1 volume: 8 · 2020-03-18 · 11.4 Conservation Plan for Konark Temple 123 12.Social Development:...
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Transcript of 1 volume: 8 · 2020-03-18 · 11.4 Conservation Plan for Konark Temple 123 12.Social Development:...
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I would like to thank my outstanding and brilliant team
members who have given their valuable support,
cooperation, suggestions and expert advice from time to
time in successfully completing this magazine and
encourage me throughout this work.
DATE: 07 /MARCH/2020 A. SIDHARTH
M.A., PH.D IN GEOGRAPHY
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February 2020 www.iasupsc.com
Sr. No. TOPICS Pg.
No.
1. National and International events
1.1 Pakistan to remain FATF’s ‘Grey List’ 8
1.2 International Judicial Conference 2020 10
1.3 Indias first private gold mine to be set up in Jonnagiri, Andhra Pradesh 12
1.4 Gold Deposits in Sonbhadra 16
1.5 The UAE approves to operate the first nuclear power plant 20
1.6 Battle of Gallipoli 23
1.7 New Zealand unveils first AI police officer called Ella 26
1.8 Iran celebrates 1979 Islamic Revolution 27
2. Life History of Great Persons 2.1 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 29
2.2 Morarji Desai 36
2.3 Guru Ravidas 38
3. Global Trends/Index/Reports on Various Issues
3.1 India ranks 35th in 2019 WEFFI list 42
3.2 Poor Compensation Rate for Trafficking Survivors 43
3.3 ‘A Future for the World’s Children’ report 45
3.4 Global Health Security (GHS) Index, 2019 46
3.5 World Air Quality Report 2019 49
3.6 India ranked 77th on the Sustainability Index as per UN report 51
3.7 SASE reported that Himalayas get 20 percent above normal snowfall in 30 years 54
3.8 Hindi is the 3rd most spoken language of the world 55
3.9 India ranked 40th in the International IP Index 56
3.10 Maharashtra tops list of States hit by global medical data leak 57
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4. The days have national and international importance 4.1 Statehood Day of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh 58
4.2 World NGO Day is observed on 27 February 70
4.3 World Unnani Day was observed on 11 February 71
4.4 International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on 11 February 73
4.5 First anniversary of National War Memorial 74
4.6 National Womens Day is observed on 13 February 76
4.7 World rare disease day 77
4.8 National Deworming Day 78
4.9 National Science Day 79
4.10 National Protein Day 82
4.11 World Pulses Day is observed on 10 February 84
4.12 World Day of Social Justice 85
4.13 World Cancer Day 86
4.14 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 87
5. National and International Institutions/Agency 5.1 BIMSTEC ‘Conference on Combating Drug Trafficking’ 89
5.2 National Statistical Commission 90
5.3 Brexit Deal 92
6. Indian Defence
6.1 Permanent Commission for Women 94
6.2 New structure for Military Affairs 97
6.3 U.S. nod for air defence system sale to India 98
6.4 Indian Army develops cheapest gunshot locator device-Parth 99
7. Indian Polity, Governance, Constitution, Security and Justice
7.1 JK, Ladakh is to come under the jurisdiction of CAT 100
7.2 Supreme Court upholds changes to SC/ST atrocities law 101
8. Political System
8.1 Cabinet approved the 22nd Law Commission for 3 years 103
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8.2 Motion of thanks to President’s Address 104
8.3 Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) 106
8.4 Gram Nyayalayas 107
9. Social Welfare Schemes: Tourism and Agriculture
9.1 Bhutan’s new tourism fee 108
9.2 Cauvery Delta Declared as a Protected Special Agriculture Zone 109
9.3 Pesticides Management Bill, 2020 114
9.4 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana: 32 projects sanctioned 116
9.5 PM to launch 10,000 Farmers Producer Organisations 117
10. Social Justice: Human Rights/Women Empowerment /Child Rights
10.1 Panel suggests steps to curb child porn 118
11. Social Life: Art, Culture, Languages, Heritages And Religion
11.1 Hunar Haat 119
11.2 Kiliki language 120
11.3 Hampi 121
11.4 Conservation Plan for Konark Temple 123
12. Social Development: Health Sector/Education Reforms
12.1 H1N1 infection 124
12.2 Genome India project 125
12.3 Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Bill 127
12.4 Uniform Code of Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices (“UCPMP Code”) 128
12.5 India develops new vaccine to control classical swine fever 130
12.6 Global Forum on Childhood Pneumonia 131
12.7 World’s First Transcatheter Mitral Valve Approved in Europe 133
13. Indian Economy
13.1 Vivad Se Vishwas scheme 134
13.2 Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) 135
13.3 Repo rate remains unchanged as per the 6th bi-monthly monetary policy statement 136
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14. General Science/Technology 14.1 SyRI- an identification mechanism 137
14.2 NASA sends a Solar Orbiter probe to map poles of the sun 139
14.3 ISRO launches a low-cost satellite launch vehicles 140
14.4 Vikram Sarabhai 142
14.5 Scientists Discover Warm Water in Antarctica below Doomsday Glacier 143
15. Industrialization and Infrastructure
15.1 Apiary on Wheels 145
15.2 India to partially import the US poultry and dairy markets 146
15.3 NH 66 expansion hit more lives, ecology than estimated 147
15.4 National Technical Textiles Mission 148
16. Biodiversity and Climate Change
16.1 Scientist discover first-ever animal that does not need oxygen to breathe 149
16.2 Pakke Tiger Reserve 150
16.3 Wildfires in the Mukurthi National Park 153
16.4 India’s bird population suffers long-term decline 154
16.5 New Species of Urban Lizard 155
16.6 Indian Pangolin 156
17. Sustainable Development
17.1 Ujh Multipurpose Project 158
17.2 INCOIS launched 3 technological support and alert systems 159
18. Renewable Energies
18.1 New Reserves of Natural Gas found in UAE 161
18.2 Lithium reserve of 14,100 tonnes found in Mandya, Bengaluru 162
19. Social Sector/Government Initiatives and General Issues on Environmental Ecology
19.1 Jal Jeevan Mission 163
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20. Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social and Economic 20.1 1000 springs initiative 165
21. 50 Sample UPSC Prelims Questions
167
22. Answer key
186
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CONTEXT:
The International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG) of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommended that Pakistan be retained on the ‘Grey List’.
WHAT HAD HAPENED?
Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the FATF last year for failing to curb anti-terror financing
WHY?
Due to it’s failure to completely implement the 27-point action plan to check terror financing
FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE (FATF):
Inter-governmental body established in 1989 on the initiative of the G7. Secretariat is housed at the OECD headquarters in Paris. Generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms
in various areas to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational
measures Combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of
the international financial system.
OVERVIEW
Formation: 1989; 31 years ago
Type: Intergovernmental organization
Purpose: Combat money laundering and terrorism financing
Headquarters: Paris, France
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Region served: Worldwide
Membership: 39
Official language: English, French
President: Xiangmin Liu
Website: www.fatf-gafi.org
Affiliations:
1. Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), 2. Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), 3. The Council of Europe Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti Money Laundering
Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL), 4. Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering in South America (GAFISUD), 5. Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF)
THE 39 MEMBERS OF THE FATF: The FATF currently comprises 37 member jurisdictions and 2 regional organisations, representing most major financial centres in all parts of the globe.
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
China
Denmark
European Commission
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Gulf Co-operation Council
Hong Kong, China
Iceland
India
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Republic of Korea
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mexico
Netherlands, Kingdom of
New Zealand
Norway
Portugal
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
United Kingdom
United States
FATF OBSERVERS: INDONESIA
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The Financial Action Task Force,
or FATF, was originally started
to combat money laundering. It
has been expanded to also
target the financing for
weapons of mass destruction,
corruption, and terrorist
financing.
The task force was started in
1989 in Paris, where it is still
called the Groupe d'action
Financière.
FATF ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:
Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Council
of Europe Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL) Eurasian Group (EAG) Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG)
Financial Action Task Force of Latin America (GAFILAT) (formerly known as Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering in South America (GAFISUD
Inter Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF)
Task Force on Money Laundering in Central Africa (GABAC)
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: FATF’s ‘Grey List’, LAWS &
REGULATIONS CRIME & FRAUD
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The International Judicial Conference 2020 was held from 21st-23rd February, 2020 in New Delhi.
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ORGANIZED BY:
The Supreme Court of India
THEME:
‘Judiciary and the Changing World’
IMPORTANT TOPICS OF DISCUSSION AT THE CONFERENCE INCLUDED:
o Gender Justice, o Contemporary Perspectives on Protection of Constitutional Values, o Dynamic Interpretations of the Constitution in a Changing World, o Harmonisation of Environment Protection vis-à-vis Sustainable Development and o Protection of Right to Privacy in the Internet Age.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CONFERENCE:
Sustainable Development:
The Indian judiciary was appreciated for its balance between development and environment, and continued guidance in it. E.g. Judgement on Sardar Sarovar Project
Increased Accessibility:
The Supreme Court was hailed for the “extraordinary effort” to make its judgments more accessible to the common man by making them available in nine vernacular languages, keeping in mind the nation’s linguistic diversity.
Gender Justice:
The recent directives for granting equal status to women in the Army, guidelines for preventing sexual harassment at the workplace, etc. were appreciated.
Global Reference:
The Chief Justice of India said that the Supreme Court’s judgments are cited by courts of other countries and have served as a “beacon of hope” to independent and developing nations.
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A 2001 verdict of the South African court cited the Indian case of Narain Das Jain v Agra Nagar Mahapalika decided by the Supreme Court in 1991 to benchmark the compensation to be provided while acquiring land.
Use of ICT:
The need for technology was highlighted to deliver speedy justice.
The Government is making an effort to connect every court of the country to the E-court Integrated Mission Mode Project. The establishment of the National Judicial Data Grid will make court procedures easier.
FUTURE CHALLENGES:
It was highlighted that issues like data protection and cyber-crimes pose new challenges for the judiciary.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONFERENCE
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
India’s first private gold mine operation will begin in the last quarter of 2021 at Jonnagiri in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
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ABOUT THE PROJECT:
The land acquisition for the mining project is expected to be completed in the next six months. Geomysore Services India Pvt Ltd is in the process of acquiring the land by negotiating with farmers and completing exploratory mining.
JONNAGIRI GOLD PROJECT
The flagship project of GMSI – Jonnagiri Gold Project, includes a granted Mining Lease (ML) and
a NI 43-101 compliant Feasibility Study.
GMSI is developing an open pit mine and processing facility at Jonnagiri, which will be the first
private sector gold mine with an integrated processing facility in India in the last 70 years.
GEOLOGICAL SETTING:
Figure 1 Location Map of Jonnagiri Gold Project
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The Archaean Dharwar Craton of southern India is known for gold mineralization and it hosts
two of the largest, world class gold deposits of India, Kolar and Hutti.
Dharwar Craton is a composite of Meso- to Neo-Archaean volcano-sedimentary belts,
basement gneissic complex and intrusive granitoids.
It is divided into two broad litho-structural domains, Western and Eastern Dharwar Craton,
which are interpreted to have been evolved in back-arc and arc settings, respectively.
The volcano-sedimentary belts of the Eastern Dharwar Craton are narrow, linear and bounded
by brittle-ductile shear zones.
These narrow volcano-sedimentary belts of the Eastern Dharwar Craton host Kolar and Hutti
Gold Mines.
The Jonnagiri Gold Fields are also located in the Eastern Dharwar Craton and situated along
the same structural domain of Kolar and Hutti Belts.
Figure 2 Geological Map of Dharwar craton
LOCATION:
Jonnagiri gold project is located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. The project area is
about 250km north of Bangalore and situated near Gooty on Bangalore-Hyderabad National
Highway No.7.
The project area is about 14 km from Gooty and can be accessed through all weather road
throughout the year.
A broad gauge railway line passess through the ML area and the nearest railway station is
about 2 km from the project site. The nearest airports are at Kurnool and Bangalore.
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INFRASTRUCTURE:
Land The ML area covers 1500 acres of land which consists predominantly of privage agricultural
lands owned by about 500 landowners.
GMSI plans to purchase 350 acres of land on which the East Block open pit mine, processing
facility, Waste rock dump, TSF, water reservoir and other facilities will be built.
Balance 1150 acres of thewill be taken under annual long term lease basis, on which further
exploration will be undertaken to identify additional resources and expand the life of the
project. This 1150 acres cover West , South and North Blocks, as well as other potential shear
zones within the ML area.
Water
Jonnagiri Project requires about 1600 m3/day of water. The ML area is in a water scarce area and hence needed to be pumped and stored on a site in
a dedicated reservoir. The water will be pumped from Handri Neeva Srujala Sravanthi (HNSS) canal which is situated
about 18km from the project site. Government of Andhra Pradesh has issued a Government Order permitting GMSI to draw
water from the HNSS canal through a dedicated water pipeline. Power
Jonnagiri Project requires 5 Mv power during its peak production stage. GMSI is seeking
approval from Andhra Pradesh Power Distribution Company to draw the power through a
33kv dedicated power line from Gooty substation which is situated about 13 km from the
project site.
Power requirement during the construction phase will be met from a 11kv line from Jonnagiri
substation which is about 3 km from the site.
GMSI has permission for the construction power.
FINANCIAL PLANS:
Gold price of INR 2806 / gm based on Indian Bullion Jewellers Association (IBJA) 3 years average price
Exchange rate of INR 67.08 per USD 1 Mining Royalties and levies of 5.28% as per legislation Company tax at 34.6% as per legislation Discount Factor of 8.48% has been used based on the cost of capital in India Project requires INR 279 cr or USD 41 Million
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WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: how the gold mine project will be helpful to boost India’s Economy?
Sources: the Hindu , http://geomysore.australianindianresources.com/index.php/jonnagiri-
gold-project/
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CONTEXT:
The Geological Survey of India has rejected the UP government’s Department of Geology and Mining claims of discovering about 3,000 tonnes of gold deposits in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district, saying the actual estimated reserve stands at 160 kg.
SONBHADRA: "ENERGY CAPITAL OF INDIA" OR SWITZERLAND OF INDIA
o Sonbhadra or Sonebhadra is the second largest district by area of Uttar Pradesh, India. o Sonbhadra is the only district in India which borders four states namely Madhya Pradesh in
west, Chhattishgarh in south, Jharkhand in south east and Bihar in the northeast Sonbhadra is called as "Energy Capital of India" because there are so many power plants.
o Sonbhadra lies between vindhya and Kaimur hills, and its topology and natural environment prompted First Prime minister of India Pt. Jawarharlal Nehru to refer to Sonbhadra as The Switzerland of India.
GEOGRAPHY:
CLIMATE:
Sonbhadra has a relatively subtropical climate with high variation between summer and winter temperatures. The average temperature is 30 °C–46 °C in the summer and 2 °C–15 °C in the winter. The weather is pleasant in rainy season from July to October.
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MINERALS:
Sonbhadra district is an industrial zone and has lots of minerals like bauxite, limestone, coal, gold etc.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM:
It is drained by tributaries of the Ganges including the Belan and Karmanasha rivers. Son river flows through the district from west to east. Rihand river rises to the south in the highlands of Surguja district of Chhattisgarh and flows north to join the Son in the centre of Sonbhadra.
ECOLOGY:
The portion of the district north of the Son River lies in the Lower Gangetic plains moist deciduous forests ecoregion. The portion south of the Son lies in the Chhota Nagpur dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary lies mostly within Sonbhadra, reaching generally east and west along the Kaimur Range, and extending to the Son river at its eastern end.
OVERVIEW
Country: India
State: Uttar Pradesh
Division: Mirzapur
Established: 4 March 1989
Headquarters: Robertsganj
Tehsils: Robertsganj, Ghorawal, Dudhi
Area: Total 6,788 km2 (2,621 sq mi)
Major highways: NH 7, NH 75, SH 5A
Website: http://sonbhadra.nic.in
POPULATION (2011)
Figure 3 Location of Sonbhadra district in Uttar Pradesh
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The heroine of Famous
Novel Chandrakanta written
by Devaki Nandan Khatri was
the princess of Vijaygarh and
the daughter of King Jay Singh.
• Total 1,862,559
• Density 270/km2 (710/sq mi)
DEMOGRAPHICS
• Literacy 64 percent
• Sex ratio 918
GOVERNMENT
• District Magistrate S. Rajalingam(IAS)
• Lok Sabha constituencies Robertsganj
• Vidhan Sabha constituencies Robertsganj, Ghorawal, Obra, Dudhi
HISTORORICAL BACKGROUND
PRE-HISTORIC CAVE ART
The Valley of Son River abounds in caves which were the earliest dwellings of the primeval inhabitants. This area had been the centre of activities of pre-historic man which is evident from the rock paintings (pre-historic cave art) found in abundance in this region.
These historic paintings are about 4000 years old.
CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES OF RAMAYANA AND THE MAHABHARAT
Based on evidence from religious and cultural perspectives of Ramayana and the Mahabharat, Huyen found here is the cultural symbol. By Jarasandh many rulers in the Mahabharat were was maintained prisoner here.
'LOCAL' KINGS OF VIJAYGARH FORT, BRAHMADUTT DYNASTY, KUSHAN,
NAGAS AND GUPTA PERIOD
It is said that 'Bhars' had settlements along with Chero, Searis and Kharwar communities in the district up to 5th century there was the rule of 'local' kings on Vijaygarh Fort. This district was famous as second Kashi during 11th to 13th century.
In the 9th century B.C., the Brahmadutt dynasty was subdivided by Nagas.
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GURJARA-PRATIHARS, MAHMUD OF GHAZNI AND MUGHALS
Kushan and Nagas also held supremacy over this region before the advent of the Gupta period. After the death of Harshvardhan in the latter half of the 7th century, it remained under the control of the Gurjara-Pratihars till 1025 before they were driven out by Mahmud of Ghazni. This area was under the administration of various Governors of Mughal emperors. Some of the forts such as Agori Fort were under the control of Madan Shah.
NARAYN RULER AND BRITISHERS
During the 18th century, the district came under the control of the Narayan rulers of Benares State, who built or occupied several fortresses in the district. In the decade after 1775, the British took over administrative control of most of the territory of the rajas of Benares. The British district of Mirzapur included present-day Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts, with all of present-day Sonbhadra district included in Robertsganj tehsil. On 4 March 1989, Sonbhadra district was divided from Mirzapur district.
THE FORTS LOCATED IN THE DISTRICT:
Agori Fort Vijaygarh Fort Sodhrigarh Durg
INDUSTRIAL ZONE TO BOOST OUR ECONOMY
POWER PLANTS
Singrauli Super Thermal Power Station at Shaktinagar in Sonbhadra (NTPC) Rihand Thermal Power Station at Renukut (NTPC) Anpara (UPRVUNL), Obra (UPRVUNL), Renusagar (Hindalco) Pipri-Hydro (UPRVUNL) at Renusagar in 1967 ( BIRLA GROUP) at Renukut in 1998 Grasim Industries Limited
COAL MINES
NCL (a branch of Coal India Limited
DAM
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Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar OR Rihand Dam (1961)
ALUMINIUM PLANT
Hindalco at Renukut The Birla group at Renukut
CEMENT FACTORY
Churk in 1956 Dala in 1971
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: Importance of sonbhadra region in a perspective of ancient India,
Minerals and wildlife.
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) issued a licence for a reactor at its Barakah nuclear power plant on 17 February. The move is in line with the UAE’s vision to build a peaceful nuclear energy programme to cater to the future needs of energy in the country.
ABOUT BARAKAH PLANT:
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With this approval, the UAE became the first Arab country in the region to operate a nuclear power plant.
The approval was delayed since 2017 due to safety and regulatory requirements. Abu Dhabi authorities stated that the plant will start operating within a few months. The Barakah plant is located on the Gulf coast west of the UAE’s capital. The plant is being built by a consortium led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation in a deal
worth over $20 billion. The operation of the Barakah plant will contribute to the UAE’s efforts for development and
sustainability. Once made operational, the four reactors in the plant have the capacity to generate 5,600
megawatts (MW) of electricity, around 25% of the nation’s needs. The remaining three reactors are almost ready for operation.
Figure 4 BARAKAH NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
WHAT IS NUCLEAR ENERGY? A chain reaction, especially by fission or fusion, nuclear energy uses fuel made from mined and processed uranium to make steam and generate electricity.
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How does it work?
o A nuclear reactor produces electricity in much the same way other power plants do. The chain reaction produces the energy, which turns water into steam. The pressure of the steam turns a generator, which produces electricity.
o The difference is in how the heat is created. Power plants that run on fossil fuels burn coal, oil or natural gas to generate heat. In a nuclear energy plant, heat is produced from splitting atoms – a process called nuclear fission.
1. Nuclear reactor creates heat that is used to make steam 2. The steam turns a turbine connected to an electromagnet, called a generator 3. The generator produces electricity
EFFICIENCY:
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Nuclear generation is the only source of electricity that can produce a constant supply of power – known as baseload power—reliably without emitting greenhouse gases.
Nuclear energy has one of the lowest environmental impacts on land and natural resources of any electricity source.
HOW SAFE IS NUCLEAR POWER? The evidence over six decades shows that nuclear power is a safe means of generating electricity. The risk of accidents in nuclear power plants is low and declining. The consequences of an accident or terrorist attack are minimal compared with other commonly accepted risks.
WORLDWIDE FACTS
For more than 60 years, nuclear energy has provided the world with reliable electricity. Today, more than 400 reactors are operating in more than 30 countries.
These plants generate around 10 percent of the world’s electricity without emitting greenhouse gases.
More nations are exploring the use of nuclear energy, particularly as electricity demand increases and concerns about climate change rise.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: nuclear power plant BARAKAH, nuclear energy
Sources: the Hindu , https://www.enec.gov.ae/discover/
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CONTEXT:
Speaking to MPs at a joint session of Pakistan’s Parliament, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his country’s deep love and affection for Pakistan, strongly backed its position on Kashmir.
Erdogan went on to say that what happened in Turkey during World War I was now happening in Kashmir that is the Battle of Gallipoli
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In May 1915, Britain's First Sea
Lord Admiral John Fisher
resigned dramatically over the
mishandling of the Gallipoli
invasion by First Lord of the
Admiralty Winston Churchill. His
political capital damaged by the
debacle, the future prime
minister later resigned his own
position and accepted a
commission to command an
infantry battalion in France.
BATTLE OF GALLIPOLI:
The Gallipoli campaign, also known as the Dardanelles campaign, the Battle of Gallipoli or the Battle of Çanakkale, was a campaign of the First World War that took place on the Gallipoli peninsula (Gelibolu in modern Turkey), from 17 February 1915 to 9 January 1916.
The Battle of Çanakkale, also known as the Gallipoli campaign or the Dardanelles campaign, is considered to be one of the bloodiest of World War I, during which the Ottoman army faced off against the Allied forces, leading to the slaughter of tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides.
It was an unsuccessful attempt by the Allied Powers to control the sea route from Europe to Russia during World War I.
The campaign began with a failed naval attack by British and French ships on the Dardanelles Straits in February-March 1915 and continued with a major land invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25, involving British and French troops as well as divisions of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC).
Lack of sufficient intelligence and knowledge of the terrain, along with a fierce Turkish resistance, hampered the success of the invasion.
Figure 5 A merged image of present day Gallipoli and the same scene on 25 April 1915 Australian soldier lies injured in the foreground as troops move among the dead and wounded on the beach at Anzac Cove.
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WHAT HAPPENED?
In a military disaster 100 years ago, about 58,000 allied soldiers – including 29,000 British and Irish soldiers and 11,000 Australians and New Zealanders – lost their lives on the Gallipoli peninsula. A further 87,000 Ottoman Turkish troops died fighting the allies and at least 300,000 more on both sides were seriously wounded.
WHAT WAS THE OBJECTIVE?
Conceived by Winston Churchill as the First Lord of the Admiralty, the plan was to knock out Ottoman Turkey, Germany’s ally, out of the war. The goal of the naval and land operation was to open up the Dardanelles straits, heavily mined and defended on its western shore by Turkish coastal forts and gun batteries on the 50-mile Gallipoli peninsula, to allied ships, capture Constantinople – present-day Istanbul – and so link up with Russia. Churchill saw the campaign as a way of breaking the attritional deadlock on the western front. “Are there not other alternatives?” he said at the time.
WHAT WENT WRONG?
The repeated British and French bombardments beginning in mid-February against Turkish positions proved ineffective. A final attempt to force a passage up the Dardanelles in March ended in three allied battleships being sunk and three badly damaged. The two landings – one by British troops at Cape Helles, at the base of the peninsula, and the other on the western Aegean coast, in the area later known as Anzac Cove, by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – were met by fierce and disciplined Turkish opposition. Well dug in and heavily fortified on higher ground, they had been reinforced six times over. The allies had badly underestimated the capacity of the Turkish forces.
HOW MUCH HEADWAY DID THE ALLIES MAKE?
Most did not advance more than a few hundred metres from the shore where they were pinned down. The allies endured suffocating heat and were surrounded by rotting corpses that drew thick swarms of flies. They lacked water and thousands died from dysentery as disease spread. The campaign did divert large Turkish forces away from the Russians, but did not produce the desired strategic success.
HOW DID THE CAMPAIGN END?
The allied commander, Sir Ian Hamilton, was replaced by Sir Charles Munro and the allies withdrew in January 1916. In contrast to the attack the retreat was considered a major success. Churchill resigned from the government and went to command an infantry battalion in France. The disaster hastened Asquith’s resignation and his replacement as prime minister by David Lloyd George.
WHAT IS GALLIPOLI’S LEGACY?
The Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, said it “left horrific scars and was, in a critical sense, our nation’s baptism of fire – and 8,000 Australians didn’t come back”. Anzac day on 25 April – in
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remembrance of the Gallipoli campaign – is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. For Turkey, the victory saw the triumph of Mustafa Kemal, a 33-year-old lieutenant colonel who commanded the 19th Turkish Division and famously told his men: “I don’t order you to attack; I order you to die.” As Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, he became the founding father of the Turkish republic in 1923.
KEY OUTCOMES AND SIGNIFICANCE:
The campaign was considered a great Ottoman victory.
In Turkey, it is regarded as a defining moment in the history of the state, a final surge in the defence of the motherland as the Ottoman Empire retreated.
The struggle formed the basis for the Turkish War of Independence and the declaration of the Republic of Turkey eight years later.
The campaign is often considered to be the beginning of Australian and New Zealand national consciousness- April 25, anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, is observed as ANZAC Day, the day of national remembrance for the war dead.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: World War I, BATTLE OF GALLIPOLI
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
New Zealand Police has recruited an Artificial Intelligence (AI) cop called Ella to the force. New Zealand’s Intela AI and Soul Machines led the AI and digital human development of the AI cop.
AI-COP ELLA:
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Ella is a life-like virtual assistant. It uses real-time animation to emulate face-to-face interaction in
an empathetic way. It will be stationed in the lobby of the force’s national
headquarters in Wellington from 17 February. It will welcome visitors to the building, telling the staff that
they’ve arrived, and directing them to collect their passes. It can talk to visitors about certain issues, such as the force’s non-
emergency number and police vetting procedures.
After reviewing its current roles, a range of new responsibilities will be added in the future.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: virtual assistance, science and technology
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Iran celebrates 1979 Islamic Revolution.
ABOUT ISLAMIC REVOLUTION:
It was a popular uprising in Iran in 1978–79 that resulted in the toppling of the monarchy on February 11, 1979, and led to the establishment of an Islamic republic.
The Iranian Revolution, also known as the Islamic Revolution or the 1979 Revolution, was a series of events that culminated in the overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Who was supported by the United States.
REASONS ADVANCED FOR THE REVOLUTION INCLUDE:
Figure 6 AI-COP ELLA
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What was Iran called before
1979?
Since 1 April 1979, the official
name of the Iranian state is
Jomhuri-ye Eslāmi-ye Irān OR
the Islamic Republic of Iran in
English.
1. A backlash against Western imperialism. 2. The 1953 Iranian coup d’état. 3. A rise in expectations created by the 1973 oil revenue windfall. 4. An overly ambitious economic program. 5. Anger over a short, sharp economic contraction in 1977–78. 6. Other shortcomings of the previous regime.
OVERVIEW
Date: 7 January 1978– 11 February 1979
Location: Iran
Goals: Overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty
Losses: 183 protesters and prisoners killed
Caused by:
Discontent with the Shah's rule Exile of Ruhollah Khomeini Social injustice Religious motives
Methods:
Demonstrations Strikes Civil resistance
Resulted in
Overthrow of the Shah and monarchy 1979 oil crisis Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran replaced
Persian Constitution of 1906 with referendum Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini becomes the new
Supreme Leader of Iran Iran hostage crisis Beginning of the Iran–Iraq War
Figure 7 Mass demonstrations at College Bridge, Tehran
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WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: ISLAMIC REVOLUTION
Sources: the Hindu
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Figure 8 Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Last Shahanshah of Iran
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CONTEXT:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated on 19 February. He was an embodiment of courage, compassion and good governance. His life continues to motivate millions. The year 2020 marks the 390th birth anniversary of great Maratha warrior Shivaji.
EVENT:
o Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated as a public holiday in Maharashtra. o The day is celebrated on a grand scale in the state. o The celebration was first started in 1870 in Pune by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. He discovered
the tomb of Shivaji Maharaj on Raigad.
CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ: FOUNDER OF THE MARATHA EMPIRE
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a valorous warrior and an outstanding administrator. He was born 19 February 1630, at Shivneri Fort. He built a strong navy to usher several pro-
people policies. He opposed injustice and intimidation. In 1664, he sacked the Mughal trading port of Surat. In June 1665, Shivaji and Raja Jai Singh
I signed the Treaty of Purandar. In October 1670, he harassed the British forces at Bombay for their support of the Mughals.
He fell ill and died on 3 April 1680 at Raigad.
CHILDHOOD & EARLY LIFE
Shivaji Bhosle was born on February 19, 1630 to Shahaji Bhosle and Jijabai in the fort of Shivneri, near the city of Junnar of the Pune district. Shivaji’s father Shahaji was in service of the Bijapuri Sultanate-a tripartite association between Bijapur, Ahmednagar, and Golconda, as a general.
He also owned a Jaigirdari near Pune. Shivaji’s mother Jijabai was the daughter of Sindkhed leader Lakhujirao Jadhav and a deeply
religious woman. Shivaji was especially close to his mother who instilled in him a strict sense of right and
wrong. Since Shahaji spent most of his time outside of Pune, the responsibility of overseeing Shivaji’s
education rested on the shoulders of a small council of ministers. Shivaji turned out to be a born leader from a very young age.
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An active outdoorsman, he explored the Sahayadri Mountains surrounding the Shivneri forts and came to know the area like the back of his hands.
By the time he was 15, he had accumulated a band of faithful soldiers from the Maval region who later aided in his early conquests.
STRUGGLES WITH BIJAPUR
By 1645, Shivaji acquired control of several strategic from under the Bijapur Sultanate around Pune – Torna from Inayat Khan, Chakan from FirangojiNarsala, Kondana from Adil Shahi Governor, along with Singhagarh and Purandar.
Following his success, he had emerged as a threat for Mohammed Adil Shah who sent Afzal Khan, a powerful general in his employ to subdue Shivaji.
Figure 9 Shivaji
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Why is Shivaji Maharaj famous?
Chhatrapati Shivaji was called
as the 'Mountain Rat' and was
widely known for his guerrilla
warfare tactics. He was called so
because of his awareness in
geography of his land, and
guerrilla tactics like raiding,
ambushing and surprise attacks
on his enemies.
OVERVIEW
Name: Shivaji Bhonsle
Born: 19 February 1630, Shivneri
Died: 3 April 1680, Raigad Fort
Coronation: 6 June 1674 (first); 24 September 1674 (second)
Spouse: Sakvarbai, Putalabai, Sai Bhosale, Soyarabai
Children: Sambhaji, Rajaram I, Ambikabai Mahadik
Reign: 1674–1680
Seat of Power: Raigad Fort, Maharashtra
Successor: Sambhaji Bhonsle
CONFLICTS WITH THE MUGHALS
Shivaji’s conflicts with the Bijapuri Sultanate and his continuous victories brought him under the radar of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb saw him as a threat to expansion of his imperial intent and concentrated his efforts on eradicating the Maratha threat.
Aurangzeb directed Shaista Khan, Governor of Deccan and his maternal uncle, to subdue Shivaji. Shaista Khan launched a massive attack against Shivaji, capturing several forts under his control and even his capital Poona.
Shivaji escaped on August 17, 1666. In subsequent times, Mughal and Maratha hostilities were pacified to a large extent by constant mediation through Mughal Sardar Jaswant Singh.
Peace lasted till 1670, after which Shivaji launched an all-out offense against the Mughals. He recovered most of his territories sieged by the Mughals within four months.
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ENGLISH
Initial days of his reign, Shivaji maintained cordial relationships with the English till they supported the Bijapuri Sultanate in a confrontation against him in the capture of Fort of Panhala in 1660.
So in 1670, Shivaji moved against the English in Bombay for them not selling him war material. This conflict continued in 1971, when again the English refused their support in his attack of
Danda-Rajpuri, and he looted the English factories in Rajapur.
CORONATION AND CONQUESTS
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After having consolidated a considerable control over territories adjoining Poona and Konkan, Shivaji decided to adopt a Kingly title and establish the first Hindu Sovereignty in South, that was till now dominated by Muslims.
He was crowned the King of Marathas on June 6, 1674, at Raigadh in an elaborate coronation ceremony.
POST-CORONATION
The Marathas under Shivaji’s directives launched aggressive conquest efforts to consolidate most of the Deccan states under the Hindu Sovereignty.
He conquered Khandesh, Bijapur, Karwar, Kolkapur, Janjira, Ramnagar and Belgaum. He captured forts at Vellore and Gingee, controlled by the Adil Shahi rulers. He also came to an understanding with his step-brother Venkoji over his holdings over Tanjavur
and Mysore.
AIM:
To unify the Deccan states under the rule of a native Hindu ruler and protect it from outsiders
like the Muslims and Mughals
GOVERNANCE; ASHTA PRADHAN MANDAL/ Council of Eight Ministers
1. Prime Minister (Mukhya Pradhan or Peshwa):
The Prime Minister looked for the welfare of the State in general, to represent the king in his absence and all the charters and royal letters consists of his seal below the king. The position of Prime Minister was highest in the council as it was closer to the king.
2. Finance Minister (Amatya or Muzumdar):
The Finance Minister looked upon the accounts of the empire and report it to the king.
3. Secretary (Sacheev or Surunavis):
The Secretary had a task to prepare the royal edicts.
4. Interior Minister (Mantri or Waqianavis):
The Interior Minister had to manage the internal affairs especially intelligence and espionage.
5. Foreign Minister (Sumant or Dabir):
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The Foreign Minister advised the king on relations with foreign states.
6. Commander-in-chief (Senapati or Sar-i-Naubat):
The task of the commander-in-chief was to manage the forces and see to the defence of the
empire.
7. Chief Justice (Nyayadhish):
The Chief Justice looked upon the judicial matters of the empire and delivering justice to its
subjects according to Hindu Law.
8. High Priest (Panditrao):
The High Priest looked upon the internal religious matters of the empire, to honour and reward
learned Brahmans.
PROMOTION OF MARATHI AND SANSKRIT
Shivaji vigorously promoted the use of Marathi and Sanskrit in his court instead of Persian, the existing Royal language.
He even changed the names of the forts under his control to Sanskrit names to accent his Hindu rule.
RELIGIOUS POLICY
Sajjangad, where Samarth Ramdas was invited by Shivaji to reside, now a place of pilgrimage Though Shivaji was a proud Hindu and never compromised on his religion[122], he is also known
for his liberal and tolerant religious policy.
MILITARY:
Shivaji demonstrated great skill in creating his military organisation, which lasted until the demise
of the Maratha empire. His strategy rested on leveraging his ground forces, naval forces, and series
of forts across his territory.
Hill forts
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Hill forts played a key role in Shivaji's strategy. He captured important forts at Murambdev
(Rajgad), Torna, Kondhana (Sinhagad) and Purandar. He also rebuilt or repaired many forts in
advantageous locations.
Navy
Aware of the need for naval power to maintain control along the Konkan coast, Shivaji began to
build his navy in 1657 or 1659, with the purchase of twenty galivats from the Portuguese shipyards
of Bassein.
DEMISE AND LEGACY
Shivaji died at the age of 52 on April 3, 1680, at the Raigad Fort, after suffering from a bout of dysentery.
A conflict of succession arose after his death between his eldest son Sambhaji and his third wife Soyrabai on behalf of her 10-year old son Rajaram.
Sambhaji dethroned the young Rajaram and ascended the throne himself on June 20, 1680. the Mughal-Maratha conflicts continued after Shivaji’s death and the Maratha glory declined
greatly. However it was reclaimed by young Madhavrao Peshwa who reclaimed Maratha glory and
established his authority over North India.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: contribution of CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ
Sources: the Hindu
*******************************
CONTEXT:
Government of India paid tribute to former PM Morarji Desai on his 124th birth anniversary on 29 February. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and State
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leaders paid tribute the late former PM. His birth anniversary is celebrated every four years.
MORARJI DESAI: THE 1ST NON-CONGRESS PRIME MINISTER
o Morarji Desai was born in Bulsar district of Gujarat on 29 February 1896. He graduated from the Wilson Civil Service of the then Bombay Province in 1918. He served
as a Deputy Collector for 12 years.
o In 1937, he became Minister for Revenue, Agriculture,
Forest and Co-operatives in the Ministry headed by Shri B.G. Kher in the then Bombay Province. In 1946, he
became the Minister for Home and Revenue in Bombay.
o Desai served as the Prime Minister between March 1977 and July 1979 succeeding Indira Gandhi. He died on 10 April 1995. He strictly followed Mahatma Gandhi’s principles.
OVERVIEW
Personal Details
Name: Morarji Ranchhodji Desai
Born: 29 February 1896
Place: Bhadeli, Bulsar district, Bombay Presidency
Died 10 April 1995 (aged 99)
Place: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Spouse(s): Gujraben Desai
Education: University of Mumbai
Profession: Activist, Politician
Awards: Bharat Ratna (1991, Nishan-e-Pakistan (1990)
Political party: Janata Dal (1988–1995)
Figure 10 4th Prime Minister of India: Morarji Desai
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Why is Morarji Desai famous?
Morarji Desai was a Gandhian
follower, social worker,
institution builder and a great
reformer.
He was the Chancellor of
Gujarat Vidyapith. Even during
his term as the Prime Minister
he used to visit and stay at
Vidyapith during the month of
October.
He is the oldest person to hold
the office of prime minister, at
the age of 84, in the history of
Indian politics.
Other political affiliations:
Indian National Congress (1934–1969) Indian National Congress-Organisation (1969–1977) Janata Party (1977–1988)
POSTS:
4TH Prime Minister of India (1977–1979) Minister of Home Affairs (1978 – 1979) 2nd Deputy Prime Minister of India (1967–1969) Minister of Finance (1967 – 1969) 2nd Chief Minister of Bombay State (1952 – 1956) Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha (1957–1980)
PARTICIPATION IN THE FREEDOM STRUGGLE
Desai resigned from the government job and joined Mahatma Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930.
In 1931, Desai became a member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
Six years later, he was appointed as the Minister for Revenue, Agriculture, Forest and Co-Operatives in the Bombay province.
He actively participated in the freedom movement and was once jailed for three consecutive years, between 1942 and 1945.
POST-INDEPENDENCE POLITICAL CAREER
Desai became second chief minister of Bombay, serving between 1952 and 1957. He is remembered for ordering a controversial ban of kissing scenes in films and the closure of restaurants at midnight.
As finance minister in the Indira Gandhi cabinet, Desai brought in the Gold Control Act, 1968. The Act prohibited citizens from buying gold bars and coins. Desai wanted to slow down gold imports but the demand for gold remained steady, leading to an increase in gold smuggling.
Following Indira’s move to nationalise private banks in July 1969, Desai split from the Congress and helped form the Congress (Organisation).
IMPROVING TIES WITH PAKISTAN
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Desai during his brief time as a prime minister tried improving India’s relationship with Pakistan. Desai was awarded the ‘Nishan-e-Pakistan’ in 1986 at a private ceremony at his home in Mumbai.
THE URINE THERAPY
Apart from his distinguished political career, Desai was well known for his personal habits. He had a unique lifestyle. An austere vegetarian, he had a diet containing fruits, milk and, famously, his own urine.
He attributed his longevity to drinking urine — which he called the ‘water of life’ — at least twice every day.”
Desai wrote a book titled, Miracles of Urine Therapy.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: contribution of Morarji Desai
Sources: pib
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CONTEXT:
Sant Ravidas Jayanti was celebrated on February 9th.
GURU RAVIDAS: FOUNDER OF THE BHAKTI MOVEMENT
Guru Ravidas was a North Indian mystic poet of the bhakti movement. While the exact year of his birth is not known, it is believed that the saint was born in 1377
C.E. Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on Magh Purnima, which is the full moon day in the Hindu
calendar month of Magha. The Adi Granth of Sikhs, in addition to the Panchvani are the two of the oldest documented
sources of the literary works of Guru Ravidas. Notably, he belonged to an untouchable caste and suffered a lot of atrocities as a
result. However, the saint chose to focus on spiritual pursuits and also penned several
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devotional songs which made a huge impact in the Bhakti movement during the 14th to 16th century CE.
He is believed to be a disciple of the bhakti saint-poet Ramananda and a contemporary of the bhakti saint-poet Kabir.
One of his famous disciples was the saint, Mirabai. Among Ravidas’s moral and intellectual achievements were the conceptions
of “Begampura”, a city that knows no sorrow; and a society where caste and class have ceased to matter.
For Guru Ravidass ji, the Real Philosopher's stone is the Name of God, which
transforms Sinners into Saints, and makes Mortals Immortal. As Guruji puts it:
How Can Iron (Human Life) be transformed into Gold,
If the Philosopher's stone touched it not?
Men understand not, sayeth Guru Ravidass.
Like mad men they have lost their way.
God's Name alone is my Support,
It alone is my Life, my Vital-Breath and Wealth
Figure 11 Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2020 | Guru Ravidas Jayanti celebration
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OVERVIEW
Born: 1398, Varanasi
Died: 1540, Varanasi
Nationality: Indian
Notable work: Founding Ravidassia faith
Parents: Mata Kalsa Devi, Baba Santokh Das
Children: Vijaydas
ASSOCIATION WITH MEERA BAI
Sant Guru Ravidas Ji is considered as a spiritual Guru of the Meera Bai who was the queen of Chittoor
and daughter of Rajasthan king.
GURU RAVIDAS TEACHINGS:
HIS INVOLVEMENT IN SOCIAL ISSUES
SAVE THE REAL DHARMA: NO SOCIAL DISCRIMINATIONS:
He was sent by the God on the earth when required him to save the real Dharma as at that time social
and religious patterns were distressing because of the lots of manmade discriminations over social
beliefs, caste, color and etc. He bravely faced all the discriminations and answered people about the
real definition of beliefs and castes.
PEOPLE KNOWN ONLY FOR HIS GREAT ACTIONS (OR KARMA):
He taught people that one is not known by his caste, religion or believes for God, he known only for his great actions (or karma). He also worked against the system of untouchability in the society by the higher caste people for lower caste people.
SOCIAL UNITY:
Guru Ravidas spoke against the caste divisions and spoke of removing them to promote unity.
RAVIDASSIA DHARAM:
His teachings resonated with the people, leading to a religion being born called the Ravidassia religion, or Ravidassia Dharam based on his teachings.
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HUMAN SOUL IS A PARTICLE OF GOD:
He taught about the omnipresence of God and said that a human soul is a particle of God.
WAY TO MEET GOD;
Ravidas rejected the idea that people considered lower caste cannot meet God.
He said in his teachings that the only way to meet God was to free the mind from the duality.
GOD CREATED MAN AND NOT MAN CREATED GOD”:
He spread a message that “God created man and not man created God” means everyone is created by the God and has equal rights on this earth.
EQUAL RIGHTS, UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD AND TOLERANCE:
Regarding this social situation, Sant Guru Ravidas Ji has given various teachings to the people about the universal brotherhood and tolerance. The King and Queen of the Chittoor kingdom became his great disciples after being influenced by his teachings.
HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE SIKHISM:
His padas, devotional songs, and other writings (around 41 verses) are mentioned in the Sikh Scriptures, Guru Granth Sahib which was compiled by the 5th Sikh’s Guru, Arjan Dev.
The followers of Guru Ravidas Ji’s teachings are commonly called as Ravidassia and collection of teachings called Ravidassia Panth.
The 41 holy writings of him which is included in the Guru Granth Sahib are mentioned in the following ways:
Raga–Siri(1), Gauri(5), Asa(6), Gujari(1), Sorath(7), Dhanasari(3), Jaitsari(1), Suhi(3), Bilaval(2), Gaund(2), Ramkali(1), Maru(2), Kedara(1),
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Bhairau(1), Basant(1), Malhar(3)
MEMORIALS FOR GURU RAVIDAS JI Sri Guru Ravidas Park in Varanasi Guru Ravidas Ghat Sant Ravidas Nagar Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan Mandir Varanasi Shri Guru Ravidas Memorial Gate
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: contribution of GURU Ravidas
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) published Worldwide Educating for the Future Index (WEFFI) 2019. India jumped five ranks and secured 35th rank in the list.
WORLDWIDE EDUCATING FOR THE FUTURE INDEX (WEFFI) 2019
WEFFI ranked countries that are based on their abilities to equip students with skill-based education.
It analyzed the education system from the perspective of skill-based education in areas like problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, leadership, creativity and entrepreneurship, and digital and technical skills.
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India scored 53, based on three categories namely policy environment (56.3), teaching environment (52.2) and overall socio-economic environment (32.2). In 2018, India scored 41.2 and secured 40th rank.
The report highlighted that the decentralized education system is another shortcoming of India’s education policy.
WEFFI:
The WEFFI report and index were commissioned by the Yidan Prize Foundation. It ranks 50 economies, which represent nearly 93% of global Gross domestic product (GDP) and 89% of the world’s population.
It analyses the methods a country uses to equip the people aged 15-24 with skills for the future.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: WEFFI report
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Based on the data of the NCRB, a non-profit organisation released a report on compensation awarded to survivors of trafficking the country, which highlighted the poor status of compensation awarded during 2011- 2019.
NCRB reports put the total number of cases of human trafficking at 35,983, but only 82 (0.2%) victims were awarded compensation.
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KEY POINTS:
The report titled ‘UNCOMPENSATE VICTIMS’ was released by Sanjog, a technical resource organisation that works to combat trafficking and gender-based violence.
Following the national outrage over the Nirbhaya gang-rape case (2012), the government had announced ₹1,000 crore funds to be used to combat sexual violence against persons – children or adults.
The amount of compensation to victims of trafficking varied from State to State, hence the Supreme Court had directed the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to frame a standardised victim compensation scheme.
The study also reflects the number of trafficking survivors who applied for the victim compensation scheme to their respective legal services authority.
While 107 individuals applied under the scheme, in 102 cases between 2011 and 2019, courts directed the authorities to release compensation.
REASONS BEHIND THE LOW RATE OF
COMPENSATION:
Lack of awareness A lack of information provided to survivors on victim compensation. Low investment on part of legal aid
ROLE OF LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITIES:
o The study suggests grave inconsistencies on the part of legal services authorities, which have provided the data.
o There is a lack of initiative on the part of legal services authorities. o Manipur’s 2019 victim compensation scheme does not even have an entry in the schedule
corresponding to human trafficking. o Survivors were able to apply only when they were informed and a private lawyer was involved
in assisting them in filing the application for victim compensation.
MULTIPLE AGENCIES:
From their rescue till rehabilitation, the survivors are in touch with multiple agencies but none of them takes any steps to help them get compensation.
District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) and State Legal Services Authority (SLSA)’s response to the claims has been slow, and they hold the survivors’ claims with suspicion – often putting the burden of proof on the survivors themselves.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: highlights of the report
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Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
‘A Future for the World’s Children’ report was recently released by the WHO, UNICEF and the Lancet medical journal. The report calculates the Flourishing Index and Sustainability Index of 180 countries.
HOW ARE THE COUNTRIES RANKED?
1. Flourishing Index:
Flourishing is the geometric mean of Surviving and Thriving.
The parameter of Surviving considers maternal survival, survival in children younger than 5 years old, suicide, access to maternal and child health services, basic hygiene, sanitation, and lack of extreme poverty.
The parameter of Thriving considers educational achievement, growth and nutrition, reproductive freedom, and protection from violence.
2. Sustainability Index:
The Sustainability Index ranks countries on the basis of excess carbon emissions compared with the 2030 target.
PERFORMANCE OF INDIA:
1. India stands 77th (sustainability index) and is at 131st on a ranking that measures the best chance at survival and well-being for children.
2. India has improved in health and sanitation but has to increase its spending on health.
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GLOBAL SCENARIO:
1. Children in Norway, the Republic of Korea and the Netherlands have the best chance at survival and well-being.
2. Children in the Central African Republic, Chad, Somalia, Niger and Mali face the worst odds. 3. World-wide the number of obese children and adolescents has increased from 11 million in
1975 to 124 million in 2016 — an 11-fold increase, with dire individual and societal costs. 4. The only countries on track to beat the CO2 emission per capita targets by 2030, while also
performing fairly (within the top 70) on child flourishing measures are: Albania, Armenia, Grenada, Jordan, Moldova, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uruguay and Vietnam.
CONCERNS EXPRESSED:
No single country is adequately protecting children’s health, their environment and their futures.
THREATS:
Health and future of every child and adolescent worldwide is under immediate threat from ecological degradation, climate change and exploitative marketing practices that push heavily processed fast food, sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco at children.
PROGRESS REVERSING:
Despite improvements in child and adolescent health over the past 20 years, progress has stalled, and is set to reverse. It has been estimated that around 250 million children under five years old in low- and middle-income countries are at risk of not reaching their developmental potential, based on proxy measures of stunting and poverty.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: highlights of the report
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
According to the Global Health Security (GHS) Index, 2019, national health security is “fundamentally weak” around the world. The report gains significance in the context of the recent Coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak.
ABOUT THE INDEX:
The Global Health Security (GHS) Index, a report from the Nuclear Threat Initiative, the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and the Economist Intelligence Unit, was released in October 2019.
The GHS Index is the first comprehensive assessment and benchmarking of health security and related capabilities across the 195 countries that make up the States Parties to the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005).
The IHR, 2005 represents an agreement between 196 countries including all the World Health Organization (WHO) Member States to work together for global health security.
The GHS Index assesses countries’ health security and
capabilities across six categories, 34 indicators, and 85 sub-indicators. The six categories are as follow:
1. Prevention:
Prevention of the emergence or release of pathogens
2. Detection and Reporting:
Early detection and reporting for epidemics of potential international concern.
3. Rapid Response:
Rapid response to and mitigation of the spread of an epidemic.
4. Health System:
Sufficient and robust health system to treat the sick and protect health workers.
5. Compliance with International Norms:
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Commitments to improving national capacity, financing plans to address gaps, and adhering to global norms.
6. Risk Environment:
Overall risk environment and country vulnerability to biological threats.
The index measures countries’ capabilities from 0-
100, with 100 representing the highest level of preparedness. The GHS Index scoring system includes
three tiers:
1. Low Scores:
Countries that score between 0 and 33.3 are in the bottom tier.
2. Moderate Scores:
Countries that score between 33.4 and 66.6 are in the middle tier and
3. High Scores:
Countries that score between 66.7 and 100 are in the upper or “top” tier.
KEY FINDINGS: INTERNATIONAL PREPAREDNESS
o The GHS Index analysis finds that no country is fully prepared for epidemics or pandemics. Collectively, international preparedness is weak.
o The average overall GHS Index score among all 195 countries assessed is 40.2 of a possible score of 100.
o Overall, the GHS Index finds severe weaknesses in country abilities to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies; severe gaps in health systems; vulnerabilities to political, socioeconomic, and environmental risks that can hamper outbreak preparedness and response; and a lack of adherence to international norms.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: key findings of the report
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
World Air Quality Report 2019 was released by the pollution tracker IQAir and Greenpeace. The ranking is based on a comparison of PM 2.5 levels. Bangladesh emerged as the most polluted country for PM 2.5. Pakistan, Mongolia, Afghanistan and India followed behind respectively.
BACKGROUND:
PM 2.5 includes pollutants such as sulfate, nitrates and black carbon. Exposure to such particles has been linked to lung and heart disorders and can impair cognitive and immune functions.
PERFORMANCE OF INDIA:
1. Twenty-one of the world’s 30 cities with the worst air pollution are in India. 2. Six cities from India are in the top ten. 3. Ghaziabad, an area close to New Delhiin northern Uttar Pradesh state, is ranked as the world’s
most polluted city, with an average PM 2.5 concentration measurement of 110.2 in 2019. 4. National air pollution in India decreased by 20% from 2018 to 2019, with 98% of cities
experiencing of varying levels of improvement. 5. The report points to economic slowdown, favorable weather conditions, and efforts towards
cleaning the air as reasons behind the decrease. 6. The report also points India’s launch of the country’s first National Clean Air Programme
(NCAP) which aims to reduce PM 2.5 and the bigger particulate PM 10 air pollution in 102 cities by 20-30% by 2024 compared to 2017 levels.
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CLIMATE CRISIS AND URBANIZATION:
There are clear indications that climate change can directly increase the risk of exposure to air pollution.
It impacts air quality in many cities through desertification and increased frequency of forest fires and sandstorms.
Greenhouse gas emissions, with the burning of fossil fuel a key driver of the climate crisis, is also a major cause of dirty air.
Many countries are still dependent on coal for their energy production, the biggest contributor to PM 2.5 emissions.
Exacerbating the problem is rapid urbanization in industrializing Southeast Asian cities, which is also a major cause of air pollution and poses severe challenges to managing PM 2.5 levels.
EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION:
According to the World Health Organization, air pollution causes an estimated 7 million premature deaths a year globally, mainly as a result of increased mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancers and respiratory infections.
It is estimated that more than 80% living in urban areas which monitor air pollution are exposed to air quality levels that exceed WHO guideline limits, with low- and middle-income countries most at risk.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
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For prelims and mains: key findings of the report
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
India secured 77th rank on the Sustainability Index and 131st on the Flourishing Index in the UN report that was commissioned by a Commission of World Health Organization (WHO), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and The Lancet. The report was released by over 40 child and adolescent health experts from around the world.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The report considered per capita carbon emissions and the ability of children in a nation to live healthy lives.
The flourishing index measured the best chance at survival and well-being for children. The report assessed 180 countries capacity to ensure that their youngsters can survive and
thrive. The domains that were considered are educational achievement, growth and nutrition,
reproductive freedom, and protection from violence. The Sustainability Index ranked the selected countries on excess carbon emissions compared
with the 2030 target. The report highlighted that the world’s survival is depended on the well-being of the children,
and their ability to flourish. But no country in the world is doing enough to provide the children a sustainable future.
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WHAT IS A SUSTAINABILITY INDEX?
o Sustainability indexes are instruments to measure the responsibility of a certain company in social and environmental areas.
o The more they take these aspects into account as they develop their business, the higher the score they will obtain.
SUSTAINABILITY MEASUREMENT
Sustainability measurement is the quantitative basis for the informed management of sustainability.
The metrics used for the measurement of sustainability (involving the sustainability of environmental, social and economic domains, both individually and in various combinations) are still evolving: they include indicators, benchmarks, audits, indexes and accounting, as well as assessment, appraisal and other reporting systems.
They are applied over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.
HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUSTAINABILITY?
Some of the best known and most widely used sustainability measures include corporate sustainability reporting, Triple Bottom Line accounting, and estimates of the quality of sustainability governance for individual countries using the Global Green Economy Index (GGEI), Environmental Sustainability Index and Environmental Performance Index.
An alternative approach, used by the United Nations Global Compact Cities Programme and explicitly critical of the triple-bottom-line approach is Circles of Sustainability.
METRICS AT THE GLOBAL SCALE
There are numerous indicators which could be used as basis for sustainability measurement. Few commonly used indicators are:
Environmental sustainability indicators:
Global warming potential Acidification potential Ozone depletion potential Aerosol optical depth Eutrophication potential Ionization radiation potential Photochemical ozone potential Waste treatment Freshwater use Energy resources use
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Economic indicators:
Gross domestic product Trade balance Local government income Profit, value and tax Investments
Social indicators:
Employment generated
Equity
Health and safety
Education
Housing/living conditions
Community cohesion
Social security
WHAT ARE THE 3 E'S OF SUSTAINABILITY? The greater sustainability movement, however, is guided by these three E's, commonly referred to as the “three pillars” of sustainability: environment, equity, and economics. The environmental pillar is the most talked-about aspect of sustainability.
USE OF SUSTAINABILITY INDEX:
The principal objective of sustainability indicators is to inform public policy-making as part of the
process of sustainability governance. Sustainability indicators can provide information on any aspect of the interplay between the
environment and socio-economic activities.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: key findings of the report
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment (SASE) report on mid-winter assessment stated that the snowfall received from November 2019 to January 2020 has been the highest in the past 30 years.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
Snowfall in the western Himalayas during the first half of the ongoing winter season has been about 20% above the long period average.
It also forecasted that snowfall in the Himalayas during February to April would be good. The winter season over the Himalayas officially lasts from November to April. It stated that Strong El Nino in the Eastern Pacific Ocean during the year 2019 has favoured a
significant increase in snowfall during the current winter season over western and central Himalayas.
Figure 12 the Himalayan “Third Pole"
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SNOW AND AVALANCHE STUDIES ESTABLISHMENT
(SASE):
SASE is the Defence Research & Development Organization’s (DRDO) laboratory. It is located in Manali. The main objective of SASE is to conduct research in the field of snow and avalanches. It provides avalanche control measures and forecasting support to Armed forces.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: key findings of the report
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The 22nd edition of the world language database Ethnologue reported that Hindi is the 3rd most spoken language of the world in 2019.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
Ethnologue brought out a yearly database of living languages of the world since its establishment in 1951.
Ethnologue stated that over 615 million people speak Hindi across the world. English at the top of the list with 1,132 million speakers. Chinese Mandarin is in second position with 1,117 million speakers. Bangla has ranked as the 7th most spoken language of the world with 228 million native
speakers. The current round of the database covers 7,111 living languages in the world. Ethnologue also holds data on languages that have gone out of use in recent history. This
edition lists 348 such languages.
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India secured 36th
rank among 50 countries in
2019.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: Ethnologue
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
India ranked 40th on a global International Intellectual Property (IP) Index, It was released by the Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) of the US Chambers of Commerce. GIPC conducted the survey for 53 countries.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
India scored 38.46% (19.23 out of 50) in 2020. It 2019, it scored 36.04% (16.22 out of 45).
As per the report, India has shown improvement in terms of scores when it comes to the rotection of IP and copyright issues. India showed a 2.42% jump in the absolute score.
Also, India’s relative score increased by 6.71%. GIPC said India has continued to score well in
the Systemic Efficiency indicator by scoring ahead of 28 other economies in these indicators.
The report identified several challenges for India including compulsory licensing, patentability requirements, patent enforcement, patent opposition, regulatory data protection, transparency in reporting seizures by customs, Singapore Treaty of Law of Trademarks and Patent Law Treaty.
GLOBAL INNOVATION POLICY CENTER:
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o GIPC is the premier institution of the United States Chamber of Commerce. o It handles all issues relating to innovation and creativity through advocating for strong IP
standards. o It aims to promote & defend the system of IP rights in the US, multilateral forums, and other
key countries.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: key findings of the report
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Greenbone Sustainable Resilience, a German cybersecurity firm, has published a report on medical data leak. This is the second report.
KEY FINDINGS:
1. Medical details of over 120 million Indian patients have been leaked and made freely available on the Internet.
2. Leaks include a massive number of records, including images of CT scans, X-rays, MRIs and even pictures of the patients.
3. The report also places Maharashtra at the top of the States affected by the leak. Followed by Karnataka.
RANKING OF THE COUNTRIES:
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This is the second edition of the report and it classifies countries in the “good”, “bad” and “ugly” categories based on the action taken by their governments after the first report was made public. India ranks second in the “ugly” category, after the U.S.
CONCERNS:
The leak is worrying because the affected patients can include anyone from the common working man to politicians and celebrities. In image-driven fields like politics or entertainment, knowledge about certain ailments faced by people from these fields could deal a huge blow to their image.
The other concern is of fake identities being created using the details, which can be misused in any possible number of ways.
ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED:
The report says the leak was facilitated by the fact that the Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS) servers, where these details are stored, are not secure and linked to the public Internet without any protection, making them easily accessible to malicious elements.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: highlights of the report
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
On 21st February (1987) two new States of Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh came into being as the 23rd and 24th states of the Indian Union respectively.
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MIZORAM o The Mizo hills area became the Lushai Hills district within Assam at the time of
independence. Further, in 1954 it was renamed the Mizo Hills District of Assam. o The growing discontent due to the Mautam famine (1959-1961), the movement began for
independence under a Mizo leader named, Laldenga. o The Mizo National Front (MNF) under Laldenga’s leadership intensified the movement for
secession from Assam when Nagaland was given separate status as a Central Government Administrative Agency in 1957 and statehood in 1963.
o After signing an accord with the moderates of the MNF the Union Government established Mizoram with the status of a Union Territory in 1972.
o The Union Territory of Mizoram was conferred the status of a full state after signing of a memorandum of settlement (Mizoram Peace Accord) between the Central government and the Mizo National Front, ending the two-decade-old Insurgency.
o Mizoram was granted statehood by the State of Mizoram Act, 1986.
OVERVIEW
Area: 21,081 sq. km
Population: 10, 91, 014
Capital: Aizawl
Languages: Mizo and English
Literacy Rate: 91.33 per cent
Key Industries:
Bamboo, energy, sericulture agriculture and horticulture, tourism, food processing, IT and medicinal plants
HISTORY
Mizoram is a mountainous region which became the 23rd state of the Indian Union in February 1987.
It was one of the districts of Assam till 1972 when it became a Union Territory. After being annexed by the British in 1891, for the first few years, Lushai Hills in the north
remained under Assam while the southern half remained under Bengal. Both these parts were amalgamated in 1898 into one district called Lushai Hills District under
the Chief Commissioner of Assam. With the implementation of the North-Eastern Reorganisation Act in 1972, Mizoram became a
Union Territory and as a sequel to the signing of the historic memorandum of settlement
Figure 13 MIZORAM
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Highest literacy rates among
districts
Serchip district (98.76%) and
Aizawl district (98.50%)
recorded the highest literacy
rates among districts in the
country.
Highest child sex ratio
The State also holds the highest
child sex ratio with 971 females
against 1000 males according to
the 2011 Census.
between the Government of India and the Mizo National Front in 1986, it was granted statehood on 20 February 1987.
Sandwiched between Myanmar in the east and the south and Bangladesh in the west, Mizoram occupies an area of great strategic importance in the north-eastern corner of India.
Mizoram has great natural beauty and an endless variety of landscape. It is rich in fauna and flora.
GEOGRAPHY
The origin of the word 'Mizo' is not known. The Mizos came under the influence of the British
Missionaries in the 19th Century. Now most of the Mizos are Christians.
Mizo language has no script of its own. The missionaries introduced the Roman script for the
Mizo language and formal education. Literacy in the state has grown rapidly, and Mizoram literacy at 91.58 per cent is the third most literate in the country.
LAND: RELIEF AND DRAINAGE
Geologically, the Mizo Hills form a part of the Rakhine (Arakan) Mountains, a series of compact parallel ridges with a north-south axis formed of sandstone, limestone, and shales—all Cenozoic rocks between 2.6 and 65 million years old.
The ridges, separated by narrow river valleys, rise to about 7,000 feet (2,100 metres).
In the south, the Kaladan River and its tributaries flow southward into Myanmar, while the Dhaleswari (Tlawng) and Sonai (Tuirail) rivers flow north into Assam.
CLIMATE
The climate in Mizoram is moderate. During the coolest months (November through February), temperatures in Aizawl typically rise from the low 50s (low 10s C) into the high 60s F (about 20 °C) daily.
In the warmest months (June through August), minimum temperatures are in the high 60s F, while maximum temperatures usually peak in the mid-80s F (about 30 °C).
Rainfall averages about 100 inches (2,500 mm) annually, with most brought by the southwest monsoon (which blows from May to September).
BIODIVERSITY: PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE
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More than three-fourths of the land area of Mizoram is forested. Thick evergreen forests contain valuable timber trees, such as champak (Michelia champaca), ironwood, and gurjun (genus Dipterocarpus).
The woodlands also provide habitat for many animals, including elephants, tigers, bears, deer, monkeys, gibbons, and serows (wild goatlike mammals).
Such animals are protected in a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
DEMOGRAPHICS
POPULATION COMPOSITION
Scheduled Tribes
The residents of Mizoram consist almost entirely of Scheduled Tribes (an official category embracing indigenous groups that fall outside the predominant Indian social hierarchy). These groups are loosely called Mizo, a local term meaning “highlanders.” Among the most prominent of the Mizo peoples are the Kuki, Pawi, and Lakher.
Languages
Most of the Mizo are Tibeto-Burman peoples, speaking Mizo or a closely related Tibeto-Burman language or dialect.
One group in the state, however, the Chakma, speaks an Indo-Aryan language. Mizo and English are the principal and official languages. Having no script of its own, Mizo uses the Roman alphabet.
Religion
Christian missionaries began to work in the Mizo Hills area in the late 19th century. Consequently, the great majority of the population is Christian
Buddhists form the largest religious minority in Mizoram, followed by Hindus and Muslims; there also are tiny groups of Sikhs and Jains.
Settlement patterns
Mizoram is one of the most sparsely populated states of India.
The population density decreases from north to south, owing primarily to a southward increase in humidity and temperature that renders the area less desirable for habitation.
Aizawl is the state’s only major city; large towns include Lunglei, in the eastern part of the state, and Champhai, in the south-central region.
ECONOMY
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AGRICULTURE
About 60 per cent of the people of Mizoram are engaged in agricultural and its allied activities. The main pattern of agriculture followed is Jhum or Shifting cultivation.
HORTICULTURE
6.30 lakh hectare of land, out of the estimated total of 21 lakh hectare, is available for cultivation of horticulture crops. The main horticulture crops are Mandarin, Orange, Banana, Passion Fruit, Grapes, Hatkora, Pineapple, Papaya etc., and flowers.
FLORICULTURE
Floriculture is growing occupation in Mizoram.
SERICULTURE
The climatic conditions in the state provide a conducive breeding ground for commercial exploitation of all kinds of silkworms. Sericulture remains one of the state's key industries. Raw silk production in Mizoram stood at 92.00 metric tonnes during 2018-19P.
FOREST
91.27 per cent of the total geographical area (21,081 sq km) is covered with forest which is the highest in the country. Out of this, 0.64 per cent is very dense forest while a very substantial portion i.e. 69 per cent is open forest.
Figure 14 AIZAWL
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IRRIGATION
Due to the hilly nature of the State, all irrigation projects are confined to Minor Irrigation.
INDUSTRY
Small industries dominate the industrial scenario acquiring prominent place in the socio-economic development of the State. The total number of small scale units registered up to 2009-10 was 7,888.
POWER
Power demand is presently worked out to be 107 MW. Mizoram has the potential to generate 4,500 MW of hydro power, of which 97.94 MW was installed as of July 2019.
TRANSPORT
With improving road, rail & air connectivity & the establishment of trade routes with neighbouring countries, trade facilitation has improved over the last decade.
CULTURAL FESTIVALS
Mizos are basically agriculture oriented. All their activities centre around jhum cultivation and their festivals are linked with such
agricultural operations. Kut is the Mizo term for festival. Among the various cultural festivals, only three Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut & Thalfavang Kut are
observed
ARUNACHAL PRADESH North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA)
“Land of the Rising Sun”
o The area of Arunachal Pradesh was integrated into Assam at the time of independence. But the presence of China with an unsettled border made the area militarily important for the government.
o The area was upgraded to the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh in 1972 and was granted statehood by the State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986 in 1987.
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OVERVIEW
Area: 83,743 km²
Districts: 25
Population: 1.255 million (2012)
Capital: Itanagar
Languages: Monpa, Miji, Aka, Sherdukpen, Nyishi, Apatani, Tagin, Hill Miri, Adi, Digaru-Mismi, Idu-Mishmi, Khamti, Miju-Mishmi, Nocte, Tangsa and Wancho
HISTORY
Arunachal Pradesh, meaning “Land of the Rising Sun,” long has been a recognized region of the Indian subcontinent, receiving mention in such ancient Hindu literature as the Kalika-purana and the epic poems Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Arunachal Pradesh became a full-fledged State on 20th February, 1987. Till 1972, it was known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) from the British colonial era. It gained the Union Territory status on 20 January 1972 and renamed as Arunachal Pradesh.
Figure 15 Land of the Rising Sun: Arunachal Pradesh
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On 15th August 1975 an elected Legislative Assembly was constituted and the first Council of Ministers assumed office. The first general election to the Assembly was held in February 1978.
Administratively, the State is divided into sixteen districts. Capital of the State is Itanagar in Papum Para district. Itanagar is named after Ita fort meaning fort of bricks, built in 14th century AD.
Arunachal Pradesh finds mention in the literature of Kalika Purana and Mahabharata. This place is the Prabhu Mountains of the Puranas.
It was here that sage Parashuram atoned for his sin, sage Vyasa meditated, King Bismaka founded his kingdom and Lord Krishna married his Consort Rukmini.
The widely scattered archaeological remains at different places in Arunachal Pradesh bear testimony to its rich cultural heritage.
NORTH EAST FRONTIER AGENCY
In 1912–13 the British Indian government made agreements with the indigenous peoples of the Himalayas of northeastern India to set up the Balipara frontier tract in the west, the Sadiya frontier tract in the east, and the Abor and Mishmi hills and the Tirap frontier tract in the south. Together those tracts became the North East Frontier Agency, which is now Arunachal Pradesh.
McMAHON LINE
The northern boundary of the territory (now of the state) determined at that time became known as the McMahon Line; it is about 550 miles (885 km) long and has been a lasting point of contention between India and China.
SIMLA CONVECTION
The boundary takes its name from Sir Henry McMahon, secretary in the Indian foreign department and representative of Great Britain at the conference held in 1912–13 in Simla (now called Shimla, in the state of Himachal Pradesh) to settle frontier and other matters relating to Tibet.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LINE AND CLAIM OF CHINA OVER ARUNACHAL PRADESH
To the British, the line marked the geographic, ethnic, and administrative boundary between the two regions, and delegates from Great Britain, China, and Tibet agreed that the frontier between Tibet and northeastern India indeed should follow the crest of the high Himalayas. Two days later, however, the Chinese republican government disavowed its delegate and refused to sign a convention.
After the independence of India in 1947, China made claims to practically the whole upland area of what was then Assam state, arguing that the McMahon Line had never been accepted by China
GEOGRAPHY
Arunachal Pradesh, state of India.
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It constitutes a mountainous area in the extreme northeastern part of the country and is bordered by the kingdom of Bhutan to the west, the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north, Myanmar (Burma) and the Indian state of Nagaland to the south and southeast, and the Indian state of Assam to the south and southwest.
Figure 16 Map showing disputed territories of India
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LAND: RELIEF
Most of Arunachal Pradesh’s terrain consists of deep valleys flanked by highland plateaus and ridges that rise to the peaks of the Great Himalayas.
The state encompasses three broad physiographic regions.
Farthest south is a series of foothills, similar in type to the Siwalik Range (a narrow sub-Himalayan belt stretching across much of northern India), that ascend from the Assam plains to elevations of 1,000 to 3,300 feet (300 to 1,000 metres).
Those hills rise rapidly northward to the Lesser Himalayas, where some ridges and spurs reach 10,000 feet (3,000 metres).
Farther north, along the Tibetan border, lie the main ranges of the Great Himalayas, where Kangto, the highest peak in the state, dominates the landscape, reaching about 23,260 feet (7,090 metres).
DRAINAGE AND SOILS
The major rivers of the state are the Brahmaputra and its tributaries—the Dibang [Sikang], Lohit, Subansiri, Kameng, and Tirap.
THE BRAHMAPUTRA
The Brahmaputra (known as the Tsangpo in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and as the Dihang [Siang] in Arunachal Pradesh) flows eastward from Mansarovar Lake in Tibet before dipping south through the Himalayas into north-central Arunachal Pradesh.
The river then winds its way southward across the length of the state, cutting a narrow, steep-sided gorge into the mountainous terrain.
The Brahmaputra finally emerges onto the northern edge of the Assam plains—a finger of which extends into southeastern Arunachal Pradesh—near the town of Pasighat.
It is joined by the Dibang and the Lohit rivers a short distance beyond Pasighat, just south of the border between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
West of the Brahmaputra, the Subansiri is the only tributary to cross the main Himalayan ranges.
The Kameng and other rivers in the area rise on the southern flanks of the mountains. The Tirap River drains the southeastern part of the state.
CLIMATE
The climate of Arunachal Pradesh varies with topography and elevation.
The foothill zone is subtropical and has a hot and humid climate; in the lower valleys, summer temperatures in June, July, and August typically rise into the mid-90s F (mid-30s C), while winter high temperatures in December, January, and February usually reach the mid-50s F (about 13 °C).
Average temperatures decrease as elevations increase in the mountains.
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Precipitation in the state generally follows the wet-dry monsoon pattern.
Annual totals average about 130 inches (3,300 mm), falling mostly between April and September during the wet southwest monsoon.
BIODIVERSITY: PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE
Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse terrain, climate, and soils are reflected in its fauna and flora. About two-thirds of the state is forested, with a wide belt of swampy rainforest lying along the foothills.
Forests of tropical evergreens and subtropical pines (as well as subtropical mixed broad-leaved and pine forests) are found in lower elevations. As elevation increases, the woodlands give way to mixed and coniferous temperate forests. Subalpine and alpine vegetation, with rhododendrons predominating, appears on the higher slopes.
A great variety of medicinal plants, including ginseng and yew, also grow in Arunachal Pradesh, and they are used by much of the population for the treatment and cure of various ailments.
Animal life includes tigers, clouded and snow leopards, elephants, wild buffalo, serow and goral goats, many species of deer, and primates such as hoolock gibbons, slow lorises, macaques, and capped langurs.
DEMOGRAPHICS: PEOPLE COMPOSITION
SCHEDULED TRIBES
Arunachal Pradesh is home to dozens of distinct ethnic groups, most of which are in some ways related to the peoples of Tibet and the hill region of western Myanmar.
More than two-thirds of the state’s people are designated officially as Scheduled Tribes, a term that generally applies to indigenous peoples who fall outside of the prevailing Indian social structure.
In western Arunachal Pradesh the Nissi (Nishi or Dafla), Sherdukpen, Aka, Monpa, Apa Tani, and Hill Miri are among the main tribes. The Adi, who constitute the largest tribal group in the state, live in the central region.
LANGUAGES
The tribal groups speak about 50 languages and dialects, most belonging to the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family.
They are often mutually unintelligible; thus, Assamese and Hindi, both of which are Indo-Aryan languages, as well as English are used as lingua francas in the region.
POPULATION DENSITY
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Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest population density of any state in India. Most of the populace is concentrated in the low-lying valleys, with the hill peoples living in scattered upland communities. There are no cities and fewer than two dozen towns.
Itanagar, in the southwest of Arunachal Pradesh, is the state’s largest town.
ECONOMY
AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
More than half of the population of Arunachal Pradesh is engaged in agriculture, but only a tiny portion of the land is under cultivation.
Rice, corn (maize), millet, and buckwheat are among the chief crops grown by that method.
Major commercial crops include oilseeds, potatoes, ginger, sugarcane, and vegetables.
SHIFTING AGRICULTURE (JHUM)
Although settled agriculture, including wet-rice farming, has expanded considerably since the late 20th century, many of the hill peoples continue to practice shifting agriculture (jhum), whereby land is cleared by burning the vegetation, is cultivated for several years, and then is abandoned in favour of another site when the productivity of the soil declines.
AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE
Encouragement is being given to the cultivation of cash crops like potatoes and horticulture crops like apples, oranges and pineapples.
INDUSTRIES AND MINERALS
For conservation and explorations of vast minerals, the APMDTCL were set up in 1991. Namchik-Namphuk coal fields are taken up by APMDTCL.
Namchik-Namphuk coal fields are taken up by the APMDTCL.
RESOURCES AND POWER
Arunachal Pradesh has significant, though largely unutilized, resource potential. Among its resources for generating energy are rivers, coal, and petroleum; most of the state’s power is provided by hydroelectric plants. I
n addition to hydrocarbons, other mineral resources of Arunachal Pradesh include dolomite, quartzite, limestone, and marble.
Efforts have been made in the early 21st century to expand hydroelectric and solar power generation.
MANUFACTURING
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The state’s manufacturing sector consists primarily of medium- and small-scale industries. Basketry, weaving, and carpets are the main handicraft manufactures.
Smaller-scale industries include rice and vegetable-oil milling, fruit processing, the manufacture of forest-based products, and steel fabrication.
Sericulture (raw silk production) also is important, and the state produces many varieties of silk yarns
TRANSPORTATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Arunachal Pradesh has 330 km of national highway.
The state’s rugged terrain makes transport and communications extremely difficult. With few paved roads and, for a long time, no railways in Arunachal Pradesh, links with the rest of India are limited.
CULTURAL LIFE
Tribal peoples in Arunachal Pradesh wear distinctive garments and headdress. The art of weaving is especially important, and textile designs are unique to each group. Dances are an integral part of community life. Losar, Mopin, and Solung are major tribal festivals.
GOVERNANCE
PANCHAYATI RAJ
The Arunachal Pradesh State Election Commission in support of State Govt. has successfully conducted and completed Panchayati Raj Elections in the State in the month of May 2008 for speedy development in the village and grass root level.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: importance of Statehood Day
Sources: the Hindu, https://mizoram.gov.in/, http://www.arunachalpradesh.gov.in/
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CONTEXT:
World NGO Day is observed on 27 February. The day aims to raise awareness about the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) sector. The day is observed every year to encourage people worldwide who are involved and dedicatedly working for a good cause.
AIM:
The day aims to highlight the achievements and success of NGOs from all the sectors across the globe. The day aims to make people understand the role of NGOs in society.
HISTORY:
The observation of World NGO Day was founded in 2009 by Law student Marcis Liors Skadmanis. The observation of the day was officially declared by 12 countries on 17 April 2010. It was internationally recognized on 27 February 2014 by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
NGO:
NGO is a non-profit association that is independent. It is not a state or an international institution. NGOs play a major role in international development, aid, and philanthropy.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: how the World NGO Day raises awareness about NGO sector and
motivates people to contribute and involved for the betterment of the society?
Sources: the Hindu
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Unani system of medicine is a
science of life, a system of
health and medicine which aims
to assist people in living a
healthy life. It provides
knowledge of how to live a
longer and healthier life.
CONTEXT:
World Unnani Day was observed on 11 February. The day marks the birthday of great Unani scholar and social reformer “Hakim Ajmal Khan”.
AIM:
The day aims to pay tribute to Hakim Ajmal Khan for his wonderful contribution to the sustained development of the Unani system of medicine in the country and the rest of the world. It also aims to spread awareness in masses and action about healthcare delivery through the Unani system of medicine worldwide through its preventive and curative philosophy.
HAKIM AJMAL KHAN:
Hakim Ajmal Khan was born on 11 February 1868. He was an eminent Indian Unani physician. He was a great scholar, a social reformer, a noted freedom fighter, a Unani medical educationist. He established the scientific research in Unani System of Medicine. He died on 29 December 1927.
HISTORY:
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India declared Hakim Ajmal Khan’s birthday as World Unani Day. The day was designated to recognize his tremendous role and immense contribution to the development of the Unani system of medicine.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains:
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on 11 February. The day aims to achieve the empowerment of women and girls and promote the participation of women and girls in science.
ACCORDING TO THE UN:
Less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women. Only around 30% of all female students select Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related fields in higher education. The day aims to achieve international development goals including 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
THEME:
The theme for the year 2020 is ‘Investment in Women and Girls in Science for Inclusive Green Growth’. The theme aims to encourage and motivate girls and women to opt for science.
HISTORY:
In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The day was implemented by UNESCO and UN Women. UNESCO’s global priority is gender equality. It provides support to young girls in their education and provides them an opportunity. UNGA aimed to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. It also aims to achieve gender equality and promote science.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: women empowerment
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The first anniversary of the iconic National War Memorial (NWM) will be observed on 25 February. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the monument to the nation on 25 February 2019.
NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL: The National War Memorial is a monument built by the Government of India near India Gate,
New Delhi, to honour the Indian Armed Forces. The memorial is spread over 40 acres of land and is built around the existing chhatri near India
Gate. The memorial is a tribute to the fallen heroes in the line of duty during various wars and
internal security challenges since Independence. National War Memorial has names of 25,942 soldiers martyred after Independence engraved. The Memorial is spread over 40 acres in the India Gate complex in Delhi. It was built at a cost of around Rs.176 crore in a record time of one year. The memorial has been built in the memory of the martyred jawans who lost their lives
protecting India during the Indo-China War in 1962, Indo-Pak Wars in 1947, 1965 and 1971, and Indian Peace Keeping Force operations in Sri Lanka and the Kargil Conflict in 1999.
The memorial consists of four concentric circles namely the ‘Amar Chakra’ or Circle of Immortality, ‘Veerta Chakra’ or Circle of Bravery, ‘Tyag Chakra’ or Circle of Sacrifice and ‘Rakshak Chakra’ or Circle of Protection.
OVERVIEW
Architecture firm: WeBe Design Lab
Architect: Yogesh Chandrahasan
Opened: 25 February 2019
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NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL OF INDIA: A PEEP INTO
THE HISTORY
1. INDIA GATE:
The iconic India Gate in Lutyen's Delhi was constructed in 1931 by erstwhile British Empire to commemorate the Martyrs of India during World War I as well as Third Anglo-Afghan War. It stands tall as a must visit monument for visitors in New Delhi. Of over 83,000 Indians who laid down their lives, India Gate bears 13,516 names, etched all over the monument.
2. AMAR JAWAN JYOTI (AJJ):
An inverted bayonet with a helmet structure along with AJJ was installed over night under the Arch of India Gate in January 1972 to commemorate India's victory in India - Pakistan War 1971 and as Nation's tribute to our brave soldiers who laid down their lives. Wreaths have been laid at AJJ ever since on dignitaries at various occasions, including by foreign dignitaries.
3. POST-INDEPENDENCE ERA BATTLE CASUALTIES:
Post India's independence on 15th August 1947, our country has been involved in many conflicts of different magnitudes and participated in innumerable operations both inland and overseas. Our country continues to engage in counter-terrorism operations and proxy war from across the front resulting in number of battle casualties. While a number of area/battle specific memorials are built across the country, but no memorial existed that was all encompassing.
4. DECISION TO CONSTRUCT NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL:
The requirement to construct a National War Memorial had been under consideration since 1961 at the apex level. The consideration acquired momentum in 2014 and after a deliberate process the Union Cabinet on 07 October 2015 approved construction of National War Memorial & Museum (NWM&M) within the National capital's Lutyen's zone. Given the present ceremonial use of India Gate and AJJ, area East of the India Gate around the Canopy at 'C' Hexagon in New Delhi was found to be the most suited site for the Memorial.
5. PROCESS OF CREATION:
A two stage Global competition to select a suitable design for the Memorial was held in 2016-17. Shri Yogesh Chandrasan of WeBe Design Lab Chennai, won the Global competition for his design and was appointed Project Consultant.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: national war memorial
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International Women’s Day is
celebrated on 8 March every
year.
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
National Women’s Day is observed on 13 February every year. The day marks the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu. The day was first celebrated on 13 February 2014 marks the 135th birth anniversary of late Sarojini Naidu. The day was designated to honour the work and contribution of Sarojini Naidu.
SAROJINI NAIDU: THE FIRST FEMALE GOVERNOR OF
INDIA
Sarojini Naidu was born on 13 February 1879. She was nicknamed as the ‘Nightingale of India’ because of her poems. In 1928, the British government awarded Kaiser-i-Hind for her work during the plague epidemic in India.
She was the first female governor of India. She served in the United provinces (present Uttar Pradesh) from 1947-1949.
She participated actively in the Indian National Movement for the independence of India.
Golden Threshold, The Bird of Time: Songs of Life, Death, and the Spring, Feast of Youth, The Magic Tree, The Wizard Mask, Muhammad Jinnah: An Ambassador of Unity, The Sceptred Flute: Songs of India, Allahabad: Kitabistan, The Indian Weavers are the literary works of Sarojini Naidu. She died on 2 March 1949 due to a heart attack.
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WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: women empowerment
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
World rare disease day is observed on 28/29 (last day of) February. The day aims to raise awareness for the millions of people who are impacted by a rare disease. It aims to educate people about rare diseases and their impacts.
THEME:
The theme of the day is “Reframe Rare”. The theme encourages everyone to take steps to clarify many of the misconceptions that can make people with rare diseases feel isolated and affect the quality of care and support they receive. The Slogan for 2020 is “Rare is Many. Rare is Strong. Rare is Proud.”
RARE DISEASE:
Any disease that affects fewer than 200,000 people is considered a rare disease in the United States. This definition is derived from the Orphan Drug Act of 1983. There are more than 7,000 rare diseases that affect 25-30 million Americans. 1 in 20 people are dealing with a rare disease. These people struggle to receive a proper diagnosis, find information and get treatment.
HISTORY:
The World rare disease day was first launched by the European Organization for Rare Disorders (EURORDIS) and its Council of National Alliances on 29 February 2008, a rare date that comes only once in four years. Since then the day is observed on the last day of February.
In 2009, the US joined with EURORIDS. By 2017, over 94 countries joined the alliance.
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The official sponsor of the day is the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) in the United States and EURORDIS. The sponsors organize the official international campaign.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: the role of World rare disease day to educate people about rare
diseases and their impacts
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
NDD is observed bi-annually on 10th February and 10th August in all states and UTs followed by mop-up activities.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL DEWORMING DAY:
1. The National Deworming Day is a single fixed-day approach to treating intestinal worm infections in all children aged 1- 19 years.
2. It will mobilize health personnel, state governments and other stakeholders to prioritize investment in control of Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections one of the most common infections.
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3. All the children are provided deworming tablet in schools and anganwadis. Besides the deworming tablet, various health promotion activities related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) are organised in schools and anganwadis.
4. The NDD program is a cost-effective program at scale that continues to reach crores of children and adolescents with deworming benefits through a safe medicine Albendazole.
BACKGROUND:
India carries the highest burden of worm infestation and 64% of Indian population less than 14 years of age is at risk of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) or worms’ infestation (WHO).
Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) interfere with nutrients uptake in children; can lead to anaemia, malnourishment and impaired mental and physical development.
The situation of undernutrition and anaemia which is linked to STH ranges from 40% to 70% in different population groups across the country (WHO).
They also pose a serious threat to children’s education and productivity later in life.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: importance of the day, various health promotion activities of the
Indian govt.
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
National Science Day (NSD) is celebrated on 28 February in India. The day is celebrated every year to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by the Indian physicist Sir CV Raman.
AIM:
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The main objective of the day is to raise awareness to people about the importance of science in daily life. The day aims to encourage people by popularizing Science and Technology.
THEME:
The theme of 2020 National Science Day is ‘Women in Science’.
EVENTS:
Various activities such as debates, science exhibitions, speeches, quiz competitions, lectures, etc. are organized in all the schools, colleges, universities and other academic institutions across the country.
On this, President Ram Nath Kovind will confer awards to women scientists for their research achievements at a function at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
5 Indian women scientists are to be awarded under SERB Women excellence awards and National Award for Young Woman Showing Excellence.
SIR CV RAMAN: THE FIRST INDIAN TO RECEIVE A
NOBEL PRIZE
Sir CV Raman was born on 7 November 1888, at Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu. In 1904, he obtained a B.Sc degree from the University of Madras and won the gold medal in
Physics. In 1907, he got his Master’s degree at the University of Madras. He worked at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in Kolkata from 1907 to 1933. He did various researches on various topics in Physics.
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On 28 February 1928, Raman and Indian physicist KS Krishnan led an experiment on the scattering of light.
In 1930, Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. He then discovered the Raman effect. Raman Effect explains the effect on the scattering of light as it passes through different materials.
Raman established the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore. Raman passed away on 21 November 1970.
There is no Heaven, no Swarga, no Hell, no rebirth, no reincarnation and no immortality. The only thing that is true is that a man is born, he lives and he
- SIR CV RAMANdies. Therefore, he should live his life properly.
OVERVIEW
Born: 7 November 1888,
PLACE: Thiruvanaikoil, Tiruchirappalli
Died: 21 November 1970, Bengaluru
Full name: Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman
Awards: Bharat Ratna, Nobel Prize in Physics, Hughes Medal, Franklin Medal, Lenin Peace Prize, Matteucci Medal
Education: Presidency college(autonomous), MORE
Parents: R. Chandrasekhar Iyer, Parvathi Ammal
Spouse Name: Lokasundari Ammal
RAMAN EFFECT: SPECTROSCOPY (INELASTIC LIGHT SCATTERING)
This spectroscopic technique which relies upon inelastic scattering of photons, Monochromatic light that is visible (not ultra violet or infra-red) or x-rays is used from a laser source to interact with molecular vibrations, phonons or other excitements in the system.
The energy of laser photons shift up or down as a result.
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Raman spectroscopy is usually used to identify structural fingerprint of molecules. C. V. Raman discovered that when light interacts with a molecule the light can donate a small
amount of energy to the molecule. As a result of this, the light changes its color and the molecule vibrates. The change of color can act as a ‘fingerprint’ for the molecule. Today Raman spectroscopy, which relies on these ‘fingerprints,’ is used in laboratories all over
the world to identify molecules and to analyze living cells and tissues to detect diseases such as cancer.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
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National Protein Day was observed on 27 February. The day is observed every year. The day marks the annual commemorative day to rally Indians towards the mission of protein awareness and sufficiency.
THEME:
The theme of India Protein Day 2020 is #ProteinMeinKyaHai. The theme aims to spread more knowledge about protein.
OBJECTIVE:
The main objective of the day is to bring about a behavioral change by persuading Indians to eat adequate protein in every meal.
HISTORY:
The India Protein day was launched on 27 February 2020 under the Right to Protein, a national-level public health initiative.
The day was launched to draw public attention, raise awareness, and educate India on the health benefits of protein.
The day is observed in many countries globally.
RIGHT TO PROTEIN:
Right to Protein initiative is India’s first advocacy program that calls for the right to adequate protein as the core of nutrition for India.
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The initiative aims to improve the quality and consistency of different types of protein consumed in India.
It also aims to lead to greater protein consumption by poultry, livestock, and pisciculture & aquaculture, including fish & shrimp farming.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: how the day will be hepfull to draw public attention, raise
awareness, and educate India and world on the health benefits of protein?
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
World Pulses Day is observed on 10 February. The day aims to create public awareness of the nutritional benefits of eating pulses.
PULSES:
Pulses (legumes) are the edible seeds of leguminous plants cultivated for food. Lentils, peas and dried beans are the most commonly known and consumed types of pulses.
Pulses have the nitrogen-fixing properties which will improve the soil fertility. It increases and extends the productivity of the farmland.
Farmers can promote farm biodiversity and soil biodiversity by using pulses for intercropping and cover crops.
Pulses also play a role in climate change mitigation by reducing dependence on the synthetic fertilizers used to introduce nitrogen artificially into the soil.
Greenhouse gases (GHG) are released during the manufacturing and application of these fertilizers, and their overuse can be detrimental to the environment.
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HISTORY:
On 20 December 2013, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution to proclaim the year 2016 as the “International Year of Pulses (IYP)”.
The day aimed to recognize the value of pulses. In 2019, the UNGA proclaimed 10 February as the World Pulses Day.
The day aims to increase the public awareness of the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: how the day will be hepfull to draw public attention, raise
awareness, and educate India and world on the health benefits of pulses?
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
World Day of Social Justice is observed on 20 February. It is observed every year to encourage people to look at how social justice affects poverty eradication.
THEME:
The theme for the year 2020 is “Closing the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social Justice”. The theme focuses to uphold the principles of social justice by promoting gender equality, or the rights of indigenous peoples and migrants.
BACKGROUND:
On 10 June 2008, the International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization.
It is one of the major principles and policies adopted by the International Labour Conference.
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The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) recognized that to achieve and maintain peace and security, social development and social justice are crucial.
In March 1995, the World Summit for Social Development was held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Many governments reached a new consensus on the need to put people at the centre of development.
The world leaders focused on the goal of achieving full employment and support for social integration.
On 26 November 2007, UNGA declared the observation of the World Day of Social Justice on 20 February every year.
The World Day of Social Justice was first observed in 2009.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: rights of indigenous peoples and migrants, gender equality
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
World Cancer Day observed every year on February 4 by the Union for International Cancer Control. The day is being set apart from 2008. The day is observed by the United Nations also.
THEME:
I am, I will
HIGHLIGHTS:
This subject is being followed for the long stretches of 2019-2021.
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As indicated by WHO, consistently, 8.8 million individuals die due to cancer in low-and center salary nations.
World Cancer Day observed to lessen illness and demise brought about by cancer and to spread awareness about the same.
UNION FOR INTERNATIONAL CANCER CONTROL:
It is a Non-Governmental Organization framed in 1933, the central station of the association situated in Geneva, Switzerland.
The association moves in the direction of lessening worldwide cancer growth and to coordinate disease control measures into the world health agenda.
The association conducts World Cancer Congress, World Cancer Leaders’ Summit, GAPRI (Global Access to Pain Relief Initiative), ChiCa (Childhood Cancer), GETI (Global Education and Training Initiative), GICR (Global Initiative for Cancer Registries).
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: how the World Cancer Day will help to lessen illness and demise
brought about by cancer?
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed on 6 February. The day is observed to end the practice of FGM. It creates awareness about
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FGM which is a violation of the human rights of girls and women.
A CAMPAIGN TITLED:
‘A Piece of Me’
ORGANIZED BY:
UNFPA
AIM:
To celebrate three survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM) to raise awareness to end FGM
THEME:
The theme for the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM for the year 2020 is “Unleashing Youth Power: One decade of accelerating actions for zero female genital mutilation”. The theme focuses on mobilizing youth around the eliminations of harmful practices including FGM.
FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM):
FGM is the practice of partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
It is mostly carried out on girls between infancy and 15 years age 15. It causes problems including severe bleeding, urinating problems, cysts, infections, and other
complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths. The practice is performed mainly in North-Eastern, Eastern and Western parts of Africa.
HISTORY:
In 2007, a Joint Programme on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting was initiated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
In 2012, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution and designated 6 February as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
UNGA aimed to amplify and direct the efforts on the elimination of this practice.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: cure of FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
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Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
India hosted the first-ever BIMSTEC Conference on Combating Drug Trafficking in New Delhi. It was organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), India’s federal agency for drug law enforcement.
VISION:
Zero Tolerance Policy to realize PM’s vision of a Drug-free India; India would not allow Illicit Drug trade to happen within its boundaries.
KEY POINTS:
Drug trafficking is a global illicit trade involving the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of substances which are subject to drug prohibition laws.
The UN’s World Drug Report points out that over 5% of the global population between 15-64 years of age are addicted to narcotics and use of illicit drugs.
The BIMSTEC conference sought to provide an opportunity to all the member nations to deliberate on the increased threats posed by drug trafficking and the collective steps that were required to negate such threats.
The Ministry has also started an e-portal for digitalisation of drug data that may be utilized by various drug enforcement agencies. In the last 5 years, Over 1.89 lakh Narcotics cases have been registered in India, in which over 2.31 lakh drug smugglers have been arrested by the agencies including over 1500 foreign nationals.
BIMSTEC AND DRUG-TRAFFICKING:
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Regional maritime connectivity and trade through the Bay of Bengal are imperative for the shared prosperity and economic growth of the entire BIMSTEC region.
However, one of the most prominent of security challenges for the region is drug trafficking through sea.
It is thus very important for all countries to engage with each other to exchange ideas, policies and best practices in order to combat this menace.
In general, Asian countries are increasingly being affected by drug trafficking. BIMSTEC, being the key link between South Asian and South East Asian nations, is one of the most effective platforms to tackle this global threat.
INDIA AND DRUG-TRAFFICKING:
India is a transit point for opiates produced illegally. India is in the middle of two major illicit opium production regions in the world:
1. The Golden Crescent (Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan) in the West. 2. The Golden Triangle (South-East Asia) in the East.
Manipur and Mizoram having borders with Myanmar and other coastal States are sensitive and may become a gateway for illicit drugs entering India.
To protect itself from the menace of drug trafficking, India has adopted a Zero Tolerance Policy towards all kinds of narcotics and psychotropic substances to realise its vision of a Drug-free India.
India has also started an e-portal for digitalisation of drug data to assist various drug enforcement agencies.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: policies and best practices to tackle global threat of DRUG-
TRAFFICKING
Sources: pib
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CONTEXT:
Recently the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the draft National Statistical Commission (NSC) Bill in public domain for feedback.
NATIONAL STATISTICAL COMMISSION (NSC):
The Bill seeks to establish NSC as the nodal, autonomous and statutory body for all core statistical activities. It also proposes the NSC to be a body corporate. The current body lacks statutory backing.
PRESENT STATUS OF THE NSC:
FORMATION:
The Government of India through a resolution dated 1st June, 2005 set up the National Statistical Commission (NSC), on the recommendations of the Rangarajan Commission, which reviewed the Indian Statistical System in 2001.
COMPOSITION:
It has a part-time Chairperson, 4 part-time Members and an ex-officio Member, each having specialization and experience in specified statistical fields.
The Chief Statistician of India is the Secretary of the Commission. He is also the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation.
MANDATE:
To evolve policies, priorities and standards in statistical matters. To improve the data quality in the statistical products and processes and work closely with the
statistical agencies in the central and state government to ensure its implementation. The NSC is a recommending body that helps the national statistical system in evolving better
strategies to improve the functioning of the system.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: NATIONAL STATISTICAL COMMISSION (NSC)
Sources: pib
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CONTEXT:
Britain has officially left the European Union (EU) and has become the first country to leave the 28-member bloc.
The UK stopped being a member of the European Union (EU) after 23:00 GMT on 31 January 2020.
WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN UNION?
The EU is an economic and political union involving 28 European countries. It allows free trade, which means goods can move between member countries without any
checks or extra charges. The EU also allows free movement of people, to live and work in whichever country they
choose. The UK joined in 1973 (when it was known as the European Economic Community) and it will
be the first member state to withdraw.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER BREXIT DAY?
After the UK formally leaves the EU, there is still a lot to talk about and months of negotiation will follow.
While the UK has agreed the terms of its EU departure, both sides still need to decide what their future relationship will look like.
During the 11-month transition period, the UK will continue to follow all of the EU’s rules and its trading relationship will remain the same.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE AGREED?
The transition period is meant to give both sides some breathing space while a new free trade agreement is negotiated.
This is needed because the UK will leave the single market and customs union at the end of the transition. A free trade agreement allow goods to move around the EU without checks or extra charges.
If a new one cannot be agreed in time, then the UK faces the prospect of having to trade with no deal in place. That would mean tariffs (taxes) on UK goods travelling to the EU and other trade barriers.
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OTHER ASPECTS OF THE FUTURE UK-EU RELATIONSHIP WILL ALSO NEED TO BE DECIDED:
1. Law enforcement, data sharing and security. 2. Aviation standards and safety. 3. Access to fishing waters. 4. Supplies of electricity and gas. 5. Licensing and regulation of medicines.
WHAT CAUSED BREXIT TO HAPPEN?
So far, there seem to be three theories for what drove so many people to vote Brexit:
1. Immigrants:
Faced with rising immigration locals worried about their jobs and the erosion of the English way of life wanted their government to clamp down on immigration. This was a revolt against unrestricted immigration from poorer Eastern European states, Syrian refugees residing in the EU and millions of Turks about to join the EU.
2. Elites:
Faced with decades of economic malaise, stagnant real wages and economic destitution in former industrial heartlands ever since the rise of “Thaterchism” and the embrace of Neoliberal policies by Tony Blair’s New Labour the non-Londoners have decided to revolt against the elite. This isn’t just about being against the EU as it stands, and its free market and free movement of peoples.
3. Bureaucracy:
Faced with Brussel’s asphyxiating amount of red tape the English people decide to “take back control” of their country’s bureaucracy.
The three theories are obviously intertwined at times and contradictory at others, that’s why it matters who is going to be negotiating the post-Brexit relationship between the UK and the EU.
WHAT IS THE BREXIT DEAL?
The transition period and other aspects of the UK’s departure were agreed in a separate deal called the withdrawal agreement.
Most of that was negotiated by Theresa May’s government. But after Mr Johnson replaced her in July 2019, he removed the most controversial part – the backstop.
The backstop was designed to ensure there would be no border posts or barriers between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit. If needed, it would have kept the UK in a close trading relationship with the EU.
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Under Mr Johnson’s deal, a customs border will effectively be created between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Some goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain will be subject to checks and will have to pay EU import taxes (known as tariffs).
These would be refunded if goods remain in Northern Ireland (ie are not moved to the Republic of Ireland).
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: Brexit deal, European Union
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The Supreme Court has brought women officers in 10 streams of the Army on a par with their male counterparts in all respects, setting aside longstanding objections of the government. The court ordered the government to implement its judgment in three months.
COURT’S OBSERVATIONS:
The Supreme Court rejected arguments against greater role for women officers, saying these violated equality under law.
The biological argument was also rejected as disturbing. The court has rejected government’s arguments, saying they are based on sex stereotypes
premised on assumptions about socially ascribed roles of gender which discriminate against women.
It has also said that it only shows the need “to emphasise the need for change in mindsets to bring about true equality in the Army”.
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BACKGROUND:
The case was first filed in the Delhi High Court by women officers in 2003, and had received a favourable order in 2010. But the order was never implemented, and was challenged in the Supreme Court by the government.
WOMEN IN ARMY: BACKGROUND OF THE CASE
The induction of women officers in the Army started in 1992. They were commissioned for a period of five years in certain chosen streams such as Army
Education Corps, Corps of Signals, Intelligence Corps, and Corps of Engineers. Recruits under the Women Special Entry Scheme (WSES) had a shorter pre-commission
training period than their male counterparts who were commissioned under the Short Service Commission (SSC) scheme.
In 2006, the WSES scheme was replaced with the SSC scheme, which was extended to women officers.
They were commissioned for a period of 10 years, extendable up to 14 years. Serving WSES officers were given the option to move to the new SSC scheme, or to continue
under the erstwhile WSES. They were to be however, restricted to roles in streams specified earlier — which excluded
combat arms such as infantry and armoured corps.
WHAT WAS THE MAIN ISSUE NOW?
While male SSC officers could opt for permanent commission at the end of 10 years of service, this option was not available to women officers. They were, thus, kept out of any command appointment, and could not qualify for government pension, which starts only after 20 years of service as an officer.
WHY THE GOVERNMENT WAS AGAINST THIS?
1. Personal limitations:
Motherhood, childcare, psychological limitations have a bearing on the employment of women officers in the Army.
Family separation, career prospects of spouses, education of children, prolonged absence due to pregnancy, motherhood were a greater challenge for women to meet the exigencies of service.
2. Physical limitations:
Soldiers will be asked to work in difficult terrains, isolated posts and adverse climate conditions. Officers have to lead from the front. They should be in prime physical condition to undertake combat tasks. The Govt. said women were not fit to serve in ground combat roles.
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3. Behavioural and Psychological Challenges:
Army units were a “unique all-male environment”. The presence of women officers would require “moderated behaviour”. The male troop predominantly comes from a rural background and may not be in a position to accept commands from a female leader.
WHY THEY SHOULD BE GRANTED PERMANENT COMMISSION?
PAST RECORDS
A quick look at the past records reveals, all the arguments put forth against giving women more responsibility have been answered by the armed forces by giving women greater responsibility in uniform — the IAF has allowed women to become fighter pilots, and the Army has sent them to tough UN peacekeeping missions globally.
Women officers are already commanding platoons, companies and second in command successfully, with male soldiers accepting orders from them as part of a professional force.
Now they are being excluded from commanding a unit, only on the basis that they are women. This argument doesn’t hold water.
A professional force does not discriminate on the basis of gender, it works because of training, norms and culture. Denying women the posts will be an “extremely retrograde step” and “will inflict irreparable injury” to their dignity.
ORDER AND ITS IMPLICATIONS:
o It means that women officers will be eligible to tenant all the command appointments, at par with male officers, which would open avenues for further promotions to higher ranks for them.
o It also means that in junior ranks and career courses, women officers would be attending the same training courses and tenanting critical appointments, which are necessary for higher promotions.
o The implications of the judgment will have to be borne by the human resources management department of the Army, which will need to change policy in order to comply.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: women empowerment
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), procurement cases will be put up as prioritised by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
HIGHLIGHTS:
Formal structure comprising civil and military officials for the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) headed by the CDS (At present, we have an interim structure, they have no financial power)
The proposed DMA will have a Secretary, Transformation and Coordination, which will be the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), Additional Secretary and five Joint Secretaries.
Additional Secretary will be a three-star officer while the Joint Secretaries include three officers, one from each service of the rank of Major General or equivalent ,Major Gen.
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS:
The DMA will be the fifth department in the Ministry after the Department of Defence, the Department of Defence Production, the Department of Defence Research and Development and the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare.
The DMA’s mandate includes promoting jointness in procurement, training and staffing for the Services; facilitating restructuring of the military commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about a jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint/theatre commands and promoting use of indigenous equipment
THE DMA WOULD DEAL WITH
The armed forces; The integrated headquarters of the Ministry, comprising the Army, Naval and Air and defence
staff headquarters; The Territorial Army; and Works relating to the three services and procurement exclusive to them, except capital
acquisitions
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DEFENCE ACQUISITION COUNCIL
Highest decision-making body in the Defence Ministry Decides on new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy and Air
Force) and the Indian Coast Guard. Minister of Defence is the Chairman of the Council. Formed, after the Group of Ministers recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security
System’, in 2001, post Kargil War (1999).
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: Formation of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
U.S. Department of State has approved the potential sale of a $1.867 billion Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) to India.
HIGHLIGHT:
The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System, also known as the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS), provides integrated air missile defence
The IADWS system includes radar, launchers, targeting, and guidance systems, advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) and Stinger missiles, and related equipment and support
AMRAAM:
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The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). It is an American beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) capable of all-weather day-
and-night operations fire-and-forget weapon. AMRAAM is the world’s most popular beyond-visual-range missile.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: Air defence system
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Indian Army’s College of Military Engineering (CME) in partnership with a private firm developed the cheapest gunshot locator device “Parth”.
PARTH:
The cost of the device is Rs.3 lakh. If the device is inducted into the Army, it will replace a similar imported item which costs
around Rs.65 lakhs. The device can locate a bullet from a distance of 400m and will help to neutralize it in a faster
way. The device was showcased at the Def-Expo 2020 at Lucknow.
GUNSHOT LOCATOR:
A gunshot locator device can detect and convey the location of gunshot or other weapon fire using optical, acoustic, or other combinations of sensors.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
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For prelims and mains: Indian defence system
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The Union Territory (UT) of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh will soon be covered by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). The announcement was made by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh at the annual conference of the CAT in New Delhi.
CAT IN J & K:
The CAT tribunal which will be set up will have jurisdiction to handle disputes and other issues related to the UT services.
So far, the CAT had jurisdiction only over central services issues in J&K. Until an exclusive bench of CAT will be set up in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chandigarh bench of
the tribunal may attend to the service disputes and other cases from the Union territory.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: about the conference
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
In March 2018, Supreme Court diluted the stringent provisions of SC/ST Act (Subhash Kashinath Mahajan v. State of Maharashtra).
WHAT’S THE ISSUE?
The Supreme Court has upheld a 2018 amendment which barred persons accused of committing atrocities against those belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes from getting anticipatory bail.
The Court upheld the constitutionality of Section 18A of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act of 2018.
The sole purpose of Section 18A was to nullify a controversial March 20, 2018, judgment of the Supreme Court diluting the stringent anti-bail provisions of the original Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989.
VIEWS OF THE COURT:
A High Court would also have an “inherent power” to grant anticipatory bail in cases in which prima facie an offence under the anti-atrocities law is not made out.
Besides, a High Court, in “exceptional cases”, could also quash cases to prevent the misuse of the anti-atrocities law.
However, the courts should take care to use this power to grant anticipatory bail “only sparingly and in very exceptional cases”.
It should not become a norm lest it leads to miscarriage of justice and abuse of the process of law.
What’s there in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act of
2018?
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1. A preliminary inquiry is not essential before lodging an FIR under the act and the approval of senior police officials is not needed.
2. There is no provision for anticipatory bail to the accused being charged with SC/ST Act.
WHY STRINGENT PROVISIONS AGAINST SC/ST ATROCITIES ARE NECESSARY:
Such stringent terms, otherwise contrary to the philosophy of bail, are absolutely essential, because a liberal use of the power to grant pre-arrest bail would defeat the intention of Parliament.
The express provisions of the Constitution and statutes like the Act, meant to protect the oppressed classes, underline the social or collective resolve to ensure that “all humans are treated as humans, that their innate genius is allowed outlets through equal opportunities and each of them is fearless in the pursuit of her or his dreams”.
WAY AHEAD:
Unless provisions of the Act (anti-atrocities law) are enforced in their true letter and spirit, with utmost earnestness and dispatch, the dream and ideal of a casteless society will remain only a dream, a mirage.
The marginalisation of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities is an enduring exclusion and is based almost solely on caste identities.
BACKGROUND:
In March 2018, Supreme Court diluted the stringent provisions of SC/ST Act (Subhash Kashinath Mahajan v. State of Maharashtra).
The verdict saw a huge backlash across the country. The government filed a review petition in the Supreme Court and subsequently amended the 1989 Act back to its original form.
GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE SUPREME COURT AND
RATIONALE BEHIND IT:
Supreme Court gave the judgement on the pretext that Innocents cannot be terrorized by the provisions of the SC/ST Act and their fundamental rights need to be protected.
The court said that public servants could be arrested only with the written permission of their appointing authority.
In the case of private employees, the Senior Superintendent of Police concerned should allow it.
A preliminary inquiry should be conducted before the FIR was registered to check if the case fell within the ambit of the Act, and whether it was frivolous or motivated, the court ruled.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
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For prelims and mains: SC/ST atrocities law
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Union Cabinet approved the Twenty-second Law Commission of India for a period of three years. The law commission will provide a recommendation on different aspects of law, to the government, which are entrusted to the Commission for its study and recommendations, as per its terms of reference.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION:
The 22nd Law Commission will consist of:
a full-time Chairperson
four full-time Members (including Member-Secretary)
Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs as ex-officio Member
Secretary, Legislative Department as ex officio Member
part-time Members (not more than five)
ROLES OF LAW COMMISSION:
The Law Commission can undertake research in law and review of existing laws in India for making reforms therein and enacting new legislations.
It will undertake research and studies for bringing reforms in the justice delivery systems for elimination of delay in procedures, speedy disposal of cases, reduction in the cost of litigation, etc.
It will take all such measures as may be necessary to harness law and the legal process in the service of the poor.
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The commission will revise the Central Acts of general importance so as to simplify them and remove anomalies, ambiguities, and inequities.
LAW COMMISSION OF INDIA:
o The Law Commission of India was constituted by the Government of India in 1955. o The non-statutory body is reconstituted every three years. o The tenure of the twenty-first Law Commission of India ended on 31 August 2018. o Law Commission has made a significant contribution towards the progressive development
and codification of Law of the country. o It has submitted 277 reports so far.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: significant role of LAW COMMISSION
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The President makes an address to a joint sitting of Parliament at the start of the Budget session, which is prepared by the government and lists its achievements.
WHAT IS “MOTION OF THANKS” AND WHAT IT CONTAINS?
o It is essentially a statement of the legislative and policy achievements of the government during the preceding year and gives a broad indication of the agenda for the year ahead.
o The address is followed by a motion of thanks moved in each House by ruling party MPs. During the session, political parties discuss the motion of thanks also suggesting amendments.
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AMENDMENTS TO THE “MOTION OF THANKS”:
Notices of amendments to Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address can be tabled after the President has delivered his Address. Amendments may refer to matters contained in the Address as well as to matters, in the opinion of the member, the Address has failed to mention.
Amendments can be moved to the Motion of Thanks in such form as may be considered appropriate by the Speaker.
LIMITATIONS:
The only limitations are that members cannot refer to matters which are not the direct responsibility of the Central Government and that the name of the President cannot be brought in during the debate since the Government and not the President is responsible for the contents of the Address.
PROVISIONS GOVERNING THEM:
President’s Address and Motion of Thanks are governed by Articles 86 (1) and 87 (1) of the Constitution and Rules 16 to 24 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS ON THIS:
Article 86(1) of the Constitution provides that the President may address either House of Parliament or both Houses assembled together, and for that purpose require the attendance of members.
Article 87 provides for the special address by the President. Clause (1) of that article provides that at the commencement of the first session after each
general election to the House of the People and at the commencement of the first session of each year, the President shall address both Houses of Parliament assembled together and inform Parliament of the causes of its summons.
No other business is transacted till the President has addressed both Houses of Parliament assembled together.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS ON “MOTION OF THANKS
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Sanjay Kothari, Secretary to the President of India, will be the next Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC).
The post of CVC has been vacant since June 2019.
ABOUT CVC:
It is the apex vigilance institution created via executive resolution (based on the recommendations of Santhanam committee) in 1964 but was conferred with statutory status in 2003.
It submits its report to the President of India.The Commission was set up on the recommendation of the K.Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption.
APPOINTMENT:
They are appointed by the president of india on the recommendations of a committee consisting of prime minister, union home minister and leader of the opposition in lok sabha (if there is no lop then the leader of the single largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha).
TERM:
Their term is 4 years or 65 years, whichever is earlier.
REMOVAL:
The Central Vigilance Commissioner or any Vigilance Commissioner can be removed from his office only by order of the President on the ground of proved misbehavior or incapacity after the Supreme Court, on a reference made to it by the President, has, on inquiry, reported that the Central Vigilance Commissioner or any Vigilance Commissioner, as the case may be, ought to be removed.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: Role of Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC)
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Sources: pib
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CONTEXT:
The Supreme Court has directed the states, which are yet to come out with notifications for establishing ‘Gram Nyayalayas’, to do so within four weeks, and asked the high courts to expedite the process of consultation with state governments on this issue.
WHAT’S THE ISSUE?
So far only 11 states have taken steps to notify Gram Nyayalayas. Several states have issued notifications for establishing ‘Gram Nyayalayas’ but all of them were not functioning except in Kerala, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
Only 208 ‘Gram Nyayalayas’ are functioning in the country as against 2,500 estimated to be required by the 12th five-year plan.
ABOUT GRAM NYAYALAYAS:
Gram Nyayalayas or village courts are established under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 for speedy and easy access to justice system in the rural areas of India.
The Act came into force from 2 October 2009.
COMPOSITION:
o The Gram Nyayalayas are presided over by a Nyayadhikari, who will have the same power, enjoy same salary and benefits of a Judicial Magistrate of First Class.
o Such Nyayadhikari are to be appointed by the State Government in consultation with the respective High Court.
JURISDICTION:
A Gram Nyayalaya have jurisdiction over an area specified by a notification by the State Government in consultation with the respective High Court.
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The Court can function as a mobile court at any place within the jurisdiction of such Gram Nyayalaya, after giving wide publicity to that regards.
They have both civil and criminal jurisdiction over the offences. The pecuniary jurisdiction of the Nyayalayas are fixed by the respective High Courts. Gram Nyayalayas has been given power to accept certain evidences which would otherwise
not be acceptable under Indian Evidence Act.
PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED:
Gram Nyayalayas can follow special procedures in civil matters, in a manner it deem just and reasonable in the interest of justice.
Gram Nyayalayas allow for conciliation of the dispute and settlement of the same in the first instance.
APPEALS:
Appeal in criminal cases shall lie to the Court of Session, which shall be heard and disposed of within a period of six months from the date of filing of such appeal.
Appeal in civil cases shall lie to the District Court, which shall be heard and disposed of within a period of six months from the date of filing of the appeal.
SIGNIFICANCE:
The setting up of Gram Nyayalayas is considered as an important measure to reduce arrears and is a part of the judicial reforms.
It is estimated that Gram Nyayalayas can reduce around 50% of the pendency of cases in subordinate courts and can take care of the new litigations which will be disposed within six months.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: Establishment of ‘Gram Nyayalayas’
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
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Bhutan will now impose a “sustainable development fee” (SDF) on Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian tourists.
HIGHLIGHTS:
The new levy, however, will not be applicable across Bhutan. To promote tourism in the less popular Eastern Bhutan, the SDF will not be levied on tourists
travelling to 11 districts in the region. The decision has been taken to protect the ecology of the country, amid a spike in visitors
from India.
BACKGROUND:
So far, tourists from the three countries had been exempt from a levy that other nationals had to pay — $250 per person per day during the peak season, and $200 per person per day during the low season.
The low season is in the winter from December to February, and during the rains from June to August.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: steps taken to protect the ecology of Bhutan
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The Tamil Nadu government has declared the Cauvery delta region as a Protected Special Agriculture Zone.
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The protected zone includes eight districts namely Thanjavur (Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu), Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Karur and Tiruchirapalli.
Such a declaration will prevent non-agrarian projects in the region. The Government has emphasised that central projects on hydrocarbon exploration in the
delta region cannot be implemented without No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the State government.
The Cauvery delta region is an important agricultural region in Tamil Nadu. It has been seen that in the last four decades, Tamil Nadu’s food dependence on the delta has
fallen from 65% to 40%. Hydrocarbon wells are one of the major reasons behind the same.
CAUVERY RIVER
KAVERI: A CHERISHED WATERBODY
A river in S India, flowing SE from the Western Ghats in Karnatka state through Tamil Nadu state to the Bay of Bengal
OVERVIEW
Birthplace: Kodagu
Length: 805 km
Source: Tala Kaveri
Mouth: Bay of Bengal
Basin area: 88,000 sq km
Population in basin: 73 million
Cities: Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Tala Kaveri, Srirangapatna,
States in basin: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
Major cities using water: Chennai (pop: 7 million), Bengaluru (pop: 8.4 million)
Covers: 3 States and a Union Territory
TRIBUTARIES
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⁃ left Harangi, Hemavati, Shimsha, Arkavathy
⁃ right Lakshmana Tirtha, Kabini, Bhavani, Noyyal, Amaravati, Moyar
MAJOR DAMS:
1. Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS), 2. Kabini, 3. Harangi and
4. Hemavathi (ALL ARE IN KARNATAKA)
SIGNIFICANCE OF KAVERI RIVER
ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE:
The very name “Cauvery” manifests its significance. “Cauvery” comes from Ka and viri, and means “one who brings abundance where she flows.”.
The Cauvery delta is one of South India’s rice bowls and supports 4.4 million people. The Cauvery basin contributes 40% of the food grain in Tamil Nadu and 26% in Karnataka. Asia’s first hydroelectric dam was built across the Cauvery at Shivanasamudra. The dam
provides electricity to Bengaluru.
SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Figure 17 Location map of Cauvery River basin in India.
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The Cauvery’s origins are closely related to Agastyamuni, who is in many ways the source of the spiritual process in the whole of South India.
Many of South India’s sacred spaces are along the Cauvery’s banks. Thiruvanaikaval, the pancha bhuta sthala for water, is along its banks. The linga here is always partially immersed in water.
The Cauvery herself is described as a goddess. For the Kodavas, one of the indigenous people of the Western Ghats, Cauvery is the kula devata or family deity.
One of the oldest dams in the world, the Kallanai dam was built almost 2000 years ago on the Cauvery, by the Chola king Karikalan.
Poompuhar, a town near the place where Cauvery reaches the ocean, was one of the most important ports of the ancient world. Known as Cauverypoompattinam, traders set sail from here to Rome, Greece, China and the Far East.
CAUVERY RIVER DEPLETION
o Water depletion: 39% o Dry season drought risk: Low to medium o Monsoon flood risk: High o Total tree cover loss: 87% o Seasonal variability of water levels: Medium
CAUVERY WATER DISPUTE
The river Cauvery originates in Karnataka's Kodagu district, flows into Tamil Nadu and reaches the Bay of Bengal. Parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Pondicherry lie in the Cauvery basin.
The origins of legal dispute over Cauvery waters date back to 1892 and 1924 in agreements signed between Mysore and Madras Presidency.
The water sharing dispute of the river between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu dates back to the British Raj.
A number of districts in both states are dependent on the Cauvery for irrigation, while Bengaluru gets its water from the river.
SHARING WATER: A NATIONAL PROBLEM
The issue of water sharing became a national problem after the re-organisation of the states in 1956. Post the division of states, there has been protests in both the states regarding the same. In the late 20th century, Tamil Nadu was opposed to the construction of dams on the river by Karnataka.
CAUVERY WATER DISPUTES TRIBUNAL
In 1990, Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal was set up. In 2007, the tribunal declared its final award, in which it said Tamil Nadu should receive 419 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) of water more than double the amount mentioned in the interim order of 1991.
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SOME FACTS ABOUT WATER AVAILABLITY
25% of India is turning into desert. In 15 years, we may have only half the water we need for our survival. The Ganga is one of the most endangered rivers in the world. The Godavari was dry along much of its length last year. The Kaveri has lost 40% of its flow. Krishna and Narmada have lost around 60%
HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU
Estimates say 65% of our water needs are met by rivers. 2 out of 3 major Indian cities already deal with daily water shortage. Many urban residents
pay ten times the normal amount for a can of water. We consume water not just to drink or for domestic purposes. 80% of water is used to grow
our food. Each person’s average water requirement is 1.1 million liters a year. Flood, drought and rivers turning seasonal are increasingly leading to crop failure across the
country. Climate change is expected to cause worse floods and droughts within the next 25-50 years.
During the monsoon, rivers will flood. The rest of the year, drought will follow. These trends are already beginning.
SAVING OUR RIVERS: HOW CAN WE HELP?
Maintaining A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF TREES through government policy and to create awareness
HOW THIS MOVE WILL BE BENEFICIAL FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CAUSE?
Healthy river systems safeguard our water and food for the present and future generations. Secure water resources are essential for individual wellbeing and India’s industry and
commerce. Farmers’ incomes increase at least three to four-fold by changing from crop to organic fruit
tree cultivation. Farmers, who are the largest section of India’s workforce, are also among the lowest earning
groups. Increasing their income will create a huge positive impact. This will also diversify and boost India’s rural economy significantly.
HOW TREES CAN SAVE OUR RIVERS
India’s rivers are mainly rain-fed. So how do they flow throughout the year, even in the dry season? Because of forests.Trees are important in ensuring that perennial rivers flow even when the rains end.
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Tree roots make the soil porous so that it can absorb rain and hold water when rain falls. This water in the soil is then released into the river gradually throughout the year.
If there are no trees, a destructive cycle of floods and droughts occur. During the monsoon, excess water will flow over the surface and cause floods because the soil does not absorb the rainwater. When the monsoon ends, rivers go dry because there is no moisture in the soil to feed them. This is why it is important to maintain substantial tree cover along riversides.
TREES ALONG RIVERSIDES HAVE SEVERAL BENEFITS:
Keep rivers perennial Reduce floods Combat drought Recharge groundwater Normalize rainfall Combat climate change Prevent soil erosion Improve water quality Enhance soil quality Protect biodiversity
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: drainage system of peninsular India
Sources: the Hindu, down to earth
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CONTEXT:
The Pesticides Management Bill, 2020 has been approved by the Union Cabinet.
HIGHLIGHTS:
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The Bill will regulate the business of pesticides and compensate farmers in case of losses from the use of agrochemicals.
Agrochemicals imply chemicals used in agriculture, such as a pesticide or fertilizer. Currently, the pesticide business is regulated by rules under the Insecticides Act 1968.
KEY FEATURES OF THE BILL:
PESTICIDE DATA:
It will empower farmers by providing them with all the information about the strength and weakness of pesticides, the risk and alternatives. All information will be available openly as data in digital format and in all languages.
COMPENSATION:
The Bill has a unique feature in the form of a provision for compensations in case there is any loss because of the spurious or low quality of pesticides. If required, a central fund will be formed to take care of the compensations.
ORGANIC PESTICIDES:
The Bill also intends to promote organic pesticides.
REGISTRATION OF PESTICIDE MANUFACTURERS:
All pesticide manufacturers have to be registered and bound by the new Act, once it is passed. The advertisements of pesticides will be regulated so there should be no confusion or no cheating by the manufacturers.
USE OF PESTICIDES IN INDIA:
India is among the leading producers of pesticides in Asia. In the domestic market, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana are among the
states with the highest recorded consumption.
SPURIOUS PESTICIDES:
o They harm crop, soil fertility and the environment. o Spurious agrochemicals are responsible for the losses of not just farmers but also producers
of genuine agrochemicals and the government, which loses revenue from the sales of the counterfeit versions of the real farm inputs.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
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For prelims and mains: about the Bill
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The Inter-Ministerial Approval Committee chaired by the Minister of Food Processing sanctioned 32 projects under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).
OBJECTIVE:
The main objective of this Scheme is creation of processing and preservation capacities and modernisation/ expansion of existing food processing units with a view to increasing the level of processing, value addition leading to reduction of wastage.
The processing activities undertaken by the individual units covers a wide range of post-harvest processes resulting in value addition and/or enhancing shelf life with specialized facilities required for preservation of perishables.
KEY FINDINGS:
The Scheme was launched in 2016 for a period of 4 years, that is, till 2020. The GoI had allocated Rs. 6,000 crores for the scheme.
The projects sanctioned have the capacity to create 15,000 employment opportunities.
The projects aim at increasing the shelf life of agricultural produce and provide steady revenue for the farmers.
The PMKSY has seven component schemes viz; Mega Food Parks, Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters, Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages, Creation/Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities, Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure, and Human Resources and Institutions.
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WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: benefits of the scheme
Sources: pib
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CONTEXT:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to launch 10,000 Farmers Producer Organisations (FPO) across the country at Chitrakoot on 29 February 2020. The event aims to mark the first anniversary of PM-KISAN, which transformed the lives of crores of farmers in the last one year.
FPO’s:
FPOs will help in the collectivization of small, marginal and landless farmers in order to give them the collective strength to deal with such issues.
FPO members will manage their activities together in the organization to get better input, access to technology, finance, and the market for faster enhancement of their income.
BACKGROUND:
Around 86% of farmers in India are small and marginal with average land holdings in the country being less than 1.1 hectares.
These farmers face several challenges including access to technology, quality seed, fertilizers and pesticides including requisite finances, during the agriculture production phase.
They also face tremendous challenges in marketing their products due to a lack of economic strength.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
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For prelims and mains: the challenges faced by Indian farmers
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
A parliamentary panel has recommended a code of conduct for Internet service providers (ISPs) and strengthening the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights to curb child pornography.
BACKGROUND:
The report was prepared by an ad hoc committee set up by the Rajya Sabha and led by Congress MP Jairam Ramesh.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS:
Put in place a multi-pronged strategy involving technological, institutional, social and educational as well as State-level measures.
There is a need for code of conduct or a set of guidelines for ensuring child safety online. There shall be a greater onus on ISPs to identify and remove child sexual abuse material
(CSAM) as well as report such content and those trying to access them to the authorities under the national cybercrime portal.
There is also need for strengthening the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) so that it can serve as the nodal body for curbing child pornography. It is suggested that the capabilities required in the NCPCR should include technology, cyberpolicing and prosecution.
ISSUES WITH THESE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Some of the recommendations are expected to lead to concerns over privacy and misuse.
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It is believed that asking ISPs to report content in addition to blocking and filtering may not be practical.
The suggestion to break encryption could also just lead to traffic moving to different platforms.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS of the report
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Held recently in New Delhi
ORGANISED BY:
Ministry of minority affairs under “USTTAD” scheme at different parts of the country
WHAT IS IT?
It is an exhibition of handicrafts and traditional products made by artisans from the minority communities.
AIM:
These Haat aim to provide market exposure and employment opportunities to artisans, craftsmen and traditional culinary experts
SIGNIFICANCE:
“Hunar Haat” has become a successful mission to provide employment and employment opportunities and national as well international markets for thousands of master artisans, craftsmen and culinary experts.
WHAT IS USTTAD SCHEME?
USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) scheme aims to preserve heritage of traditional arts and crafts of minority communities and build capacity of
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traditional craftspersons and artisans and establish linkages of traditional skills with the global market.
SIMILAR PROGRAMMES BY STATES:
1. Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana- MP. 2. The Rythu Bandhu scheme- Telangana. 3. Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income augmentation (KALIA)- Odisha.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: significance of hunar haat
Sources: pib
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CONTEXT:
On International Mother Language Day (February 21), an official website of KiLiKi language has been launched.
ABOUT KILIKI LANGUAGE:
The new speech was invented for the terrifying warrior tribe called Kalakeya in the two-part Baahubali franchise.
It now has evolved into a language with script grammar and more than 3000 words for everyday communication.
It is considered as the world’s easiest language. This fictional language was created by popular lyricist and screenwriter Madhan Karky.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY:
Observed every year on 21st February since 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh. It was approved at the UNESCO General Conference (1999) and has been observed throughout
the world since 2000.
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Why is Hampi famous for?
Hampi is famous for its ruins
belonging to the erstwhile
medieval Hindu kingdom of
Vijaynagar and it is declared a
World Heritage site. The
temples of Hampi, its
monolithic sculptures and
monuments, attract the traveler
because of their excellent
workmanship.
The United Nations General Assembly had proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages.
The Ministry of Human Resource and Development along with educational institutions and language institutions is celebrating the day as the Matribhasha Diwas in the country.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is about to install a wooden barricade around the stone chariot inside Vittala Temple complex at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi to protect it from damage.
The Vittala Temple is among the most-visited and the most photographed protected monuments at Hampi.
HAMPI:
Hampi is the 14th century capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, located in the Tungabhadra basin in Bellary District, Central Karnataka.
Vittal Temple Complex is the finest example of Vijaynagar Temple Architecture.
A large number of royal buildings were raised by Krishnadeva Raya (A.D. 1509-30) and Vittal Temple Complex is one of them.
Temples of Hampi are noted for their large dimensions, florid ornamentation, bold and delicate carvings and stately pillars which include subjects from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
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Majority of these temples in Hampi were provided with widespread bazaars flanked on either side by storied Mandapas.
The Mahanavami Dibba, a variety of ponds and tanks, and the row of pillared Mandapas are some of the important architectural remains of Hampi.
In 1986, Hampi was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Figure 18 Group of Monuments at Hampi (India)
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: UNESCO World Heritage site
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The Union Government has decided to restore and preserve the nearly 800-year-old Konark Sun Temple, Odisha.
Earlier, the monument had entered into controversy over allegations that the stone carvings on the outer surface were being replaced with plain blocks of stones causing irreplaceable loss to the uniqueness of the temple.
KEY POINT:
Konark was built by King Narasimhadeva I (1238-1264AD) in the 13th century and is located in Eastern Odisha near the sacred city of Puri.
King Narasimhadeva I was a famous ruler of the Ganga Dynasty and with his accession to the throne, the Ganga Dynasty reached its zenith.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1984). Dedicated to the Sun God, Konark is the culmination of Odisha temple architecture, and one
of the most outstanding monuments of religious architecture in the world. Its scale, refinement and conception represent the strength and stability of the Ganga
Dynasty as well as the value systems of the historic milieu. The entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with 7 horses and 24
wheels, carrying the sun god, Surya, across the heavens.
KONARK: SUN TEMPLE:
‘Konarka’, the place bears a name composed of two world elements:
KONA meaning corner and ARKA meaning the Sun
The Sun god worshipped in Ark Kshetra is also called Konark. In ‘Brahma Purana’ the Sun God in Ark-kshetra has been described as Konaditya. Surya has been a popular deity in India since the Vedic period.
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Figure 19 Konark Sun Temple
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: preservation of the temple
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Five judges of the Supreme Court of India have been affected by Swine Flu which is caused by the H1N1 virus.
WHAT IS SWINE FLU (H1N1)?
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Also called as pig influenza, swine flu, hog flu and pig flu. It is an infection caused by any one of several types of swine influenza viruses.
Swine influenza virus is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs. Influenza A (H1N1) virus is the subtype of influenza A virus that is the most common cause of
human influenza.
It is an orthomyxovirus that contains the glycoproteins haemagglutinin and neuraminidase:
1. Haemagglutinin causes red blood cells to clump together and binds the virus to the infected cell.
2. Neuraminidase is a type of glycoside hydrolase enzyme which helps to move the virus particles through the infected cell and assist in budding from the host cells.
SPREAD AND EFFECTS:
H1N1 influenza (or swine flu) is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs.
Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred.
Most commonly, these cases occur in people with direct exposure to pigs (e.g., children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry).
However, there have been cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu.
TREATMENT CONSISTS OF ANTIVIRALS:
Typical treatment includes rest, pain relievers and fluids. In some cases antiviral medication and IV fluids may be required.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: how to cure H1N1 virus?
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
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The government has cleared an ambitious gene-mapping project, called Genome India Project.
OVERVIEW OF GENOME INDIA PROJECT:
The Rs 238-crore Genome India Project will involve 20 leading institutions including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru and a few IITs.
The first stage of the project will look at samples of “10,000 persons from all over the country” to form a “grid” that will enable the development of a “reference genome”.
The IISc’s Centre for Brain Research, an autonomous institute, will serve as the nodal point of the project.
SIGNIFICANCE:
The project is said to be among the most significant of its kind in the world because of its scale and the diversity it would bring to genetic studies.
The data generated would be accessible to researchers anywhere for analysis. As the genetic landscape differs across the world, it is necessary that genetic data is shared in order to derive greater knowledge from information and serve the purpose of enabling better treatment outcomes.
The initiative will pave the way for identifying genes and genetic variations for common diseases, treating Mendelian disorders, enabling the transformation of the Precision Medicine landscape in India, and thus improving the healthcare of the general population in our country.
NEED FOR GENOME SEQUENCING:
Mapping the diversity of India’s genetic pool will lay the bedrock of personalised medicine and put it on the global map.
Considering the diversity of population in our country, and the disease burden of complex disorders, including diabetes, mental health, etc., once we have a genetic basis, it may be possible to take action before the onset of a disease
WHAT IS GENOME SEQUENCING?
o A genome is an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all of its genes. Genomics is an interdisciplinary field of science focusing on the structure, function, evolution, mapping, and editing of genomes.
o Genomics also involves the sequencing and analysis of genomes through uses of high throughput DNA sequencing.
o Advances in genomics have triggered a revolution in discovery-based research and systems biology to facilitate understanding of even the most complex biological systems such as the brain.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
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For prelims and mains: need and significance of Genome India project
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Cabinet clears Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Bill, aims to regulate IVF clinics.
OVERVIEW AND KEY FEATURES OF THE BILL:
It would lead to the creation of a national board to lay down and implement a code of conduct for people working at IVF clinics.
Determines the minimum standards of physical infrastructure, laboratory, diagnostic equipment and expert manpower to be employed by ART clinics and banks.
The bill intends to make genetic testing of the embryo mandatory before implantation for the benefit of the child born through ART.
It also seeks to streamline the cryo-preservation processes for sperm, oocytes and embryo. It also proposes to constitute a national registry and registration authority to maintain a
central database and assist the national board in its functioning. The bill proposes stringent punishment for those “practising sex selection, sale of human
embryos or gametes and running agencies/rackets/organisations for such unlawful practices.
BACKGROUND:
According to a registry maintained by the Indian Council of Medical Research, there are 1,269 ART clinics in India (as on November, 2019).
The number swells up to 1,846 when ART clinics and ART banks are taken together. Maharashtra has the maximum number of ART clinics (266) followed by Tamil Nadu (164),
Delhi (113), Karnataka (102), Uttar Pradesh (92) and Gujarat (80).
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NEED FOR A LEGISLATION IN THIS REGARD:
The need to regulate the ART services is to protect the affected women and children from exploitation.
Registration with the ICMR is a voluntary exercise at the moment because of which many clinics don’t take the trouble and prefer opacity while offering infertility treatment.
SIGNIFICANCE:
o The major benefit of the act would be regulation of the assisted reproductive technology services in the country.
o Consequently, infertile couples will be more ensured and confident of the ethical practices in ART clinics.
WHAT IS ART? WHY IT IS IN DEMAND?
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), as commonly understood, comprises procedures such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), intra-uterine insemination (IUI), oocyte and sperm donation, cryopreservation and includes surrogacy as well.
Social stigma of being childless and lengthy adoption processes has increased the demand for ART in India.
It is thus not surprising that the ART industry is expected to grow by a compounded annual growth rate of 10%.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: about the bill
Sources: pib
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CONTEXT:
Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has yet again “requested companies to abide by Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP)”.
BACKGROUND:
There have been several instances of breach of the voluntary Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) by pharma companies.
There has also been the demand from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and doctors to make it mandatory.
WHAT IS UCPMP CODE?
It is a voluntary code issued by the Department Of Pharmaceuticals relating to marketing practices for Indian Pharmaceutical Companies and as well medical devices industry.
APPLICABILITY:
At present, the UCPMP Code is applicable on Pharmaceutical Companies, Medical Representatives, Agents of Pharmaceutical Companies such as Distributors, Wholesalers, Retailers, and Pharmaceutical Manufacturer’s Associations.
KEY FEATURES AND PROVISIONS:
No gifts, pecuniary advantages or benefits in kind may be supplied, offered or promised, to persons qualified to prescribe or supply drugs, by a pharmaceutical company or any of its agents.
As regards travel facilities, the UCPMP Code prohibits extending travel facility inside the country or outside, including rail, air, ship, cruise tickets, paid vacations, etc., to HealthCare Professionals and their family members for vacation or for attending conference, seminars, workshops, CME programme etc. as a delegate. The Code also provides that free samples of drugs shall not be supplied to any person who is not qualified to prescribe such product. Meaning thereby that free samples can only be supplied to persons qualified to prescribe such product.
It also prescribes additional conditions that are to be observed while providing samples. Further, as per the UCPMP Code, in order to appoint Medical Practitioners/HCPs as Affiliates
there should be written contract, legitimate need for the services must be documented, and criteria for selecting affiliates must be directly related to the identified need.
The UCPMP Code also provides that the number of affiliates retained must not be greater than the number reasonably necessary to achieve the identified need and that the compensation must be reasonable and reflect the fair market value of the services provided.
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NEED OF HOUR:
Experts working in the area have long demanded that in the context of unethical marketing and promotion, the DoP should immediately implement a mandatory mechanism for company disclosures of payments towards doctors and professional bodies, including via third parties.
The disclosures, which should be made at intervals and put in the public domain, should include the amount spent, individual or entity to which payment was made, and the reason for payment, including any services rendered.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: UCPMP
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The Indian Institute of Veterinary Research (IVRI) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed a new vaccine to control classical swine fever.
ABOUT THE VACCINE AND its SIGNIFICANCE:
It is a live attenuated CSF cell culture vaccine (indigenous strain). The indigenously developed vaccine will help in saving rabbits as the currently used vaccine
(lapinized CSF vaccine) is produced by sacrificing large numbers of rabbits. Besides, the new vaccine gives immunity for two years as compared to 3 to 6 months
protection under the currently used vaccines. The new vaccine will be a part of the government’s One Health Initiative.
WHAT IS CLASSICAL SWINE FEVER (CSF)?
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Hog Cholera or Classical swine fever (CSF) is a contagious viral disease of domestic and wild swine.
It happens due to the viruses that bring viral diarrhea in pigs and ailments in sheep. The disease does not harm humans but all-important precautions are advised to follow.
CONCERNS FOR INDIA:
Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is one of the biggest pigs’ diseases in India. It causes a loss of about 400 crores of rupees per year in India. This has led to a decrease in the population of pigs in 2019.
India currently requires 22 million doses of the CSF (Classical Swine Fever) vaccine every year. However, currently, only 1.2 million doses are being produced. The reason behind its less production is that only 50 doses can be prepared from the spleen of a rabbit.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: new vaccine to control classical swine fever
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
World’s first conference on Childhood Pneumonia was held in Barcelona (Spain) to make it part of the global health agenda.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Despite being the biggest infectious killer of children, pneumonia remains a neglected disease
both nationally and globally.
Every 39 seconds, a child under-5 dies from it.
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Global Forum on Childhood Pneumonia is an initiative of 9 leading health and children’s
organisations including UNICEF, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi among others.
THEME OF THE CONFERENCE: ‘Fighting for Breath’
PNEUMONIA Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection of the lungs.
CAUSE:
It doesn’t have one single cause – it can develop from bacteria, viruses or fungi in the air.
VACCINE:
Pneumonia caused by bacteria is easily preventable with vaccines. 3 doses of the primary
vaccine (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) to prevent it are recommended.
A new vaccine for one of the main viral causes of pneumonia is under development.
India is planning for the nationwide rollout of PCV under Universal Immunisation Programme
(UIP).
VULNERABILITY: Children whose immune systems are immature (i.e. newborns) or weakened – such as by
undernourishment, or diseases like HIV – are more vulnerable to pneumonia.
SPREAD: Pneumonia is contagious and can be spread through coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread
through fluids, like blood during childbirth, or from contaminated surfaces.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: vaccination of Childhood Pneumonia
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The Abbott Tendyne Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation (TMVI) system received the European CE mark. It is the first transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) technology in the world.
AIM:
The main aim is to make critical need to eliminate mitral regurgitation when surgery or mitral
repair is not an option in high-risk surgical patients.
This therapy treats significant mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients requiring a heart valve
replacement.
TENDYNE DEVICE:
Tendyne device builds upon our history of developing groundbreaking therapies that offer
new treatment options for people with structural severe heart conditions who have limited
treatment options.
The Tendyne as a treatment option in Europe provides physicians with an additional tool that
has been shown to correct MR in acutely ill patients completely, and it adds to Abbott’s
portfolio of life-changing and life-saving treatments.
ABBOTT: Abbott is developing a transcatheter mitral valve to open-heart surgery. Building upon its
success with the MitraClip device and many years of mitral valve experience and clinical
evidence.
Abbott is leading the way in the novel, transcatheter devices, by investing in the development
and clinical study of minimally invasive technologies.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
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For prelims and mains: transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) technology
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The vivad se vishwas scheme was announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her budget speech on February 1, 2020. The scheme aims to settle the huge number of pending direct tax cases.
THE DIRECT TAX VIVAD SE VISHWAS BILL, 2020:
The amnesty scheme, at present, covers disputes pending at the level of commissioner (appeals), Income Tax Appellate Tribunals (ITAT), high courts, the Supreme Court and those in international arbitration.
It offers a complete waiver on interest and penalty to the taxpayers who pay their pending taxes by March 31.
The scheme aims to benefit those whose tax demands are locked in dispute in multiple forums.
If a taxpayer is not able to pay direct taxes by March 31st then, he will get further time till June 30th.
However, in that case, he would have to pay 10 percent more on the tax.
HOW MUCH?
In case it is just the interest and the penalty which is in dispute, the taxpayer will have to pay 25% of the disputed amount till March 31, and subsequently, it will be 30%.
If a taxpayer is not able to pay within the March 31 deadline, he gets a further time till June 30, but in that case, he would have to pay 10% more on the tax.
In case it is just the interest and the penalty which is in dispute, the taxpayer will have to pay 25% of the disputed amount till March 31, and subsequently, it will be 30%.
SIGNIFICANCE:
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The scheme aims to resolve 483,000 direct tax-related disputes pending in various appellate forums.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: SIGNIFICANCE of the scheme
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) has been established under provision of the Companies Act, 2013.
EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND (IEPF):
The amounts such as dividends, applications money, and matured deposits etc, which have remained unpaid or unclaimed for a period of 7 years, are required to be transferred to the IEPF.
The Amounts credited to IEPF are maintained under the Consolidated Fund of India (Article 266 of the Constitution).
The fund is utilized for promoting investor awareness and protection of investor interests.
The Fund is also utilised for distribution of any disgorged amount among eligible applicants for shares or debentures, shareholders, debenture-holders or depositors who have suffered losses due to wrong actions by any person, in accordance with the orders made by the Court.
When a person or entity in the securities market makes a profit by fraudulent means, a ‘disgorgement’ order is issued to repay those gains to affected investors with interest.
For administration of Investor Education and Protection Fund, the Government of India in 2016, established Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority under the provisions of section 125 of the Companies Act, 2013. The Authority is under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
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For prelims and mains: Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)
Sources: pib
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CONTEXT:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the 6th bi-monthly monetary policy statement for 2019-20 on 6 February. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) which was led by Governor Shaktikanta Das from 4-6 February.
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Central Bank has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.15%. The reverse repo rate was decided to remain unchanged at 4.90%. RBI is to maintain an accommodative policy stance to ensure that inflation remains within the
target. GDP growth forecast for the financial year 2020-21 (FY21) has been projected at 6%. RBI will conduct new one-year and three-year repos worth Rs.1 lakh crore. It aims to ensure
better monetary policy transmission by enabling banks to reduce lending rates. It stated that inflation is now expected to go down. RBI will not cut interest rates before June. To boost best practices on security, customer protection, and pricing, RBI is to introduce a
framework for establishing a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) for the digital payment system by April 2020.
The committee has decided to extend the Cheque Truncation System (CTS) to all over India.
RBI POLICY RATES:
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Policy Repo Rate: 5.15% Reverse Repo Rate: 4.90% Marginal Standing Facility Rate: 5.40% Bank Rate: 5.40% Reserve Ratios: Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): 4% Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): 18.25%
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: Repo rate and RBI policies
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
In a first anywhere in the world, a court in the Netherlands recently stopped SyRI- a digital identification scheme for reasons of exclusion.
IMPLICATIONS WORLDWIDE:
This has a context for similar artificial intelligence systems worldwide, especially at a time when identity, citizenship and privacy are pertinent questions in India.
Firstly, what was the scheme SyRI all about : SyRI (System Risk Indicator) was developed by Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs developed in
2014 to weed out those who are most likely to commit fraud and receive government benefits.
It allowed government agencies to share 17 categories of data about welfare recipients such as taxes, land registries, employment records, and vehicle registrations with a private company.
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The company, called “The Intelligence Agency”, used an algorithm to analyse data for four cities and calculate risk scores. The selective rollout was conducted in low-income and immigrant neighborhoods, which have a higher number of beneficiaries.
Elevated risk scores were sent to relevant government arms, which stores these on government databases for a maximum of two years. The government, in that time period, could open an investigation on the targeted person.
WHY THE COURT RULED AGAINST IT?
A Dutch district court ruled against this scheme because of data privacy and human rights concerns.
The court said using new technology to control fraud was acceptable, it held SyRI was too invasive and violative of the privacy guarantees given by European Human Rights Law as well as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation.
Legal criticism had mounted on this case of algorithmic governance, alleging that the algorithm would begin associating poverty and immigrant statuses with fraud risk.
The court found that opaque algorithmic decision-making puts citizens at a disadvantage to challenge the resulting risk scores.
GOVERNMENT’S DEFENCE:
The Dutch government defended the programme in court, saying it prevented abuse and acted as only a starting point for further investigation instead of a final determination. The government also refused to disclose all information about how the system makes its decisions, stating that it would allow gaming of the system.
HOW RELEVANT IS THIS FOR INDIA?
Similar to the Supreme Court’s Aadhaar judgment setting limits on the ID’s usage, the Hague Court attempted to balance social interest with personal privacy.
However, the Aadhaar judgment was not regarding algorithmic decision-making; it was about data collection.
The ruling is an example of how a data protection regulation can be used against government surveillance.
The court ruled that SyRI was violative of principles of transparency and data minimisation laid out in their General Data Protection Regulation.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: relevance of the mechanism for India
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The US space agency NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are sent a new probe toward the Sun to map its poles. The aim is to help researchers grasp how the sun’s vast bubble of energy affects Earth and humans in space.
SOLAR ORBITER:
The Solar Orbiter is a Sun-observing satellite, developed by the European Space Agency. The satellite deployed an array of solar panels and antennas before setting off on its 10-year
voyage to the Sun. It has been designed to use the gravitational influence from Earth and Venus to whip itself as
close as 26 million miles from the Sun or 95% of the distance between the sun and Earth. The probe will map the sun’s poles, which could allow scientists for the first time to observe
the concentrated source of solar wind that permeates our solar system.
THE MISSION
Solar Orbiter will address big questions in Solar System science to help us understand how our star creates and controls the giant bubble of plasma that surrounds the whole Solar System and influences the planets within it.
It is an ESA mission with strong NASA participation.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR SOLAR ORBITER AFTER ITS HISTORIC LAUNCH TO THE SUN?
It will take Solar Orbiter about two years to reach its operational orbit around the sun, where it will capture unprecedented views of our star's poles.
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SOLAR ORBITER
Studying the Sun up close, taking high-resolution images of the Sun's poles for the first time, and understanding the Sun-Earth connection
OVERVIEW
Launch date: 10 February 2020
Manufacturer: Astrium
Reference system: Heliocentric orbit
SolOHI: Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager
SPICE: Spectral Imaging of the Coronal Environment
Launch sites: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, CCAFS Space Launch Complex 41
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: our solar system
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) declares that it is preparing low-cost satellite launch vehicles costing around 30-35 crores rupees, each which can put into orbit satellites weighing 500 kgs.
INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANISATION (ISRO):
Declares that it is preparing low-cost satellite launch
vehicles costing around 30-35 crores rupees, each which
can put into orbit satellites weighing 500 kgs.
The first launch is expected to take place in the next four
months from the country.
The ISRO has a significant commercial boost as it will be
able to cater to micro, mini, and medium segments of
the market.
ISRO earmarked 1,600 million Dollars for launch vehicles,
of which 870 million Dollars will be for PSLV and the
remaining for GSLV.
VISION: It is a space agency of the government of India, and vision is to
harness space technology for national development.
OVERVIEW
Founder: Vikram Sarabhai Founded: 15 August 1969 Headquarters: Bengaluru Parent organisation: Department of Space Director: Kailasavadivoo Sivan Subsidiary: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
Figure 20 Vikram Sarabhai, first chairperson of INCOSPAR, which
would later be called ISRO
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TOP 10 ACHIEVEMENTS OF ISRO
1. Mars Orbiter Mission 2. India's space shuttle: India's first space shuttle 3. Chandrayaan 4. Launching of 104 satellites 5. Total launchers by ISRO 6. GSLV 7. SLV-3 8. Balloon Experiment 9. Aryabhata 10. Satellite-navigation system.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: ISRO
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) are conducting various events at national level in a year long programme to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.
ABOUT VIKRAM SARABHAI AND HIS CONTRIBUTIONS: Vikram Sarabhai was born on August 12, 1919. Sarabhai was instrumental in forming India’s future in
astronomy and setting up the country’s space research facilities.
KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:
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Based on his persuasion, the Indian government agreed to set up the Indian National
Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962.
Sarabhai was the first chairman of the committee. The INCOSPAR was restructured and
renamed as Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969.
Sarabhai founded the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad in the year 1947. The
laboratory started its operation from RETREAT, Sarabhai’s residence in Ahmedabad. Its first
topic of research was cosmic rays.
He also set up India’s first rocket launch site in Thumba,a small village near the
Thiruvananthapuram airport in Kerala.
Vikram Sarabhai was also responsible for bringing cable television to India. His constant
contact with NASA paved a way for the establishment of Satellite Instructional Television
Experiment (SITE) in 1975.
Sarabhai was the mastermind behind building India’s first satellite, Aryabhata.
He was one of the founding members of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
(IIMA).
Vikram Sarabhai received the Padma Bhushanin 1966 for his contribution to India’s progress.
He was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1972, posthumously.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: CONTRIBUTIONS of VIKRAM SARABHAI
Sources: pib
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CONTEXT:
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Environmental change is quick, affecting the living creatures on
land and sea the same.
HIGHLIGHTS: o Because of the extraordinary increment in an unnatural weather change levels, the icy masses
are softening at a higher rate than at any other time.
o No big surprise, the ocean levels are rising, and progressively seaside regions are getting
inclined to the overwhelming impacts of this incredible wonder.
THWAITES GLACIER: As indicated by the news reports, the researchers have just found warm water underneath the
Thwaites Glacier, which earned the epithet Doomsday Glacier for being Antarctica’s quickest
softening ice sheets.
Estimating 74000 sq mi, this ice sheet evaluated to be the size of Florida in the United States
of America.
This disclosure has raised an alert about the icy mass breakdown, which can prompt almost 3
ft to ascend in the ocean level.
Where the ice sheet is in contact with the ocean has been recorded as 2-degree Celsius over
the frosty temperature. The essentialness of Thwaites lies in the way that it eases back the ice
behind it from effectively going into the sea.
ICE BREAK DOWN: It isn’t clear, be that as it may, to discover the pace of decay of the icy mass. As indicated by
contemplates, it may entirely fall in 100 years or a couple of decades.
The warm water present in the establishing line alludes to the plausibility of a quick
breakdown.
Purportedly, a submerged robot called Icefin advanced underneath the outside of the
dissolving icy mass and found the uncommonly warm temperature.
It was a beautiful yellow remotely worked robot submarine that dropped through a 2300 ft
profound gap, which was bored through the ice sheet.
The revelation is a piece of the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration, a US-UK-based
research firm that dives into the Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica, analyzing how quickly it
may dissolve.
Analyst David Holland is now frightened to observe warm waters in a cool area like Antarctica
that signs at the expanding a dangerous atmospheric deviation and environmental change all
through the planet.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: global warming
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Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has flagged off ‘Apiary on Wheels’.
HIGHLIGHTS:
‘Apiary on Wheels’ is a unique concept designed by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) for the easy upkeep and migration of Bee Boxes having live Bee colonies.
It is a holistic approach to address the challenges faced by the beekeepers. It is designed so as to reduce the labour and cost of maintaining and upkeeping Bee Boxes and live bee colonies across India.
Apiary on Wheels is a platform which can carry 20 Bee Boxes from one place to another without any difficulty. It is like an attachment which can be easily connected with a Tractor or a Trolley and may be pulled to any suitable destination.
The KVIC launched Honey Mission in 2017 and has been training beekeepers, distributing Bee Boxes and helping rural, educated but unemployed youth to earn extra income through beekeeping activities, at their doorstep.
KHADI AND VILLAGE INDUSTRIES COMMISSION:
KVIC is a statutory body established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956.
The KVIC is charged with the planning, promotion, organisation and implementation of programmes for the development of Khadi and other village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary.
It functions under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: Honey Mission
Sources: pib
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CONTEXT:
India has agreed to partially import poultry and dairy markets from the United States.
IN NEWS:
The move comes ahead of the US President Donald Trump’s first official visit to India. The move by GoI is to trade preferences, in exchange for tariff reductions and other concessions.
India has earlier restricted dairy imports to protect the livelihoods of 80 million rural households involved in the industry.
India will import the US chicken legs, turkey and produce such as blueberries and cherries. Also, India has offered to cut tariffs on chicken legs from 100% to 25%.
It also offered some access to India’s dairy market, but with a 5% tariff and quotas. The dairy imports need a certificate that states they are not derived from animals that have
consumed feeds that include blood meal, internal organs, or tissues of ruminants.
INDIA-US:
India is the world’s largest milk-producing nation. The US is India’s second-largest trade partner after China. India is the US’s 9th largest trading partner in goods. The bilateral goods and services trade increased to a record of $142.6 billion in 2018. The US had a $23.2 billion goods trade deficit in 2019.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: India-US relationship
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The expansion of National Highway 66 (NH 66) from Karwar to Kundapura has impacted many more lives and livelihoods of coastal families of Uttara Kannada
HIGHLIGHTS:
It was argued that the construction of the highway would bring development in all areas it passed through and led to economic growth of the region
The project Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report did not estimate the population that would be affected by environmental impacts, instead giving only the estimate of people who would be affected by land acquisition for the project.
NH 66:
Runs roughly north–south along the western coast of India Connects Panvel (a city south of Mumbai) to Cape Comorin (Kanyakumari), Passing through the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: NH66
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the setting up of a National Technical Textiles Mission at a total outlay of ₹1,480 Crore.
AIM:
To position the country as a global leader in technical textiles and increase the use of technical textiles in the domestic market
COMPONENTS:
The Mission will be implemented for four years from 2020-2021 and will have four components:
1. The first component will focus on research and development and innovation and will have an outlay of ₹1,000 crore. The research will be at both, fibre level and application-based in geo, agro, medical, sports and mobile textiles and development of bio-degradable technical textiles.
2. The second component will be for promotion and development of market for technical textiles. The Mission will aim at taking domestic market size to $40 billion to $50 billion by 2024.
3. The third component will focus on export promotion so that technical textile exports from the country reach from the ₹14,000 crore now to ₹20,000 crore by 2021-2022 and ensure 10% average growth every year till the Mission ends.
4. The last component will be on education, training and skill development.
WHAT ARE TECHNICAL TEXTILES?
Technical textiles are defined as textile materials and products manufactured primarily for their technical performance and functional properties rather than aesthetic and decorative characteristics.
Technical textiles include textiles for automotive applications, medical textiles, geotextiles, agrotextiles, and protective clothing.
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WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: textiles industries in India
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a unique organism that doesn’t need to breathe.
THE NEW DISCOVERY:
Henneguya salminicola, the tiny parasite, is the first known multicellular animal that can survive without oxygen. It lives in an anaerobic environment.
The parasite lives in salmon tissue and evolved so that it doesn’t need oxygen to produce energy.
The researchers made the discovery accidentally while sequencing the Henneguya genome.
HENNEGUYA SALMINICOLA:
H. salminicola is a relative of jellyfish and corals.
It lives within the muscle tissue of salmon.
It is relatively harmless.
It causes diseases like milky flesh or tapioca, which is named for the white fluid-filled cysts it causes in the fish.
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The parasite lacks mitochondrial genes.
Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell.
It captures oxygen to make energy through aerobic respiration.
Researchers are still trying to find how exactly the parasite produces energy.
It is suspected that the parasite may be drawing energy from the surrounding fish cells, or it may have a different type of respiration such as oxygen-free breathing, which typically characterizes anaerobic non-animal organisms.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: the new discovery Henneguya salminicola
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The Government of Arunachal Pradesh is planning to build a 692.7 km highway through the 862 sq. km Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) in East Kameng district, Arunachal pradesh.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Named the East-West Industrial Corridor, the highway aims to connect Arunachal Pradesh with Assam. However, the project makes no mention of compensation for people likely to be displaced.
It has been argued that corridor will also be a threat to the adjoining Nameri Tiger Reserve in Assam.
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PAKKE TIGER RESERVE:THE LAND OF
HORNBILLS A PROJECT TIGER RESERVE
Pakke Tiger Reserve (declared in 1999 – 2000) lies in the foothills of the eastern Himalaya in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is also known as Pakhui Tiger Reserve.
It falls within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot. It is home to over 2000 species of plants, 300 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, 30
species of amphibians and 36 species of reptiles. Many species of the flora and fauna are globally threatened, and PTR is one of the last remaining strongholds left for these species.
It is known for its amazing sightings of four resident hornbill species.
OVERVIEW
Area: 861.95 sq. km.
Altitudinal range: 150 - 1500 m asl
Longitude: 92°36' - 93°09' E
Latitude: 26°54' - 27°16' N
Average annual rainfall: 2500 mm
Temperature: 12°C to 34°C
Monsoon: June to September
HISTORY
The area of Pakke Tiger Reserve was initially constituted as Pakhui Reserve Forest on 1 July 1966 and declared a game reserve on 28 March 1977.
In 2001, it was renamed Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary and became Pakhui Tiger Reserve on 23 April 2002 as the 26th Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger of the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
GEOGRAPHY
The reserves elevations range from 100 to 2,000 m (330 to 6,560 ft) above msl.
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The terrain is rugged with mountainous ranges in the north and narrow plains and sloping hill valleys in the south. The sanctuary slopes southwards towards the river valley of the Brahmaputra River.
The area of Brahmaputra and Chittagong Hills, which includes Pakke and Namdapha Tiger Reserve, is the north-western limit of the Indochinese tiger's range, bordering the eastern limit of the Bengal tiger's range.
CLIMATE
Pakke Tiger Reserve has a subtropical climate, receives rainfall predominantly from the south-west monsoon in May to September and north-east monsoon from November to April.
BIODIVERSITY
Pakke Tiger Reserve falls within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot. It is home to over 2000 species of plants, 300 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, 30 species of amphibians and 36 species of reptiles.
Many species of the flora and fauna are globally threatened, and PTR is one of the last remaining strongholds left for these species.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: conservation of wildlife
Sources: the Hindu
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Figure 21 Pakke Tiger Reserve
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CONTEXT:
Ahead of summer and peak fire season, ‘fire lines’ or ‘fire breaks’, in the Mukurthi National Park (MNP) are being constructed by the Tamil Nadu government.
KEY POINTS:
Fire line is an artificially formed break in foliage or forest cover to control the spread of wildfires by limiting the amount of combustible vegetation available.
Other Measures Being Taken to Control Wildfires in the
Park:
Cool Burning:
Cool burning is done in a controlled manner by artificially creating small, localised fires to limit the amount of vegetation available in any given area. It means that any fires will not have any build-up of “vegetative fuel” to use to become a large, uncontrollable fire.
Removal of invasive trees:
Such as wattle is also being done in the Park in order to reduce the fuel for wildfires
WILDFIRES
Wildfire is a general term which includes any uncontrolled, unplanned forest fires, grassland fires, bushfires, brush fires and any other vegetation fire in countryside areas.
Wildfires occur in every continent except Antarctica.
MUKURTHI NATIONAL PARK:
Extent:
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Todas are a pastoral tribe of the
Nīlgiri Hills.
Mukurthi National Park (MNP) is located in the northwest corner of Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats.
It is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site) along with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Silent Valley.
Keystone Species :
The park was created to protect its keystone species, the Nilgiri Tahr. There has been almost a 27% increase in the population of the Tahr in the Nilgiris over the last few years.
Forest Type:
The park is characterised by montane grasslands and shrublands interspersed with sholas in a high altitude area of high rainfall, near-freezing temperatures and high winds.
Peaks:
The Park is also home to Mukurthi Peak, one of the highest peaks in the Nilgiri Hills.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: wildlife conservation
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
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State of India’s Birds 2020 (SOIB) assessment states
Over a fifth of India’s bird diversity, ranging from the Short-toed Snake Eagle to the Sirkeer Malkoha, has suffered strong long-term declines.
80% loss among several common birds. Every bird species that was found to be increasing in numbers over the long term, 11 have
suffered losses. Rufous-fronted Prinia, Nilgiri Thrush, Nilgiri Pipit and Indian vulture were confirmed as
suffering current decline. The common sparrow has become rare in cities and urban areas.
REASONS:
A decrease in insect populations as well as nesting places
THREAT:
loss of habitat due to human activity, widespread presence of toxins, including pesticides; Hunting and trapping for the pet trade.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: conservation of wildlife in India
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
A new species of lizard, the urban bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus urbanus) was discovered in Guwahati, Assam.
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THE NEW SPECIES:
The bent-toed gecko was earlier thought to be the same as the Khasi Hills lizard. All bent-toed geckos in Northeast India were thought to be a single species, the Cyrtodactylus khasiensis found primarily in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya.
Although the urban bent-toed gecko falls within the khasiensis group, it differs from other members of this group in mitochondrial sequence data and aspects of morphology (Branch of biology that deals with form and structure of plants and animals).
MARKEDLY DIFFERENT:
The new species of lizard is also markedly different in molecular structure, blotch and colour from the Cyrtodactylus guwahatiensis, or the Guwahati bent-toed gecko, that was discovered two years ago.
Urbanization is a major threat to the survival of geckos. Guwahati is home to numerous important species. The city provides an edge for urban biodiversity to thrive because it encompasses 18 hills, 8
reserve forests, 2 wildlife sanctuaries and a Ramsar Site (Deepor Beel) besides the Brahmaputra River.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: bent-toed gecko
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
The Madhya Pradesh forest department, for the first time, has radio-tagged an Indian Pangolin.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Radio-tagging involves attaching a transmitter to an animal to monitor its movements. Several wild animals — tigers, leopards and migratory birds — have been tagged over decades.
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Indian Pangolin has been radio-tagged in order to know its ecology and develop an effective conservation plan for it.
This measure comes as the world gets ready to observe the ninth ‘World Pangolin Day’ on 15th February, 2020.
World Pangolin Day, celebrated on the third Saturday in February every year, is an international attempt to raise awareness of pangolins and bring together stakeholders to help protect these species from extinction.
The radio-tagging is part of a joint project by the forest department and non-profit organisation, the Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT).
PANGOLINS IN INDIA:
Out of the eight species of pangolin, the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) are found in India.
Indian Pangolin is a large anteater covered by 11-13 rows of scales on the back. A terminal scale is also present on the lower side of the tail of the Indian Pangolin, which is absent in the Chinese Pangolin.
HABITAT:
o Indian Pangolin is widely distributed in India, except the arid region, high Himalayas and the North-East. The species is also found in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
o Chinese Pangolin is found in the Himalayan foothills in Eastern Nepal, Bhutan, Northern India, North-East Bangladesh and through Southern China.
THREATS TO PANGOLINS IN INDIA:
Hunting and poaching for local consumptive use (e.g. as a protein source and traditional medicine) and international trade for its meat and scales in East and South East Asian countries, particularly China and Vietnam
PROTECTION STATUS:
o IUCN Red List
Indian Pangolin: Endangered Chinese Pangolin: Critically Endangered
o Both these species are listed under Schedule I, Part I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: wildlife conservation, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
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Ujh is a tributary of the Ravi
River.
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Ujh Multipurpose Project is planned to fast track utilization of India’s rights under Indus Waters Treaty.
AIM OF THE PROJECT:
The project will enhance the utilization of waters of Eastern Rivers allotted to India as per the Indus Water Treaty.
LOCATION:
The project is planned to be constructed in Kathua District of Jammu & Kashmir on the River Ujh.
INDUS WATERS TREATY:
The Indus system comprises the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.
The basin is shared by India and Pakistan. Under the Indus Waters Treaty signed between India
and Pakistan in 1960, the waters of three rivers, namely Ravi, Sutlej and Beas (Eastern Rivers) shall be available for the unrestricted use of India.
Share of water
o While, the waters of Western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab were allocated to Pakistan except for specified domestic, non-consumptive and agricultural use permitted to India as provided in the Treaty.
o India has also been given the right to generate hydroelectricity through run of the river (RoR) projects on the Western Rivers which, subject to specific criteria for design and operation is unrestricted.
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o India is also allowed to use 20% of water from Indus, Chenab and Jhelum (Western rivers) for irrigation, power generation and transport purposes.
o This is a unique treaty involving a third party since it was brokered by the World Bank.
Permanent Indus Commission
A Permanent Indus Commission was set up as a bilateral commission to implement and manage the Treaty
o The Commission solves disputes arising over water sharing. o The Treaty also provides an arbitration mechanism to solve disputes amicably.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: INDUS WATERS TREATY
Sources: pib
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CONTEXT:
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) launched three new technological support and alert systems on 25 February. The technology aims to significantly reduce damage and losses to fishermen, offshore oil exploration industries and coastal population during extreme weather and oceanic events.
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THE THREE NEW TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORT AND
ALERT SYSTEMS:
1) SWELL SURGE FORECAST SYSTEM:
One of the products was the ‘Swell Surge Forecast System’.
It will provide forewarnings for the coastal population of India’s vast shoreline that experiences a slew of damages caused by the swell waves.
These waves originate from the distant southern Indian Ocean.
This Swell Surge system can predict ‘Kallakkadal’ (meaning swell surge) that occurs along the Indian coast. Now, these Swell Surge can be detected 2-3 days ahead.
Swell surge is the flash-flood events that take place without any apparent signature in the coastal environment or any noticeable advance change in local winds.
2) SMALL VESSEL ADVISORY AND FORECAST SERVICES SYSTEM (SVAS):
The second product which was launched is the Small Vessel Advisory and Forecast Services System (SVAS).
It is an innovative impact-based advisory and forecast service system for small vessels operating in Indian coastal waters.
The warning system is developed on the basis of the ‘Boat Safety Index’ (BSI). It was derived from wave models forecast outputs including wave height, steepness of the wave, directional spread and the rapid development of wind at sea.
The SVAS can detect the potential zones where vessel overturning can take place. It provides warning 10 days in advance. It is valid for small vessels of beam width up to 7 m.
This system can cover an entire range of beam widths of the fishing vessels used in all the nine coastal states and union territories (UT) of India.
3) ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION SERVICE (ABIS):
The third product released by INCOI is the Algal Bloom Information Service (ABIS). The system will provide timely information on harmful algal blooms.
The developed system will provide service for “Detection and Monitoring of Bloom in the Indian Seas”.
It can be used by fishermen, marine fishery, researchers, ecologists, resource managers, and environmentalists.
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ALGAL BLOOM:
o An algal bloom is detrimental to coastal fisheries.
o It can cause respiratory problems within the coastal population from time to time.
o It also causes ill effects on the fishery, marine life, and water quality. Four regions that have been identified as bloom hotspots are the North Eastern Arabian Sea, coastal waters of Kerala, Gulf of Mannar and coastal waters of Gopalpur.
INCOIS:
The INCOIS is an autonomous organization that functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Established on: 1999 Located in: Pragathi Nagar, Hyderabad AIM: The organizations aim to provide a number of free services to users in the marine realm.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: INCOIS
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
United Arab Emirates found shallow flammable gas reserves of around 80 trillion cubic feet. The reserve located between the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.In November 2019, UAE declared the disclosure of 7 billion barrels of oil.
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HIGHLIGHTS:
The reserve located between the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In November 2019, UAE declared the disclosure of 7 billion barrels of oil.
This raised the unrefined stores of the nation to 105 billion barrels making it the 6th biggest on the planet.
IT had likewise declared the disclosure of 58 trillion cubic feet of gas. This puts the all-out stores of gaseous petrol of UAE to 273 trillion cubic feet regular gas and
160 trillion cubic feet unconventional gas.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
The UAE is shaped by seven Emirates to be specific to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al-Quwain. Around 30% of the GDP of the nation legitimately founded on oil and gas
INDIA-UAE:
The India-UAE respective exchange at present stands at 59.9 billion USD. India is the third biggest speculator in UAE.
There are more than 2 million Indian populace living and working in the UAE. The all-out settlements from the UAE to India in the year 2009 was 10 to 12 billion USD. This is 33% of the all-out settlements received by India and most noteworthy among all the
GCC nations.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: non-renewable energies
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Researchers at the Atomic Minerals Directorate have estimated lithium reserves of 14,100 tonnes in a patch of land surveyed in Mandya, Bengaluru. Lithium is a rare metal and is critical for manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles.
HIGHLIGHTS:
The traces that were recently found in Mandya is a small amount when compared to major producers like Chile, Australia, Argentina, and Portugal.
The data provided by the researchers include a total estimation of available Li2O as about 30,300 tonnes over an area of 0.5 km x 5 km.
The area works out to about 14,100 tonnes of lithium metal.
INDIA’S NEED FOR LITHIUM:
India requires lithium for its energy needs as the GOI is promoting clean-energy vehicles in India.
India has imported lithium batteries worth $1.2 billion in fiscal 2019, against $384 million in FY17.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: non-renewable energies
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Rajasthan has demanded higher central assistance for Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to achieve the targets of the mission.
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JAL JEEVAN MISSION:
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) envisages supply of 55 litres of water per person per day to every rural household through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024.
JJM focuses on integrated demand and supply-side management of water at the local level. Creation of local infrastructure for source sustainability measures as mandatory elements,
like rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and management of household wastewater for reuse, would be undertaken in convergence with other government programmes/schemes.
The Mission is based on a community approach to water and includes extensive Information, Education and Communication as a key component of the mission.
JJM looks to create a jan andolan for water, thereby making it everyone’s priority.
FUNDING PATTERN:
The fund sharing pattern between the Centre and states is 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern States, 50:50 for other states, and 100% for Union Territories.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR JJM:
For the implementation of JJM, following institutional arrangement has been proposed:
National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM) at the Central level State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM) at the State level District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) at the District level Village Water Sanitation Committee (VWSC) at Village level
COMPONENTS:
Every village will prepare a Village Action Plan (VAP) which will have three components:
1. Water source & its maintenance 2. Water supply and 3. Greywater (domestic wastewater) management
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: Jal Jeevan Mission
Sources: the Hindu
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CONTEXT:
Launched recently
ABOUT 1000 SPRINGS INITIATIVE:
It is an online portal on GIS-based Spring Atlas with the hydrological and chemical properties of the springs mentioned.
Aim:
To improve access to safe and adequate water for the tribal communities living in difficult and inaccessible part of rural areas in the country, It is an integrated solution around natural springs.
KEY FEATURES:
It includes the provision of infrastructure for piped water supply for drinking; provision of water for irrigation; community-led total sanitation initiatives; and provision for water for backyard nutrition gardens, generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the tribal people.
IMPLEMENTATION:
Under this initiative, more than 70 young tribal youths from the rural belt of three districts of Odisha namely, Kalahandi, Khandamal and Gajapati have been trained as barefoot hydro geologists by combining traditional and scientific knowledge for identification and mapping of springs, and undertaking rejuvenation and protection measures in their habitations.
WHAT ARE SPRINGS?
Springs are natural sources of groundwater discharge and have been used extensively in the mountainous regions across the world.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT?
For prelims and mains: key features of spring’s initiative
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Sources: pib
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Q1. With reference to "Tokenisation" consider the following statements.
1. Technique used in Electronic Voting Machines.
2. It was introduced by Election Commission of India.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 Nor 2
Q2. Recently, Ujh Multipurpose Project is planned to fast track utilization of India’s water rights
under Indus Waters Treaty.ujh is a tributary of
A. Ravi
B. Jhelum
C. Satluj
D. Indus
Q3. Consider the following statements.
1. Hog Cholera or Classical swine fever (CSF) is a contagious viral disease of domestic and wild swine.
2. The Indian Institute of Veterinary Research (IVRI) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(ICAR) has developed a new vaccine to control classical swine fever.
Select the correct statement(s).
A. Only 1 is correct.
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B. Only 2 is correct.
C. Both are correct.
D. None of the above.
Q4. Consider the following statements about "East Asia Sumit"(EAS).
1. India is an associate member of EAS.
2. EAS regional forum held bi-annually by leaders of 18 countries in the East Asian, Southeast Asian and
South Asian regions.
3. There are six priority areas of regional cooperation within the framework of the EAS.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 3 only
C. 2 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q5. Which of the following is/are the associated problems with "RO plants" ?
1. Deposition of brine.
2. Construction of the RO plants required troves of groundwater.
3. RO water may cause calcium deficiency.
Select the correct answer using the code below :
A. 1 and 3
B. 1 and 2
C. 2 and 3
D. All of the above
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Q6. With reference to Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery
against ships in Asia (ReCAAP), Consider the following statements:
1. The ReCAAP is the first regional Government-to-Government agreement to deal with piracy and
armed robbery at sea in Asia.
2. Union Government has designated Indian Navy as the focal point within India for ReCAAP.
3. Information Sharing Centre has been established at Djibouti.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q7. Consider the following statements with reference to "prisoners voting rights" .
1. No person shall vote at any election if he is confined in a prison.
2. Only those under preventive detention can cast their vote through postal ballots.
3. Article 326 of the Constitution clearly lays down that the right to vote in India should only be decided
through suffrage and nothing else.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q8. Consider the following statements.
1. Longitude of Pulwama’s location is between those of Srinagar and Kargil.
2. Latitude of Kottayam location is between those of Ernakulam and Alappuzha.
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3. Bangalore situated more southward than Chennai.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 3 only
C. 2 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q9. Consider the following statements.
1. Dawoodi Bohra community is a sect within Sunni Islam known for trading and business acumen.
2. FGM practiced in India, is known as “khafz”.
3. Sydena Mohammad Burhanuddin, late spiritual head of the Bohra community closely associated with
Mahatma Gandhi.
4. Dawoodi Bohra community, whose members live in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya
Pradesh and Kerala.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 2, 3 and 4
D. 1, 2 and 4
Q10. Consider the following statements with reference to Amendment to the "Motion of Thanks".
1. Motion of Thanks is a part of Basic structure of the constitution.
2. Notices of amendments to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address can be tabled after the
President has delivered his Address.
3. Amendments may refer to matters contained in the Address as well as to matters which, in the
opinion of the member, the Address has failed to mention.
Which of the above given statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
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B. 2 and 3
C. 2 only
D. 1 and 3
Q11. Recently "UCPMP" Code has been in news for sometimes, it is primarily related to
A. Code of conduct for ethical marketing practices
B. Code of ethics for Doctors
C. Code of conduct for MPs/MLAs
D. Both A and B
Q12. With reference to "International Space Station", Consider the following statements:
1. The space station flies at an average altitude of 1400 kms above Earth.
2. After the moon, the ISS is the second brightest object in our night sky.
3. NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), China National Space Administration (China) and the
European Space Agency are the major partners of the space station who contribute most of the funding.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3
D. 2 and 3
Q13. "Mekong Ganga" Cooperation Project is
A. An irrigation project involving India and Myanmar
B. A defence and security agreement of India with its eastern neighbours
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C. A joint tourism initiative of some Asian Countries
D. A hydroelectric power project involving India, Bangladesh, Myanmar
Q14. Consider the following statements with respect to National Commission for "Protection of Child
Rights":
1. It is an extra-constitutional body.
2. It was set up under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
3. It inquiries into complaints and take suo moto notice of matters related to deprivation and violation
of child rights.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 3
D. 3 Only
Q15. Consider the following:
1. It is a UNESCO world heritage site.
2. It is located near the Tungabhadra River.
3. It was a part of the Mauryan Empire back in the third century BC.
Above given statements refers to which one of the following site?
A. Badami
B. Shravanabelagola
C. Hampi
D. Mysore
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Q16. Arrange the following in chronological order:
1. Islamic Revolution
2. Oslo accords
3. Fall of the Berlin Wall
4. Dissolution of the Soviet Union
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1-4-3-2
B. 1-3-2-4
C. 2-1-4-3
D. 1-3-4-2
Q17. Which of the following is/are the Supreme Courts guidelines on the sale of acid in India?
1. Acid should be sold only to people who show a valid identity card.
2. Buyers will also have explain why they need the chemical and sales will have to be reported to the
police.
3. More compensation for victims.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 and 3
Q18. "2 Billion Kilometers to Safety" campaign is an initiative of
A. World Road Federation
B. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
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C. Global Road Safety Partnership
D. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Q19. The "vivad se vishwas scheme" was announced by Union Finance during her budget speech on
February 1, 2020. The scheme aims to settle the huge number of pending
A. Indirect Tax Cases
B. Direct Tax Cases
C. Non-Performing Assets Cases
D. Both A and B
Q20. Consider the following statements:
1. NITI Aayog launched the School Health Ambassador Initiative.
2. The initiative has been launched as a part of Atal Innovation Mission.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Q21. Which of the following is/are India’s Earth Observing satellites?
1. RISAT
2. HySIS
3. SARAL
4. GSAT-31
5. GISAT-1
Select the correct answer using the code below:
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A. 1, 2, 3 and 5
B. 1, 2, and 5
C. 3, 4 and 4
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Q22. Consider the following statements about "Delimitation of Commission":
1. The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India and works in collaboration with
the Election Commission of India.
2. The first delimitation exercise was carried out by the President with the help of the Election
Commission in 1950-51.
3. Delimitation commissions have been set up five times in the past.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3
B. 1 and 2
C. 2 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q23. Which of the following is/are the indigenous dairy breeds of cattle?
1. Gir
2. Hallikar
3. Red Sindhi
4. Sahiwal
5. Amritmahal
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1, 3 and 4
B. 1, 2, 3 and 4
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C. 2, 3, 4 and 5
D. All of the above
Q24. Which of the following statements is/are true about "SUTRA PIC" :
A. It is led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
B. It is programme to research on ‘indigenous’ cows.
C. Program has been funded by World Bank.
D. Both A and B
Q25. Recently "ERO-NET" has been in news for sometimes, it is related to
A. Election Commission of India
B. Comptroller and Auditor General of India
C. Union Public Service Commission
D. Supreme Court of India
Q26. Consider the following statements about "Swachh Iconic Places":
1. The initiative ‘Swachh Iconic Places’ was launched in 2016 under Swachh Bharat Mission.
2. Gangotri, Yamunotri, Mahakaleshwar Temple, Charminar are covered under phase-1 of the initiative.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither nor 2
Q27. Consider the following statements with reference to "Aditya- L1 mission":
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1. It is India’s first solar mission.
2. It will be launched using GSLV MKIII.
3. The space-based observatory will have seven payloads on board to study the Sun’s corona, solar
winds and flares.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct ?
A. 1 Only
B. 1 and 3
C. 2 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q28. Consider the following statements:
1. Swachh Shakti-2019 is a national event which aims to bring in to focus the leadership role played by
rural women in Swachh Bharat Mission.
2. Darwaza Band, a campaign to promote toilet use and freedom from open defecation across the
country’svillages.
3. Recently GoI has approved the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) with an estimated
central and state budget of Rs 1,00,000 crore.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q29. Consider the following statements:
1. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is used to treat infertility.
2. ART includes fertility treatments that handle both a woman’s egg and a man’s sperm.
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3. The most common complication of ART is a multiple pregnancy.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 Only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q30. Consider the following statements:
1. Enrolment under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is voluntary for all farmers.
2. Aadhaar would be mandatory for all those who avail crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal
Bima Yojana.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Q31. Dubai Declaration and Cape Town Global Action Plan, sometimes mentioned in news, which are
primarily related to
A. Sustainable Development Goals
B. Addressing the refugee crisis
C. Water governance
D. Plan to combat global terrorism
Q32. "Worldwide Educating for the Future Index" (WEFFI) 2019 report was published by
A. Institute for Economics & Peace
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B. Economist Intelligence Unit
C. World Economic Forum
D. United Nations Children's Fund
Q33. Consider the following statements:
1. Asian elephant has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
2. The great Indian bustard is omnivorous.
3. The first ever Amur Falcon Festival was held in Nagaland.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 2 and 3
B. 1 only
C. 1 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q34. Which of the following pollutants is/are monitored under the "SAFAR" (System of Air Quality
and Weather Forecasting)?
1. Ozone
2. Benzene
3. Mercury
4. Carbon monoxide
5. Non-methane hydrocarbons
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 4
B. 1, 2 and 4
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
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D. All of the above
Q35. Consider the following statements:
1. Bodo is listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through 94th constitutional amendment.
2. The Tulu-speaking people are larger in number than speakers of Manipuri and Sanskrit, which have
the Eighth Schedule status.
3. Article 343(1) of the Constitution provides that Hindi in Devanagari script shall be the Official
Language of the Union.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 3
D. All of the above
Q36. consider the following statements:
1. Khelo India programme implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
2. Sports Authority of India (apex national sports body of India) established in 1984.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Q37. Consider the following statements about "Hunar haats":
1. Hunar haats aim at promoting the wellbeing of the people dwelling in remote areas across the
borders of two countries, by establishing traditional system of marketing the local produce through local
markets.
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2. Hunar haats are organised by Ministry Of Minority Affairs under “USTTAD” scheme at different parts
of the country.
Which of the given above statements is/are crrect?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Q38. Consider the following statements with reference to "Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi":
1. It provides income support to all landholding farmer’s families across the country.
2. The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiaries rests with the State / UT Governments.
3. It cover all farmer families in the country irrespective of the size of their land holdings.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q39. Consider the following statements with reference to "Olive ridley Turtle":
1. The coast of Orissa in India is the largest mass nesting site for the Olive-ridley, followed by the coasts
of Mexico and Costa Rica.
2. It is recognized as Endangered by the IUCN Red list.
3. It is herbivorous.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 1 Only
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C. 2 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q40. Poor Compensation Rate for Trafficking Survivors in a report on compensation awarded to
survivorsof trafficking the country, which highlighted the poor status of compensation awarded
during 2011- 2019.report is released by :
A. NCRB
B. Human trafficking dept.
c. HRD
D. None of the above.
Q41. Consider the following statements with reference to "Institutions of Eminence Scheme":
1. Under the scheme, government Institutions will get funding upto 100 Crore.
2. The selected Institutions under IoE shall have complete academic and administrative autonomy.
3. UGC Inspection shall not apply to Institutions of Eminence.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q42. ‘A Future for the World’s Children’ report was recently released by
A. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and UNICEF
B. WHO, UNICEF and the Lancet medical journal
C. UNICEF and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
D. UNICEF and Save The Children India
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Q43. Recently SPICe+ web form has been mentioned in news for sometimes, it is primarily related to
A. Ease Of Doing Business
B. Doubling The Farmers Income
C. Health For All
D. Housing For All
Q44. Consider the following statements:
1. Soil organic matter, of which soil organic carbon (SOC) is a component, is composed of ‘living’ and
‘dead’ components
2. Reducing soil erosion can increase SOC content in soil
3. Greenhouse gases emitted by soils include only methane and carbon dioxide
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q45. Rajasthan’s first lion safari has been inaugurated at in which one of the following biological
park?
A. Nahargarh Biological Park
B. Sajjangarh Biological Park
C. Machia Biological Park
D. None of the above
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Q46. Which among the following Strategic Goals of Aichi Biodiversity Targets include the target
associated with invasive alien species?
A. Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services
B. Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use
C. To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity
D. Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government
and society
Q47. Consider the following statements about "Fugitive Economic Offender".
1. A person is declared a Fugitive Economic Offender by a ‘Special Court’ set up under the Preventionof
Money-laundering Act (PMLA), 2002
2. The property of a fugitive economic offender, including benami property, can be confiscated once
he is declared so by the Special Court.
3. Properties abroad are not liable for confiscation.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1, 2
B. 2, 3
C. 1, 3
D. 1, 2, 3
Q48. Consider the following statements about "Bru Tribes" :
1. They also referred to as the Reangs, are spread across the north-eastern states of Tripura, Assam,
Manipur, and Mizoram.
2. Hojagiri folk dance is performed by Bru people which entails women and young girls, about 4 to 6
members in a team, singing, balancing on an earthen pitcher and managing other props such as a bottle
on the head,while only the lower half of the body is moved.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
A. Only 1 is correct.
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B. Only 2 is correct.
C. Both are correct.
D. None of the above.
Q49. Blue Dot Network, sometimes mentioned in news, it primarily refers to
A. Blue Whale Conservation Organization’s Group
B. The objective is to raise the priority of tackling water security issues highlighted in the development
agenda in the Asia-Pacific region.
C. Proposal as a means of countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
D. Multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to bring governments, the private sector and civil society
together to promote high quality, trusted standards for global infrastructure development.
Q50. A ‘floating treatment wetland (FTW)’ in the Neknampur Lake (Hyderabad) utilises which among
the following techniques to help clean the lake?
A. Phytoremediation
B. Bioventing
C. Bioleaching
D. Composting
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QUESTION’S NUMBERS
ANSWERS DESCRIPTION
1 D 1. The Reserve Bank of India has allowed Tokenisation of debit, credit and prepaid card transactions to enhance the safety of the digital payments ecosystem in the country.
2. Tokenization will replace card details with a code, called a “token,” which will be specifically for the card, the token requestor and the device being used to pay. Instead of the card’s details, the token will act as the card at point of sale (POS) terminals and quick response (QR) code payment systems.
3. The goal of the process is to improve the safety and security of payments.
2 A Ujh is a tributary of the Ravi river.
3 C
4 B
5 D 1. Because RO plants convert seawater to fresh water, the major
environmental challenge they pose is the deposition of brine (highly concentrated salt water) along the shores.
2. Ever since the Chennai plants have started to function, fishermen have complained that the brine being deposited along the seashore is triggering changes along the coastline and reducing the availability of prawn, sardine and mackerel. Environmentalists second this saying that hyper salinity along the shore affects plankton, which is the main food for several of these fish species.
3. Moreover, the high pressure motors needed to draw in the seawater end up sucking in small fish and life forms, thereby crushing and killing them — again a loss of marine resource.
4. Another unexpected problem, an environmentalist group has alleged, was that the construction of the RO plants required troves of groundwater. This was freshwater that was sucked out and has since been replaced by salt water, rendering it unfit for the residents around the desalination plants.
6 B 1. The ReCAAP is the first regional Government-to-Government agreement to deal with piracy and armed robbery at sea in Asia.
2. Presently 20 countries are members of ReCAAP. India played an active role in the setting up and functioning of ReCAAPISC along with
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Japan and Singapore. 3. Union Government has designated ICG as the focal point within
India for ReCAAP. 4. Information sharing, capacity building and mutual legal assistance
are the three pillars of co-operation under the ReCAAP agreement. 5. An ISC has been established at Singapore to collate and disseminate
the information among the contracting parties and the maritime community.
7 D The Representation of the People Act, 1951, Section 62(5) states that “No person shall vote at any election if he is confined in a prison, whether under a sentence of imprisonment or transportation or otherwise, or is in the lawful custody of the police: Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a person subjected to preventive detention under any law for the time being in force”.
8 A
9 C 1. Dawoodi Bohra community is a sect within Shia Islam known for trading and business acumen. It is not to be confused with the Sunni Bohras who are also a Bohra Muslim community with many similar cultural traits as Dawoodi Bohras.
2. Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) as it is practised in India is known as “khatna” or “khafz”, and involves the removal of the clitoral hood or the clitoris. This practice is common amongst the Bohra community, whose members live in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. The Bohra community is estimated to be one million strong in India; many also live outside India.
3. In 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended an event of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community and praised the community for globally spreading the message of co-existence.
4. He became the first prime minister to attend the religious congregation of Dawoodi Bohra community.He recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s close association with Sydena Mohammad Burhanuddin, the late spiritual head of the Bohra community.
10 B 1. Notices of amendments to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address can be tabled after thePresident has delivered his Address.
2. Amendments may refer to matters contained in the Address as well as to matters which, in the opinion of the member, the Address has failed to mention.
3. Amendments can be moved to the Motion of Thanks in such form as may be considered appropriate by the Speaker/Chairman.
11 A Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) and no unethical promotion of pharma productsis done during such conferences”. The UCPMP is a voluntary code of conduct for ethical marketing practices, and it bars pharma firms from offering inducements to doctors to promote their products.
12 B 1. The International Space Station is a large spacecraft in orbit around
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Earth. It serves as a home where crews of astronauts and cosmonauts live. The space station is also a unique science laboratory. Several nations worked together to build and use the space station.
2. The space station is made of parts that were assembled in space by astronauts. It orbits Earth at an average altitude of approximately 250 miles (~402 Km). It travels at 17,500 mph. This means it orbits Earth every 90 minutes.
3. After the moon, the ISS is the second brightest object in our night sky.
13 C 1. Addressing the 10th MGC Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has emphasised on better connectivity between India and other member countries of the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) bloc for developing a vibrant economic growth corridor.
2. The MGC, is a sub-regional cooperation organisation comprising India and five ASEAN countries, namely, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
3. MGC was launched in 2000 at Laos capital Vientian.
14 C 1. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) was set up in March 2007 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005, an Act of Parliament (December 2005).
2. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is a statutory body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development.
3. The Commission’s Mandate is to ensure that all Laws, Policies, Programmes, and Administrative Mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Child is defined as a person in the 0 to 18 years age group.
15 C Hampi: 1. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. 2. It was a part of the Mauryan Empire back in the third century BC. 3. The Vijayanagara Empire reached unfathomable heights under the
guidance of King Krishnadeva Raya of the Tuluva Dynasty. 4. It is located near the Tungabhadra river.
16 D
17 C 1. Supreme Court of India has ordered federal and state governments to regulate the sale of acid in an attempt to reduce attacks on women.
2. The court said that acid should be sold only to people who show a valid identity card.
3. Buyers will also have explain why they need the chemical and sales will have to be reported to the police.
4. There will also be more compensation for victims. There are an estimated 1,000 acid attacks a year in India.
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18 B 5. The UN Refugee Agency UNHCR has announced a new global campaign urging people worldwide to cover the total distance travelled by refugees each year – 2 billion kilometers – by running, jogging or walking.
6. The “2 Billion Kilometers to Safety” campaign vies to encourage people to support refugees by championing individual acts of solidarity.
19 B vivad Se Vishwas Scheme: The Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Bill, 2020: 1. The amnesty scheme, at present, covers disputes pending at the
level of commissioner (appeals), Income Tax Appellate Tribunals (ITAT), high courts, the Supreme Court and those in international arbitration.
2. It offers a complete waiver on interest and penalty to the taxpayers who pay their pending taxes by March 31.
3. The scheme aims to benefit those whose tax demands are locked in dispute in multiple forums.
4. If a taxpayer is not able to pay direct taxes by March 31st then, he will get further time till June 30th. However, in that case, he would have to pay 10 percent more on the tax.
20 D
21 A
22 B 1. Delimitation literally means the act or process of fixing limits or
boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or a province having a legislative body.
2. The job of delimitation is assigned to a high power body. Such a body is known as Delimitation Commission or a Boundary Commission.
3. In India, such Delimitation Commissions have been constituted 4 times – in 1952 under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952, in 1963 under Delimitation Commission Act, 1962, in 1973 under Delimitation Act, 1972 and in 2002 under Delimitation Act, 2002.
23 A 1. Indigenous dairy breeds of cattle: Gir, Red Sindhi, Sahiwal 2. Indigenous Draught breeds of cattle: Amritmahal, Hallikar, Khillari,
Kangayam, Bargur, Umblachery, Pulikulam, Alambadi 3. Indigenous Dual purpose breeds of Cattle: Tharparkar, Hariana,
Kankrej, Ongole, Krishna Valley 4. Exotic dairy breeds of cattle: Jersey, Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss,
Red Dane, Ayrshire, Guernsey
24 D SUTRA PIC (Scientific Utilisation Through Research Augmentation-Prime Products from Indigenous Cows)
1. It is to be funded by multiple scientific ministries and led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
2. It has the Department of Biotechnology, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Ministry for AYUSH among others and the Indian Council of Medical Research as partners.
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25 A 1. The Election Commission of India has been awarded ‘Silver’ for Excellence in Government Process re-engineering for digital transformation for the year 2019-20.
2. The award was given in recognition of ERONET.
26 A 1. The Swachh Iconic Places is an initiative under the Swachh Bharat
Mission. It is a special clean-upinitiative focused on select iconic heritage, spiritual and cultural places in the country.
2. Phase II included Gangotri, Yamunotri, Mahakaleshwar Temple, Charminar, Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assissi, Kalady, Gommateswara, BaidyanathDham, Gaya Tirth and Somnath temple.
27 B It is India’s first solar mission. It will be launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in XL configuration. The space-based observatory will have seven payloads (instruments) on board to study the Sun’s corona, solar emissions, solar winds and flares, and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), and will carry out round-the-clock imaging of the Sun.
28 A 1. Swachh Shakti-2019 is a national event which aims to bring in to focus the leadership role played by rural women in Swachh Bharat Mission.Women Sarpanches and Panches from all over the country will be attending the event. Around 15,000 women are expected to participate in this year’s Swachh Shakti event aimed at empowering the women.
2. Darwaza Band to promote toilet use and freedom from open defecation across the country’s villages.Campaign has been supported by the World Bank and is being rolled out countrywide immediately after the launch. It is designed to encourage behaviour change in men who have toilets but are not using them.
29 D 1. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is used to treat infertility. 2. It includes fertility treatments that handle both a woman’s egg and a
man’s sperm. 3. It works by removing eggs from a woman’s body. The eggs are then
mixed with sperm to make embryos. The embryos are then put back in the woman’s body.
4. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common and effective type of ART.
5. The most common complication of ART is a multiple pregnancy. It can be prevented or minimized by limiting the number of embryos that are put into the woman’s body.
30 C 1. Cabinet Approves Changes in Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to
address the existing challenges in implementation. Enrolment under the Scheme to be made voluntary for all farmers.
2. As per the, Supreme Court verdict on the constitutional validity of Aadhaar, the services that will require Aadhaar and the ones that will not.
31 A 1. The Cape Town Global Action Plan for Sustainable Development
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Data was informally launched at the first UN World Data Forum on 15 January 2017 in Cape Town South Africa, and adopted by the United Nations Statistical Commission at its 48th Session in March 2017.
2. Dubai declaration: Launched at the UN World Data forum, it details measures to boost funds for data and statistical analysis for monitoring progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
32 B
33 D
34 D SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting): 1. Ministry of Earth Sciences has unveiled state-of-the-art Air Quality
and Weather Forecast System– SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting) at Chandni Chowk in Delhi. It is first of its kind and most advanced system in India.
2. About SAFAR: 3. SAFAR was developed indigenously by Indian Institute of Tropical
Meteorology (IITM), Pune and operationalized by India Meteorological Department (IMD).
4. It has been introduced for greater metropolitan cities of India to provide location-specific information on air quality in near real time and its forecast 1-3 days in advance for the first time in India.
35 B
36 C 1. Sports Authority of India is the apex national sports body of India, established in 1984 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of Government of India for the development of sport in India.
2. Khelo India programme: 3. Introduced to revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root
level by building a strong framework for all sports played in the country and establish India as a great sporting nation.
4. It is implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. 5. It will be a Central Sector Scheme.
37 B Hunar Haat: 1. Organised by ministry of minority affairs under “USTTAD” scheme at
different parts of the country. 2. It is an exhibition of handicrafts and traditional products made by
artisans from the minority communities. 3. These Haat aim to provide market exposure and employment
opportunities to artisans, craftsmen and traditional culinary experts. 4. The border haats: Aim at promoting the wellbeing of the people
dwelling in remote areas across the borders of two countries, by establishing traditional system of marketing the local produce through local markets.
38 D Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi: 1. The scheme was started with a view to augment the income of the
farmers by providing income supportto all landholding farmers’
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families across the country, to enable them to take care of expenses related to agriculture and allied activities as well as domestic needs.
2. Under the Scheme an amount of Rs.6000/- per year is transferred in three 4-monthly installments of Rs.2000/- directly into the bank accounts of the farmers, subject to certain exclusion criteria relatingto higher income status.
3. The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiaries rests with the State / UT Governments.
39 B
40 A The National Crime Records Bureau, abbreviated to NCRB, is an Indian government agency responsible for collecting and analysing crime data as defined by the Indian Penal Code and Special and Local Laws. NCRB is headquartered in New Delhi and is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
41 B 1. UGC Inspection shall not apply to Institutions of Eminence. 2. Freedom to recruit faculty from outside India (limit of 25% of its
faculty strength for public institution). 3. Freedom to enter into academic collaborations with other
Institutions within the country. 4. Freedom to fix and charge fees from foreign students without
restriction.
42 B ‘A Future for the World’s Children’ report was recently released by the WHO, UNICEF and the Lancet medical journal. The report calculates the Flourishing Index and Sustainability Index of 180 countries.
43 A As part of the Government of India’s Ease of Doing Business (EODB) initiatives, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has notified a new Web Form christened ‘SPICe+’ (pronounced ‘SPICe Plus’) replacing the existing SPICe form.
44 A Soil organic matter (SOM) is mainly composed of carbon (referred to as SOC), hydrogen and oxygen but also has small amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, sulphur, potassium, calcium and magnesium contained within organic residues. It is divided into ‘living’ and ‘dead’ components. Less than 15% of below-ground soil organic matter such as roots, fauna and microorganisms is ‘living’.
45 A Nahargarh Biological Park: 1. The park is located on Delhi-Jaipur National Highway in the Aravalli
foothills, nearly 12 kilometersfrom state capital Jaipur. 2. Lions in this park were brought from Junagarh, Gujarat under an
exchange programme. 3. The park will serve for breeding lions and also centre of attraction
for tourists. It will provide new habitat to lions and also add tourism venue to the Pink City.
46 B The Global Register of Invasive Species (GRIS) was developed as a concept and prototype by the IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)in 2006as part of a project undertaken for the Defenders of Wildlife on the Regulation of Live Animal Imports into the United States.
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This concept was revisited and expanded by the ISSG to address Aichi Biodiversity Target 9 and support its achievement-with the development of the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (GRIIS).
47 A
48 C
49 D 1. The Blue Dot Network will bring together governments, the private
sector, and civil society under shared standards for global infrastructure development.
2. The network will certify infrastructure projects that demonstrate and uphold global infrastructure principles.
3. Certification by the Blue Dot Network will serve as a globally recognized symbol of market-driven,transparent and financially sustainable development projects.
4. By proposing a common standard of project excellence, the Blue Dot Network will attract private capital to infrastructure projects in developing and emerging economies.
50 A Several plants on this FTW help clean the lake by absorbing nutrients such as excess nitrates and oxygen present in the water. They thus reduce the content of these chemicals. The FTW is based on the soilless hydroponics technique. The project is a joint effort of an NGO Dhruvansh, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, the district administration and other organisations.
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