funding : by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity). ● Features: ○ The facility is nearly 100% organic. ○ Needs much less land for a given yield of crop. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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○ Consumes 90% less water. ○ The fish and plants grown together are more nutritious.

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Aquaponics ● Aquaponics is a system that combines hydroponics, soil-less agriculture, and aquaculture within a closed system. ● There are three biological components in the aquaponics process: fish, plants, and bacteria (for cycling of nutrients- ammonia to nitrate conversion). Process: ● With aquaponics, the farmer combines the aquaculture with hydroponic vegetables – the fish waste provides fertilizer for growing plants. ● The plants absorb nutrients and filter the water. This filtered water is used to replenish the fish tank. This is an environment friendly technique. ● The result is value-added, local production of both fish and vegetables together, using the same water.

Hydroponics ● It is a method of growing plants in a water-based, nutrient-rich solution. ● Hydroponics does not use soil, instead, the root system is supported using an inert medium such as clay pellets. ● The basic premise behind hydroponics is to allow the plant’s roots to come in direct contact with the nutrient solution, while also having access to oxygen, which is essential for proper growth.

Aquaculture: Breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, and aquatic plants.

Ubiquitous Agriculture (u-Agri): An Internet of Things (IoT) based system for acquiring micro-climate information from agricultural fields and providing personalized and localized advisories on Pest and Disease Forewarning and Irrigation Scheduling, to farmers.

Nutri-Sensitive Agricultural Resources and Innovations (NARI) ● Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has started Nutri-Sensitive Agricultural Resources and Innovations (NARI) programme. ● Its objective is to promote family farming linking agriculture to nutrition, nutri-smart villages for enhancing nutritional security. ● Under it, location specific nutrition garden models are being developed and promoted by KVKs to ensure access to locally available, healthy and diversified diet with adequate macro and micronutrients.

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Common Leopard (Panthera pardus) ● Habitat: It occurs in a wide range in sub-Saharan Africa, in small parts of Western and Central Asia, on the Indian subcontinent to Southeast and East Asia. ● The Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a leopard widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent. ● Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching for the illegal trade of skins and body parts, and persecution due to conflict situations ● Conservation Status: ○ IUCN Red List: Vulnerable ○ CITES: Appendix I ○ Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

Fly Ash ● NTPC Ltd. under Ministry of Power, has started to collaborate with cement manufacturers across the country to supply fly ash as part of its endeavour to achieve 100% utilisation of the by-product produced during power generation. ● Popularly known as Flue ash or pulverised fuel ash, it is a coal combustion product. Composition: ● Composed of the particulates that are driven out of coal-fired boilers together with the flue gases. ● Major Constituents: silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and calcium oxide (CaO), the main mineral compounds in coal-bearing rock strata. ● Minor constituents include: arsenic, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, hexavalent chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, selenium, strontium, thallium, and vanadium, along with very small concentrations of dioxins and PAH compounds. It also has unburnt carbon.

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Fly ash can be used in the following ways: ● Concrete production, as a substitute material for Portland cement, sand. ● Fly-ash pellets which can replace normal aggregate in concrete mixture. ● Embankments and other structural fills. ● Cement clinker production – (as a substitute material for clay). ● Stabilization of soft soils. ● Road sub base construction. ● As aggregate substitute material (e.g. for brick production). ● Agricultural uses: soil amendment, fertilizer, cattle feeders, soil stabilization in stock feed yards, and agricultural stakes. ● Loose application on rivers to melt ice. ● Loose application on roads and parking lots for ice control.

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Harmful Effects : ● Fly ash particles are toxic air pollutants. They can trigger heart disease, cancer, respiratory diseases and stroke. ● When combined with water they cause leaching of heavy metals in ground water. ● It also pollutes the soil, and affects the root development system of trees. ● Radiation: For an equal amount of electricity generated, fly ash contains a hundred times more radiation than nuclear waste secured via dry cask or water storage.

Government Initiatives for Optimum Utilization of Fly Ash: ● GST rates on fly ash and its products have been reduced to 5%. ● ASH TRACK ○ Mobile App has been launched by the Ministry of Power for better management of fly ash produced by thermal power plants. ○ “ASHTRACK” is a mobile-based application and a web portal for monitoring of fly ash generation and utilization data of Thermal Power Plants. ○ It provides an interface between fly ash producers (Thermal Power Plants) and potential ash users such as – road contractors, cement plants etc. ● Ash-park: for promoting fly ash-based product manufacturing units, has been developed and awareness programme for utilisation of fly ash and its products have been conducted.

Impact-based cyclone warning system ● Launched by India Meteorological Department(IMD) ● Aim : To minimise economic losses and damage to property from cyclones that hit the country’s coasts every year. ● Features: Under this, district or location will issue specific warnings which will factor in the infrastructure, local population, settlements, land use as well as other elements will be disseminated and prepared. ● All the disaster management agencies will also make the extensive use of geological, cartographic and hydrological data available for the concerned district. ● If a district is to be hit by a wind up to 160 kmph, the system will warn about the kind of infrastructure that will likely get damaged and these can be mapped.

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IMD: ➢ It was established in 1875. ➢ It is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. ➢ It is the principal agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismology.

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Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary ● It is the first Bird Sanctuary in Kerala harbours a wide range of flora and fauna. ● It is also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary which was constituted in 1983. ● Dr. Salim Ali, the legendary ‘Bird Man of India’, during his survey in 1933, noted the bird diversity of Thattekkad as the richest bird habitat. ● Located in: the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern bank of the Periyar River. ● The common birds are Indian roller, Cuckoo, common snipe, crow phesant, grey drongo, Malabar trogon, wood peckers, lare pied wagtail and Indian hill myna.

Passage of the Animals: SC ● Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) upheld the 2011 order of the Madras High Court (HC) on the Nilgiris elephant corridor, affirming the right of passage of the animals and the closure of resorts in the area.

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Nilgiris Elephant Corridor: ● Location: The corridor is situated in the ecologically fragile Sigur plateau, Near the Mudumalai National Park in the Nilgiris district. ● It has the Nilgiri hills on its southwestern side and the Moyar river valley on its northeastern side. ● There are about 100 elephant corridors in India of which almost 70% are used regularly. ● 75% of the corridors are in the southern, central and north-eastern forests. ● There are an estimated 6,500 elephants in just the Brahmagiri-Nilgiris-Eastern Ghats ranges.

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Mudumalai National Park & Wildlife Sanctury ● Declared as Tiger reserve in 2007 ● Location: northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains),Tamilnadu (Western Ghat ). Shares its boundaries with the states of Karnataka and Kerala. ● a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (1st Biosphere Reserve in India) along with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) in the West, Bandipur National Park (Karnataka) in the North, Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley in the South. ● Fauna: Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, gaur and Indian leopard, Indian white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture. ● 8% of bird species found in India are recorded in Mudumalai. ● Flora: Mainly Tropical moist forest. Tropical dry forest and scrub forests are also found here. patches of tropical semi-evergreen forest

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● Elephant Grass , Bamboo of the giant variety, valuable timber species like Teak, Rosewood, etc. ● The annual rainfall there exceeds 200 cm

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Other national Park in Tamil nadu : 1. Guindy National Park 2. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park 3. Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) National Park 4. Mukurthi National Park

Other Tiger Reserves in Tamil Nadu 1. Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) 2. Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) 3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR)

Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) ● Located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. ● Adjacent to Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary. ● It is the only zoological park in India to become an institutional member of World Association of Zoos and Aquarium (WAZA). ● Host zoo for white tigers. White tigers born to normal coloured parents in the year 1980. ● First captive breeding centre for endangered Gharials in the year 1980. ● Kanjia Lake – A wetland of National importance (2006). ● Conservation Breeding Centres for Indian Pangolin and Long billed vultures. ● One among the three zoos in India for breeding Long billed vulture.

State of Climate Services Report of WMO ● By The World Meteorological Organization Key Findings of the Report ● One on three individuals are not covered by disaster warning systems ● Frequency, severity and intensity of extreme climate events and weather have increased ● More than 108 million were affected by disasters such as floods, storms, droughts and wildfires. ● According to the report, the number of people that require humanitarian assistance will increase by 50% and cost 20 billion USD per year. ● The average number of deaths in the last 50 years has decreased by 50 years. ● Only 40% of World Meteorological Organization has Multi-Hazard Early Warning System Six strategic recommendations ● To focus investment on early warning information system ● To invest in African Least Developed Countries

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● To track finance flows ● To ensure sustainable financing for early warnings. ● The Green House Gases are at their highest level in 3 million years ● All countries should reduce their emissions by 45% from that of the 2010 levels. This is the only way to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius. ● Only 70 countries have agreed to carbon neutrality by 2050.

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World Meteorological Organization ● It operates United Nations. ● It was established on hydrology, atmospheric science, climatology and geophysics. ● It comprises of 193 countries. ● Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Bioremediation Mechanism for Oil Spills ● Developed by National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chnnai ● Microbe Use: consortia (group of two or more species) of marine microbes wheat bran (WB) immobilized (microbes controlled degradation) on agro-residue bacterial cells. ● Bioremediation: It can be defined as any process that uses microorganisms or their enzymes to remove and or neutralize contaminants within the environment to their original condition. ● In the marine ecosystem, deep sea hydrocarbonoclastic (ability to degrade hydrocarbon) microbial consortium plays an important role in breaking down oil in the event of a spill. ● The complete breakdown and degradation of crude oil is achievable using wheat bran marine bacterial consortia (which are low-cost non-toxic agro-residues) in an environmentally sustainable manner.

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Other Measures cleaning oil spill ● Containment Booms: Floating barriers, called booms are used to restrict the spread of oil and to allow for its recovery, removal, or dispersal. ● Skimmers: They are devices used for physically separating spilled oil from the water’s surface. ● Sorbents: Various sorbents (e.g., straw, volcanic ash, and shavings of polyester-derived plastic) that absorb the oil from the water are used. ● Dispersing agents: These are chemicals that contain surfactants, or compounds that act to break liquid substances such as oil into small droplets. They accelerate its natural dispersion into the sea.

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Asan Conservation Reserve ● Asan Conservation Reserve has become Uttarakhand's first Ramsar site, ● ‘Wetland of International Importance', announced the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. ● Location: It is located on the banks of Yamuna river near Dehradun district in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. ● Species : It is home to species such as white rumped vulture(Critically Endangered), ruddy shelduck(Least Concern), red-headed vulture (Critically Endangered), Asian woolly neck(Vulnerable) among others. ● Significance : The wetland also acts as host to several migratory birds from October till March.

Delhi Air Pollution ● Airshed: In geography, an airshed is defined as a region in which the atmosphere shares common features with respect to the dispersion of pollutants; in other words, a region sharing a common flow of air. ● With reference to the air pollution in and around Delhi, the airshed includes Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, areas of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and even Alwar in Rajasthan.

#Target_shots Addition Factors causing Air pollution in Delhi-NCR and the Indo Gangetic Plains

1. Change in Wind Direction: The direction of the wind is northwesterly in summers as well, which brings the dust from northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. 2. Reduced Wind Speed: winters bring a dip in wind speed overall as compared to in summers which makes the region prone to pollution. 3. Stubble Burning: in Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana is blamed for causing a thick blanket of smog in Delhi during winters 4. Vehicular Pollution: It is one of the biggest causes of dipping air quality in Delhi in winters and around 20% of PM2.5 in winters comes from it. 5. Dust Storms: Dust storms from Gulf countries enhance the already worse condition. 6. Dip in Temperatures: As temperature dips, the inversion height is lowered and the concentration of pollutants in the air increases when this happens. 7. Firecrackers: Despite the ban on cracker sales, firecrackers are a common sight on Diwali. It may not be the top reason for air pollution, but it definitely contributed to its build-up. 8. Construction Activities and Open Waste Burning

Measures to improve air quality:

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1. Improving public transport 2. Limiting the number of polluting vehicles on the road 3. Introducing less polluting fuel 4. Strict emission regulations 5. Improved efficiency for thermal power plants and industries 6. Moving from diesel generators to rooftop solar 7. Increased use of clean renewable energy 8. Electric vehicles 9. Removing dust from roads 10. Regulating construction activities 11. Stopping biomass burning, etc.

Heeng Cultivation Project in India ● Institutions Involved: Scientists at CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur are on a mission to grow heeng (asafoetida) in the Indian Himalayas. ● Heeng is not cultivated in India. India imports about 1,200 tonnes of raw heeng worth Rs. 600 crore from Iran, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

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About Heeng or Asafoetida : ● It is a herbaceous plant of the umbelliferae family. ● Pperennial plant whose oleo gum resin is extracted from its thick roots and rhizome. ● The plant stores most of its nutrients inside its deep fleshy roots. ● It is endemic to Iran and Afghanistan, which are also the main global suppliers of it. It is very popular in India and is used in cooking. ● Climatic Condition: It thrives in dry and cold desert conditions. The plant can withstand a maximum temperature between 35 and 40 degree, whereas during winters, it can survive in temperatures up to minus 4 degree. ● Regions with sandy soil, very little moisture and annual rainfall of not more than 200mm are considered conducive for heeng cultivation. ● During extreme weather, the plant can get dormant. ● Properties: It has medicinal properties, including relief for digestive, spasmodic and stomach disorders, asthma and bronchitis. ○ The herb is used to help with painful or excessive bleeding during menstruation and premature labour

National Green Tribunal (NGT) ● 10 years of completion.

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● What is it ? : a specialised Statutory body set up under the National Green Tribunal Act (2010) for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. ● India is third country in the world to set up a specialised environmental tribunal after Australia and New Zealand ● NGT has five places of sittings: New Delhi is the Principal place of sitting and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are the other four. ● Composition: The Tribunal comprises of the Chairperson, the Judicial Members and Expert Members ( Min 10 & Max 20 ). They shall hold office for term of five years and are not eligible for reappointment. ● Appointment: The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government in consultation with Chief Justice of India (CJI).

Power & jurisdiction: ● jurisdiction over all civil cases involving substantial question relating to environment (including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment). ● NGT also has appellate jurisdiction to hear appeal as a Court (Tribunal). ● not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure 1908, but shall be guided by principles of 'natural justice'. ● An order/decision/award of Tribunal is executable as a decree of a civil court.

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State of Global Air 2020: HEI ● Released by the Health Effects Institute (HEI). ○ HEI is an independent, nonprofit research institute funded jointly by the USA’s Environmental Protection Agency and others. ● It highlights that air pollution is the largest risk factor for death among all health risks and it is the first-ever comprehensive analysis of air pollution’s global impact on newborns.

Key findings: ● India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal are among the top ten countries with the highest PM2.5 (particulate matter) exposures in 2019 and all of these countries experienced increases in outdoor PM2.5 levels between 2010 and 2019. ● India is also among the top ten countries with highest ozone (O3) exposure in 2019. Also, among the 20 most populous countries, India recorded the highest increase (17%) in O3 concentrations in the past ten years. ● Long-term exposure to outdoor and household (indoor) air pollution contributed to over 1.67 million annual deaths from stroke, heart attack, diabetes, lung cancer, chronic lung diseases, and neonatal diseases, in India in 2019. ● 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.

Important Government Initiatives: ● Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (Household LPG programme). ● National Clean Air Programme. ● Introduction of BS-VI emission standards. ● Implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

International Snow Leopard Day ( 23 Oct ) ● Aim: To raise awareness on conservation and protection of snow leopards. ● Background: on 23rd October, 2013, with the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration by 12 countries on the conservation of snow leopards. ● The 12 countries included, India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. ● The Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP) was also launched on the same day to address high-mountain development issues using conservation of the snow leopard as a flagship.

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About Snow leopard: ● also known as Ghost of the mountains ● the top predator in the food web. ● Habitat: lives at high altitudes in the steep mountains of Central and Southern Asia, and in an extremely cold climate. ● Snow Leopard capital of the world: Hemis, Ladakh. ● Protection: ○ IUCN Red List- Vulnerable ○ Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)- Appendix I ○ Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)- Appendix I ■ Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. ○ Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972- Schedule I ■ Schedule I provides absolute protection and offences under this have the highest penalties.

Conservation Efforts Launched by India: ● HimalSanrakshak: It is a community volunteer programme, to protect snow leopards, launched on 23rd October 2020. ● In 2019, First National Protocol was also launched on Snow Leopard Population Assessment which has been very useful for monitoring populations. ● SECURE Himalaya: Global Environment Facility (GEF)-United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funded the project on conservation of high altitude biodiversity and reducing the dependency of local communities on the natural ecosystem. ○ This project is now operational in four snow leopard range states, namely, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim. ● Project Snow Leopard (PSL) : It was launched in 2009 to promote an inclusive and participatory approach to conserve snow leopards and their habitat. ● Snow Leopard is in the list of 21 critically endangered species for the recovery programme of the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change. ● Snow Leopard conservation breeding programme is undertaken at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, West Bengal.

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HEMIS NATIONAL PARK ● Location: Situated in the eastern part of Ladakh district in Jammu and Kashmir ● The park is bounded on the north by the banks of the Indus River, and includes the catchments of Markha, Sumdah and Rumbak, and parts of the Zanskar Range. ● region is in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, and does not receive much precipitation ● Founded in 1981 ● The largest national park in South Asia. ● Fauna: snow leopard, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolf, the Eurasian brown bear and the red fox.

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● Flora : Arid woods of juniper, birch, fir, and Populus-Salix. Also contains Dry forest , sub alpine dry forest , pine forests, alpine shrublands and meadows, and alpine tundra.

Other National park from Jammu & Kashmir ➢ Salim All National Park ➢ Kishtwar National Park ➢ Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary ➢ Dachigam National Park ➢ Kara Koram Wildlife Sanctuary ➢ Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary ➢ Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary

Two New Ramsar Sites ● Recently, Kabartal Wetland (Bihar) and Asan Conservation Reserve (Uttrakhand) have been designated as Ramsar sites, making them ‘Wetlands of International Importance’. ● Earlier in 2020, India designated 10 more wetlands as a Ramsar site, taking the total number from 27 to 37. ● Total number of Ramsar sites in India is 39, the highest in South Asia.

Kabartal Wetland or Kanwar Jheel ● Indo-Gangetic plains in the Begusarai district of Bihar. ● It is an important stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, with 58 migratory waterbirds using it to rest and refuel. ● Significant biodiversity is present, with 165 plant species and 394 animal species recorded, including 221 bird species. It is also a valuable site for fish biodiversity with over 50 species documented. ● Five critically endangered species inhabit the site, including three vultures – the red- headed vulture , white-rumped vulture and Indian vulture and two waterbirds, the sociable lapwing and Baer’s pochard

Asan Conservation Reserve ● Stretch of the Asan River running down to its confluence with the Yamuna River in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. ● It is Uttarakhand's first Ramsar Site. ● Habitats support 330 species of birds including critically endangered red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri). ● Other non-avian species present include 49 fish species, one of these being the endangered Putitora mahseer

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Ramsar Site ● Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the southern shore of the Caspian Sea. ● It came into force for India on 1st February, 1982. Those wetlands which are of international importance are declared as Ramsar sites. ● The Convention’s mission: is “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world”. ● The Montreux Record: is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List. ● At present, two wetlands of India are in Montreux Record: Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur). ● Chilika Lake (Odisha) was placed in the record but later removed from it.

Himalayan brown bears ● Recently, a study on the Himalayan brown bear has predicted a significant reduction in suitable habitat and biological corridors of the species in the climate change scenario. About Brown Bear ● Also known as Himalayan red bear, isabelline bear or Dzu-Teh. ● It is the largest carnivore in the highlands of Himalayas. ● It is found in 23 protected areas including Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Jammu and Kashmir. ● IUCN Status: Least Concern (Brown Bear) ● It is Endangered in the Himalayas and Critically Endangered in Hindu Kush.

Yellow Dust (Asian Dust) ● What is it ?: It is a meteorological phenomenon during which sand from deserts in China and Mongolia are carried by high speed surface winds into both North and South Korea. ● Why yellow ? : The sand particles tend to mix with other toxic substances such as industrial pollutants as a result of which the ‘yellow dust’ is known to cause a number of respiratory ailments. ● Usually, when the dust reaches unhealthy levels in the atmosphere, authorities urge people to remain indoors and limit physical activity, particularly heavy exercise and sport.

INCOIS ● INCOIS was established in 1999 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

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● INCOIS through Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) is the nodal agency to provide tsunami advisories to India. ● It is coordinating with the Disaster Management Officials (DMOs) for implementation of Tsunami Ready programme in India. ● It conducts IOWave Tsunami mock exercises biannually to strengthen the readiness to handle the emergency situations with stakeholders. ● INCOIS also identifies the Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) for the fishermen community. ● It has also made improvement in overcoming the cloud cover through usage of geostationary satellites and numerical modelling. ● INCOIS has also partnered with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) to develop a satellite based message broadcasting services through the indigenous navigational satellite communication system 'NAVIC'.

GoI to create a permanent body to control air pollution in Delhi ● The body is mainly focus on pollution caused due to stubble burning. ● Supreme Court of India had appointed a one-man committee under justice Madan lokur to monitor the measures taken by the state governments in the adjoining states of the national capital region including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to prevent stubble burning.

National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation ● Approved by The National Board for Wildlife ● The plan mainly focuses on conservation of 3 vulture species. They are as follows ○ Oriental white backed vulture ○ Slender billed vulture ○ Long billed vulture ● Vultures in India ○ There are 9 species of vultures in India. Most of them are facing the danger of extinction currently. These 9 species and their IUCN status are as follows ● Major reasons for death of vultures ○ The main reason the vultures are getting wiped out in India is due to the drug diclofenac. ● New vulture conservation centres ○ Established in the states of Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

● Old Center: Jatayu conservation breeding centre It is a facility within Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary for the breeding and conservation of Indian vultures in Pinjore town near Chandigarh, Haryana.

Species of VultureCommon Name - Conservation Status

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1) White-rumped Vulture - Critically Endangered

2) Red-headed Vulture - Critically Endangered

3) Slender-billed Vulture - Critically Endangered

4) Indian Vulture - Critically Endangered

5) Egyptian Vulture - Endangered

6) Cinereous Vulture - Near Threatened

7) Lammergeyer/ Bearded Vulture - Near Threatened

8) Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis - Near Threatened @Target30UPSC

9) Eurasian Griffon - Least Concern

Particulate Matter ● Also called particle pollution, it is a term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. ● It includes: ○ PM10: inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller; and ○ PM2.5: fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller. ● Sources of PM: Some are emitted directly from a source, such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires.

Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas ● A statutory authority sets up as per ‘The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2020’. ● Through the Ordinance, the Centre has also dissolved the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) for the NCR. ○ EPCA is a Central Government constituted committee in the year 1998 for the National Capital Region in compliance with the Supreme Court order dated 7th January, 1998. ● Composition of the New Commission ○ Headed by a full-time chairperson who has been a Secretary to the Government of India, or a Chief Secretary to a State government. ■ The chairperson will hold the post for three years or until s/he attains the age of 70 years.

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○ It will have members from several Ministries as well as representatives from the stakeholder States. ○ It will have experts from the CPCB, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Civil Society.

● Powers: ○ In matters of air pollution and air quality management, the Commission will supersede all existing bodies such as the CPCB, and even the state governments of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. It will have the powers to issue directions to the states. ○ It will have powers to restrict the setting up of industries in vulnerable areas, and will be able to conduct site inspections of industrial units. ○ If its directions are contravened, the Commission will have the power to impose a fine of up to Rs. 1 crore and imprisonment of up to 5 years.

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EPCA vs New Commission ● Jurisdiction: The EPCA, which was set up in 1998, looked at the NCR; the purview of the new Commission extends to “adjoining areas as well”. ● Statutory Status: EPCA was not a statutory body but drew legitimacy from the Supreme Court. It did have the authority to issue fines or directions and guidelines to the governments in other states. ○ However, it had no state representatives, just two permanent members. ○ The Commission, on the other hand, will have representation from the state. It is a permanent and statutory body.

Translocation of Corals in Mumbai ● The translocation of corals is at a nascent stage along the Indian coastline. It is difficult and has not been very successful in India. ● Transplanted corals are more susceptible to storm surges and bleaching from warming ocean waters. ● Experts are of the view that for a high survival rate, it is important to translocate corals in a place with similar environmental characteristics such as depth, current flow, amount of light, and pressure.

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About Corals , Coral Reef & Coral bleaching ● Corals exhibit characteristics of plants, but are marine animals that are related to jellyfish and anemones. ● They are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps, which are tiny, soft- bodied organisms. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● At their base is a hard, protective limestone skeleton called a calicle, which forms the structure of coral reefs. ● These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues. The corals and algae have a mutualistic (symbiotic) relationship. i.e. ● The coral provides the zooxanthellae with the compounds necessary for photosynthesis. ● In return, the zooxanthellae supply the coral with organic products of photosynthesis, like carbohydrates, which are utilized by the coral polyps for synthesis of their calcium carbonate skeletons. ● Zooxanthellae are also responsible for the unique and beautiful colors of corals. ● There are 2 types of corals: ○ Stony, shallow-water corals—the kind that build reefs. ○ Soft corals and deep water corals that live in dark cold waters.

Coral Reefs ● Reefs begin when a polyp attaches itself to a rock on the seafloor, then divides, or buds, into thousands of clones. The polyp calicles connect to one another, creating a colony that acts as a single organism. ● As colonies grow over hundreds and thousands of years, they join with other colonies, and become reefs. ● Benefits: Coral reefs are like underwater cities that support marine life. ● They provide at least half a billion people around the world with food security and livelihoods. ● Coral reefs also act as ‘wave breaks’ between the sea and the coastline and minimise the impact of sea erosion.

Coral Bleaching: ● Corals are extremely sensitive to the surrounding. ● Changes in environmental conditions, such as water temperatures, pH values, and turbidity will directly affect the symbiotic relationship between corals and zooxanthellae. ● When the living environment is not optimal, the symbiotic zooxanthellae will gradually leave the corals or be expelled by the coral, and the corals that lose their color sources will gradually bleach.

Biorock Technology: ● It is a method to restore coral reefs using biorock or mineral accretion. ● Under this low voltage electrical currents through seawater is applied, causing dissolved minerals to crystallize on structures, growing into a white limestone (CaCO3) similar to that which naturally makes up coral reefs and tropical white sand beaches. ● Biorock, also known as Seacrete or Seament, refers to the substance formed by electro- accumulation of minerals dissolved in seawater.

Coral Bleaching Alert System (CBAS) ● A service initiated from INCOIS since February 2011.

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● This model uses the satellite derived Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in order to assess the thermal stress accumulated in the coral environs. ● This information yields in drawing the early signs of the intensity and spatial extents of coral bleaching. ● This methodology adopted from NOAA reef and tested for the earlier bleaching events of Indian coral environs. ● The service CBAS disseminated once in three days comprising the Hotspot, Degree of Heating Weeks and time series products.

Shivalik Elephant Reserve , Uttarakhand ● It was notified in 2002 under the ‘Project Elephant’. ● The Kansora-Barkot Elephant Corridor is located near to it. ● It is considered to have one of the highest densities of elephants found in India.

Project Elephant ● Launched by the Government of India in the year 1992 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with following objectives: ○ To protect elephants, their habitat & corridors. ○ To address issues of man-animal conflict. ○ Welfare of captive elephants.

Indian Elephant ● Located: in the central and southern Western Ghats, North-east India, eastern India and northern India and in some parts of southern peninsular India. As per the Elephant Census, 2017, Karnataka has the highest population of Indian elephants. ● Conservation Status ○ Included in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 ○ In Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). ○ ‘Endangered’ as per the IUCN Red List.

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Rajaji National Park ● Location: Haridwar, along the foothills of the Shivalik range, spans 820 square kilometres ● This area is the North Western Limit of habitat of Asian elephants. ● Forest types include sal forests, riverine forests, broad–leaved mixed forests, scrubland and grassy. ● It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2015. ● It is home to the Van Gujjars in the winters. Van Gujjars are one of the few forest- dwelling nomadic communities in the country.

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Other Protected Areas in Uttarakhand: ● Jim Corbett National Park (first National Park of India). ● Valley of Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi National Park which together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ● Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary. ● Gangotri National Park. ● Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Olive ridley turtles ● The smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. ● They inhabit warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. ● These turtles, along with their cousin the Kemps ridley turtle, are best known for their unique mass nesting called Arribada, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs. ● Rushikulya rookery coast in the Ganjam district of Odisha, Gahirmatha beach and the mouth of the Debi River, are the major nesting sites in Odisha.

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Science & Technology ..

What is Naturopathy ● Naturopathy means ‘natural cure’. ● Process: By using a combination of healthy diet, simple self-help techniques, for example, breathing and relaxation exercises, beneficial herbs and general exercise, naturopathy seeks to promote the body’s own ability to heal itself. ● Government of India( GoI ) has declared November 18 as Naturopathy Day in commemoration of the commitment made by Mahatma Gandhi to Nature Cure on that day in 1945.

Decarbonization and Energy Transition Agenda ● Signed by: India and Netherlands have signed Statement of Intent on this ● Purpose: for accommodating cleaner and more energy ● Focus: on co-creating innovative technological solutions by leveraging the expertise of the two entities. This will be achieved through an exchange of knowledge and collaborative activities.

Mutation ● The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is constantly mutating. Until now, 12,000 mutations have been documented. ● What is it ? : Mutation is the property of a virus to undergo changes when it multiplies. ● SIgnificance: ○ As it replicates, it may not produce exact replicas of itself, resulting in the emergence of new strains, which may be more or at times less effective. ○ Some strains die out, while the more effective ones, which spread efficiently, survive.

SHUKRAYAAN: ISRO’s Venus Mission ● to be launched in 2025. ● Purpose: ○ to study the atmosphere of Venus. ○ study the dense and hot atmosphere of Venus. ○ study the planet’s surface using a prob #Target_shots Addition

About Venus ● Second planet from the Sun and is the hottest & brightest planet in the solar system ● Referred to as the sister planet to Earth or Earth Twin, because of the similar mass and size.

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● First aircraft to visit Venus was NASA’s Mariner 2 in 1962 ● A day on Venus lasts 243 Earth days. ● A year on Venus lasts 225 Earth days. ● Venus doesn’t have any moons.

World’s First Asteroid Mining Robot will be Launched by China ● Designed by : Origin Space, which is a private company, in Beijing ● Purpose : The robot will not be engaging in any mining work but It will only be testing the technologies. ● The primary objective: to assess the capabilities of asteroid mining robot. ● Aims to : verify and demonstrate multiple functions including stimulated small celestial body capture, spacecraft orbital manoeuvre and intelligent spacecraft identification

CSIR Technologies for Rural Development ● Who initiated it ?: joint initiative of IIT-Delhi, CSIR, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and Vijnana Bharti (VIBHA). ● Launched By: Science and Technology Ministry

Technologies provided ● Improved Beehive quality and hygiene extraction of honey which was developed by CSIR Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology. ● Manufacturing Ginger paste which was developed by the Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore. ● Dehumidified drier for food and agri products and agricultural waste

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Council of Scientific and Industrial Research ● largest research and development (R&D) organisation in India. ● Objectives: scientific and industrial/applied research of national importance. ● an autonomous body through the Societies Registration Act, 1860. ● Established: September 1942 ● Located: New Delhi ● Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar was the Founder Director (and later first Director- General) of CSIR who is credited with establishing twelve national laboratories. ● Funded by: the Ministry of Science and Technology ● Area of work:CSIR covers a wide spectrum of streams – from radio and space physics, oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics, biotechnology and nanotechnology to mining, aeronautics, instrumentation, environmental engineering and information technology.

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● It provides significant technological support to societal efforts which include the environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, farm and non-farm sectors.

Organisation Structure ➢ President: Prime Minister of India (Ex-officio) ➢ Vice President: Union Minister of Science and Technology (Ex-officio) ➢ Governing Body: The Director-General is the head of the governing body. ○ The other ex-officio member is the finance secretary (expenditures). ○ Other members' terms are of three years. ➢ CSIR Advisory Board: 15-member body composed of prominent members from respective fields of science and technology. ○ Its function is to provide science and technology inputs to the governing body. ○ Member terms are are of three years.

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) ● Launched in 2018 ● Launched by: a flagship program of the Ministry for Human Resource Development (MHRD). ● Aims to link the Higher Education Institutions with a set of at least (5) villages, so that these institutions can contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base. ● Objectives: To engage the faculty and students of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in identifying development issues in rural areas and finding sustainable solutions for the same. Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 ● It is the upgraded version of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 1.0. It was launched in 2018. ● The scheme is extended to all educational institutes; however under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 participating institutes are selected based on the fulfillment of certain criteria. iMediX- A Telemedicine System ● Developed by: the researchers at IIT Kharagpur’s Department of Computer Science & Engineering ● Purpose: ○ The system integrates homecare with healthcare services from the hospital. ○ The system facilitates critical health care support to the patients at their doorsteps through remote consultation by a physician. ○ The system is accessible by any standard internet browser and also from a mobile device.

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Telemedicine ● What is it ?: World Health Organization (WHO) has defined telemedicine as, “the delivery of healthcare services, where distance is a critical factor, by all healthcare professionals using information and communication technologies ● Initial use of telemedicine took place in early 20thcentury when ECG data was transmitted over phone. ● Advantages: ○ Reduced travel expenses of patients ○ Time saving ○ Easy access to specialized doctors ○ Decreases the load of missed appointments and cancellations for healthcare providers ○ Increasing patient load and revenue for hospitals ○ Improving follow up and health outcome ○ Increased reach to inaccessible areas

Initiative taken by India in Telemedicine Services ➢ Telemedicine services come under the combined jurisdiction of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Department of Information Technology. ➢ Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) through its Department of Space (DoS) had initiated a Nationwide Telemedicine (TM) program in 2001. ➢ MoHFW has set up a National Telemedicine Portal for implementing a green field project on e-health establishing a National Medical College Network (NMCN). ➢ National Telemedicine Network (NTN) has been envisaged to provide Telemedicine Services to the remote areas by upgrading existing Government Healthcare Facilities in States. Telemedicine nodes across India are being created inter connecting these health facilities. ➢ MoHFW proposed to set up National e-health authority (NeHA) in 2015, with a vision of achieving high quality health services for all Indians through the cost-effective and secure use of ICTs in health and health-related fields. ➢ MoHFW has developed a set of Electronic Health Records (EHR) standards in 2013 and revised in 2016, to ensure safe data transmission during telemedicine practices. ➢ National Rural AYUSH Telemedicine Network aims to promote the benefit of traditional methods of healing to a larger population through telemedicine. ➢ Recently telemedicine service platforms: ‘eSanjeevani’ and ‘eSanjeevaniOPD’ have completed 1.5 lakh tele-consultations.Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Mohali.

Nationwide Telemedicine (TM) program in 2001 ➔ provided TM systems hardware, software, communication equipment ➔ satellite bandwidth for 384 Hospitals with 60 specialty hospitals; ➔ connected to 306 remote/rural/district/medical college hospitals.

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➔ Eighteen (18) Mobile Telemedicine units were also enabled for Satellite connectivity. ➔ ISRO first linked Chennai’s Apollo Hospital with the Apollo Rural Hospital at Aragonda village in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.

National Knowledge Network ● Launched in 2010, ● Implemented by: NIC(National Informatics Centre) over a period of 10 years. ● Aimed at: establishing a strong and robust Indian network which will be capable of providing secure and reliable connectivity. ● Aims to connect all universities, research institutions, libraries, laboratories, healthcare and agricultural institutions across the country to address such paradigm shifts. ● The leading mission oriented agencies in the fields of nuclear, space and defence research are also part of NKN. ● NKN is a state-of-the-art Pan-India network. ● Role of NKN ○ Establishing a high-speed backbone connectivity which will enable knowledge and information sharing amongst NKN connected institutes. ○ Enabling collaborative research, development and innovation amongst NKN connected institutes ○ Facilitating advanced distance education in specialized fields like engineering, science, medicine etc. ○ Facilitating an ultra-high speed e-governance backbone. ○ Facilitating connection between different sectoral networks in the field of research.

AYUSH GRID Project ● Launched by the Ministry of AYUSH ● Why in news? : Ministry endorsed the operational integration of AYUSH GRID Project with the National Digital Health Mission. About Project ➢ Initiated by: the Ministry of AYUSH in 2018 for creating a comprehensive IT backbone for the entire sector. ➢ It is conceptualized for digitalization of the entire AYUSH Sector. ➢ Aimed at: connecting all hospitals and laboratories so that case histories and observations can be collated to generate evidence about the efficacy of the traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda.

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About National Digital Health Mission ( NDHM ) ● The NDHM is a complete digital health ecosystem.

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● Implementing Agency: the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. ● Four key features: The digital platform will be launched with four key features — health ID, personal health records, Digi Doctor and health facility registry. ● Other services include: At a later stage, it will also include e-pharmacy and telemedicine services, regulatory guidelines for which are being framed. ● Access: Platform will be available in the form of an app and website.

Purified Antisera treatment for COVID-19 ● Developed by: ICMR in collaboration with the Hyderabad based biopharmaceutical company Biological E ltd ● What's new ?: ○ The new therapy is similar to the existing plasma therapy. But the only difference is in the new therapy plasma is obtained from animals. ○ In this new therapy, antisera serum which is a blood-based serum has been prepared by injecting inactivated SARS-CoV2 in horses. ● Such antibodies have also been obtained earlier from animals and have been used to cure several viral infections including the Hepatitis B, rabies, tetanus, diphtheria and botulism.

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Basic terms ➢ Antiserum ○ It is a blood serum that builds “passive immunity” through blood donation as it is done in case of Plasma Therapy. ○ These are blood serum which are high in antibodies against specific antigens ○ injected in humans to help boost the immune system to fight against specific infections. ➢ Passive Immunity ○ It is immunity that is induced with the help of ready-made antibodies in the humans. ○ It also occurs naturally, when the antibodies from mother is transferred to the baby through placenta. ○ It is induced in persons when they cannot generate their own antibodies. ➢ Convalescent plasma ○ Plasma that collected from people who have recovered from COVID-19. ○ It is then transfused into someone with an active coronavirus infection. ○ Antibodies found in the convalescent plasma can help fight the coronavirus infection. About Plasma ● Plasma is the liquid portion of blood.

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● About 55% of our blood is plasma, and the remaining 45% are red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets that are suspended in the plasma. ● Plasma is about 92% water. It also contains 7% vital proteins such as albumin, gamma globulin and anti-hemophilic factor, antibodies, clotting factors and 1% mineral salts, sugars, fats, hormones and vitamins. ● Functions of Plasma 1. Helps maintain blood pressure and volume. 2. Supply critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity. 3. Carries electrolytes such as sodium and potassium to our muscles. 4. Helps to maintain a proper pH balance in the body, which supports cell function. ● Uses: ○ for trauma, burn and shock patients, as well as people with severe liver disease or multiple clotting factor deficiencies. ● People with the blood type AB are in the greatest demand for plasma donation.their plasma is universal. This means their plasma can be used by anyone.

Diffie–Hellman key exchange ● What is it ?: a method of securely exchanging cryptographic keys over a public channel and was one of the first public-key protocols as conceived by Ralph Merkle and named after Whitfield Diffie and Martin Hellman. ● The method allows two parties that have no prior knowledge of each other to jointly establish a shared secret key over an insecure channel. ● This key can then be used to encrypt subsequent communications using a symmetric key cipher. ● Since 2016, WhatsApp has installed an end-to-end encryption system, which “ensures only you and the person you’re communicating with can read what’s sent, and nobody in between, not even WhatsApp”. ● Recently, television news channels shared leaked WhatsApp chats of film actors in their coverage of an actor’s death. ● It prompted Facebook-owned WhatsApp to come out with a statement on its use of end-to-end encryption to secure user messages.

RT-PCR Test ● Why in news ?: Reliance Develops R-Green RT-PCR test kit for COVID 19 ● It claims to diagnose COVID-19 infection in about 2 hours.

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About RT-PCR test working ● RT-PCR : The real-time polymerase chain reaction ● Purpose: Real time RT–PCR is a nuclear-derived method for detecting the presence of specific genetic material in any pathogen, including a virus. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● Principle Used: It is primarily based on PCR, a process that repeatedly copies and amplifies the specific genetic fragments of the virus, ensuring that there is enough of a sample to conduct the analysis. ● Coronaviruses have RNA or ribonucleic acid as their genetic material. However, swabs from patients yield only a tiny quantity of RNA, which is not adequate for the testing process. Process: ● To overcome this problem, the RNA — a single-strand molecule — is converted into a two-strand DNA using an enzyme. This is known as reverse transcription. ● Researchers select specific areas in the genome that do not mutate rapidly as the virus evolves, and create copies of these using the PCR process. ● The next step is the use of primers. These are small pieces of DNA designed only to bind to the selected DNA sequence of the SARS-CoV-2’s viral genome. Along with primers, the process uses a fluorescent dye, which acts as the probe. ● The patient sample, primer and probe are together left in the PCR machine for the binding process to take place. A fluorescent signal marks the presence of the virus. ● The time duration for the testing process is around four to eight hours

Antigen testing ● These tests are designed to detect a specific protein in the virus that elicits the body’s immune response. ● In the case of Covid-19, it is the ‘spike protein’ present on the surface of the coronavirus that facilitates its entry into the human cell. ● For this test, professionals collect a nasal swab, which is then immersed in a solution that deactivates the virus. ● A few drops of this solution are then put on a test strip. This has to be done within an hour of the immersion of the swab in the solution. ● The test strips contain artificial antibodies designed to bind to coronavirus proteins. If a person is infected with coronavirus, the test lines will appear on the paper strips within 15 minutes. ● Since antigen testing does not involve any amplification process, swab samples may lack enough antigen material to be detectable. This may result in false negative tests. ● For this reason, if a person tests negative through antigen testing, they still need to get an RT-PCR test done for confirmation. If a person tests positive, however, a confirmation RT-PCR is not required. ● Antigen tests are much cheaper than the RT-PCR, and cost Rs 450 each & give results in 30 minutes.

Antibody tests ● Antibody tests, also known as serological tests, detect whether a person has antibodies to the virus.

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● Antibodies are naturally produced by the body’s immune system to fight off infections. Antibody tests cannot be used to diagnose Covid-19, but can reveal whether a person was recently exposed to the virus. ● Persons with antibodies in their bloodstream are likely to have immunity to the disease, although scientists are still not sure how long Covid-19 antibodies offer protection from the infection. ● For the antibody test, trained professionals collect a few drops of blood. The sample is placed on a cassette or cartridge that contains the SARS-CoV-2 proteins. ● If the blood samples contain antibodies, they will immediately bind to the viral proteins. The positive result is indicated in the form of lines, like a home pregnancy test.

The S.S. Kalpana Chawla Cygnus ● Launched by Northrop Grumman in Dulles, Virginia, to the International Space Station (ISS) ● This capsule will deliver thousands kilograms/pounds of equipment, crew supplies, and science to the ISS. ● Dr. Kalpana Chawla who was the first Indian-born woman to travel to space. ● The Capsule is made up of : ○ A Pressurized Cargo Module- ○ A Service Module- which consists of two solar arrays, navigation equipment, and propulsion elements

Polygraph or Lie Detector Test ● Indicator Used: It is a procedure that measures and records several physiological indicators such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while a person is asked and answers a series of questions. ● Working: This test is based on the assumption that physiological responses that are triggered when a person is lying are different from what they would be otherwise. ○ A numerical value is assigned to each response to conclude whether the person is telling the truth, is deceiving, or is uncertain.

Narcoanalysis Test ● Procedure: It involves the injection of a drug, sodium pentothal, which induces a hypnotic or sedated state in which the subject’s imagination is neutralized, and they are expected to divulge information that is true. ● The drug, also referred to as truth serum, was used in larger doses as anesthesia during surgery, and is said to have been used during World War II for intelligence operations. ● Recently, investigating agencies have sought to employ these tests in the investigation, and are sometimes seen as being a softer alternative to torture or “third degree” to extract the truth from suspects.

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Brain Mapping Test or P-300 test: ● In this test, the activity of the brain of a suspect is measured during interrogation to find out whether he is concealing any information.

Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum ● Inaugurated in 2004. ● The STS forum aims: ○ To provide a new mechanism for open discussions on an informal basis. ○ To build a human network that would timely resolve the new types of problems stemming from the application of science and technology. ● It holds an annual meeting starting on the first Sunday of October every year, in Kyoto, Japan.

Mission Innovation ● Mission Innovation (MI) was announced in 2015 ● Initiative by: India, France, and the USAMembers: MI is a global initiative of 24 countries and the European Union ● Objective: ○ to combat climate changes ○ to dramatically accelerate global clean energy innovation. ● Commitment of countries: ○ to double their governments’ clean energy Research and Development (R&D) investments over five years. ○ Encouraging private sector investment in transformative clean energy technologies. ○ The Innovation Challenges cover the entire spectrum of RD&D; from early-stage research needs assessments to technology demonstration projects.

National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy ● The NDSA was adopted in 2012. ● Why NDSA ? : ○ It was a step towards making non-sensitive government data accessible online. ○ The main thrust of the policy is to “promote data sharing and enable access to Government of India owned data for national planning, development and awareness”. ● Implementation guidelines for NDSAP: included ideals such as “openness, flexibility, transparency, quality” of data. ● It aims to facilitate “access to Government of India shareable data in machine-readable form”. ● The guidelines prescribe open digital formats suitable for analysis and dissemination. ● Open Government Data Portal: As part of the Open Government Data (OGD) initiative, data.gov.in was launched in 2012. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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National Maritime Domain Awareness Centre (NMDAC) ● The Navy’s Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC), the nodal agency for maritime data fusion will soon become a National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) centre. ● The NMDA project was launched in accordance with the vision of PM on SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). ● Approved by the Defence Acquisition Council in 2012, the IMAC became operational in 2014 and is located in Gurugram. ● It is the nodal centre of the National Command Control Communication and Intelligence System (NC3I), which was established to link the Navy and the Coast Guard.

IMAC ● The IMAC monitors movement of more than 120,000 ships a year passing through the Indian Ocean. ● The cargo carried by these ships account for 66 per cent of world crude oil, 50 per cent of container traffic and 33 per cent of bulk cargo. ● Thus, IMAC performs a very crucial role in collecting shipping information, analysing traffic patterns and sharing the inputs with the user agencies. ● It tracks vessels on the high seas and gets data from the coastal radars, white shipping agreements, Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) transponders fitted on merchant ships, air and traffic management system and global shipping databases.

Graphene ● It is a single layer (monolayer) of carbon atoms. ● It is the building-block of Graphite. ● It is the strongest known material. ● Other Properties : (1) High thermal stability; (2) High elasticity; (3) High electrical conductivity; etc. ● Uses : It can be used in miniaturised electronics to biomedical devices like computers, solar panels, etc. ● Diamond, graphite and fullerenes are the important allotropes of pure carbon. ○ Allotropy: Property of some chemical elements to exist in two or more different forms, in the same physical state. ● Graphene is also known for antibacterial properties.

Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, 2020 ● jointly awarded to Harvey J Alter, Charles M Rice and Michael Houhgton. The scientists have been awarded for the discovery of Hepatitis C Virus. ● The other Noble Prizes to be announced are in the field of Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace and Economics.

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Hepatitis C virus ● Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. ● There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D, and E. ● The virus spreads through blood-to-blood contact. ● This can occur through injection drug use, transfusions and needlestick injuries. Also, the virus can spread from a mother to her baby. ● The virus does not spread through superficial contacts. ● No vaccine has been discovered against Hepatitis C. ● There are vaccines for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. They are administered in India under Universal Immunization Programme. Three injections are provided in a gap of six to twelve months.

Nobel Prize for Physics 2020 ● Awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. ● It is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by the will of Alfred Nobel in 1895 and awarded since 1901. ● The Nobel Prize in Physics for the year 2020 was awarded to three astrophysicists Roger Penrose from the UK, Reinhard Genzel from Germany, and Andrea Ghez from the USA. ● Roger Penrose received half of this year’s prize for the discovery that a black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity. ● Genzel and Ghez received the second half of the prize for the discovery of a supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milkyway galaxy, now known to be the Sagittarius A*. ● Dr. Ghez is only the fourth woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physics, following Marie Curie in 1903, Maria Goeppert Mayer in 1963 and Donna Strickland in 2018.

Nobel Prize for Chemistry 2020 ● Recently, Emmanuelle Charpentier of France and Jennifer A Doudna of the USA have been awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors, one of gene technology’s sharpest tools. ● The CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors can be used to change the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of animals, plants and microorganisms with extremely high precision.

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CRISPR Technology

● The CRISPR (short for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology for gene-editing was first developed in 2012.

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● It makes gene sequencing very easy, simple and extremely efficient providing nearly endless possibilities. ○ Editing, or modifying, gene sequences is not new and has been happening for several decades now, particularly in the field of agriculture, where several crops have been genetically modified to provide particular traits. ● The technology replicates a natural defence mechanism in Streptococcus pyogenes that use a similar method to protect itself from virus attacks. ○ A DNA strand, when broken, has a natural tendency to repair itself but the auto- repair mechanism can lead to the re-growth of a problematic sequence. ○ Scientists intervene during this auto-repair process by supplying the desired sequence of genetic codes, which replaces the original sequence

Nobel Prize in Literature 2020 ● The Nobel Prize in Literature 2020 has been awarded to the USA poet Louise Glück "for her unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal." ● Her poetry focuses on the painful reality of being human, dealing with themes such as death, childhood, and family life. ● She is the fourth woman to win the prize for literature since 2010, and only the 16th since the Nobel prizes were first awarded in 1901. ● The Nobel Prize comes with a medal and a prize sum of 10 million Swedish kronor.

Outer Space Treaty ● It was opened in 1967 for the countries to sign. Till June 2019, 109 countries have ratified the treaty. ● India ratified the treaty in 1982. Key provisions of the treaty ● It prohibits placing nuclear weapons in space ● It limits the use of celestial bodies including the moon for peaceful purposes alone ● The space shall be used by all countries. However, no country shall claim sovereignty of outer space or any other celestial body. ● The treaty has not banned military activities in space. ● It provides regulations towards lunar and asteroid mining

#Target_shots Addition Other Treaties ● The other treaties governing the outer space for peaceful purposes are as follows ● PAROS: Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space ● PPWT: Prevention on Placement of Weapons in Outer Space ● TCBM: Transparency and Confidence Building Measures in Outer Space ● Treaty on threat or use of force against outer space objects.

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CEPI to include India for COVID-19 Vaccine Testing ● Total Six Labs: The Global Initiative of CEPI has identified six labs from countries such as Britain, Netherlands, Italy, Canada, Bangladesh and India. ● Lab from India: The THSTI lab of India has been recognised under the global network of CEPI ○ THSTI is Translational Health Science and Technology Institute. It is an autonomous institute of Department of Biotechnology. ○ located in Faridabad (Haryana).

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Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness for Innovation ( CEPI ) ● a global partnership launched in 2017 ● Aim: to develop vaccines to stop future epidemics. ● Headquartered in Norway. ● It is a foundation that takes donations to finance research projects developing vaccines against Emerging Infectious Diseases. ● CEPI focuses on “Blueprint Priority Diseases” of WHO (World Health Organization). ● CEPI tests vaccines and establishes stockpiles of investigational vaccines before the epidemic begins to spread at large scale. ● Also, It will fund new and innovative platform technologies to manufacture vaccines.

Blueprint Priority Diseases ● According to WHO, the diseases are classified as Blueprint Priority Diseases if they have the potential to create health emergencies and lack effective vaccines and treatments. ● Currently, the following diseases have been included under Blueprint Priority Diseases ○ Ebola ○ Haemorrhagic Fever ○ Nipah ○ Zika ○ Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-COV) ○ SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

The IndCEPI Mission ● Implemented by: the Department of Biotechnology to measure clinical immunogenicity. ● IndCEPI is India Centric Epidemic Preparedness through Rapid Vaccine Development. ● This is now to be enhanced by THSTI. The lab will perform comparability studies with other international laboratories. ● Mission Focus: on developing affordable vaccines for endemic diseases. ● Also, it develops protein rich wheat and biofortified wheat under POSHAN Abhiyan.

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What is an Adjuvant ? ● An adjuvant is a pharmacological or immunological agent that improves the immune response of a vaccine. ● Adjuvants may be added to a vaccine to boost the immune response to produce more antibodies and longer-lasting immunity, thus minimizing the dose of antigen needed. ● Bharat Biotech has entered into a licensing agreement with Kansas-based ViroVax for use of adjuvant Alhydroxiquim-II in its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin.

Nuclear Weapons & India ● In the recent High-level Meeting to Commemorate and Promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons (26th September 2020) ● India reiterated that nuclear weapons should be abolished in a step-by-step non- discriminatory process. ● India remains committed to the policy of No First Use (NFU) against nuclear weapon states and non-use against non-nuclear-weapon states. ● The recent stand indicates that India has not revised its key principles regarding the NFU principle. ● India is a key partner in global efforts towards disarmament and strengthening the non- proliferation order. ● The Conference on Disarmament (CD) remains the “world’s single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum” and India supports holding of negotiations on a Comprehensive Nuclear Weapons Convention at the CD. ● India also remains committed to negotiations regarding a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) in the CD.

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Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) ● FMCT is a proposed international agreement that prohibits the production of two main components of nuclear weapons: highly-enriched Uranium and Plutonium. ● The consultations under the treaty laid down the most appropriate arrangement to negotiate a treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.

Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) ● Brought in 1974– in response to the Indian nuclear test (smiling Buddha). ● What is it ? : Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of nuclear supplier countries that seek to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials, equipment, and technology that can be used to manufacture nuclear weapons. ● Objective of averting the proliferation of nuclear weapons and preventing acts of nuclear terrorism.

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● Members: NSG consists of 48 members which include the five nuclear weapon states US, UK, France, China, and Russia. ● It is not a formal organization, and its guidelines are not binding. Decisions, including on membership, are made by consensus ● London Club: The NSG first met in November 1975 in London, and is thus popularly referred to as the “London Club”. Why is India not part of NSG? ➢ India has not been admitted into the NSG because: ➢ It is not a party of the 1968 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The current NSG guidelines state that a non-NPT state cannot become a member of the NSG. ➢ China opposes Indian membership since 2015, insisting that the NSG membership for non-NPT parties should be considered on a non-discriminatory basis, which means not on cases by case basis. ➢ Pakistan’s continuous lobbying against India’s NSG membership.

Non-Proliferation Treaty( NPT ) ● What is it ?: an international treaty that aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology. ● Entered into force in 1970, ● Aims to: promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament. ● Prohibition: ○ The Non-Proliferation Treaty prohibits the nations who don’t have nuclear weapons from acquiring them, ○ at the same time prohibiting the nuclear states from helping others in acquiring the weapons. ○ At the same time working towards total disarmament. ● The UN member states that have never accepted the NPT are India, Israel, Pakistan and North Korea

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty - CTBT ● What is it ? : The CTBT obligates countries that sign and ratify “not to carry out any nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion.” ● Adoption: The Treaty was negotiated at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva in 1994 and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. ● Members: Treaty has been signed by 182 nations. India has not signed the treaty. ● Eight States still need to Ratify: China, North Korea, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the United States. ● India, North Korea and Pakistan have not yet signed the Treaty. ● Objectives of CTBT ○ The CTBT has been seen as an essential step toward nuclear disarmament for over four decades.

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○ The Treaty is intended to stop the qualitative nuclear arms race. ○ The CTBT aims to prevent further horrendous health and environmental damage caused by nuclear test explosions once and for all. ○ It curbs the development of new nuclear weapons and the improvement of existing nuclear weapon designs.

High security registration plate (HSRP) ● Its a Vehicle Number Plate ● HSRP’s come with non-removable snap-on locks and are difficult to replace. ● HSRP’s are affixed by automobile dealers and private vendors approved by the state authorities. ● These plates are issued only after the vehicle owner provides with information like engine number, chassis number, etc. This is a crucial step in preventing counterfeiting of high security registration plates.

CAWACH ● The Centre for Augmenting WAR with COVID-19 Health Crisis (CAWACH) ● Initiative by the National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Department of Science and Technology (DST). ● Work in Area:CAWACH supports innovations in the areas of diagnostics, devices, informatics including bio-informatics & information management systems, any intervention for the control of COVID-19 and/or startup ideas to address/mitigate various challenges faced by country/society due to the severe impact of COVID-19. ● Funding: It offers funding to the tune of Rs. 50 lakhs to Rs. 200 lakhs to selected startups.

India’s fastest AI Super Computer: PARAM Sidhi-AI ● Developed by : the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) commissioned the largest HPC-AI supercomputer. ● HPC-AI is High Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence. ● Significance: The supercomputer will accelerate cyber security, education, health care, education, space, agriculture and automotive. ● It will help in catalyzing partnerships with MSMEs, Start ups, Academia and Industries. ● World fastest supercomputer: Fugaku of Japan is the. The operating speed of Fugaku is 415 petaFlops. Peta is 1015 (a thousand million million).

#Target_shots Addition

National Supercomputing Mission ● Announced in 2015,

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● Aim: to connect national academic and R&D institutions with a grid of more than 70 high-performance computing facilities at an estimated cost of ₹4,500 crores over the period of seven years ● It supports the government's vision of 'Digital India' and 'Make in India' initiatives. ● Implemented by: The Department of Science and Technology (Ministry of Science and Technology) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), through the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. ● India's first supercomputer: PARAM Shivay was indigenously built (in 1991)by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing.It was installed in IIT (BHU) ● Similar systems Param Shakti and Param Brahma were installed at IIT-Kharagpur and IISER, Pune. ● Currently The fastest supercomputer in India Pratyush, a Cray XC40 system - an array of computers that can deliver a peak power of 6.8 petaflops, installed at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune

Draft Spacecom Policy ● Purpose: to govern the commercial use of orbital slots, satellites, and ground stations for communication needs. ● This policy would serve as a successor to the Satcom Policy, 1997, put out 22 years ago. It also put out a draft Norms, Guidelines and Procedures for implementation of Spacecom Policy, 2020, which is part of the same consultation. ● The policy details how private players can get authorisation for setting up new communication satellites and ground stations. ● An Indian National Space Promotion & Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) will be created to authorise satellite communications, according to a proposal by the Department of Space. Under the proposed rules, only Indian entities will be allowed to use satellite communications in India. ●

Fluoride & Iron Removal technology of CMERI ● It is a Community Level Water Purification System which has a High Flow-Rate capacity of 10,000 Ltr/hr. ● uses commonly available raw materials such as sand, gravel and adsorbent materials. ● The technology uses a combination of Oxidation, gravity settling (settling down of heavier impurities under gravity) and Chemisorption process in an Affordable Package. ○ Chemisorption is a kind of adsorption which involves a chemical reaction between the surface and the adsorbate. New chemical bonds are generated at the adsorbent surface. ● The integrated backwashing technology will help in improving the shelf-life of the filtration media in a resource rationalized manner. ○ Backwashing refers to pumping water backwards through the filter media, for the preventive maintenance so that the filter media can be reused.

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Iron in water ● Iron is the most common contaminant of drinking water, followed by salinity, arsenic, fluoride, and heavy metal. ● Corrosion of pipes is a common reason why iron is found in drinking water. ● Impacts: As little as 0.3 mg/L concentration of iron can make the water appear brown. ● The overload of iron may cause severe health problems such as liver cancer, diabetes, cirrhosis of liver, diseases related to heart and central nervous system, infertility etc.

Fluoride in water ● High levels of Fluoride were reported in 230 districts of 20 States of India (2016-17). ● Reasons: Naturally occurring fluoride in water along with the result of industrial processes. ● Impact: ○ Dental fluorosis is caused by continuous exposure to high concentrations of fluoride during tooth development. ○ Skeletal fluorosis is developed by the disturbance of calcium metabolism in the formation of bones of the body. ○ It results in the softening and weakening of bones resulting in deformities leading to crippling.

The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis: ➢ NPPCF is a health initiative launched in the 11th Five Year Plan, initiated in 2008-09. ➢ Objectives: ➢ To collect, assess and use the baseline survey data of fluorosis of the Ministry of Jal Shakti. ➢ Comprehensive management of fluorosis in the selected areas. ➢ Capacity building for prevention, diagnosis and management of fluorosis cases.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research ● CSIR is the largest research and development (R&D) organisation in India. ● Established: September 1942 ● Located: New Delhi ● CSIR is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology and it operates as an autonomous body through the Societies Registration Act, 1860. ● CSIR covers a wide spectrum of streams and provides significant technological intervention in many areas with regard to societal efforts which include the environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, farm and non-farm sectors.

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Other disease caused by water pollution:

➢ Minamata disease : A cripling deformity caused by methyl mercury poisoning that was first described in the inhabitants of Minamata Bay, Japan and resulted from their eating fish contaminated with mercury industrial waste. ➢ Itai Itai : Water contaminated with cadmium can cause itai itai desease, Lung & Liver cancer Itai Itai also known as ouch ouch disease (a painful decease of bones & joints) caused by water contamination by cadmium ➢ Lead Anaemia : Water contaminated with lead can cause anaemia, loss of muscle power & bluish lines around the gums ➢ Blue Baby Syndrome : Excess nitrates in drinking water reacts with hemoglobin to form non functional methaemoglobin which impairs oxygen transport ➢ Skeletal Fluorosis : Excess of fluorides in drinking water can cause neuromuscular disorders, teeth deformity, hardening of bones, painful joints & outward bending of legs from knees (Knock knee syndrome) ➢ Black foot disease : Caused by leaching of arsenic from soil & rocks to ground water used for drinking purposes. ➢ Iodine 131 : Iodine 131 produced by nuclear tests is passed to vegetations & then appears in milk of the cattle that consume the contaminated vegetation & is passed to humans. Iodine 131 causes serious damage to thyroid glands especially among children ➢ Yokkaichi asthma (SO2) : The burning of petroleum and crude oil released large quantities of sulfur oxide that caused severe smog, resulting in severe cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, and bronchial asthma among the local inhabitants ➢ Pneumoconiosis : Pneumoconiosis is an occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of coal dust, often in mines, also known as Black Lung Disease ➢ Asbestosis : Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease, which leads to long-term breathing complications, caused exclusively by exposure to asbestos (No cure) ➢ Silicosis : Silicosis is a lung disease that is caused by inhaling tiny bits of silica mainly by the workers working in silica industries or sand blasting sites.

World Space Week ( 4th-10th Oct ) ● Launched by : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that it would soon launch a dynamic, impact-based cyclone warning system. ● World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. ● Coordinated by: the United Nations with the support of the World Space Week Association (WSWA), a non-profit organisation. ● 4th October 1957: Launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus opening the way for space exploration.

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● 10th October 1967: The signing of the Outer Space Treaty (Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space including the Moon and other celestial bodies). ● 2020 Theme: “Satellites Improve Life.” ● Indian examples: EMISAT, RISAT-2B, Cartosat-3, Microsat-R and Kalamsat-V2, etc.

Gyan Circle Ventures ● They are Technology Business Incubators (TBI). ● Funded by the Ministry of Information Technology (MeitY). ● Led by the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Sri City (Chittoor), Andhra Pradesh. ● Key features: ○ Gyan Circle Ventures would function as a Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE 2.0) incubation center. ○ They will serve as a hub for innovation and startups by providing support, in various phases, via investments, infrastructure and mentoring. ○ This is to promote deep-tech entrepreneurship through financial and technical support to incubators engaged in using emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, Block-chain, Robotics etc. ● IIIT Sri City has been part of Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell and established Institute Innovation Council. ● E-cell trains students on how to be successful entrepreneurs with social responsibility.

The International Barcode of Life (iBOL) ➢ The mission of the International Barcode of Life (iBOL) is to unite DNA barcoding research as a global science. ➢ Through a research alliance spanning 26 nations with varying levels of investment and responsibilities, iBOL is successfully extending the geographic and taxonomic coverage of the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD). ➢ In 2010, iBOL has met its key target for Phase I: records for 500K species were added to BOLD through this international collaboration. ➢ The overall task of iBOL researchers is to collect and curate specimens, and organize their DNA sequences into a reference library used for global species identification.

Vigyan Jyoti ● It was launched by the DST in 2019 ● Aims: ○ To promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning among girl students and build confidence and excitement towards these streams.

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■ STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in 4 specific disciplines, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. ○ To create a level-playing field for meritorious girls from grades 9 to 12, especially from the top colleges in the areas where girls are hugely underrepresented. ○ To solve the multidimensional problems associated with the meagre representation of women. ● The programme provides a scholarship, visit to nearby scientific institutions, science camps, lecturers from eminent women scientists, and career counselling. ● Implemented by Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in 58 districts, with the participation of about 2900 students. ○ JNV is a system of central schools for talented students predominantly from rural areas in India. ○ They are run by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, New Delhi, an autonomous organization under the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education.

Engage with Science ● Engage with Science by Vigyan Prasar is another initiative to build interest and create a community of practice with students, teachers, and scientists connecting the high school students to the higher education institutions. ○ Vigyan Prasar is an autonomous body under the DST to help India’s science popularisation agenda through several strategic initiatives. ● This is an interactive platform that will be built on the Over-The-Top (OTT) platform to encourage and inspire high school students to pursue science and technology for a career. ○ An OTT media service is any online content provider that offers streaming media as a standalone product. ○ The term is commonly applied to video-on-demand platforms, but also refers to audio streaming, messaging services, or internet-based voice calling solutions. ○ It needs access to the internet and smartphones, tablets, laptop/computers.

IIT Delhi’s Study on Ultrafine Particles ● Particulate matter of below 0.25 micrometers constituted the highest share in the composition of PM2.5 around the year as compared to particles of other sizes. ● A decrease in total PM 2.5 levels may not be associated with a decrease in PM<0.25 levels. ● Exposure to ultrafine particles of below 0.25 micrometers was also associated with over two-fold higher cytotoxicity (effect of being toxic to cells), as compared to exposure to other sizes. ● Health Impacts: The adverse impact on health from chronic exposure to PM2.5 is well established — including stroke, lung cancer, and other heart and lung related problems.

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Lepidoptera ● According to a recent study, rising average temperatures in the Himalayan region have driven several dozen species of butterfly and moth to habitats higher up the mountains. ● Receding ice caps and glaciers leading to a scarcity of water in the Himalayas has been a major reason for the altitudinal shift of the Lepidoptera. ● The increase in average temperature has resulted in an altitudinal shift in vegetation that once grew at lower altitudes in the Himalayas are now found only higher up in the mountains. #Target_shots Addition

About Lepidoptera: ● Lepidoptera is the order of insects that includes butterflies, moths and skippers. ● Importance: ○ transform large amounts of plant matter into the animal matter and in turn serve as food for many other groups of animals ○ Pollination ● Due to their day-flying habits and bright colours, the butterflies are more familiar than the chiefly night-flying and dull-coloured moths, but the latter is far more varied and abundant. ● The skippers are a worldwide group intermediate between butterflies and moths.

The ‘Feluda’ test for Covid-19 ● Feluda is the acronym for FNCAS9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay. ● It is an accurate and low-cost paper-based test strip to detect Covid-19 and can deliver a result in 45 minutes. ● It has been approved for commercial launch by the Drugs Controller General of India. ● Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Tata Group. How it works? ● It uses indigenously developed CRISPR gene-editing technology to identify and target the genetic material of SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes Covid-19. ● Significance: ○ According to CSIR, the test matches accuracy levels of RT-PCR tests. ○ It has a quicker turnaround time and requires less expensive equipment. ○ ‘Feluda’ is also the world’s first diagnostic test to deploy a specially adapted Cas9 protein to successfully detect the virus.

About different masks ➢ There are different types of masks that are currently available in the market. Like : N95, N99, R99, R95, P99 and surgical masks ➢ The letter N says that the mask is “Not oil resistant”.

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➢ The letter R denotes that the mask is oil resistant. It means that the mask can prevent oil-based pollutants along with airborne particulates. ➢ The letter P denotes that oil proof. ➢ The numbers 95 and 99 say that the masks are capable of resisting 95% and 99% of airborne particulate respectively.

MOSAiC Expedition ● The Multidisciplinary Drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) is an international research expedition to study the physical, chemical, and biological processes that coupled the Arctic atmosphere, sea ice, ocean, and ecosystem. ● Its a Largest Arctic Expedition began from Norway and concluded at the port of Bremerhaven, Germany. Significance: ● The region’s sea ice has been steadily shrinking in recent decades, and summer ice coverage this year was the second lowest since satellite measurements began in 1979. ● Warming has also caused sharp declines in older and thicker ice. ● The information is collected about the ocean, ice, clouds, storms and ecosystems of the Arctic would prove invaluable in helping scientists understand the region, which is warming faster than any other part of the planet.

Kerala: First State in country to become Digital in Public Education ● Implemented by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education. ● The initiative was launched in 2018. ● Services provided by Project : digital services, set up high-tech labs primary and secondary levels , access to high speed broad band connection , high-tech class rooms , provided Information and Communication Training ● The high-tech classrooms were established as a part of Public Education Rejuvenation Mission. This was achieved by providing projectors, webcams, laptops, television, DSLR cameras and other digital equipment.

C-DAC’s MoUs on Supercomputing ● Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) has signed 13 MoUs with the premier academic and research and development (R&D) institutions of India. ● Aim: To establish supercomputing infrastructure with assembly and manufacturing in India and critical components of the National Supercomputing Mission. ● To develop India’s indigenous hardware encompassing exascale chip design, design and manufacture of exascale server boards, exascale interconnects and storage including silicon-photonics at C-DAC to achieve complete self-reliance envisioned under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Initiative.

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● Supercomputing has applications in so many areas like computational biology and chemistry, molecular dynamics, national security, big data analytics, government information systems, and so on. ● It becomes a powerful tool, paired with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), enabling it to empower people and make India ready to tackle future challenges. ● Exascale computing refers to computing systems capable of calculating at least 1018 floating-point operations per second. ● Silicon photonics is an evolving technology in which data is transferred among computer chips by optical rays. Optical rays can carry far more data in less time than electrical conductors.

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Centre for Development of Advanced Computing ● an Autonomous Scientific Society , premier Research & Development organization of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for carrying out R&D in IT, Electronics and associated areas. ● The National Centre for Software Technology, ER&DCI and CEDTI were merged into C- DAC in 2003.

National Supercomputing Mission ● Announced in 2015, with an aim to connect national academic and R&D institutions with a grid of more than 70 high-performance computing facilities at an estimated cost of ₹4,500 crores over the period of seven years ● It supports the government's vision of 'Digital India' and 'Make in India' initiatives. ● implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (Ministry of Science and Technology) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), through the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. ● India's first supercomputer PARAM Shivay was indigenously built (in 1991)by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing.It was installed in IIT (BHU) ● Similar systems Param Shakti and Param Brahma were installed at IIT-Kharagpur and IISER, Pune. ● Currently The fastest supercomputer in India Pratyush, a Cray XC40 system - an array of computers that can deliver a peak power of 6.8 petaflops, installed at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune

Mars Opposition ● Due to the ‘opposition’ effect, Mars will look much brighter and bigger than usual in October 2020. ● Opposition, in astronomy, is the circumstance in which two celestial bodies appear in opposite directions in the sky. ● Mars Opposition: Mars and the Sun are on directly opposite sides of Earth. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● About every 26 months, the Earth passes between the Sun and Mars, this is when the three are arranged in a straight line. ● In 2020, while Mars’ closest approach to Earth was on 6th October, the opposition happened on 13th October.

Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) ● The eVIN network is being repurposed for the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine. About eVIN: ● The eVIN is an innovative technological solution aimed at strengthening immunization supply chain systems across the country. ● This is being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. ● It aims to provide real-time information on vaccine stocks and flows, and storage temperatures across all cold chain points in the country. Benefits of eVIN: ● It has helped create a big data architecture that generates actionable analytics encouraging data-driven decision-making and consumption-based planning. ● It helps in maintaining optimum stocks of vaccines leading to cost savings. Vaccine availability at all times has increased to 99% in most health centres in India. ● While instances of stock-outs have reduced by 80%, the time taken to replenish stocks has also decreased by more than half, on an average.

Novichok nerve agents ● Novichok means New comer in Russian language. ● It is a group of Advanced nerve agents that were developed by the Soviet Union in 1970 and 1980. ● Nerve agents: They are also called nerve gases. They are organic Chemicals that disrupt the mechanism by which nerves transfer messages to organs. ● This is done by the chemical by blocking the enzyme acetyl Cholinesterase.

5,000 remote villages to receive Internet using ISRO satellites ● The remote villages to receive the internet connection are located in Tripura, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Ladakh and Manipur. ● In order to achieve this, the ISRO communication satellite such as GSAT 11 and GSAT 19 are to be used.

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What is satellite internet? ● The internet access provided through communication satellites is called satellite internet. ● In modern days, internet services are provided through geostationary satellites. ● Also new satellite internet constellations are being developed. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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Working: ● Satellite internet has three main components.They are satellite in geostationary Orbit, ground stations and antenna. The ground stations are gateways that relay internet data from and to the satellite. This is done through radio waves. Usually the antenna used is VSAT dish antenna with the transceiver.

GSAT 11 and GSAT 19 ● The GSAT 19 is a communication satellite launched by ISRO in 2017. ● The GSAT 11 was one of the heaviest satellite launched by ISRO. ● It is also and Indian geostationary communication satellite. It was launched in 2018.

STARS Project ● The Union Cabinet has approved implementation of the World Bank aided- Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) project ● A total project cost of Rs. 5,718 crore with the financial support of World Bank amounting to about Rs. 3,700 crore. ● The STARS project would be implemented as a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education (MoE). ● Aim and Focus: These are aligned with the objectives of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 of Quality Based Learning Outcomes. ○ Strengthening the government-managed school education system that primarily caters to the educational needs of girls and students from marginalised groups. ○ Focus on initiatives of PM e-Vidya, Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission and National Curricular and Pedagogical Framework for Early Childhood Care and Education as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. ● Support for Participation in PISA: India’s participation in the 2022 cycle of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) survey will also be funded by this project. ● It is a project to improve the quality and governance of school education in six Indian states. ○ Six states are- Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan.

Major Components: ● At the national level: ○ To strengthen the national data systems of the Ministry of Education (MOE) to capture robust and authentic data on retention, transition and completion rates of students. ○ To support the strengthening of learning assessment systems. ○ PARAKH: Establishment of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) as a National Assessment Centre.

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■ Included in NEP, this independent and autonomous institution under the MOE will set standards for the around 60 examination boards in the country. ○ Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC): It will help the government respond to situations leading to loss of learning such as school closures/infrastructure damage, inadequate facilities and use technology for facilitating remote learning etc. ○ The CERC component would facilitate: ■ The rapid re-categorization of financing (to provide flexibility in the crisis situation). ■ The utilization of streamlined financing request procedures (so that delays in financing is eliminated).

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Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) ● PISA was introduced in 2000 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). ● It tests the learning levels of 15-year-old children in reading, mathematics, and science. The test is conducted every three years. ● India stayed away from PISA in 2012 and 2015 on account of its dismal performance in 2009, when it was placed 72nd among the 74 participating countries. The government decided to end the boycott in 2019.

Holographic Imaging Based Method ● Scientists from New York University have developed a method using holographic imaging to detect both viruses and antibodies. About the Method: ● It uses laser beams to record holograms of the specially prepared test beads. ● The surfaces of the beads are activated with biochemical binding sites that attract either antibodies or virus particles, depending on the intended test. ● Binding antibodies or viruses causes the beads to grow by a few billionth parts of a metre. ● Researchers detect this growth through changes in the beads’ holograms. The test can analyse a dozen beads per second. Significance: ● The method can test either for the virus (current infection) or antibodies (immunity). ● The breakthrough has the potential to aid in medical diagnoses, and specifically, those related to the Covid-19 pandemic. ● test could be done in under 30 minutes, is highly accurate, and can be performed by minimally trained personnel.

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About Holographic Method ● Holography is a process that creates three-dimensional images called holograms using laser beams, the properties of interference and diffraction, light intensity recording, and illumination of the recording. ● The Hungarian-British physicist Dennis Gabor was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1971 “for his invention and development of the holographic method”. ● Uniqueness of holographic images: ○ The images created so change according to the relative position of the individual viewer as if the objects displayed are actually present. ● Potential applications: ○ Military mapping, Information storage, Medical, Fraud and security: Eg- small silver rectangle of a dove on your credit card, Art.

New Shephard ● It is a rocket system meant to take tourists to space successfully. ● It has completed its seventh test launch recently. ● The system is built by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s space company called Blue Origin. ● New Shephard has been named after astronaut Alan Shephard, the first American to go to space. ● It offers flights to space over 100 km above the Earth and accommodation for payloads. ● Essentially, it is a rocket system that has been designed to take astronauts and research payloads past the Karman line – the internationally recognised boundary of space.

ENFUSER (Environmental information FUsion SERvice) ● It is a very high resolution city scale model launched recently for Delhi. ● Launched by IMD to identify the air pollution hotspots and pollution upto street level. ● It has been developed in technical collaboration with Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI). ● The speciality of the ENFUSER is the high utilization of measurement data such as air quality observations, a detailed description of the road network, buildings, land-use information, high resolution satellite images, ground elevation and population data.

SILAM ● SILAM is System for Integrated Modelling of Atmospheric Composition. ● Model improved by: implementing Global emission inventories such as CAMS-GLOB and EDGAR for mineral fine anthropogenic particulate matter at 10 kilometre resolution. ● Developed by: the Finnish Meteorological Institute. ● The model provides information such as equality atmospheric composition and Wildfire smoke. ● It is capable of solving the inverse dispersion problem.

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● The model is capable of taking data from variety of sources such as sea salt, Pollen and blown dust.

Regional Raw Drug Repository for AYUSH launched ● At the National Institute of Siddha, Chennai. ● The Regional Raw Repository is the important component of National AYUSH Mission.

About the Repository ● The repository will play a major role in collection, demonstration and documentation of raw drugs from Southern Plateau region. ● It will establish standard protocols for authentication of raw drugs. ● The repository will play a major role in medicinal plant cultivation. ● The National Raw Drug Repository and the Regional Raw Drug Repository were initiated by the National Medicinal Plant Board.

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National AYUSH Mission ➢ AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy systems of medicine. ➢ a centrally sponsored scheme ➢ launched in 2014 ➢ Launched by the Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. ➢ Objective: to promote the AYUSH systems of medicine through cost-effective services, boosting its educational systems, quality control of AYUSH drugs and ensuring the sustainable availability of AYUSH raw materials.

Elements of the National AYUSH Mission: ➢ Obligatory Components ○ AYUSH Educational Institutions. ○ AYUSH Services. ○ Medicinal Plants Quality Control of ASU&H Drugs. ➢ Flexible Components ○ AYUSH Wellness Centres comprising Yoga and Naturopathy. ○ Tele-medicine.

Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) ● What is it ? : The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) Observatory, is an array of thirty fully steerable parabolic radio telescopes of 45 meter diameter, observing at meter wavelengths. ● Operated by: the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), a part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai.

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● Objective: To investigate a variety of radio astrophysical (the study of stars and other objects in space using physical laws) problems ranging from our nearby Solar system to the edge of the observable Universe. ● Location: located near Pune, Junnar, Narayangaon in India. ● Establishment : It was conceived and built under the direction of Late Prof. Govind Swarup during 1984 to 1996.

Cloud Innovation Centre ● By NITI Aayog with Amazon Web Services(AWS) ● Purpose: to address societal challenges through digital innovation, ● What is it? : The Cloud Innovation Centers (CIC) Program provides an opportunity for nonprofits, education institutions, and government agencies to collaborate with other public sector organizations on their most pressing challenges, test new ideas with Amazon's innovation process, and access the technology expertise of AWS. ● The NITI Aayog Frontier Technologies Cloud Innovation Center (CIC) with AWS will bring together government stakeholders, startups, and local organizations in India to innovate and create new approaches to solving problems. ● This is the first AWS CIC in India, the 12th around the world, and the first AWS CIC that will address societal challenges at a national level. ● The centre will work to accelerate innovation in the areas of agriculture, healthcare and skill development. ● The AWS Cloud Innovation Centers Global Program works with government agencies, academic institutions and non-profits to apply design thinking methodology to test new ideas and collaborate on challenge. ● Objective : The CIC addresses a core mission to identify and deploy leading edge technologies to drive continuous innovation in delivering citizen services. The centre will work to identify and prioritize projects as well as collaborate with local leaders, including subject matter experts at the state and district level, to solve critical societal challenges.

ICT Grand Challenge ● Launched By: National Jal Jeevan Mission in partnership with Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) ● Objective: to create innovative, modular, and cost-effective solution to develop a ‘Smart Water Supply Measurement and Monitoring System’ to be deployed at the village level. ● Launched as a pilot programme in 100 villages. ● The mission focuses: on service delivery rather than mere creation of infrastructure. ● The best solution will get cash prize of Rs. 50 Lakh and runner ups will get prize of Rs. 20 Lakh each.

Bepi Colombo Spacecraft reaches Mercury in its journey towards Venus ● Launched jointly by: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and European Space Agency to planet Mercury. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● Two satellites launched together. They are Mercury Planetary Orbiter and Mercury Magentospheric Orbiter. ● Purpose: The mission will perform study of mercury. This will include characterisation of magnetosphere, magnetic field in both interior and on the surface of the mercury. ● Objectives of the Mission ○ To study the origin and evolution of Mercury ○ To investigate the exosphere of Mercury, its composition, dynamics ○ To study the magnetosphere of mercury ○ To verify Relativity Theory of Einstein ● The Mission is a part of the Horizon 2000+ Programme of European Space Agency and was the last mission of the programme. ● The missions under the Horizon 2000 programme were Huygens, Rosatta and Gala. ● The mission launched under Horizon 2000+ were Gaia, LISA Pathfinder and Bepi colombo.

International Solar Alliance: Solar Awards presented for the first time ● For the first time, the following ISA Solar Awards were presented ● Kalpana Chawla Awards: ○ The award was presented by the Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar. ○ It was presented to Dr Bhim Singh of IIT Delhi and Dr Aaesha Alnuaimi of UAE. ○ The award recognizes contributions of scientists working in the field of solar energy. ● Visvesvaraya Award: ○ It was presented to Japan in the Asia Pacific Region and to Netherlands in the Europe region. ○ It carries a prize money of 12,330 USD. ○ It recognizes countries with maximum floating capacity in four regions of ISA. ● Diwakar Award: ○ The award was presented to Arushi Institute and Arpan Institute. ○ The prize money of the award is 25,000 USD. ○ It is presented to the organizations that are working for the benefit of the physically challenged people and uses maximum solar energy.

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The International Solar Alliance(ISA) ● An alliance of 121 countries that works to tap benefits of solar power and promote clean energy applications. ● It was initiated by India. ● Launched by: the Prime Minister of India and the President of France on 30th November 2015 in Paris, France on the side-lines of the Conference of the Parties (COP-21),

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● The countries between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn are the main members of the alliance. ● The other countries can enjoy the benefits from the alliance, however, cannot vote. ● The ISA works on the following objectives ○ Health of the planet ○ Equity of access to energy across the planet

Sustainable Solid Waste Processing Facility developed by CSIR-CMERI ● Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) ● The main objective of the system is to unburden the segregation responsibilities. This is achieved by adopting advanced segregation techniques. ● system has adopted Bio-Digestion process as it has minimum pollution factor. Process: ● The solid waste processing facility uses plasma arc for solid waste disposal. It converts wastes into plasma state. This residue obtained is rich in carbon and is used in agriculture as fertilizer and also to make bricks for construction purpose.

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Windrow Composting Procedure ● Windrow composting is the production of compost by piling organic matter or biodegradable waste, such as animal manure and crop residues, in long rows (windrows). ● This method is suited to producing large volumes of compost. ● This is the procedure that is being used currently. ● However, it is labour intensive and has several restricted utilisation due to presence of heavy metals. ● Also, management of the system becomes difficult during rainy season. It requires more land space.

Bio-Methanation ● This technique is used as alternate to the Windrow Composting Procedure. ● Here, bio gas is produced from weeds, vermi-composting of slurry from plant processes, etc.

Pyrolysis ● Pyrolysis is a process where plastics is converted into gas and fuel. It is an environment- friendly process. Here the conversion is conducted in an anaerobic chamber.

India International Science Festival 2020 ( IISF ) ● Launched in 2015

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● to promote Science and Technology and demonstrate how science could lead India towards a developed nation within a short span of time. ● Aim: To engage the public with science and celebrate the joy of science and show the ways how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) provide solutions to improve people's lives. ● Organising Agencies: Ministry of Science & Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences in association with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) ● CSIR is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

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Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) ● What is it ? : Swadeshi Science Movement was started in Indian Institute of Science- Bengaluru by a few eminent scientists under the guidance of Prof. K I Vasu. ● This movement gradually gained momentum and emerged as an organization with national presence. ● In 1991, it was decided to launch the Swadeshi Science Movement at all India Level and named it Vijnana Bharati. ● Objective: It’s one of the objectives is to motivate young scientists towards greater creativity and originality. ● Headquartered in New Delhi.

Aditi Urja Sanch ● It is a burner design to burn Dimethyl ether ( DME ) and DME blended fuel. ● Designed and fabricated by: CSIR-NCL (National Chemical Laboratory). ● Efficiency is 10-15 %, more compared to conventional burners using LPG alone.

Dimethyl ether (DME) ● An ultra-clean fuel. ● Under normal atmospheric conditions, DME is a colorless gas ● Synthetically produced alternative to diesel ● Very high cetane number, which is a measure of the fuel's ignitibility in compression ignition engines ● CSIR-NCL has developed nation’s first kind of DME pilot plant with 20-24Kg/day capacity ● The conventional LPG burner is not suitable for DME combustion as DME density is different than LPG. ● The DME process technology is economical, cost-effective, and scalable with in-situ product purification as well as a heat integration unit that produces pure DME.

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● Program initiated by NITI Aayog is aimed at reducing our oil import bill; reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions & converting Indian coal reserves and municipal solid waste into methanol leading to independence from import while creating new jobs by setting up Methanol Production Plants. ○ The methanol economy is a suggested future economy in which methanol and dimethyl ether replace fossil fuels as a means of energy storage, ground transportation fuel, and raw material for synthetic hydrocarbons and their products. ● it is being touted as the bridge between current fossil fuel based economy to Hydrogen economy ● India is going to implement Methanol 15 % blending program with Petrol and cost of petrol is expected to come down immediately by 10%. ● What is methanol? ● Methanol as a low carbon, hydrogen carrier fuel” produced from high ash coal, agricultural residue, CO2 from thermal power plants and natural gas ● Methanol is a liquid chemical with the formula CH3OH. ● It is colorless, volatile, flammable, and poisonous. ● Methanol is made from the destructive distillation of wood and is chiefly synthesized from carbon monoxide and hydrogen. ● Its principal uses are in organic synthesis, as a fuel, solvent, and antifreeze. ● Methanol is far more toxic than ethano

Benefits: ● Methanol, although slightly lower in energy content than petrol and diesel, can replace both petrol and diesel in transport sector ● Blending of 15% methanol in gasoline can result in at least 15% reduction in import of gasoline/ crude. ● it would bring down GHG emissions by 20% in terms of particulate matter, NOx, and Sox thereby improving urban air quality. ● The gaseous version of Methanol - DME can blend with LPG and can be excellent substitute for diesel in Large buses and trucks. ● Additionally, Rs. 6000 Crore can be saved annually by blending of 20% DME (Di-methyl Ether – a derivative of methanol) in LPG.

OSIRIS-REx ● Purpose: OSIRIS-REx will be the first U.S. mission to collect a sample from an asteroid and bring it to Earth. ● Spacecraft was launched in 2016 for the journey to Bennu. ● NASA robot Pogo sticked off an asteroid Bennu ( small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun ) yesterday and Grabbed a sample of dirt and rock, material

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● The mission is essentially a seven-year-long voyage and will conclude when at least 60 grams of samples are delivered back to the Earth (in 2023). ● Significance of Mission ○ Origins of the Solar System, Protecting Earth, Mining, LaunchPad, and Future Explorations ● Till now Japan has done (Hayabusa Mission) it before and Europe (Rosetta Mission) has managed to land on a comet.

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Asteroid Bennu: ● Bennu is an ancient asteroid, currently more than 200 million miles from Earth. ● Bennu offers scientists a window into the early solar system as it was first taking shape billions of years ago and tossing ingredients that could have helped seed life on Earth. ● So far, it is known that this asteroid is a B-type asteroid, implying that it contains significant amounts of carbon and various other minerals. ● Around 20-40% of Bennu’s interior is empty space and scientists believe that it was formed in the first 10 million years of the solar system’s formation, implying that it is roughly 4.5 billion years old. ● There is a slight possibility that Bennu, which is classified as a Near Earth Object (NEO), might strike the Earth in the next century, between the years 2175 and 2199.

COVIRAP : A Quick Covid-19 Test ● Recently, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved a new low-cost Covid-19 diagnostic method named COVIRAP, ● Developed by: the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur. ● COVIRAP has an automated pre-programmable temperature control unit, a special detection unit on genomic analysis, and a customised smartphone app for results. ● Process: The machine has an isothermal nucleic acid amplification method, which did away with the need for a thermocycler. ○ Isothermal amplification of nucleic acids is a process that rapidly and efficiently accumulates nucleic acid sequences at constant temperature. The Isothermal Amplification Techniques have been developed as alternatives to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). ○ Thermocyclers are instruments used to amplify DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) samples by the polymerase chain reaction. ● Once the sample is processed in the machine after being mixed with solutions developed by the IIT team, treated paper strips (similar to the pregnancy strips) are dipped into it, and the emergence of coloured lines will depict the presence of the virus.

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India’s first seaplane project ● India’s first seaplane service in Gujarat is set to begin from 31 October, the anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. ● It will connect Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. ● The service will be operated by Spicejet Airlines. ● Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will manage the Project of Seaplane in Inland Waterways and Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL) will manage the Projects of seaplane in Coastal Areas.

What is infodemic? ● “Infodemic” is having too much information, including false or misleading information, particularly on social media. ● Concerns: It may lead to confusion, risk-taking and ultimately mistrust towards governments and the public health response. ● Why in News? ○ Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist, World Health Organization (WHO), has said that Managing the “infodemic” has been a serious challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CuRED ● Launched by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare ● Purpose: ○ Portal will provide the details about drugs repurposed by CSIR. ○ Also, the portal will provide details about clinical trials of devices and diagnostics.

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Drug repurposing ● Drug repurposing, also known as drug repositioning, is a drug development strategy predicated on the reuse of existing licensed drugs for new medical indications. ● drug repurposing is nothing but using an approved drug for the treatment of a disease or medical condition other than what it is approved for.

Monoclonal Antibodies for Covid-19 ● Recently, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and Serum Institute of India (SII), Pune announced an agreement with Merck, a science and technology company, to develop SARS-CoV-2 neutralising monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which will be used to address the Covid-19 pandemic. Monoclonal Antibodies:

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● Antibodies are proteins produced naturally by the immune system that target a specific foreign object (antigen). They are called monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) when they are produced by clones derived from a single parent cell. ● They are man-made proteins that act like a human antibody in the immune system. They are made by cloning a unique white blood cell. ● mAbs have monovalent affinity, it binds only to the same epitope i.e. the part of an antigen that is recognized by the antibody. ● They are designed to perform many roles, like they can be used to carry drugs, toxins, or radioactive substances directly to affected cells. ● mAbs are used to treat many diseases, including some types of cancer.

Tubarial salivary glands ● They are a set of salivary glands deep in the upper part of the throat. ● They were discovered recently by Scientists in the Netherlands. ● Size: The glands are about 1.5 inches (3.9 centimeters) in length on average and are located over a piece of cartilage called the torus tubarius. ● Functions: The glands probably lubricate and moisten the upper throat behind the nose and mouth. ● The discovery may be important for cancer treatment. ● Until now, there were three known large salivary glands in humans: one under the tongue, one under the jaw and one at the back of the jaw, behind the cheek.

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Soil-Transmitted Helminths ● Soil-Transmitted Helminths refer to the intestinal worms infecting humans that are transmitted through contaminated soil. ○ Intestinal worms are parasites that live in the human intestines and consume nutrients and vitamins needed for a child. ● Three main types of helminths: ○ Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), ○ Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and ○ Hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale). ● These worms depend on the human body for their food and survival and while being there, they lay thousands of eggs each day. ● Transmission: Soil-transmitted helminths are transmitted by eggs that are passed in the faeces of infected people. In areas that lack adequate sanitation, these eggs contaminate the soil. ● Impact: ○ anaemia – reduced oxygen carrying capacity due to less Haemoglobin (Hb) available in the body. ○ Also lead to diarrhoea; dysentery; loss of appetite; reduced nutritional intake and physical fitness; increased malabsorption – a condition that prevents absorption of nutrients through the small intestine. ● Treatment: The WHO recommended medicines – albendazole (400 mg) and mebendazole (500 mg) – are effective, inexpensive and easy to administer by non- medical personnel (e.g. teachers).

South Asian Flash Flood Guidance System ● Launched by: India Meteorological Department (IMD) ● Aimed at helping disaster management teams and governments make timely evacuation plans ahead of the actual event of flooding. ● Developed by US-based Hydrologic Research Centre after the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and few South Asian countries put forth their views and the urgent need for such a warning system. ● A dedicated FFGS centre will be established in New Delhi, where weather modelling and analysis of rainfall data observations from member countries will be done. ● Flash flood threat warning will be issued six hours in advance, whereas flood risk warning will be issued 24 hours in advance. Warnings about watershed level will be issued 12 hours in advance.

Flash Floods: ● These are sudden surges in water levels during or following an intense spell of rain. ● These are highly localised events of short duration with a very high peak and usually have less than six hours between the occurrence of the rainfall and peak flood.

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● The flood situation worsens in the presence of choked drainage lines or encroachments obstructing the natural flow of water.

First room-temperature superconductor Process: ● The superconductor was formed by squeezing carbon, hydrogen and sulfur between the tips of two diamonds and hitting the material with laser light to induce chemical reactions. ● At a pressure about 2.6 million times that of Earth’s atmosphere, and temperatures below about 15° C, the electrical resistance vanished. ● However, the new material’s superconducting superpowers appear only at extremely high pressures, limiting its practical usefulnes

Significance: ● All superconductors previously discovered had to be cooled, many of them to very low temperatures, making them impractical for most uses. ● But, the recently discovered superconductor can operates at room temperature- the material is superconducting below temperatures of about 15° Celsius.

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What are Superconductors? ● Superconductors transmit electricity without resistance, allowing current to flow without any energy loss. ● This means no heat, sound or any other form of energy would be released from the material when it has reached "critical temperature" (Tc), or the temperature at which the material becomes superconductive. ● When superconductivity was discovered in 1911, by Kamerlingh Onnes, it was found only at temperatures close to absolute zero (−273.15° C). ● Potential applications: If a room-temperature superconductor could be used at atmospheric pressure, it could save vast amounts of energy lost to resistance in the electrical grid.

Diamagnetism ● It is a very weak form of magnetism that is induced by a change in the orbital motion of electrons due to an applied magnetic field. ● This magnetism is non-permanent and persists only in the presence of an external field. ● The magnitude of the induced magnetic moment is very small, and its direction is opposite to that of the applied field.

Meissner Effect

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● When a material makes the transition from the normal to the superconducting state, it actively excludes magnetic fields from its interior and this is called the Meissner effect. ● This constraint to zero magnetic fields inside a superconductor is distinct from the perfect diamagnetism which would arise from its zero electrical resistance.

World Polio Day 2020 ( 24 Oct ) ● Established to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who developed an Inactivated (killed) Polio Vaccine (IPV). ● The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), led by national governments and the World Health Organisation (WHO), has been monitoring the disease situation globally. ● Polio Eradication: For a country to be declared polio-free, the wild transmission of all three kinds of Polioviruses has to be stopped. ○ For eradication, cases of both wild and vaccine-derived polio infection have to be reduced to zero ● India received polio-free certification by the WHO in 2014, ● In 2019, polio outbreaks were recorded in the Philippines, Malaysia, Ghana, Myanmar, China, Cameroon, Indonesia and Iran ● Afghanistan and Pakistan are the two countries that are the last stronghold of the wild poliovirus.

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Polio ● Polio is a crippling and potentially deadly viral infectious disease that affects the nervous system. ● There are three individual and immunologically distinct wild poliovirus strains: ○ Wild Poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) ○ Wild Poliovirus type 2 (WPV2) ○ Wild Poliovirus type 3 (WPV3) ● Symptomatically, all three strains are identical, in that they cause irreversible paralysis or even death. ● WPV2 and WPV3 have been eradicated globally but WPV1 remains in circulation in Afghanistan and Pakistan. ● Spread: The virus is transmitted by person-to-person mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (for example, through contaminated water or food). ● There is no cure, but it can be prevented through immunisation.

IndiGenomes Resource Database ● It encompasses the genomic data from over 1000 whole genome sequences sequenced from across India as part of the IndiGen programme and represents diverse geographies and ethnicities. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● Launched in April 2019, under which genome sequencing of 1029 self-declared healthy Indians drawn from across the country has been completed. ● Objective: was to enable genetic epidemiology and develop public health technologies applications using population genome data. ● The resource provides access to over 55 million genetic variants representing the contemporary Indian population with an objective to classify variants involved in mendelian disorders and improve precision medicine outcomes. ● Mendelian disorder: is a type of genetic disorder, resulting due to alterations in a gene or due to abnormalities in the genome. ● It enables the identification of markers for carrier screening, variations causing genetic diseases, prevention of adverse events and provides better diagnosis and optimal therapy through mining data. ● This resource can provide useful insights for clinicians and researchers in comprehending genetics not only at the population level but at the individual level. ● Mendelian disorder is a type of genetic disorder, resulting due to alterations in a gene or due to abnormalities in the genome. ● It enables the identification of markers for carrier screening, variations causing genetic diseases, prevention of adverse events and provides better diagnosis and optimal therapy through mining data. ● This resource can provide useful insights for clinicians and researchers in comprehending genetics not only at the population level but at the individual level.

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About IndiGen Programme ● The programme will find solutions that are applicable in preventive and predictive medicated measures. ● Also, the programme aims to conduct genome sequencing of thousands of individuals from diverse ethnic groups of India. ● This will enable genetic epidemiology. ● Also, it will help in developing Public Health Technological Applications based on Population genome data.

Genome India Project (GIP) ● The Ministry of Science and Technology :an ambitious gene-mapping project ● Aims to sample and sequence 10,000 genomes in the first phase from across India, to arrive at a representative Indian genome.

First Genome Project: The first country to launch a genome programme was the United Kingdom.

Genome

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● A genome is all the genetic matter in an organism. It is defined as an organism’s complete set of Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA), including all of its genes. ● Every organism’s genetic code is contained in its DNA, the building blocks of life. ● Each genome contains all of the information needed to build and maintain that organism. ● In humans, a copy of the entire genome contains more than 3 billion DNA base pairs.

Genome sequencing ● Genome sequencing is figuring out the order of DNA nucleotides, or bases, in a genome—the order of Adenine, Cytosine, Guanines, and Thymine that make up an organism's DNA. Application: ● Genome sequencing can play a crucial role for new advancements in medical science (like predictive diagnosis and precision medicine, genomic information) and in disease management. ● Through genome sequencing methodology, researchers and clinicians can easily detect the disease related to genetic disorder.

Water on the Moon ● Water molecules, discovered in Clavius Crater in the Moon’s southern hemisphere. ● And it is the first time water has been detected on the sunlit side, showing it is not restricted to the shadowy regions. ● This was confirmed by NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Significance of the discovery: ● Apart from being a marker of potential life, water is a precious resource in deep space. ● For astronauts landing on the Moon, water is necessary not only to sustain life but also for purposes such as generating rocket fuel. ● If space explorers can use the Moon’s resources, it means they need to carry less water from Earth. How could the water have formed? ● Space rocks carrying small amounts of water could have bombarded the Moon. ● Alternatively, the Sun’s solar wind could have carried hydrogen, which then reacted with minerals in the lunar soil to create hydroxyl, which later transformed into water.

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NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy ( SOFIA ) What is it ? ● It is an airborne observatory jointly built by NASA and German Aerospace Centre. ● It features a reflecting telescope mounted on a modified Boeing 747SP aircraft flying into the stratosphere at 38,000-45,000 feet.

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● Purpose: It allows researchers to observe the infrared universe as many objects in space emit almost all their energy at infrared wavelengths and are often invisible when observed with visible light.

Earth Observation Satellite EOS-01: ISRO ● India would launch its latest earth observation satellite EOS-01 and nine international customer satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota. ● The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C49) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch these ten satellites on 7th November 2020. It will be PSLV's 51st Mission. ● EOS-01: It is an earth observation satellite and is intended for applications in agriculture, forestry and disaster management support. ○ Earth observation satellites are the satellites equipped with remote sensing technology. Earth observation is the gathering of information about Earth's physical, chemical and biological systems. ○ Many earth observation satellites have been employed on sun-synchronous orbit. ● Nine Customer Satellites: These are being launched as part of a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Department of Space.

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Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle ● India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is the third generation launch vehicle. ● PSLV is the first launch vehicle which is equipped with liquid stages. ● PSLV’s first successful launch was in October 1994. PSLV was used for two of the most important missions. These are Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in 2013. ● Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark II and GSLV MkIII are other two launch vehicles.

Green Crackers ● What is it ? : They are known as ‘green’ firecrackers because they have a chemical formulation that produces water molecules, which substantially reduces emission levels and absorbs dust. ● They are the crackers with reduced emission and decibel level. Benefits of Green Crackers: ● They promise a reduction in particulate matters and harmful gases, like nitrous oxide and sulfur oxide, by 30- 35 per cent. ● They will be 25-30 per cent cheaper to manufacture and manufacturers would not have to make any changes in their facilities.

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What gives colour to the firecrackers? ● Red: Strontium salts (Nitrates, carbonates and sulphates of strontium). ● Orange: Calcium salts (Carbonates, chlorides and sulphates of calcium). ● Yellow: Sodium salts (Nitrates and oxalates of sodium). ● Green: Barium salts (Nitrates, carbonates, chlorides and chlorates of barium). ● Blue: Copper salts (Carbonates and oxides of copper). ● Purple: A combination of copper and strontium compounds. ● White: The burning of metals like magnesium, aluminium and titanium).

What are QR codes ? ● QR is quick response. ● It was invented by the the Japanese company called Denso Wave in 1990s. ● They are two dimensional machine-readable barcodes. ● These codes often contain details about the identifier track or locator that points to a application or website. ● The QR codes can store large amount of data. ● It consists of black square that are arranged in a square grid on a white background stock it can be read using imaging devices such as camera. ● Their usage is is increasing day by day to facilitate mobile payments at point of sale

NASA-ISRO to launch NISAR satellite in 2022 ● A joint statement issued after the dialogue read that the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar called the NISAR is to be launched by 2022. ● NISAR Mission: ○ It is the first radar imaging satellite to use dual-frequency. ○ The dual frequency of the satellite is to be used for remote sensing and understand the natural processes on the earth. ○ The left facing instruments of the satellite or to study about the Antarctic cryosphere. ○ The satellite is to use the radar imaging techniques to map the elevated ice masses address solutions of 5 to 10 metres. ○ The satellite will measure most complex natural processes of the earth such as Ice sheet collapse Chunari ecosystem disturbances, natural hazard like tsunamis, earthquakes, landslide and volcanoes. ○ Fund: The NASA is to share 808 million USD for the project and India is to share 110 million USD for the project. ● What is Antarctic cryosphere? ○ The cryosphere is the portion of the earth Where water is in the form of solid. ○ This includes Lake ice, Sea ice, snow-covers, Frozen Ground, icecaps, glaciers and the river ice.

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Indian Army launches Secure Messaging Application: SAI ● The Indian Army launched a messaging mobile application called the Secure Application for Internet SAI. ● The application will provide secure voice, video and text calling services to the soldiers of Indian Army. ● Developed by Colonel Shankar of the Indian Army.

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International Relation, Organisation & Report .

India-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue ● Both countries agreed to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in the field of cybersecurity that will promote cooperation in key areas such as 5G network, Critical Information Infrastructure, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence.

#Target_shots Addition Other Recent Developments Between India and Japan ● Recently, India and Japan signed a logistics agreement that will allow armed forces of both sides to coordinate closely in services and supplies. The agreement is known as the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). ● In 2019, India and Japan held the first-ever ministerial-level 2+2 dialogue. This dialogue involves the Defence and Foreign Ministers on both sides and is seen as an endorsement of the special strategic partnership between India and Japan. ● Both countries are also part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD). ● Recently, it has been reported that the second Ministerial meeting of Quad countries will be held in Japan. ● A “India-Japan Digital Partnership” (I-JDP) was launched during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Japan in October 2018, furthering existing areas of cooperation as well as new initiatives within the scope of cooperation in S&T/ICT, focusing more on “Digital ICT Technologies”. ● In 2014, India and Japan upgraded their relationship to 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership'. ● The India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that came into force in August 2011 covers trade in goods, services, movement of natural persons, investments, Intellectual Property Rights, custom procedures and other trade related issues. ● India and Japan defence forces organize a series of bilateral exercises namely, JIMEX, SHINYUU Maitri, and Dharma Guardian. Both countries also participate in Malabar exercise with the USA.

World Trade Organization to be led by a woman for first time ● The selection committee of the organization has announced that South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee and Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo Iweala are the two finalists to become the next Director General.

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About WTO Evolution of WTO JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● In 1945 a conference known as the Bretton Woods Conference (by two Bretton wood institutions- IMF and World Bank) was held for the creation of international trade organization (ITO) which nally could not be rati ed due to lack of approval by the US and many other major countries. ● Meanwhile, through negotiations, a multilateral agreement was concluded in 1947 known as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). ● Various conferences of GATT were held on periodic intervals for negations on trade. Finally, during the Uruguay round of conference held from 1986-1994, agreement on the creation of WTO was finally ratified through the Marrakesh Agreement. ● India has been a member of GATT since 1948 and a founding member of WTO. China joined WTO only in 2001 and Russia in 2012. ● It is the only global international organization dealing with the international Trade between nations. ● Its HQ is located in Geneva, Switzerland. ● WTO has 164 members and India is a founding member of WTO

Organizational Structure of WTO ● The highest authority of WTO is the Ministerial Conference. The first ministerial conference was held in Singapore. It meets every two years. ● The WTO body consists of a general council, Dispute Settlement Body and Trade Policy Review Body. ● General Council: Three councils of WTO report to General Council. They are Council for Trade in goods or the Goods Council, Council for Trade in Services called the Services Council and the TRIPS Council or the Council for Trade related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. ● Trade Policy Review Body: The body takes the policy reviews of members and is thus open to all WTO members. ● Dispute Settlement Body: It establishes dispute settlement panels, refers matters to arbitration, authorises suspension of concessions, maintain surveillance.

The important trade agreements concluded under WTO are - ● Agreement on Agriculture (AoA), ● Agreement on TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights), ● Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS), ● Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), ● Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS), ● General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) etc.

India and WTO ● Recently, WTO established two dispute settlement panels targeting import duties imposed by India in several Information and Communication Technology products. India

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imposed 10% custom duty on ICT products in 2017. It was further increased to 20%. The move is opposed by USA, EU, Japan, Singapore, China, Canada and Thailand. ● The goods covered were machines for reception, telephones for wireless networks, transmission and conversion of images, voice, etc.

India-Kyrgyzstan ● India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with Kyrgyzstan in 1992. ● Since 1992, the two countries have many agreements, including on Culture, Trade and Economic Cooperation, Civil Aviation, Investment Promotion and Protection, Avoidance of Double Taxation, Consular Convention etc. ● In 2011, the joint ‘Khanjar’ series of exercises was started. ● Indian diaspora in Kyrgyzstan- about 9,000 Indian students are studying medicine in various medical institutions in the country. Also, there are many businessmen living in Kyrgyzstan who are involved in trade and several other services there. ● The Kyrgyz leaderships have been largely supportive of India’s stand on Kashmir.

Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987 ● Signed in 1987. ● Popularly referred to as the Rajiv-Jayewardene Accord, after its architects Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and President J.R. Jayewardene. ● It sought to collectively address all the three contentious issues between India and Sri Lanka: strategic interests, people of Indian origin in Sri Lanka and Tamil minority rights in Sri Lanka. ● This accord saw the induction of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. ● According to the terms of the accord, Sri Lankan forces would withdraw from the north and the Tamil rebels would disarm. ● The accord was expected to resolve the Sri Lankan Civil War by enabling the thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka and the Provincial Councils Act of 1987.

China’s Debt-trap diplomacy ● In a push to gain rapid political and economic ascendency across the globe, China dispenses billions of dollars in the form of concessional loans to developing countries, mostly for their large-scale infrastructure projects. ● These developing nations, which are primarily low- or middle-income countries, are unable to keep up with the repayments, and Beijing then gets a chance to demand concessions or advantages in exchange for debt relief.

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) ● Pakistan has been re-elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). ● Currently india is member of UNHRC from 1 Jan 2019 to 1 jan 2022

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● India has previously served in Human Rights Council from 2011-2014 and 2014-2017.

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About UNHRC ● It was established in 2006. ● Headquarter: Geneva, Switzerland ● Aim: Promoting and protecting human rights around the globe, as well as investigating alleged human rights violations. ● Features: The UNHRC has 47 members elected for staggered three-year terms on a regional group basis from 5 groups. ● Membership: To become a member, a country must receive the votes of at least 96 of the 191 states of the UN General Assembly (an absolute majority). ○ According to Resolution 60/251, which created the council, members are elected directly by secret ballot by the majority of the UN General Assembly. Membership has to be equally distributed geographically. ○ Five regional groups for membership: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Western Europe and Eastern Europe. ○ The members are elected for a period of three years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms. ● Sessions: The UNHRC holds regular sessions three times a year, in March, June, and September. ● The council also carries out the Universal Periodic Review of all UN member states, which allows civil society groups to bring accusations of human rights violations in member states to the attention of the UN. ● The USA withdrew from the UNHRC in 2018 citing its ineffectiveness and bias. For India it is a testing time as Pakistan got re-elected despite dubious status regarding human rights.

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) ● The OHCHR is entrusted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with the mandate to protect and promote all human rights for everyone all over the world. ● a part of the UN Secretariat ● established in 1993. ● Headquartered in Geneva and has many regional offices as well. ● Headed by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. ● The chief functions of the Office include: ○ Preventing human rights violations. ○ Promoting respect for human rights. ○ Encouraging international cooperation to safeguard human rights. ○ Coordinating, strengthening and streamlining activities related to human rights within the United Nations. ●

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About the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) ● It was established in 1993, and previously known as the ICC (International Coordinating Committee) ● The Global Alliance is formed by all the NHRIs member of the four regional networks. ● Member NHRIs in full compliance with the Paris Principles (‘A’ status) are entitled to become voting members and to hold governance positions. ● NHRIs partially in compliance with the Paris Principles (‘B’, ‘C’ and no status) can participate in the meetings but are not entitled to vote or to hold governance positions. ● One of the key functions of the Bureau is to assess the applications for membership, review and determine the accreditation status of NHRIs, following a recommendation from the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA). ○ The SCA meets twice a year to make recommendations to the Bureau on NHRIs’ accreditation status. ○ The SCA comprises one ’A status’ NHRI from each of the four GANHRI regional groupings.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) ● an independent statutory body ● established on 12 October, 1993 as per provisions of Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, later amended in 2006. ● Headquarter in New Delhi. ● NHRC has celebrated its Silver Jubilee (25 years) on October 12, 2018. ● It is the watchdog of human rights in the country, i.e. the rights related to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by Indian Constitution or embodied in the international covenants and enforceable by courts in India. ● It was established in conformity with the Paris Principles, adopted for the promotion and protection of human rights in Paris (October, 1991) ● Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948. Structure: NHRC consists of a chairperson and 8 other members as follows: ● Chairperson: A retired Chief Justice of India. ● One member: Either a working or a retired judge of the Supreme Court or High Court ● Three persons: Having knowledge or practical experience in matters relating to Human Rights. ( at least one shall be a woman ) ● Four ex-officio members: Chairpersons of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, National Commission for Minorities and National Commission for Women. Appointed By: ● President appoints chairperson and the members of National Human Rights Commission for which a committee nominates the names.

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● This committee consists of chairperson, the Prime Minister and the members including Home Minister, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman.

Removal of The President and Member of the Commission ● The President may remove the Chairperson or any other Member if he: ● Is adjudged an insolvent; or ● Engages during his term of office in any paid employment outside the duties of his office; or ● Is unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or body; or ● Is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court; or ● Is convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for an offence, which in the opinion of the President involves moral turpitude. ● on the ground of proved misbehavior or incapacity.

Functions & Powers of NHRC ➢ NHRC investigates grievances regarding the violation of human rights either suo moto or after receiving a petition. ➢ It has the power to interfere in any judicial proceedings involving any allegation of violation of human rights. ➢ It can visit any jail or any other institution under the control of the State Government to see the living conditions of the inmates and to make recommendations thereon. ➢ It can review the safeguards provided under the constitution or any law for the protection of the human rights and can recommend appropriate remedial measures. ➢ It has the powers of a civil court and can grant interim relief. ➢ It also has the authority to recommend payment of compensation or damages. ➢ It can recommend to both the central and state governments to take suitable steps to prevent the violation of Human Rights. It submits its annual report to the President of India who causes it to be laid before each House of Parliament.

Major issues tackled by NHRC are as follows ➢ Custodial Torture ➢ Right to Work and Labour Rights ➢ Extrajudicial Killings ➢ Arbitrary Arrest and Detention ➢ Excessive Powers of the Armed Forces and the Police ➢ Sexual Violence ➢ Conflict-Induced Internal Displacement ➢ Child Labour ➢ Manual Scavenging ➢ Violence and discrimination against Women, Children

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➢ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Rights ➢ Problems faced by Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Religious Minorities, Persons with Disabilities

75th Anniversary of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) (16th Oct ) ● It is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. ● Headquarters: Rome, Italy ● Founded: 16 October 1945 ● Goal of FAO: Their goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. ● Members : The FAO has 197 member countries, which includes the European Union as well ● India is member of FAO ● Mandate : To improve nutrition, increase agricultural productivity, raise the standard of living in rural populations and contribute to global economic growth.

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Important reports and Programmes (Have a brief overview)F: ● Global Report on Food Crises. ● Every two years, FAO publishes the State of the World’s Forests. It is related to food, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and natural resources. ● FAO and the World Health Organization created the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 1961 to develop food standards, guidelines and texts. ● In 1996, FAO organized the World Food Summit. The Summit concluded with the signing of the Rome Declaration, which established the goal of halving the number of people who suffer from hunger by the year 2015. ● In 2004 the Right to Food Guidelines were adopted, offering guidance to states on how to implement their obligations on the right to food. ● FAO created the International Plant Protection Convention or IPPC in 1952. ● FAO is depositary of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, also called Plant Treaty, Seed Treaty or ITPGRFA, entered into force on 29 June 2004. ● The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Partnership Initiative was conceptualized in 2002 during World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Report titled: Stacked odds ● Released by: United Nations(UN) ● On the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child,2020.

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● Joint Initiative: This report has been combined with observations, data and studies conducted by Walk Free, International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Key findings: ● Females across the world account for about 71% of all victims of Modern Slavery. ● One in every 130 females globally is living in modern slavery. Females account for 99% of all victims of forced sexual exploitation, 84% of all victims of forced marriage, and 58% of all victims of forced labour. ● Modern slavery: It is defined as the systematic removal of a person’s freedom, where one person is exploited by another for personal or financial gain.

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International Organization for Migration (IOM) ● It is an intergovernmental organization established in 1951. ● Purpose: It provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers. ● In 2016 it became a related organization of the United Nations. ● Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

Bandung Conference(1955) & Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) ● Bandung Conference: The first large-scale Asian–African or Afro–Asian Conference— also known as the Bandung Conference was a meeting of Asian and African states, most of which were newly independent, which took place on April 18–24, 1955 in Bandung, Indonesia ● Organised by Burma, Indonesia, Pakistan, India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and was coordinated by Ruslan Abdulgani, secretary-general of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

#Target_shots Addition About NAM ● Reason : NAM was formed during the Cold War as an organisation of States that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the USA (Capitalism) or the Soviet Union (Socialism) but sought to remain independent or neutral. ● Founded in : First Summit Conference of Belgrade, which was held in September 1961. ● Leadership : Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, and Sukarno of Indonesia. ● Purpose: to ensure "the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of non-aligned countries" in their struggle against imperialism, colonialism, neo- colonialism, racism, and all forms of foreign subjugation. ● Members : 120 members as of April 2018 JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● Organisation: ○ NAM does not have a formal constitution or permanent secretariat, and its administration is non-hierarchical and rotational. ○ Decisions are made by consensus, which requires substantial agreement, but not unanimity.

Geneva Conventions ● After the Galwan (India-China) clash in Ladakh in June 2020, the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) urged both the Indian and Chinese governments that they observe the Geneva Conventions to which both countries are signatories. About Geneva Conventions 1949 ● The international treaties that contain the most important rules limiting the barbarity of war. ● They protect people who do not take part in the fighting (civilians, medics, aid workers) and those who can no longer fight (wounded, sick and shipwrecked troops, prisoners of war). ● Two Protocols of 1977: Additional to the four 1949 Geneva Conventions were adopted in 1977. They strengthen the protection of victims of international (Protocol I) and non- international (Protocol II) armed conflicts and place limits on the way wars are fought. ● In 2005, a third Additional Protocol was adopted creating an additional emblem, the Red Crystal, which has the same international status as the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems.

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International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) ● an international humanitarian organisation, ● Mandate: to monitor that signatories follow the rules in situations of conflict. ● Established in 1863, the ICRC operates worldwide, helping people affected by conflict and armed violence and promoting the laws that protect victims of war. ● An independent and neutral organization, based in Geneva, Switzerland. ● Funding: The ICRC is funded mainly by voluntary donations from governments and from National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Uranium Supply From Australia to India ● The uranium imports from Australia were to be used to meet fuel requirements of Indian nuclear reactors that are under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.

India’s Civil Nuclear Capacity ● India has 22 reactors with an installed capacity of 6,780 megawatt. (7 in operation ) ● Nuclear power is the fifth-largest source of electricity in India after coal, gas, hydroelectricity and wind power.

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● Eight reactors are fuelled by indigenous uranium while the remaining 14 are under IAEA safeguards and qualify to use imported uranium. ● India's domestic uranium reserves are small ● India imports uranium fuel from Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, France and Canada. ● Kazakhstan is the world’s largest producer of uranium & the largest supplier of uranium to India

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Uranium reserves in India: ● Tummalapalle belt in Andhra Pradesh and in the Bhima basin in Karnataka

India’s civil nuclear agreements ● Aim to develop mutually beneficial economic, scientific and technical cooperation for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. ● India has civil nuclear agreements with 14 countries

International Atomic Energy Agency ● known as the world’s “Atoms for Peace and Development” organization within the United Nations family ● independent international organization that reports annually to the UN General Assembly. ● Functions: The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies. ● Created in 1957 ● Headquarters is in Vienna, Austria.

Non-Proliferation Treaty ● Why: to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to foster the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of disarmament. ● When: Signed in 1968 and entered into force in 1970. ● Presently, it has 190 member states. ● Countries not signed NPT : India, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea, and South Sudan. ● It requires countries to give up any present or future plans to build nuclear weapons in return for access to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. ● It represents the only binding commitment in a multilateral treaty to the goal of disarmament by the nuclear-weapon States. ● Nuclear-weapon states parties under the NPT are defined as those that manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive devices before 1st January 1967.

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Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action ● Adopted in 1995 at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China ● Recognized as the most progressive roadmap for the empowerment of women and girls, everywhere. ● The BPfA covers 12 key critical matters of concern and areas for action including women and poverty, violence against women and access to power and decision- making. ● It was supported by 189 countries, including the UK, at the 1995 World Conference. What is Beijing +25? ● In 2020, it will be 25 years since the Beijing Platform for Action(1995) set strategic objectives and actions for the achievement of gender equality in 12 critical areas of concern.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ● History: ○ OECD originated in 1948, as the Organisation for European Economic Co- operation (OEEC). ○ The Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) was founded to govern the predominantly US-funded Marshall Plan for post-war reconstruction on the continent. ● Renamed: OEEC was renamed as the OECD in 1961 when the USA and Canada joined to reflect a broader membership. ● The OECD is an intergovernmental economic organisation, founded to stimulate economic progress and world trade. ● Founded: 1961. ● Headquarters: Paris, France. ● Total Members: 36. ○ Most OECD members are high-income economies with a very high Human Development Index (HDI) and are regarded as developed countries. ● India is not a member, but a key economic partner. ● Objective: ○ The objectives of the OECD include fostering economic development and cooperation and fighting poverty through the promotion of economic stability. ○ ensures that the environmental impact of growth and social development ● Reports and Indices by OECD ○ Government at a Glance 2017 report. ○ International Migration Outlook. ○ OECD Better Life Index.

India joins UK-led fight against encrypted online messages ● The signatories claimed that end-to-end encryption policies like those employed by the social media giant erode the public’s safety online. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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What is end-to-end encryption? ● It means that the messages are visible only to the sender and the recipient, and not even to the tech company which provides it, for example, WhatsApp, or any third-party. ● Encryption technology involves scrambling or jumbling of the data being transferred in such a way that it can be deciphered only by the sender and the receiver.

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Five Eyes’ group of nations ● The Five Eyes (FVEY) is an intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. ● It is a ‘supra-national intelligence organization’ and is not accountable to the laws of its countries. ● The Five Eyes was primarily formed to handle the global threats mainly from the Soviet Union, China and several other eastern European countries ● PRISM, Tempora, XKeyscore, STATEROOM and MUSCULAR were the secret surveillance missions operated by the Five Eyes Alliance.

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World Economic Outlook 2020 ● Released by: International Monetary Fund (IMF) ● Titled: “A Long and Difficult Ascent”. ● It is launched twice a year: in June & October

Key findings of the report ● The report has projected that India’s economy will contract by 10.3% in 2020. This growth will be the slowest among the BRICS countries. ● The Report has revised the growth projections of the whole world by point 0.8 percentage as compared to that of June 2020. ● The report also says that after 2021 the Global growth is expected to be at 3.5 %. ● Global growth would contract by 4.4% in 2020 and bounce back to 5.2% in 2021. ● The consumer prices in India will grow at 4.9 % in 2020 and 3.7% in 2021 according to the report. ● The current account balance is projected to grow by 0.3 % in 2020 and Up – 0.9 % in 2021 ● US economy: The report says that the US economy is to grow by -4.3 % in 2020 that is the US economy will contract. In 2021 the US is to grow by 3.1 %. ● A deep recession in 2020 – The report mentioned a projection of less severe yet deep recession in the year 2020 due to the slowdown in economic activities across the globe due to lockdown. ● The key factors that led to rapid recovery in the economy and avoided a financial catastrophe are: ○ Sizable, swift, and unprecedented fiscal, monetary, and regulatory responses. ○ Maintenance of disposable income for households ○ Protection of cash flows for firms ○ Support of credit provisions ● The report suggests that emerging markets and developing economies are still unsecured due to the following reasons: ○ The pandemic continues to spread in these areas ○ The health systems in these areas are being overwhelmed with the rising number of cases. ○ Sectors like tourism are severely affected which are important in the growth of the economy. ○ Emerging markets and developing countries are also dependent on external finance including remittances. ● Due to covid-19 crisis, there has been a disruption in both supply and demand in the global economy. ● Some of the reasons for supply disruptions are: ○ Infections following coronavirus ○ Reduction in labour supply ○ Lockdowns ○ Business closures

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○ Social distancing ● Some of the reasons for demand disruptions are: ○ Layoffs ○ Loss of income arising from unemployment, the morbidity of quarantines.

Suggestions ● The report suggests that the Global fiscal support of 12 trillion USD is required. This can be infused through asset purchases, liquidity injections and the rate cuts by the central bank. ● A great International collaboration on treatments and tests of COVID-19 vaccines is required. If the availability of vaccines is made faster will be around nine trillion USD by 2025. ● The policies framed by the government should focus on limiting economic damages. Also, the policies should add workers to transit towards growing sectors.

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International Monetary Fund (IMF) ● The formation initiated in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference. ● IMF came into operation on 27th December 1945 ● Members: 189 member countries. India is member of India ● Headquartered in Washington, D.C., ● Significance: IMF focuses on fostering global monetary cooperation, securing financial stability, facilitating and promoting international trade, employment, and economic growth around the world. ● The IMF is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Functions of the IMF: ● IMF mainly focuses on supervising the international monetary system along with providing credits to the member countries. The functions of the International Monetary Fund can be categorized into three types: ● Regulatory functions: IMF functions as a regulatory body and as per the rules of the Articles of Agreement, it also focuses on administering a code of conduct for exchange rate policies and restrictions on payments for current account transactions. ● Financial functions: IMF provides financial support and resources to the member countries to meet short term and medium term Balance of Payments (BOP) disequilibrium. ● Consultative fun•ctions: IMF is a center for international cooperation for the member countries. It also acts as a source of counsel and technical assistance.

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Report on Food Consumption: WWF ● Publish By: The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has published the report “Bending the Curve: The Restorative Power of Planet-Based Diets”. ● Coverage: The report offered a detailed analysis of food consumption patterns in 147 countries and six regions and the national dietary guidelines (NDGs) across 75 countries. Key Findings: ● Food consumption patterns vary widely and can best be characterised by massive inequality. ● Different consumption patterns are observed in the richest and poorest countries, with European countries consuming approximately 600 grams per day more food (1,800 g/day) than African countries (1,200 g/day). ● Although under-nutrition and obesity affect almost all countries, the rate of underweight people is up to 10 times higher in the poorest countries as compared to other countries. ● The rate of overweight/obese people is up to five times higher in the richest countries. Major Concerns: JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● Premature deaths in low- and middle-income countries due to unhealthy diets, under- consumption as well as over-consumption. ● India needs to be extra careful in figuring out the changes in the diet because there could be an increase in biodiversity loss due to a shift to a healthier and planet-friendly diet and extensively increased consumption. ● The country has to first increase consumption of fruits, vegetables and dairy to meet its nutritional requirements.

South China sea Dispute ● It is a dispute over territory and sovereignty over ocean areas, and the Paracels and the Spratlys – two island chains claimed in whole or in part by a number of countries.

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About South China Sea ● South China Sea is an arm of western Pacific Ocean in Southeast Asia. ● Bordering states & territories (clockwise from north): the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam. ● It is connected by Taiwan Strait with the East China Sea and by Luzon Strait with the Philippine Sea. ● The Paracel Islands, the Spratly Islands and the Scarborough Shoal are the most important ● Importance: ○ This sea holds tremendous strategic importance for its location as it is the connecting link between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. (Strait of Malacca) ○ one-third of the global shipping passes through it, carrying trillions of trade which makes it a significant geopolitical water body. ○ Sea has one-third of the entire world’s marine biodiversity and contains lucrative fisheries providing food security to the Southeast Asian nations. ○ South China Sea is believed to have huge oil and gas reserves beneath its seabed.

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New START treaty (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) ● It is a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and the Russian Federation with the formal name of Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms. ● Signed on 8 April 2010 in Prague, ● Replaced the Treaty of Moscow (SORT), which was to expire in December 2012. Under terms of the treaty: ● Number of strategic nuclear missile launchers will be reduced by half. ● A new inspection and verification regime will be established, replacing the SORT mechanism. ● The number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads is limited to 1,550. ● Number of deployed and non-deployed inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) launchers, submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) launchers, and heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments to 800 will be limited. Timeline: ● These obligations must be met within seven years from the date the treaty enters into force. ● The treaty will last ten years, with an option to renew it for up to five years upon agreement of both parties

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SCO Startup Forum ● The forum will lay the foundation for multilateral cooperation and engagement among the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States. ● Objective: To develop and improve startup ecosystems collectively. ● The Forum shall identify areas of cooperation by launching multiple entrepreneurial activities like startup showcases through a dedicated virtual platform, mobilizing capital for startups, sharing of best practices, procuring social innovations etc. ● Also, Innovation and Startups will be the key focus area of SCO Heads of Government meeting on 30th November 2020 to be hosted by India.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) ● the largest transregional international organization that accounts to 44% of the world population ● that stretches between Pacific Ocean and Baltic sea and also between Arctic Ocean and Indian Ocean. ● Formed in the year 2001 and ● Headquartered at Beijing, China. ● Aims to maintain stability, peace and security in the region. India and Pakistan became the members of the organization only in 2017. ● Five founder members: namely Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan,Russia, Tajikistan ● New 3 members: Uzbekistan in 2001, India and Pakistan became members in 2017. ● Four observer states - Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia. ● It has the capacity to counterbalance the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Myanmar Rohingya- an overview of the crisis ● Described by: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as “one of, if not the, most discriminated people in the world”, the Rohingya are one of Myanmar’s many ethnic minorities. ● They have their own language and culture and say they are descendants of Arab traders and other groups who have been in the region for generations. What’s the issue? ● The government of Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist country, denies the Rohingya citizenship and even excluded them from the 2014 census, refusing to recognise them as a people. ● It sees them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Location: ● About 860,000 Rohingya live in the world’s largest and most densely populated refugee camp in southern Bangladesh. ● ccording to the Ministry of Home Affairs, there are approximately 40,000 Rohingyas living in India.

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Israel and Bahrain to formalise diplomatic ties ● Israel and Bahrain have officially established diplomatic relations by signing a US- brokered agreement. ● The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain became only the third and fourth Arab states to agree to normalise ties with Israel, following Israel’s 1979 peace deal with Egypt and a 1994 pact with Jordan.

Green Strategic Partnership ● Launched by India and the Kingdom of Denmark ● The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Intellectual Property (IP) Cooperation with Denmark. ● The Partnership will focus on expanding economic ties, green growth, and cooperation on global challenges such as climate change. ● Danish companies with niche technologies and expertise have offered to help India in meeting its air pollution control targets, Covid-19 pandemic and cooperation in water efficiency and water loss. ● The creation of India-Denmark energy parks in areas with large numbers of Danish firms and an India-Denmark skill institute to train Indian manpower has been proposed

Australia and the Malabar Exercise ● Recently, Australia has agreed to join the Malabar Exercise on India’s request. The exercise is scheduled to be held in November 2020. About Malabar Exercise ● EX-Malabar began as a bilateral naval exercise between India and the U.S. in 1992. ● Japan joined in 2015. ● The Exercise is aimed to support free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and remain committed to a rules based international order. ● also aimed at interoperability with an emphasis on humanitarian assistance, surface war manoeuvres, anti-submarines warfare, counter-terror operations, gunnery training and aerial surveillance.

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Quadrilateral Security Dialogue ● The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD, also known as the Quad) is an informal strategic forum between the USA, Japan, India and Australia. ● Quad is the informal strategic dialogue between India, the USA, Japan and Australia with a shared objective to ensure and support a free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region. ● It is maintained by semi-regular summits, information exchanges and military drills between member countries.

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● The dialogue was paralleled by joint military exercises of an unprecedented scale, titled Exercise Malabar. ● The diplomatic and military arrangement was widely viewed as a response to increased Chinese economic and military power.

Global Tuberculosis Report, 2020 ● Released by: World Health Organisation ( WHO ) ● The United Nations had set a goal to reduce incidence of TB by 20% and 35% reduction in deaths due to TB by 2020. Key findings: ● The report says that COVID-19 could push Tuberculosis related deaths in the world to eight years back ● According to the report, the number of TB deaths could be between 200,000 and 400,000. ● India registered a decline in notification of Tuberculosis cases by 85% in April 2020 after the imposition of lock down. ● Philippines, Indonesia and South Africa account to 44% of global TB cases in the world. ● The three countries that have the largest burden of drug-resistant TB are India, China and Russia. ● Between 2015 and 2019, there were 9% reduction of TB incidence and 14% reduction in TB deaths. ● India has the highest TB burden in the world. It accounts to 26% of total global TB cases.

Cancer ● Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases of human beings and is a major cause of death all over the globe. ● Cancer is a serious disease in which the cells start dividing abnormally in an uncontrolled manner. ● Most cancer cells are found in the shape of tumours, with a few notable exceptions such as leukaemia. All tumours are not cancerous. Some tumours, such as moles, stop growing and are not malignant. ● Types of Cancer 1. Carcinoma: It is the most common form of cancer that affects the epithelial cells which form the lining of internal organs or the skin. Lung cancer, skin cancer, pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer are some of its common manifestations. 2. Sarcoma: These cancer cells develop in the bones and soft tissues such as fat tissues, cartilages, blood vessels, lymph and other supporting tissues of tendons and ligaments. 3. Leukaemia: Commonly known as blood cancer, leukaemia affects the tissues of the bone marrow which is responsible for blood production. 4. Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, which are a part of the immune system.

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5. Melanoma: It is a form of skin cancer that targets melanin – the pigment responsible for skin colour. In this form of cancer, the melanocytes are affected resulting in the abnormal formation of melanin. 6. Myeloma: Myeloma targets another part of the immune system- the plasma cells. The affected plasma cells, called myeloma cells divide in the bone marrow causing multiple tumours in the bones (Multiple Myeloma also called Kahler disease). 7. CNS Cancers: CNS (Central Nervous System) cancers originate from the brain and the spinal cord. Gliomas, vestibular schwannomas, meningiomas, primary CNS lymphomas, pituitary adenomas, and primitive neuroectodermal tumours are few CNS cancers.

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination ● Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine is a vaccine primarily used against tuberculosis (TB). ● In countries where tuberculosis or leprosy is common, one dose is recommended in healthy babies at the time of birth.

WHO backs India’s proposal against “COVID-19 Vaccine Nationalism” ● India and South Africa had proposed to ease international and intellectual property agreements on COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and tests. ● The developed countries such as US, Canada, European Union, Japan, UK, Switzerland and Australia rejected the proposal. COVID-19 Technology Access Pool ( CTAP ) ● Launched by WHO ● To invite countries to share knowledge, data and intellectual property. ● The main aim of C-TAP is to accelerate discovery of vaccines, medicines and other COVID-19 related research.

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What is Vaccine Nationalism? ● The United States has now twice indicated that it would like to secure priority access to doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Other countries, including India and Russia, have taken similar stances. ● This prioritisation of domestic markets has become known as vaccine nationalism. ● How it works? ○ Vaccine nationalism occurs when a country manages to secure doses of vaccine for its own citizens or residents before they are made available in other countries. ○ This is done through pre-purchase agreements between a government and a vaccine manufacturer.

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International Maritime Organization ( IMO ) ● a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). ● It is a global standard-setting authority with responsibility to improve the safety and security of international shipping and prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. ● Established on 1948 after an agreement during the Geneva Conference ● headquarters in London, United Kingdom, ● It currently has 174 Member States and 3 associate members. ● India joined the IMO in 1959.

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Important IMO conventions: 1. International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) a. The Convention is to specify standards for the ship’s structure, machinery and electrical installations e.t.c b. The convention requires signatory flag states to ensure that ships flagged by them comply with at least these standards 2. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) a. Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships by eliminating all harmful substance which can be discharged from ship. 3. International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 4. International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law relating to Bills of Lading a.k.a Hague-Visby Rules a. basically a set of rules governing the international carriage of goods by seagoing merchant ships. b. primarily aimed to solve this problem by establishing standard basic obligations and responsibilities of the carrier and shipper for goods covered under a bill of lading. 5. Hamburg Rules a. basically improved version of Hague-Visby rules governing the international shipment of goods. It was an attempt to create a level playing field for developing countries in the area of international shipments of goods.

India Invited to Join the Blue Dot Network ● A group of the US Senators, in a letter, has asked India to join the Blue Dot Network (BDN). About Blue Dot Network ● The BDN was formally announced on 4th November 2019 at the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Bangkok, Thailand. It is led by the USA along with Japan and Australia.

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● What is it? : It is a multi-stakeholder initiative to bring together governments, the private sector and civil society to promote high-quality, trusted standards for global infrastructure development. ● It is expected to serve as a globally recognized evaluation and certification system for roads, ports and bridges with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. ● It is planned as a direct counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). ● However, unlike the BRI, the BDN would not offer public funds or loans for the project. ● Blue Dot certification: BDN will serve as a globally recognized seal of approval for major infrastructure projects, letting people know that projects are sustainable and not exploitative.

World Bank “Beaten or Broken? Informality and COVID-19 in South Asia” report: ● The report analyses the impact of school closures because of Covid on children. Key findings: ● South Asia region stands to lose USD 622 billion from the school closures in the present scenario or up to USD 880 billion in a more pessimistic scenario. ● While the regional loss is largely driven by India, all countries will lose substantial shares of their GDP. ● South Asia is set to plunge into its worst-ever recession in 2020 as the devastating impacts of COVID-19 on the region’s economies linger. ● Temporary school closures in all South Asian countries have kept 391 million students out of school in primary and secondary education, further complicating efforts to resolve the learning crisis. ● The pandemic may cause up to 5.5 million students to drop out from the education system and cause substantial learning losses, which will have a lifetime impact on the productivity of a generation of students. ● The projected learning loss for the region is 0.5 years of learning-adjusted years of schooling (LAYS), falling from 6.5 LAYS to 6.0 LAYS, an enormous setback from recent advances in schooling. ● Based on country data on household labor incomes, the average child in South Asia may lose USD 4,400 in lifetime earnings once having entered the labour market, equivalent to 5 percent of total earnings.

What is the ‘Learning Adjusted Year of Schooling” (LAYS) concept? ● Introduced by the World Bank, it seeks to combine access and learning outcomes into a single measure. ● It combines quantity (years of schooling) and quality (how much kids know at a given grade level) into a single summary measure of human capital in a society.

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Cabinet approves India-Nigeria Space Cooperation ● Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the National Space Research and Development agency of Nigeria. ● The agreements enable cooperation between the countries in the areas such as ○ satellite communication ○ satellite based navigation ○ Remote Sensing of the earth ○ space systems and ground systems ○ practical applications of space Technology. ● The agreement will provide impetus to explore new research activities. ● It will also help to explore possible applications in the field of Remote sensing of the earth satellite, Navigation satellite, communication space science and Exploration of outer space.

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) ● an initiative that seeks to facilitate a platform where extremism is brought under control through international, intercultural and interreligious dialogue and cooperation. ● Established in 2005, ● As the political initiative of Mr. Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General and co- sponsored by the Governments of Spain and Turkey. ● Based and operating from New York. ● Objective: The Alliance maintains a global network of partners including states, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, foundations, and the private sector to improve cross-cultural relations between diverse nations and communities.

The Future of Jobs Report, 2020 ● Report by World Economic Forum ● According to the report the covid-19 and its impacts will disrupt more than 85 million jobs by 2025. ● The report is based on the future of jobs. ● The report has been prepared by the forum based on the projections of Senior Business leaders from more than 300 Global firms. ● These Global leaders together employ over a million of workers.

Key findings of the report ● The automation and new division of labour between the Machines and humans will be the major reason for disruption of jobs in the next five years. ● The redundancy in workforce will decrease from 15.4 % to 9 percentage. ● The covid-19 economic crisis has accelerated the disruption of jobs. ● Around 43 percentage of businesses all over the world have reduced their work force due to integration of Technology. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● Around 41 % of businesses in the world are using contractors for task specialised work. ● Around 31 percentage of the businesses in the world are planning to expand their workforce due to integration of Technology.

Key highlights of the report ● 50 percentage of the workers in the world require reskilling in order to secure their jobs in the next five years. ● The acceleration of Technology might increase Global inequality and reduce income of the workers. ● The most affected due to the acceleration of Technology will be the young people, women and low skilled workers.

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Other reports by World Economic Forum: ● Human Capital Report ● Inclusive growth & Development report by WEF ● Global Competitiveness Report ● Global IT Report ● Global Gender Gap Report ● Global Risk Report ● Global Travel and Tourism Report ● Environmental Performance Index

World Energy Outlook (WEO) 2020 ● Published by: International Energy Agency (IEA), France. ● 2 Key themes : ○ The impact of Covid-19 on the energy sector ○ The prospects for accelerated energy transitions. REPORT ANALYSIS ● The Covid-19 pandemic has caused more disruption to the energy sector than any other event in recent history. ● This report explores different pathways out of the Covid-19 crisis, with a particular focus on a pivotal next ten years to 2030. ● ESTIMATED FALL ○ ENERGY : Global energy demand is set to drop by 5% in 2020, energy-related CO2 emissions by 7%, and energy investment by 18%. ○ FUEL : The estimated falls of 8% in oil demand and 7% in coal use stand in sharp contrast to a slight rise in the contribution of renewables. ○ GAS : The reduction in natural gas demand is around 3%, while global electricity demand looks set to be down by a relatively modest 2% for the year. ○ CARBON DIOXIDE : The 2.4 gigatonnes (Gt) decline takes annual CO2 emissions back to where they were a decade ago. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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○ METHANE : A similar fall is in 2020 with emissions of methane – a powerful greenhouse gas despite lower oil and gas output. ● SOLAR : NEW KING OF ELECTRICITY ○ Renewables grow rapidly in all the scenarios, with solar at the centre of this new constellation of electricity generation technologies. ○ Supportive policies and maturing technologies are enabling very cheap access to capital in leading markets. ○ Electricity grids could prove to be the weak link in the transformation of the power sector. ○ There will be implications for the reliability and security of electricity supply. ● COAL WILL BE PHASED OUT ○ Coal demand does not return to pre-crisis levels in the STEPS and its share in the 2040 . ○ The energy mix falls below 20% for the first time since the Industrial Revolution. ○ Coal phase-out policies, the rise of renewables and competition from natural gas lead to less consumption. ○ The retirement of 275 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired capacity is expected worldwide by 2025. ● DECLINE OF OIL BY 2030 ○ The era of growth in global oil demand comes to an end within ten years. ○ The shape of the economic recovery is a key uncertainty. ○ In the absence of a larger shift in policies, it is still too early to foresee a rapid decline in oil demand. ● ONG-TERM POLICY FOR NATURAL GAS ○ Natural gas fares better than other fossil fuels, but different policy contexts produce strong variations. ○ Greater transparency on methane emissions seems to be on the way, with implications for the environmental credentials of different sources of gas. ○ Lower prices and downward revisions to demand, have cut around one-quarter off the value of future oil and gas production. ● GLOBAL EMISSIONS ○ Global emissions are set to bounce back more slowly than after the financial crisis of 2008-2009. ○ The world is still a long way from a sustainable recovery. ○ A step-change in clean energy investment, IEA Sustainable Recovery Plan, offers a way to boost economic recovery, create jobs and reduce emissions. ● AIR QUALITY ○ Cities see major improvements in air quality by 2030 in the SDS. ○ Without the disruptions to economic activity or people’s lives that cleared the air in 2020. ○ The power sector takes the lead, but a wide range of strategies and technologies are required to tackle emissions across all parts of the energy sector.

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○ Reaching net zero globally by 2050, would demand a set of dramatic additional actions over the next ten years

G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting ● Recently, Saudi Arabia hosted the first-ever Ministerial Meeting of the G-20 Anti- Corruption Working Group (ACWG) virtually. ● It was set up in June 2010 at the Toronto Summit of G-20. The year 2020 marks its 10th anniversary. ● Objective: To prepare "comprehensive recommendations for consideration by leaders on how the G20 could continue to make practical and valuable contributions to international efforts to combat corruption". ● It actively works with the World Bank Group, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), etc.

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G20 ● It is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 20 major economies. ● Founded in 1999 ● Aim was to review policy decisions to enhance international financial stability ● It now deliberates on global economic issues and other important development challenges. ● 20 Members ( EU + 19 Countries) Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia,Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, theUnited States and the European Union.

Corruption Perception Index 2019 ● Prepared by Transparency International. ● It is annually released (once a year.) ● What is it?: a composite index that draws from 12 surveys to rank nations around the globe. ● It ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, according to experts and business people. ● Transparency International undertakes multiple surveys and assessments from different international organizations including the World Bank ● It uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean. ● Performance of India and neighbours: ○ With a score of 41 / 100 , India is at the 80th spot. ○ Most Corrupt Country – Somalia (It Scored 9 out 100; and ranked at the bottom – 180)

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○ Least Corrupt Country – Denmark (It scored 87 out 100; and ranked at the top – 1) ○ In the Asia Pacific region, the average score is 45, after many consecutive years of an average score of 44, which “illustrates general stagnation” across the region. ○ China has improved its position from 87 to 80 with a score of 41 out of 100, a two-point jump. ○

Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report 2020 ● Credit Suisse has released the Global Wealth Report 2020. ○ Credit Suisse is a financial services company based in Switzerland. ● The Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report provides the most comprehensive and up-to- date coverage of information on household wealth worldwide. Key findings: ● Global Scenario: 1. In 2019, total global wealth rose by USD 36.3 trillion and wealth per adult reached USD 77,309, which is 8.5% more when compared to 2018. a. As a consequence, the world has been better placed to absorb any losses from Covid-19 during 2020. 2. However, total household wealth dropped by USD 17.5 trillion between January and March 2020, a 4.4% decrease compared to the value at the end of 2019. a. Asia Pacific is the highest contributor of household wealth. 3. Female workers have suffered disproportionately, partly because of their high representation in businesses and industries such as restaurants, hotels, personal service and retail that have been badly affected by the pandemic. ● Indian Scenario: 1. Household wealth in India is dominated by property and other real assets, although financial assets have grown over time, now forming 22% of gross assets. a. Stocks, bonds, bank deposits are some examples of financial assets. 2. The average wealth of Indian adults rose marginally to USD 17,420 at end-June 2020, as against USD 17,300 as of December 2019, showing some growth despite the Covid pandemic and lockdowns. 3. Wealth inequality remains quite high in India. a. There is considerable poverty reflected in the fact that 73% of the adult population had wealth below USD 10,000 at the end of 2019. b. At the other extreme, a small fraction of the population (2.3% of adults) had a net worth over USD 1,00,000.

Chair of ILO Governing Body: India ● After 35 years, India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Governing Body of International Labour Organization (ILO).

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● Labour & Employment Secretary Apurva Chandra has been elected as the Chairperson of the Governing Body(GB) of the ILO for the period October 2020-June 2021. ● GB meets thrice a year, in March, June and November

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International Labour Organization (ILO) ● Dealing with labour issues, particularly international labour standards, social protection, and work opportunities for all. ● ILO was created in 1919, as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I, ● It became specialized agency of the United Nations in 1946. ● The Headquarter of ILO is in Geneva, Switzerland. ● Members: 187 member states ● In 1969, ILO received the Nobel Peace Prize for improving fraternity and peace among nations, pursuing decent work and justice for workers, and providing technical assistance to other developing nations. ● India is a founder member as well as a permanent member of the ILO Governing Body since 1922. The first ILO Office in India started in 1928. ● India has ratified 41 Conventions of the ILO ● Report by ILO: releases the annual World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO) Trends report

India-Israel Water Attache ● The Water Attache division will share Israel’s best practices, technologies and water management in agriculture sectors. ● Also, Israel is to soon appoint an honorary Consul to the North-East. Its objective is to increase its presence and collaboration in the north-east region.

India-Israel Agricultural Project ● Indo-Israeli Agriculture Project was launched in 2008. ● The objective of Indo-Israeli Agriculture Project is to share best practices and technical knowledge from Israel to Indian Farmers. ● The project achievements of Indo-Israel Agriculture project includes rejuvenation of mango orchards in Maharashtra, cherry tomatoes growing in Haryana and demonstrating to Indian farmers the effectiveness of irrigation technologies. ● MASHAV represents Israel in the project

What is MASHAV? ● Mashav is an Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is India’s strategic partner in the twelve-year cooperation, based on a memorandum of understanding signed in 2006. ● Mashav conducts the design, coordination and implementation of the State of Israel’s worldwide development and cooperation programs in developing countries. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● Under this project, the key crops include mango, pomegranate, citrus fruits, date palm, vegetables, floriculture and bees keeping are all focused. ● The programmes are sponsored by the UNESCO and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

India-USA 2+2 Dialogue 2020 ● The USA reiterated its support to India in defending its territorial sovereignty in the background of the ongoing standoff between India-China. ● It also referred to the greater threats posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region and by the Covid-19 pandemic in general. ● The first two rounds of these dialogues between both the countries were held in 2018 and 2019.

‘2+2’ Dialogue ● 2+2 Ministerial is the highest-level institutional mechanism between the two countries. ● It is a format of dialogue where the defence/foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts from another country.

The India-Central Asia Business Council (ICABC) ● The council was launched by the Government of India along with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). ● It is a B2B body under the India- Central Asia Dialogue, ICABC should promote business linkages, facilitate greater understanding of taxation, business regulations in India.

The European Union ● It is a group of 27 countries that operate as a cohesive economic and political block. ● The EU has often been described as a sui generis political entity (without precedent or comparison). Origin of the European Union: ● Despite not being officially formed until 1993, the European Union’s foundations actually reach further back to 1957, when the European Economic Community was established. ● The EEC was formed out of a previous group called the European Coal and Steel Community – which had its own start in 1951. ● In 1993, the EEC morphed into the European Union following the new Maastricht Treaty (also known as the Treaty on European Union). ● Additionally, the Treaty of Lisbon, enacted in 2009, gave the European Union more broad powers that included being authorized to sign international treaties, increase border patrol, and other security and enforcement provisions.

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Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement(BECA) ● What is it? It is a communication agreement between the National Geospatial- Intelligence Agency of the US Department of Defence and the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India. ● Purpose: It allows India and the US to share military information including advanced satellite and topographic data. ● Significance: It will enable India to use US geospatial maps to enhance military accuracy of automated hardware systems and weapons such as cruise and ballistic missiles. ● BECA is one of the four foundational military communication agreements between the two countries. ● The other three are: ○ 1. General Security Of Military Information Agreement.(GSOMIA) ○ 2. Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement.(LEMOA) ○ 3. Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement.(COMCASA)

General Security Of Military Information Agreement ● GSOMIA allows militaries to share the intelligence gathered by them. ● Signed by India in 2002. ● An extension to the GSOMIA, the Industrial Security Annex (ISA), was signed at the 2+2 dialogue in 2019. ● ISA provides a framework for exchange and protection of classified military information between the USA and Indian defence industries.

Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement ● LEMOA allows both countries to have access to each other’s designated military facilities for refueling and replenishment. ● Signed by India in 2016.

Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement ● COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) is the India specific version of CISMOA. ● Valid for 10 years, COMCASA aims to provide a legal framework for the transfer of highly sensitive communication security equipment from the USA to India that will streamline and facilitate interoperability between their armed forces. ● Signed by India in 2018.

2+2 ministerial dialogue ● Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) ● India-USA ● India-Japan ● India - Australia

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● India - South Korea ● India – Russia

OSCE Minsk Group ● The OSCE Minsk Group was created in 1992 by the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), ● Aim: to encourage a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh. ● The Minsk Group is headed by a co-chairmanship consisting of France, Russia and the United States. ● Participating states: Belarus, Germany, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Turkey as well as Armenia and Azerbaijan. ● Objective: ○ Providing an appropriate framework for conflict resolution in the way of assuring the negotiation process supported by the Minsk Group; ○ Obtaining conclusion by the Parties of an agreement on the cessation of the armed conflict in order to permit the convening of the Minsk Conference;

Women and Trade: The Role of Trade in Promoting Women’s Equality: ● a joint report by the World Bank Group and the World Trade Organization— ● marks the first major effort to quantify how women are affected by trade through the use of a new gender-disaggregated labor dataset. ● This analysis helps governments understand how trade policies will affect women and men differently. Key Findings ● Exporters employ more women: In developing countries, women make up 33 percent of the workforce of exporting firms compared with just 24 percent of non-exporting firms. ● Trade creates better jobs for women: When women are employed in sectors with high levels of exports, they are more likely to be formally employed in a job with better benefits, training and security. ● Trade increases women’s wages and increases economic equality: Developing countries that double their manufacturing exports—a typical increase for developing countries that open themselves to trade—would see women increase their share of total manufacturing wages from 24% to 30% through a combination of increased employment and higher salaries. ● Despite many advances, women across the world hold fewer jobs, are paid less, and are more likely to experience worse job conditions than men. ● Trade policy is inadvertently biased against women, resulting in lower levels of employment and higher prices for consumer goods. ● The changing global economy offers new opportunities for women through services, GVCs and digital technology.

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NDC-Transport Initiative for Asia ● It is a regional initiative creativity that aims to encourage a complete approach to decarbonize transport in India, China and Vietnam. ● In each of the partner countries, the NDC-TIA help in making their sectoral contributions to the attainment of the NDCs of the Paris Agreement. ● The NDC-TIA programme has a time span of four years. Who launched it? ● The NITI Aayog started the “India Component” of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Transport drive for Asia (TIA). The NDC–TIA India scheme will focus on: ● Buildup GreenHouse Gas (GHG) and transfer modelling capacities. ● Give technical help on GHG emission reduction measures. ● Financing climate measures in transport. ● Offering policy Guidance on electric vehicle (EV) command and supply policies etc.

India-France Ties ● Strategic: India has close strategic ties with France, especially on issues of mutual interest from counter-terrorism to defence, and nuclear to space. ● Defence: Both countries have a defence dialogue at the Ministerial level. ○ The three services have regular defence exercises; viz. ■ Exercise Shakti (Army) ■ Exercise Varuna (Navy) ■ Exercise Garuda (Air Force) ○ Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has received its first batch (5 out of 36) of French Rafale aviation combat aircraft at Ambala Air base (Haryana). ● Space: Both have decided to deepen space cooperation to meet new challenges together, whether it concerns planetary exploration or human spaceflight. ○ France has agreed to be part of India's Venus mission, scheduled for 2025. ○ ISRO’s Venus instrument, VIRAL (Venus Infrared Atmospheric Gases Linker) has been co-developed by Russian and French agencies. ● Multilateral Platform: France has been extremely supportive of India at the UN Security Council on Kashmir and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, among other issues. ○ The Prime Minister of India was a special invitee at the 45th G-7 Summit in Biarritz, France where India was one of the "Goodwill" partners. ● Climate: The two countries have a close cooperation on climate change, and have formed the International Solar Alliance.

India-Central Asia Dialogue ● It is a ministerial-level dialogue between India and the Central Asian countries namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. ○ All five nations became independent states after the collapse of the USSR in 1991, post-Cold war. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● All the countries participating in the dialogue, except for Turkmenistan, are also members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. ● The dialogue focuses on a number of issues including ways to improve connectivity and stabilise war-ravaged Afghanistan. ● It is a platform for strengthening cooperation between India and the Central Asian countries in political, security, economic and commercial, spheres, regional and international issues of mutual interest ● In the first dialogue, was held in Samarkand (Uzbekistan). India proposed setting up of ‘India-Central Asia Development Group’ to take forward development partnership between India and Central Asian countries.

Daring Cities 2020 Conference ● Daring Cities: It is a virtual, action-oriented forum to recognize and empower urban leaders – including mayors and other decision-makers, technical staff, researchers, private sector representatives, and community organizers – to disrupt business-as-usual and shift towards business-as-possible. ● It showcases and catalyzes exemplary local climate action to tackle the climate emergency, including ambitious resilience-building and climate mitigation efforts. ● Created by ICLEI and the Federal City of Bonn(Germany). It builds upon the experience and network established during the Resilient Cities Congresses convened annually from 2010 to 2019 by ICLEI and the Federal City of Bonn. ● ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network of more than 1,750 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development.

Global Himalayan Expedition ( GHE ) ● Why in news? : GHE won the UN Global Climate Action Award ● GHE is a corporation that manages ‘Impacts Expeditions’ to the Himalayan villages in native areas. ● About GHE: ○ GHE is an Indian corporation that strengths technology and tourism in order to support remote group gain solar energy. ○ GHE utilizes a portion of the charged expedition fee in funding the cost of transmission, hardware, training, and installation of village-scale solar micro- grids.

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UN Global Climate Action Award ● The UN Global Climate Action awards are guided by the power for change drive at UN Climate Change.

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● The declaration of awards is also a major goal to mobilize wishes and action as government work with regards to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

UNFCCC ● United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is abbreviated as UNFCCC. ● It is an international environmental pact addressing climate change, arranged and signed by 154 states at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). ● It is informally known as the Earth Summit. ● It was happen in Rio de Janeiro from 3rd to 14th June 1992. ● It came into force on 21 March 1994. ● It established a Secretariat headquartered in Bonn. ● The UNFCCC looks for the improvement of greenhouse gas concentrations in the aerospace at a level that would stop dangerous human-induced intrusion with the earth’s climate system.

Migration and Development Brief Report ● Released by: the World bank Key findings: ● According to the report the remittances of India will fall by 9% by the end of 2020. ● India’s remittances will drop down to 76 billion USD due to covid-19 crisis and the Global economic recession.In 2019 India received 83.1 billion USD remittances. ● The report says that the top five countries that will receive lowest foreign remittances will be India, China, Mexico, Philippines and Egypt ● The amount of money the migrant workers sending home is expected to reduce by 14% in 2021 as compared to that of 2019. ● The major factors that are driving the reduction in remittances are weak oil prices and depreciation of currencies as against the US dollars. ● Region wise predictions: ○ The major decline is to be found in regions such as Central Asia and Europe. ○ Remittances of South Asia is to decline by 4% in 2020.

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Other report published by world bank: ● Global Economic Prospects ● Ease of Doing Business by IBRD ● World Development Report IBRD

International Organization for Migration - IOM

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● What is it ?: an intergovernmental organization that works closely with governmental, non-governmental and intergovernmental partners in the field of migration to aid orderly and humane migration for the benefit of the human race. ● Established in 1951 in the wake of World War II to resettle refugees from Europe.India also a member. ● Headquartered at Geneva, Switzerland ● Members: It has 165 member states and 8 more states holding observer status. ● Primarily works in the following four broad areas of migration management: ○ Migration and development ○ Facilitating migration ○ Regulating migration ○ Forced migration ● IOM was granted Permanent Observer status to the UN General Assembly in 1992

The World's Women 2020: Trends and Statistics ● The World's Women reports are prepared by the Statistics Division of the UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) at five-year intervals, starting in 1990. Seven reports have been published as part of the The World's Women series. ● It presents progress towards gender equality in following six critical areas: ○ Population and families; ○ Health; ○ Education; ○ Economic empowerment and asset ownership; ○ Power and decision-making; ○ Violence against women and the girl child as well as the impact of COVID-19. ● Key Findings: ○ While status of women has improved with regard to education, early marriage, childbearing and maternal mortality, the progress has stagnated in other areas. ○ Gender gap (of 27%) in labour market has remained as it was since 1995. Only 47% women of working age participated in the labour market, compared to around 74% men. ○ It was largest in Southern Asia (54%) and in India, ratio of female-to-male labour force participation rate was 29.8 in 2019.

Ashgabat Agreement ● What is it ?: Ashgabat Agreement is an international transport and transit corridor facilitating transportation of goods between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. ● The corridor being multimodal will consist of road, rail and sea transport. ● Signed by the governments of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Pakistan, India and Oman ● Aims to develop the shortest trade route between Central Asian countries and Iranian and Omani ports.

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● The transit agreement provides for a transit corridor across Central Asia and the Middle East through the continuous landmass between Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran before reaching the Persian Gulf and into Oman. ● The Iran-Turkmenistan-Kazakhstan (ITK) railway line will be the major route according to the Ashgabat Agreement, which became operational in December 2014 and was also included as part of India-funded North-South international transport corridor (NSITC).

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Defence & Security ..

BrahMos Land-Attack Cruise Missile (surface-to-surface) ● Developed by: a joint venture between the DRDO India and the NPOM of Russia. ● Brahmos is named on the rivers Brahmaputra (India) and Moskva (Russia). Features: ● world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile. ● Speed: Mach 2.8 ● Range enhanced from 300 Km to 450-600 Km ● A multiplatform launching: launched from land, air, and sea and multi capability missile works in both day and night irrespective of the weather conditions. ● Who can use it: by all three forces, the Army, Navy and the Air Force. ● "Fire and Forget" principle i.e it does not require further guidance after launch.

● Ballistic missiles of India: Pruthvi, Agni, Dhanush range missiles ● Cruise missiles of India: Nirbhay, Brahmos

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Karnaklata Barua ● What is it ? : Indian Coast guard Vessel - one among the five Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) ● commissioned at Kolkata on September 30, 2020 through video conferencing. ● Who built it ?: Kolkata based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).

Exercise Bongosagar ● What is it ?: bilateral naval exercise between India and Bangladesh ● Aim: To develop interoperability and joint operational skills through the conduct of a wide spectrum of maritime exercises and operations.

#Target_shots Addition ● Other Exercises with Bangladesh ○ Exercise Sampriti : Army ○ Exercise Milan : Navy ○ India-Bangladesh Coordinated Patrol (IN-BN CORPAT): joint patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL)

New version of Shaurya Missile ● Developed by: the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Armed Forces uses it Features: ● It is a canister launched hypersonic surface-to-surface tactical missile. ● High-speed, two-stage Shaurya is less vulnerable to existing anti-missile defence systems ● It is complex system having a high-performance navigation and guidance systems, efficient propulsion systems and canisterised launch. ● Range : 700 to 1900 kms ● Payload capacity: it can carry a conventional or nuclear warhead payload of 200kg to 1 ton. ● The missile would be lighter and easier to operate in comparison with the existing missile. ● The missile moves at hypersonic speeds while reaching to the last phase.

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The K Family of Missiles ● The K family of missiles are primarily Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs). ● Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). ● The development of these missiles began in the late 1990s as a step towards completing India’s nuclear triad. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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○ Nuclear triad is the capability of launching nuclear weapons from land, sea and air-based assets. ● Feature: They are lighter, smaller and stealthier than their land-based counterparts - the Agni series of missiles which are medium and intercontinental range nuclear capable ballistic missiles. ● Range of 3500 km.

Ballistic Missile Defence System in India ● A Ballistic Missile Defence system (BMD) is a missile defence system that acts as a shield against ballistic missile attacks. ● India’s BMD development began in 1999, after the Kargil war. ● The primary aim was to augment India’s defence against possible nuclear attack from Pakistan. ● India seeks to deploy a functional ‘iron dome’ ballistic missile defence (BMD), incorporating both low-altitude and high-altitude interceptor missiles. ● Developed by: DRDO with help of many public and private firms like BEL, Astra Microwave, L&T, etc. ● Ballistic missiles of India: Agni, K-4 (SLBM), Prahaar, Dhanush, Prithvi and Trishul.

SMART Torpedo ● SMART: is Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo. ● Developed by: Defence Research Development Organization ● Uniqueness: SMART is an anti-submarine Torpedo system and is the fastest in the world. ● Range: It has a range of 650 km. ● How it works: Torpedo is a self-propelled under water missile that is designed to be dropped into water from an aircraft or fired from a submarine or ship. The torpedoes explode on reaching a target.

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Torpedoes in Indian Defence System ● TAL Shyena : The Advanced Light Torpedo Shyena was the first light weight Torpedo that was indigenously developed in India. It is being used by Indian Navy and Myanmar Navy. It was developed at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory under Advanced Experimental Torpedo Programme.The Myanmar Navy bought the Shyena Torpedoes in 2019.

● Maareech It is an anti-Torpedo Decoy system that was inducted in Indian Navy in June 2020. The system can detect, divert and neutralise an incoming torpedo. Mareech was designed and developed by DRDO. ● Varunastra: an electrically propelled, ship launched underwater Torpedo that was developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited that operates under Ministry of Defence. It is the JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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only torpedo in the world that has GPS based locating aid. The operational range of Varunastra is 40 km. ● Takshak : The Takshak Torpedo is under development ● Project 28 approved in 2003, is a class of anti- submarine warship corvettes currently in service with the Indian Navy. It includes INS Kamorta, INS Kadmatt, INS Kiltan and INS Kavaratti. ● Project 75 is a programme by the Indian Navy that entails building six Scorpene-Class attack submarines (Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, Vagir and Vagsheer).

TSIRKON: Russia test fires Hypersonic Cruise Missile successfully ● Missile hit the destined the target located at a distance of 450 km in less than 4 and half minutes. ● The Missile reached hypersonic speeds of more than Mach 8.

Rapid Action Force (RAF) ● What is it: It is a specialised wing of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). ● It was raised in October 1992. ● Role: To deal with riots, riot like situations, crowd control, rescue and relief operations, and related unrest. ● Its motto is “Serving Humanity with Sensitive Policing”.

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Central Armed Police Forces ● Paramilitary Forces. ● There are seven central armed police forces. Each of these forces perform a separate function. ● They operate under the Ministry of Home affairs. ● Each of the forces is led by an IPS officer with the notable exception of the Assam Rifles which has been covered under paramilitary forces.

Border Security Force (BSF) ● The BSF are the border guards of the country and are called the ‘First Wall of Defense of Indian Territories’. ● This Union Government Agency under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs ● Came into being in the wake of the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war. ● It ensures the security of the borders of India and headed by an officer from the Indian Police Service. ● It also undertakes defensive actions during wartime to free up Indian Army troops for offensive operations.

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● Of late, the BSF has also been tasked with assisting the CRPF and army in counter- insurgency operations.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) ● Established in 1969. ● It provides integrated security cover to the Public Sector Undertakings, airports and SEZs on a case to case basis. ● It is currently providing security cover to nuclear installations, space establishments, airports, seaports, power plants, sensitive Government buildings, heritage monuments and large special economic zones.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) ● Established by the enactment of the CRPF Act in 1949. ● Initially, it came into existence as Crown Representative’s Police in 1939 for internal security. ● Till 1965, CRPF guarded the India- Pakistan border. ● The primary mission of the Central Reserve Police Force is counter-insurgency operations. ● It also assists the State and Union Territories in police operations to maintain law and order. ● Apart from this, the force participates as a police force in the UN peace-keeping missions. ● The CRPF maintains a special forces unit known as Commando Battalion for Resolute Action(COBRA) to combat Maoist insurgents.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) ● Established after the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict. ● Created under the CRPF Act. ● It guards the Indo-Tibetan border and the mountainous regions of the India-China border and monitor the northern borders. ● It detects and prevents border violations. ● The force also keeps a check on illegal immigration and trans-border smuggling. ● It has been deployed in UN peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Haiti, Western Sahara, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Afghanistan and Sudan.

Special Protection Group (SPG) ● The Special Protection Group is the most elite, nodal protection agency in the country. ● Fformed in 1988 by an act of the Parliament of India. ● It is an armed force of the Union for providing immediate security to the Prime Minister of India, the former Prime Minister and members of their close family members. ● The Special Protection Group (SPG) under the Cabinet Secretariat is also classified as a CAPF. ● It works under the control of Cabinet Secretariat.

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Anti Radiation Missile: Rudram-1 ● the first indigenous air-to-ground missile developed by the DRDO ● It is an air-to-surface missile ,developed for the Indian Air Force ● a strike range of around 100 to 150 km. ● It can be launched from altitudes of 500 m to 15 km and speeds of 0.6 to 2 mach. ● The missile has been designed for suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD).

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About Anti Radiation Missiles: ● Aim: These are 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. ○ These can locate and target any radiation emitting source. ○ These can play a key role in neutralising any jamming platforms of the enemy or take out radar stations thereby clearing a path for own fighters to carry out an offensive and also prevent own systems from being jammed. ● Components: ○ Inertial navigation system: A computerised mechanism that uses changes in the object’s own position — coupled with GPS, which is satellite-based. ○ 'Passive homing head' for Guidance: A system that can detect, classify and engage targets (radio frequency sources in this case) over a wide band of frequencies as programmed.

Sagar Kavach Coastal Security Exercise ● The exercise was conducted by Indian Navy along with Indian Coastal Guard. ● It is a half-yearly exercise to check coastal security mechanism and validate Standard Operating Procedure. ● The exercise was conducted along the coastal areas of Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep. #Target_shots Addition

Matla Abhiyan Exercise ● The Matla Abhiyan Exercise is a five day coastal security exercise that was conducted by the Indian Navy in Matla river. ○ The river forms a wide estuary in and around the Sundarbans. ● The sailors interacted with the local fishermen spreading awareness about the coastal security, marine police stations.

Exercise Sea Vigil ● It is coastal defence exercise held by Indian Navy and the Coastal Guards. ● It was held the first time in 2019.

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● It is a part of the tri-service exercise TROPEX. ○ TROPEX is Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise. The exercise was held to check coastal safety measures to avoid tragedies like those of 2008 Mumbai attacks. ● The Sea Vigil was conducted on both eastern and western coast lines.

Indian Coast Guard ● The Indian Coast Guard was formally inaugurated on 19th August, 1978. ● Operates under the Ministry of Defence. ● The Indian Coast Guard is a multi-mission organization, conducting round-the-year real- life operations at sea. ● Regions: For effective command and control, the Maritime Zones of India are divided into five Coast Guard Regions, namely, North-West, West, East, North-East and Andaman & Nicobar, ● Regional Headquarters located at Gandhinagar, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Port Blair. ● The regions are further divided into twelve Coast Guard ‘Districts’, one each for the nine coastal states on the mainland, two in the Andaman & Nicobar Region, and one at Kavaratti in the Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands.

Samudra Pavak Pollution Control Vessel ● A class of three vessels built by the ABG Shipyard in Gujarat for Indian Coast Guard. ● The ships have been designed by Rolls-Royce Holdings[specify] and have the type number UT 517. ● Ship is equipped with the most advanced pollution Response and Control equipment for mitigating oil spill in the Exclusive Economic Zone. In addition, this specialist PCV can perform activities like oil containment, recovery, oil separation and dispersion of pollutants ● The vessel is designed to recover the lightest to the most viscous oil at the rate of 300 tons per hour.

Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) ● CIBMS is being implemented along two stretches in the Jammu sector of the IndiaPakistan border. ● The CIBMS is capable of addressing the gaps in the present system of border security by seamlessly integrating human resources, weapons, and high-tech surveillance equipment. ● The purpose of the CIBMS is to eventually replace manual surveillance/patrolling of the international borders by electronic surveillance to enhance detection and interception capabilities. ● CIBMS involves deployment of a range of state-of-the-art surveillance technologies — thermal imagers, infra-red and laser-based intruder alarms, aerostats for aerial surveillance, unattended ground sensors that can help detect intrusion bids, radars, JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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sonar systems to secure riverine borders, fibre-optic sensors and a command and control system that shall receive data from all surveillance devices in real time. ● Smart fencing at the borders is a technological solution devised to address the security issues in the border-states. ● It has hi-tech surveillance system that would create an invisible electronic barrier on land, water, air and underground and would help security forces to detect and foil infiltration bids in most difficult terrains. ● Implementation of CIBMS projects on Indo - Pakistan and Indo - Bangladesh border will enhance the capabilities of Border security Force (BSF).

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Vessels Traffic Monitoring Systems (VTMS) ● Recently, the development of Indigenous Software solution for Vessel traffic services (VTS) and Vessels Traffic Monitoring Systems (VTMS) was launched. ● Launched by: Ministry for Shipping ● The Shipping has sanctioned an amount of Rs. 10 Crore to IIT, Chennai for development of indigenous VTS software. ● VTS and VTMS are software which determine vessel positions, position of other traffic or meteorological hazard warnings and extensive management of traffic within a port or waterway. ● Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) contribute to safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and protection of the marine environment. ● VTMS is mandatory under IMO Convention SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea).

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● The VTMS traffic image is compiled and collected by means of advanced sensors such as radar, AIS, direction finding, CCTV and VHF or other co-operative systems and services.

RUSTOM II ● a surveillance Drone ● Indigenously developed by DRDO ● a medium attitude long endurance indigenous drone. ● The capability of the Drone is to be increased to a height of 26000 feet and fly for 18 hours ● The Drone is capable of carrying payloads depending on the mission objectives. This includes aperture radar, situational awareness systems and electronic intelligent systems. ● The Drone was developed to match the specifications of the Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle Heron

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Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules of 2020 ● Notified by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. ● These rules seek to regulate the production, import, trade, ownership and operation of unmanned aircraft systems or drones. They also create a framework for their use by businesses. ● Who can sell drones? Only authorised entities. ● Who can own or operate? Entities authorised by the Director General of Civil Aviation. ● Permits for flying these also have to be sought online and a log has to be shared after the flight. ● Applicability: The norms apply to all existing drones as well. ● Exception: Nano-drones weighing 250 grams or less can be operated without a drone pilot license. ● Insurance: No unmanned aircraft (UA) system shall be operated in India unless there is in existence a valid third party insurance policy to cover the liability that may arise on account of a mishap. ● Rule number 36 and 38 in the Ministry’s draft state that no unmanned aircraft shall carry any payload, unless specified by the Director General of DGCA. Neither shall a person “drop or project or cause or permit to be dropped or projected from a UAS (unmanned aircraft system) in motion anything,” except when specified. ● Eligibility: For owning and using a drone, one has to be at least 18 years old. In the case of companies, the requirement is that their main place of business has to be in India and the chairman and at least two thirds of directors have to be Indian citizens. Also, businesses operating drones have to be substantially owned and effectively controlled by Indian nationals.

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About Drone

● Drone is a layman terminology for Unmanned Aircraft (UA). ● Three subsets of Unmanned Aircraft- Remotely Piloted Aircraft, Autonomous Aircraft and Model Aircraft. ● Remotely Piloted Aircraft consists of remote pilot station(s), the required command and control links and any other components, as specified in the type design. ● Remotely piloted aircraft have been divided into five categories- ○ Nano : Less than or equal to 250 grams. ○ Micro : From 250 grams to 2kg. ○ Small : From 2 kg to 25kg. ○ Medium : From 25kg to 150kg. ○ Large : Greater than 150kg.

National Drones Policy - Drone Regulations 1.0 ● The National Drones Policy drafted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation came into effect from December 1, 2018. What is the policy on? ● The new policy called “Drone Regulations 1.0” clarifies where, when and how drones can operate within India. ● With the policy coming into effect, flying drones or remotely-piloted aircraft have become legal in India. ● Also, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has kick-started the online registration of drones in India through its Digital Sky portal.

Highlights of the policy ● Categories - The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designed five different categories of drones as Nano, Micro, Small, Medium, and Large. ○ Under the new policy, Nano drones which weigh less than 250 grams or equal does not need a registration or license. ○ However, drones that belong to remaining categories will need to be registered on the Digital Sky portal. ● Digital Sky portal - It is an online platform as part of an enforcement system designated as No Permission No Takeoff (NPNT). ○ Here, a drone operator can obtain all the necessary paperwork required. ○ It includes procedures to conduct a drone operation, including final flight permission immediately before the operation. ● Permission - Following registration, DGCA will issue a Unique Identification Number (UIN) or Unmanned Aircraft Operator’s Permit (UAOP). ○ The fee for a fresh UIN is Rs 1,000. The fee for a fresh UAOP is Rs 25,000 and is valid for 5 years. ○ To get permissions to fly, RPAS (Remotely Piloted Air System) operators or remote pilots will have to file a flight plan.

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● Zones - Flying in the ‘green zones’ will require only intimation of the time and location of the flights via the portal or the app. ○ But permissions will be required for flying in ‘yellow zones’, and flights will not be allowed in the ‘red zones’. ○ The location of these zones will be announced soon. Permission, if granted, will be available digitally on the portal. ● DGCA has also designated a set of test sites for drone manufacturers and operators to innovate in a safe and secure environment.

Drone Policy 2.0 - ● The ministry has constituted a task-force on the recommendation of Drone Policy 2.0. ● This task-force is expected to release their final report by the end of this year. ● Drone 2.0 framework for RPAS are expected to include ○ regulatory architecture for autonomous flying ○ delivery via drones ○ beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights ●

DRDO test fire of Nirbhay Cruise Missile fails ● Failed due to technical snag. ● a subsonic missile that flies at a speed of 0.7 Mach. ● Capability to hit targets at 1000 metre distance System Used in Missile ● Manik Engine ○ It is a Turbo Fan Engine. ○ After reaching a certain height, the missile Turbofan engine of the missile takes over further propulsion ● The missile has a Ring Laser Gyroscope based guidance ● MEMS based inertial navigation system. MEMS is Micro Electro Mechanical System. ● Sea-skimming capabilities. Sea Skimming is a technique used by anti-ship missiles to avoid infrared radiation, radars. ● Loitering Munition is a suicide drone. Under this, the weapon loiters around the target area for some time. It then locates the target accurately and attacks.

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Other Engines ● The other indigenous engines developed by DRDO are shakti Engine, Kaveri Engine, Wankel Engine. ● The Shakti Engines are used in Light Combat Helicopter. ● Kaveri engines are used in Tejas aircrafts. ● The Wankel Engines are used in powering Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Light aircrafts

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EXERCISE SURAKSHA KAVACH ● Agnibaaz Division organized Exercise Suraksha Kavach, a Joint Anti-Terrorist Exercise for both Indian Army and Maharashtra Police at Lullanagar Pune. ● The aim of the exercise was to harmonize the drills and procedures of both Army and Police for activating anti-terrorist Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) to counter any terrorist actions in Pune.

36th NSG Raising Day ● 36th NSG Raising Day ● The NSG came into existence through the National Security Guard Act, 1986. ● The NSG is an anti-terrorist force. They are been given the specific role to handle all the facets of terrorism in any part of the country as a federal contingency force. ● informally referred as the ‘Black Cats’ ● Elements: It has two complementary elements: ○ Special Action Group (SAG) comprising Army personnel. ○ Special Rangers Group (SRG) comprising personnels drawn from State Police and Central Armed Police Force.

SLINEX-20 ➢ Indian Navy (IN) – Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) bilateral maritime exercise ➢ initiated in 2005. ➢ SLINEX-20 aims to enhance inter-operability, improve mutual understanding and exchange best practices and procedures for multi- faceted maritime operations between both navies. ➢ In addition, the exercise will also showcase capabilities of our indigenously constructed naval ships and aircraft.

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Assam-Mizoram Border Dispute ● Mizoram borders Assam’s Barak Valley and the boundary between present-day Assam and Mizoram is 165 km long. Both states border Bangladesh. ● Mizoram was granted statehood in 1987 by the State of Mizoram Act, 1986. ● Assam became a constituent state of India in 1950 and lost much of its territory to new states that emerged from within its borders between the early 1960s and the early 1970s. ● The Assam-Mizoram dispute stems from a notification of 1875 that differentiated Lushai Hills from the plains of Cachar, and another of 1933 that demarcates a boundary between Lushai Hills and Manipur. ● Mizoram believes the boundary should be demarcated on the basis of the 1875 notification, ● The Assam government follows the 1933 demarcation, and that is the point of conflict. ● Mizo leaders have argued in the past against the demarcation notified in 1933 because Mizo society was not consulted.

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Other Boundary Issues in Northeast: ● During British rule, Assam included present-day Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya besides Mizoram, which became separate states one by one.

Assam-Nagaland: ● Nagaland shares a 500-km boundary with Assam. ● It achieved statehood in December 1963 and was formed out of the Naga Hills district of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh (then North-East Frontier Agency).

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● Violent clashes and armed conflicts, marked by killings, have occurred on the Assam- Nagaland border since 1965. ● The boundary dispute is in the Supreme Court.

Assam-Arunachal Pradesh: ● Both states have a boundary of over 800 km. ● Arunachal Pradesh was granted statehood by the State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986 in 1987. ● Clashes were first reported in 1992 and since then, there have been several accusations of illegal encroachment from both sides, and intermittent clashes. ● This boundary issue is also being heard by the Supreme Court.

Assam-Meghalaya: ● The 884-km boundary between the two states also witnesses flare-ups. ● Meghalaya came into existence as an autonomous state within the state of Assam in April 1970 comprising the United Khasi and Jaintia Hills and the Garo Hills districts. In 1972, it got statehood. ● As per Meghalaya government statements, today there are 12 areas of dispute between the two states.

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Formation of North eastern states Before 1947 ● In the early 19th century, both the Ahom and the Manipur kingdoms fell to a Burmese invasion. ● The ensuing First Anglo-Burmese War resulted in the entire region coming under British control. ● In the colonial period (1826–1947), North East India was made a part of Bengal Province from 1839 to 1873, after which Colonial Assam became its own province,but which included Sylhet. After 1947 ● The Northeastern region of British India consisted of Assam and the princely states of Manipur and Tripura. ● Subsequently, Nagaland in 1963, Meghalaya in 1972, Arunachal Pradesh in 1975 (capital changed to Itanagar) (formed on 20 February 1987) and Mizoram in 1987 were formed out of the large territory of Assam ● Manipur and Tripura remained Union Territories of India from 1956 until 1972, when they attained fully-fledged statehood. ● Sikkim was integrated as the eighth North Eastern Council state in 2002.[4]

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SANT Missile ● Indigenously developed by DRDO ● SANT or Standoff Anti-tank Guided Missile is a fourth generation upgraded variant of HELINA missile developed for long distance airborne anti-armour role. ● Features: it has both lock-on before launch and lock-on after launch capability ● Range: The missile is equipped with an advanced nose-mounted seeker the missile can destroy targets 15 km to 20 km away.

Nag Missile ● Nag is a third-generation, fire-and-forget, anti-tank guided missile ● Developed by: DRDO to support both mechanised infantry and airborne forces of the Indian Army. ● It is an all weather conditions with day and night capabilities ● Nag can be launched from land and air-based platforms. ● Range: Minimum range of 500m and maximum range of 4 km.

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● HELINA : The helicopter-launched configuration, designated as helicopter-launched NAG , can be fired from Dhruv advanced light helicopter(ALH) and HAL Rudra (ALH WSI) attack helicopter.

IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Program) ● It was conceived by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to enable India attain self-sufficiency in the field of missile technology. It was approved by the Government of India in 1983 and completed in March 2012. The 5 missiles (P-A-T-N-A) developed under this program are: 1. Prithvi: Short range surface to surface ballistic missile. 2. Agni: Ballistic missiles with different ranges, i.e. Agni (1,2,3,4,5) 3. Trishul: Short range low level surface to air missile. 4. Nag: 3rd generation anti-tank missile. 5. Akash: Medium range surface to air missile.

Cyber Crime and Cyber Security in India ● National Cyber Security Coordinator Lt Gen (Dr) Rajesh Pant recently made the following observations on Cyber Crimes in India: 1. Cyber crimes in India caused Rs 1.25 trillion loss in 2019. 2. Cyber threats will continue to increase as the country starts developing smart cities and rolling out 5G network, among other initiatives. 3. There are only a few Indian companies who are making some of the cyber security products and there is a big vacuum in the sector. 4. So, a dedicated industry forum for cyber security should be set up to develop trusted indigenous solutions to check cyber attacks.

Steps taken by the Government to spread awareness about cyber crimes: ➢ Online cybercrime reporting portal has been launched to enable complainants to report complaints pertaining to Child Pornography/Child Sexual Abuse Material, rape/gang rape imageries or sexually explicit content. ➢ A scheme for establishment of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has been established to handle issues related to cybercrime in the country in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. ➢ Establishment of National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) for protection of critical information infrastructure in the country. ➢ All organizations providing digital services have been mandated to report cyber security incidents to CERT-In expeditiously. ➢ Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre) has been launched for providing detection of malicious programmes and free tools to remove such programmes. ➢ Formulation of Crisis Management Plan for countering cyber attacks and cyber terrorism.

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INS Kavaratti ● INS Kavaratti (P31) is an anti-submarine warfare corvette of the Indian Navy built under Project 28. ● Built by : the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata. ● Note: The warship class above the corvette is that of the frigate, while the class below was historically that of the sloop-of-war. ● Kavaratti represents a leap forward in the Navy's attempts at indigenisation with as much as 90% of its content drawn from India itself. ● Features: It is capable of fighting under nuclear, biological and chemical environments. It will be a frontline warship of the Indian Navy with advanced stealth features and a low radar signature that enhances its anti-submarine warfare capability.

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Kamorta-class corvettes or Project 28 ● The Kamorta-class corvettes or Project 28 are a class of anti-submarine warfare corvettes currently in service with the Indian Navy. ● Built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. ● They are the first anti-submarine warfare stealth corvettes to be built in India. ● The order for four Kamorta-class corvettes were placed in 2003 by the Indian Navy i.e. INS Kamorta(2010), INS Kadmatt(2013), INS Kiltan(2015) and INS Kavaratti.

INS Sindhuvir ● India will be delivering a Kilo Class submarine INS Sindhuvir to Myanmar Navy as part of defence cooperation. ● This will be the first submarine of the Myanmar Navy. ● INS Sindhuvir is equipped with a wide range of weapons and sensors, which will enable it to participate in various fleet, tactical and theatre level exercises.

What is a kilo-class submarine? ● A kilo class submarine is a class of diesel-electric attack submarines designed and built in the Soviet Union for the Soviet Navy. ● The first kilo-class submarine was brought into service in the Soviet Navy in 1980.

India's Kilo-class submarines- Sindhughosh class ● India has 10 original Kilo-class submarines, designated as Sindhughosh class. ● The submarines have a displacement of 3,000 tonnes, top speed of 18 knots and a maximum diving depth of 300 meters. ● The submarines can operate solo for 45 days with a crew of 53. ● The final unit was the first to be equipped with anti-ship cruise missiles with a range of 220 km.

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Integrated Theatre Command ● The Indian armed forces currently have 17 commands. There are 7 commands each of the Army and the Air Force. The Navy has 3 commands ● There is one joint command in Andaman and Nicobar Islands ● An integrated theatre command envisages a unified command of the three Services, under a single commander, for geographical theatres (areas) that are of strategic and security concern. ● The commander of such a force will be able to bear all resources at his disposal — from the Army, the Indian Air Force, and the Navy — with seamless efficacy. ● The integrated theatre commander will not be answerable to individual Services. ● Integration and jointness of the three forces will avoid duplication of resources. The resources available under each service will be available to other services too. ● The services will get to know one another better, strengthening cohesion in the defence establishment.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) ● It is the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999. ● CDS oversees and coordinates the working of the three Services. ● As the head of DMA, CDS is vested with the authority in prioritising inter-service procurement decisions.

Central Bureau of Investigation ● The CBI is the premier investigating police agency in India. It functions under Deptt. of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, Government of India. ● DSPE (Delhi Special Police Establishment) Act, 1946 was brought that gave the legal power of investigating cases to CBI. ● It is also the nodal police agency in India which coordinates investigation on behalf of Interpol Member countries. ● The Central Government can authorize CBI to investigate a crime in a State but only with the consent of the concerned State Government. ● The Supreme Court and High Courts, however, can order CBI to investigate a crime anywhere in the country without the consent of the State.

Cases Handled by the CBI ● Anti-Corruption Crimes ● Economic Crimes - for investigation of financial crimes, bank frauds, money laundering, illegal money market operations, graft in PSUs and banks. ● Special Crimes - for investigation of serious cases of conventional nature such as offences relating to internal security, espionage, sabotage, narcotics and psychotropic substances, antiquities, murders, dacoities/robberies, and cheating among others.

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● Suo Moto Cases - CBI can suo-moto take up investigation of offences only in the Union Territories.

Indo- Nepal border issue Why in News? ● After months of simmering dispute with India over the Kalapani issue, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli recently indicated a softer line when he used an old map of Nepal to greet everyone on the festival of Vijaya Dashami. ● The old map does not show the region of Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura, which is part of India’s Pithoragarh district. ● What’s the issue? ○ Kalapani is shown as part of Nepalese sovereign territory in the new map, which was unveiled on May 20, and made part of the insignia of the Nepalese state by an amendment on June 13. Where is Kalapani located? ● Located in the easternmost corner of Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. ● Shares a border on the north with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and Nepal in the east and south ● It is wedged in between Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani.

Harpoon coastal defence systems ● U.S. to sell Harpoon defence systems worth $2.4 billion to Taiwan. ● Key facts: ● The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile, developed and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Defense, Space & Security).

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) ● Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBPF) is a Central Armed Police Force functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. ● Founded: The ITBP was raised on 24th October, 1962 during the India-China War and is a border guarding police force specializing in high altitude operations. ● Role: It primarily guards the 3,488 km long Indo-China border along Tibet Autonomous Region from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. ● ITBP force is also engaged in a variety of internal security tasks including disaster management, civil Medical Camp, nuclear, biological and chemical disasters and UN peacekeeping missions around the world. ● ITBP was initially raised under the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Act, 1949. However, in 1992, parliament enacted the ITBPF Act and the rules were framed in 1994.

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What is an Anti-Ship Missile? ● It is a guided missile that is usually used against ships and large boats. They were first developed by Nazi Germany. Anti-Ship Missiles of India ● The Anti-Ship Missiles of India are as follows ○ Brahmos Hypersonic Cruise Missile (This missile is under development). This is being developed jointly with Russia after India became a member of Missile Technology Control Regime in 2016. ○ Brahmos Supersonic Cruise Missile ○ Kh-35 ○ Klub Anti-Ship (It is a land attack cruise missile) ○ P-20 ○ Harpoon ○ Exocet missile ○ Sea Eagle Missile ○ P-20 ○ Exocet Missiles

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Social Issue ..

NCRB Report: Crime in India 2019 ● Released by: The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

Key findings: ● It reports an increase in crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the year 2019 as compared to the year 2018. ● Crime against SCs & STs have increased by over 7% and 26% in year 2019 compared to 2018. ● For SCs : Highest in Uttar Pradesh followed by Rajasthan and Bihar. ● For STs : Highest in Madhya Pradesh , Rajasthan, and Odisha. ● Crime against women showed an increase of 7.3% in 2019 from 2018. ● An increase of 1.6% in registration of cognizable crimes in 2019 as compared to 2018 ● In the number of cases of rape of women belonging to SCs, Rajasthan topped the followed by Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. ● Cybercrimes:Increased by 63.5% in 2019. Out of this, 60.4% of cybercrime cases registered were for the motive of fraud, followed by sexual exploitation, with 5.1%.

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Basic Terms ● Cognisable offence means an offence in which a police officer has the authority to make an arrest without a warrant.offense penalized with a term of three years or more is considered a grave offense. Few examples such as murder, an offence against the body, dacoity, etc. ● Non-cognizable offence: a police officer has no authority to arrest without a warrant a punishment of three years or less. For example theft, abetment, etc. ● Bail: it is a type of agreement given by the person in written which is an undertaking to agree to appear before the court whenever the court orders to do. ● bailable offense: those offenses which is not of a serious nature shall be termed as bailable offenses. A person who is arrested can apply for bail as a right and shall be released accordingly after the bail is granted ● Non- bailable offence: In contrast to the bailable offense

National Crime Record Bureau ● Headquartered in New Delhi, was set-up in 1986 under the Ministry of Home Affairs ● Function as a repository of information on crime and criminals so as to assist the investigators in linking crime to the perpetrators. ● Based on the recommendations of the National Police Commission (1977-1981) and the MHA’s Task Force (1985).

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● NCRB brings out the annual comprehensive statistics of crime across the country (‘Crime in India’ report). ● Being published since 1953, the report serves as a crucial tool in understanding the law and order situation across the country.

International Day of Older Persons( 1st Oct ) ● Who Designated it: The United Nations General Assembly, in 1990 ● 2020 Theme Promote Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020-2030) ● Year 2020 has also been recognised as the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife”. ○ Healthy Ageing is the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age. Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value. ● Population: As per Census 2011, the total population of Senior Citizens (people aged 60 years and above) is 10.38 crore or 8.57%. this share is expected to increase to 10.70% in 2021 and to 12.40% in 2026.

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Initiatives Taken by India for Senior citizen ➢ The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the Nodal Ministry for matters relating to the Senior Citizens. ➢ Article 41 of the Constitution ➢ Integrated Programme for Older Persons: It is a central sector scheme. Financial assistance is provided to Government/ Non-Governmental Organizations/Panchayati Raj Institutions/local bodies etc. for running and maintenance of various projects for the welfare of indigent Senior Citizens

Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana ➢ Beneficiary: Pension scheme for senior citizens aged 60 years and above. ➢ Government Ministry: Ministry of Finance ➢ Mmanaged and operated by: Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) ➢ Aim to: provide social security to the senior citizens and for the protection of the elderly against a fall in the interest income due to unfavourable market conditions in the future. ➢ Policy term should be of 10 years. ➢ Investment limit should be Rs. 15 lakh per senior citizen. ➢ The minimum pension should be Rs. 1,000/- per month and should not be more than Rs. 10,000/- per month. ➢ Major benefits of the scheme: ○ Assured return of 8% p.a. payable monthly and is exempted from service tax/GST. ○ Scheme offers loan up to 75% of the purchase price after 3 policy years

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○ The scheme also allows for premature exit for the treatment of any critical/ terminal illness of self or spouse. On such a premature exit, 98% of the Purchase Price shall be refunded.

➢ Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, 2007: ○ To ensure need-based maintenance for Parents and Senior Citizens and their welfare. ➢ Vayoshreshtha Samman: ○ Conferred as a National award (part of celebrations of International Day of Older Persons), and given to eminent senior citizens & institutions in recognition of their services towards the cause of the elderly persons. ○ Objective: To show case Government’s concern for senior citizens and its commitment towards them with the aim of strengthening their legitimate place in society. ○ Instituted by: Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Tribes India E-Marketplace (market.tribesindia.com) ● Launched by : Ministry of Tribal Affairs ● What is it ? : India’s largest handicraft and organic products marketplace ● an initiative of The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) under Ministry of Tribal Affairs. ● Aims: to include 5 lakh tribal producers for sourcing various handicraft, handloom, natural food products across the country ● Advantage: The platform provides the tribal suppliers an Omni-channel facility which allow to sell their goods through their own retailers and distributors

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TRIFED ● TRIFED is a national-level apex organization functioning under administrative control of Ministry of Tribal Affairs. ● Established in August 1987 ● by then Ministry of Welfare under Multi State Cooperative Societies Act 1984 (which has now been replaced by Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002). ● Headquartered in New Delhi. ● Objectives : The ultimate objective of TRIFED is socio-economic development of tribal people in the country by way of marketing development of the tribal products such as metal craft, tribal textiles, pottery, tribal paintings and pottery on which the tribals depends heavily for a major portion of their income.

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Tribal Entrepreneurship Development Programme ● Launched by: the Union Minister of Tribal Affairs ● Joint initiative: Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). ● Aimed at: Ensuring the quality of life to the last man in the line and strengthening tribal entrepreneurship. ● It would optimise the contribution of the tribal community to the growing economy of the country and support India's vision of becoming ''Atmanirbhar''.

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ASSOCHAM ➢ The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) is one of the apex trade associations of India. ➢ The organisation represents the interests of trade and commerce in India, and acts as an interface between issues and initiatives. ➢ The goal of this organisation is to promote both domestic and international trade, and reduce trade barriers while fostering conducive environment for the growth of trade and industry of India.

Criminal Justice System in India ● What it is ?: The Criminal Justice System refers to the agencies of government charged with enforcing the law, adjudicating crime, and correcting criminal conduct. ● Purpose: The criminal justice system is essentially an instrument of social control: ○ Society considers some behaviours so dangerous and destructive that it either strictly controls their occurrence or outlaws them outright. ○ It is the job of the agencies of justice to prevent these behaviours by apprehending and punishing transgressors or deterring their future occurrence.

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Retributive Justice: ● It is a system of criminal justice based on the punishment of offenders rather than on rehabilitation. ● It holds that when an offender breaks the law, justice requires that they must suffer in return. It also requires that the response to a crime must be proportional to the committed offence.

Reformative or Restorative Justice: ● It is generally the most appreciated theory of punishment as it believes in the concept that the object is to extinct crime and not the criminal.

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● It believes that nobody is born as a criminal and it is only the consequences of those circumstances which were around the offender/criminal.

100-Day Campaign ● Launched by: Union Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh ● Purpose: to Provide Piped Water in Schools & Anganwadi ● Administration: the States and Union Territories will ensure that Gram Sabha are convened at the earliest in order to pass the resolution to provide safe water in schools and Anganwadi centres. ● These facilities will be operated by Gram Panchayats.

Paani Samiti ● The Pani Samiti is a statutory committee under the nodal head Gram Panchayat. The committee take cares of the community participation, ownership and contribution with respect to water supply systems.

Central Water Commission(CWC) ● The organization currently functions as an office attached to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, under the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation. ● Responsibility: The Central Water Commission of India has the responsibility of initiation and coordination of schemes introduced by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. ● The CWC will consult the state government and central government where required. ● Headed by a Chairman, with the status of Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India. ● Established in 1945. ● The work of the Commission is divided among 3 wings namely, ○ Designs and Research (D&R) Wing, ○ River Management (RM) Wing and ○ Water Planning and Projects (WP&P) Wing. ● Functions: The Commission is entrusted with the general responsibilities of initiating, coordinating and furthering in consultation of the State Governments concerned, schemes for control, conservation and utilization of water resources throughout the country, for purpose of Flood Control, Irrigation, Navigation, Drinking Water Supply and Water Power Development.

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) ● Why this Act? : It was enacted to protect the children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography with due regard for safeguarding the interest and well-being of children. ● Definition: a child as any person below eighteen years of age and JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● regards the best interests and welfare of the child as a matter of paramount importance at every stage, to ensure the healthy physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of the child. ● It deems a sexual assault to be “aggravated” under certain circumstances, such as when the abused child is mentally ill or when the abuse is committed by a person in a position of trust or authority like a family member, police officer, teacher, or doctor. ● It also casts the police in the role of child protectors during the investigative process. ● Period: The Act stipulates that a case of child sexual abuse must be disposed of within one year from the date the offence is reported. ● Amendment: It was amended in August 2019 to provide more stringent punishment, including the death penalty, for sexual crimes against children.

Section 29 of the POCSO Act: ● Section 29 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act says that when a person is prosecuted for committing an offence of sexual assault against a minor, the special court trying the case shall presume that the accused is guilty.

Hearing Impairment in India ● According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, the prevalence of hearing impairment (HI) in India is around 6.3% (63 million people suffering from significant auditory loss). ● The estimated prevalence of adult-onset deafness in India is 7.6% and childhood-onset deafness is 2%. ● The larger percentage of Indian population also suffers from milder degrees of hearing loss and unilateral (one sided) hearing loss. ● Nearly 50% of deafness can be prevented if primary health-care approach is adopted for otological care (care of ear and its diseases) across the world.

#Target_shots Addition

Initiative for Prevention:

National Program for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD) ● It was launched in 2006 in an effort to tackle the high incidence of deafness in the country, in view of the preventable nature of this disability. Funding Pattern ● 60:40 for all states except for the North Eastern and Himalayan States (90:10). ● In case of Union Territories, Central funding is 100% for all UTs except the UTs with legislature, where this ratio is 60:40.

Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre ● ISLRTC is an autonomous national institute of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● It was established in 2015. ● It is dedicated to the task of developing man-power for popularizing the use of Indian Sign Language, teaching and conducting research in Indian Sign Language.

Biennial Poverty and Shared Prosperity Report ● Report By World bank ● Report mentions that Covid-19 can add around 27-40 million new poor in Sub-Saharan Africa and around 49-57 million in South Asia region. ● The “new poor” will: ○ Be more urban poor. ○ Be more engaged in informal services and manufacturing and less in agriculture. ○ Live in congested urban settings and work in the sectors most affected by lockdowns and mobility restrictions. Key findings ● Percentage of Population: The pandemic and global recession may cause over 1.4% of the world’s population to fall into extreme poverty. ● Extreme poverty: It is defined as living on less than $1.90 a day. The World Bank measures poverty lines of $3.20 and $5.50, and also a multidimensional spectrum that includes access to education and basic infrastructure. ● Regions of Incidence: Many of the newly poor individuals will be from countries that already have high poverty rates (Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia). ● Around 82% of the total poor will be in middle income countries (MICs). ● Reverse of Progress Made: Current increasing poverty is reversal of the achievements made in two-and-a-half decades (1990-2015). Extreme poverty rate declined by 26%. It dropped to 10% from nearly 36%.

#Target_shots Addition Other Reports by World Bank: ➢ World Development Report ➢ Global Economic Prospect (GEP) Report ➢ Logistics Performance Index ➢ Remittance Report ➢ Global Financial Development Report ➢ Human Capital Index.

#Target_shots Addition

Poverty in India ● Administered by : Poverty estimation in India is carried out by NITI Aayog’s task force through the calculation of poverty line based on the data captured by the National Sample Survey Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI). JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● Poverty line estimation in India is based on the consumption expenditure and not on the income levels.

Global Multidimensional Poverty Index 2020 ● India lifted as many as 270 million people out of multidimensional poverty between 2005- 06 and 2015-16. ● Impact of Covid-19: Covid-19 is having a profound impact on the development landscape. ○ The study finds that on average, poverty levels will be set back 3 to 10 years due to Covid-19. ● Sustainable Development Goals: The index emphasises on measuring and monitoring progress under the goals to reach ‘zero poverty by 2030-Goal 1’ of the SDGs.

What is Period Poverty? ● It describes the struggle many low-income women and girls face while trying to afford menstrual products.The term also refers to the increased economic vulnerability women and girls face due the financial burden posed by menstrual supplies. ● Scotland becomes the first nation in the world to take a step against period poverty by making sanitary pads, tampons free.

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Recent Measures Taken ● Social safety programs: including direct benefit transfers such as cash transfers under PM Kisan scheme, more liberal financing under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 like advance disbursement, direct cash grants to construction workers and release of free and subsidized food grains under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to about 800 million people to ensure food for all. ● A special economic package: of Rs 20 lakh crore (equivalent to 10% of India’s GDP) under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme with the aim of making the country independent against the tough competition in the global supply chain and to help in empowering the poor, labourers, migrants who have been adversely affected by Covid.

World Food Programme ● The Norwegian Nobel Committee had announced the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize to the United Nations (UN) agency World Food Programme (WFP).

#Target_shots Addition

About World Food Programme (WFP) ● WFP the UN agency focused on hunger alleviation and food security. ● Established in 1961 after the 1960 Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Conference. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● Headquarters: Rome (Italy). ● Funding: funded by voluntary donations from governments, corporates and private donors. ● Purpose: The WFP strives to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, with the ultimate goal in mind of eliminating the need for food aid itself. ● It works closely with its two Rome-based sister organizations, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. ● It is a member of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG) and part of its Executive Committee. ● WFP has been working in India since 1963. It is governed by an Executive Board, which consists of 36 member states. ● WFP Focus Areas ○ Climate action ○ Disaster risk reduction ○ Gender equality ○ Nutrition ○ Smallholder market support ○ Social protection and safety nets ○ Sustainable livelihoods and ecosystems ● Significance: ○ Eradicating hunger is one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2: Zero Hunger) to be achieved by 2030 and WFP is the UN’s primary agency that works towards this goal. ○ Currently, it is the world’s largest humanitarian agency combating hunger. ● Data on Hunger ○ According to the WFP, there are 690 million hungry people around the world and around 60% of them live in countries affected by conflict. ○ The number of hungry people is expected to increase further due to Covid-19 pandemic, which has led to earnings losses, made food more expensive and has disrupted supply chains.

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What is the difference between FAO and WFP? ● Both organisations work in tandem with each other. Both are under the United Nations. ● While the FAO is a specialised organisation, the WFP is a programme under the UNDP. ● While both are headquartered in Rome, FAO was established much earlier than the WFP. FAO was formed in 1945 and the WFP, in 1961. ● FAO focuses its efforts on improving nutrition, increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing living standards in rural populations, and help in global economic development. The WFP, on the other hand, is a food-assistance programme with a focus on emergency situations, although it works in other areas as well.

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‘10 Hafte 10 Baje 10 Minute’ Campaign ● It is an anti- dengue campaign by Delhi Government. ● The campaign requires Delhi residents to give 10 minutes every Sunday — from September 1 till November 15 — to ensure there’s no stagnant water in their houses or surroundings to prevent the breeding of dengue-carrier mosquitoes.

Tech for Tribals Initiative ● Launched by: the the Ministry of Tribal Affairs ● It will be a joint initiative of TRIFED, Chhattisgarh MFP Federation and IIT-Kanpur ● Aims: at the holistic development of tribals with a focus on entrepreneurship development, soft skills, IT, and business development through SHGs operating through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs). ● Under this initiative, TRIFED has tied up reputed national institutions such as IIT, Kanpur; Art of Living, Bangalore; TISS, Mumbai; KISS, Bhubaneswar; Vivekananda Kendra, Tamil Nadu and SRIJAN, Rajasthan, for conducting Vandhan-ESDP Training Programs. ● It is a unique program to make tribals of India “Aatmanirbhar”, focusing to bridge the gap between tribal entrepreneurs and urban markets.

#Target_shots Addition Van Dhan Scheme: ● It is an initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED with the aim to target livelihood generation for tribal gatherers and transform them into entrepreneurs. ● Under this, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been set up to cater to 10 tribal Self Help Groups(SHG). These SHGs are trained and provided with working capital to add value to the products. The SHGs then market their products within and outside the State.

World Mental Health Day 2020 ( 10 Oct ) ● Overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health. ● 2020 Theme: Mental Health for All, Greater Investment – Greater Access ● The Big Event for Mental Health: It is the first ever global online advocacy event on mental health, hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the day. Key points: ● Impact of Covid-19 on Mental Health: Surveys have indicated that the pandemic is increasing mental health problems. ● Half the respondents from seven countries in a survey by non-profit International Society for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement reported negative effects on mental health. ● Practo, an integrated health care company, reported a 665% jump in the number of mental health consultations. ● More than two-thirds of the queries were from those aged 21-40. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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● Anxiety, stress and panic attacks were the most commonly discussed topics. ● In the United States, more than 90% of respondents to a survey of Harvard Medical School reported increased worry, frustration, boredom or anxiety. ● The global economic cost of mental illness is expected to be more than USD 16 trillion over the next 20 years, which is more than the cost of any other non-communicable disease. ● More Vulnerable: People in younger age, female gender and those with comorbidities reported more psychological impact. Causes: ● Related to Pandemic: The pandemic has increased isolation and loss of income which are well known triggers of mental health conditions. ● Funding and aid: Lack of funding for huge challenges posed by pandemic and mental health issues.

#Target_shots Addition

Indian Scenario about Mental Health ● A report published in The Lancet Psychiatry in February 2020 indicates that in 2017, there were 197.3 million people with mental disorders in India. ● The top mental illnesses were depressive disorder (45.7 million) and anxiety disorder (44.9 million). ● The contribution of mental disorders to the total DALYs in India increased from 2.5% in 1990 to 4.7% in 2017. ○ Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs): The burden of disability associated with a disease or disorder can be measured in units called disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). ○ DALYs represent the total number of years lost to illness, disability, or premature death within a given population. Budgetary Spending: ● India’s healthcare budget in 2018 was Rs. 52,800 crore, of which Rs. 50 crore was for mental health and that was reduced to Rs 40 crore the following year. ● India is barely spending 0.5% of the health budget on this sector.

Initiatives for Mental Health: The Mental Health Care Act (MHCA) 2017 ● came into force in 2018 to meet the requirements of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which India ratified in 2007. ● It has also effectively decriminalized suicide attempts by ‘reading down’ the power of section 309 of the Indian Penal Code ● Therefore, the new Act makes provision for writing an advance directive which people can make when they are well ● Through such advance directives, people nominate a person who could take decisions on their behalf in such situations

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● This kind of provision has been made for the first time in healthcare legislation in India ● The Act provides persons with mental illness protection from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment ● It also provides right to information about their illness and treatment, right to confidentiality of their medical condition and right to access their medical records, to list just a few rights ● Under the act, the government is explicitly made responsible for setting up programmes for the promotion of mental health, prevention of mental illness and suicide prevention programmes

KIRAN: ● Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment ● helpline number “1800-599-0019” ● Help in providing psychological support, psychological crisis management, early screening, mental wellbeing, first-aid, and will also help to prevent deviant behaviour. ● The initiative targets people experiencing depression, anxiety, traumatic stress disorder, panic attack, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse and mental health emergency. ● Coordinated by the ● National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD, Chennai) ● National ● Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR, Sehore).

Manodarpan Initiative: ● It is an initiative of the Ministry of Education under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. ● It is aimed to provide psychosocial support to students, family members and teachers for their mental health and well-being during the times of Covid-19.

AMRUT Mission ● Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have been appreciated for the progress made under AMRUT Mission (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation). ● Both the states were also requested to initiate activities under the “Catch the Rain” campaign. The objective of this campaign is to conserve/harvest every drop of water.

#Target_shots Addition

About AMRUT Mission: ( Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) ● Launch: June 2015 ● Ministry: Housing and Urban Affairs ● Purpose:

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○ To ensure that every household has access to a tap with the assured supply of water and a sewerage connection. ○ The Priority zone of the Mission is water supply followed by sewerage. ○ To increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well maintained open spaces (e.g. parks). ○ To reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling). ● Components: ○ Capacity building, reform implementation, water supply, sewerage and septage management, storm water drainage, urban transport and development of green spaces and parks. ○ The reforms aim at improving delivery of citizen services, bringing down the cost of delivery, improving financial health, augmenting resources and enhancing transparency. It also includes replacement of street lights with LED lights. ● Central Sponsored Scheme: Total outlay for AMRUT was Rs. 50,000 crores for five years from FY 2015-16 to FY 2019-20. ○ Unable to meet set targets for urban renewal in 500 cities, the Centre has extended the mission period of AMRUT upto 31st March, 2021. ● State Annual Action Plan (SAAP): ○ AMRUT has made states equal partners in planning and implementation of projects by approval of SAAP once a year by MoHUA and states have to give project sanctions and approval at their end, therefore actualisation of cooperative federalism. ● Supervision: An Apex Committee (AC), chaired by the Secretary, MoHUA and comprising representatives of related Ministries and organisations supervises the Mission.

Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan ● The Government of India has spent Rs 31,577 crores in these 15 weeks to create employment opportunities under the programme. 32 crore man days of employment have been provided. ● Purpose: to provide livelihood opportunities and Employment for migrant workers returning to their hometowns and villages. ● Currently the programme is empowering 116 districts of different states. ● Focused on six main States : It includes Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha and Jharkhand ● Aspirational Districts: These districts were home of two third of migrant workers. Of these chosen districts 27 of them were aspirational districts. The Aspirational districts are those districts that are affected by poor social economic indicators ● The scheme focused on 25 different types of works. It intended to provide employment to migrant workers through these works. It includes building of Anganwadi centres and Gram Panchayat, Railway works, National Highway works, water conservation projects. Around 12 different Ministries are involved in the programme. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission ● Also known as Rashtriya Aajeevika Mission ● It is a centrally sponsored programme, ● launched by the Ministry of Rural Development in June 2011. ● Aim: ○ To eliminate rural poverty through the promotion of multiple livelihoods and improved access to financial services for the rural poor households across the country. ○ To reach out to all rural poor households and impact their livelihoods. ● Functioning: ○ It involves working with community institutions through community professionals in the spirit of self-help which is a unique proposition of DAY-NRLM. ○ It impacts the livelihoods through universal social mobilization by inter alia organising one-woman member from each rural poor household into Self Help Groups (SHGs), their training and capacity building, facilitating their micro- livelihoods plans, and enabling them to implement their livelihoods plans through accessing financial resources from their own institutions and the banks. ● Implementation: ○ It is implemented in a Mission mode by special purpose vehicles (autonomous state societies) with dedicated implementation support units at the national, state, district and block levels, using professional human resources in order to provide continuous and long-term handholding support to each rural poor family. ● Support Provided: ○ There were 63 lakh SHGs comprising seven crore women members in the country which had been granted Rs. 3 lakh crore in loans and the non-performing assets (NPA) amounted to only 2.3%. ○ The outstanding loans were to the tune of Rs. 1 lakh crore. ○ The government plans to take the scheme to 10 crore women.

Initiative under NRLM:

Saras Collection ● Saras Collection on the Government e Marketplace (GeM) portal. ● It is a unique initiative by the GeM, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and Ministry of Rural Development. ● The Saras Collection showcases daily utility products made by rural Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and aims to provide SHGs in rural areas with market access to Central and State Government buyers.

Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana ● 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.

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Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana ( AGEY ) ● The Union Ministry of Rural Development is going to launch Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY), a sub-scheme under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). ● The scheme aims at providing an alternative source of livelihood to members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) by facilitating them to operate public transport services in backward rural areas. ● AGEY will help to provide safe, affordable and community monitored rural transport services to connect remote villages with key services and amenities such as access to markets, education and health for the overall economic development of backward rural areas. ● The transport services will be provided by e-rickshaws, 3 and 4 wheeler motorised transport vehicles to connect remote villages with the help of Self Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NRLM.

Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna ● The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the second phase of “Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna” for the underprivileged Thalassemic patients. ● The Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) program was launched in 2017 and is funded by Coal India Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It will be extended for next two years from 2020. ● Objective: It aims to provide a one-time cure opportunity for Haemoglobinopathies like Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Disease for patients who have a matched family donor. ● Eligibility: Only patients whose monthly family income is below Rs 20,000 will be eligible for this assistance. ● The scheme has been extended to cover Aplastic Anaemia patients (lack of blood cell production in body). ● Funding: The CSR initiative was targeted to provide financial assistance to a total of 200 patients by providing a package cost not exceeding rupees 10 lakhs per HSCT. ● Statistics: It is estimated 10,000 to 12,000 children are born with thalassemia every year in India

#Target_shots Addition

Thalassemia ➢ It is a genetic blood disorder that causes the body to have less hemoglobin than normal. such persons require frequent blood transfusions. ➢ Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen. Thalassemia can cause anemia, leading to fatigue. ➢ The symptoms of thalassemia major generally appear before a child's second birthday. ➢ The severe anaemia related to this condition can be life-threatening.

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➢ The only way to save a patient with Thalassemia major is through a bone marrow transplant, from a human leukocyte antigen HLA-identical donor.

Sickle Cell Disease ● It is an inherited disease caused by defects, called mutations, in the beta globin gene that helps make hemoglobin. ● The red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle”. ● The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells. ● World Sickle Cell Day 2020 was observed to increase awareness about the Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) at the national level. ● The day is recognised by the United Nations and celebrated every year on 19th June.

‘Saviour Sibling’ Experiment ● ‘Saviour Sibling’ refers to babies that are created to serve an older sibling as a donor of organs, bone marrow or cells. ● Stem cells from the umbilical cord blood or blood of the saviour sibling are used for treatment of serious blood disorders like thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia. ● One-year-old sibling has saved her brother’s life by donating her bone marrow. ● Girl named Kavya was conceived by her parents through invitro fertilisation (IVF) to save her brother, Abhijeet Solanki, who was born with Thalassemia.

In vitro Fertilisation ● IVF is one of the more widely known types of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). ● In vitro comes from the latin word ‘in glass’, i.e. studies are done in a test tube rather than in a human or animal. ● In vitro means outside the body. Fertilization means the sperm has attached to and entered the egg. ● During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from the ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus. ● The opposite to ‘In-vitro’ is ‘In-vivo’, which comes from the latin word ‘within the living’. In vivo refers to experimentation being done in a living organism.

#Target_shots Addition

National Policy for Rare Diseases-2020 ● Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), on January 13, 2020, released its National Draft Policy on rare diseases for the treatment of 450 such diseases. ● What is rare disease ?: A rare disease is a health condition of low prevalence that affects a small number of people compared with other prevalent diseases in the general population. ● 80% of rare diseases are genetic in origin and hence disproportionately impact children.

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Overview of the policy: ● Among other measures, the policy intends to kickstart a registry of rare diseases, which will be maintained by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). ● Rare diseases include: genetic diseases, rare cancers, infectious tropical diseases, and degenerative diseases. ● Three categories of rare diseases — requiring one-time curative treatment, diseases that require long-term treatment but where the cost is low, and those needing long-term treatments with high cost. Some of the diseases in the first category include osteopetrosis and immune deficiency disorders, among others. ● Assistance: As per the policy, the assistance of Rs 15 lakh will be provided to patients suffering from rare diseases that require a one-time curative treatment under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi scheme. ● The treatment will be limited to the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

Healthy Ageing ● World Health Organisation (WHO) defines healthy ageing as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.” ○ Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value. For e.g. meeting their basic needs; make decisions; be mobile etc. ○ It includes all the physical and mental capacities of an individual and their interaction with environment (home, community etc.) ● Healthy ageing replaces the World Health Organization’s previous focus on Active ageing, a policy framework developed in 2002. ○ Active ageing is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. ○ It is based on Madrid International Plan of Action, 2002. ○ Madrid Plan of Action offers a bold new agenda for handling the issue of ageing in the 21st-century. ● It focuses on three priority areas: ○ Older persons and development; ○ Advancing health and well-being into old age; and ○ Ensuring enabling and supportive environments.

Biofortification ● It is the process of increasing nutritional value of food crops by increasing the density of vitamins and minerals in a crop through either conventional plant breeding; agronomic practices or biotechnology. ● Examples of these vitamins and minerals that can be increased through biofortification include provitamin A Carotenoids, zinc and iron.

#Target_shots Addition

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What is Agronomic biofortification? ● It entails application of minerals such as zinc or iron as foliar or soil applications, drawing on plant management, soil factors, and plant characteristics to get enhanced content of key micronutrients into the edible portion of the plant. How does Biofortification differ from food fortification? ● Biofortification has the increased nutritional micronutrient content embedded in the crop being grown. ● Food fortification increases the nutritional value of foods by adding trace amounts of micronutrients to foods during processing.

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 ● What is Domestic Violence: ○ Defination includes not just physical abuse, which is more identifiable and is easier to prove (for example, using medical records), but also aspects like emotional and sexual abuse. It even includes threat of violence as part of the definition. ● Primarily meant for the protection of wife or female live-in partners. ● Law also extends to sisters, widows, or mothers. ● One of the main objectives of PWDVA was to secure residence for a woman; it was immaterial that she didn’t have title or ownership of such a shared household. ● Harassment in the form of dowry demands also included in this law. ● Gives women the right to secure housing. ● The court can also issue protection orders that prevent the abuser to harass the women by acts at her workplace. ● The act proposes the appointment of protection officers and NGOs. ● A breach of a protection order is a non-bailable offense. ● It’s a civil law aimed at providing a fourfold support system to women who have suffered violence at home: ○ Residence orders, custody orders, protection orders and monetary relief from a respondent

#Target_shots Addition

● Acts of Domestic Violence ○ Physical violence, such as slapping, hitting, kicking and beating. ○ Sexual violence, including forced sexual intercourse and other forms of sexual coercion. ○ Emotional (psychological) abuse, such as insults, belittling, constant humiliation, intimidation, threats of harm, threats to take away children. ○ Controlling behaviors, including isolating a person from family and friends, monitoring their movements and restricting access to financial resources, employment, education or medical care. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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Mahila Kisan Diwas ● Observed on 15th October. ● The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare set aside this day to empower women in the field of agriculture. ● The UN also observes 15th October as the ‘International Day of Rural Women’. ● The main objective: of celebrating this day is to create awareness and to encourage women farmers to take up different income generation activities in agriculture and allied sectors to enhance the economy of the nation.

Global Hunger Index( GHI ) ● Published by: Jointly published by the Concern Worldwide (an Irish agency) and the Welt Hunger Hilfe (a German organization). ● First produced in 2006. It is published every October. ● Aim: To comprehensively measure and track hunger at the global, regional, and country levels. ● Four GHI indicators: Undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. ● Ranking: The GHI ranks countries on a 100-point scale, with 0 being the best score (no hunger) and 100 being the worst. ● The GHI scores are based on a formula that captures three dimensions of hunger— insufficient caloric intake, child undernutrition, and child mortality—using four component indicators

Key Findings: ● Worldwide Hunger: Represented by a GHI score of 18.2 (moderate level), down from a 2000 GHI score of 28.2 (serious). ● Region-wise Performance: Africa South of the Sahara and South Asia have the highest hunger and undernutrition levels among world regions, with 2020 GHI scores of 27.8 and 26.0, respectively—both considered serious. ● SDG 2 Progress: The world is not on track to achieve the second Sustainable Development Goal - known as Zero Hunger for short - by 2030. About India: ● With a score of 27.2, India has a level of hunger that is “serious”. ● It ranks 94 out of 107 countries in the Index. In 2019, India’s rank was 102 out of 117 countries. ● India features behind Nepal (73), Pakistan (88), Bangladesh (75), Indonesia (70) among others. ● Out of the total 107 countries, only 13 countries fare worse than India including countries like Rwanda (97), Nigeria (98), Afghanistan (99), Liberia (102), Mozambique (103), Chad (107) among others.

What is the main cause for such high levels of child stunting and wasting in India?

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● Poor maternal health: South Asian babies show very high levels of wasting very early in their lives, within the first six months. This reflects the poor state of maternal health. ● Mothers Health: Mothers are too young, too short, too thin and too undernourished themselves, before they get pregnant, during pregnancy, and then after giving birth, during breast-feeding. ● Poor sanitation is another major cause of child wasting and stunting.

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Some Related Initiatives by India ● Eat Right India Movement: An outreach activity organised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for citizens to nudge them towards eating right. ● POSHAN Abhiyaan: Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2018, it targets to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls). ● Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: A centrally sponsored scheme executed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, is a maternity benefit programme being implemented in all districts of the country with effect from 1st January, 2017. ● Food Fortification: Food Fortification or Food Enrichment is the addition of key vitamins and minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, Vitamin A & D to staple foods such as rice, milk and salt to improve their nutritional content. ● National Food Security Act, 2013: The National Food Security Act, (NFSA) 2013 legally entitled up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population to receive subsidized food grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System. ● Mission Indradhanush: It targets children under 2 years of age and pregnant women for immunization against 12 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD). ● Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme: Launched on 2nd October, 1975, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme offers a package of six services (Supplementary Nutrition, Pre-school non-formal education, Nutrition & health education, Immunization, Health check-up and Referral services) to children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

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Indicators: ● UNDERNOURISHMENT: the share of the population that is undernourished, reflecting insufficient caloric intake ● CHILD WASTING: the share of children under the age of five who are wasted (low weight-for-height), reflecting acute undernutrition. ● CHILD STUNTING: the share of children under the age of five who are stunted (low height-for-age), reflecting chronic undernutrition. ● CHILD MORTALITY : the mortality rate of children under the age of five

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National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 ● Notified on: 10th September, 2013 ● Objective: To provide for food and nutritional security in the human life cycle approach, by ensuring access to adequate quantities of quality food at affordable prices to people to live a life with dignity. ● Coverage: 75% of the rural population and upto 50% of the urban population for receiving subsidized foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). ● Eligibility: Priority Households to be covered under TPDS, according to guidelines by the State government. ● Households covered under existing Antyodaya Anna Yojana. ● Provisions: ● 5 Kgs of foodgrains per person per month at Rs. 3/2/1 per Kg for rice/wheat/coarse grains. ● The existing AAY household will continue to receive 35 Kgs of foodgrains per household per month. ● Meal and maternity benefit of not less than Rs. 6,000 to pregnant women and lactating mothers during pregnancy and six months after the child birth, ● Meals to children upto 14 years of age. ● Food security allowance to beneficiaries in case of non-supply of entitled foodgrains or meals. ● Setting up of grievance redressal mechanisms at the district and state level.

Poshan Abhiyan ( National Nutrition Mission )

● To improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. ● Poshan implies ‘Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition’. ● Launch: It was launched by PM on International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2018 from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan. ● Implemented By: Ministry of Women and Child Development ● Targets: To reduce stunting, underweight, and low birth weight, each by 2% per year; and anaemia among young children, adolescents and women each by 3% per year until 2022. ● The minimum target to reduce stunting is 2% every year, but the mission will strive to bring it down from 38.4% in 2016 to 25% by 2022.

October 15: World Students Day ● Every year Dr APJ Abdul Kalam birth anniversary is celebrated as World Students Day. ● Theme: Learning for people, prosperity and peace. ● Mr Kalam is popularly known as the “Missile Man of India”. He was not only an aerospace scientist but also a teacher and thus the world celebrates his birth anniversary as World Students Day. ● The United Nations declared his birth anniversary as World Students Day in 2010.

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KAPILA Campaign ● Launched by: Ministry of education ● KAPILA stands for : Kalam Programme for Intellectual Property Literacy and Awareness campaign. ● launched to celebrate the 89 birth anniversary of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. ● Purpose: Under the campaign, the Government of India will spread awareness about the importance of patenting and invention. This will help to lead India towards self- Reliance. ● Also celebrate intellectual property literacy week between October 15 and October 23

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National Intellectual Property Rights policy 2016 ● The Policy was adopted in 2016 ● To guide the future development of Intellectual Property Rights in the country. ● Aims to bring all the Intellectual Property Rights under single platform. ● The policy is to set an institutional mechanism to implement, monitor and review the Intellectual Property Rights in the country. ● The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) is the nodal department to oversee the development of intellectual property rights in India. ● The Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) was set up under DIPP to implement the objectives of national IPR policy. ● The policy is in compliance with the WTO agreement on Trade Related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

India & its Sex Ratio ● Sex Ratio at Birth: ○ Biologically normal sex ratio at birth is 1,050 males to 1,000 females or 950 females to 1,000 males. ○ The UNFPA State of World Population 2020 estimated the sex ratio at birth in India as 910, which is on the lower side of index. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) ● According to SRS Report 2018, TFR has been declining in India for some time now. It declined from 2.4 to 2.2 during the period between 2011 and 2018. ○ TFR is the number of children a mother would have at the current pattern of fertility during her lifetime. ○ Replacement rate is the average number of children born per woman—at which a population exactly replaces itself from one generation to the next, without migration.

#Target_shots Addition

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Sample Registration System (SRS) Report ● SRS is the largest demographic sample survey in the country that among other indicators provide direct estimates of sex ratio, fertility rate etc. through a nationally representative sample. ● It is brought by the Office of Registrar General.

United Nation Population Fund ● The UNFPA is aimed at improving reproductive and maternal health worldwide. It is headquartered in New York.

Scale India App: ● The Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) has recently announced the launch of the Skill Certification Assessment for Leather Employees (SCALE) India android app in order to provide a single platform to integrate quality assurance across all of its services. ● Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) was set up in 2012 after getting approval by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

World Statistics Day ( 20 Oct ) ● Theme “Connecting the world with data we can trust”. ● organized under the guidance of the United Nations Statistical Commission. ● At its 41st Session in February 2010, the United Nations Statistical ● Commission proposed celebrating 20 October 2010 as World Statistics Day ● Celebrates every five year

Anemia Mukt Bharat Index ● Released by Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare ● Haryana was ranked at the top slot with an AMB Index of 46.7 among the 29 states. ● It is one of the 11 states of India that has achieved the national health policy targets well before 2020. About Anemia Mukt Bharat ● It is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and UNICEF. ● Aim : To reduce the prevalence of Anemia all over India. ● Target Beneficiaries: The target beneficiaries are Children (6-59 months), Children(5-9 years), Adolescent Girls & Boys of 10-19 years, Women of Reproductive Age (15-49 years), Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers. ● Target Interventions : Prophylactic Iron and Folic Acid supplementation,Deworming, Intensified Year round behaviour change communication activities, Testing of anemia using digital methods, Mandatory provision of Iron and Folic Acid fortified foods in government-funded health programmes and Addressing non-nutritional causes of anemia.

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Anemia ● Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body’s tissues. Having anemia can make you feel tired and weak. ● Causes: Anemia is caused due to iron deficiency. ● There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Anemia can be temporary or long term, and it can range from mild to severe. ● Symptoms : may include fatigue, skin pallor, shortness of breath, light-headedness, dizziness or a fast heartbeat.

Abortion ● It is defined as the termination of pregnancy by various methods, including medical surgery before the fetus is able to sustain independent life. Abortion Laws in India ● Abortions in India are regulated by the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971. ● Under the law (section 3 of the MTP Act 1971), the doctor can perform an abortion in the following conditions: 1. If the pregnancy would be harmful to the life of the patient or affects her physical or mental health. The doctor will need to consider the circumstances of the patient to figure out if the pregnancy will harm her mental health, on a case to case basis. 2. If there is a good chance that the child would suffer from physical or mental abnormalities which would leave him or her seriously handicapped. 3. If pregnancy occurred as a result of a failure of contraception (only applicable to married women). 4. If pregnancy is a result of sexual assault or rape. Termination of Pregnancy: 1. If the pregnancy has not exceeded 12 weeks, only one doctor is needed to sign-off. 2. If the pregnancy has exceeded 12 weeks and is below 24 weeks, two doctors are needed. 3. The gestation period does not matter if a doctor feels that an immediate abortion must be conducted to save the life of the patient. 4. The doctor who determines if it is necessary to perform an abortion and performs it needs to be a ‘registered medical practitioner’ under the law.

● In January 2020, the Union Cabinet approved amendments to the MTP Act, allowing women to seek abortions as part of the reproductive right and gender justice. ● The amendment raised the upper limit of MTP from 20 weeks to 24 weeks for women including rape survivors, victims of incest, differently-abled women and minors.

Tarang Suposhit Maharashtracha ● This initiative is anticipated to create more recognition about the nutritional demands of women and children in Maharashtra.

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● The platform gives benefits like helpline, Whatsapp, chatbot, broadcast call and others. ● The helpline contact number 8080809063 gives the guidance on the nutrition food, protect pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers and parents. ● The platform attributes short firms with knowledge about nutrition food. The platform also provides a series of videos on exceptional recipes of nutritional dishes. ● Maharashtra ranked first in the recently ended ‘Poshan Mah’ programme in the India

CHILD CARE LEAVE: ● Union Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions said that the male employees of the government are also now entitled to Child Care Leave. ● However, the provision of Child Care Leave (CCL) will be available only for those male employees who happen to be “single male parent”. ● This may include male employees who are widowers or divorcees or even unmarried and may therefore, be expected to take up the responsibility of child care as a single - handed parent. ● Child Care Leave can be granted at 100% of leave salary for the first 365 days and 80% of leave salary for the next 365 days. ● In case of a disabled child, the condition of availing Child Care Leave up to the age of 22 years of the child has been removed and now Child Care Leave can be availed by a government servant for a disabled child of any age.

GoI to launch two centres of excellence for Tribal Welfare ● Centres are to be launched in collaboration between Art of Living and Ministry of Tribal Affairs. ● Aim of the centres: to focus on strengthening the PRIS and to train the tribal farmers. ● The PRI is Panchayat Raj Institutions. ● It will create awareness about the tribal acts and rules. ● Also, the excellence centre through the initiative will make welfare schemes available to the tribal population. ● Other Centre of Excellence is to implement the initiative of Training to Tribal Farmers.

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Tribal Welfare Scheme ● The Government of India had launched the following Tribal Welfare scheme ○ Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana ○ Eklavya Model Residential Schools ○ Scheme for Vocational Training in Tribal Areas ○ Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribla Groups ○ To support through Tribal Research Institute ○ Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana ○ Adivasi Shiksha Rrinn Yojana.

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The following are the Tribal Protection legislation in India. ○ They are PESA act was extended to the scheduled areas in 1996 ○ SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities’ Act ○ Forest Rights Act Monitoring System ○ The ST and traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006

Eklavya Model Residential Schools ● Objective of EMRS: to provide quality middle and high level education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote areas, not only to enable them to avail of reservation in high and professional educational courses and as jobs in government and public and private sectors but also to have access to the best opportunities in education at par with the non ST population ● Implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. ● Coverage:As per existing EMRS Guidelines of 2010, at least one EMRS is to be set up in each Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) / Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) having 50% ST population in the area. ● The EMRSs may be affiliated either to the State or Central Boards of Secondary Education as desired fit by the State Governments/UT Administration.

Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana ● What is it ?: an exclusive concessional scheme for the economic development of eligible Scheduled Tribe Women to enhance their standard of life by providing financial independence. ● Implemented by: National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) ● Under the scheme, Scheduled Tribes women can undertake loans for any income generation activity. ● The loans are given based on requirement of the unit through State Channelizing Agencies. ● The loan upto Rs 1 lakh per unit will be provided under the scheme with upto 90% of unit cost is provided by NSTFDC as term loan. ● The scheme provides loans with an interest rate of 2% for the State channelizing agencies (SCA) and 4% for the beneficiaries. ● The loan is to be repaid in quarterly instalments within a maximum period of 5 years including moratorium period. ● Eligibility criteria: ○ The applicant should belong to the Scheduled Tribes Community. ○ The applicant should be above the age of 18 years ○ The annual income of the family should not exceed Rs.98,000 per annum in case of rural areas and Rs.1,20,000 per annum in case of the urban areas. ● The NSTFDC was instituted by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the overall development of both Scheduled Tribe men and women.

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ADIVASI SHIKSHA RRINN YOJANA of NSTFDC ● What is it?: Under the Scheme, NSTFDC would provide loan at concessional rate of interest to the eligible Scheduled Tribes for pursuing higher professional and technical education including PhD. in India. conducted by colleges/universities approved by UGC/Govt./AICTE/ICMR etc. ● Quantum of assistance: 90% of expenditure/deposits for entire duration of the course subject to a maximum loan amount of Rs. 5.00 lakh (Five lakh rupees) per eligible family. ● Rate of Interest: 6% p.a. chargeable from the beneficiary. ● Repayment: After the moratorium period (Course Period plus one year or six months after getting job, whoever is earlier) within next 5 years subject to maximum period of 10 years. ● Financial Assistance for Income Generating Activities: In order to encourage self employment, provision has been made in ASRY for extending concessional financial assistance after completion of studies for undertaking income generating activities.

ASER Survey 2020 ● ASER is a nationwide survey of rural education and learning outcomes in terms of reading and arithmetic skills. ● Conducted by the NGO Pratham for the last 15 years.

Key findings: ● Enrollments: 5.5% of rural children are not currently enrolled for the 2020 school year, up from 4% in 2018. ● Among 15-16 year-olds, however, enrollment levels are slightly higher than in 2018. ● The proportion of boys enrolled in government schools has risen from 62.8% in 2018 to 66.4% in 2020, while for girls, that number has gone up from 70% to 73% in the corresponding period. ● Patterns show a slight shift toward government schools, with private schools seeing a drop in enrolment in all age groups. ● Availability of Smartphones: ○ Among enrolled children, 61.8% live in families that own at least one smartphone which was merely 36.5% in 2018. ○ WhatsApp is by far the most popular mode of transmitting learning materials to students, with 75% of students receiving input via this app. ● Availability of Learning Material: Overall more than 80% of children said they had textbooks for their current grade. ● Learning Activities: ○ Most children (70.2%) did some form of a learning activity through material shared by tutors or family members themselves, with or without regular input. ○ 11% had access to live online classes, and 21% had videos or recorded classes, with much higher levels in private schools. JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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○ About 60% studied from their textbooks and 20% watched classes broadcast on TV.

1. National Achievement Survey- NCERT. ● To monitor improvement in children’s learning levels and to assess the health of the government ● education system as a whole

2. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA): a triennial international survey which aims to evaluate education systems worldwide by testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students-OECD

Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana ● Launched in 2018. ● Aim: To strengthen and improve the living of potters in the country by making them self reliant (Atma Nirbhar). ● Features: Providing potters with modern equipment and training to reconnect them with the society and revive their art. ● Implementation: KVIC has created proper marketing channels including tie-up with the Indian Railway for selling the products of potters. ● Benefits: Proper training and distribution of advanced equipment under the scheme has eliminated drudgery from the process of pottery making and also resulted in increasing the production by 3-4 times. ● This has led to an increase in income of potters manifolds.

Power scheme for women scientists ● POWER- Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research. ● Objective: It is a scheme to mitigate gender disparity in science and engineering research funding in various S&T programs in Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories. ● Launched by: the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a Statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). ● About SERB: The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), is a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. ● Two components namely: (1) SERB-POWER Fellowship; (2) SERB- POWER Research Grants.

SERB-POWER Fellowship ● The scheme targets women researchers of age 35 to 55 years. ● It will provide 25 to 75 Fellowship per year.

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● The selected candidates under the scheme will receive Fellowship of 15000 rupees per month. ● This is in addition to the regular income. ● Also, they will receive 10 lakh rupees per annum as a research grant and 90000 Rupees as overhead in their career.

SERB-POWER Grants ● It empowers women researchers by providing them with funds in two categories. ● Under Level one category, the applicants from institutes the such as IIT, NIT, National labs of Central government institutions, IISc are provided with a grant of 60 lakh rupees for a period of three years. ● Under level 2 category, the researchers from State Universities, private colleges and other academic Institutions are included. They will be provided with the funding of up to 30 lakh rupees for 3 years.

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Related Government Initiatives ● Vigyan Jyoti Scheme: ○ Launched by the DST, it aims to create a level-playing field for the meritorious girls in high school to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in their higher education. ○ It also offers exposure for girl students from the rural background to help to plan their journey from school to a job of their choice in the field of science.

● Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions Scheme: ○ GATI Scheme will develop a comprehensive charter and a framework for assessing gender equality in STEM. ○ An online portal for science and technology resources for women will provide E- resources related to all women-specific government schemes, scholarships, fellowships, career counseling with details of subject area experts from various disciplines in science and technology.

● Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing Scheme (KIRAN): ○ Started by the DST, KIRAN scheme aims to bring gender parity in the S&T sector by inducting more women talent in the R&D domain. ○ To provide various career opportunities to women scientists and technologists. ○ It is primarily aimed to bring gender parity in the Science & Technology sector by inducting more women talent in the research & development domain through various programmes.

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○ ▪️It also provides fellowship support ranging from Rs 25000 to 55000 to women ranging in the age group 27 to 57 years for continuing higher education in Science and Technology after a break in career.

● Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme: ○ BBBP Scheme is the joint initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Human Resource Development to ensure survival, protection, and empowerment of the girl child. ● National Science Day 2020: ○ It was celebrated on 28th February 2020 with the theme ‘Women In Science’. ○ Dr Niti Kumar, a senior scientist from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow received SERB Women Excellence Award-2020 on this occasion.

Operation “Meri Saheli” ● Launched by : Indian Railways ● Objective: to provide safety and security to lady passengers travelling by trains for their entire journey from starting station to destination station. ● An initiative of RPF, the Strategy of the entails interaction with lady passengers especially those travelling alone by a team of young lady RPF personnel at the originating station. ● These lady passengers are briefed about all precautions to be taken during the journey and told to dial 182 in case they face or see any problem in the coach.

Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital in Education (SATH-E) project ● launched by: NITI Aayog ● Objective: promoting vocational education, skill development, teacher training and introducing technology in classrooms. ● Aims to: Transform elementary and secondary school education through goal driven exercise and create role model states for education. The initiative culminates at the end of the 2020 academic year. ● Critical interventions including school mergers, remediation program, training, monitoring teacher recruitment/rationalization, institutional reorganization at district and state level and proper utilization of Management Information System (MIS) are in execution mode since January, 2018

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (NCVET) ● Type: A non-statutory regulatory body. ● Composition: it is headed by a Chairperson and has Executive and Non-Executive Members.

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● History: ○ The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) notified the establishment of NCVET, through a Government Notification dated 05.12.2018. ○ It was established by merging the functions of National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) and National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) ● Primary functions: ○ Recognition and regulation of awarding bodies, assessment bodies and skill related information providers; ○ Approval of qualifications developed by awarding bodies and Sector Skill Councils (SSCs); ○ Indirect regulation of vocational training institutes through awarding bodies and assessment agencies; ○ research and information dissemination; ○ grievance redressal.

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History - Art & Culture .

Kakinada kaja ● What is it ? : Unique sweet of Andhra Pradesh. ● The sweet is being made and promoted by Kotaiah family since 1891 in Kakinada town, East Godavari district. ● Why in news ? : Kotaiah family apply for Geographical Indications Registry’s (GIR) tag

Gandhi Jaynti : International Day of Non-Violence on October 2. ● United Nations General Assembly started the observance of the day in 2007 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (Gandhi Jaynti ) ● Theme - Shaping Peace Together. ● On this occasion, Swachh Bharat Mission was launched in 2014. India also celebrated 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhiji in 2019.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti 2nd Oct ● He served as the second Prime Minister of India.(1964-66) ● He was minister in the Union Cabinet from 1951 to 1956 when he resigned taking responsibility for the railway accident and later from 1957-1964. ● Shastri’s famous slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ ● He was the first person to be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna (1966). ● Shastri’s Prime Ministership came to an abrupt end on 10th January 1966, when he suddenly expired in Tashkent, then in USSR and currently the capital of Uzbekistan.

Maru Mani ● What is it : It is a unique and innovative social media campaign. ● “Maru Mani” means Jewels of Desert. ● Launched by: Lok Samvad Sansthan, a Jaipur-based media advocacy organisation, in collaboration with Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. ● Purpose: The campaign seeks to raise financial support for the famed musicians of desert districts of Rajasthan who are suffering severe hardships due to prolonged Corona crisis and accompanying lockdown (Particularly the Langa-Manganiyar folk artistes of western Rajasthan).

Etikoppaka Toys ● Etikoppaka is a small village located on the banks of the River Varaha in Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. ● The toys in the village are made with lacquer color and are traditionally known as Etikoppaka toys or Etikoppaka Bommalu.

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● The practice of lacquering comes from a period of antiquity ranging back to 300 BCE. ● The toys are also called as lacquer toys because of application of lacquer coating. ● The toys are made out of wood and are coloured with natural dyes derived from seeds, lacquer, bark, roots and leaves. ● In 2017, the Etikoppaka Toys were accorded the GI tag of Andhra Pradesh by the Geographical Indication Registry.

Garba ● It is a famous folk dance of Gujarat. Garba refers to “Garba deep” which is an earthen pot with holes. ● It is a dance performed in a circular form by the village as well as urban women with rhythmic clapping. ● It is performed during the occasion of Navaratri, Sharad Purnima, Vasant Panchami, Holi, and other festival occasions.

Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana ● Launched by: An umbrella scheme under the Ministry of Culture for the promotion of art and culture in the country. ● It is a central sector scheme. ● The ministry implements many schemes under KSVY, where the grants are sanctioned/approved for holding programs/activities. ○ Scheme of Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture. ○ Scheme of Financial Assistance for Creation of Cultural Infrastructure. ○ Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which aims to promote the 13 intangible cultural heritage of India, recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

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Azad Hind Government ● 77th anniversary of the formation of Azad Hind Government on 21st October, 2020. About Azad Hind Government: ● Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose had announced the establishment of the provisional government of Azad Hind in occupied Singapore in 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. Why ? ● Bose was convinced that armed struggle was the only way to achieve independence for India. ● It drew ex- prisoners and thousands of civilian volunteers from the Indian expatriate population in Malaya (present-day Malaysia) and Burma (now Myanmar). Key features: ● The Azad Hind government had its own court, civil code and currency. ● Its provisional capital was Port Blair, while its capital-in-exile was Rangoon and Singapore. Under the provisional government: ● Bose was the head of the state, the prime minister and the minister for war and foreign affairs. ● Captain Lakshmi headed the women’s organisation. ● S A Ayer headed the publicity and propaganda wing. ● Rash Behari Bose was designated as the supreme advisor. How it came to an end? ● Bose’s death was seen as the end to the Azad Hind movement. The Second World War, also ended in 1945 with the defeat of the Axis powers.

SHYAMJI KRISHNA VARMA ● K Varma (1857–1930) was an Indian revolutionary fighter, a patriot, lawyer and journalist. ● Founded the Indian Home Rule Society, India House and The Indian Sociologist in London. ● He was a noted scholar in Sanskrit and other Indian languages. ● He pursued a brief legal career in India and served as the Divan of a number of Indian princely states in India. ● He had, however, differences with Crown authority, was dismissed following a supposed conspiracy of local British officials at Junagadh and chose to return to England. ● An admirer of Dayanand Saraswati’s approach of cultural nationalism, and of Herbert Spencer, Krishna Varma believed in Spencer’s dictum: “Resistance to aggression is not simply justified, but imperative”.

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Life in Miniature project ● It is a collaboration between the National Museum (Ministry of Culture) and Google Arts & Culture. ● Purpose: Under the project, several hundred miniature paintings from the National Museum can be viewed online on Google Arts & Culture by people around the world. ● Technology Used: The project uses technologies like machine learning, augmented reality and digitization with high-definition robotic cameras, to showcase the special works of art in a magical new way. ● The users will be able to see famous miniature collections of the National Museum like the Ramayana, Royal Saga, Pahari style paintings etc.

Aligarh Movement ● It was a systemic movement aimed at reforming the social, political and educational aspects of the Muslim community. ● The movement undertook to modernise Muslim’s education by adapting English as a medium of learning and western education rather than just focusing on traditional teachings. ● Sir Syed established the Scientific Society in 1864, in Aligarh to translate Western works into Indian languages to prepare the Muslims to accept Western education and to inculcate scientific temperament among the Muslims. ● The Aligarh Institute Gazette, a magazine published by Sir Syed was an organ of the Scientific Society. ● In 1877, he founded the Muhammadan Anglo Oriental College on the pattern of Oxford and Cambridge universities. The college later grew into Aligarh Muslim University. ● The Aligarh Movement helped in the Muslim revival. It gave them a common language Urdu.

Langa & Manganiar ● Langa & Manganiar are Muslim communities predominantly in Barmer and Jaisalmer districts of Rajasthan. ● They are famous for their classical folk music. ● They represent the voice of Rajasthan; they adorn all major cultural fiestas in India and abroad with their lilting melodies. ● Their folk music flourished under the patronage of their Hindu yajmans (patrons) over the years. ● While the Manganiars are patronised by the Bhati Rajputs, the Langas have the Sindhi Sipahis as yajman. ● They still sing for their Hindu yajmans on Holi, Diwali and other auspicious occasions like weddings.

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Kati Bihu festival celebrated in Assam ● It is one of the three Bihu festivals ● also called as Kangali Bihu, the festival of the poor (the word “Kongal” means “poor”). ● It is celebrated in mid-October when the crops are at growing stage and the granaries of the farmers are empty. ● Bihu is associated with agriculture and rice. On Kati Bihu festival day, earthen lamps are lit in households

Three different types of Bihu festivals ● Bohag Bihu, Kati Bihu and Bhogali Bihu. ● Bohag Bihu: It is also known as Rongali Bihu. The most popular Bihu celebrates the beginning of the Assamese New Year and the arriving of spring. ● The Bohag Bihu is celebrated in middle of April month. Bohag Bihu marks the first day of the Hindu solar calendar. The folk songs related with the Bohag Bihu are known as Bihugeets or Bihu songs.

Various Harvest festivals being celebrated across the Nations:

● 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 South India 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.

Parampara Series — National Festival of Music and Dance: ● The annual Parampara Series organised by Natya Tarangini in partnership with the United Nations will be held online this year. Background ● ‘Natya Tarangini’ – Performing Arts Centre was started with an idea to globally popularize Kuchipudi style of Indian classical dance ● Established in 1976 by Padmabhushan Awardees Drs. Raja and Radha Reddy and Kaushalya Reddy.

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● Natya Tarangini has today evolved from a simple Kuchipudi dance school into a world- class performing arts centre in Delhi.

Jamia Millia Islamia ● Established in Aligarh on 29 October, 1920 ● Founding member: Mohammad Ali Jauhar, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, Abdul Majeed Khwaja, and Zakir Hussain under the presidentship of Mahmud Hasan Deobandi. ● It was established mainly in response to the demand of some students of the Aligarh Muslim University for a new National Muslim University which would be free from government influence as they felt that the administration of Aligarh Muslim University was of pro-British stance. ● Jauhar became its first vice-chancellor and Hakim Ajmal Khan was its first chancellor

“Bundi: Architectural Heritage of a Forgotten Rajput Capital” ● Its a webinar organised by Ministry of Tourism’s Bundi ● It is an erstwhile capital of Hada (Chauhan) Rajput province known as Hadauti located in south-eastern Rajasthan. ● Known as Bundi is also known as City of stepwells, blue city and also as Chotti Kashi. ● It was known as Chotti Kashi owing to presence of over hundred temples within and around the hada capital.

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Bundi Temple Architecture: ● First Phase : Temples constructed in the early phase of Bundi’s growth ● were in classical Nagara style. ● Second Phase : In later phases new temple typologies emerged from amalgamation of architectural form of traditional haveli with the classical Nagara style. ● Third Phase: Jain temples formed the third type of temple type constructed in an introvert form. ● Fourth Phase: A fourth temple type emerged in the form of a raised or elevated temple. ● Unique Feature: Absence of monumentality in their scale is a distinctive feature of temples in Bundi.

Important Places ● Taragarh Fort: It was constructed by Rao raja Bair Singh in 1354. ● Sukh Mahal: ○ A small, two-storied palace was a summer retreat of past rulers.

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○ Located on the banks of JaitSagar lake, the palace was constructed by Rao raja Vishnu Singh in 1773 A.D. ● Rani Ki Baori: ○ Bundi has more than 50 stepwells and is rightly known as the city of stepwells. ○ Raniji ki Baori also known as ‘Queen’s Stepwell’ is a famous stepwell built in 1699 by Rani Nathavati Ji of Bundi. ● 84 Pillared Cenotaph: ○ It is a structure supported by 84 columns. ○ Commissioned by Rao Anirudh, the Maharaja of Bundi, this cenotaph was constructed in memory of his nurse, Deva, under whose love and guidance the prince grew up.

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Geography ..

Xoo Infection: Rice ● Why in news?: Recently, scientists from the Centre for Plant Molecular Biology (CPMB) have uncovered the mechanism by which a bacterium called Xoo interacts with rice plants and causes disease. ● Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causes a serious bacterial leaf blight disease in rice. It is also known as Bacterial blight. ● Xoo is a gram-negative bacteria. ● Effect: ○ Xoo infection causes huge yield losses to rice cultivation throughout the world. ○ Xoo infection initiates from the leaf sheath and eventually spreads to mature leaves through the water flow under optimum temperature and high humidity conditions (Vascular disease).

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Rice ● Kharif Crop ● Temperature: Between 22-32°C with high humidity. ● Rainfall: Around 150-300 cm. ● Soil Type: Deep clayey and loamy soil. ● Some of the most important rice-growing regions are Assam, West Bengal, coastal regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra, particularly the (Konkan coast) along with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. ● In states like Assam, West Bengal and Odisha, three crops of paddy are grown in a year. These are Aus, Aman and Boro. ● Diseases in rice are mainly caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Few major diseases on Rice are: ➢ Sheath blight: Caused by fungus Rhizoctonia solani. ➢ Brown Spot: One of the most common and most damaging fungal diseases. ➢ Tungro: Caused by the combination of two viruses, which are transmitted by leafhoppers. ➢ Bakanae: Seedborne fungal disease. ➢ Blast (node and neck): Caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae.

Pakur Honey ● It is 100% natural honey which is Multi Floral, Forest Fresh, gathered by Santhal Tribals and Vulnerable Pahadhiya tribes from Pakur, Jharkhand.

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● The tribal Santhal community of Pakur District, Jharkhand have set an example by exploring the potential of beekeeping commercially. ● Importance: The Natural Multiflora honey is a good source of anti-oxidants and antiseptic vitamins, nutrients, enzymes and other herbal properties that no other super- food can provide. ● It will be available in two different tastes, i.e. Karanj and Multifloral (Wild). ● Why in news: The Union Minister of Tribal Affairs has decided to launch 'Pakur Honey' through TRIFED & Tribes India.

Session on Precision Agriculture ● Organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI). What is Precision Agriculture ? ● Precision agriculture (PA) is an approach where inputs are utilised in precise amounts to get increased average yields, compared to traditional cultivation techniques such as agroforestry, intercropping, crop rotation, etc. ● Sustainable PA is this century’s most valuable innovation in farm management that is based on using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). ● It is based on sustainable agriculture and healthy food production and it consists of profitability and increasing production, economic efficiency and the reduction of side effects on the environment. Benefits: ● Increases agriculture productivity. ● Prevents soil degradation. ● Reduces chemical application in crop production. ● Efficient use of water resources. ● Disseminates modern farm practices to improve the quality, quantity and reduced cost of production. ● Changes the socio-economic status of farmers.

Geographical Indications ( GI ) tag ● What it is?: 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. What are the benefits? ● 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? ● Any association of persons, producers,organisation or authority established by or under the law can be a registered proprietor.

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● 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.

Who accords and regulates Geographical Indications? ● At the International level: Geographical Indications are covered as a component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. ● GI is also governed by the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Agreement on Trade- Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). ● 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.

World Cotton Day ● The Union Minister of Textiles and Women & Child Development launched the 1st ever Brand & Logo for Indian Cotton on 2nd World Cotton Day. ● It is observed globally on 7th October since 2019. ● Aim : The day aims to celebrate the advantages of cotton, ranging from its qualities as a natural fibre to the benefits people obtain from its production, transformation, trade and consumption. ● Top Cotton Producing Countries: China > India > USA ● Four cultivated species of cotton: Gossypium arboreum, G.herbaceum, G.hirsutum and G.barbadense. ○ Gossypium arboreum and G.herbaceum are known as old-world cotton or Asiatic cotton. ○ G.hirsutum is also known as American cotton or upland cotton and G.barbadense as Egyptian cotton. These are both new world cotton species.

● Kasturi Cotton: ○ India’s premium Cotton would be known as ‘Kasturi Cotton’ in the world cotton trade from now onwards. ○ The Kasturi Cotton brand will represent Whiteness, Brightness, Softness, Purity, Luster, Uniqueness and Indianness. ● Cott-Ally: ○ It is a mobile app launched by Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to provide latest news regarding weather conditions, Crop situation and best farm practices for cotton cultivation. ● Cotton Cultivation in India: JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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○ India is the 2nd largest cotton producer and the largest consumer of cotton & the third largest exporter in the world after USA and Brazil . ○ India produces about 6 million tons of cotton every year which is about 23% of the world cotton. ○ India produces about 51% of the total organic cotton production of the world which demonstrates India’s effort towards sustainability.

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Cotton ● fibre, oil and protein yielding crop of global significance. ● Temperature: Between 21-30°C , Kharip Crop, About 180 frost-free days are the minimum requirement for cotton cultivation. While, 200 frost-free days are desirable for cotton cultivation. ● Rainfall: Around 50-100cm. ● Soil Type: Well-drained black cotton soil of Deccan Plateau.Fertile, saline soil with high water-retention capacity is ideal for cotton cultivation. Loamy soil with high calcium carbonate is best for cotton cultivation. ● Top Cotton Producing States: Gujarat > Maharashtra > Telangana > Andhra Pradesh > Rajasthan. ● Hybrid Cotton: Cotton made by crossing two parent strains that have different genetic characters. Hybrids are often spontaneously and randomly created in nature when open- pollinated plants naturally cross-pollinate with other related varieties. ● Varieties Cotton: Cotton produced by process of self-fertilization/autogamy (fusion of two gametes that come from one individual). ● Bt Cotton: It is a genetically modified organism or genetically modified pest-resistant variety of cotton.

Initiatives for Cotton in India: ● The Ministry of Textiles through APEDA under Ministry of Commerce and Industry has prescribed a certification system for organic Cotton which will be introduced in phases in the entire textile value chain which will ensure sustainability, integrity and end-to-end traceability of the organic products. ● Similarly, prescribing a certification system for non-organic Cotton has also been taken up with APEDA so that usages of cotton can be suitably augmented. ● Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) made the highest Minimum Support Price (MSP) operation of cotton. ● CCI has opened 430 procurement centres in all cotton-growing states and payments are being made digitally to farmers’ accounts within 72 hours. ● Further, leveraging the technology, a mobile app, “Cott-Ally” has been developed by CCI for providing latest news regarding weather conditions, Crop situation and best farm practices.

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● The webinar organised by TEXPROCIL and CITI on the theme of “NEW-LOOK COTTON” to facilitate the exchange of ideas on the emerging scenarios in cotton usage and application.

Cotton Corporation of India ( CCI ) ● What is it ?: It’s a Government of India’s corporate agency, engaged in diverse activities related to trade, procurement, and export of cotton under the administrative control of Ministry of Textiles ● Established in 1970, PSU under Companies Act 1956 ● Headquarters at Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) ● the major role of the CCI is to undertake price support operations, whenever the market prices of kapas fall below the minimum support prices (MSP) announced by Govt. of India, without any quantitative limit.

Khardungla Pass ● LInk between: It is known as the gateway to the Nubra and Shyok Valleys in the union territory of Ladakh. ● It is the highest motorable pass in the world. ● Location: Khardung La Pass is positioned on the Ladakh range, which is 40 km from Leh, at an altitude of 18,379 ft (5602 m). ● The tourists are required to carry the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to pass through Khardung La. ● The roads at Khardungla Pass are maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). ● It is historically important as it lies on the major caravan route from Leh to Kashgar in Central Asia. ● It is located on western side of the Aksai Chin.

Bangalore Rose Onions ● Geographical Indication tag in 2015. ● These onions have bulbs with flat base. ● They are spherical. They have a unique deep Scarlet red colour. ● Unlike the normal onions they are rich in anthocyanin, phenols and high pungency. Also, they are rich in Phosphorus, protein, iron and carotene. ● The pungent property of these onions make them highly suitable to be used in pickles.

Zozilla tunnel ● Zozilla tunnel involves construction of a 14.15 Km long tunnel at an altitude of about 3000 m under Zojila pass.

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● The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar valley and Leh (Ladakh plateau) on NH-1, and will bring about an all-round economic and socio–cultural integration of Jammu & Kashmir. Zoji La ● Zoji La is a high mountain pass in the Himalayas in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. ● Located in the Drass, the pass connects the Kashmir Valley to its west with the Drass and Suru valleys to its northeast and the Indus valley further east.

Wheat Variety MACS 6478 ● The wheat variety called MACS 6478 has doubled the crop yield for farmers in Karanjkhop, a village in Maharashtra. ● Developed By: Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune ○ ARI an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). ● Matures in 110 days (Normally 140 to 150 days) and is resistant to most races of leaf and stem rust. ● This amber colored medium sized grain contains 14% protein, 44.1 ppm (parts per million) zinc and 42.8 ppm iron which is higher than other cultivated varieties. ● a yield of 45-60 quintal per hectare (earlier average yield ranging 25-30 quintal per hectare)

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Other Wheat Variety: 1. Kalyan Sona, Heera and Sonalika 2. MACS 4028 ● This bio-fortified durum variety has very high protein (14.7%), iron (46.1 ppm) and zinc (40.3 ppm) content, compared to the corresponding levels of 8-10%, 28- 32 ppm and 30-32 ppm in normally-grown varieties. ● Maturing in just over 100 days, it is suitable for cultivation in rainfed and low fertility conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka. 3. The Karan Vandana (DBW 187) ● Wheat variety, developed by the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is used for cultivation in North Eastern Plains Zones. Wheat ● Rabi crop ● Temperature: Between 10-15°C (Sowing time) and 21-26°C (Ripening & Harvesting) with bright sunlight. ● Rainfall: Around 75-100 cm. ● Soil Type: Well-drained fertile loamy and clayey loamy (Ganga-Satluj plains and black soil region of the Deccan)

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● Top Wheat Producing States: Uttar Pradesh > Punjab > Madhya Pradesh > Haryana > Rajasthan. ● India is the second largest producer after China. ● This is the second most important cereal crop and the main food crop, in north and north-western India.

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What are the types of cropping System: ● Different types of cropping systems are adopted on farms depending on the resources and technology available. 1. Mono-cropping: If only one crop is grown in the land season after season, it is referred to as Monocropping. Example: Wheat will be planted year after year in the same field. 2. Crop Rotation: In this method, the type of crops grown in the field is changed each season or each year. farmers also change from crops to fallow. Example: Maize will be planted in the first year and beans in the second year. a. This Crop rotation system is a key principle of agriculture conservation as it improves the soil structure and fertility. It also helps to control weeds, pests, and diseases. 3. Sequential Cropping: This system involves growing two crops in the same field, one after the other in the same year. Example: Planting maize during long rains, then beans during the short rains. 4. Inter-cropping: Growing two or more crops in the same field at the same time is called Intercropping. Examples: Planting alternating rows of maize and beans, or growing a cover crop in between the rows. 5. Mixed Intercropping: In this method, seeds of two crops are distributed or dibbling the seeds without any row arrangement. This method is called mixed intercropping. This method is easy to sow but makes weeding, fertilization, and harvesting difficult. 6. Multiple-Cropping: In this cropping system, farmers grow two or more crops on farmland in one year with intensive input management practices. It includes intercropping, mixed-cropping, and sequence cropping. 7. Row Intercropping: In this method, both the main crop and the intercrop in rows are planted. The row intercropping makes weeding and harvesting easier than with mixed intercropping. 8. Stir Cropping: This type of cropping involves planting broad strips of several crops in the field. Each strip will be 3–9 m wide. On slopes, the strips are laid out along the contour to prevent erosion. The farmer can rotate crops by planting each strip with a different crop in the next year. Example: Alternating strips of maize, soybean, and finger millet are planted. 9. Relay Cropping: In this method, one crop is planted and another crop, usually a cover crop, is planted in the same field before harvesting the first. It avoids competition between the main crop and the intercrop. Relay cropping uses the field for a long time since the cover crop usually continues to grow after the main crop is harvested.

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Taiwan Strait ● The Taiwan Strait is a 110-mile-wide channel that separates mainland China from the island of Taiwan. ● It is also known as the Formosa Strait or the Tai-hai (the Tai Sea). ● The Taiwan Strait makes up part of the South China Sea, and its northern portion is linked to the East China Sea. ● The strait borders the south eastern part of China and runs along the eastern part of China’s Fujian Province.

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Some basic terms of Geography Bays:

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● A bay is a small body of water that is set off from a larger body of water generally where the land curves inward. ● In simple words, bay is a water body surrounded on three sides by land with the fourth side (mouth) wide open towards oceans. (In Gulfs, the mouth is narrow). ● A bay is usually smaller and less enclosed than a gulf. ● Example: The Bay of Pigs (Cuba), Hudson Bay (Canada), Bay of Bengal etc.

Gulfs ● A gulf is a large body of water, sometimes with a narrow mouth, that is almost completely surrounded by land. The world’s largest gulf is the Gulf of Mexico. ● Examples of other gulfs include the Gulf of California, Gulf of Aden (between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea), and the Persian Gulf (between Saudi Arabia and Iran). ● The Persian Gulf is important with respect to world energy because petroleum is transported through its waters in oil tankers.

Straits ● A strait is a narrow passageway of water, usually between continents or islands, or between two larger bodies of water. ● Some imp straits: ● Strait of Gibraltar , Strait of Bosporus , the Strait of Hormuz.

Isthmus ● Isthmus is the land-equivalent of a strait. i.e., a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land masses. ● Example: Isthmus of Panama and Isthmus of Suez

Sadhna Pass ● Sadhna Pass, previously called as Nastachun pass, is a mountain pass in Jammu and Kashmir. ● It is located in the Himalayas and connects Karnah tehsil of Kupwara district with the rest of the Indian administrated Kashmir valley. ● It is located in the vast Shams Bri mountainous range.

Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone (ITSZ) of Himalaya ● A group of scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), Dehradun have found that ITSZ is tectonically active. ○ WIHG is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. ● The suture zone of Himalaya was conventionally thought to be locked. ● The ITSZ is a suture zone in the Ladakh region and marks the limit of the Indian plate where it collides with the Eurasian plate and is subducted below the latter.

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Some basic terms: ● Tectonics is the scientific study of the deformation of the rocks that make up the Earth’s crust and the forces that produce such deformation. ○ It deals with the folding and faulting associated with mountain building, the large- scale, gradual upward and downward movements of the crust and sudden horizontal displacements along faults. ● Seismicity: It is the worldwide or local distribution of earthquakes in space, time, and magnitude. More specifically, it refers to the measure of the frequency of earthquakes in a region. ● Denudation: It is a long term process in which the wearing and tearing of the surface of the Earth take place. It includes all those processes that lower relief and acts both chemically (chemical weathering) and physically (mechanical weathering).

Suture Zones ● A suture zone is a linear belt of intense deformation, where distinct terranes, or tectonic units with different plate tectonic, metamorphic, and paleogeographic histories join together. ● These zones also provide the only record of deep oceanic crust and of ancient seafloor processes for roughly the first 90% of Earth’s history. ● The suture zone is often represented on the surface by a mountain range comprising intensely deformed rocks. ● The Iapetus Suture from Great Britain, which is now concealed beneath younger rocks, and Indo-Tsangpo Suture well exposed in the Himalayas are some of the best examples of suture zones.

Urban Flooding ● Urban flooding is the inundation of property in a built environment, particularly in densely populated urban areas, caused by intense rainfall (on impermeable surfaces) which overwhelms the capacity of drainage systems. Causes of Urban flooding ● Meteorological Factors: Heavy rainfall, cyclonic storms and thunderstorms causes water to flow quickly through paved urban areas and impound in low lying areas. ● Hydrological Factors: Overbank flow channel networks, occurrence of high tides impeding the drainage in coastal cities. ● Climate Change: Climate change due to various anthropogenic events has led to extreme weather events. ● Unplanned Urbanization ● Destruction of lakes ● Poor solid waste management ● Drainage system ● Irresponsible Steps JOIN Us : https://targetupsc.in/ 8830115524

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Jute ● Temperature: Between 25-35°C. ● Rainfall: Around 150-250 cm. ● Soil Type: Well-drained alluvial soil. ● Top Jute Producing States: West Bengal > Bihar > Assam > Andhra Pradesh > Odisha. ● It is mainly concentrated in eastern India because of the rich alluvial soil of Ganga- Brahmaputra delta. ● The world's largest jute producing countries are India, Bangladesh, China and Thailand. ○ India is the world's largest producer of raw jute and jute goods, contributing to over 50% and 40% respectively of global production. ● It is known as the golden fibre ● It is used in making gunny bags, mats, ropes, yarn, carpets and other artefacts. ● Due to its high cost, it is losing market to synthetic fibres and packing materials, particularly nylon.

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Government Initiatives for Promoting Jute Industry

● Jute-Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise: ○ Jute ICARE aims to improve the productivity and quality of raw jute. ○ Under it, the Government is disseminating improved agronomic practices such as line sowing using seed drills, distribution of quality certified seeds, etc. ● Jute SMART: ○ It is an e-govt initiative which was launched in December 2016 to promote transparency in the jute sector. ○ It provides an integrated platform for procurement of sacking by Government agencies. ● Definitive Anti-Dumping Duty: ○ It has been imposed on import of jute goods from Bangladesh and Nepal with effect from 5th January 2017 to protect the domestic sector. ● Incentive Scheme for Acquisition of Plants and Machinery: ○ Launched in 2013, it aims to facilitate modernisation in existing and new jute mills and upgradation of technology in existing jute mills. ● Collaboration between the National Jute Board and the National Institute of Design: ○ It aims to support the diversification of the jute sector through a Jute Design Cell. ○ National Jute Board under the Ministry of Textiles, acts as the apex body for the promotion of the products in India and abroad. ● Jute is included in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime of the country

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Places in News .

Places in News- New Caledonia ● The South Pacific territory of New Caledonia chose to remain French, narrowly rejecting independence from France in a referendum. ● Located in: the southwest Pacific Ocean, to the south of Vanuatu, about 1,210 km east of Australia. ● It is part of Zealandia. ● The Diahot River is the longest river of New Caledonia.

Mount Kilimanjaro ● A fire that has broken out on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. ● The cause of the fire is not clear but strong winds and dry weather have caused it to spread fast. ● Location: Tanzania ● Africa’s tallest mountain at about 5,895 meters. ● largest free-standing mountain rise in the world, meaning it is not part of a mountain range. ● Kilimanjaro is a stratovolcano or composite volcano (a term for a very large volcano made of layers of ash, lava, and rock) and is made up of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. ● The mountain is also known for its snow-capped peak which might disappear within the next 20 years or so as per the warnings by the scientists. ● Kibo is the summit of the mountain and the tallest of the three volcanic formations. While Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, Kibo is dormant and could possibly erupt again. ● Kilimanjaro National Park was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. ● It is a popular tourist destination and tens of thousands of people climb it every year.

#Target_shots Addition The seven summits : are the highest mountains of each continent.

● Mt. Everest (8,850 m) in Asia ● Aconcagua (6,962 m) in South America ● Denali (6,190 m) in North America ● Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) in Africa ● Mt. Elbrus (5,642 m) in Europe ● Puncak Jaya/ Mt. Carstensz (4,884 m) in Oceania ● Mt. Vinson (4,892 m) in Antarctica.

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Chabahar Port ● Chabahar port is located in Iran next to the Gulf of Oman and at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz. ● It is the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean. ● Located in close proximity to Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, ● it has been termed as the Golden Gate to these landlocked countries.

Demchok Sector ● Indian Army has apprehended a Chinese soldier in Demchok Sector of Eastern Ladakh. ● Location: The Demchok sector is a disputed region centered on the villages of Demchok, Ladakh and, situated near the confluence of the Charding Nullah and Indus River. ● It is part of the greater Sino-Indian border dispute between China and India. Both India and China claim the disputed region, with a Line of Actual Control between the two nations situated along the Charding Nullah.

Nazca Lines: Peru ● These are a group of geoglyphs known for the depictions of larger-than-life animals, plants and imaginary beings. ○ Geoglyphs are the large designs made on the ground by creators using elements of the landscape such as stones, gravel, dirt or lumber. ● Drawn more than 2 millennia ago on the surface of southern Peru’s arid Pampa Colorada, the geoglyphs feature different subjects, but mainly plants and animals. ● The figures include pelicans (the largest ones sized around 935 feet long), Andean Condors (443 feet), monkeys (360 feet), etc. ● Variety of geometric shapes such as triangles, trapezoids and spirals, and some have been associated with astronomical functions. ● Discovery and Heritage Site: The Lines were first discovered in 1927, and were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.

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Mount Girnar ● Lord Dattatreya performed penance at the top of the hill. ● Also a kshetra where 22nd Tirthankar Lord Neminath attained Nirvana. ● Located near Junagadh in Junagadh district, Gujarat. ● Why in News? ○ A 2.3-km-long ropeway project was recently launched by PM Modi on Mount Girnar in Junagadh city. ● The ropeway project is being touted as the longest temple ropeway in Asia. ● The ropeway has been developed by Usha Breco Limited at an investment of ₹130 crore.

KHADI OAXACA ● What is it? : It is a farm-to-garment collective which comprises around 400 families, which live and work on traditional farms and homesteads in the Oaxaca region of southern Mexico. ● Founded by: It has been founded by Mark Marcos Brown, an American living in Mexico and his wife, Kalindi Attar. ● Method: It uses cotton produced and cultivated on the Oaxaca coast, and produces chemical-free clothing, relying on locally harvested plant-based dyes.

Libya ● Rival parties in Libya announced a historic ceasefire ● Possibility that the long-drawn conflict might be coming to an end ● Libya, officially the State of Libya, is a country in the Maghreb region in North Africa. ● Bordered by è the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad to the south, Niger to the southwest, Algeria to the west, and Tunisia to the northwest. ● fourth largest country in Africa

FENI BRIDGE ● Connecting Sabrum in India with Ramgarh in Bangladesh will be completed by December this year. ● Feni Bridge is known as Maitree Setu in Chattogram. ● Location: The bridge is being built over the Feni River and will connect Tripura with Chittagong port of Bangladesh. ● Agencies Involved: The bridge is being constructed by the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd of Ministry of Road and Transport highways, Government of India.

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Feni River ● It originates in the South Tripura district, passes through Sabroom town on the Indian side, and meets the Bay of Bengal after it flows into Bangladesh. ● It forms part of the India-Bangladesh border.

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