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Current Affairs February 2021

Contents

Topics Page No.

1. Art and Culture 2-11

2. Polity and Governance 12-18

3. Environment & Ecology 19-29

4. Economy 30-61

5. Science and Technology 62-73

6. Social Issues 74-76

7. International Relations 77-87

8. Government Schemes 88-94

9. Miscellaneous 95-105 2 | Current Affairs – February, 2021 1 Art and Culture

Madhya Pradesh Government Organises Kamdani: “Raag-Bhopali” Exhibition ♦♦ This is lighter needlework done on more Why in the news? lightweight materials such as scarves, veils, The Madhya Pradesh Government is organizing the and caps. ‘Raag-Bhopali’ exhibition to promote Zari-Zardozi Mina work: crafts of Bhopal. ♦♦ It is called because it is similar to enamel Important Points: work. ●● The exhibition will be organized at Gauhar ♦♦ The embroidery is done in gold. Mahal in Bhopal. Ramateertham Temple ●● This will give impetus to the ‘Ek Zila- Ek Why in the news? Shilp’ campaign of Madhya Pradesh. A 400-year-old idol of Lord Rama has been van- ●● The main zari production Centre is Bhopal, dalised at the Ramateertham temple in Andhra Madhya Pradesh. Pradesh’s Vizianagaram. ●● Embroidery done with metal thread is called This has given rise to political unrest in Andhra kalabattu and forms zari. Pradesh. ●● Here, the metal ingots are melted into a metal rod called pasa, which is beaten to obtain a certain length after processing. ●● Then pull it through a steel plate with holes to make it into a wire, and then perform the Tarkashi process to make it thin through a rubber and diamond mold. ●● The last stage is called badla, where the wires are flattened and twisted with silk or cotton thread to form Kasab or kalabattu. Types of Zari Work: Zardozi: ♦♦ This is a heavy and delicate embroidery Important Points: work, using various gold threads, spangles, ●● Ramateertham temple is a 16th-century temple. beads and gota. ●● The temple is 12 kilometres away from Vizian- agaram. ♦♦ They are used to decorate wedding outfits, ●● Ramateertham is one of the sacred places of heavy coats, cushions, curtains, etc. traditional communication with Lord Rama.

●● The famous ancient temple of Ramachandra such as processing and weaving. Swamy can be found here. ●● South India is the leading silk producing area ●● The idols of Lord Ramachandra Swamy, Sita of the country and is also known for its famous and Lakshmana in Silver kavachas can be seen silk weaving enclaves like Kancheepuram, at this temple. Dharmavaram, Arni, etc. Eri Silk of Assam Other varieties of Silk: Why in the news? 1. Mulberry silk: The Assam government will provide khadi shirt, ♦♦ Among these four kinds, the mulberry silk eri shawl and eri stole to Grade IV employees contributes to more than 80% of the silk in a phased manner, in a move to pay tributes to produced in the country. Mahatma Gandhi and his movement for Khadi. ♦♦ Except for mulberry, other non-mulberry Important Points: varieties of silks are wild silks, known as ●● Eri silk is also known as endi or errandi in vanya silks. India. 2. Tasar silk: ●● Around forty percent of Eri Silk is produced ♦♦ Its two varieties are Oak Tasar & Tropical in Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Bihar, Tasar. Orrisa, Karnataka, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand. ♦♦ It is primarily produced in the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, ●● Eri silk comes from the caterpillar of Samia Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maha- cynthia ricini, found in northeast India and rashtra. some parts of China, Japan. ●● The name “eri” is derived from the Assamese 3. Muga silk: word “era”, which means “castor”, as the silk- ♦♦ An exclusive specialty of Assam, the Muga worm feeds on castor plants. silk is one of the rarest silks produced in ●● In Assam, there are various techniques of the world. This silk is produced by the hand-spinning used for the eri silk. Its yarn larva of a silkworm named Assam silkmoth has a very characteristic and ever-changing (Antheraea assamensis). thickness. 4. Eri silk: ●● Before the silk can be spun, the moth has ♦♦ It comes from the silkworm Philosomia to leave the cocoon. The empty cocoons are ricini that feeds mostly on the leaves of washed, boiled and dried and are ready for the castor plant, Ricinus communis. spinning. ●● This ‘peace silk’ is, therefore, a very popular Risa: Traditional Garment of Tripura fibre among vegans and Buddhists. Why in the news? ●● Eri silk is also known as the silk of the poor. The government of Tripura is planning to promote Sericulture: Risa textiles as the signature textile of Tripura at ●● Sericulture is the cultivation of silk through the national level. rearing of silkworm. Important Points: ●● It is an agro-based industry. ●● Risa is a handwoven cloth used by the state’s ●● It involves the raising of food plants for silk- indigenous communities. worm, rearing of silkworm for production of ●● The traditional Tripuri female attire comprises cocoons, reeling and spinning of cocoon for three parts — Risa, Rignai and Rikutu. production of yarn etc. for value added benefits ●● Risa is used as a female upper garment, and

also as headgear, a stole, or a present to express Puja by tribal communities, a turban by men respect. during weddings and festivals, a cummerbund ●● As an upper garment, it is wrapped around the over the dhoti, a head scarf by young girls and torso twice. boys, and a muffler during winters. ●● It is also used as a makeshift hanger to hold an infant on the mother’s backs. ●● It is presented as a mark of honour to distinguished recipients. ●● It is common in almost all 19 indigenous tribal communities of Tripura. However, each community has its own designs. Loin loom: ●● The loin loom or the back strap loom is an ingeniously simple device. Most of the parts are made from bamboo and wood. ●● It is called loin loom or back strap loom because ●● Rignai is primarily worn as the lower garment the warp yarns are stretched between two par- and literally translates into ‘to wear’. It can be allel bamboos, and the bamboo at one end is understood as an indigenous variety of the sari fixed to a wooden stick or branch driven into of mainland India. the ground, and the bamboo at the other end is held firm by means of a strap worn around the ●● Rituku is mainly used as a wrap, or like a lower back of the woman weaver. ‘chunri’ or a ‘pallu’ of the Indian saree. It is also used to cover the head of newly married Narayana Guru: Tripuri women. Why in the news? ●● These all three types of garments were tradition- Recently, the Vice President of India has virtually ally handwoven. Handloom remains an integral launched the book Not Many, But One (Two part of the Tripuri household, even with the Volumes), an English translation of poems of Sree advent of powerloom-manufactured garments. Narayana Gurudev by Prof G.K. Sasidharan. ●● The garment is made in handloom or loin looms at homes. Usually, only one or two pieces are prepared in a month. Most of this art is handed down through generations. However, many of the designs were lost with the passage of time, and only a few remain. Cultural Significance of Risa: ●● Risa also has a host of crucial, social and religious utilities. ●● Adolescent Tripuri girls are first given a risa to wear in an event called Risa Sormani, at age 12 to 14. ●● It is used in religious festivals such as Garia

Important Points: poems and underlined the unity that lies beneath ●● During the launching, the Vice President the world’s apparent diversity. suggested that the Indian worldview of ●● For Narayana Gurudev, there is only “One Caste, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The whole world One Religion, One God for All” (Oru Jathi, Oru is one family)’ can show the way for the Matham, Oru Daivam, Manushyanu)”. contemporary problems facing humanity. ●● He published 45 works in Malayalam, Sanskrit ●● In a global context where the social fabric of and Tamil languages which include Atmo- many countries and communities are being padesa Śatakam, a hundred-verse spiritual poem eroded by hatred, violence, bigotry, sectarian- and Daiva Dasakam, a universal prayer in ten ism and other divisive tendencies, the age-old Indian philosophy of ‘Universal Oneness’ has verses. a special relevance. Vaikom Satyagraha (1924–25): Sree Narayana Guru: ●● It was a social protest in erstwhile Travancore ●● Narayana Guru (1855–1928) was a multifaceted against untouchability and caste discrimination genius, a great Maharshi, an eloquent proponent in Hindu society of Kerala. of Advaita philosophy, a talented poet, social reformer and a great metaphysician. ●● Sree Narayana Guru involved himself with the Vaikom Satyagraha and extended much ●● He was born into a family that belonged to the Ezhava caste and was considered ‘avarna’ co-operation. according to the social mores of the time. Shri Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam: ●● He led a reform movement against the injustice ●● It is an Indian spiritual organization that was in the caste-ridden society of Kerala in order formally founded by Dr. Padmanabhan Palpu in to promote spiritual enlightenment and social 1903, with the guidance of Shri Narayana Guru. equality. ●● He also emphasized the practice of ideals of ●● The main aim of SNDP Yogam was to spirit- cleanliness, promotion of education, agriculture, ually uplift the people of the Ezhava/Tiyyar trade, handicrafts and technical training as a communities. part of the Sivagiri pilgrimage. Different philosophies of India and their ●● He was at the forefront of the temple entry proponents: movement and against the social discrimination of untouchables. ♦♦ Advaita (Monism): Shankaracharya (Adi Shankara) ●● In 1888, he built a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at Aruvippuram which was against the ♦♦ Vishishtadvaita (modified monism): caste-based restrictions of the time. Ramanujacharya ●● He provided the impetus to Vaikom agitation ♦♦ Dvaita philosophy (dualism): and drew nationwide attention. Madhavacharya ●● He believed that the world was permeated by one universal spirit, a common divine energy ♦♦ Dvaitadvaita (dualistic monism): that resided in every human being and creature Nimbarka in this universe. ♦♦ Shuddha Advaita (pure non-dualism): ●● He captured this essence of Indianness in his Vallabhacharya

Parakram Diwas ●● He was twice elected President of the Indian National Congress, (1938-Haripur and 1939-Tri- Why in the news? puri). The Ministry of Culture has announced that the birth ●● During the movement, he was advised by anniversary of freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose Mahatma Gandhi to work with Chittaranjan Das will now be celebrated as the Parakram Diwas. who became his political guru. ●● In 1938, he formed a national planning committee, which formulated a policy of broad industrialization. ●● He established a separate political party, the All India Forward Bloc and continued to call for the full and immediate independence of India from British rule. ●● The prime objective of the Forward Bloc was to bring all radical elements of the Congress party. So that he could spread the meaning of complete independence of India with adherence of the application of principles of equality and social justice. ●● In 1941, Bose was placed under house arrest but escaped to Kabul and sought Soviet help to defeat British. But soviets joined the allied Important Points: forces in the second world war, so Bose’s plan failed. ●● The government has decided to celebrate his birthday on January 23 every year as Parakram ●● Later, Bose sought the help of Nazis and Japa- Diwas to inspire the people of this country, nese, to fight against British Empire. especially the youth, to act with fortitude in ●● He founded the Indian Legion out of about 4500 the face of adversity as Netaji did. Indian soldiers who were in the British army ●● The government had set up a high-level commit- and had been taken prisoners by the Germans. tee headed by home minister plan the freedom ●● In 1943, he revived Azad Hind Fauj or Indian fighter’s 125th birth anniversary celebrations. National Army (INA), with recruitment of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: 60,000 Indians from Burma, Malaya and other Southeast Asian countries. ●● Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born on 23 ● INA found support among expatriate Indians January, 1897 in Cuttack (Orissa) to Prabhavati ● Dutt Bose and Janakinath Bose. and Bose formed the Azad Hind government which came to produce its own currency, post- ●● He was influenced by the teachings of Swami age stamps, court and civil code. Vivekananda and Ramakrishna after reading their works at the age of 16. ●● It was recognised by Axis states. ●● In 1920 he passed the civil service examination, ●● In 1944, INA marched along with Japanese but in April 1921, he resigned his candidacy soldiers and captured Kohima. Captain Laxmi and hurried back to India. Sehgal commanded the ‘Rani Jhansi Regiment’. ●● He joined the Non-Cooperation Movement ●● His famous slogans are ‘tum mujhe khoon do, which started by Mahatama Gandhi. main tumhe aazadi dunga’, ‘Jai Hind’, and ‘Delhi Chalo’.

Kalaripayattu Academy in Kerala ●● It includes mock duels (armed and unarmed Why in the news? combat) and physical exercises. The state government is setting up the Kalaripayattu ●● Its important key is footwork which includes Academy under the tourism department to promote kicks, strikes and weapon based practice. Kerala’s traditional martial arts. ●● Women also participate in this art form. Various Indian Martial Arts: ♦♦ Silambam (Tamil Nadu) ♦♦ Gatka (Punjab) ♦♦ Thang Ta (Manipur) ♦♦ Mardani Khel (Kolhapur, Maharashtra) ♦♦ Pari-Khanda (Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha) ♦♦ Inbuan Wrestling (Mizoram) ♦♦ Thoda Himachal Pradesh ♦♦ Lathi (Punjab & Bengal) ♦♦ Musti Yuddha (Varanasi) ♦♦ Pari-Khanda (Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha) Important Points: ●● The academy will be established in Vellar Craft Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Village. Why in the news? ●● The Academy plans to admit 100 students For the first time in 50 years, on the day of Makar initially. Sankranti, the rays of the sun did not reach the ●● The training will be imparted in two batches, Shivling located in the Gangadhareshwar temple from five to eight in the morning and from five due to clouds. to seven in the evening. ●● The state government also plans to link the Kal- aripayattu Academy with the Dance Training College which is part of the Craft Village. Kalaripayattu: ●● Kalaripayattu, also known as ‘Kalari’, is known for its long-standing history within Indian martial arts culture and is believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in the world. ●● Kalaripayattu has its origin (4th century A.D.) from Kerala and has practitioners all over the world. ●● Kalari is a Malayalam word which means School/gymnasium/training hall where Martial arts are practiced or taught. Important Points: ●● This art is used as a means of unarmed self-de- ●● Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is a famous fence and a way to achieve physical fitness ancient cave temple located in Bangalore, Kar- today. Also used in traditional rituals and nataka, India. ceremonies.

●● It is also known as Gavipuram Cave Temple. ●● This is a wonderful sight as the event is marked ●● It is believed that it was built in the 16th century by continuous ringing of the bells and chanting by Kempe Gowda I, the founder of the city. of mantras by the priests and devotees. ●● It is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva ●● The lingam is bathed in milk by one of the (Gangadhareshwara). priests during the entire period of the phenomenon. ●● The temple is unique from all other temples of Karnataka due to the presence of two huge discs ●● It seems as if the Sun is showing reverence of in the foreground of the shrine. the Lord on the auspicious day. ●● The inner sanctum of the temple has a tall Kempe Gowda I: Shivalinga. ●● Kempe Gowda was a chieftain (Sardar) under the Vijayanagara kings. ●● Another major attraction of the temple is the presence of a rare idol of Agni, the God of ●● He sought permission from the kings of fire. The figure has two heads, seven hands and Vijayanagar and laid the foundation of Banga- three legs. It is perhaps the only temple in South lore City in 1532. India that has such an idol. Dharashiv Caves ●● The temple has a wonderful sculpture of Nandi Why in the news? (a bull), Shiva’s mount. ●● Recently the CM of Maharashtra referred to Temple architecture: Osmanabad as Dharashiv. ● The temple was cut out from a natural monolith ● ●● The name is named after the 6th century rock. Dharaishiva caves. ● The inner sanctum of the temple is situated ● ●● Osmanabad is named after the last ruler of inside a cave carved out in the rock. Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan. ●● The main attraction of the temple is the granite Dharaishiva caves: pillars situated in the forecourt of the temple. ●● The dharashiv caves are situated 8 Kms away ●● Two of the pillars support huge discs that rep- from Osmanabad city in Balaghat Mountains. resent the sun and the moon. ●● The caves were taken note of by the Archaeo- ●● The other two pillars have a trident (trishul) logical Department and mentioned in the book and a two-headed drum (damru), representing “Archaeological survey of India” by James the two significant possessions of Lord Shiva. Verges. The Magical Event: Surya Majjana ●● There are a total of 7 caves in the Balaghat ●● Every year on Makar Sankranti a rare and Mountain lane. significant phenomenon takes place inside the ●● The first cave is without any statue with small inner sanctum of the temple, known as Surya open space. Majjana. ●● The second cave consists of a statue with Artis- ●● The rays of the setting sun on the western tic work on the right side of the statue. The art horizon shoot a beam of light that passes from work is of gandharva era. under an arch on the western wall of the temple before moving towards the inner sanctum. ●● The fourth cave is with open space without any statue inside. ●● It first lights the back of the statue of Nandi and passes over its horns and reaches the feet ●● The statue in the sixth cave is damaged while of the Shivalingam. the seventh cave has no statue. ●● Finally the beam of light illuminates the body ●● That this is an ancient place is shown by the of the Shivalingam. caves excavated in the hill at a distance of about eight miles.

Religious Expression in Caves: Select the correct answer using the code given ●● These caves were originally Buddhist, but were below: later converted into monuments of the Jain (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3, and 4 only religion and fresh caves were also excavated nearby. (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 ●● There are some more Buddhist caves excavated 4. Madhya Pradesh Government is organizing in the hills, about 8 miles from Dharashiva. ‘Raag-Bhopali’ exhibition to promote ●● Cave No. II is modeled on the plan of the Vaka- (a) Maachfolk theatre taka caves at Ajanta. It has a central hall measuring 80 feet by 80 feet, with 14 cells for the (b) Zari-Zardozi crafts residence of the Bhiksus and garbhagraha with (c) Chanderigarmets a colossal image of the Buddha in Pamasana. (d) Bhagoria festival ●● From the hoods of a serpent spread over its head, it is supposed by some to be the image 5. With reference to the Ramateertham Temple, of the Jaina Tirthankara Parshwanath, but the which of the following statements is/are cor- figures of deer with a dharmacakra between rect? them on the pedestal indicate that it is that of 1. The temple is located in Tiruchirappalli, Gautama Buddha. Tamil Nadu. MCQs Based on Art and Culture 2. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. 1. Consider the following pairs: Select the correct answer using the code given Martial Arts States below: 1. Silambam Tamil Nadu (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 2. Inbuan Wrestling Mizoram 3. Gatka Maharashtra (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 4. Thang Ta Himachal Pradesh 6. With reference to the Risa textiles, which of the following statements is/are correct? Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? 1. Risa is mainly made in handloom or loin (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 4 only looms at homes. (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2, 3 and 4 only 2. Risa is a traditional Garment of Kerala. 2. Which of the following freedom fighter is related to ‘ParakramDiwas’? 3. Risa is presented as a mark of honour to (a) Bhagat Singh distinguished recipients. (b) Rash Behari Bose Select the correct answer using the code given (c) Chandra Shekhar Azad below: (d) Subhas Chandra Bose (a) Only 1 and 2 (b) Only 2 and 3 3. Which of the following are the varieties of silk? (c) Only 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 1. Mulberry 7. Which great man’s poems are collected in the book “Not Many, But One”? 2. Tasar (a) Kalidasa (b) AdiShankara 3. Muga 4. Eri (c) Narayana Guru (d) Bhavabhuti

8. With reference to the Narayana Guru, which 11. Which state has launched EkZila- EkShilp of the following statements is/are correct? campaign? 1. He was a strong supporter of “Dvaita phi- (a) Jharkhand (b) Bihar losophy”. (c) Uttrakhand (d) Madhya Pradesh 2. He was associated with the “Vaikom 12. Consider the following statements: movement”. 1. Kalaripayattu is the traditional martial arts 3. He was against the social discrimination of form of Karnataka. untouchables. 2. Kalaripayattu Academy is being established Select the correct answer using the code given in Kerala. below: (a) Only 1 and 2 (b) Only 2 and 3 Which of the statements given below is/are correct? (c) Only 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 9. Consider the following pairs: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Philosophies Proponents 1. Advaita (Monism) - Madhavacharya Explanation 2. Vishishtadvaita (modified monism) 1.(a) Exp: - Ramanujacharya ♦♦ Various Indian Martial Arts: 3. Dvaita philosophy (dualism) - Shankaracharya ♦♦ Silambam (Tamil Nadu) 4. Dvaitadvaita (dualistic monism) ♦♦ Gatka (Punjab) - Nimbark ♦♦ Thang Ta (Manipur) Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly ♦♦ MardaniKhel (Kolhapur, Maharashtra) matched? ♦♦ Pari-Khanda (Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha) (a) Only 1 and 2 (b) Only 2 and 4 ♦♦ Inbuan Wrestling (Mizoram) (c) Only 1 and 3 (d) Only 2, 3 and 4 ♦♦ ThodaHimachal Pradesh 10. With reference to the NetajiSubhas Chandra ♦♦ Lathi (Punjab & Bengal) Bose, which of the following statements is/are ♦♦ MustiYuddha (Varanasi) correct? ♦♦ Pari-Khanda (Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha) 1. He was elected president of the Haripura 2.(d) Exp: session of the Indian National Congress in The Ministry of Culture has announced that the 1940. birth anniversary of freedom fighter Subhas 2. He founded the ‘All India Forward Block’. Chandra Bose will now be celebrated as the 3. In 1942 he gave the famous slogan ParakramDiwas. ‘KaroYaMaro’ (Do or Die). 3.(d) Exp: Select the correct answer using the code given Varieties of Silk commonly found in India: below: 1. Mulberry silk:The mulberry silk contributes to (a) Only 1 and 2 (b) Only 2 more than 80% of the silk produced in India. (c) Only 3 (d) Only 2 and 3 2. Tasar silk: It is primarily produced in the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha,

Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and discrimination of untouchables. He provided Maharashtra. the impetus to Vaikom agitation and drew 3. Muga silk: An exclusive specialty of Assam, nationwide attention.• For NarayanaGurudev, the Muga silk is one of the rarest silks there is only “One Caste, One Religion, produced in the world. One God for All” (OruJathi, OruMatham, OruDaivam, Manushyanu)”. 4. Eri silk: Around forty percent of Eri Silk is produced in Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, 9.(b) Exp: Bihar, Orrisa, Karnataka, Assam, Andhra Different philosophies of India and their Pradesh and Jharkhand. proponents: 4.(b) Exp: ♦♦ Advaita (Monism): Madhya Pradesh Government is organizing ♦♦ Shankaracharya (AdiShankara) ‘Raag-Bhopali’ exhibition to promote Zari- ♦♦ Vishishtadvaita (modified monism): Zardozi crafts of Bhopal.The exhibition will Ramanujacharya be organized at GauharMahal in Bhopal. ♦♦ Dvaita philosophy (dualism): 5.(d) Exp: Madhavacharya A 400-year-old idol of Lord Rama has ♦♦ Dvaitadvaita (dualistic monism): been vandalised at the Ramateertham Nimbarka temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram. Ramateertham temple is a 16th-century temple. ♦♦ ShuddhaAdvaita (pure non-dualism): It is one of the sacred places of traditional Vallabhacharya communication with Lord Rama. 10.(b) Exp: 6.(c) Exp: NetajiSubhas Chandra Bose was born on Risa is a traditional Garment of Tripura. The 23 January, 1897 in Cuttack (Orissa) to government of Tripura is planning to promote PrabhavatiDutt Bose and Janakinath Bose. Risa textiles as the signature textile of Tripura He was twice elected President of the at the national level. It is made in handloom Indian National Congress, (1938-Haripur or loin looms at homes. Usually, only one and 1939-Tripuri).He established a separate or two pieces are prepared in a month. It is political party, the All India Forward Bloc and presented as a mark of honour to distinguished continued to call for the full and immediate recipients. independence of India from British rule.His famous slogans are ‘tum mujhekhoon do, main 7.(c) Exp: tumheaazadidunga’, ‘Jai Hind’, and ‘Delhi Recently, the Vice President of India has Chalo’.’KaroYaMaro (Do or Die)’slogan was virtually launched the book Not Many, But given by Mahatma Gandhi during “Quit India One (Two Volumes), an English translation of Movement” in 1942. poems of SreeNarayanaGurudev by Prof G.K. 11.(d) Exp: Sasidharan. 12.(b) Exp: 8.(b) Exp: The state government is setting up the Narayana Guru (1855 – 1928) was a Kalaripayattu Academy under the tourism multifaceted genius, a great Maharshi, an department to promote Kerala’s traditional eloquent proponent of Advaita philosophy, martial arts. The academy will be established a talented poet, social reformer and a great in Vellar Craft Village of Kerala. metaphysician. He was at the forefront of the temple entry movement and against the social □■□

E-Sampada: Web Portal & Mobile App ●● Activity log and service level benchmarks for Why in the news? the officials have been incorporated to ensure accountability. Recently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on Good Governance Day (December 25) has Joint Study Group & Surveillance Squad launched an e-Sampada web portal and mobile app. Constituted to Check Ammoniacal Nitrogen in Yamuna Important Points: Why in the news? ●● According to the minister, it is a significant step towards the promotion of e-governance Recently, the Central Pollution Control Board for boosting transparency and accountability (CPCB) formed a joint study group & Surveillance in providing different estate services such as Squad to monitor the ammonia levels in the river. regularization, retention, allotment, no dues Important Points: certificate, etc. ●● The decision was taken at a meeting held by ●● In its endeavour to provide ‘One Nation, One the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) System’, the erstwhile four websites (gpra.nic. with the officials of the Delhi Pollution Control in, eawas.nic.in, estates.gov.in, holidayhomes. Committee (DPCC), the Haryana State Pollu- nic.in), and two Mobile Apps (m-Awas & tion Control Board (HSPCB), the Delhi Jal m-Ashoka5) of the Directorate of Estates have Board (DJB), the irrigation and water resources been integrated into one. department, Haryana and the irrigation and ●● The new application provides a single window flood control department, Delhi. for all these services including allotment for ●● The aim of the meeting is to discuss the recur- over one lakh government residential accommo- ring issue of a rise in the ammoniacal nitrogen dations, office space allotment to government levels in the Yamuna and the short and long- organisations, etc. term remedial actions required. ●● The new Web Portal and Mobile App have ●● The group will review the uniform monitoring been developed by National Informatics Centre protocol and the requirement of strengthening (NIC). the monitoring mechanism, analyse past data Key features of E-Sampada: and carry out a field survey to identify critical ●● In this, users can give feedback regarding hotspots as well as the period of high ammonia services. levels. ●● It will have a ‘personalised dashboard’. ●● The study group will also suggest short and long-term measures for sustained solutions and ●● In this, all payments will be cashless through submit its report within a month. digital mode. ●● It was decided at the meeting to form a joint ●● Real-time status on license fees/dues and ser- surveillance squad comprising officials of the vice usage archive DJB, the DPCC, the irrigation and flood control ●● The online facility will be available to lodge department, Delhi, the HSPCB and the irriga- complaints, appear for the virtual hearing, and tion and water resources department, Haryana. submit documents. ●● The long deliberations on the issue identified

and agreed that possible reasons could be: ●● Section 29 of the Act says that a person tried for 1. Discharge of untreated sewage from an offence under the Act can be deprived of the upstream towns in Haryana. ownership of the animal only upon conviction. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960: 2. Discharge from industrial units. ●● The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 3. Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) prohibits any person from inflicting, causing, or and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). if it is the owner, permitting, unnecessary pain 4. Illegal discharge of sewage from unsewered or suffering to be inflicted on any animal. colonies in outer Delhi through tankers. ●● The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) 5. Lean flow in the River Yamuna. was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Act. 6. Anaerobic decomposition of accumulated sludge on river bed. ●● The Act makes it a crime to beat, kick, torture, mutilate, administer an injurious substance, or Ammoniacal Nitrogen: cruelly kill an animal. ●● Ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) is a measure for ●● It is also illegal to over-ride, over-drive, over- the amount of ammonia, a toxic pollutant often load, or work an unfit animal. found in landfill leachate and waste products ●● This Act provides for punishment for causing such as sewage, liquid manure and other liquid unnecessary cruelty and suffering to animals. organic waste products. ●● The Act defines animals and different forms Confiscation of the Animals under The of animals. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules ●● Discusses different forms of cruelty, exceptions, Why in the news? and killing of a suffering animal in case any Recently, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to cruelty has been committed against it, so as to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Care relieve it from further suffering. and Maintenance of Case Property Animals) Rules, ●● Provides the guidelines relating to experimenta- 2017 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regu- tion on animals for scientific purposes. lation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017. ●● The Act enshrines the provisions relating to Important Points: the exhibition of the performing animals, and offences committed against the performing ●● These rules of 2017 allow the confiscation of animals. the animals of traders and transporters during the pendency of trials in cases under The Pre- ●● This Act provides for the limitation period of 3 vention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. In months beyond which no prosecution shall lie other words, these rules allow confiscation of for any offences under this Act. animals before the accused is convicted under Animal Protection in the Constitution of the legislation. India: ●● This shows that the contrary nature of the Rules, ●● As per Article 48, the Constitution requires the 2017 as compared to the provisions of the Act, State to “take steps for preserving and improv- 1960 as provisions of the very law allow such ing the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter, confiscation only in case of conviction. of cows and calves in other milch and draught ●● The 2017 rules allow a magistrate to forfeit the cattle.” (Part IV: Directive Principles of State cattle of an owner facing trial under the Act and Policy) send them to infirmaries, gaushalas etc. ●● As per Article 48A, the Constitution places a ●● The authorities can further give such animals duty on the State to “endeavour to protect and for “adoption”. improve the environment and to safeguard the

forests and wildlife of the country.” (Part IV: into the concerns. Directive Principles of State Policy) ●● In September 2019, National Commission for ●● As per Article 51A, the Constitution places a Scheduled Tribes recommended inclusion of duty on every citizen to “protect and improve Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. the natural environment including forests, lakes, ●● The commission took note of the fact that the rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion newly created Union Territory is predominantly for living creatures.” (Part IVA: Fundamental a tribal region. Duties) ●● The Sixth Schedule has provisions for the ●● As per List II, the Legislative Assembly is administration of tribal areas in the border states given the authority to make laws on the follow- of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. ing: “preservation, protection and improvement ●● It has provisions for the constitution of auton- of stock and prevention of animal diseases; omous districts and councils with a varying veterinary training and practice…” (Seventh degree of autonomy to frame laws to protect Schedule Article 246) interests of the tribals. ●● As per the Eleventh Schedule, the Constitution provides that Panchayat (local self- govern- Centre Merges J&K Cadre Officers with ment) may make laws on the following: “animal AGMUT husbandry, dairying and poultry”, and fisheries. Why in the news? (Eleventh Schedule Article 243G) The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the ●● As per the Twelfth Schedule, Municipalities Centre has merged J&K cadre for all India Services may undertake certain duties pertaining to the Viz; IAS, IPS and IFS officers with that of Arun- regulation of slaughterhouses and tanneries. achal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territory (Twelfth Schedule Article 243W) (AGMUT), also called the Union Territory cadre, G. Kishan Reddy Committee through an ordinance. Why in the news? Important Points: The Centre has decided to form a committee to ●● The move will allow officers posted in these protect the language, culture and land of Ladakh states and UTs to work in J&K and vice versa. and ensuring citizen’s participation in the Union ●● In a gazette notification, the government said Territory’s development. the President has promulgated an ordinance to Important Points: amend J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019. ● The move will help tackle the shortage of All ●● The Committee will be headed by the Minister ● of State for Home G Kishan Reddy. India Services Officers in J&K owing to an earlier rule fixing the ratio of direct recruits in ●● It will include elected representatives from Civil Services to promotees from J&K State Ladakh, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Civil Services (Kashmir Administrative Service) Council, central government, and the Ladakh at 50:50 instead of 67:33 formula followed in administration. other states. ●● Notably, a protest had been held in Ladakh ●● The merger of the existing J&K cadre of IAS, regarding these issues just ahead of the IPS and IFS officers is both a political and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council administrative move. (LAHDC) elections. ●● It sends the message of total integration of J&K ●● A coalition of political parties and religious with the Centre while putting a question mark groups had given a call to boycott the elections. on the time it may take to return the region’s ●● The matter was resolved after the Minister of statehood. Home Affairs intervened and assured to look ●● The move is also seen to have been necessitated

by the reluctance of J&K cadre officers to serve 4. Business Environment in Ladakh. 5. Safety and Legal Environment ●● It gives government a larger talent pool for the UTs. ●● Two performance parameters are: Second Edition of India Innovation Index 1. Knowledge Output 2020 2. Knowledge Diffusion Why in the news? ●● In the India Innovation Index-2020, the States NITI Aayog released the second edition of the India and Union Territories have been divided into Innovation Index at a virtual event with the Institute 17 Major States, 10 North-East and Hill States for Competitiveness. and 9 Union Territories and City States for The first edition of the index was launched in Octo- effectively comparing their performance. ber 2019. States performance: Major States Category: ●● Karnataka continued to occupy the top position, while Maharashtra moved past Tamil Nadu to reach the second place. ●● Telangana, Kerala, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab completed the top ten in that order. ●● Karnataka’s rank is attributable to its substantive number of venture capital deals, registered geographical indicators and information and communications technology exports. ●● Karnataka’s high Foreign Direct Investment Important Points: (FDI) inflow has also enhanced the innovation capabilities of the state. ●● The India Innovation Index creates synergies between different stakeholders in the innovation ●● Four southern states—Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, ecosystem, thus it can enable India to shift to Telangana and Kerala—occupied the top five competitive good governance. spots under the ‘Major States’ category this year. ●● The index examines the innovation capabilities and performance of the states and union terri- Union Territories and City States Category: tories. ●● Overall, Delhi retained its first rank, while ●● The innovation inputs were measured through Chandigarh made a big leap since 2019 and five enabler parameters, and the output through landed in the second place this year. two performance parameters. North-East and Hill States Category: ●● Five enabler parameters are: ●● Under this category, Himachal Pradesh moved 1. Human Capital up from the second position to emerge as the 2. Investment top ranker this year, while 2019’s top performer (in this category), Sikkim, slipped down to the 3. Knowledge Workers fourth position.

B-121, AC, Mansrover Garden Opp. to Kriti nagar Police Station, New Delhi-110015 Mob.- 9958159667, 9818733402, 9667663402, Ph: 011-41421363 E-mail: [email protected], website:[email protected] 16 | Current Affairs – February, 2021 Giving Public Notice of Marriage under of their marriage to the Marriage Officer, it Special Marriage Act Not Mandatory shall be published only if the couple requests Why in the news? in writing to do so. ● In case no such request for publishing has In an important judgment, Allahabad High Court ● been submitted, the marriage officer will not has held that requirement of publication of notice publish the notice or entertain objections to the of intended marriage under the Special Marriage marriage, clearing the way for its solemnisation. Act, 1954 (SMA, 1954) is not mandatory. ●● To be sure, the officer would be expected to Important Points: verify the identification, age and valid consent ●● The court has held that the clause of publishing of the parties and their competence to marry a notice regarding the marriage (under Section 6 under the Act. of SMA, 1954) and inviting objections (Section Right to Privacy as a Fundamental Right: 7 of SMA, 1954) was invasive of the fundamental rights of liberty and privacy. ●● In a unanimous verdict, the Supreme Court declared that privacy is intrinsic to life and ●● Currently, under section 5 of the Special Mar- liberty and thereby a part of Article 21 of the riages Act, a notice in writing has to be given fundamental rights. to a Marriage Officer of the district who then publishes it for 30 days in a “conspicuous place ●● It held that privacy is a natural & inherent right in his office” to invite objections to it based on available to all humans and the constitutional the conditions laid down in section 4 of the Act, recognition is only to make it explicit. before the marriage can be solemnised. ●● But the court also clarified that it is not an What was the case? absolute right. ●● The court delivered the verdict while hearing a What is ‘Habeas Corpus’: habeas corpus petition filed by one Safia Sul- ●● “Habeas Corpus” is a Latin term which means tana, who had converted to Hinduism to marry ‘to have the body’ or ‘you must have the body’. but was not being allowed by her father to live ●● This petition filed under Article 32 prays before with her husband. the court to direct a particular individual or ●● The couple expressed that they could have authority who has detained a person to produce registered under the Special Marriages Act but the detenu before the court. feared that the clause of 30 days’ notice to be ●● This petition leads the court to determine valid- published to invite objections from the public ity of such detention. at large, would have invaded their privacy and ●● Habeas corpus writ is a bulwark of individual caused unnecessary social pressure. liberty against arbitrary detention. What was decided? ●● It can be issued against both public authorities ●● According to the court, personal laws do not as well as private individuals. impose any such condition before solemnisation ●● Other Writs are Mandamus (We Com- of marriage and that this challenge (related to mand), prohibition (to prohibit), certiorari Special Marriages Act) was in fact being faced (to certify) and Quo Warranto (what is your by a large number of similarly situated persons. authority). ●● The court has mandated that while giving notices

(a) Reforms in agricultural produce market 1. With reference tothe E-Sampada, which of the committee (APMC) following statements is/are correct? (b) Cultural development of Ladakh 1. It is both a web portal and a mobile app. (c) Economic development of Jammu & Kash- 2. It has been developed by National Infor- mir matics Centre (NIC). (d) Regulation of over-the-top (OTT) platforms. 3. In this, users have been given the facility 5. With reference to the India Innovation Index to provide feedback regarding services. 2020, which of the following statements is/are Select the correct answer using the code given correct? below: 1. The index has been released by the Coun- (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2only cil of Scientific and Industrial Research (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (CSIR). 2. With reference to The Prevention of Cruelty 2. Uttar Pradesh tops the category of major to Animals Act, 1960, which of the following states.

statements is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the code given 1. The Act provides for the establishment of below: the Animal Welfare Board of India. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2

2. The Act makes it a crime to beat, kick, (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 torture, mutilate, administer an injurious substance, or cruelly kill an animal. Explanation

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1.(d) Exp:

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Recently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on Good Governance Day (December (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 25) has launched an e-Sampada web portal and 3. Which of the following provisions of the Con- mobile app. The new Web Portal and Mobile stitutionpromotes animal welfare? App have been developed by National Infor- matics Centre (NIC). In this, users can give 1. Article 44 2. Article 48 feedback regarding services. 3. Article 48 A 4. Article 51A 2.(c) Exp: Select the correct answer using the code given The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 below: prohibits any person from inflicting, causing, or (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only if it is the owner, permitting, unnecessary pain or suffering to be inflicted on any animal. The (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) was (UCC) throughout the territory of India.” (Part established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Act. IV: Directive Principles of State Policy) The Act makes it a crime to beat, kick, torture, 4.(b) Exp: mutilate, administer an injurious substance, or cruelly kill an animal. Centre has decided to form a committee to protect the language, culture and land of Ladakh 3.(c) Exp: and ensuring citizen’s participation in the Union As per Article 48, the Constitution requires the Territory’s development. The Committee will be State to “take steps for preserving and improv- headed by the Minister of State for Home G ing the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter, Kishan Reddy. of cows and calves in other milch and draught 5.(d) Exp: cattle.” (Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy) NITI Aayog released the second edition of the India Innovation Index at a virtual event with As per Article 48A, the Constitution places a the Institute for Competitiveness. The first duty on the State to “endeavour to protect and edition of the index was launched in October improve the environment and to safeguard the 2019. In the India Innovation Index-2020, the forests and wild life of the country.” (Part IV: States and Union Territories have been divided Directive Principles of State Policy) into 17 Major States, 10 North-East and Hill As per Article 51A, the Constitution places a States and 9 Union Territories and City States duty on every citizen to “protect and improve for effectively comparing their performance.In the natural environment including forests, lakes, the Major States Category, Karnataka continued rivers and wild life, and to have compassion to occupy the top position, while Maharashtra for living creatures.” (Part IVA: Fundamental moved past Tamil Nadu to reach the second Duties) place. As per Article 44, the “State shall endeavour □■□ to provide for its citizens a uniform civil code

Portulaca Laljii: New Species of Wild Sun ●● The flowers of the plants are very attractive and Rose shall have high horticultural value. Why in the news? ●● The flowers bloom between June and February. Botanists have discovered a new species of wild Sun ●● Portulaca lajii has tuberous roots and succulent Rose called Portulaca laljii. properties that allow it to survive on the rock surface. Generally, plants with thickened parts It has been found in the Eastern Ghats. that can retain moisture in dry soils or climates are called succulent plants. ●● The unique features of Portulaca lajii are: 1. Tuberous Roots. A tuberous root is a storage root. It acts as a storage organ. 2. Prolate-shaped fruits. 3. Copper brown seeds without lustre (gentle light). 4. No hair in its leaf axis. 5. Reddish Pink flowers. Migratory birds found dead in Himachal Important Points: Pradesh’s Pong Dam ●● Portulaca laljii was discovered from Prakasam Why in the news? district of Andhra Pradesh. Recently, more than 1,400 migratory birds were ●● It has been named to honour the contribution found dead due to an unexplained cause in the Pong of Lal Ji Singh, an eminent botanist of the Dam area of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh. Botanical Survey of India associated with its Important points: Andaman and Nicobar Centre. ●● The local authorities have suspended all tourism ●● The species has been placed under the ‘Data activities in the reservoir precincts. Deficient’ category of the IUCN List of Threat- ened Species because very little information is ●● Exercising his powers under Section 34 of the available about the population of the species. Disaster Management Act, 2005, the District Magistrate, no human and domestic livestock ●● The flowers of Portualca lajii are reddish-pink activities shall be allowed in and around 1km in colour and are very minute at about 0.5 peripheral area of the reservoir till further millimetres. orders. ●● These plants are found in rocky crevices at an ●● The next 9 km peripheral area of the Alert Zone altitude of 1,800 metres. has been declared as a Surveillance Zone, where ●● They are classified under the Sun Rose category all departments shall keep a vigil. because they flower in bright sunshine.

●● Wildlife authorities have sent samples taken which are endemic to the area, from extinction. from the carcass of the birds for testing at the ●● In 2014, after a study conducted by Osmania High Security Animal Disease Laboratory in University, the state government first came to Bhopal to ascertain the cause of death. know of the bats becoming extinct in one of the ●● Most of the dead birds are bareheaded geese. caves. The government immediately notified the Pong Dam: 30 acres around the caves as a protected area. About Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat: ●● The Pong Dam is also known as the Beas Dam. ●● It is an earth-fill embankment dam on the Beas ●● The Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat is exclusive to River in Himachal Pradesh. Karnataka. ●● The lake created by the dam, Maharana Pratap ●● It is a species of bat in the family Hipposid- Sagar, is a renowned bird sanctuary. eridae. ●● The purpose of the dam is water storage for ●● It is endemic to India. irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. ●● Natural habitats: Subtropical or tropical dry ●● Pong Dam Lake is an international wetland site forests and caves. in Himachal Pradesh. ●● Its habitat is under threat due to illegal granite mining in the region. Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat ●● It is found in only one cave in India, and its Why in the news? population is less than 200 individuals. The Bat Conservation India Trust, which has been ●● The IUCN Red data list classifies the Kolar entrusted with drawing up a conservation plan, Leaf-Nosed Bat as ‘critically endangered’. has also been awarded a grant to conduct further research on this species of bats. ●● There are five species of bats that live in the caves of Kolar, of which the Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat is just one. ●● According to recent estimates, there are just 150 Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bats left in these caves. Threat & Significance of Bats ●● Bats are one of the least studied mammals in the country, though there are 130 species in India. ●● They are very adaptable creatures and therefore can often be found near human habitation or even in urban settlements, which makes them vulnerable. ●● Bats also have a bad image in the public eye, The grant has been given by ‘Habitats Trust’. as carriers of diseases. But the truth is that bats are absolutely vital for the ecology as they are Important Points: pollinators, their main diet being nectar. ●● A few years ago the Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat was ●● While insectivorous bats act as best insect found in only two caves in the village of Hanu- cleansers by devouring and keeping them under manahalli in the Kolar district of Karnataka. control, fruit eating bats on the other hand ●● But the bat became locally extinct in 3one of are the best natural seed dispersal agents and the two caves. cross pollinators and hence play a vital role in ●● Therefore, the Karnataka Forest Department, regeneration. along with the Bat Conservation India Trust, ●● Many species of fruiting trees depend on these is on a war footing to save the remaining bats, bats for dispersal and regeneration.

Bat Conservation India Trust (BCIT): Life (Protection) Act, 1972. ●● BCIT is a non-profit organization which was ●● Utilising add-on coverage under the Pradhan conceived for the protection of bat species in Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna for crop compen- India by protecting their habitat. sation against crop damage due to HWC and ●● It aims to preserve and conserve bats and its augmenting fodder and water sources within the habitats across India through partnership with forest areas are some key steps envisaged to communities, scientists, researchers, govern- reduce HWC. ment and organizations. ●● Payment of a portion of ex-gratia as interim Habitats Trust: relief within 24 hours of the incident to the victim/family. ●● The Habitats Trust is a coalition of passion- ate individuals coming together with the aim ●● The advisory also envisages prescribing, of securing key habitats and their indigenous ♦♦ Inter-departmental committees at local/state species. level ●● It was founded in 2018 by Roshni Nadar Mal- ♦♦ Adoption of early warning systems, creation hotra, Chairperson of HCL Technologies, and of barriers. Shikhar Malhotra, Vice Chairman and CEO of HCL Healthcare. ♦♦ Dedicated circle wise Control Rooms with toll free hotline numbers which could be Govt. Advisory to Human-Wildlife Conflict operated on 24X7 basis Why in the news: ♦♦ Identification of hotspots ●● The Standing Committee of National Board ♦♦ Formulation and implementation of special of Wildlife (SC-NBWL) in its 60th meeting plans for improved stall-fed farm animal has approved the advisory for management of etc. Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) in the country. Important Points: ●● Some of the other important approvals took place during the meeting are, inclusion of ●● The advisory makes important prescriptions for ‘Caracal cat’ into the list of critically endan- the States/ Union Territories for dealing with gered species for taking up conservation efforts Human-Wildlife conflict situations and seeks with financial support under centrally sponsored expedited inter-departmental coordinated and Scheme-Development of Wildlife Habitat. effective actions. ●● Now, there are 22 wildlife species under the recovery programme for critically endangered species. National Board for Wildlife (NBWL): ●● The NBWL is constituted by the Central Government under Section 5A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA). ●● The Standing Committee of NBWL considers proposals after a series of levels of scrutiny and has recommendations of the State Chief Wildlife Warden, State Government and the State Board for Wildlife. ●● During the meetings of SC-NBWL, the views of ●● The advisory envisages empowering gram the expert members are taken into consideration panchayats in dealing with the problematic wild before arriving at decisions. animals as per the section 11 (1) (b) of Wild

Caracal: ●● The Gangetic River dolphin is primarily found ●● Caracal is a medium sized wildcat found in in the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers and their some parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and tributaries in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Gujarat. ●● It can live only in Freshwater. ●● It is called ‘Shea-gosh’ or ‘siyah-gush’ in ●● Being a mammal, the Ganges River dolphin Madhya Pradesh, “Hornotro (means killer of cannot breathe in the water and must surface a Blackbuck)” in Gujarat and “Junglee Bilao every 30-120 seconds. Because of the sound it (Wildcat)” in Rajasthan. produces when breathing, the animal is popu- ●● It is typically nocturnal. larly referred to as the ‘Susu’. ●● The caracal is highly secretive and difficult to ●● The IUCN Red data list classifies the Gangetic observe. Dolphins as ‘Endangered’. ●● It mainly lives alone or in pairs and is a car- ●● It has been listed under Appendix I of the Con- nivorous animal. vention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). ●● Caracal was used for hunting in ancient Egypt. ●● It is listed under the Schedule I of the Wildlife ●● Their habitat has been damaged due to agri- Protection Act, 1972. cultural expansion, construction of roads and settlements. ●● They are generally found alone or in pairs, and occasionally in small groups. ●● The IUCN Red data list classifies the caracal as ‘least concern’. ●● In 2009, National Ganga River Basin Author- ity declared the Gangetic river dolphin as the ●● It has been listed under Appendix I of the Con- national aquatic animal. vention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). ●● The National Mission for Clean Ganga cel- ebrates October 5 as National Ganga River ●● It is listed under the Schedule I of the Wildlife Dolphin Day. Protection Act, 1972. New Species of Rare Ant ●● In India, the caracal occurs in Sariska Tiger Reserve and Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. Why in the news? Gangetic Dolphin Two new species of a rare ant genus have been discovered in India. Why in the news? Recently, some people in Uttar Pradesh beat the Gangetic dolphin to death.

Important Points: Important points: ●● The species of the ant genus Ooceraea found

in Kerala and Tamil Nadu add to the diversity National parks in Tamil Nadu: of this rare genus. ♦♦ Anamalai Tiger Reserve/ Indira Gandhi ●● They differ from others of the same genus on (Annamalai) National Park the basis of the number of antennal segments. ♦♦ Mudumalai National Park ●● One of them found in the Periyar Tiger Reserve of Kerala has been named Ooceraea joshii, in ♦♦ Mukurthi National Park honour of Prof. Amitabh Joshi. ♦♦ Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park ●● Prof. Amitabh Joshi is a distinguished evolu- ♦♦ Guindy National Park tionary biologist from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) India’s Draft Arctic Policy an autonomous institute of the Department of Why in the news? Science & Technology (DST), Government of Recently, India has released a draft ‘Arctic Policy’ India. document to get public comments. ●● New species are typically named after some distinguishing attribute or location but are often named after scientists as a means of honour- ing their research contributions to biology, especially in the fields of evolutionary and organismal biology, ecology or systematics. ●● The two new species, the first ones spotted with 10 segmented antennae among this rare genus, were discovered by a team led by Prof. Himender Bharti of Punjabi University, Patiala. The discovery has been published in the journal ZooKeys. ●● The genus is currently represented by 14 species of which eight possess 9 segmented antennae, while five possess 11 segmented antennae and Important Points: one species has recently been reported with 8 ●● It envisages India’s engagement in the Arctic segmented antennae. In India, the genus was so region for climate research, environmental far represented by two species with nine- and monitoring, maritime cooperation and energy eleven-segmented antennae respectively. security. ●● The newly discovered ant species with 10 seg- ●● India’s Arctic Policy Roadmap for Sustainable mented antennae discovered, establish an old Engagement draft rides on five pillars: world lineage that contains a species emerging ♦♦ Science and research activities as the only model organism among the ant subfamily. ♦♦ Economic and human development coop- National parks in Kerala: eration, ♦♦ Eravikulam National Park ♦♦ Transportation and connectivity, ♦♦ Periyar National Park ♦♦ Governance and international cooperation ♦♦ Silent Valley National Park ♦♦ National capacity building. ♦♦ Mathikettan Shola National Park ●● The scientific community had made an obser- vation that the melting ice in the Arctic due ♦♦ Anamudi Shola National Park to climate change could release new pathogens ♦♦ Pampadum Shola National Park that had previously remained trapped, thus

increasing the possibility of future pandemics. which in turn impacts the global climate. ●● National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research Semeru volcano Eruption is the nodal agency for implementing India’s Why in the news? Arctic Policy. Recently, the Semeru volcano erupted in Indonesia’s Importance for India: East Java Province. ●● According to the draft policy, India could be particularly impacted as changes in the Arctic have an effect on water security and sustainability, weather conditions and monsoon patterns, coastal erosion and glacial melting, economic security and critical aspects of national development. ●● The Arctic research will help Indian scientists study the melting rates of the third pole- the Himalayan glaciers, which are known to host the world’s largest freshwater reserves outside the geographic poles. ●● The draft spells out goals in India’s Arctic Mis- sion such as to better understand the scientific Important Points: and climate-related linkages between the Arctic ●● Due to this, ash and smoke spread over an and the Indian monsoons. estimated 5.6 kilometers in the sky. ●● India launched its first scientific expedition to ●● The National Disaster Mitigation Agency the Arctic in 2007. (NDMA) warned villagers living on the moun- ●● India has established its first research station tain’s slopes to be alert for ongoing volcanic “Himadri” in the Arctic region. activity. Arctic Region: ●● Semeru (also known as “The Great Mountain”) ●● The Arctic region comprises the Arctic Ocean is the highest volcano in Java and one of the and parts of countries such as Canada, Denmark most active. (Greenland), Norway, Russia, USA (Alaska), ●● Indonesia has about 130 active volcanoes, Finland, Sweden and Iceland. which is higher than any other country. ●● These 8 countries together form the core of the ●● Other volcanoes, such as the Merapi volcano Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum. It on the island of Java and Sinabung on Sumatra, is headquartered in Tromsø (Norway). have shown signs of activity recently. ●● Arctic Council was formally established in ●● Indonesia falls under the “Ring of Fire” region 1996. The Ottawa Declaration defines these making it prone to volcanoes and earthquakes. states as Members of the Arctic Council. ●● Within a short time, Indonesia has endured ●● The region is home to almost four million multiple landslides, a deadly earthquake on inhabitants, of which, about one-tenth are Sulawesi island, and the loss of a Sriwijaya Air indigenous people. Boeing 737 with 62 people on board. ●● India had become an Observer in the Arctic Ring of Fire: Council for the first time in 2013 and its mem- ●● It is also known as Circum-Pacific Belt or bership was renewed for another five-year term Pacific Ring of Fire. in 2018. ●● It is a long horseshoe-shaped seismically active ●● Due to climate change, the region faces the loss belt of earthquake epicentres, volcanoes, and of sea ice, ice caps, and warming of the ocean

tectonic plate boundaries that fringes the Pacific ●● A dynamical model that gauges rainfall based basin. on the sea surface temperature in the tropics ●● Approximately 75% of the world’s volcanoes (developed by Professor Sumant Nigam, Uni- occur within the Ring of Fire. versity of Maryland, U.S.) and ●● For much of its 40,000-km (24,900-mile) length, ●● A statistical model based on climate variables the belt follows chains of island arcs such as observed during the pre-monsoon. Tonga and New Hebrides, the Indonesian archi- ●● All of them are ‘ensembles’ meaning smaller pelago, the Philippines, Japan, the Kuril Islands, models are combined to arrive at an average and the Aleutians, as well as other arc-shaped value. geomorphic features, such as the western coast ‘Saksham’ Campaign of North America and the Andes Mountains. Why in the news? Plate Tectonics and the Ring of Fire: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas asso- ●● The Ring of Fire surrounds several tectonic ciation with Petroleum Conservation Research plates- including the vast Pacific Plate and the Association (PCRA) has launched a month long smaller Philippine, Juan de Fuca, Cocos, and ‘SAKSHAM’ campaign in order to create awareness Nazca plates. among the consumers about fossil fuels. ●● Many of these plates are subducting under the continental plates they border. ●● Along much of the western coast of North America, however, the Pacific Plate is sliding past the North American plate at plate intersec- tions called transform faults. New Monsoon Models Why in the news? The India Meteorological Department (IMD) may introduce new monsoon models this year to better forecast changes in rainfall. Important Points: ●● According to IMD, “three different models can Important Points: be tested this year”. ●● The main idea of the campaign is to convince ●● Two of them are dynamic and one is statistical consumers to switch to cleaner fuels and bring models. in behavioral change to use fossil fuel intelli- gently. ●● In the former, the climate on any particular day is simulated on supercomputers and meteorolo- ●● The campaign will spread awareness among gists observe the changing daily output. masses about the advantages of using clean fuels through various pan-India activities such ●● The other is the traditional statistical model that as cyclothon, farmer workshops, seminars, equates relationships of physical parameters, painting competition, CNG vehicle driving such as for instance sea surface temperatures, contest, etc. snowfall, the temperature of landmass etc, with the actual observed rainfall in the past. ●● The campaign will spread awareness about the 7 major drivers which the Prime Minister of Three models: India has recently mentioned. ●● 12 global circulation models (dynamical) whose ●● The key drivers include: outputs would be combined into a single one. ♦♦ Moving towards a gas-based economy.

♦♦ Cleaner use of fossil fuels. MCQs Based on Geography, Ecology and ♦♦ Greater reliance on domestic sources to Environment drive bio-fuels. 1. With reference to the PortulacaLaljii, which of ♦♦ Achieving renewable targets with the set the following statements is/are correct? deadlines. 1. It is a new species of wild sun rose. ♦♦ Increased use of electric vehicles to decar- bonize mobility. 2. It has been found in the Eastern Ghats. ♦♦ Increased use of cleaner fuels like Hydro- 3. The IUCN Red data list classifies it as gen. ‘critically endangered’. ♦♦ Digital innovation across all energy systems. Select the correct answer using the code given below: Fossil Fuel: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only ●● Fossil fuels are made from decomposing plants and animals. (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only ●● These fuels are found in the Earth’s crust and 2. Which of the following is the nodal agency for contain carbon and hydrogen (hydrocarbon), implementing India’s Arctic Policy? which can be burned for energy. (a) National Centre for Earth Science Studies ●● Fossil fuels include coal, petroleum, natural gas, (b) National Institute of Ocean Technology oil shales, bitumens, tar sands, and heavy oils. ●● All contain carbon and were formed as a result (c) India Meteorological Department of geologic processes acting on the remains of (d) National Centre for Polar and Ocean organic matter produced by photosynthesis, a Research process that began in the Archean Eon (4.0 3. More than 1,400 migratory birds have been billion to 2.5 billion years ago). found dead recently at Petroleum Conservation Research (a) Lonar Lake, Maharashtra Association (PCRA) (b) Pong Dam, Himachal Pradesh ●● PCRA is a registered society set up under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural (c) Sur sarovar, Uttar Pradesh Gas, Government of India. (d) Vembanad Lake, Kerala ●● As a non-profit organization, PCRA is a national 4. With reference to the Kolar Leaf-Nosed government agency engaged in promoting Bat, which of the following statements is/are energy efficiency in various sectors of economy. correct? ●● It helps the government in proposing policies 1. It is a species of the ‘Hipposideridae’ and strategies for petroleum conservation, family of bats. aimed at reducing excessive dependence of the 2. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical country on oil requirement. dry forests and caves. ●● Over the years, PCRA has enlarged its role in improving productivity in use of various 3. The IUCN Red data list classifies it as sources of energy. ‘critically endangered’. ●● To give impetus to the oil conservation Select the correct answer using the code given movement, PCRA utilizes various platforms below: like the World environment day (5 June), World (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only energy day, various festivals etc. (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

5. With reference to the Bat Conservation 9. With reference to the discovery of two new India Trust (BCIT), which of the following species of a rare ant, consider the following statements is/are correct? statements: 1. BCIT is a non-profit organization. 1. These ant species belong to the genus 2. BCITaims to preserve and conserve bats ‘Ooceraea’. and its habitats across India. 2. They differ from others of the same genus Select the correct answer using the code given on the basis of the number of antennal below: segments. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only Select the correct answer using the code given below: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 6. The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has been constituted under which act? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) Environment Protection Act, 1986 10. Which of the following national parks are located in Kerala? (b) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 1. Bannerghatta National Park (c) Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 2. Eravikulam National Park (d) Biological Diversity Act, 2002 3. Silent Valley National Park 7. With reference to the Caracal, which of the following statements is/are correct? 4. Mathikettan Shola National Park 1. It is a wild cat species. 5. Pampadum Shola National Park 2. It is found only in Madhya Pradesh. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 3. It is listed under the Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. (a) 1, 2 and 3 only Select the correct answer using the code given (b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only below: (c) 2, 3, 4, and 5 only (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 11. In which one of the following groups are all the 8. With reference to the Gangetic Dolphin, which four countries members of Arctic Council? of the following statements is/are correct? (a) Canada,Russia, Finland and India (1) The IUCN Red data list classifies it as (b) Canada,Norway, Finland and Iceland ‘endangered’. (c) Canada, Russia, Finland and India (2) It can live only in Fresh water. (d) Poland, Russia, Finland and Brazil (3) It is found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra 12. Where is the Semeru volcano located? and their tributaries. Select the correct answer using the code given (a) Brunei Darussalam below: (b) Philippines (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) Malaysia (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Indonesia

13. With reference to the Pacific Ring of Fire, under the ‘Data Deficient’ category of the IUCN consider the following statements: List of Threatened Species because very little 1. It is seismically active belt of earthquake information is available about the population of epicentres, volcanoes, and tectonic plate the species. boundaries that fringes the Pacific basin. 2.(d) Exp: 2. Approximately 15% of the world’s volca- Recently, India has released a draft ‘Arctic noes occur within the Ring of Fire. Policy’ document to get public comments. Select the correct answer using the code given According to it, National Centre for Polar below: and Ocean Research is the nodal agency for (a) 1 only (b) 2 only implementing India’s Arctic Policy. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 3.(b) Exp: 14. What is the main objective of the ‘Saksham’ Recently, more than 1,400 migratory birds were Campaign? found dead due to an unexplained cause in the (a) To create awareness about fossil fuels. Pong Dam area of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh. (b) To create awareness about Human Rights. (c) To create awareness about health and sani- 4.(d) Exp: tation. The Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat is exclusive to (d) Phasing out of manual scavenging Karnataka.It is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae.It is endemic to India.Its natural 15. Which of the following national parks are habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests and located in Tamil Nadu? caves.The IUCN Red data list classifies the 1. Bandipur National Park Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat as ‘critically endangered’. 2. Nagarhole National Park 5.(c) Exp: 3. Mudumalai National Park BCIT is a non-profit organization which was 4. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park conceived for the protection of bat species in 5. Guindy National Park India by protecting their habitat.It aims to preserve and conserve bats and its habitats across India Select the correct answer using the code given below: through partnership with communities, scientists, researchers, government and organizations. (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only 6.(b) Exp: (c) 3, 4, and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only The NBWL is constituted by the Central Explanation Government under Section 5A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA).

1.(b) Exp: 7.(b) Exp: Recently, botanists have discovered a new Caracal is a medium size wild cat found in species of wild Sun Rose called Portulacalaljii. some parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and It has been found in the Eastern Ghats. It has Gujarat.It is called ‘Shea-gosh’ or ‘siyah-gush’ been named to honour the contribution of LalJi in Madhya Pradesh, “Hornotro (means killer Singh, an eminent botanist of the Botanical of a Blackbuck)” in Gujarat and “JungleeBilao Survey of India. The species has been placed (Wildcat)” in Rajasthan.The IUCN Red data

list classifies the caracal as ‘least concern’.It 12.(d) Exp: is listed under the Schedule I of the Wildlife Recently, the Semeru volcano erupted in Protection Act, 1972. Indonesia’s East Java Province.Indonesia has 8.(d) Exp: about 130 active volcanoes which is higher than any other country.Other volcanoes, such The Gangetic River dolphin is primarily found as the Merapi volcano on the island of Java in the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers and their and Sinabung on Sumatra, have shown signs of tributaries in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. It activity recently. can live only in Fresh water. Being a mammal, the Ganges River dolphin cannot breathe in the 13.(a) Exp: water and must surface every 30-120 seconds. Ring of Fire is also known as Circum- Because of the sound it produces when breathing, Pacific Belt or Pacific Ring of Fire.It is long the animal is popularly referred to as the ‘Susu’. horseshoe-shaped seismically active belt of The IUCN Red data list classifies the Gangetic earthquake epicentres, volcanoes, and tectonic Dolphins as ‘Endangered’. plate boundaries that fringes the Pacific basin. 9.(c) Exp: Approximately 75% of the world’s volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire.The Ring of Fire Recently, Two new species of a rare ant genus surrounds several tectonic plates- including the have been discovered in India.The species of the vast Pacific Plate and the smaller Philippine, ant genus Ooceraea found in Kerala and Tamil Juan de Fuca, Cocos, and Nazca plates. Nadu add to the diversity of this rare genus. They differ from others of the same genus on 14.(a) Exp: the basis of the number of antennal segments. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas 10.(c) Exp: association with Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) has launched a National parks in Kerala:Eravikulam National month long ‘SAKSHAM’ campaign in order to Park,Periyar National Park, Silent Valley create awareness among the consumers about National Park, Mathikettan Shola National Park, fossil fuels. Anamudi Shola National Park and Pampadum Shola National Park. Bannerghatta National 15.(c) Exp: Park is located in Karnataka. National parks in Tamil Nadu:Anamalai Tiger 11.(b) Exp: Reserve/ Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) National Park, Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi Members of theArctic Council are: (1) Canada, National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National (2) Denmark (Greenland), (3) Norway, (4) Park and Guindy National Park.Bandipur Russia, (5) USA (Alaska), (6) Finland, (7) National Park and Nagarhole National Park are Sweden and (8) Iceland. India had become an located in Karnataka. Observer in the Arctic Council for the first time in 2013 and its membership was renewed for □■□ another five-year term in 2018.

4 Economy

Zero-Coupon Bond for Punjab & Sind ●● It is the periodic rate of interest paid by bond Bank issuers to its purchasers. Why in the news? ●● The coupon rate is calculated on the bond’s face The government has used financial innovation of value (or par value), not on the issue price or zero coupon bonds to recapitalise Punjab & Sind market value. Bank by issuing the lender Rs 5,500-crore worth of ●● For example, if you have a 10-year- Rs 2,000 non-interest bearing bonds. bond with a coupon rate of 10 per cent, you will get Rs 200 every year for 10 years, no matter The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expressed what happens to the bond price in the market. some concerns over zero-coupon bonds for the What is a Bond? recapitalisation of public sector banks (PSBs). ● A Bond is a fixed income instrument, represent- Important points: ● ing a loan made by an investor to a borrower. ●● These are special types of zero coupon bonds ●● There are mainly two types of bonds: issued by the government after proper due diligence and these are issued at par. ♦♦ Corporate Bonds (High-risk, High return) ●● These are “non-interest bearing, non-transfera- ♦♦ Government Bonds (Low-risk, low return) ble special GOI securities”. Cabinet Approves Industrial Corridor ●● They have a maturity of 10-15 years. Nodes at Krishnapatnam and Tumakuru ●● It is not tradable and transferable. Why in the news? ●● It is held at the held-to-maturity (HTM) cat- ●● The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs egory of the bank as per the RBI guidelines. (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister has Since it is held to maturity, it is accounted at approved industrial corridor nodes at Andhra the face value (and) no mark-to-market will be Pradesh’s Krishnapatnam and Karnataka’s there. Tumakuru under Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Zero-Coupon Bond: Corridor (CBIC). ●● When the coupon rate is zero and the issuer is ●● The CCEA has also approved the Multi Modal only applicable to repay the principal amount Logistics Hub (MMLH) and Multi Modal to the investor, such types of bond are called Transport Hub (MMTH) at Greater Noida. zero-coupon bonds. Important Points: ●● These bonds trade at deep discounts, offering ●● The construction of Krishnapatnam Industrial full face value (par) profits at maturity. Area in Andhra Pradesh has got the Cabinet’s ●● The difference between the purchase price of a approval with an estimated cost of the project zero-coupon bond and the par value, indicates of Rs 2,139.44 crores and Tumakuru Industrial the investor’s return. Area in Karnataka with an estimated cost of Rs Coupon Rate: 1,701.81 crores. ●● Coupon rate is the rate of interest paid by bond ●● The estimated cost of Multi Modal Logistics issuers on the bond’s face value. Hub (MMLH) and Multi Modal Transport

Hub (MMTH) at Greater Noida is Rs 3,883.80 and Optimization of Inner Harbour Facilities crores. including Development of Western Dock on Krishnapatnam- Tumakuru Industrial Area: Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode to han- ●● These greenfield industrial cities will be dle cape- size vessels at Paradip Port’. self-sustained with world-class infrastructure, Important Points: road and rail connectivity for freight movement to and from ports and logistic hubs along with ●● The proposed project envisages Construction of reliable power and quality social infrastructure. Western Dock Basin with facilities to handle cape size vessels by the selected BOT Conces- ●● These projects will generate ample employment sionaire with an ultimate capacity of 25 MTPA opportunities through industrialisation. (Million tonnes per annum) in two phases of ●● It will help in achieving the objective of crea- 12.50 MTPA each. tion of “Atmanirbhar Bharat “. ●● The Concession period shall be 30 years from Multi Modal Logistics Hub & Multi Modal the date of Award of Concession. Paradip Port Transport Hub: Trust (Concessioning Authority) shall provide the Common Supporting Project Infrastructure ●● MMLH & MMTH Projects at Greater Noida, U.P. are in close proximity to Eastern periph- works like breakwater extension & other ancil- eral expressway, NH91, Noida- Greater Noida lary works to facilitate handling of cape size Expressway, Yamuna Expressway, Eastern & vessels. Western Dedicated Freight Corridors. ●● The estimated cost of the project is Rs.3,004.63 Crore. ●● Logistics Hub project will be developed as a world-class facility that will provide efficient ●● Cape- size are large-sized bulk carriers and storage/transitioning of goods to/from the tankers typically above 150,000 deadweight Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) and offer a tonnage (DWT). one-stop destination to freight companies and Impact: customers. ●● On commissioning of the project, it shall cater ●● MMTH project located near the already existing to the requirement of coal & limestone imports Indian Railways station of Boraki will act as a besides export of granulated slag & finished transport hub with provisioning of Rail, Road steel products considering the large number and MRTS accessibility for the passengers in a of steel plants established in the hinterland of seamless manner. Paradip Port. ●● MMTH will have space for Inter State Bus ●● The project shall also facilitate; Terminal (ISBT), Local Bus Terminal (LBT), ●● De-congestion of the Port. Metro, commercial, retail & hotel space and green open spaces. ●● Reduce Sea freight making coal imports cheaper. ●● The project will provide world-class passenger ●● Boost the industrial economy in the hinterland movement facilities for the growing population of the port leading to creation of job opportu- of the catchment zone catering to upcoming nities. developments in U.P. sub-region of the NCR Paradip Port: and thus, decongest Delhi. ●● Paradip Port (Operated by Paradip Port Trust) is CCEA Approves Deepening, Optimisation of a natural, deep-water port on the East coast of Inner Harbour Facilities at Paradip Port India in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha. Why in the mews? ●● It is situated at confluence of the Mahanadi river and the Bay of Bengal ●● The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs ●● It is a Major Port under Government of India (CCEA) has approved the project ‘Deepening

and administered under the Major Port Trusts ●● Under the HAM, the central government bears Act, 1963, was commissioned in 1966 as a 40% of the project cost and the remaining mono commodity port for export of iron ore. amount is arranged by the developer. ●● In the last 54 years, the Port has transformed India starts exports of Moringa Powder itself to handle a variety of Exim cargoes which Why in the news? include iron ore, chrome ore, aluminium ingots, coal, POL, fertilizer raw materials, limestone, Recently, India has started exporting Moringa pow- clinker, finished steel products, containers, etc. der keeping in mind the increasing global demand. ●● In particular, the demand for import of coking Important Points: coal & fluxes and export of finished steel prod- ●● In December 2020, two tonne of organic cer- ucts has been increasing in view of the number tified Moringa powder were sent to the United of Steel Plants established in the hinterland of States via a consignment of air. the Port necessitating capacity creation to cater ●● APEDA is supporting private entities in creating to the Port hinterland requirements. the necessary infrastructure to promote exports Hinterland of a Port: of Moringa-made products. ●● The assumed definition of a port’s ‘hinterland’ Moringa: is the area inland from the port to which imports ●● Its botanical name is Moringa oleifera. are distributed and from which exports are collected. ●● Moringa is a fast-growing softwood tree indigenous to sub-Himalayan tracts of Northern India. Important Public-Private Partnership (PPP) ●● It even grows in conditions of prolonged models: drought and is a reliable source of nutrition. Engineering, Procurement and Construction ●● Moringa seeds are a promising resource for (EPC): food and non-food applications. The leaves ●● In EPC, the entire project is funded by the are rich in protein, minerals, Beta-carotene and government. antioxidant compounds, and are used not only for human and animal nutrition but also in ●● It entails the contractor build the project by traditional medicine. designing, installing and procuring necessary labour and land to construct the infrastructure, ●● In India, Moringa has been used for centuries either directly or by subcontracting. due to its medicinal properties and health benefits in various forms. ●● Under the EPC model the contractor is legally responsible to complete the project under some ●● Folk medicine uses raw or crushed Moringa fixed predetermined timeline. seeds as a decoction for treating stomach pain, Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT): ulcers, poor vision, joint pain and for aiding digestion. ●● It is a conventional PPP model in which a ●● It is rich in antioxidants, which reduces damage private partner is responsible to design, build, associated with aging and cancer. operate (during the contracted period) and transfer back the facility to the public sector. ●● It can also be used to produce biodiesel fuel so that it does not compete with human food crops. ●● Private sector partner has to bring the finance for the project and take the responsibility to Agricultural and Processed Food Products construct and maintain it. Export Development Authority (APEDA): ●● The public sector will allow private sector ●● APEDA was established by the Government partners to collect revenue from the users. of India under the Agricultural and Processed Hybrid-Annuity Model (HAM) Food Products Export Development Authority ●● HAM is a mix of the EPC and BOT models. Act passed by the Parliament in December

1985. to make train journeys scenic and memorable. Functions of APEDA: ●● The vistadome coach is provided with a larger ●● Development of industries relating to the sched- viewing area including rooftop glasses with uled products for export by way of providing 44 seats for passengers with rotation up to180 financial assistance or otherwise for undertaking degrees to face the direction of the train move- surveys and feasibility studies, participation in ment. enquiry capital through joint ventures and other ●● The coaches also have a Wi-Fi-based passenger reliefs and subsidy schemes. information system. ●● Registration of persons as exporters of the ●● The coaches are manufactured by Integral scheduled products. Coach Factory in Chennai. ●● Fixing of standards and specifications for the Kochi- Mangaluru Natural Gas Pipeline scheduled products for the purpose of exports. Why in the news? ●● Carrying out inspection of meat and meat prod- The Prime Minister of India has dedicated the ucts in slaughterhouses. Kochi- Mangaluru Natural Gas Pipeline to the nation ●● Improving of the packaging of the Scheduled through video conferencing. products. ●● Improving of marketing of the Scheduled prod- Important Points: ucts outside India. ●● The length of the pipeline is 450 km and it is ●● Promotion of export-oriented production and built by GAIL (India) Limited. development of the Scheduled products. ●● It has a transportation capacity of 12 Million ●● Training in various aspects of the industries Metric Standard Cubic Metres per day. connected with the scheduled products. ●● It will carry natural gas from the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Regasification Terminal at Indian Railways Completes Speed Trial of Kochi (Kerala) to Mangaluru (Dakshina Kan- New Vistadome Coach nada district, Karnataka), while passing through Why in the news? Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Indian Railways has successfully completed a speed Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. trial for 180 km per hour of a new design Vistadome ●● The total cost of the project was about Rs. 3000 tourist coach. crore and its construction created over 12 lakh man-days of employment. ●● Laying of the pipeline was an engineering challenge as the route of the pipeline necessitated it to cross water bodies at more than 100 locations. ●● This was done through a special technique called Horizontal Directional Drilling method. ●● The pipeline will supply environment friendly and affordable fuel in the form of Piped Natu- ral Gas (PNG) to households and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to the transportation sector. ●● It will also supply Natural Gas to commercial Important Points: and industrial units across the districts along ●● These vistadome coaches mostly operate in the pipeline. mountain railways and are specially designed ●● Consumption of cleaner fuel will help in

improving air quality by curbing air pollution. ♦♦ Banking Cards (Debit/ Credit/ Cash/ Travel/ Digital Payments Index (DPI) Others) Why in the news? ♦♦ Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constructed a composite Digital Payments Index to ♦♦ Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) capture the extent of digitisation of payments across ♦♦ Unified Payments Interface (UPI) the country. ♦♦ Mobile Wallets ♦♦ Micro ATMs ♦♦ Mobile Banking ♦♦ Internet Banking ♦♦ Point Of Sale ♦♦ Banks Pre-Paid Cards World Bank Signs a Project to Improve Waterways in West Bengal Important Points: Why in the news? ●● The DPI will be published on the central bank’s The Government of India, the Government of West website on a semi-annual basis from March Bengal and the World Bank signed a $105 million 2021 onwards with a lag of four months. project to improve the inland water transport infra- ●● The DPI has been constructed with March structure in Kolkata, West Bengal. 2018 as the base period, meaning DPI score for March 2018 is set at 100. Important Points: ●● The DPI for March 2019 and March 2020 work ●● The West Bengal Inland Water Transport, out to 153.47 and 207.84 respectively, indicat- Logistics and Spatial Development Project will ing appreciable growth. facilitate: ●● The DPI comprises five broad parameters that ♦♦ Passenger and freight movement across the enable measurement of deepening and pene- Hooghly river. tration of digital payments in the country over different time periods. ♦♦ Undertake spatial planning to improve The parameters are: accessibility in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area. ♦♦ Payment enablers (weight 25 %) ♦♦ Payment infrastructure–demand-side factors ♦♦ Enhance the quality of life of its residents. (10%) ♦♦ Contribute to the growth of the state’s ♦♦ Payment infrastructure – supply-side factors logistics sector. (15%) ●● The project will cover the five most populous ♦♦ Payment performance (45%) districts of southern West Bengal, including ♦♦ Consumer centricity (5%) its urban agglomeration — the Kolkata Metro- politan Area (KMA) where around 30 million ●● Each of these parameters have sub-parameters people or one-third of West Bengal’s population which, in turn, consist of various measurable live. indicators. ● According to the officials, the Inland waterways ●● Modes of Digital Payments: ●

are now emerging as a cost effective and an ●● More than 80 percent of freight and passenger environment friendly option for passenger and traffic currently cross the river via Kolkata’s freight movement. three bridges. ●● This Project will help improve the river trans- ●● To curtail congestion, the city has restricted port infrastructure in West Bengal and help the movement of trucks to the port to certain in the economic development of the state by bridges and only during limited hours, reducing connecting the hinterland with markets and job access to the port and increasing the cost of centers in Kolkata’s Metropolitan Area. logistics. ●● The $105 million loan from the International Academic Advisory Council for College of Bank for Reconstruction and Development Supervisors (COS) (IBRD) has a maturity of 17 years, including a grace period of 7 years. Why in the news? First Phase of the Project: The Reserve Bank of India has set up an academic ●● The project will enhance the capacity and advisory council with former deputy governor N improve the safety of the Inland Water Trans- S Vishwanathan as the chairperson to advise the port system including rehabilitating existing full-time director of the central bank’s College of jetties, buying new ferries with enhanced design Supervisors (CoS). and installing electric gates in 40 locations. Important Points: Second Phase of the Project: ●● The academic advisory council will be headed ●● It will support: by former deputy governor N S Viswanathan ♦♦ Long-term investments for passenger move- and will have five other members. ments, including in terminals and jetties; ●● The main objectives of the council are: ♦♦ Improve the design of the inland water ♦♦ Identify areas where skill building/up-skill- transport vessels; ing are required. ♦♦ Ensure night navigation on the most haz- ♦♦ Plan and develop curricula of all pro- ardous and trafficked routes and crossing grammes. points; ♦♦ Benchmark the programmes with interna- ♦♦ Encourage the private sector to invest in tional standards/best practices. Ro-Ro vessels that will allow easier movement of trucks across the Hooghly river. ♦♦ Develop appropriate teaching methods. ●● To better cope with increased precipitation and College of Supervisors (CoS): flooding, climate-smart engineering solutions ●● Reserve Bank of India had set up a College of will be applied. Supervisors as part of the measures to further ●● The project will facilitate disable-friendly strengthen Supervision over regulated entities. amenities, ensure women’s safety and encour- ●● CoS aims to augment and reinforce supervisory age women’s employment. skills among its regulatory and supervisory staff Hooghly River: both at entry level and on a continuous basis. ●● The Hooghly river, a distributary of the river ●● This was done to facilitate the development of Ganga, in Kolkata separates the Kolkata port unified and focused supervision by providing from its large consumption centers, which are, its wholesale market and its vast hinterland training and other developmental inputs to the comprising among others the entire North East concerned staff. of India and two landlocked neighboring coun- ●● The CoS has a full-time Director supported by tries namely, Nepal and Bhutan. an Academic Advisory Council (AAC).

Sagarmala Seaplane Services (SSPS) ●● To run more such services in the coastal areas Why in the news? or proximity to water bodies, SDCL is keen to associate with the interested scheduled / The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is non-scheduled airline operators. starting the Project of Sagarmala Seaplane Services (SSPS) with potential airline operators. Significance of the Seaplanes Service: ●● The seaplanes services will be a game-changer providing a supplementary means of faster and comfortable transportation across the nation. ●● Apart from providing air connectivity to various remote religious/tourist places, it will boost tourism for domestic and international holiday- makers. ●● It will save travel time and stimulate localized short distance travelling especially in the hilly regions or across the rivers/lakes etc. ●● In addition to the infrastructural enhancements at the places of operations, it will enormously boost tourism and business activities, which will consequently contribute to the country’s GDP in the long run. Important Points: ●● A seaplane is a plane that can take off from ●● The ministry is initiating the process of com- and land on water. mencing operations of the Seaplane services, Payment Infrastructure Development Fund on the select routes, under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) framework through prospective (PIDF) airline operators. Why in the news? ●● The project execution and implementation would Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has be through Sagarmala Development Company announced the operationalisation of the Payments Ltd (SDCL), which is under the administrative Infrastructure Development Fund, or PIDF. control of the Ministry. Important Points: ●● Several destinations are envisaged for seaplane ●● The fund will be used to subsidise deployment operations. of Points of Sale (PoS) infrastructure (both ●● The proposed Origin-Destination pairs under physical and digital modes) in tier-3 to tier-6 Hub and Spoke model include various islands centres and north-eastern states. of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep, Guwahati Riverfront & Umranso Reservoir in ●● An Advisory Council (AC) under the chairman- Assam, Yamuna Riverfront / Delhi (as Hub) to ship of RBI deputy governor BP Kanungo has Ayodhaya etc. been constituted for managing the PIDF. ●● One such Seaplane Service (Country’s first ●● The fund will be operational for three years seaplane service) is already in operation effective from January 1, 2021 and may be between Kevadia and Sabarmati Riverfront extended for two more years. in Ahmedabad, which was inaugurated by ●● The implementation of targets shall be mon- the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 31st itored by the RBI with assistance from card October 2020. networks, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the Payments Council of India (PCI).

Fund Structure: ●● It can be in a physical store, where POS ter- ●● PIDF is a fund which has been set up by the minals and systems are used to process card RBI, with major contribution from the central payments or a virtual sales point such as a bank itself, and additional funds being brought computer or mobile electronic device. in by banks and card networks. ●● A POS transaction may occur in person or ●● As of now, the RBI has pumped in Rs 250 online, with receipts generated either in print crore, while Rs 95 crore have come from the or electronically. major card networks of the country. ●● Cloud-based POS systems are becoming ●● The PIDF presently has a corpus of Rs. 345 increasingly popular among merchants. crore. Regulatory Compliance Portal ●● The target is to manage a fund of Rs 500 crore Why in the news? at all times. Recently, the Department for Promotion of Industry ●● The authorised card networks shall contribute and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched the Regu- in all Rs. 100 crore. latory Compliance Portal. ●● Besides, the PIDF shall also receive annual Important Points: contributions from card networks and card issuing banks. ●● The objective of this portal is to act as a bridge ●● Card networks will have to chip in with one between citizens, industries and the Government basis point (bps), or 0.01 paisa per rupee of in order to minimize burdensome compliances. transaction. ●● The portal will be the first of its kind central ●● Card issuing banks will have to contribute one online repository of all central and state-level bps and two bps- 0.01 paisa and 0.02 paisa per compliances. rupee of transaction for debit and credit cards ●● All Central Ministries/Departments and States/ respectively. UTs would examine laws/regulations/rules ●● They must also contribute Rs 1 and Rs 3 for under their purview and implement an Action every new debit and credit card issued by them Plan to rationalize and simplify all the processes during the year. and remove burdensome compliances. ●● The RBI shall contribute to yearly shortfalls, ●● Industry stakeholders from Trade bodies such as if any. CII (Confederation of Indian Industry), FICCI Whose funding will it be? (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) and ASSOCHAM (Associated ●● Merchants engaged in services such as transport Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) and hospitality, government payments, fuel would also be able to submit compliances and pumps, public distribution system (PDS) shops, proposed recommendations. healthcare and kirana shops may be included, especially in the targeted geographies. ●● This will be assessed by concerned Government authorities and suitable action would be under- ●● Multiple payment acceptance devices and infra- taken to minimize the regulatory compliance structure supporting underlying card payments, burden. such as physical PoS, mPoS, GPRS , public switched telephone network (PSTN) and QR ●● The Portal will be instrumental in achieving the code-based payments will be funded under the vision of a truly Atmanirbhar Bharat and help scheme. usher ease of doing business for industry and ease of living for citizens. Point of Sale (POS): ●● DPIIT has conducted 21 training sessions from ●● A POS is a place where a customer executes January 4 to January 14 for all ministries and the payment for goods or services and where states to familiarise them with the portal. sales taxes may become payable.

B-121, AC, Mansrover Garden Opp. to Kriti nagar Police Station, New Delhi-110015 Mob.- 9958159667, 9818733402, 9667663402, Ph: 011-41421363 E-mail: [email protected], website:[email protected] 38 | Current Affairs – February, 2021 Department for Promotion of Industry and Ratle Hydro Power Project Internal Trade (DPIIT): Why in the news? ●● DPIIT (formerly known as Department of The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Industrial Policy & Promotion, DIPP) comes of India has given its approval for the investment of under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Rs.5281.94 crore for 850 MW Ratle Hydro Electric ●● It is responsible for formulation and imple- Project. mentation of promotional and developmental measures for growth of the industrial sector. Important Points: ●● It is acting as the nodal department for coor- ●● It is located on river Chenab, in Kishtwar dis- dinating the exercise of minimizing regulatory trict of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. compliance burden for citizens and businesses ●● It is a new Joint Venture Company (JVC) to which have an adverse impact on time and cost be incorporated between National Hydroelec- of businesses. tric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Jammu & ‘Too Big To Fail’ Banks List Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Why in the news? Ltd (JKSPDC) with equity contribution of 51% and 49% respectively. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has retained State Key Features: Bank of India, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank as domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs) or ●● Government of India is also supporting the banks that are considered as “too big to fail”. Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir by Important Points: providing grant of Rs. 776.44 crore for Equity contribution of JKSPDC in the JVC to be set up ●● The Reserve Bank had issued the framework for for construction of Ratle HE Project (850 MW). dealing with domestic systemically important banks on July 22, 2014. ●● NHPC shall invest its equity Rs.808.14 crore from its internal resources. ●● The D-SIB framework requires the RBI to disclose the names of banks designated as ●● The Ratle Hydro Electric Project shall be com- D-SIBs starting from 2015 and place these missioned within a span of 60 months. banks in appropriate buckets depending upon ●● The Power generated from the Project will help their systemic importance scores (SISs). in providing balancing of Grid and will improve ●● In case a foreign bank having branch presence the power supply position. in India is a global systemically important bank Significance: (G-SIB), it has to maintain additional Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital surcharge in India ●● The construction activities of the Project will as applicable to it as a G-SIB, proportionate to result in direct and indirect employment to its risk weighted assets (RWAs) in India. around 4000 persons. ●● Common equity Tier 1 covers the obvious of ●● It will contribute in overall socio-economic equities a bank holds such as cash, stock, etc. development of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. ●● The CET1 ratio compares a bank’s capital against its assets. ●● Further, Union Territory of Jammu and Kash- Too Big To Fail: mir will be benefitted by getting free power worth Rs. 5289 crore and through levy of Water ●● According to analysts, too big to fail is a phrase Usage Charges worth Rs.9581 crore from Ratle used to describe a bank or company that’s so Hydro Electric Project, during project life cycle entwined in the economy that its failure would of 40 years. be catastrophic.

1st National Conference of States on ♦♦ Access to larger amounts of funds as Exter- Logistics nal Commercial Borrowings (ECB). Why in the news? ♦♦ Access to longer tenor funds from insurance Recently, the Union Minister of Commerce & Indus- companies and pension funds. try addressed the 1st National Conference of States ♦♦ Eligibility to borrow from India Infrastruc- on Logistics. ture Financing Company Limited (IIFCL). Important Points: ●● Multi-Modal Logistics Parks Policy (MMLPs): The MMLPs are a key policy initiative of the ●● National Logistics Policy, which is under Government of India to improve the country’s consultation, along with the National Logis- logistics sector. This initiative will lower freight tics Council and State Logistics Coordination costs, reduce vehicular pollution and congestion Committee, will work as a template for better and cut warehouse costs to promote domestic coordination and integrated development for and global trade. logistics centre. ●● Logistics Portal: A National Logistics Portal is ●● India is making massive efforts to bring down being developed in phases to serve as a trans- the cost of logistics & expand the scope of actional e-marketplace by connecting buyers, service that Railways provide. logistics service providers and relevant govern- ●● Areas for logistics improvements in the States ment agencies. This portal will be the single were identified as city logistics, simplification window market place to link all stakeholders. of approvals for warehouses, facilitation for ●● Logistics Data Bank: As a part of the India-Ja- warehousing development, reducing the burden pan bilateral cooperation, a Logistics Data on truck movement and addressing the shortage Bank Project has been commissioned to track of truck drivers. containers on a ‘near-real-time’ basis. RFID ●● Logistics is all about 5R’s: Getting the Right tags are placed on every container coming out product - In the Right condition - At the Right of the ports to track the container’s movement. place - At the Right time - To the Right cus- Follow-On Public Offers (FPOs) tomer. Why in the news? Indian Logistics Sector: Capital markets regulator SEBI relaxed the frame- ●● Currently, India has a $ 200 billion logistics work for follow-on public offers (FPOs). ecosystem. Important Points: ●● India’s rank has gone up from 54 in 2014 ●● It will help promoters of companies to raise to 44 in 2018 in the World Bank’s Logistics funds more easily through this route. Performance Index (LPI), in terms of overall ●● Earlier promoters were mandated to contribute logistics performance. 20% towards an FPO. ●● The Indian logistics sector employs more than ●● Besides, in case of any issue of capital to the 22mn people. public, the minimum promoters’ contribution ●● The Indian warehousing and logistic market was required to be locked in for three years. received around $3.4 billion of institutional ●● The markets regulator has done away with these capital over the last five years (January 2014 norms for FPOs. - January 2018). ●● The SEBI relaxation will be available for those ●● The Logistics Sector was granted infrastructure companies which are frequently traded on a status in 2017 stock exchange for at least three years. ●● The infrastructure status permits the Logistics ●● Also, such firms should have redressed 95 per Sector to avail the following benefits: cent of investors’ complaints. ♦♦ Infrastructure lending at easier terms with ●● FPO is a part of the ‘Public Issue’. enhanced limits.

Different kinds of issues which can be made by as on a particular date fixed by the issuer (i.e. an Indian company in India: record date), it is called a rights issue. ♦♦ Public issue ●● The rights are offered in a particular ratio to the ♦♦ Initial Public offer (IPO) number of shares or convertible securities held as on the record date. ♦♦ Further Public offer (FPO) Composite Issue: ♦♦ Rights issue ●● When the issue of shares or convertible secu- ♦♦ Composite Issue rities by a listed issuer on public cum-rights ♦♦ Bonus issue basis, wherein the allotment in both public issue and rights issue is proposed to be made ♦♦ Private placement simultaneously, it is called composite issue. ♦♦ Preferential issue Bonus Issue: ♦ Qualified institutional placement ♦ ●● When an issuer makes an issue of shares to its ♦♦ Placement Programme existing shareholders without any consideration Public Issue: based on the number of shares already held by them as on a record date it is called a bonus ●● When an issue/ offer of shares or convertible issue. securities is made to new investors for becoming part of shareholders’ family of the issuer ●● The shares are issued out of the Company’s (Entity making an issue is referred as “Issuer”) free reserve or share premium account in a it is called a public issue. particular ratio to the number of securities held ●● Public issues can be further classified into Ini- on a record date. tial public offer (IPO) and Further public offer Private Placement: (FPO). ●● When an issuer makes an issue of shares or ●● The significant features of each type of public convertible securities to a select group of per- issue are illustrated below: sons not exceeding 49, and which is neither a (i) Initial public offer (IPO): rights issue nor a public issue, it is called a ●● When an unlisted company makes either a fresh private placement. issue of shares or convertible securities or offers Mutual Fund Risk-O-Meter its existing shares or convertible securities for sale or both for the first time to the public, it Why in the news? is called an IPO. As per SEBI directive, from 1 January, mutual ●● This paves way for listing and trading of the fund houses have been mandated to disclose “risk - issuer’s shares or convertible securities on the o-meter” related to their fund schemes. Stock Exchanges. (ii) Further public offer (FPO) or Follow on offer: ●● When an already listed company makes either a fresh issue of shares or convertible securities to the public or an offer for sale to the public, it is called a FPO. Rights Issue: ●● When an issue of shares or convertible securities is made by an issuer to its existing shareholders

Important Points: ●● A Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has been ●● Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) constituted under the SEBI Act, 1992 to protect has made it mandatory for mutual funds to the interests of entities feeling aggrieved with assign a risk level to schemes, based on certain the decision of SEBI. parameters. Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) ●● It will help investors to make a more informed Why in the news? investment decision. ●● The RBI has introduced the Legal Entity Iden- ●● SEBI’s decision on the risk-o-meter, which it tifier (LEI) for Large Value Transactions in announced on October 5, 2020, came into effect on January 1. Centralised Payment Systems. ●● In its circular issued on October 5, the regulator Important Points: made it mandatory for mutual fund houses to ●● The LEI is a 20-digit number used to uniquely characterise the risk level of their schemes on identify parties to financial transactions world- a six-stage scale from “Low” to “Very High”. wide. Working Of Risk-O-Meter: ●● It is also known as an LEI code or LEI number. ●● As per the October 5 circular, all mutual sup- ●● The main objective of LEI is to help identify plies shall begin January 1, assign a risk level legal entities on a globally accessible database. to their plans at the time of launch, based on the scheme’s characteristics. ●● It was conceived as a key measure to improve the quality and accuracy of financial data sys- ●● The risk-o-meter must be decided every month. tems for better risk management post the Global ●● Fund houses are required to disclose the risk-o- Financial Crisis. meter risk level along with the container disclo- sure for all their schemes on their own websites ●● LEI has been introduced by the Reserve Bank as well as the website of the Association of in a phased manner for participants in the over Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) within 10 days the counter (OTC) derivative and non-derivative of the close of each month. markets as also for large corporate borrowers. ●● Any change in the risk-o-meter treatment with ●● The RBI has decided to introduce the LEI regard to a scheme shall be communicated to system for all payment transactions of value the unit-holders of that system. Rs. 50 crore and above undertaken by entities About SEBI: (non-individuals) using Reserve Bank-run Cen- ●● The Securities and Exchange Board of India tralised Payment Systems viz. Real-Time Gross was established on April 12, 1992 in accord- Settlement (RTGS) and National Electronic ance with the provisions of the Securities and Funds Transfer (NEFT). Exchange Board of India Act, 1992. ●● Entities can obtain LEI from any of the Local ●● Its main objective is to protect the interests Operating Units (LOUs) accredited by the of investors in securities and to promote and Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation. regulate the securities market. ●● In India, LEI can be obtained from Legal Entity ●● Before attaining its legal status, SEBI was Identifier India Ltd. (LEIL), which is also constituted as a regulator of capital markets of recognised as an issuer of LEI by the Reserve India in April 1988 under a resolution of the Bank under the Payment and Settlement Sys- Government of India. tems Act, 2007.

B-121, AC, Mansrover Garden Opp. to Kriti nagar Police Station, New Delhi-110015 Mob.- 9958159667, 9818733402, 9667663402, Ph: 011-41421363 E-mail: [email protected], website:[email protected] 42 | Current Affairs – February, 2021 ECONOMIC SURVEY 2020- 21 by the initiation of a mega vaccination drive Why in the news? with hopes of a robust recovery in the services sector. Union Finance Minister NirmalaSitharamanhas tabled Economic Survey 2020-21 in the Parliament ●● The survey estimates nominal GDP growth of on January 29, 2021. 15.4% and real GDP growth of 11% in 2021-22. Important Points: ●● In 2020-21, GDP declined by 23.9% in the first quarter and by 7.5% in the second quarter. ●● The document of Economic Survey is prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs (a ●● Overall, GDP is expected to decline by 7.7% department of the Ministry of Finance) under in 2020-21 as compared to the growth of 4.2% the guidance of the Chief Economic AdvisorKV in 2019-20. Subramanian. Prices and Inflation: ●● The document is generally presented a day ●● The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation before the Union Budget. was 6.6% in 2020-21 (April-December). ●● The inflation mainly due to food inflation which increased from 6.7% in 2019-20 to 9.1% in 2020-21 (April-December). ●● Steps taken to stabilize prices of food items: Banning of export of onions, Impositionof stock limit on onions, easing of restriction on imports of pulses. ●● Gold Prices saw a sharp spike as investors turned to gold as a safe haven investmentamid COVID-19 induced economic uncertainties. ●● In the first half of 2020-21, the current account surplus was 3.1% of GDP. ●● After the Economic Survey 2020-21, the Union ●● The survey expects current account surplus to Budget 2021-22 will be tabled on February 1. be at least 2% of the GDP by end of 2020-21. ●● The Survey has been dedicated to all the ● If achieved, this will break a 17-year trend of COVID-19 warriors, who have really helped ● in upholding India. current account deficits. ●● This year’s economic survey is being delivered ●● The surplus is due to reduction in merchandise in an e-book format. imports and lower expense on travel services, which led to higher decline in current payments ●● The Finance Ministry has also launched an official Economic Survey app for smooth access to (30.8%) as compared to the decline in current the document. receipts (15.1%). Key highlights of the Survey: ●● As of November 2020, the fiscal deficit was 135.1% of budget estimate. (1) State of the economy: ●● In comparison, between April to November ●● Advanced economies were hit harder by 2019, fiscal deficit was 114.8% of the budget COVID 19, in terms of lives and economic out- estimate. put, compared to Emerging Market Developing Economies. ●● The survey noted that the country was fiscally strained due to the disruptions caused by the ●● ‘V-shaped’ economic recovery is supported COVID-19 pandemic.

(2) Service sector: ●● While the contribution of the sector to Gross Value Added (GVA) declined from 18.3% to ●● In 2020-21, the service sector is estimated to 17.8% between 2014-15 and 2019-20, it is contract by 8.8% (with trade and hospitality estimated to increase to 19.9% in 2020-21. contracting the most (21.4%)) as compared to ●● This is because the agricultural sector faced 5.5% growth in 2019-20. fewer disruptions on account of the COVID- ●● The services sector accounts for over 54 % of 19 pandemic as compared to non-agricultural India’s GVA and nearly four-fifths of total FDI sectors. inflow into India. ●● Fish production reached an all-time high of ●● Software services were the only sub-sector 14.16 million metric tons during 2019-20. with positive growth (3.6%) in the period of ●● 1.5 crore dairy farmers were targeted to provide April-September 2020. Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) as part of “AatmaN- ●● While the pandemic led to a global slowdown in irbhar Bharat Package. trade, the Indian service sector export remained National Food Security Act, 2013: resilient. ●● Under National Food Security Act, 2013, the ●● The net services export receipts in first half of central government provides rice and wheat at 2020-21 was USD 41.67 billion, which is 3% subsidised rates (called central issue price). higher than the service export receipts in first half of 2019-20 (USD 40.47 billion). ●● The difference between the CIP and the market ●● India’s space sector has grown exponentially in price gives quantum of food subsidy. the past six decades. ●● While the CIP of wheat and rice has not been (3) Banking Sector: revised since the introduction of the Act, the economic cost of wheat increased from Rs ●● During an economic crisis, adoption of regula- 1,908.32 per quintal in 2013-14 to Rs 2,683.84 tory forbearance could help ease stress in the in 2020-21 (an increase of 41%). financial sector. ●● Regulatory forbearance includes measures such ●● In addition, the economic cost of rice increased as allowing banks to restructure certain loans from Rs 2,615.51 per quintal in 2013-14 to Rs rather than change the asset classification. 3,723.76 per quintal in 2020-21 (an increase of 42%). ●● The survey suggests that such measures must be withdrawn in a timely manner. ●● The survey observes that revision of CIP to ●● It was noted that regulatory forbearance was reduce the rising expenses on food subsidy bill. adopted after the Global Financial Crisis in PradhanMantriGaribKalyan Anna Yojana: 2008 for seven years. ●● 80.96 crore beneficiaries were provided food- ●● This led to an increase in non-performing assets grains above NFSA mandated requirement free and reduced credit growth once the measures of cost till November, 2020. were withdrawn. ●● The survey observed that withdrawal of reg- ●● Over 200 LMT of foodgrains were provided ulatory forbearance must be followed by a amounting to a fiscal outgo of over Rs. 75000 review of the quality of the bank’s assets, and Crores. capitalisation to ensure growth in lending. ●● Food Processing Industries (FPI) sector growing (4) Agriculture Sector: at an Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR) of around 9.99 % as compared to around 3.12 % ●● Agricultural and Allied Activities sector has in Agriculture and 8.25 % in Manufacturing at shown its resilience amid COVID-19 witha growth of 3.4% at constant prices during 2020- 2011-12 prices during the last 5 years ending 21. 2018-19.

(5) Industry and Infrastructure: ●● Credit rating maps the probability of default, ●● The industrial sector is estimated to decline by reflecting the willingness and ability of bor- 9.6% in 2020-21. Within the sector, highest rower to meet debt obligations. decline is estimated in construction (12.6%) and ●● India has no history of sovereign default mining (12.4%). (demonstrating willingness to pay), and the ●● The contribution of the industrial sector to GVA foreign exchange reserves are greater than the has declined from 32.5% in 2011-12 to 25.8% total external debt of the country (demonstrating in 2020-21. ability to pay). ●● The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growth ●● Poor sovereign credit ratings have adverse declined by 15.5% between April-November impact on inflow of foreign investments. 2020 as compared to growth of 0.3% during (7) Innovation: same period in 2019. ●● India ranked 48 in Global Innovation Index in ●● IIP is a measure of industrial performance that 2020, which makes it first among Central and assigns a weight of 78% to manufacturing, 14% to mining, and 8% to electricity. Out of South Asian countries, and third among the 407 items in IIP, the number of items which lower middle-income economies. observed growth increased from 28 in April ●● However, India’s gross domestic expenditure 2020 to 171 in November 2020, thereby, indi- on research and development (GERD) is lowest cating a sharp economy recovery. amongst larger economies. National Infrastructure Pipeline Project: ●● India spends 0.7% of GDP on GERD as ●● The National Infrastructure Pipeline was compared to the expenditure of over 2% of launched with an investment plan of Rs 111 lakh GDP by China and over 2.5% of GDP in the crore over five years (2020-25). The project United States of America. is aimed at increasing growth, competitiveness, and employment. ●● Currently, the government sector contributes ●● The state governments, central government, and 56% of the total GERD, which is higher than the private sector will invest 40%, 39%, and the contribution of the government sector (20%) 21% in the project, respectively. in top ten economies (such as China, United ●● The major share of the funds will be given to: Kingdom, and Japan). ♦♦ Energy sector (24%), ●● The contribution by business sector to GERD ♦♦ Roads (18%), in India is 37%, which is significantly lower than the contribution of the sector in other large ♦♦ Urban infrastructure (17%) economies (68%). ♦♦ Railways (12%). ●● The survey observes that GERD should be (6) Credit Rating: increased to over 2% of GDP by enhancing ●● The fifth-largest economy in the world has never research and development facilities, especially been rated as the lowest rung of the investment in the private sector. grade (BBB-/Baa3) in sovereign credit ratings. (8) Healthcare: ●● The survey noted that India’s credit rating does not reflect the country’s fundamentals in terms ●● COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the impor- of GDP growth, inflation, government debt as tance of the healthcare sector and its inter-link- a % of GDP, among others. ages with other sectors;it showcased how a ●● It observed a bias in ratings against emerging health crisis transformed into an economic and economies like India and China. social crisis.

●● The survey notes that better access to bare Human Development Index: necessities (such as housing, water, sanita- ●● India’s rank in HDI 2019 was recorded at 131, tion, electricity, and cooking fuel) lead to an out of a total 189 countries. improvement in health indicators. ●● India’s GNI per capita (2017 PPP $) has ●● India has one of the highest levels of out- increased from US$ 6,427 in 2018 to US$ 6,681 of-pocket expenses as a share of total health in 2019. expenditure. ●● Life expectancy at birth improved from 69.4 ●● The survey observes that increasing the spend- years in 2018 to 69.7 years in 2019. ing on public health from 1% of GDP to 2.5-3% Low level of femaleLabor Force of GDP will help in reducing the out-of-pocket Participation Rate(LFPR) in India: expenses from 65% to 30%. ●● Females spending disproportionately more time ●● The survey noted that mitigating information on unpaid domestic and care giving services to household members as compared to their male asymmetry in the healthcare sector will help in counterparts (Time Use Survey, 2019). achieving lower insurance premiums and better welfare of people. ●● Need to promote non-discriminatory practices at the workplace like pay and career progression, ●● It recommends setting up a regulator for the improve work incentives, including other healthcare sector to prevent market failures medical and social security benefits for female due to information asymmetry (specifically in workers. private healthcare sector). ●● Under PradhanMantriGaribKalyan Package Ayushman Bharat PradhanMantri Jan (PMGKP) announced in March, 2020, cash ArogyaYojana (AB-PM-JAY): transfers of upto Rs.1000 to existing old aged, widowed and disabled beneficiaries under the ●● The survey notes that AB-PMJAY enhanced National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). health insurance coverage. ●● An amount of Rs. 500 each was transferred ●● The proportion of health insured households for three months digitally into bank accounts between 2015-16 to 2019-20 increased by of the women beneficiaries under PM Jan 54% in states that implemented AB-PM-JAY DhanYojana, totalling about Rs. 20.64 crores. and decreased by 10% for states which did not ●● Free distribution of gas cylinders to about 8 implement the scheme. crore families for three months. ●● During this period, infant mortality rate ●● Limit of collateral free lending increased decreased by 20% in states that implemented from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 20 lakhs for 63 lakh women SHGs which would support 6.85 crore AB-PM-JAY whereas in states that did not households. implement AB-PM-JAY, infant mortality rate ●● Wages under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA declined by 12%. increased by Rs.20 from Rs.182 to Rs.202 (9). Social Infrastructure, Employment and w.e.f. 1st April, 2020. Human Development (10). Sustainable Development and Climate ●● The access to data network, electronic devices Change: such as computer, laptop, smart phone etc. ●● India has taken several proactive steps to main- gained importance due to online learning and stream the SDGs into the policies, schemes and remote working during the pandemic. programmes.

●● Voluntary National Review (VNR) presented to ●● Improvement in each of the five dimensions the United Nations High-Level Political Forum viz., access to water, housing, sanitation, (HLPF) on Sustainable Development. micro-environment and other facilities. ●● Localisation of SDGs is crucial to any strategy ●● Inter-State disparities declined across rural and aimed at achieving the goals under the 2030 urban areas as the laggard states have gained Agenda. relatively more between 2012 and 2018. ●● Eight National Missions under National Action ●● Improved disproportionately more for the poor- Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) focussed est households when compared to the richest on the objectives of adaptation, mitigation and households across rural and urban areas. preparedness on climate risks. ●● Improved access to the ‘bare necessities’ has led to improvements in health indicators such ●● India’s Nationally Determined Contribu- as infant mortality and under-5 mortality rate tions(NDC) states that finance is a critical and also correlates with future improvements enabler of climate change action. in education indicators. ●● The postponement of COP26 to 2021 also ●● Thrust should be given to reduce variation in the gives less time for negotiations and other evi- access to bare necessities across states, between dence-based work to inform the post-2025 goal. rural and urban and between income groups. ●● Despite overall growth in the global bond ●● The schemes such as JalJeevan Mission, Swa- markets, green bond issuance in the first half chh Bharat Mission (Gramin) (SBM-G), Pradh- of 2020 slowed down from 2019, possibly as anMantriAwasYojana - Gramin (PMAY-G), a result of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. etc. may design appropriate strategy to reduce ●● International Solar Alliance (ISA) launched two these gaps. new initiatives – ‘World Solar Bank’ and ‘One ●● A Bare Necessities Index (BNI) based on Sun One World One Grid Initiative’ - poised the large annual household survey data can to bring about solar energy revolution globally. be constructed using suitable indicators and (11). India’s fight against COVID-19: methodology at district level for all/targeted districts to assess the progress on access to bare ●● Initial measures of lockdown, social distancing, necessities. travel advisories, practicing hand wash, wearing UNION BUDGET 2021-22 masks reduced the spread of the disease. Why in the news? ●● Country also acquired self-reliance in essential medicines, hand sanitizers, protective equip- Finance Minister NirmalaSitharaman presented the ment including masks, PPE Kits, ventilators, Union Budget 2021 on February 1, 2021. COVID-19 testing and treatment facilities. ●● World’s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive commenced on 16th January, 2021 using two indigenously manufactured vaccines. (12). Bare Necessities: ●● Access to the ‘bare necessities’ has improved across all States in the country in 2018 as compared to 2012. ●● It is highest in States such as Kerala, Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat while lowest in Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Tripura.

Important Points: Mission Poshan 2.0 to be launched: ●● This was his third budget presentation after ●● To strengthen nutritional content, delivery, Finance Minister NirmalaSitharaman took outreach, and outcome. charge of the Finance Ministry. ●● Merging the Supplementary Nutrition Pro- ●● The Union Budget 2020-21 is focused on the gramme and the PoshanAbhiyan. centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. ●● Intensified strategy to be adopted to improve ●● It does not propose any changes in personal nutritional outcomes across 112 Aspirational income tax slabs. Districts. ●● Part-A of Budget 2021-22 mainly rests on six Universal Coverage of Water Supply: pillars and Part-B deals with taxation. ●● Rs. 2,87,000 crore over 5 years for JalJeevan ●● This was the first paperless budget that the Mission (Urban) - to be launched with an aim finance minister read from the Made-in-India to provide: tablet. ♦♦ 2.86 crore household tap connections ● 6 pillars of the Union Budget 2021-22: ● ♦♦ Universal water supply in all 4,378 Urban ♦♦ Health and Wellbeing Local Bodies ♦♦ Physical & Financial Capital, and Infra- ♦♦ Liquid waste management in 500 AMRUT structure cities ♦♦ Inclusive Development for Aspirational Swachch Bharat, Swasth Bharat: India ●● Rs. 1,41,678crore over 5 years for Urban Swa- ♦♦ Reinvigorating Human Capital chh Bharat Mission 2.0. ♦♦ Innovation and R&D ●● Main interventions under Swachh Bharat Mis- ♦♦ Minimum Government and Maximum sion (Urban) 2.0: Governance ♦♦ Complete faecal sludge management and (1) Health and Wellbeing waste water treatment ●● Rs. 2,23,846 crore outlay for Health and Well- ♦♦ Source segregation of garbage being in Budget Estimates (BE) 2021-22 as ♦♦ Reduction in single-use plastic against Rs. 94,452 crore in BE 2020-21 – an ♦♦ Reduction in air pollution by effec- increase of 137%. tively managing waste from construc- ●● Focus on strengthening three areas: Preventive, tion-and-demolition activities Curative, and Wellbeing. ♦♦ Bio-remediation of all legacy dump sites Vaccines: Clean Air: ●● Rs. 35,000 crore for COVID-19 vaccine in BE 2021-22. ●● Rs. 2,217 crore to tackle air pollution, for 42 urban centers with a million-plus population. ●● The Made-in-India Pneumococcal Vaccine to be rolled out across the country, from present Scrapping Policy: 5 states – to avert 50,000 child deaths annually. ●● Voluntary vehicle scrapping policy to phase out Health Systems: old and unfit vehicles ●● Rs. 64,180 croreoutlay over 6 years for PM ●● Fitness tests in automated fitness centres: AatmaNirbharSwasth Bharat Yojana – a new ♦♦ After 20 years in case of personal vehicles centrally sponsored scheme to be launched, in ♦♦ After 15 years in case of commercial vehi- addition to NHM. cles Nutrition:

(2). Physical and Financial Capital and ●● National Rail Plan for India (2030): to create a Infrastructure ‘future ready’ Railway system by 2030. A. Production Linked Incentive scheme (PLI): ●● 100% electrification of Broad-Gauge routes to ●● Rs. 1.97 lakh crore in next 5 years for PLI be completed by December, 2023. schemes in 13 Sectors. Future dedicated freight corridor projects – ●● To create and nurture manufacturing global ●● East Coast corridor from Kharagpur to Vijay- champions for an AatmaNirbhar Bharat. awada B. Textiles: ●● East-West Corridor from Bhusaval to Kharag- ●● Mega Investment Textiles Parks (MITRA) pur to Dankuni scheme, in addition to PLI: ●● North-South corridor from Itarsi to Vijayawada ♦♦ 7 Textile Parks to be established over 3 E. Urban Infrastructure: years. ●● Raising the share of public transport in urban ●● Textile industry to become globally competitive, areas by expansion of metro rail network and attract large investments and boost employment augmentation of city bus service generation & exports. ●● Rs. 18,000 crore for a new scheme, to augment C. Infrastructure: public bus transport. ●● National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) expanded ●● ‘MetroLite’ and ‘MetroNeo’ technologies to to 7,400 projects: provide metro rail systems at much lesser cost ♦♦ Around 217 projects worth Rs. 1.10 lakh with similar experience in Tier-2 cities and crore completed. peripheral areas of Tier-1 cities. Roads and Highways Infrastructure: F. Power Infrastructure: ●● Rs. 1,18,101 lakh crore, highest ever outlay, for ●● 139 Giga Watts of installed capacity and 1.41 Ministry of Road Transport and Highways – of lakh circuit km of transmission lines added, which Rs. 1,08,230 crore is for capital and additional 2.8 crore households connected ●● Under the Rs. 5.35 lakh croreBharatmalaPariyo- in past 6 years. jana, more than 13,000 km length of roads worth ●● A comprehensive National Hydrogen Energy Rs. 3.3 lakh crore awarded for construction Mission 2021-22 to be launched. Economic corridors being planned: G. Ports, Shipping, Waterways: ●● Rs. 1.03 lakh crore outlay for 3,500 km of NHs ●● Rs. 2,000 crore worth 7 projects to be offered in Tamil Nadu in PPP-mode in FY21-22 for operation of major ●● Rs. 65,000 crore investment for 1,100 km of ports. NHs in Kerala ●● Indian shipping companies to get Rs. 1624 ●● Rs. 25,000 crore for 675 km of NHs in West crore worth subsidy support over 5 years in Bengal global tenders of Ministries and CPSEs. Advanced Traffic management system in all H. Petroleum & Natural Gas: new 4 and 6-lane highways: ●● Extention of Ujjwala Scheme to cover 1 crore ●● Speed radars more beneficiaries. ●● Variable message signboards ●● An independent Gas Transport System Operator to be set up for facilitation and coordination of ●● GPS enabled recovery vans will be installed booking of common carrier capacity in all-nat- D. Railway Infrastructure: ural gas pipelines on a non-discriminatory open ●● Rs. 1,10,055crore for Railways of which Rs. access basis. 1,07,100 crore is for capital expenditure.

I. Financial Capital ●● Launch of data analytics, artificial intelligence, ●● A single Securities Markets Code to be evolved. machine learning driven MCA21 Version 3.0 in 2021-22. ●● Support for development of a world class Fin- Tech hub at the GIFT-IFSC. O. Disinvestment and Strategic Sale: ●● A new permanent institutional framework to ●● Rs. 1,75,000crore estimated receipts from dis- help in development of Bond market by pur- investment in BE 2020-21. chasing investment grade debt securities both ●● Strategic disinvestment of BPCL, Air India, in stressed and normal times. Shipping Corporation of India, Container Cor- ●● Setting up a system of Regulated Gold poration of India, IDBI Bank, BEML, Pawan Exchanges: SEBI to be notified as a regulator Hans, NeelachalIspat Nigam limited etc. to be and Warehousing Development and Regulatory completed in 2021-22. Authority to be strengthened. ●● Other than IDBI Bank, two Public Sector J. Increasing FDI in Insurance Sector: Banks and one General Insurance company to ●● To increase the permissible FDI limit from 49% be privatized. to 74% and allow foreign ownership and control P. Government Financial Reforms with safeguards. ●● Treasury Single Account (TSA) System for K. Stressed Asset Resolution: Autonomous Bodies to be extended for univer- ●● Asset Reconstruction Company Limited and sal application. Asset Management Company to be set up. ●● Separate Administrative Structure to streamline L. Recapitalization of PSBs: the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ for Cooperatives. ●● Rs. 20,000 crore in 2021-22 to further consol- (3). Inclusive Development for Aspirational idate the financial capacity of PSBs. India M. Deposit Insurance: A. Agriculture: ●● Amendments to the DICGC Act, 1961, to help ●● Ensured MSP at minimum 1.5 times the cost of depositors get an easy and time-bound access production across all commodities. to their deposits to the extent of the deposit insurance cover. ●● SWAMITVA Scheme to be extended to all States/UTs, 1.80 lakh property-owners in 1,241 ●● Minimum loan size eligible for debt recovery villages have already been provided cards under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security ●● To double the Micro Irrigation Fund to Rs. Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002 proposed to be 10,000 crore reduced from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh for ●● ‘Operation Green Scheme’ to be extended to 22 NBFCs with minimum asset size of Rs. 100 perishable products, to boost value addition in crore. agriculture and allied products. N. Company Matters B. Fisheries: ●● To decriminalize the Limited Liability Partner- ●● Investments to develop modern fishing harbours ship (LLP) Act, 2008. and fish landing centres – both marine and inland. ●● Easing Compliance requirement of Small companies by revising their definition under Com- ●● 5 major fishing harbours – Kochi, Chennai, panies Act, 2013 by increasing their thresholds Visakhapatnam, Paradip, and Petuaghatto be for Paid up capital from “not exceeding Rs. developed as hubs of economic activity. 50 Lakh” to “not exceeding Rs. 2 Crore” and ●● Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu to turnover from “not exceeding Rs. 2 Crore” to promote seaweed cultivation. “not exceeding Rs. 20 Cr”.

B-121, AC, Mansrover Garden Opp. to Kriti nagar Police Station, New Delhi-110015 Mob.- 9958159667, 9818733402, 9667663402, Ph: 011-41421363 E-mail: [email protected], website:[email protected] 50 | Current Affairs – February, 2021 C. Migrant Workers and Labourers: D. Skilling: ●● One Nation One Ration Card scheme for ●● Proposed amendment to Apprenticeship Act to beneficiaries to claim rations anywhere in the enhance opportunities for youth. country - migrant workers to benefit the most. ●● Rs. 3000 crore for realignment of existing ●● Portal to collect information on unorganized National Apprenticeship Training Scheme labour force, migrant workers especially, to (NATS) towards post-education apprenticeship, help formulate schemes for them. training of graduates and diploma holders in ●● Implementation of 4 labour codes underway. Engineering D. Financial Inclusion: (5). Innovation and R&D ●● Under Stand Up India Scheme for SCs, STs ●● National Language Translation Mission (NTLM) and women, to make governance-and-policy related knowl- ♦♦ Margin money requirement reduced to 15% edge available in major Indian languages. ♦♦ To also include loans for allied agricultural ●● PSLV-CS51 to be launched by New Space India activities Limited (NSIL) carrying Brazil’s Amazonia Satellite and some Indian satellites ●● Rs. 15,700 crore budget allocation to MSME Sector, more than double of this year’s BE As part of the Gaganyaan mission (4). Reinvigorating Human Capital activities: A. School Education: ♦♦ 4 Indian astronauts being trained on Generic Space Flight aspects, in Russia ●● 15,000 schools to be strengthened by implementing all NEP components. Shall act as ♦♦ First unmanned launch is slated for Decem- exemplar schools in their regions for mentoring ber 2021 others ●● Rs. 4,000 crore over five years for Deep Ocean ●● 100 new Sainik Schools to be set up in partner- Mission survey exploration and conservation of ship with NGOs/private schools/states deep sea biodiversity B. Higher Education: (6). Minimum Government, Maximum ●● Legislation to be introduced to setup Higher Governance Education Commission of India as an umbrella ●● Measures being undertaken to bring reforms in body with 4 separate vehicles for standard-set- Tribunals to ensure speedy justice. ting, accreditation, regulation, and funding ●● National Commission for Allied Healthcare ●● Central University to come up in Leh for acces- Professionals already introduced to ensure sibility of higher education in Ladakh transparent and efficient regulation of the 56 C. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes allied healthcare professions Welfare: ●● The National Nursing and Midwifery Commis- ●● 750 Eklavya model residential schools in tribal sion Bill introduced for the same in nursing areas: profession ♦♦ Unit cost of each school to be increased to Fiscal Position: Rs. 38 crore Original Item Revised Budget ♦♦ For hilly and difficult areas, to Rs. 48 crore Budget ♦♦ Focus on creation of robust infrastructure 30.42 34.50 34.83 facilities for tribal students lakh lakh lakh crore ●● Revamped Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for crore crore welfare of SCs.

●● Faceless Assessment and Faceless Appeal 4.12 4.39 5.5 lakh introduced. Capital lakh lakh crore Relief to Senior Citizens: crore crore ●● Exemption from filing tax returns for senior Fiscal citizens over 75 years of age and having only Deficit (as 9.5% 6.8% % of GDP) pension and interest income; tax to be deducted by paying bank. ●● RE for Expenditure is Rs. 34.50 lakh crore as Reducing Disputes, Simplifying Settlement: against original BE expenditure of Rs. 30.42 lakh crore. ●● Time limit for re-opening cases reduced to 3 years from 6 years. ●● Quality of expenditure has been maintained as Capital Expenditure estimated as per RE is Rs. ●● Serious tax evasion cases, with evidence of con- 4.39 lakh crore in 2020-2021 as against Rs. 4.12 cealment of income of Rs. 50 lakh or more in a lakh crore in BE 2020-21. year, to be re-opened only up to 10 years, with approval of the Principal Chief Commissioner. ●● Estimates of Rs. 34.83 lakh croreBE for expenditure in 2021-2022 including Rs. 5.5 lakh crore ●● Dispute Resolution Committee to be set up for as capital expenditure, an increase of 34.5% to taxpayers with taxable income up to Rs. 50 lakh give required push to economy. and disputed income up to Rs. 10 lakh. ●● The fiscal deficit in BE 2021-2022 is estimated ●● National Faceless Income Tax Appellate Tri- to be 6.8% of GDP. The fiscal deficit in RE bunal Centre to be established. 2020-21 is pegged at 9.5% of GDP - funded ●● Over 1 lakh taxpayers opted to settle tax dis- through Government borrowings, multilateral putes of over Rs. 85,000 crore through Vivad borrowings, Small Saving Funds and short term Se Vishwas Scheme until 30th January 2021. borrowings. Incentivising Digital Economy: Net borrowing of the States: ●● Limit of turnover for tax audit increased to Rs. ●● Net borrowing for the states allowed at 4% of 10 crore from Rs. 5 crore for entities carrying GSDP for the year 2021-2022 as per recom- out 95% transactions digitally. mendation of 15th FC Relief for Dividend: ●● Part of this earmarked for incremental capital ●● Dividend payment to REIT/ InvIT exempt from expenditure TDS. ●● Additional borrowing ceiling of 0.5% of GSDP ●● Advance tax liability on dividend income only will be provided subject to conditions after declaration/ payment of dividend. ●● States expected to reach a fiscal deficit of 3% ●● Deduction of tax on dividend income at lower of GSDP by 2023-24, as recommended by the treaty rate for Foreign Portfolio Investors. 15th Finance Commission Attracting Foreign Investment for Infrastructure: Tax Proposals ●● Infrastructure Debt Funds made eligible to raise funds by issuing Zero Coupon Bonds. 1. Direct Taxes: ●● Relaxation of some conditions relating to Achievements: prohibition on private funding, restriction on ●● Corporate tax rate slashed to make it among the commercial activities, and direct investment. lowest in the world. Supporting ‘Housing for All’: ●● Burden of taxation on small taxpayers eased by ●● Additional deduction of interest, up to Rs. 1.5 increasing rebates. lakh, for loan taken to buy an affordable house ●● Return filers almost doubled to 6.48 crore in extended for loans taken till March 2022. 2020 from 3.31 crore in 2014.

●● Tax holiday for Affordable Housing projects extended till March 2022. ●● Tax exemption allowed for notified Affordable Rental Housing Projects. Tax incentives to IFSC in GIFT City: ●● Tax holiday for capital gains from incomes of aircraft leasing companies. ●● Tax exemptions for aircraft lease rentals paid to foreign lessors. ●● Tax incentive for relocating foreign funds in the IFSC. ●● Tax exemption to investment division of foreign banks located in IFSC. Labour Welfare: ●● Late deposit of employee’s contribution by the employer not to be allowed as deduction to the employer. ●● Eligibility for tax holiday claim for start-ups extended by one more year. ●● Capital gains exemption for investment in start-ups extended till 31st March, 2022. 2. Indirect Taxes ●● GST: ●● Measures taken till date: ●● Nil return through SMS ●● Quarterly return and monthly payment for small taxpayers ●● Electronic invoice system ●● Validated input tax statement ●● Pre-filled editable GST return ●● Staggering of returns filing ●● Enhancement of capacity of GSTN system ●● Use of deep analytics and AI to identify tax evaders Custom Duty Rationalization: ●● Twin objectives: Promoting domestic manufacturing and helping India get onto global value chain and export better. ●● New customs duty exemptions to have validity up to the 31st March following two years from its issue date. ●● Electronic and Mobile Phone Industry: ●● Some exemptions on parts of chargers and sub-parts of mobiles withdrawn. ●● Duty on some parts of mobiles revised to 2.5% from ‘nil’ rate. Iron and Steel: ●● Customs duty reduced uniformly to 7.5% on semis, flat, and long products of non-alloy, alloy, and stainless steels. ●● Duty on steel scrap exempted up to 31st March, 2022. ●● Anti-Dumping Duty (ADD) and Counter-Veiling Duty (CVD) revoked on certain steel products. ●● Duty on copper scrap reduced from 5% to 2.5%. Textiles: ●● Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on caprolactam, nylon chips and nylon fiber & yarn reduced to 5%. Chemicals:

●● Calibrated customs duty rates on chemicals to encourage domestic value addition and to remove inver- sions. ●● Duty on Naptha reduced to 2.5%. ●● Gold and Silver: ●● Custom duty on gold and silver to be rationalized. Renewable Energy: ●● Phased manufacturing plan for solar cells and solar panels to be notified. ●● Duty on solar invertors raised from 5% to 20%, and on solar lanterns from 5% to 15% to encourage domestic production. ●● Capital Equipment: ●● Tunnel boring machine to now attract a customs duty of 7.5%; and its parts a duty of 2.5%. ●● Duty on certain auto parts increased to general rate of 15%. MSME Products: ●● Duty on steel screws and plastic builder wares increased to 15%. ●● Prawn feed to attract customs duty of 15% from earlier rate of 5%. ●● Exemption on import of duty-free items rationalized to incentivize exporters of garments, leather, and handicraft items. ●● Exemption on imports of certain kind of leathers withdrawn. ●● Customs duty on finished synthetic gem stones raised to encourage domestic processing. Agriculture Products: ●● Customs duty on cotton increased from nil to 10% and on raw silk and silk yarn from 10% to 15%. ●● Withdrawal of end-use based concession on denatured ethyl alcohol. Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) on a small number of items. ●● Rationalization of Procedures and Easing of Compliance: ●● Turant Customs initiative, a Faceless, Paperless, and Contactless Customs measures. ●● New procedure for administration of Rules of Origin. Budget at a Glance

2020-21 2020-21 2021-22 Budget Revised Budget 2019-20Actuals Estimates Estimates Estimates (BE) (RE) (BE)

1. Revenue Receipts 1684059 2020926 1555153 1788424

2. Tax Revenue

(Net to Centre) 1356902 1635909 1344501 1545396

3. Non Tax Revenue 327157 385017 210652 243028

4. Capital Receipts 1002271 1021304 1895152 1694812

5. Recovery of Loans 18316 14967 14497 13000

6. OtherReceipts 50304 210000 32000 175000

7. Borrowings and OtherLiabilities 933651 796337 1848655 1506812

8. Total Receipts (1+4) 2686330 3042230 3450305 3483236

9. Total Expenditure 2686330 3042230 3450305 3483236 (10+13)

10. On Revenue Account of which 2350604 2630145 3011142 2929000

11. InterestPayments 612070 708203 692900 809701

12. Grants in Aid for 185641 206500 230376 219112 creation of capital assests

13.OnCapitalAccount 335726 412085 439163 554236

14. Revenue Deficit (10-1) 666545 609219 1455989 1140576

(3.3) (2.7) (7.5) (5.1) 15. Effective Revenue 480904 402719 1225613 921464 Deficit (14-12) (2.4) (1.8) (6.3) (4.1)

16. Fiscal Deficit 933651 796337 1848655 1506812

[9-(1+5+6)] (4.6) (3.5) (9.5) (6.8)

17. PrimaryDeficit (16-11) 321581 88134 1155755 697111

(1.6) (0.4) (5.9) (3.1) (In crore) Notes: ●● GDP for BE 2021-2022 has been projected at 22287379 crore assuming 14.4% growth over the estimated GDP of `19481975 crore for 2020-2021 (RE). ●● Individual items in this document may not sum up to the totals due to rounding off. ●● Figures in parenthesis are as a percentage of GDP.

2020-2021 2020-2021 2021-22 2019-20 Budget Revised Budget Actuals Estimates Estimates Estimates

1. Fiscal 933651 796337 1848655 1506812 Deficit

(4.6) (3.5) (9.5) (6.8)

2. Revenue 666545 609219 1455989 1140576 Deficit

(3.3) (2.7) (7.5) (5.1)

3. Effective Revenue 480904 402719 1225613 921464 Deficit

(2.4) (1.8) (6.3) (4.1)

4. Primary 321581 88134 1155755 697111 Deficit

(1.6) (0.4) (5.9) (3.1)

(In crore)

Receipts

2020-2021 2020-2021 2019-2020 2021-2022 Budget Budget Revised Actuals Estimates Estimates Estimates

REVENUE RECEIPTS

1. Tax Revenue

Gross Tax Revenue 2010059 2423020 1900280 2217059

a. Corporation Tax 556876 681000 446000 547000

b. Taxes on Income 492654 638000 459000 561000

c. WealthTax 20 ......

d. Customs 109283 138000 112000 136000

e. Union Excise Duties 240615 267000 361000 335000

f. Service Tax 6029 1020 1400 1000

g. GST 598750 690500 515100 630000

- CGST 494072 580000 431000 530000

- IGST 9125 ......

- GST 95553 110500 84100 100000 CompensationCess

h. Taxes of Union Territories 5835 7500 5780 7059 Less - NCCD transferred to

the NCCF/NDRF 2480 2930 5820 6100

Less - State’sshare 650678 784181 549959 665563

1a Centre’s Net Tax

Revenue 1356902 1635909 1344501 1545397

2. Non-Tax Revenue 327157 385017 210653 243028

Interestreceipts 12349 11042 14005 11541

Dividends and Profits 186132 155396 96544 103538

External Grants 373 812 1422 747

Other Non Tax 126540 215465 96602 124671 Revenue

Receipts of Union 1762 2303 2081 2531 Territories

Total- Revenue Receipts 1684059 2020926 1555153 1788424 (1a + 2)

3. CAPITAL RECEIPTS

A. Non-debtReceipts 68620 224967 46497 188000

(i) Recoveries of loans and advances 18316 14967 14497 13000

(ii) DisinvestmentReceipts 50304 210000 32000 175000

B. DebtReceipts 928680 849340 1866013 1435428

TotalCapitalReceipts(A+B) 997301 1074306 1912510 1623428

4. Draw-Down of Cash Balance 4970 -53003 -17358 71383

Total Receipts (1a+2+3) 2681360 3095233 3467663 3411853

MCQs Based on Indian Economy 4. Consider the following statements: 1. The entire project is funded by the govern- 1. Consider the following statements: ment under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. 1. Government bonds are high risk and high return bonds. 2. Under the Hybrid-Annuity Model (HAM), the central government bears 40% of the 2. Corporate bonds are Low-risk and low project cost and the balance is arranged by return bonds. the developer.

Which of the statements given below is/are Which of the statements given below is/are correct? correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Where will the Multi- Model Logistics Hub (MMLH) and Multi- Modal Transport Hub 5. Moringaoleifera is a species of - (MMTH) be set up? (a) Amphibian (b) Tree (a) Gurugram (b) Indore (c) Bird (d) Fish (c) Greater Noida (d) Jaipur 6. With reference to the ‘Vistadome’ Train 3. With reference to the Paradip Port, which of Coaches, which of the following statements is/ the following statements is/are correct? are correct? 1. It is an artificial port located in Odisha. 1. These are specially designed to make train 2. It is situated at confluence of the Godavari journeys scenic and memorable. river and the Bay of Bengal. 2. These are manufactured by Chittaranjan 3. It is administered under the Major Port Locomotive Works in West Bengal. Trusts Act, 1963. Select the correct answer using the code given Select the correct answer using the code given below: below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only

7. With reference to the Kochi- Mangaluru Nat- Exchange Board of India (SEBI). ural Gas Pipeline, which of the following state- 2. The PIDF will be used to subsidise ments is/are correct? deployment of Points of Sale (PoS) 1. The length of the pipeline is 1400 km. infrastructure. 2. It is built by Gas Authority of India Limited 3. The PIDF presently has a corpus of Rs. 345 (GAIL) Limited. crore. 3. The pipeline will supply environment Select the correct answer using the code given friendly and affordable fuel in the form of below: Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed (a) Only 1 (b) Only 1 and 3 Natural Gas (CNG). (c) Only 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 Select the correct answer using the code given 12. With reference to the Regulatory Compliance below: Portal, which of the following statements is/ (a) Only 1 (b) Only 1 and 2 are correct? (c) Only 3 (d) Only 2 and 3 1. The portal has been launched by the 8. Who has constructed the Digital Payments In- Department of Economic Affairs under the dex (DPI)? ministry of finance. (a) Reserve Bank of India 2. The objective of this portal is to act as a (b) NITI Aayog bridge between citizens, industries and the Government in order to minimize burden- (c) Securities and Exchange Board of India some compliances. (d) National Payments Corporation of India Select the correct answer using the code given 9. Which of the following are the modes of digital below: payment? (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 1. Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) 13. Which of the following banks are domestic 3. Mobile Wallets systemically important banks (D-SIBs)? 4. Micro ATMs 1. State Bank of India 5. Internet Banking 2. Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative Bank 6. Point Of Sale 3. ICICI Bank Which of the statements given below is/are 4. HDFCBnak correct? Which of the statements given below is/are (a) Only 1, 4, 5 and 6 correct? (b) Only 2, 3, 5 and 6 (a) Only 1 and 3 (b) Only 2 and 4 (c) Only 3, 4 and 5 (c) Only 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 14. With reference to the Ratle Hydro Power Proj- 10. India’s first seaplane service was run between ect, which of the following statements is/are which two places? correct? (a) Kakinada - Gangavaram 1. The project is located on river Jhelum in (b) Paradip - Haldia Jammu and Kashmir. (c) Kevadia - Sabarmati 2. The project will generate 850 MW of (d) New Mangalore - Honnavar power. 11. With reference to the Payment Infrastructure Select the correct answer using the code given Development Fund (PIDF), which of the fol- below: lowing statements is/are correct? (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 1. The PIDF has been set up by Securities and (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

15. Who releases the Logistics Performance Government Bonds (Low-risk, low return). Index? 2.(c) Exp: (a) United Nations The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (b) World economic forum (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister has (c) World BankGroup approved the Multi Modal Logistics Hub (d) International Monetary Fund (MMLH) and Multi Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) at Greater Noida (UP). The estimated 16. With reference to the Securities and Exchange cost of MMLH and MMTH at Greater Noida is Board of India (SEBI), which of the following Rs 3,883.80 crores. statements is/are correct? 3.(c) Exp: 1. It is established in accordance with the Paradip Port (Operated by Paradip Port Trust) provisions of the Reserve Bank of India is a natural, deep-water port on the East coast Act, 1934. of India in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha. It 2. Its main objective is to protect the interests is situated at confluence of the Mahanadi river of investors in securities and to promote and the Bay of Bengal. It is a Major Port under and regulate the securities market. Government of India and administered under the Select the correct answer using the code given Major Port Trusts Act, 1963. below: 4.(c) Exp: (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 In Engineering, Procurement and Construction (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (EPC), the entire project is funded by the 17. “Risk-O-Meter” related to government. Under EPC model the contractor is legally responsible to complete the project under (a) Mutual fund companies some fixed predetermined timeline. Hybrid- (b) COVID 19 vaccine drive Annuity Model (HAM) is a mix of the EPC (c) Climate change in arctic region and Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) models. (d) New guidelines related to traffic rules Under the HAM, the central government bears 40% of the project cost and the remaining 18. Consider the following statements: amount is arranged by the developer. 1. The main objective of Legal Entity 5.(b) Exp: Identifier is to help identify legal entities on a globally accessible database. Moringaoleifera is a fast-growing softwood tree indigenous to sub-Himalayan tracts of Northern 2. Legal Entity Identifier is the‘12-digit’ India. In India, It has been used for centuries due number used for financial transactions to its medicinal properties and health benefits in worldwide. various forms. Which of the statements given below is/are 6.(a) Exp: correct? Indian Railways has successfully completed a (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 speed trial for 180 km per hour of a new design (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Vistadome tourist coach. These vistadome coaches mostly operate in mountain railways Explanation and are specially designed to make train journeys scenic and memorable. The coaches 1.(d) Exp: are manufactured by Integral Coach Factory in A Bond is a fix income instrument, representing Chennai. a loan made by an investor to a borrower. There 7.(d) Exp: are mainly two types of bonds: The Prime Minister of India has dedicated the Corporate Bonds (High-risk, High return) Kochi- Mangaluru Natural Gas Pipeline to the

nation through video conferencing. The length 13.(c) Exp: of the pipeline is 450 km and it is built by The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has retained GAIL (India) Limited. The pipeline will supply State Bank of India, ICICI Bank and HDFC environment friendly and affordable fuel in the Bank as domestic systemically important banks form of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to households (D-SIBs). D-SIBs banks are also considered and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to the as “too big to fail”.Punjab and Maharashtra transportation sector. Co-operative Bank is not a domestic systemically 8.(a) Exp: important bank. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has 14.(b) Exp: constructed a composite Digital Payments Index The Ratle Hydro Power Project is located on to capture the extent of digitisation of payments river Chenab, in Kishtwar district of Union across the country. Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.Recently, the 9.(d) Exp: Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of Modes of Digital Payments are: Banking Cards India has given its approval for the investment (Debit / Credit / Cash / Travel / Others), of Rs.5281.94 crore for 850 MWRatle Hydro Unstructured Supplementary Service Data Electric Project. (USSD), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System 15.(c) Exp: (AEPS), Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Logistics Performance Index (LPI) report is a Mobile Wallets, Micro ATMs,Mobile Banking, bi-annual report released by the World Bank Internet Banking, Point Of Sale and Banks Pre- Group.India was ranked 44th in LPI 2018. Paid Cards. 16.(b) Exp: 10.(c) Exp: The Securities and Exchange Board of India was India’s first seaplane service was run between established on April 12, 1992 in accordance with Kevadia and Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad. the provisions of the Securities and Exchange It was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Board of India Act, 1992.Its main objective is to of India on 31 October 2020. protect the interests of investors in securities and 11.(c) Exp: to promote and regulate the securities market. The Payment Infrastructure Development Fund 17.(a) Exp: has been set up by the Reserve Bank of India As per the SEBI directive, from 1 January, (RBI). The fund will be used to subsidise mutual fund companies have been mandated deployment of Points of Sale (PoS) infrastructure to disclose “risk-o-meter” related to their fund (both physical and digital modes) in tier-3 to schemes.Now it is mandatory for mutual fund tier-6 centres and north-eastern states. The PIDF houses to characterise the risk level of their presently has a corpus of Rs. 345 crore. The schemes on a six-stage scale from “Low” to target is to manage a fund of Rs 500 crore at “Very High”. all times. 18.(a) Exp: 12.(b) Exp: The RBI has introduced the Legal Entity Recently, the Department for Promotion of Identifier (LEI) for Large Value Transactions Industry and Internal Trade (under the Ministry in Centralised Payment Systems.The LEI is a of Commerce and Industry) has been launched 20-digit number used to uniquely identify parties the Regulatory Compliance Portal. The objective to financial transactions worldwide.It is also of this portal is to act as a bridge between known as an LEI code or LEI number.The main citizens, industries and the Government in order objective of LEI is to help identify legal entities to minimize burdensome compliances. on a globally accessible database. □■□

Chandrayaan-2 Mission : Initial Data ●● It is India’s 1st mission to explore the lunar Release terrain with indigenous technology. Why in the news? ●● The mission made India the fourth nation after Recently, initial data of Chandrayaan-2 mission has the United States, Russia and China to land a been released publicly by the Indian Space Research spacecraft on the Moon. Organisation (ISRO). BBX11 Gene Important Points: Why in the news? ●● India’s second mission to the Moon, Recently, the researchers at the Indian Institute Chandrayaan-2 was launched on 22nd July 2019 of Science Education and Research (IISER) have from SatishDhawan Space Center, Sriharikota. identified a gene that facilitates in the greening of ●● The Orbiter which was injected into a lunar plants. orbit on 2nd Sept 2019 carries 8 experiments to Important Points: address many open questions on lunar science. ●● It is identified by using genetic, molecular and ●● According to ISRO, all experiments have been biochemical techniques. performing well and the data received, suggests ●● BBX11 plays a vital role in regulation of the excellent capability to deliver on the pre-launch amount of protochlorophyllide synthesized by promises. the plant. ●● The public release data archived at the Indian ●● Protochlorophyllide is an intermediate in the Space Science Data Centre in Bylalu, near synthesis of chlorophyll. Bengaluru is prepared in the standard, globally ●● When a seedling emerges from under the soil followed Planetary Data System 4 (PDS4) it must quickly synthesise chlorophyll to start format for public release. supporting its own growth. ●● The ISSDC is the nodal centre of planetary data ●● In order to facilitate quick synthesis of archive for the planetary missions of ISRO. chlorophyll, plants make a precursor of Chandrayaan-2 Mission: chlorophyll called ‘protochlorophyllide’ in the ●● The Chandrayaan-2 mission was India’s first dark. attempt to land on the lunar surface. ●● As soon as the plant comes out into the light ●● ISRO had planned the landing on the South from under the soil, light-dependent enzymes Pole of the lunar surface. However, the lander convert protochlorophyllide to chlorophyll. Vikram hard-landed and crashed in September ●● The amount of protochlorophyllide synthesised 2020. needed to be proportional to the number of ●● It is India’s first interplanetary mission to be enzymes available to convert them to chlorophyll. steered by two women: If there is excess of free protochlorophyllide, then exposure to light converts it into molecules ♦♦ M. Vanitha (project director) that cause ‘photobleaching’. ♦♦ RituKaridhal (mission director) ●● Photobleaching is loss of colour by a pigment.

●● Thus, it is very important to regulate the amount ●● In 2018, the World Health Organization has of protochlorophyllide synthesized by the plant recommended the inclusion of the pneumococcal and here comes the vital plant played by the conjugate vaccine (PCV) in routine childhood ‘BBX11’ gene. If it is less, plants are unable to immunisation programmes in all countries. efficiently ‘green’ in order to harvest sunlight. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV): If the amount of protochlorophyllide is more, ●● It is used to protect infants, young children, and then plants bleach under the light. adults against disease caused by the bacterium Significance of Research: Streptococcus Pneumoniae. ●● According to the official of IISER, the study ●● It contains purified capsular polysaccharide of could have tremendous implications in the pneumococcal serotypes conjugated to a carrier agriculture sector in tropical countries like protein to improve antibody response. India. ●● PCV is made up of sugars (polysaccharides) ●● It can help in providing lead to optimise plant from the capsule of the bacterium Streptococcus growth under stressful and rapidly changing pneumoniae. climatic conditions. ●● In PCV, each polysaccharide is attached, or conjugated to, a carrier protein. The carrier Pneumosil: India’s First Indigenous protein is selected to improve the immune Pneumococcal Vaccine response in those vaccinated. Why in the news? ●● PCV was introduced in India’s Universal Recently, the Union Health Minister has launched Immunisation Programme (UIP) in a phased manner from June 2017 onwards. the country’s first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine ‘Pneumosil’. Pneumococcal Disease: Important Points: ●● It is the name given to a group of diseases caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus ●● The vaccine is being developed by the Serum Pneumoniae. Institute of India in collaboration with the Bill ●● Streptococcus Pneumoniae is also known as and Melinda Gates Foundation. pneumococcus. ●● Serum Institute of India (SII) is a Pune-based ●● The various types of diseases caused by pharmaceutical company. pneumococcus are: ●● SII is also the maker of Covishield, the Indian ●● Pneumonia: It is an Infection that inflames air version of the AstraZeneca-Oxford coronavirus sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with vaccine. fluid. With pneumonia, the air sacs may fill ●● This vaccine will be available in the market with fluid or pus. Antibiotics can treat many under the brand name “Pneumosil” at an forms of pneumonia. Some forms of pneumonia can be prevented by vaccines. affordable price in a single dose (vial and pre- filled syringe) and Multidose (vial) presentations. ●● Bacteremia:Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the blood. ●● The vaccine targets the pneumococcal bacterium, ●● Sepsis: The body normally releases chemicals which causes pneumonia and other serious life- into the bloodstream to fight an infection. threatening diseases such as meningitis and Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to these sepsis. chemicals is out of balance, triggering changes ●● Pneumococcal disease is a significant contributor that can damage multiple organ systems. under-five mortality rate worldwide. ●● Otitis media: An infection of the air-filled space

behind the eardrum (the middle ear). Most ear multiply abnormally and form masses. infections go away on their own. Some require Ruthenium-106 (Ru-106): antibiotics. ●● Ru-106 is a radioactive form of the rare heavy ●● Bacterial meningitis: infection of the membranes metal ruthenium, which is a “platinum group” that cover and protect the spinal cord and brain. metal similar to platinum. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral infection but can also be bacterial or fungal. Vaccines can ●● Radioactive isotopes or forms of elements prevent some forms of meningitis. naturally decay into other elements, giving off radiation in the process. India’s First Ruthenium 106 Plaque for Effective Eye Cancer Treatment ●● Ru-106 emits beta radiation. ●● Ru-106 is produced from the fission or splitting Why in the news? of uranium-235, the type of uranium used in Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Mumbai nuclear fission reactors. has developed an Eye Cancer therapy in the form ●● It’s also used in medicine for cancer radiation of the first indigenous Ruthenium 106 Plaque for therapy, especially for eye and skin tumours, so treatment of Ocular Tumours. it may be produced for that purpose. ●● It’s also used in radioisotope thermoelectric generators that power satellites. Union Cabinet Approves Export of Akash Missile System Why in the news? Recently, the Central government has approved the export of the Akash missile system and set up a committee to ensure faster approvals for acquisition proposals by various countries.

Important Points: ●● The handling of plaque is very convenient for surgeons and it has been acknowledged to be at par with international standards. ●● The developed eye cancer therapy has been successfully used for the first time for the treatment of patients with ocular tumours in AIIMS-Delhi and the results of using Ruthenium Important Points: 106 plaque for treatment of a patient with ●● The government of India intends to focus on choroidalhemangioma (benign tumour in blood exporting high value defence platforms, to vessels) have been found to be satisfactory. achieve the target of 5 Billion USD of defence ●● Ocular tumours are tumours inside the eye. export and improve strategic relations with They are collections of cells that grow and friendly foreign countries.

●● The export version of Akash will be different ●● All stakeholders have put in concerted efforts to from System currently deployed with Indian overcome challenges and realise the ‘Make in Armed Forces. India’ initiative of the Government, which aims ●● Akash is a Surface to Air Missile with a range to ensure ‘self- reliance’ and ‘self- sufficiency’ of 25 Kms. in meeting the defence needs of the Indian Army. ●● The Akash missile systems have over 96 per cent indigenous components. ●● These are being developed in collaboration with DRDO and private industry. ●● The missile was inducted in 2014 in IAF and in 2015 in Indian Army. SAHAYAK-NG: Air Droppable Container ●● It can simultaneously engage Multiple Targets Why in the news? in Group Mode or Autonomous Mode. The Defence Research and Development Organisation ●● It has built in Electronic Counter-Counter (DRDO) along with Indian Navy conducted the Measures (ECCM) features. successful maiden test trial of ‘SAHAYAK-NG’ off ●● The entire weapon system has been configured the coast of Goa. on mobile platforms. Indigenous Bridging System to Indian Army Why in the news? Recently, the Indian Army has inducted three sets of 10-metre short span bridges.

Important Points: ●● SAHAYAK-NG is the India’s first indigenously designed and developed Air Dropped Container from IL 38SD aircraft (Indian Navy). ●● This newly developed GPS aided air dropped container is having the capability to carry a payload that weighs upto 50 kg and can be dropped from heavy aircraft. ●● The trial was conducted by Indian Navy to enhance its operational logistics capabilities and provide critical engineering stores to ships Important Points: which are deployed more than 2000 km from ●● The equipment will meet the important the coast. requirement of providing mobility to own forces ●● It reduces the requirement of ships to come by speedy bridging of gaps during operations. close to the coast to collect spares and stores. ●● This accomplishment is a step towards ●● Two DRDO laboratories i.e. NSTL, weaning away our armed forces from foreign Visakhapatnam and ADRDE, Agra were manufactured equipment with the Bridge involved in the development of SAHAYAK-NG indigenously designed, developed and delivered ●● SAHAYAK-NG is an advanced version of as per schedule. SAHAYAK Mk I.

B-121, AC, Mansrover Garden Opp. to Kriti nagar Police Station, New Delhi-110015 Mob.- 9958159667, 9818733402, 9667663402, Ph: 011-41421363 E-mail: [email protected], website:[email protected] 66 | Current Affairs – February, 2021 Zycov-D: First Indigenously Developed an RNA or mRNA vaccine, you’re one step DNA Vaccine ahead of a DNA vaccine. Why in the news? ●● An mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 co-developed by Pfizer and BioNTech is the first of its kind ●● The Nation’s first indigenously developed authorized for emergency use in the United DNA vaccine candidate against COVID-19, States. ZyCoV-D, by M/s ZydusCadila has been approved by Drugs Controller General of India ●● Several other potential DNA and RNA COVID- (DCGI), for conduct of the Phase III clinical 19 vaccines are in clinical trials, meaning they trials. are an important and promising area of vaccine development. ●● The candidate has been supported by the National Biopharma Mission (NBM) under National Biopharma Mission (NBM): the aegis of BIRAC and the Department of ●● The NBM is an industry-Academia Collaborative Biotechnology, Government of India. Mission for accelerating biopharmaceutical Important points: development in the country. ●● ZydusCadila completed Phase-I/II clinical trials ●● Under this Mission the Government has of this DNA Vaccine candidate, in India, in more launched Innovate in India (i3) programme than 1,000 participants and interim data indicated to create an enabling ecosystem to promote that the vaccine is safe and immunogenic when entrepreneurship and indigenous manufacturing three doses were administered intradermally. in the sector. ●● Based on the recommendations of the Subject ●● The mission will be implemented by Expert Committee, which reviewed the interim Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance data, the DCGI has accorded permission for Council (BIRAC). conducting Phase-III clinical trial in 26,000 ●● The mission was approved in 2017 at a total Indian participants. cost of Rs 1500 crore and is 50% co-funded DNA and RNA Vaccine: by World Bank loan. ●● DNA and RNA vaccines have the same goal ●● It is managed through a dedicated Program as traditional vaccines, but they work slightly Management Unit (PMU) at BIRAC. differently. ●● Together with National and International ●● Instead of injecting a weakened form of a virus experts, the most promising projects are selected or bacteria into the body as with a traditional in response to open Request for Applications vaccine, DNA and RNA vaccines use part of issued by the PMU. the virus’ own genetic code to stimulate an ●● It has a focus on following four verticals: immune response. ♦♦ Development of product leads for Vaccines, ●● In other words, they carry the genetic instruc- Biosimilars and Medical Devices that are tions for the host’s cells to make antigens. relevant to the public health. ●● Both DNA and RNA vaccines deliver the ♦♦ Upgradation of shared infrastructure message to the cell to create the desired protein facilities. so the immune system creates a response against this protein. ♦♦ Developing human capital by providing ●● DNA and RNA vaccines work the same way specific training. as each other, but have some differences. With ♦♦ Developing technology transfer offices a DNA vaccine, the virus’ genetic information to help enhance industry academia inter- is transmitted to another molecule that is called linkages. the messenger RNA (mRNA). This means with

B-121, AC, Mansrover Garden Opp. to Kriti nagar Police Station, New Delhi-110015 Mob.- 9958159667, 9818733402, 9667663402, Ph: 011-41421363 E-mail: [email protected], website:[email protected] 67 | Current Affairs – February, 2021 Status of Avian Influenza in the country of contaminated poultry products. Why in the news? ●● Implementing management practices that Recently, ICAR-NIHSAD has confirmed positive incorporate bio security principles, personal samples of avian influenza at two poultry farms in hygiene, and cleaning and disinfection protocols are effective means of controlling the spread of Panchkula district, Haryana. the AI viruses. So far, the disease has been confirmed from seven ●● India notified the first outbreak of avian states (Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal influenza in 2006. Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh). ●● Infection in humans is not yet reported in India Important Points: though the disease is zoonotic. ●● The Department has issued advisory to the ●● In India, the disease spreads mainly by migratory affected States so as to avoid further spread of birds coming into India during winter months disease. i.e. from September – October to February – ●● Reports of unusual mortality of birds have been March. received from State of Chhattisgarh in the night ●● The secondary spread by human handling of 08/01/2021 in poultry and wild birds in Balod (through fomites) may also be possible. district, Chhattisgarh. The State has constituted RRT teams for emergency situation and also Zoonotic Diseases: sent the samples to designated laboratory. ●● Zoonosis is another name for a zoonotic disease. ●● Reports of unusual mortality in ducks have also This type of disease passes from an animal or been received from Sanjay lake, Delhi. Samples insect to a human. have been sent to the designated laboratory for ●● Zoonotic diseases are prevalent throughout the testing. world; they can be caused by viruses, bacteria, ●● Meanwhile culling operations have been parasites or fungi, and may cause mild or severe completed in both the affected districts of illness or death. Kerala and Post Operational Surveillance ●● Examples of Zoonotic Diseases: Ebola, Lyme Programme guidelines have been issued to the Disease, malaria, rabies, West Nile fever etc. State of Kerala. Vanadium in Arunachal Pradesh ●● Central teams deployed to visit the affected Why in the news? states of Kerala, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh for monitoring and for epidemiological According to news agencies, Arunachal Pradesh investigation have reached Kerala. is likely to become India’s prime producer of Vanadium. About Avian Influenza (AI): ●● It is also known Bird Flu. ●● It is caused by Avian influenza Type A viruses. ●● Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans. ●● These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. ●● AI viruses have been circulating worldwide for centuries with four known major outbreaks recorded in the last century. ●● There is no direct evidence that the viruses can be transmitted to humans via the consumption

Important Points vibration resistant. ●● Vanadium is a high-value metal that has been ●● Vanadium alloys are used in nuclear reactors used in strengthening steel and titanium. because of vanadium’s low neutron-absorbing ●● In an exploration being carried out by the properties. Geological Survey of India, the eastern ●● The addition of the alloy also improves the Himalayan State has been placed on the tensile strength of steel and of the reinforcing vanadium map and geologists are confident of bars that are used for tunnels, buildings, and finding a deposit soon. bridges. ●● Reports say geologists are confident of ●● Apart from increasing the fuel efficiency in the identifying a deposit soon. aviation and automobile industries because of ●● Even though India is a significant consumer of its high-strength to weight ratio, it also forms Vanadium, it has not been a prime producer of the essential part of vanadium redox batteries the essential metal. that have the least ecological effect in energy storage. ●● As per the GSI officials, the metal has been recovered as a by-product from a slag that was Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) collected from the processing of vanadiferous Why in the news? magnetite ores. Recently, the Defence Research and Development ●● The GSI found promising concentrations Organization (DRDO) has successfully tested of vanadium in the palaeo-proterozoic indigenously developed Smart Anti-Airfield carbonaceous phyllite rocks in the Depo Weapons (SAAW) off the coast of Odisha. and Tamang areas of Papum Pare district in Arunachal Pradesh. Vanadium: ●● Vanadium is a chemical element with the symbol ‘V’ and atomic number 23. ●● In its pure form, it is a grey, soft and ductile element primarily derived from mined iron ore, steel slag, and phyllites. ●● As per the Indian Bureau of Mines, the total estimated reserves of the metal are 24.63 million tonnes. ●● The largest deposits of Vanadium are in China, followed by South Africa and Russia. Important Points: Uses of Vanadium: ●● SAAW is designed to strike ground targets, ●● Vanadium oxide is used as a pigment for especially adversary airfield infrastructure or ceramics and glass, as a catalyst and in similar strategically important installations. producing superconducting magnets. ●● It was successfully test fired from Indian ●● About 80% of the vanadium produced is used Hawk-Mk132 of HAL. as a steel additive. ●● This was the ninth successful mission of SAAW ●● Vanadium-steel alloys are very tough and are conducted by DRDO till now. used for armour plate, axles, tools, piston rods ●● SAAW is a 125-kilogram class smart weapon, and crankshafts. capable of engaging ground enemy airfield ●● Less than 1% of vanadium, and as little assets such as radars, bunkers, taxi tracks, and chromium, makes steel shock resistant and runways, up to a range of 100 kilometres.

●● The high precision guided bomb is lightweight ●● Concurrently Joint Intelligence Surveillance and compared to weapon system of the same class. Reconnaissance (ISR) exercise involving various ●● The weapon was earlier successfully test fired technical, electronic and human intelligence from Jaguar aircraft. from three services will be conducted. About SAAW: ●● The ISR exercise will validate the capabilities of intelligence gathering from space, air, land ●● SAAW belongs to the glide bomb category and and sea-based assets/ sensors, its analysis and its development began around 2012-13, with sharing to achieve battle field transparency for crucial inputs from the Indian Air Force. quick decision making at different stages of ●● The SAAW project was approved by the operations. Government of India in 2013. ●● The joint force would execute multi domain, high ●● The first test of SAAW was carried out in 2016. intensity offensive and defensive manoeuvres ●● In 2020, the Government of India approved the in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal and SAAW project for Indian Navy and Indian Air carry out amphibious landing operations, air Force. landed operation, helicopters-borne insertion of Military Exercise ‘Kavach’ Special Forces from sea culminating in tactical follow-on operations on land. Why in the news? Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ A large scale Joint Military exercise ‘Exercise Kavach’ involving assets of Indian Army, Indian Why in the news? Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard is The cabinet, chaired by the prime minister of India, being conducted in the coming week under the aegis has approved the procurement of 83 Light Combat of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), the Aircrafts (LCA) ‘Tejas’ from Hindustan Aeronautics only Joint Forces Command of the country. Limited (HAL) for Indian Air Force. Important Points: ●● The exercise involves assets of Army, Navy, Air Force and Cost Guard. ●● The tri-services exercise aims to fine-tune joint war-fighting capabilities and standard operating procedures (SOPs) towards enhancing operational synergy. ●● The exercise would involve participation and deployment of elements of Army’s Amphibious Brigade along with supporting forces including Special Forces of Navy, Armour/Mechanised components, Naval Ships comprising Destroyers, ASW Corvettes and Landing Ships withship- bornehelicopters of Eastern Naval Command Important Points: and ANC, Jaguar Maritime Strike and Transport aircrafts from Indian Air Force and assets of ●● The cabinet has approved procurement of LCA Coast Guard. Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircrafts (total 73) and ●● The exercise involves synergised application LCA Tejas Mk-1 Trainer aircrafts (total 10) at of maritime surveillance assets, coordinated air the cost of Rs. 45,696 Crore along with Design and maritime strikes, air defence, submarine and Development of Infrastructure sanctions and landing operations. worth Rs.1,202 Crore.

LCA Tejas Mk-1A Fighter Aircraft: A-400M Tactical Transport aircraft and ●● Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A variant is approximately 175 personnel. an indigenously designed, developed and ●● The Indian Air Force aircraft participating in manufactured state-of-the-art modern 4+ the exercise will include Rafale, Mirage 2000, generation fighter aircraft. Sukhoi-30 MKI among other aircraft. ●● This aircraft is equipped with critical operational Other Exercises between India and France: capabilities of Active Electronically Scanned ♦♦ Shakti – Army exercise Array (AESA) Radar, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missile, Electronic Warfare (EW) ♦♦ Garuda – Air exercise Suite and Air to Air Refuelling (AAR) would ♦♦ Varuna – Naval exercise be a potent platform to meet the operational requirements of Indian Air Force. Motor Bike Ambulance Rakshita ●● It is the first “Buy (Indian-Indigenously Why in the news? Designed, Developed and Manufactured)” Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences category procurement of combat aircrafts with (INMAS) and Delhi based DRDO laboratory have an indigenous content of 50% which will handed over Motor Bike Ambulance ‘Rakshita’ to progressively reach 60% by the end of the the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). programme. Design and Development of Infrastructure: ●● It enables IAF to handle repairs or servicing at their base depot so that the turnaround time would get reduced for mission critical systems and would lead to increased availability of aircraft for operational exploitation. ●● This would enable IAF to sustain the fleet more efficiently and effectively due to availability of repair infrastructure at respective bases. Exercise Desert Knight-21 Why in the news? Important Points: Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force ●● The bike ambulance will help in overcoming are conducting a bilateral Air exercise, Ex Desert the problems faced by Indian security forces Knight-21 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. and emergency healthcare providers. Important Points: ●● It will provide life-saving aid for evacuation ●● The exercise is being at Jodhpur Air Force of injured patients from low intensity conflict Station from January 20 to January 24 this year. areas. ●● The exercise marks an important milestone in ●● This will be handy in the congested streets the series of engagements between the two Air and remote locations, where access through forces. ambulance is difficult and time consuming. ●● It is unique as it includes fielding of Rafale ●● The bike can respond to a medical emergency aircraft by both sides and is indicative of the need of patients faster than a four-wheeler due growing interaction between the two premiers to its functionality and integrated emergency Air Forces. medical support system. ●● The French side will participate with Rafale, ●● This bike ambulance is useful not only for Airbus A-330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport, the paramilitary and military forces but has

potential civil applications too. ●● Its mission is to help India become a creative Major Features of Rakshita: and knowledge-based society by expanding policy and institutional space for grassroots ●● Rakshita is fitted with a customized reclining technological innovators. Casualty Evacuation Seat (CES), which can be fitted in and taken out as per requirement. Covid-19 Vaccination Drive ●● Other major features are the head immobilizer, Why in the news? safety harness jacket, hand and foot straps The Prime Minister of India launched the all-India for safety, adjustable footrest, physiological rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign parameter measuring equipment with wireless through video conferencing on 16 January. monitoring capability and auto warning system for driver. Important Points: ●● The vital parameters of the patient can be ●● This is the world’s largest vaccination program monitored on the dashboard mounted LCD. covering the entire length and breadth of the country. ●● It is also equipped with air splint, medical and oxygen kit for on spot medical care. ●● According to the government, the shots will be offered first to an estimated one crore National Innovation Portal (NIP) healthcare workers, and around two crore Why in the news? frontline workers, and then to persons above 50 Recently, Science & Technology minister dedicates years of age, followed by persons younger than the National Innovation Portal (NIP) to the nation. 50 years of age with associated comorbidities. ● The vaccination programme is based on Important Points: ● principles of priority groups to be vaccinated ●● The portal has been developed by National first. Healthcare workers, both in the government Innovation Foundation (NIF) - India. and private sectors, including Integrated Child ●● NIP is currently home to about 1.15 lakh Development Services (ICDS) workers, will innovations scouted from common people of receive the vaccine during this phase. the country, covering Engineering, Agriculture, ●● A dedicated 24x7 call centre “1075” has also Veterinary and Human Health. been established for addressing the queries ●● In terms of domain areas, presently the related to COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine rollout innovations cover Energy, mechanical, and the Co-WIN software. automobile, electrical, electronics, household, ●● Adequate doses of both COVISHIELD and chemical, civil, textiles, Farm/cultivation COVAXIN have already been delivered across practice, storage practice, plant variety, plant the country to all States/UTs with the active protection, poultry, livestock management, support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. nutraceuticals etc. ●● These have been further delivered by the State/ ●● NIP will help institutionalise new ideas by UT governments to the districts. All preparations common people towards finding solutions to are in place to initiate the programme on the local problems. principles of Jan Bhagidari. ●● National Innovation Foundation– India: ●● The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) ●● It is an autonomous body of the Department had earlier this month approved Covishield and of Science and Technology (DST); set up in Covaxin vaccine. February 2000 at Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Co-WIN platform: ●● The main objective of NIF- India is to provide ●● The vaccination programme will use Co-WIN, institutional support for scouting, spawning, an online digital platform developed by Union sustaining and scaling up the grassroots Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, innovations across the country.

●● It will facilitate real time information of vaccine Consultative Committee (DCC). stocks, storage temperature and individualized ●● CDSCO is the national regulatory body for tracking of beneficiaries for COVID-19 vaccine. pharmaceuticals and medical devices in India. ●● This digital platform will assist programme managers across all levels while conducting MCQs- Science and Tech. vaccination sessions. Covishield Vaccine: 1. With reference to the BBX11 Gene, which of ●● The Covishield (local name for the Oxford- the following statements is/are correct? AstraZeneca vaccine developed in the UK) 1. This gene is responsible for the ripening of vaccine is being manufactured locally by the fruits in plants. Serum Institute of India (SII). 2. This gene plays a vital role in regulation ●● SII is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. of the amount of protochlorophyllide syn- ●● The Covishield is made from a weakened thesized by the plant. version of a common cold virus (known as an Select the correct answer using the code given adenovirus) from chimpanzees. below: ●● It has been modified to look more like (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 coronavirus - although it can’t cause illness. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 ●● When the vaccine is injected into a patient, it 2. With reference to theRuthenium-106 (Ru- prompts the immune system to start making 106), which of the following statements is/are antibodies and primes it to attack any coronavirus correct? infection. 1. It emits beta radiation. ●● It is administered in two doses given between four and 12 weeks apart. 2. It can be used for the treatment of eye and Covaxin Vaccine: skin cancer. ●● It is locally-made by pharma company Bharat 3. It is produced from the fission or splitting Biotech. of uranium-235. ●● It is an inactivated vaccine which means that it Select the correct answer using the code given is made up of killed coronaviruses, making it below: safe to be injected into the body. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 1 and 2 ●● Bharat Biotech used a sample of the coronavirus, (c) Only 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 isolated by India’s National Institute of Virology. 3. With reference to the Covishield Vaccine, ●● When administered, immune cells can still which of the following statements is/are cor- recognise the dead virus, prompting the immune rect? system to make antibodies against the pandemic 1. It is locally-made by pharma company virus. Bharat Biotech. ●● The two doses are given four weeks apart. The 2. It is made from a weakened version of a vaccine can be stored at 2 ° C to 8 ° C. common cold virus from chimpanzees. Drug Controller General of India (DCGI): 3. The Drug Controller General of India ●● DCGI is an organ of the Central Drugs (DCGI) has not yet approved it. Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) which Select the correct answer using the code given is responsible for approving and licensing of below: drugs and medical devices. (a) Only 1 and 2 (b) Only 2 ●● The DCGI is advised by the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and the Drug (c) Only 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

4. What is ‘Rakshita’. uranium-235, the type of uranium used in nuclear (a) Flood Rescue Helicopter fission reactors. It’s also used in medicine for cancer radiation therapy, especially for eye and (b) Indigenously Developed Radar System skin tumours, so it may be produced for that (c) Test Kits to Detect SARS-CoV-2 purpose. (d) Motor Bike Ambulance 3.(b) Exp: 5. With reference to the Avian Influenza, which of the following statements is/are correct? The Covishield (local name for the Oxford- AstraZeneca vaccine developed in the UK) 1. In India, the disease spreads mainly by migratory birds coming into India during vaccine is being manufactured locally by the winter season. Serum Institute of India (SII). The Covishield is made from a weakened version of a common 2. It is also known as Swine Flu. cold virus (known as an adenovirus) from 3. It is caused by the H1N1 virus strain. chimpanzees. Covaxin Vaccine is locally-made Select the correct answer using the code given by pharma company Bharat Biotech.The Drugs below: Controller General of India (DCGI) had earlier (a) Only 1 (b) Only 1 and 3 this month approved Covishield and Covaxin (c) Only 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 vaccine. 4.(d) Exp: Explanation Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS) and Delhi based DRDO laboratory 1.(b) Exp: have handed over Motor Bike Ambulance Recently, the researchers at the Indian Institute ‘Rakshita’ to the Central Reserve Police Force of Science Education and Research (IISER) (CRPF). have identified a gene that facilitates in the 5.(a) Exp: greening of plants. It is identified by using Avian Influenza is also known as bird flu, not genetic, molecular and biochemical techniques. swine flu. It is caused by Avian influenza Type It plays a vital role in regulation of the amount A viruses. Avian flu viruses do not normally of protochlorophyllide synthesized by the plant. infect humans. In India, the disease spreads 2.(d) Exp: mainly by migratory birds coming into India Ru-106 is a radioactive form of the rare heavy during winter months i.e. from September– metal ruthenium, which is a “platinum group” October to February – March. Swine flu is also metal similar to platinum. It emits beta radiation. known as pig influenza. Swine flu is caused by It is produced from the fission or splitting of the H1N1 virus strain, which started in pigs. □■□

6 Social Issues

Vertical & Horizontal Reservations an SC woman be put in the category of women or SC? Since quotas are fixed in percentages, Why in the news? what percentage of quota would be attributed The Supreme Court of India has clarified the position to each? of law on the interplay of vertical and horizontal Saurav Yadav versus State of Uttar Pradesh: reservations. ●● The case was on the technicalities that form a The decision has taken in Saurav Yadav versus State substantial question of law. It was this: of Uttar Pradesh case. ●● OBC-Female candidate and SC-Female Important Points: candidate had secured 276.5and 233.1marks respectively. ●● Vertical Reservation: Reservation for Scheduled ● OBC and SC are vertical reservation categories, Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward ● while Female is a horizontal reservation Classes is referred to as vertical reservation. category. ●● It applies separately for each of the groups ●● The two candidates did not qualify in their specified under the law. categories. However, in the General-Female ●● Horizontal reservation: Horizontal reservation (unreserved-female) category, the last qualifying refers to the equal opportunity provided to other candidate had secured 274.8 marks, a score that categories of beneficiaries such as women, was lower than OBC-Female candidate. veterans, the transgender community, and ●● The question before the court was that if the individuals with disabilities, cutting through the underlying criterion for making selections is vertical categories. “merit”, should OBC-Female candidate be selected under General-Female quota instead of ●● The horizontal quota is applied separately to the OBC-Female category for having secured a each vertical category, and not across the board. higher score? ●● For example, if women have 50% horizontal ●● The court ruled against the Uttar Pradesh quota, then half of the selected candidates will government, holding that if a person belonging have to necessarily be women in each vertical to an intersection of vertical-horizontal reserved quota category — i.e., half of all selected SC category had secured scores high enough to candidates will have to be women, half of the qualify without the vertical reservation, the unreserved or general category will have to be person would be counted as qualifying without women, and so on. the vertical reservation, and cannot be excluded from the horizontal quota in the general category. ●● Horizontal reservations cut across the vertical reservations – the Supreme Court called it as ●● A similar question had arisen in the case of vertical reservations in the past, and the law “interlocking reservations” in IndraSawhney had been settled similarly, if a person in the SC and Others v Union of India (1992). category secures a higher score than the cut-off ●● The interlocking of the two types of reservation for the general category, the person would be throws up a host of questions on how certain counted as having qualified under the general groups are to be identified. For example, would category instead of the SC quota.

B-121, AC, Mansrover Garden Opp. to Kriti nagar Police Station, New Delhi-110015 Mob.- 9958159667, 9818733402, 9667663402, Ph: 011-41421363 E-mail: [email protected], website:[email protected] 75 | Current Affairs – February, 2021 Reservation System in India: IndraSawhney and Others v Union of ●● The reservation system was there in India from India: the pre-independence era. ●● In the beginning of 1990s, central government ●● MaharajChhatrapatiShahu of Kolhapur princely implemented the Mandal commission state introduced it. recommendations for reservation of other backward classes. ●● Progressive and liberal thinker King Shahu implemented the scheduled tribe and SC ●● This created a chaos in various sections of the society. reservation in India. The first initiative was started in Kolhapur state. ●● As a result, Public interest litigation (PIL) was filed, and resulted in one of the most significant ●● Reservation is a tool which gives the judgment namely “IndraSawhney case”. underprivileged equal representation and participation rights, be it in governance or ●● It is also known as Mandal Case. education. A beneficiary of this reservation is Key features of IndraSawhney judgment: expected to uplift his/ her community. ●● It recognized socially and economically ●● Also known as affirmative action, the reservation backward classes as a category and recognized can also be seen as positive discrimination. the validity of the 27%reservation. ●● Reservation in India is a government policy, ●● The concept of ‘creamy layer’ gained currency backed by the Indian Constitution. through this judgment. Those among the OBCs ●● The two main aims to provide reservation as who had transcended their social backwardness per the Constitution of India are: were to be excluded from the reservation. ●● It laid down a 50% limit on reservations and ♦♦ Advancement of Scheduled Castesand observed that economic, social and educational the Scheduled Tribes or any socially and criteria were needed to define backward classes. educationally backward classes of citizens or economically weaker sections-Article 15 ●● Reservation for backward classes (which (4), Article 15 (5), and Article 15 (6). include OBCs and SCs & STs) should be confined to initial appointments and not extend ♦♦ Adequate representation of any backward to promotions. class of citizens OR economically weaker “Period Room” Set Up for Women at A sections in the services under the State- Public Toilet in Maharashtra Article 16 (4) and Article 16 (6). Why in the news? ●● In India, reservation is provided in: Recently, a ‘period room’ has been set up in a public ♦♦ Government Educational Institutions- as per toilet in Thane city, Maharashtra. Article 15 – (4), (5), and (6). Important Points: ♦♦ Government Jobs- as per Article 16 – (4) ●● The period room, equipped with several and (6). basic facilities, has been set up by the Thane ♦♦ Legislatures (Parliament, and State Municipal Corporation in collaboration with an Legislature)-as per Article 334. NGO. ●● Before 2019, the reservation was provided ●● It will help women living in crowded slums mainly on the basis of social and educational during their menstrual days. backwardness (caste). However, after the 103rd ●● According to the officials, the 45,000 rupees constitutional amendment in 2019, economic low-cost period room facility will be replicated backwardness is also considered. in all 120 community toilets in the city.

●● The facility is set up keeping in mind the UNICEF study on Menstrual Hygiene: women living in small houses, who do not have ●● 60% of the girls missed school due to a separate bathing section. menstruation. ●● Many times they find it difficult to change ●● Only 13% of girls in India are aware of during periods. menstruation before menarche. ●● This facility will be a boon for such women and go a long way in promoting good hygiene. ●● 79% faces low confidence due to menstruation Menstrual Hygiene in India: and 44% were embarrassed and humiliated over restrictions. ●● Menstrual hygiene is one of the challenging developmental social issues that Indian women ●● Thereby, Menstruation adversely impacts are facing even today. women’s education, equality, maternal and ●● Menstruation is a natural and healthy biological child health. process for women, in spite of this, it is still Way forward: considered a taboo in Indian society. ●● Corporates have expanded their product range What does the National Family and Health and market reach. Survey (NFHS) say? ●● Several government and non-government ●● The latest NFHS- 4 found that 58 per cent programmes have promoted menstrual hygiene of young Indian women (15-24 years) use a through health awareness schemes and free or hygienic method of protection (mostly sanitary subsidised distribution of sanitary pads. pads), a significant increase from the 12 per cent using pads in 2010. ●● Small-scale sanitary pad manufacturing units have been supported to make low-cost pads ●● Of this (58%), 16% use locally-prepared more easily available, while generating income napkins, while 62% use cloth. for women. ●● The data says that nearly 48% rural women in this age group(15-24 years) are using hygienic ●● The entrepreneurs, driven by quality, health methods. or environmental concerns over regular ●● However, menstrual age of women goes up to sanitary pads, have innovated with a range of 40-45 years, and a large section of women has menstrual products introducing reusable cloth still been left out of the survey. pads, menstrual cups, and “eco-friendly” or ●● The ground reality is a lot different, with several compostable sanitary pads. challenges to bring about change in rural areas. □■□

Indian Missions in Estonia, Paraguay and ●● Enhancement of India’s diplomatic presence Dominican Republic will, inter-alia, provide market access for Indian Why in the news? companies and bolster Indian exports of goods and services. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of ●● This would have a direct impact in augmenting India has approved the opening of 3 Indian Missions domestic production and employment in line in Estonia, Paraguay and Dominican Republic in with our goal of a self-reliant India or ‘Atman- 2021. irbhar Bharat’. Estonia: ●● Estonia is a Baltic country on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. ●● Other Baltic countries are Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Important points: ●● Opening of Indian Missions in these countries will help expand India’s diplomatic footprint, deepen political relations, enable growth of bilateral trade, investment and economic engagements, facilitate stronger people-to-people contacts. ●● This northeast European country is bordered by ●● It will also bolster political outreach in multi- Latvia and Russia and shares maritime borders lateral fora and help garner support for India’s with Finland and Sweden. foreign policy objectives. ●● Estonia has a population of 1.3 million people ●● Indian mission in these countries will also better (in 2015). assist the Indian community and protect their ●● The capital of Estonia is Tallinn. interests. ●● The Baltic region is not rich in natural resources. ●● According to the officials, the decision to open Though Estonia is an important producer of these 3 new Indian Missions is a forward-looking oil shale, a large share of mineral and energy step in pursuit of our national priority of growth resources is imported. and development or ‘SabkaSaathSabkaVikas’. ●● India and Estonia had total bilateral trade of

B-121, AC, Mansrover Garden Opp. to Kriti nagar Police Station, New Delhi-110015 Mob.- 9958159667, 9818733402, 9667663402, Ph: 011-41421363 E-mail: [email protected], website:[email protected] 78 | Current Affairs – February, 2021 172.53 USD million in 2018-19. Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Paraguay: Mass Destruction” ●● Paraguay is a landlocked country in central Why in the news? South America, bordered by Bolivia in north- ●● The Turkish Parliament recently passed the bill west. called “Preventing Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction”. ●● The bill is being sharply criticized for expanding government control over civil-society groups in the name of “combating terrorism financing.”

●● The Pilcomayo river, a tributary of the Paraguay river, they both form sections of the border with Argentina in southwest. ●● Parts of its southern borders are defined by the Paraná river, the second longest river in South Important Points: America (the longest is the Amazon River). ●● The bill would increase the monitoring of civil ●● The capital of Paraguay isAsuncion. society groups. ●● Paraguay has a population of 6.8 million people ●● The bill has ostensibly been introduced to (in 2014). comply with a United Nations Security Council counter terrorism resolution and in response to a ●● Paraguay is a member of MERCOSUR. 2019 report by the Financial Action Task Force. ●● MERCOSUR is a regional integration process, ●● The bill consists of 43 articles and has made initially established by Argentina, Brazil, Para- changes to seven laws on Turkey’s Law of guay, and Uruguay, and subsequently joined by Associations. Venezuela and Bolivia. ●● Only six of the articles include means and ●● India has a preferential trade agreement with regulations to combat financing of terrorism. MERCOSUR. The rest grant the Interior Ministry and the Dominican Republic: president wide authority to restrict the activities ●● Dominican Republic is a country of the West of independent groups and diminish their role. Indies that occupies the eastern two-thirds of ●● The Bill gives the Turkish government the Hispaniola, the second largest island of the power to appoint trustees to non-governmental Greater Antilles chain in the Caribbean Sea. organisations (NGOs), to suspend their activi- ●● The Dominican Republic’s shores are washed ties, seize their assets and monitor their sources by the Caribbean to the south and the Atlantic of funding. Ocean to the north. ●● Critics believe that it violates the provisions ●● The capital of Dominican Republic is Santo under the Turkish constitution since it interferes Domingo. with the right to freedom of association. Turkey Passed the Bill “Preventing ●● The Turkish government is believed to be tar-

geting many journalists, academics, bureaucrats Important Points: and judges following a failed coup in 2016. ●● This MoU shall enable India and Bhutan to Terrorism in Turkey: pursue cooperation in potential interest areas, ●● The Kurdish-Turkish conflicts, involvement such as: in Syrian Civil war are the main sources of 1. Remote sensing of the earth. terrorist incidents in Turkey. 2. Satellite communication and satellite based ●● Turkey was ranked 18th in the Global Terror- navigation. ism Index (India ranked eighth). The Global 3. Space science and planetary exploration. Terrorism Index is prepared by Institute for Economics and Peace. 4. Use of spacecraft and space systems and Financial Action Task Force (FATF): ground system. ●● The FATF was created in 1989 at the behest of 5. Application of space technology. the G7 and is headquartered in Paris. ●● This MoU would lead to set up a Joint Working ●● The FATF currently comprises 37 member Group, drawing members from DOS/ISRO and jurisdictions and 2 regional organisations. the Ministry of Information and Communica- tions (MoIC) of Bhutan, which will further work ●● The FATF is an intergovernmental organization that designs and promotes policies and stand- out the plan of action including the time-frame ards to combat financial crime. and the means of implementation. ● Cooperation with the Royal Government of ●● Recommendations created by the Financial ● Action Task Force (FATF) target money laun- Bhutan through this MoU would lead to develop dering, terrorist financing, and other threats to a joint activity in the field of application of the global financial system. space technologies for the benefit of humanity. Thus, all sections and regions of the country ●● Almost all developed countries support or are will get benefitted. members of the FATF. Background: ●● A large number of international organizations participate in the FATF as observers, each of ●● India and Bhutan have been discussing on which has some involvement in anti-money establishing formal space cooperation. laundering activities. ●● A template for Inter-Governmental MoU for Space cooperation was shared with MEA in ●● These organizations include Interpol, the Inter- national Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organization November 2017 for further taking up with for Economic Cooperation and Development Bhutan. (OECD), and the World Bank. ●● This draft was further discussed along with other cooperative proposals during the bilateral Cabinet Approves MoUBetween India and meeting in February 2020. Bhutan ●● After a few iterations through diplomatic chan- Why in the news? nels, both sides have arrived at a workable draft The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of the MoU and the same was processed for has approved the Memorandum of Understanding internal approvals. (MoU) between the Government of the Republic ●● After obtaining necessary approvals the MoU of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan on was signed on November 19, 2020 by both Cooperation in the peaceful users of outer space. sides and exchanged.

Iran Plans to Enrich Uranium up to 20% ●● It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria. Why in the news? ●● It is an international organization that seeks ●● Iran has informed the International Atomic to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy Energy Agency that it intends to produce ura- and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, nium enriched to up to 20 percent purity, well including nuclear weapons. beyond the threshold set by the 2015 Vienna ●● Though established independently of the UN accord. through its own international treaty, the IAEA ●● This accord also known as the Joint Compre- reports to both the UN General Assembly and hensive Plan of Action, Iran nuclear deal or UN Security Council. Iran deal. ●● It serves as an intergovernmental forum for Important Points: scientific and technical co-operation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology and nuclear ●● Iran wants to do this for its Fordow underground power worldwide. plant (also known as Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, FFEP). ●● The programs of the IAEA encourage the development of the peaceful applications of ●● According to the latest report of the UN nuclear energy, science and technology, provide agency, Iran was enriching uranium to levels international safeguards against misuse of greater than the limit provided for in the Vienna nuclear technology and nuclear materials, and agreement (3.67 percent) but not exceeding the promote nuclear safety (including radiation 4.5 percent threshold. protection) and nuclear security standards and ●● But there has been turmoil since the assas- their implementation. sination in late November of Iranian nuclear Memorandum of Cooperation between physicist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. India and Japan Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Why in the news? ●● JCPOA was signed between Iran and the P5 (the five permanent members of the United ●● The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Nations Security Council, namely Britain, of India, has approved the signing of a Mem- China, France, Russia and the United States) orandum of Cooperation between the Govern- plus Germany and the European Union in ment of India and Government of Japan, on Vienna in July 2015. a Basic Framework for Partnership for Proper Operation of the System Pertaining to “Speci- ●● Under its terms, Iran agreed to dismantle much fied Skilled Worker”. of its nuclear program and open its facilities to more extensive international inspections Important Points: in exchange for billions of dollars’ worth of ●● The present Memorandum of Cooperation sanctions relief. would set an institutional mechanism for ●● JCPOA limits Iran’s uranium enrichment pro- partnership and cooperation between India and gramme until 2030. Japan on sending and accepting skilled Indian workers, who have qualified the required skill ●● A few days after the JCPOA was agreed, it and Japanese language test, to work in fourteen was endorsed by the United Nations Security specified sectors in Japan. Council (UNSC). ●● These Indian workers would be granted a ●● In May 2018, United States announced its new status of residence of “Specified Skilled withdrawal from JCPOA. Worker” by the Government of Japan. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ●● Under this Memorandum of Cooperation, a ●● IAEA was established as an autonomous organ- Joint Working Group will be set up to follow isation on 29 July 1957 up the implementation of this MOC.

●● The Memorandum of Cooperation would mitment to peace, security, development, and enhance people-to -people contacts, foster progress of Afghanistan. mobility of workers and skilled professionals ●● The Taliban Sanctions Committee is also called from India to Japan. the “1988 Sanctions Committee”. Who will be the beneficiary? Libya Sanctions Committee: ●● Skilled Indian workers from fourteen sectors ●● It is also called the “1970 Sanctions Commit- viz. Nursing care; Building cleaning; Mate- rial Processing industry; Industrial machinery tee”. manufacturing industry; Electric and electronic ●● It is a very important Subsidiary Body of information related industry; Construction; Ship- the Council, which implements the sanctions building and ship-related industry; Automobile regime, including a two-way arms embargo on maintenance; Aviation; Lodging; Agriculture; Libya, an assets freeze, a travel ban, measures Fisheries; Food and beverages manufacturing on illicit export of petroleum, etc. industry and Food service industry would have ●● According to Mr Tirumurti, India will be enhanced job opportunities to work in Japan. assuming the chair of the Libya Sanctions India to Chair Three-Key Subsidiary Bodies Committee at a critical juncture when there of UNSC is an international focus on Libya and on the Why in the news? peace process. India will be chairing three-key subsidiary bodies of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). ●● The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Important Points: is one of the six principal organs of the United The panels are: Nations. The other five are: ♦♦ Counter-Terrorism Committe ♦♦ General Assembly ♦♦ Taliban Sanctions Committee ♦♦ Secretariat ♦♦ Libya Sanctions committee ♦♦ Economic and Social Council ●● This was announced by the Permanent Repre- ♦♦ Trusteeship Council sentative of India at the United Nations Security ♦♦ International Court of Justice Council, TS Tirumurti. Counter-Terrorism Committee: ●● Like the UN as a whole, the Security Council was created following World War II to address ●● India will chair the Counter-Terrorism Commit- the failings of a previous international organi- tee of UNSC in 2022. zation, the League of Nations, in maintaining ●● According to Mr Tirumurti, chairing of this world peace. committee has a special resonance for India which has not only been at the forefront of ●● It has 15 Members, and each member has one fighting terrorism especially cross border terror- vote. ism but has also been one of its biggest victims. ●● The council has five permanent members (P-5) ●● This Committee was formed in September 2001 United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom soon after the tragic terrorist attack of 9/11 in and France. These permanent members can veto New York, while India had chaired this Com- any substantive Security Council resolution, mittee in the Security Council in 2011-12. including those on the admission of new mem- Taliban Sanctions Committee: ber states or candidates for Secretary-General. ●● It has always been a high priority for India ●● The Security Council also has 10 non-perma- keeping in mindits strong interest and com- nent members, elected on a regional basis to

serve two-year terms. River, Subansiri River ●● The body’s presidency rotates monthly among 5th India – Singapore Defence Ministers’ its members. Dialogue ●● These ten non-permanent members are elected Why in the news? by the General Assembly for two-year terms. The 5th Defence Ministers’ Dialogue (DMD) ●● India has been elected as a non-permanent between India and Singapore was successfully held member of the UN Security Council for seven on 20 January 2021 through a video conference. terms (a total of 14 years). Important Points: Arunachal Pradesh Village Issue ●● At this 5th DMD, both Ministers were pleased Why in the news? to witness the signing of the Implementing Agreement on Submarine Rescue Support and In response to the report, China said its construc- Cooperation between the two Navies. tion of a village across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh was “beyond reproach” ●● The Ministers also conveyed their full support because it had “never recognised” Arunachal. towards the early conclusion of agreements to facilitate conduct of live firings and to establish Important Points: reciprocal arrangements for the cross-attendance ●● The village was built between November 2019 of military courses. and November 2020. ●● The Ministers further welcomed initiatives to ●● It is located a couple of kilometres across the expand bilateral defence cooperation including LAC, beyond what India sees as the border the implementing agreement on Humanitarian separating Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet. Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) cooperation in August 2020. ●● The village, located on the banks of the River ●● The cyber agencies of both armed forces have Tsari Chu (Which merges into the Subansiri also stepped up engagements. River), lies in the Upper Subansiri district. ●● Both countries exchanged views on the impact ●● After the 1962 war, India stopped patrolling the of the global Covid-19 pandemic on the defence area. and security engagements, including the best ●● The area has been under Chinese control since practices adopted by their Armed Forces. 1959. ●● Indian Defence Minister reaffirmed ASEAN ●● China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of centrality in the regional security architecture southern Tibet, while India’s consistent stand and pledged India’s support to all endeavours has been that the northeastern state is an integral of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and inalienable part of the country. (ADMM)-Plus. Subansiri River: India- Singapore Maritime Exercises: ●● Subansiri River is a tributary of Brahmaputra ●● In November 2020, the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy successfully river. conducted the 27th edition of Singapore-India ●● Other tributaries of the Brahmaputra River Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) and are: also participated in the second edition of the 1. left: Lhasa River, Nyang River, Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise ParlungZangbo, Lohit River, Dhansiri (SITMEX). River, Kolong River ●● These exercises enhance interoperability amongst the navies and underscore the shared 2. Right: Kameng River, Manas River, Beki responsibility of the countries to work together River, Raidak River, Jaldhaka River, Teesta

to keep sea lines of communications open. 5. Spectrum management Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster 6. High altitude platform for broadband in Relief (HADR) Operations: unconnected areas ●● HADR operations have attracted the attention 7. Public safety of the global community in recent years. 8. Disaster management ●● Building capabilities, interoperability and a conceptual framework for participation in these India Japan Relations: operations is gaining increasing urgency among ●● In August 2011, the India-Japan Comprehensive Indian policymakers. Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came ●● The Indian armed forces have a wide experience into force. of disaster relief operations both at home and ●● India-Japan CEPA covers trade in goods, abroad, where they have been the core of relief services, movement of natural persons, operations. investments, Intellectual Property Rights, custom ●● Due to its sub-continental size, geographical procedures and other trade related issues. location and its vulnerability to disasters, India ●● In 2015, both the countries have signed the has kept its forces ready to render assistance nuclear deal. at short notice. ●● Under the agreement, Japan can supply nuclear ●● In the six decades since independence, India has experienced a number of natural and man-made reactors, fuel and technology to India. disasters such as floods, earthquakes, famines, ●● The Agreement allows India to purchase nuclear industrial accidents etc. reactors with more than 1,000 MW capacity. ●● At the same time, India has partnered the ●● India will get nuclear breeder technology and global community in providing relief in affected nuclear fuel fabrication technology from Japan. regions. ●● In September 2020, both the countries have ●● As India moves to occupy an important position signed Military Logistics Agreement. in the global community, it is in the process of ●● The agreement allowed the countries to exchange bolstering its capabilities to match the rising supplies and services on a reciprocal basis. expectations. ●● Japan was the sixth country with which MoU signed between India & Japan India signed the agreement after US, France, Why in the news? Singapore, South Korea and Australia. Recently, India and Japan signed Memorandum ●● The Mumbai- Ahmedabad High-Speed Railway of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation (popularly known as bullet train) in India is in the field of Information and Communications being developed in collaboration with Japan. Technology. ●● Japan has committed to manufacture 30% of Important Points: Indian aircrafts. This will increase defence ●● As per the agreement, the two countries will manufacturing of India. increase mutual cooperation in the following India-Japan Exercises: areas: ●● India and Japan defence forces organize a 1. Telecom security series of bilateral exercises namely, JIMEX, 2. 5G technologies SHINYUU Maitri, and Dharma Guardian. 3. Submarine optical fiber cable system to ●● India, United States and Japan hold Malabar islands of India Naval exercise annually on regular basis. 4. Smart cities

Open Skies Treaty ●● It is to be noted that India is not a part of the Why in the news? treaty. Recently, Russia has announced that it was leaving MCQs International Relationship the Open Skies Treaty (OST). Important points: 1. Consider the following pairs: ●● In November 2020, the US dropped the OST, Country Capital accusing Russia of violating the treaty. 1. Estonia Tallinn ●● Now Russia has blamed Washington for its 2. Paraguay Yerevan decision to leave the treaty. 3. Dominican Republic Santo Domingo ●● After the US exit from the treaty, Russia sought Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly assurances from the member NATO allies that matched? they would not share the data collected by them on Russia to the US. (a) Only 1 and 2 (b) Only 2 (c) Only 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 ●● According to Russia, the request was not supported by NATO members, which prompted it 2. Consider the following statements: to abandon the treaty. 1. Estonia is a Baltic country. Open Skies Treaty: 2. Paraguay is a landlocked country in central ●● It was proposed by former US President Dwight South America. Eisenhower in 1955 to ease tensions during the 3. Dominican Republic is a country of South Cold War. Africa. ●● It was signed in 1992 between NATO members Select the correct answer using the code given and former Warsaw Pact countries following below: the demise of the Soviet Union. (a) Only 1 and 2 (b) Only 1 and 3 ●● It went into effect in 2002 and had 35 signato- (c) Only 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 ries, including key players US and Russia, along 3. Which country has recently passed the “Pre- with one non-ratifying member (Kyrgyzstan). venting Financing of Proliferation of Weapons ●● The OST aims at building confidence among of Mass Destruction” Bill? members through mutual openness, thus reduc- (a) United Nations ing the chances of accidental war. (b) Turkey ●● Under the treaty, a member state can “spy” on (c) World Bank any part of the host nation, with the latter’s (d) International Monetary Fund consent. 4. With reference to the Financial Action Task ●● A country can undertake aerial imaging over the Force (FATF), which of the following state- host state after giving notice 72 hours before, ments is/are correct? and sharing its exact flight path 24 hours before. 1. FATF was created in 1989. ●● The information gathered, such as on troop 2. FATF is headquartered in Geneva, Switzer- movements, military exercises and missile land. deployments, has to be shared with all member states. 3. FATF designs and promotes policies and standards to combat financial crime. ●● Only approved imaging equipment is permitted on the surveillance flights, and officials from Select the correct answer using the code given the host state can also stay on board throughout below: the planned journey. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 1 and 2 (c) Only 1 and 3 (d) Only 2 and 3

5. Who releases the Global Terrorism Index? (a) Only 1, 3, 4 and 5 (a) Amnesty International (b) Only 1, 2, 5 and 6 (b) Germanwatch (c) Only 2, 3, 4 and 6 (c) Greenpeace international (d) Only 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 (d) Institute for Economics and Peace 9. ‘Dharma Guardian’ is a defense exercise be- 6. With reference to the Joint Comprehensive tween which two countries? Plan of Action (JCPOA), which of the follow- (a) India and Sri Lanka ing statements is/are correct? (b) India and Japan 1. JCPOA limits Iran’s uranium enrichment (c) India and Singapore programme until 2030. (d) India and Nepal 2. JCPOA was signed between Iran andInter- national Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 10. With reference to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which of the following state- Select the correct answer using the code given ments is/are correct? below: 1. The Council has 5 permanent members. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 2. The Council has 20 non-permanent (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 members. 7. With reference to theInternational Atomic En- 3. India is a permanent member of the council. ergy Agency (IAEA), which of the following statements is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. It was established as an autonomous organisation in 1957. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 2. It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria. (c) Only 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 3. It aims to promote the peaceful use of 11. The trilateral maritime exercise ‘SITMEX’ is nuclear energy. organised between which countries? Select the correct answer using the code given (a) Sri Lanka, India and Thailand below: (b) Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand (a) Only 1 and 2 (b) Only 2 (c) Singapore, India and Thailand (c) Only 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand 8. Which of the following are the main organs of 12. With reference to the India Japan Relations, the United Nations (UN)? which of the following statements is/are cor- 1. Security Council rect? 2. Secretariat 1. India and Japan signed the nuclear deal in 2015. 3. Economic and Social Council 2. India and Japan signed the Military Logis- 4. Trusteeship Council tics Agreement in 2020. 5. International Court of Justice Select the correct answer using the code given 6. General Assembly below: Select the correct answer using the code given (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 below: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

13. With reference to the Open Skies Treaty, which of the G7 and is headquartered in Paris. It cur- of the following statements is/are correct? rently comprises 37 member jurisdictions and 2 1. Recently Russia has decided to opt out of regional organisations. It is an intergovernmental this treaty. organization that designs and promotes policies 2. India is a party to this treaty. and standards to combat financial crime. Select the correct answer using the code given 5.(d) Exp: below: The Global Terrorism Index is published annu- (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 ally by the Institute for Economics and Peace (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (IEP).In GTI 2020, India is ranked 8th.

Explanation 6.(a) Exp: JCPOA was signed between Iran and the P5 (the five permanent members of the United Nations 1.(c) Exp: Security Council, namely Britain, China, France, The capital of Dominican Republic is Santo Russia and the United States) plus Germany and Domingo. the European Union in Vienna in July 2015. The capital of Paraguay is Asuncion. JCPOA limits Iran’s uranium enrichment programme until 2030. The capital of Estonia is Tallinn. 7.(d) Exp: 2.(a) Exp: IAEA was established as an autonomous organ- Estonia is a Baltic country on the southern isation on 29 July 1957. It is headquartered in coast of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Vienna, Austria. It is an international organi- Baltic Sea. zation that seeks to promote the peaceful use Paraguay is a landlocked country in central of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any South America, bordered by Bolivia in north- military purpose, including nuclear weapons. west. 8.(d) Exp: Dominican Republic is a country of the West The United Nations (UN) has six main organs. Indies that occupies the eastern two-thirds of Five of them — the General Assembly, the Secu- Hispaniola, the second largest island of the rity Council, the Economic and Social Council, Greater Antilles chain in the Caribbean Sea. the Trusteeship Council and the Secretariat — 3.(b) Exp: are based at UN Headquarters in New York. The Turkish Parliament recently passed the bill The sixth, the International Court of Justice, is called “Preventing Financing of Proliferation of located at The Hague in the Netherlands. Weapons of Mass Destruction”. The bill is being 9.(b) sharply criticized for expanding government 10.(a) Exp: control over civil-society groups in the name of "combating terrorism financing." The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United 4.(c) Exp: Nations. The council has five permanent mem- The FATF was created in 1989 at the behest bers (P-5) United States, Russia, China, United

Kingdom and France. These permanent mem- September 2020, both the countries have signed bers can veto any substantive Security Council Military Logistics Agreement. This agreement resolution. The Security Council also has 10 allowed the countries to exchange supplies and non-permanent members, elected on a regional services on a reciprocal basis. basis to serve two-year terms. India has been 13.(a) Exp: elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for seven terms. Recently, Russia has announced that it was leaving the Open Skies Treaty (OST). The treaty 11.(c) Exp: was proposed by former US President Dwight 12.(c) Exp: Eisenhower in 1955 to ease tensions during the India and Japan signed the nuclear deal in Cold War. Under the treaty, a member state can 2015. Under this agreement, Japan can supply “spy” on any part of the host nation, with the nuclear reactors, fuel and technology to India. latter’s consent. India is not a part of the treaty. The Agreement allows India to purchase nuclear □■□ reactors with more than 1,000 MW capacity. In

8 Government Schemes

School Bag Policy, 2020 5. 5 to 4.5 kg for Classes IX and X and Why in the news? 6. 5 to 5 kg for Classes XI and XII Recently, a circular has been issued by the Directo- ●● It adds that the teachers should take the respon- rate of Education asking schools to follow the new sibility of checking the weight of school bags ‘School Bag Policy, 2020’. of the students every three months on a day It is released by the Council of Educational Research selected for the whole class and any information and Training (NCERT). about heavy bags should be communicated to the parents. Important Points: Drinking Water Facility: ●● In the policy, the guidelines on homework and ●● There should be a drinking water facility that is the weight of school bags are laid down for to reduce the weight of the school bag. classes from I to XII. ●● It is the duty and responsibility of the school ●● Across classes, I to X school bags should not be management to provide quality potable water more than 10% of the bodyweight of students in sufficient quantity to all the students within and in pre-primary students, there should be no the school. bags. ●● Due to this, there will be no need to carry water ●● According to the circular, school teachers bottles to the children from their homes. should inform the students in advance about the books and notebooks to be brought to school on Need of the Policy: a particular day and frequently check their bags ●● Heavy school bags are a serious threat to the to ensure that they are not carrying unnecessary health and well-being of students. material. ●● The heavy school bag has severe/adverse physi- ●● Lockers will be provided by the schools from cal effects on growing children, which can cause preschool to senior secondary to enable chil- damage to their vertebral column and knees. dren to leave books in school and whatever is ●● Body posture also gets disturbed which in the required they should carry to their homes. long term develops imbalances in the body and ●● Up to class II, it is recommended that there affects the health of the nervous system. should be no homework and a maximum of two ●● Heads of Schools under the Directorate of hours per week for classes III to V, for classes Education are hereby directed to adhere to VI to VIII one hour a day, and two hours a day the revised guidelines to reduce the weight of for classes IX and above. school bags for students in Primary, Secondary ●● The weight of the school bags, as per the policy, and Senior Secondary Schools. should be ●● It adds that files and thin/light exercise books 1. 6 to 2.2 kg for students of Classes I and II, should be preferred to thick/heavy ones. 2. 7 to 2.5 kg for Classes III, IV and V, National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT): 3. 2 to 3 kg for Classes VI and VII, ●● It is an autonomous organization under the 4. 5 to 4 kg for Class VIII,

Ministry of Education (MoE). employment which directly leads to the socio ●● It was set up in 1961. economic development of the area. ●● Its work is to assist the Central and State Incentives Available under the Scheme: Governments on policies and programmes for 1. Capital Investment Incentive: At the rate qualitative improvement in school education. of 30% in Zone A and 50% in Zone B on ●● The major objectives of NCERT and its con- investment made in Plant & Machinery (in stituent units are to: manufacturing) or construction of building and other durable physical assets(in service 1. Undertake, promote and coordinate research sector) is available. in areas related to school education. 2. Capital Interest subvention: At the annual 2. Prepare and publish model textbooks, sup- rate of 6% for maximum 7 years on loan plementary material, newsletters, journals amount up to Rs. 500 crore for investment and develops educational kits, multimedia in plant and machinery (in manufacturing) digital materials, etc. or construction of building and all other 3. Organise pre-service and in-service training durable physical assets(in service sector). of teachers. 3. GST Linked Incentive: 300% of the eli- 4. Develop and disseminate innovative educa- gible value of actual investment made in tional techniques and practices; plant and machinery (in manufacturing) 5. Collaborate and network with state educa- or construction in building and all other tional departments, universities, NGOs and durable physical assets(in service sector) other educational institutions. for 10 years. 6. Act as a clearing house for ideas and 4. Working Capital Interest Incentive: All information in matters related to school existing units at the annual rate of 5% education. for maximum 5 years. Maximum limit of incentive is Rs 1 crore. 7. Act as a nodal agency for achieving the goals of Universalisation of Elementary Key Features of the Scheme: Education. ●● Scheme is made attractive for both smaller and larger units. Smaller units with an investment Central Sector Scheme for Industrial in plant & machinery uptoRs. 50 crore will get Development of Jammu & Kashmir a capital incentive uptoRs. 7.5 crore and get Why in the news? capital interest subvention at the rate of 6% for The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs maximum 7 years. chaired by Prime Minister of India has approved the ●● The scheme aims to take industrial development Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development to the block level in UT of J&K, which is first of Jammu & Kashmir. time in any Industrial Incentive Scheme of the Government of India and attempts for a more The scheme is approved with a total outlay of Rs. sustained and balanced industrial growth in the 28,400 croreupto the year 2037. entire UT. Important Points: ●● Scheme has been simplified on the lines of ease ●● Government of India has formulated New of doing business by bringing one major incen- Industrial Development Scheme for Jammu tive- GST Linked Incentive- that will ensure & Kashmir as Central Sector Scheme for the less compliance burden without compromising development of Industries in the UT of Jammu on transparency. & Kashmir. ●● Scheme envisages greater role of the UT of ●● The main purpose of the scheme is to generate J&K in registration and implementation of

the scheme while having proper checks and ●● Customers without any private siding of their balances by having an independent audit agency own relying totally on public good sheds, before the claims are approved. sidings will come next in the priority list. ●● It is not a reimbursement or refund of GST but Significance of the Policy: gross GST is used to measure eligibility for ●● Iron-ore is the second most important stream industrial incentive to offset the disadvantages of traffic of Railways and along with steel that the UT of J & K face. accounts for nearly 17% (53.81 Million Tonne ●● Earlier schemes though offered a plethora of Steel & 153.35 Million Tonne of Iron ore) of incentives. However, the overall financial of total 1210 Million Tonne freight loading of outflow was much lesser than the new scheme. IR in 2019-20. Iron-ore Policy 2021 ●● The new Iron-ore Policy, 2021 issued by the Ministry of Railways is expected to have a Why in the news? positive impact on the steel industry, provide Recently, the Ministry of Railways has approved powerful impetus to the core sector of the a new iron-ore policy governing the allocation of economy and boost the country’s economic rakes and transportation of iron-ore. growth. Important Points: 3rd phase of ●● This new policy will come into effect from PradhanMantriKaushalVikasYojana February 10, 2021. (PMKVY 3.0) ●● The provisions of the new policy will be Why in the news? updated in the rake allotment system module The third phase of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas by the Centre for Railway Information Systems Yojana was started in 600 districts across the (CRIS). country. ●● The aim of policy is to attune it to the present This phase will focus on new-age and COVID- day needs of customers and assure them that Indian Railways is fully committed to meet related skills. the complete requirement of transportation of Important Points: iron ore customers and provide total logistics ●● The third phase will be spearheaded by support to steel industry to meet the competitive the Ministry of Skill Development and challenges domestically and globally. Entrepreneurship (MSDE). ●● Under the policy, old and new plants will be ●● On the basis of the learning gained from treated similarly as far as allotment and loading PMKVY 1.0 and PMKVY 2.0, the Ministry has of rakes is concerned. improved the newer version of the scheme to Priority System of the Policy: match the current policy doctrine and energize ●● As per the new policy, higher priority will be the skilling ecosystem affected due to the given to the movement of iron-ore traffic for COVID-19 pandemic. domestic manufacturing activity. ●● PMKVY 3.0 envisages training of 8 lakh ●● Within the domestic movement of iron-ore candidates over a scheme period of 2020-2021 traffic, priority preference will be given to steel, with an outlay of Rs. 948.90 crore. pig iron, sponge iron, pellet, or sinter plant owning customers having their own private ●● The 729 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras sidings at both the loading as well as unloading (PMKKs), empaneled non-PMKK training ends. centres and more than 200 ITIs under Skill India will be rolling out PMKVY 3.0 training ●● They will be followed by customers with private siding at either loading or unloading end. to build a robust pool of skilled professionals.

Skill India Mission: initiatives by drastically enhancing the ●● “Skill India Mission” launched by the Prime effectiveness and efficiency of the various Minister of India in July 2015 has gained schemes in this domain. tremendous momentum through launch of its 1. Skill Loan Scheme flagship scheme PMKVY to unlock the vision ●● Under this scheme, loans ranging from Rs.5000 of making India the ‘Skill Capital’ of the world. to Rs. 1.5 lakhs will be provided for those seek- ●● The mission aims to train a minimum of 300 ing to attend skill development programmes. million skilled people by the year 2022. ●● The idea behind the scheme is to remove finan- Schemes under Skill India cial hurdles for people who want to upgrade 1. PradhanMantriKaushalVikasYojana their skills and learn new skills. (PMKVY): 2. National Policy for Skill Development and ●● It was launched in 2015. Entrepreneurship 2015 ●● It is a skill certification scheme that aims to ●● The chief objective of this policy is to match encourage the young population of the country the challenge of skilling at scale with speed, to take up training which is industry-relevant standard (quality), and sustainability. and builds them in skill development. ●● It aims to offer an umbrella framework to all ●● Owing to the success of PMKVY 1.0 wherein skilling activities carried out within India, to more than 19 lakh students were trained as align them to common standards and connect against the target of 24 lakh, the scheme was skilling with demand centres. relaunched as PMKVY 2.0 (2016-2020) with 5 Years of PradhanMantriFasalBimaYajana an allocated budget of Rs. 12000 Crores that (PMFBY) aims to train 10 million youth by the year 2020. Why in the news? ●● The scheme contains many specialised compo- The PradhanMantriFasalBimaYojana (PMFBY) suc- nents such as the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), Recognition of Prior cessfully completes 5 Years of operations on 13th Learning (RPL) etc. January 2021. 2. National Skill Development Mission (NSDM): Important Points: ●● NSDM was launched on 15th July 2015 on the ●● The PMFBY was launched in January 2016. occasion of World Youth Skills Day. ●● The average sum insured per hectare has ●● The NSDM was launched for creating con- increased from Rs. 15,100 during the pre-PM- vergence across various sectors and different FBY Schemes to Rs.40,700 under PMFBY. states with respect to activities relating to skills ●● As per the Union agriculture ministry, worth training. Rs. 90,000 crore have so far been disbursed to ●● The mission, apart from consolidating and farmers since the launch of the scheme. coordinating skilling efforts, would also facili- ●● Even during the COVID-19 lockdown period, tate decision making across sectors to achieve nearly 70 lakh farmers benefitted and claims quality skilling on a large scale. worth Rs. 8,741.30 crore were transferred to 3. Indian Skill Development Services (ISDS): the beneficiaries. ●● ISDS is a new central government service that ●● According to the ministry, the scheme covers has been created especially for the training over 5.5 crore farmer applications year-on-year. directorate of the Ministry of Skill Develop- PradhanMantriFasalBimaYojana: ment and Entrepreneurship. ●● PMFBY is the government sponsored crop ●● It is a Group ‘A’ service and is expected to insurance scheme that integrates multiple give a big push to the government’s skilling stakeholders on a single platform.

●● It was formulated in line with One Nation–One 1. The policy only prescribes guidelines on Scheme theme by replacing earlier two schemes homework and school bag weights for National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) classes I to X. and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS). 2. The weight of school bags from class I to X Objectives of PMFBY: should not exceed 10% of the bodyweight ●● It will provide insurance coverage and financial of the students. support to the farmers in the event of failure of 3. Even for pre-primary students, the school any of the notified crop as a result of natural bag should weigh 5% of their bodyweight. calamities, pests & diseases. ●● It will stabilise the income of farmers to ensure Select the correct answer using the code given their continuance in farming. below: ●● It will encourage farmers to adopt innovative (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 and modern agricultural practices. (c) Only 1 and 3 (d) Only 2 and 3 ●● It will ensure flow of credit to the agriculture 2. With reference to the National Council of Ed- sector. ucational Research and Training, which of the Key Features of PMKBY: following statements is/are correct? ●● According to its provisions, there will be a uniform premium of only 2% to be paid by 1. It is an autonomous organization under farmers for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all the Ministry of Skill Development and Rabi crops. Entrepreneurship ●● In case of annual commercial and horticultural crops, the premium to be paid by farmers will 2. It was set up in 1961. be only 5%. Select the correct answer using the code given ●● The premium rates to be paid by farmers are below: very low and balance premium will be paid by (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 the Government to provide full insured amount to the farmers against crop loss on account of (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 natural calamities. 3. With reference to the New Industrial ●● There is no upper limit on Government subsidy. Development Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir, Even if balance premium is 90%, it will be which of the following statements is/are borne by the Government. correct? ●● The use of technology will be encouraged in the PMFBY. Smart phones will be used to capture 1. It is a central sector scheme. and upload data of crop cutting to reduce the 2. The scheme is approved with a total outlay delays in claim payment to farmers. of Rs. 28,400 croreupto the year 2037. ●● Remote sensing will be used to reduce the number of crop cutting experiments. 3. It will generate employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir. MCQs Based on Government Scheme Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. With reference to the School Bag Policy, (a) Only 1 (b) Only 1 and 2 2020, which of the following statements is/are correct? (c) Only 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

4. Recently the new Iron-ore Policy 2021 has Select the correct answer using the code given been approved by- below: (a) Ministry of Railways (a) Only 1 (b) Only 1 and 3 (b) Ministry of Power (c) Only 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) Ministry of Coal Explanation (d) Ministry of Mines 5. With reference to the Iron-ore Policy 2021, which of the following statements is/are 1.(b) Exp: correct? Recently, a circular has been issued by the 1. As per the new policy, higher priority Directorate of Education asking schools to will be given to the movement of iron-ore follow the new 'School Bag Policy, 2020'. In traffic for domestic manufacturing activity. the policy, the guidelines on homework and the 2. The policy will come into effect from weight of school bags are laid down for classes February 2025. from I to XII. Across classes, I to X school bags Select the correct answer using the code given should not be more than 10% of the bodyweight below: of students and in pre-primary students, there should be no bags. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2.(b) Exp: 6. With reference to the 3rd phase of Pradhan National Council of Educational Research and Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, which of the Training (NCERT) is an autonomous organi- following statements is/are correct? zation under the Ministry of Education (MoE). 1. It will be spearheaded by the Ministry of It was set up in 1961.Its work is to assist the Labour and Employment. Central and State Governments on policies and 2. It envisages training of 8 lakh candidates programmes for qualitative improvement in over a scheme period of 2020-2021. school education.

Select the correct answer using the code given 3.(d) Exp: below: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 chaired by Prime Minister of India has approved (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 the Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Devel- 7. With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Fasal opment of Jammu & Kashmir.The scheme Bima Yojana, which of the following statements is approved with a total outlay of Rs. 28,400 is/are correct? crore upto the year 2037.The main purpose of 1. It was launched in year 2016. the scheme is to generate employment which 2. In case of annual commercial and horticul- directly leads to the socio economic develop- tural crops, only 15% premium will be paid ment of the area. by the farmers. 4.(a) Exp: 3. It was formulated by replacing National Agricultural Insurance Scheme and Mod- Recently, the Ministry of Railways has approved ified National Agricultural Insurance a new iron-ore policy governing the allocation Scheme. of rakes and transportation of iron-ore.

5.(a) Exp: (MSDE).PMKVY 3.0 envisages training of 8 lakh candidates over a scheme period of 2020- The new Iron-ore Policy 2021 will come into 2021 with an outlay of Rs. 948.90 crore. effect from February 10, 2021.As per the new policy, higher priority will be given to the move- 7.(b) Exp: ment of iron-ore traffic for domestic manufac- The PradhanMantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) turing activity. Within the domestic movement was launched in January 2016. It is the government of iron-ore traffic, priority preference will be sponsored crop insurance scheme that integrates given to steel, pig iron, sponge iron, pellet, or multiple stakeholders on a single platform. It sinter plant owning customers having their own was formulated in line with One Nation–One private sidings at both the loading as well as Scheme theme by replacing earlier two schemes unloading ends. National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) 6.(b) Exp: and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS). According to its provisions, The third phase of PradhanMantriKaushal- there will be a uniform premium of only 2% to VikasYojana has been started in 600 districts be paid by farmers for all Kharif crops and 1.5% across the country. This phase will focus on for all Rabi crops. In case of annual commercial new-age and COVID-related skills. The third and horticultural crops, the premium to be paid phase will be spearheaded by the Ministry by farmers will be only 5%. of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship □■□

India’s First Driverless Train ●● It is a RuPay debit card that can be used across Why in the news? India. Recently, the Prime Minister of India has inaugurated India’s first driverless train on the Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro.

●● It enables the cardholder to travel endlessly through various metros and other transport systems across the country. ●● It is also known as ‘One Nation, One Card’. Important Points: ●● The idea of NCMC was given by the Nandan ●● Driverless trains can completely eliminate the Nilekani Committee constituted by Reserve possibility of human errors due to minimal Bank of India (RBI). human intervention. ●● The committee had suggested that NCMC ●● DMRC has had driverless technology since should contain two instruments – a regular debit 2017, but the agency had been conducting card which can be used at an ATM and a local rigorous trials before launch. wallet. ●● The initial launch was set for May 2020 but ●● NCMC will allow entry and exit from metro it had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 stations with the help of a smartphone, known lockdown. as the automatic fare collection (AFC) system. ●● The Centre has also notified changes in the National Jal Jeevan Mission Innovation Metro Railways General Rules, 2020 as the pre- Challenge vious norms did not allow driverless services. Why in the news? ●● During the inauguration, the PM also launched the fully operational National Common Mobility The National Jal Jeevan Mission has launched an Card (NCMC) service on the Airport Express innovation challenge for developing portable devices Line. to test drinking water quality. National Common Mobility Card (NCMC): Important Points: ●● NCMC is a recent initiative of the Ministry of ●● The innovation challenge has launched with the Housing and Urban Affairs. partnership of the Department of Promotion of

Industry and Internal Trade. Union Territories. ●● The main objective of the innovation challenge Implementation of JJM: is to bring an innovative, modular, and cost-ef- ●● For the implementation of JJM, the institutional fective solution to develop portable devices arrangement has been proposed are: that can be used at the household level to test 1. National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM) – Cen- the drinking water quality instantly, easily and tral level accurately. 2. State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM) ●● According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, since the announcement of the Jal Jeevan Mission, – State level so far two crore 90 lakh households have been 3. District Water and Sanitation Mission provided tap water connections. (DWSM) – District level ●● The Uniform Drinking Water Quality Protocol, 4. Village Water Sanitation Committee 2019 has specified some important parameters (VWSC) – Village level to be monitored for assuring portability of drinking water as per BIS IS 10500:2012 and ●● Further, it was decided that every village will subsequent amendments. prepare a Village Action Plan (VAP) which will have three components: Water Quality Parameters under Jal Jeevan Mission: 1. Water source & its maintenance. 2. Water supply. 3. Greywater (domestic wastewater) management. Digital India Awards 2020 Why in the news? The Chief Minister Secretariat, Disaster Management Department along with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) of Bihar were jointly declared as winners in the “pandemic category” of Digital India Awards 2020.

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): ●● JJM was launched by the Government of India in August 2019 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. ●● It is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India. ●● The programme will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, rain water harvesting. ●● The fund sharing pattern between the Centre and Important Points: states is 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern ●● The Digital India Awards 2020 has been con- States, 50:50 for other states, and 100% for ferred by the President of India in New Delhi.

●● Digital India Awards have been institution- environment leading to the accomplishment of alized under the ambit of National Portal of sustainable development goals. India to honor exemplary initiatives/practices ♦♦ Excellence in Digital Governance – DIS- in Digital-Governance. TRICT: ●● These awards have been conducted by the ●● To reward the accomplishments of the District National Informatics Centre (NIC) under the administration which has displayed exemplary Ministry of Electronics & Information Tech- focus on providing comprehensive information nology (MeitY). to the citizens in the regional language. ●● These awards are given biennially. ♦♦ Open Data Champion: ●● The awards have been held for 5 seasons earlier, ●● Open Data Championship Award is to in 2009, 2012, 2014, 2016 & 2018. acknowledge the Ministries/ Departments/ ●● The Awards were initially known as Web Ratna Organizations/ States for proactive, timely and Awards until 2014 and were re-named Digital regular release of datasets/resources through India Awards from the 2016 season. Web Services/APIs on the Open Government National Portal of India: Data (OGD) Platform in compliance with the ●● It is a Flagship Project to facilitate single win- National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy dow access to Government Information and (NDSAP). Services in cyberspace. ♦♦ Exemplary Product: Award Categories: ●● The award honors those products that have ●● The 6th Digital India Awards 2020 have been made their mark in the field of Digital announced under the following six categories: Governance. The product must have shown a ♦♦ Innovation in Pandemic: high degree of replicability, scalability and must be successfully implemented by government ●● To felicitate a Government Entity which has departments/entities. developed an outstanding, innovative digital solution to facilitate the citizens to undertake National Summit on Good, Replicable various activities with ease during the time of Practices & Innovations pandemic in areas like communication, health, Why in the news? education, travel etc. or to ensure continuity of Recently, the Union Minister of Health and Family government services. Welfare digitally inaugurated the 7th National Sum- ♦♦ Excellence in Digital Governance – MIN- mit on Good, Replicable Practices & Innovations ISTRY / DEPARTMENT (Central): through a video conference. ●● To felicitate a Ministry or Department of the Important Points: Government of India which has a comprehen- ●● Ministry of Health & Family Welfare holds the sive digital presence and displays a high level National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices inter and intra-Department Integration in its and Innovations in Public Healthcare Systems digital initiatives. Integration with electronic in India. authentication and digital payments are also assessed. ●● The first summit was held in 2013 at Srinagar. ♦♦ Excellence in Digital Governance – ●● The Minister also launched New Health STATE / UT: Management Information System (HMIS) along with the Operational Guidelines for ●● The Award acknowledges the State/UT of India TB (Tuberculosis) services at AB-HWCs that displays exemplary initiative in establish- (Ayushman Bharat- Health & Wellness Centres) ing comprehensive digital presence in sectors and the Operational Guidelines 2020 on Active like health, labour, finance, social justice and Case Detection and Regular Surveillance for

Leprosy. About Tuberculosis & Leprosy: ●● The ultimate goal of these innovations is to ●● Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium improve the health status of the people on one called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. hand and strengthen Public Health Systems in ●● The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB a sustainable manner on the other. bacteria can attack any part of the body such Health Management Information System as the kidney, spine, and brain. (HMIS): ●● Not everyone infected with TB bacteria ●● HMIS is a Government to Government (G2G) becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related con- web-based Monitoring Information System ditions exist: latent TB infection (LTBI) and that has been put in place by the Ministry of TB disease. Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) to monitor ●● If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. the National Health Mission and other Health ●● Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease (HD), programmes and provide key inputs for policy is a chronic infectious disease caused by a formulation and appropriate programme inter- Mycobacterium (Mycobacterium leprae) affect- ventions. ing especially the skin and marginal nerves. ●● HMIS has been utilised in Grading of Health ●● It is characterized by the formation of nodules Facilities, identifications of aspirational districts, or macules that enlarge and spread with loss of review of State Programme Implementation sensation and eventually paralysis, wasting of Plan (PIPs), etc. muscle, and production of deformities. ●● The analytical reports generated through HMIS ●● If left untreated, leprosy can be progressive, also provide gap analysis and evidence based causing permanent damage to the skin, nerves, course correction. limbs and eyes. ●● HMIS was launched in October 2008. Cur- FSSAI Slashes Limit for Trans Fat Levels rently, around 2 lakh health facilities (across all in Foods States/UTs) are uploading facility wise service delivery data on monthly basis, training data on Why in the news? quarterly basis and infrastructure related data on Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority annual basis on HMIS web portal. of India (FSSAI) has capped the amount of Trans ●● HMIS captures facility-wise information as Fatty Acids (TFA) or Trans fats in oils and fats follows: to 3% for 2021 and 2% by 2022 from the current permissible limit of 5%. 1. Service Delivery (Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health related, Immunisation Important Points: family planning, Vector borne disease, ●● FSSAI has brought this change through an Tuberculosis, Morbidity and Mortality, amendment to the Food Safety and Standards OPD, IPD Services, Surgeries etc. data) (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regula- on a monthly basis. tions, 2011. 2. Training Data (Trainings imparted to ●● The revised regulation applies to edible refined Medicals and Paramedics staff at District oils, vanaspati (partially hydrogenated oils), and State level data) on quarterly basis. margarine, bakery shortenings and other medi- ums of cooking such as vegetable fat spreads 3. Infrastructure (Manpower, Equipment, and mixed fat spreads. Cleanliness, Building, Availability of Med- ical Services such as Surgery etc., Super ●● These regulations come at the time of a pan- Specialties services such as Cardiology demic where the burden of non-communicable etc., Diagnostics, Para Medical and Clinical diseases has risen. Services etc. data) on annual basis. ●● Cardiovascular diseases along with diabetes are

proving fatal for COVID-19 patients. 2. Fruit Products Order, 1955 What is Trans Fat? 3. Meat Food Products Order, 1973 ●● Trans- fat is also known as trans-fatty acids. 4. Vegetable Oil Products (Control) Order, ●● According to the World Health Organisation, 1947 trans-fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids that 5. Edible Oils Packaging (Regulation) Order come from either natural or industrial sources. 1988 ●● Naturally occurring trans- fat comes from cows and sheep whereas industrially produced trans- 6. Milk and Milk Products Order, 1992 fat are formed in an industrial process that adds ●● These were repealed after commencement of hydrogen to vegetable oil, converting the liquid FSS Act, 2006. into a solid, resulting in ‘partially hydrogenated ‘Sea Vigil-21’ Exercise oil’. Why in the news? Health Issues with Trans Fat: The two day coastal defence exercise ‘Sea Vigil-21’ ●● Trans- fats have a specific chemical structure was conducted on 12 and 13 January 2021. that our body finds hard to metabolise and also trans- fats have no physiological role to play Important Points: in our body. ●● The exercise aims at assessing India’s ●● Trans- fats increase ‘bad’ LDL (Low- density preparedness in the domain of coastal defence lipoprotein) cholesterol and triglycerides, and and maritime security. reduce ‘good’ HDL (High- density lipoprotein) ●● The exercise involved deployment of the entire cholesterol, and can trigger diabetes, immune coastal security apparatus and more than 110 dysfunction and obesity among other things. surface assets of Indian Navy (IN) and Coast ●● The WHO estimates that every year, trans fat Guard (CG) participated in the exercise. leads to more than 5,00,000 deaths worldwide, ●● In addition, a large number of Marine Police mostly from cardiovascular diseases. Hence, and Customs assets were also deployed. eliminating trans- fats is crucial. ●● The entire coastline was kept under surveillance ●● Those who eat more trans- fats have higher by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard aircraft, levels of C-reactive protein (a biomarker for and helicopters were also pressed into service inflammation in the body). Further, trans- fat to reinforce Special Operations personnel consumption is linked with poor memory and operating onboard offshore platforms. higher risk for dementia too. ●● This exercise also validated the technical Food Safety and Standards Authority of India surveillance infrastructure called the National (FSSAI) Command, Control, Communication and ●● FSSAI is an autonomous statutory body estab- Intelligence (NC3I) Network. lished under the Food Safety and Standards Act, ●● The Information Management and Analysis 2006. Centre (IMAC) at Gurugram and its various ●● It is administered by the Ministry of Health & nodes across Indian Navy and Coast Guard Family Welfare, Government of India. stations were exercised for coordinating the surveillance and information dissemination ●● It is headquartered in Delhi. mechanism. ●● The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 About Sea Vigil: consolidates various acts & orders that had earlier handled food related issues in various ●● In India’s largest coastal defence drill, the Sea Ministries and Departments, such as– Vigil exercise helps to ensure that the coastal defences of the country are unbreachable. 1. Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954

●● The exercise also assures that the gaps in coastal ●● Atomic Clocks deviate only one second in up security as perceived after the 2008 Mumbai to 100 million years. Terror Attack are now packed. ●● The Prime Minister expressed happiness over ●● The inaugural edition of the exercise took place CSIR-NPL National Atomic Timescale which in January 2019. he dedicated to humanity. National Metrology Conclave 2021 ●● He said that India has become self-reliant in measuring the time within the range of a nano Why in the news? second. Recently, the Prime Minister of India delivered inau- ●● The National Atomic Time Scale will generate gural address at the National Metrology Conclave Indian Standard Time (IST) with an accuracy 2021. of 2.8 nanoseconds. He dedicated National Atomic Timescale and Bhar- ●● Now Indian Standard Time is matching the tiya Nirdeshak Dravya Pranali to the Nation and laid International Standard Time with the accuracy the Foundation Stone of National Environmental range of less than 3 nano second. Standards Laboratory through a video conference. ●● This will be a big help for organizations like Important Points: ISRO who are working with cutting edge tech- ●● The Conclave was organised by Council of nology. Scientific and Industrial Research-National ●● Modern technology related Banking, railways, Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi, defense, health, telecom, weather forecast, on its 75th year of inception. disaster management and many similar sectors ●● The theme of the conclave is ‘Metrology for will be benefited greatly from this achievement. the Inclusive Growth of the Nation’. NCAVES India Forum-2021 ●● Metrology is the science of measurement, Why in the news? embracing both experimental and theoretical determinations at any level of uncertainty in Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of the any field of science and technology. Ecosystem Services (NCAVES) India Forum-2021 is being organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya: Programme Implementation (MoSPI). ●● Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya would help the industry to make quality products in sectors like The project has been launched in a virtual format. Heavy metals, Pesticides, Pharma and Textiles by drafting a ‘Certified Reference Material System’. ●● According to the PM, now the industry is moving towards Consumer Oriented Approach instead of Regulation Centric Approach. ●● He said with these new standards, there is a campaign to bring global identity to local products in districts across the country, which will be of particular benefit to our MSMEs sector. National Atomic Timescale: ●● Atomic Time provides the exact speed at which the clock ticks. ●● In technical words, it measures the actual length Important Points: of a second.

●● The NCAVES Project is funded by European ●● The picture was found in the Leang Tedong- Union (EU). nge cave in a remote valley on the island of ●● It has been jointly implemented by the United Sulawesi. Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the United ●● It provides the earliest evidence of human Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and settlement of the region. the Secretariat of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD). ●● India is one of the five countries taking part in this project - the other countries being Brazil, China, South Africa and Mexico. ●● In India, the NCAVES project is being implemented by the MoSPI in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC). ●● MoSPI has coordinated with all the stakeholders through a consultative process by setting ●● The report says that the painting, which measures in place a mechanism for linking the diverse 136cm by 54cm (53in by 21in), depicts a pig stakeholders concerned. with horn-like facial warts characteristic of ●● NCAVES India Forum 2021 is being organised adult males of the species. in a virtual format, with live sessions on January ●● There are two hand prints above the back of the 14, 21 and 28, 2021, focusing on: pig, which also appears to be facing two other 1. January 14, 2021: Efforts made by the pigs that are only partially preserved. international agencies in the domain of ●● The previously oldest dated rock art ‘scene’ natural capital accounting and valuation of at least 43,900 years old, was a depiction of hybrid human-animal beings hunting Sulawesi ecosystem services warty pigs and dwarf bovids. 2. January 21, 2021: Policy Demand for Faecal Sludge & Septage Management in NCA in India Urban Areas 3. January 28, 2021: Achievements in nat- Why in the news? ural capital accounting and valuation of Recently, NITI Aayog has released a book on faecal ecosystem services and prospects of natural sludge and septage management in urban areas. capital accounting in India Important Points: World’s Oldest Animal Cave Painting ●● The book aims to provide a comprehensive Why in the news? resource to Indian cities as they plan sustainable and inclusive sanitation. A team of archaeologists from Australia and Indone- ●● It has been jointly developed with the National sia has discovered the world’s oldest known animal Faecal Sludge and Septage Management cave painting in Indonesia. (NFSSM) Alliance. Important Points: ●● NFSSM Alliance has worked with state ●● According to archaeologists, the painting governments on various innovative models, policies and guidelines across the sanitation belongs to the Sulawesi warty pig (wild pig) value chain to ensure our cities’ waste is and it is believed that it was built 45,500 years effectively managed. ago.

●● The report mentions that about 60% of urban ●● FSSM planning prioritizes human excreta man- households rely on onsite sanitation systems, agement, a waste stream with a high potential which require dedicated planning for man- for spreading diseases. agement of waste collected in these systems’ ●● Safe sanitation is a strong contributor to both containment structures. public health and environmental sustainability, ●● The book presents 27 case studies across 10 and needs focused attention, especially the safe states and various service and business models and complete treatment of all human waste. adopted by Indian cities while implementing ●● The planning strategies entail emptying, faecal sludge and septage management (FSSM) transportation, treatment, and safe disposal of initiatives. waste and possible reuse of output products ●● Universal access to toilets was achieved in urban post-treatment. India with the construction of 66 lakh household ●● It is a low-cost and easily scalable sanitation toilets and more than 6 lakh community and solution. public toilets. ●● Many Indian cities have come up with exem- ●● After achieving the target of ‘Open-Defecation- plary FSSM planning models, with optimal Free’ (ODF), India has now moved towards private-sector participation and greater mech- becoming ODF+ and ODF++. anization of operations. ●● These targets go beyond the concept of access Fire in Dzukou valley to sanitation and aim for safely managed sanitation systems, with adequate treatment and Why in the news? safe disposal of toilet waste. According to the Nagaland State Disaster Manage- ♦♦ ODF+ focuses on toilets with water, main- ment Authority (NSDMA), the forest fire in the tenance and hygiene Dzukou Valley on the Nagaland-Manipur border has been doused. ♦♦ ODF++ focuses on toilets with sludge and septage management. Important Points: ●● According to NITI Aayog CEO, Due to con- ●● The wildfire broke out in Dzukou valley on certed efforts under Swachh Bharat Mission, December 29. more than 7 million toilets have been constructed ●● NSDMA will assess the damage caused to the in urban areas and several transformative initi- forest, environment and other flora and fauna atives have been implemented, thus enabling in Dzukou valley. India to leapfrog in the sanitation sector like ●● This valley is highly prone to forest fires and never before. has had such incidences in 2006, 2010, 2012 What is FSSM planning? and 2015 before this year.

●● A wildfire, wildland fire is an unplanned, Causes of Wildfire: uncontrolled fire in an area of combustible ●● Wildfire can be caused by human actions or vegetation that starts in rural areas and urban natural causes like lightning in extreme drought areas. conditions. ●● In the North-Eastern parts of India, the major reason for a wildfire is slash and burn cultivation popularly called as Jhoom Cultivation. ●● This is why the fires are most common during the months of January to March. ●● The fire is unlikely in the tropical evergreen forests but it is can easily affect the dry decid- uous forests of the region. ●● Last year such fire was the reason for great damage in Australia World Hindi Day Why in the news: Dzukou Valley: Recently, World Hindi Day was observed all over ●● Dzukou Valley is popularly called the valley the world on 10 January. of flowers. It is located at the border area of Nagaland and Manipur. Important Points: ●● It is about 30 km from Nagaland’s capital ●● “Vishwa Hindi Divas” commemorates the Kohima and it is a popular trekking destination anniversary of the first World Hindi Conference known for its lilies and biodiversity. held in Nagpur on January 10, 1975. ●● It is also home to the endangered Blyth’s tra- ●● The conference was inaugurated by the then gopan — Nagaland’s state bird. prime minister Indira Gandhi in Nagpur. ●● It is situated at an altitude of 2438 metres behind the Japfu mountains. The Pulie Badze ●● World Hindi Day was first celebrated in 2006 Wildlife Sanctuary is located close to it. by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. ●● The forests are home to many vulnerable species ●● The aim of the conference was to promote of wild animals and birds Hindi language worldwide. ●● There are no humans in the forest. ●● On this day most of the schools and colleges ●● The major population of vegetation that is across the country encourage students to partici- found in the forests is of bamboos and grasses. pate in various literary and cultural programmes ●● The valley also houses the famous endemic like poems competitions, essays, and letters Dzukou Lilium Chitrangada. writing completion in the language. ●● Birds found in the valley are Rufous-Necked ●● Apart from India, the language is also spoken Hornbill and Dark Rumped Swift along with in Nepal, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suri- endangered Western Hoolock Gibbons. name, Fiji, and Mauritius. ●● The valley hosts the Angami population and ●● “Hindi Diwas” and “World Hindi Diwas” are has been a bone of contention between the state celebrated on two different dates. governments of Manipur and Nagaland.

●● Hindi Diwas is celebrated on 14 September. is also famous for other historical temples, Sri First Direct Flight between Kalaburagi to Venkateshwara National Park, Deer Park, Tir- upati, & Talakona Waterfalls. Tirupati Flagged Off Under UDAN ●● The century old temples in Tirupati are one of Why in the news? the first choices of the pilgrims of the country. Star Air has commenced the direct daily flight ●● Moreover, the Tirumala Hills in Tirupati is the operations from Kalaburagi, Karnataka to Tirupati, second oldest rock mountain hills in the world. Andhra Pradesh under the RCS-UDAN scheme of Government of India. Regional Connectivity Scheme- Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN): Important Points: ●● The decision has been taken as a result of the ●● It is a regional connectivity scheme that links frequent applications to commence flight opera- remote locations of the country by air at the tions from Kalburgi to Tirupati received by the subsided fare. Ministry of Civil Aviation. ●● The scheme is a part of the National Civil ●● Due to the unavailability of any direct transpor- Aviation Policy (NCAP). tation mode between these two cities, people ●● It is funded jointly by the Government of India had to travel either by road or had to opt for a and the state governments. rail journey combined with a road trip. ●● In the UDAN scheme, airlines participating are ●● It took more than 12 hours by road & more selected via a competitive bidding process. than 20 hours by train & bus to cover the entire ●● So far, 4 rounds of this scheme have been journey of 630 km. implemented. ●● Now, people can opt for a direct flight and ●● In December 2019, the fourth round of cover this long-distance journey in just 70 mins. UDAN was launched. It focussed on ●● Star Air was awarded the Kalaburagi- Tirupati North-Eastern Regions, the hilly states, and route under the RCS-UDAN-3 bidding process islands. last year. Kalaburagi Airport: MCQs Based on Miscellaneous ●● Kalaburagi airport recently completed a successful 1 year of service. 1. With reference to the National Common ●● The airport has become the fastest growing Mobility Card, which of the following airport in the country. statements is/are correct? ●● More than 1000 flights have ferried more than 1. It is a RuPay debit card that can be used 43,000 people from the airport. across India. Tirupati: 2. It enables the cardholder to travel endlessly ●● It is also called as the ‘Spiritual Capital of Andra Pradesh’. through various metros and other transport systems across the country. ●● It is home to the most famous and auspicious Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple popularly 3. It is a recent initiative of the Ministry of called ‘Tirupati Balaji Temple’ which has its Road Transport and Highways. name in the most-visited shrine across the globe. Select the correct answer using the code given ●● The temple attracts 50,000 to 100,000 devotees below: every day. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 1 and 2 ●● Apart from the Tirupati Balaji temple, the place (c) Only 1 and 3 (d) Only 2 and 3

2. When was World Hindi Day recently Explanation celebrated?

(a) 6 January (b) 8 January 1.(b) Exp: National Common Mobility Card is a recent (c) 10 January (d) 12 January initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban 3. With reference to the JalJeevan Mission, which Affairs.It is a RuPay debit card that can be used of the following statements is/are correct? across India.It enables the cardholder to travel endlessly through various metros and other 1. It was launched under the Ministry of Jal transport systems across the country.It is also Shakti. known as 'One Nation, One Card'. 2. It envisages supply of water to every rural 2.(c) Exp: household by 2022. Recently, World Hindi Day was observed all 3. The central Government will provide 100% over the world on 10 January.World Hindi Day fund for the mission. or ‘Vishwa Hindi Divas’ commemorates the Select the correct answer using the code given anniversary of the first World Hindi Conference below: held in Nagpur on January 10, 1975. 3. (a) Exp: (a) Only 1 and 2 (b) Only 2 JalJeevan Mission was launched by the Govern- (c) Only 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 ment of India in August 2019 under the Ministry 4. What is the level of trans-fat in foods by FSSAI of Jal Shakti. It is envisioned to provide safe for 2022? and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all (a) 2% (b) 3% households in rural India. The fund sharing (c) 4% (d) 5% pattern between the Centre and states is 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern States, 50:50 5. With reference to the National Atomic Times- for other states, and 100% for Union Territories. cale, which of the following statements is/are correct? 4.(a) Exp: Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Author- 1. It can measure the actual length of a second. ity of India (FSSAI) has capped the amount of 2. It will generate Indian Standard Time (IST) Trans Fatty Acids (TFA) or Trans fats in oils with an accuracy of 2.8 nanoseconds. and fats to 3% for 2021 and 2%by 2022 from the current permissible limit of 5%. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 5.(c) Exp:

(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 The National Atomic Time Scale will generate Indian Standard Time (IST) with an accuracy (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 of 2.8 nanoseconds. Atomic Time provides the exact speed at which the clock ticks. In technical words, it measures the actual length of a second. □■□

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