July 16 To Aug 3 Flashcards
MMR comes under which SDG
SDG 3.1 — global
MMR < 70
By NHP 2017 — India target 100 by 2020
In the context of information security, the psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information, is known as
Social engineering
Which act made for the establishment of animal welfare board of india
Prevention of cruelty to animals act, 1960
This act does not make killing of animals for religious purposes an offence
Malimath committee report is based on
Criminal justice system
Madhav Menon Committee is also for same
New one is Ranbir singh Committee
KURMA APP
For turtles
Solar orbiter mission
NASA and ESA
Map the sun north and south poles
Satya Sodhak samaj
Anti caste movement in maharashtra
What does IPC rules out in torture
IPC doesnt define torture
But it defines the “Hurt and Grievous hurt” — this covers only physical torture but not mental torture
Does india ratified UN Convention again torture
It signed but not ratified
273rd Law commission recommended to ratify it
What are the IUCN status of diff rhinos
Black - CR
White - NT
Northern white — CR
Javan — CR
Sumatran — CR
Indian — VU
Which abhiyan is seen in eradicating the practice of Manila scavenging and rehabilitation of Manual scavengers
Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan
Which states have mob lynching laws
Manipur first
Rajasthan and West Bengal next
The powers to regulate and control the development and management of ground water resources comes under which department
Central Ground water authority
It was constituted under EPA, 1986
National financial reporting authority was formed under
Companies act of 2018
Malavikagnimitra was written by
Kalidasa
Julio riberio Committee is on
Police reforms
National police commission of 1977 is also called
Dharam vir Commission
National security commission Vs national security council
National security commission deals about the short listing of the candidates for the appointment as chiefs of the central armed police forces
National security council is headed by the National security advisor for the securing national security
Separate preferential trade agreement between india and USA is there or not
Not there
What is Manodarpan initiative
It is launched by the MHRD, to deal about the mental health of the students and other psychological aspects arising out of stressful situations such as COVID 19 and beyond
Global fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is headquartered in
Geneva, Swiss
What is import cover
It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a countries international reserves
What are the places of sitting of NGT
It principle sitting is in New Delhi
And other sittings are in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai
What is the new wild life sanctuary in bhutan which made tussle between it and china
Sakteng Wild life sanctuary
What are the conventions does the GEF provides financial mechanism
Convention on Biological Diversity
UNFCCC
UNCCD
Stockholm convention on persistent organic pollutants
Minamata convention on Mercury
Which articles prevent the judiciary from going through the internal proceeding of the parliament and state legislature
Article 122 and article 212
Lonar crater lake is in which state
Maharashtra
Why did GoI Promoted the use of neem coated urea in agriculture
Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in soil
What are the previous streams where the women are given chance to enter permanent commission in armed forces
Law and education
But now SC said they must enter all 10 streams of Permanent commission
What is SSC in armed forces
Short service commission
What is Economic partnership Seen between India and South Korea
CEPA
What is the recent amendment by GoI in General Financial Rules of 2017
It imposed restrictions on public procurement from bidders of countries that share a land border with india, citing grounds of defence and national security
MCC in elections is first seen from
1960 Kerala elections
But the EC said it add in election manifesto in 2014 general election on the direction on SC
Heron and searcher are the drones of which country origin
Israel’s
India has brought them to induct in Indian army, Navy and Air Force
Financial stability report is given by
RBI
Indian rupee is fully convertible under which account and partial convertible under which account
Fully under current and partially under capital account
IIkal Saree got GI tag ?
IIkal saree is from the state of Karnataka it got GI tag
Tirur betel leaf is from which state
Kerala
Contempt of court act is in which year
1971
Governor comes under which article
Article 153-162
Nag river flows through which city
Nagpur
International development association
It gives concessional loans and grants to the worlds poorest developing countries
It is a member of World bank group and is headquarters in Washington DC
Review committee on genetic manipulation is established under
Ministry of science and tech
Istanbul convention is about
The violence against women and domestic violence
Stages of EIA processs
Screening
Scoping
EIA report
Public hearing
Apprisal
What are the backlogs of draft 2020 EIA notification
Reduce/ remove public hearing
Section 26 — EIA exemption in some projects — such as coal mining and Seismic survey for oil, methane and shale
Section 14 — Exemption from public consultation of some list of projects; removal of independent experts in public hearing (only people from the concerned districts are consulted not outside people);
Is article 174 — i.e powers of the governor to summon, prorogue the house is discretionary or not
Nope
It was backed by article 163, so the aid and advice of the CoM is required
Digital signature comes under
IT Act of 2000
India accounts for what percentage of tiger population
75%
Highest in Nagarjunasrisailam tiger park
Operation breathing space is about
Collaboration between india and Israel for developing rapid tests for COVID 19
What is the population of South Asian people in gulf
As per world bank, there are around 15 million workers and India got remittances of 83 billion dollars, when the total remittances are 140 billion dollars
Is garba and Ghumar classical dances ?
Nope
Garba belongs to gujarat while ghumar belongs to rajasthan
Van vihar national park is in
Madhya Pradesh
Valmiki national park is
It is on the bank of river gandak not on Kosi
It is on the border of india and Nepal
What is the platform for free exchange of ideas on the use of technology, seen in NEP 2020
National Educational Technology forum
What is the public spending seen in NEP
6% of GDP
What is the gender fund seen in NEP
Gender inclusion fund
What is shanghai cooperation organisation deals about
Code of conduct in the use of internet
Is CBI statutory body
Nope
It derives its power from the Delhi special police establishment act of 1946
Education is in central list or the state list
Concurrent list
What are the eight industries seen in core sector
Coal
Crude oil
Natural gas
Refinery products
Fertilisers
Electricity
Cement
Steel
Highest is seen in refinery products followed by electricity next is steel
FERNS C3
Who have the power to delay the elections in US
House of Representatives and senate i.e congress
Saksham initiative comes under
MHRD
Implemented by AICTE aimed at providing encouragement and support to specialty abled children to pursue technical education
Cyber gram initiative is implemented by which ministry
Ministry of minority affairs — the programme aims to impart digital literacy to students of madrasas and government schools in identified minority concentration areas
Nai Manzil is for
Minority youths who don’t have a formal cool leaving certificate
It was initiated by Ministry of minority affairs
Mulaperiayr river is operated by which state
By TN
Periyar river is in Kerala, but dam is used by TN
What are the news papers published by bal Gangadhar tilak
Kesari in Marathi and mahratta in English
Wancho tribe is in
Arunachal Pradesh
Mukurthi national park is in
Tamil Nadu
Dragon capsule
A reusable space craft developed by Space X
PMI — purchasing managers index
It is an indicator of business activity — both in manufacturing and service sector
The PMI of score above 50 means expansion while below 50 means contraction
It is published by IHS Market
Leopard IUCN
Vulnerable
Higher education financing agency is
HEFA provides financial assist me for creation of educational infrastructure in India’s premier educational institutions
Pokkali rice
It can grown in saline region of Kerala
Humpback whales are seen in
Arabian Sea
World tribal day was celebrated due to
UN Working group on indigenous populations in 1982
What is tribal Panchsheel as per Nehru
People should develop along the lines of their own genius and the imposition of alien values should be avoided
Tribal a rights in land and forest should be respected
Teams of tribals should be trained in the work of administration and development
Tribal areas should not be over administered or over whelmed with a multiplicity of Schemes
Results should be judged not by statistics or the amount of money spent, but by the humane character that Is evolved
Bubonic plague is by virus or bacteria
Yersina pestis
It effects the lymphatic system
What are the three audit reports submitted by CAG to President
Report on appropriation account
Report on finance account
Report on Public Undertakings
Corona vs photosphere which is hotter
Corona
Project loon is related to
Wireless communication technology by google to provide internet to rural areas
National landslide susceptibility mapping is developed by
Geological survey of india
The agency mapped several states in the western ghats, north eastern states, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand to assess how vulnerable their districts were
Public liability insurance act was passed following the
Bhopal gas tragedy
The rule of absolute liability is laid in india in
M.C Mehta vs union of india
Musi river is the left bank tributary of
Krishna
Bhima is also left bank tributary
Tungabadra is right or left bank tributary of Krishna
Right bank tributary
Russia, India and China (RIC) grouping
Amid the tensions on the Line of Actual Control, the dominant calls were for a more decisive westward shift in India’s foreign policy.
However, last month, India decided to attend a (virtual) meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC). This meeting seemed incongruous in this setting.
What is RIC
Conceived by the then Russian foreign minister Yevgeny Primakov in 1998.
The group was founded on the basis of “ending its subservient foreign policy guided by the U.S.,” and “renewing old ties with India and fostering the newly discovered friendship with China.”
Why was it formed?
RIC
In the early 2000s, the three countries were positioning themselves for a transition from a unipolar to a multipolar world order.
The RIC shared some non-West (as distinct from anti-West) perspectives on the global order, such as an emphasis on sovereignty and territorial integrity, impatience with homilies on social policies and opposition to regime change from abroad.
Their support for democratisation of the global economic and financial architecture moved to the agenda of BRIC (with the addition of Brazil).
Significance and potential of the grouping
RIC
Together, the RIC countries occupy over 19 percent of the global landmass and contribute to over 33 percent of global GDP.
All three are nuclear powers and two, Russia and China, are permanent members of the UN Security Council, while India aspires to be one.
The trio could also contribute to creating a new economic structure for the world.
They could work together on disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.
Present Situation
RIC
A lot has changed in recent times;
India’s relations with the U.S. surged, encompassing trade and investment, a landmark civil nuclear deal and a burgeoning defence relationship that met India’s objective of diversifying military acquisitions away from a near-total dependence on Russia.
China went back on the 2005 agreement, launched the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, worked to undermine India’s influence in its neighbourhood and expanded its military and economic presence in the Indian Ocean.
As U.S.-Russia relations imploded in 2014 (after the annexation/accession of Crimea), Russia’s pushback against the U.S. included cultivating the Taliban in Afghanistan and enlisting Pakistan’s support for it.
Importance of RIC for India
RIC still has significance.
India is in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which is driven by Russia and China and includes four Central Asian countries.
Central Asia is strategically located, bordering our turbulent neighbourhood.
A sliver of land separates Tajikistan from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan’s membership of SCO and the potential admission of Iran and Afghanistan (as member states) heighten the significance of the SCO for India.
What needs to be done?
RIC
It is important for India to shape the Russia-China dynamics in this region, to the extent possible. The Central Asian countries have signalled they would welcome such a dilution of the Russia-China duopoly.
The ongoing India-Iran-Russia project for a sea/road/rail link from western India through Iran to Afghanistan and Central Asia, is an important initiative for achieving an effective Indian presence in Central Asia, alongside Russia and China.
The defence and energy pillars of India’s partnership with Russia remain strong. Access to Russia’s abundant natural resources can enhance our materials security — the importance of which has been highlighted by COVID-19.
With China too, we have to work bilaterally and multilaterally on a range of issues, even while firmly protecting our interests on the border, in technology and the economy.
The Indo-Pacific is a geographic space of economic and security importance, in which a cooperative order should prevent the dominance of any external power.
Conclusion
RIC
The current India-China stand-off has intensified calls for India to fast-track partnership with the U.S.
This is an unexceptionable objective, but is not a silver bullet.
National security cannot be fully outsourced. India’s quest for autonomy of action is based on its geographical realities, historical legacies and global ambitions — not a residual Cold War mindset.
What are pre-packs under the present insolvency regime?
Context:
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has set up a committee to look into the possibility of including what are called “pre-packs” under the current insolvency regime to offer faster insolvency resolution under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
So, what is a pre-pack?
Also called as a pre-packaged insolvency, It is an agreement for the resolution of the debt of a distressed company.
It is done through an agreement between secured creditors and investors instead of a public bidding process.
The process needs to be completed within 90 days so that all stakeholders retain faith in the system.
Benefits of a pre-pack
Faster: This process would likely be completed much faster than the traditional Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) which requires that the creditors of the distressed company allow for an open auction for qualified investors to bid for the distressed company.
It would act as an important alternative resolution mechanism to the CIRP and would help lower the burden on the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
In the case of pre-packs, the incumbent management retains control of the company until a final agreement is reached.
This is necessary because Transfer of control from the incumbent management to an insolvency professional as is the case in the CIRP leads to disruptions in the business and loss of some high-quality human resources and asset value.
Also, a financially distressed company can continue its operations during the period leading to a formal default, and even thereafter, without the resultant reputational risks, business disruptions, or value erosion.
What are some of the drawbacks of pre-pack?
Reduced transparency compared to the CIRP as financial creditors would reach an agreement with a potential investor privately and not through an open bidding process.
This could lead to stakeholders such as operational creditors raising issues of fair treatment when financial creditors reach agreements to reduce the liabilities of the distressed company.
Unlike in the case of a full-fledged CIRP which allows for price discovery, in the case of a pre-pack the NCLT would only be able to evaluate a resolution plan based on submissions by the creditors and the investor.
Do we need pre-packs?
Yes. It is because slow progress in the resolution of distressed companies has been one of the key issues raised by creditors regarding the CIRP under the IBC.
738 of 2,170 ongoing insolvency resolution processes have already taken more than 270 days at the end of March.
Under the IBC, stakeholders are required to complete the CIRP within 330 days of the initiation of insolvency proceedings.
High levels of ammonia in Yamuna water
Context:
High levels of ammonia (3 ppm) were recently detected in the Yamuna river.
Because of this, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) had to reduce water production capacityby 25 per cent.
What is the acceptable limit?
Ammonia
The acceptable maximum limit of ammonia in drinking water, as per the Bureau of Indian Standards, is 0.5 ppm.
What is ammonia and what are its effects?
Ammonia is a colourless gas and is used as an industrial chemical in the production of fertilisers, plastics, synthetic fibres, dyes and other products.
It consists of hydrogen and nitrogen. In its aqueous form, it is called ammonium hydroxide.
This inorganic compound has a pungent smell.
Occurrence: Ammonia occurs naturally in the environment from the breakdown of organic waste matter.
It is lighter than air.
Contamination
Of ammonia
It may find its way to ground and surface water sources through industrial effluents or through contamination by sewage.
If the concentration of ammonia in water is above 1 ppm it is toxic to fishes.
In humans, long term ingestion of water having ammonia levels of 1 ppm or above may cause damage to internal organs.
How does it enter the Yamuna?
The most likely source is believed to be effluents from dye units, distilleries and other factories in Panipat and Sonepat districts in Haryana, and also sewage from some unsewered colonies in this stretch of the river.
What needs to be done?
Stringent implementation of guidelines against dumping harmful waste into the river.
Making sure untreated sewage does not enter the water.
Maintain a sustainable minimum flow, called the ecological flow.
This is the minimum amount of water that should flow throughout the river at all times to sustain underwater and estuarine ecosystems and human livelihoods, and for self regulation.
Challenges ahead
Ammonia pollution in Yamuna
Delhi dependent on Haryana for up to 70 per cent of its water needs.
Haryana, with a large number of people involved in agriculture, has water paucity issues of its own.
Both states have argued over maintaining 10 cumecs (cubic meter per second) flow in the Yamuna at all times.
Both states have approached the courts several times over the past decade to get what they call an equitable share of water.
The lack of a minimum ecological flow also means accumulation of other pollutants.
After water is extracted from the river for treatment in North East Delhi, what flows is mostly untreated sewage and refuse from homes, run off from storm water drains and effluents from unregulated industry.
These challenges need to be addressed at the earliest.
Yamuna facts
The river Yamuna is a major tributary of river Ganges.
Originates from the Yamunotri glacier near Bandarpoonch peaks in the Mussoorie range of the lower Himalayas in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
It meets the Ganges at the Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh after flowing through Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi.
Tributaries: Chambal, Sindh, Betwa and Ken.
Green – Ag Project
The Union government on July 28, 2020, launched the Green-Ag Project in Mizoram, to reduce emissions from agriculture and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
Mizoram is one of the five states where the project will be implemented.
Other states include Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Uttarakhand.
About the Project
Green Ag Project
The Green-Ag Project is funded by the Global Environment Facility, while the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation, and Farmers’ Welfare (DAC&FW) is the national executing agency.
Other key players involved in its implementation are Food and Agricultre Organization (FAO) and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
The project seeks to integrate biodiversity, climate change and sustainable land management objectives and practices into Indian agriculture.
Pilot project
Green Ag
The pilot project is supposed to end on March 31, 2026, in all states.
It aims to cover 35 villages and includes two protected areas — the Dampa Tiger Reserve and the Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary.
Targets
Green Ag
Achieve multiple global environmental benefits in at least 1.8 million hectares (ha) of land in five landscapes, with mixed land use systems.
Bring at least 104,070 ha of farms under sustainable land and water management.
Ensure 49 million Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) sequestered or reduced through sustainable land use and agricultural practices.
Global Tiger Day
Observed on 29 July. It was created in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit.
On this occasion, the Union Environment Ministry has released an updated report on India’s Tiger Survey from 2018.
Highlights
Global tiger day
Country’s tiger population: 2,967 — unchanged from the government’s estimate last year
India has nearly 70% of the world’s tigers.
Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers at 526, closely followed by Karnataka (524) and Uttarakhand (442).
Chhattisgarh and Mizoram saw a decline in tiger population and all other States saw a “positive” increase.
While Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of tigers, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu registered the “maximum improvement” since 2014.
Guinness Record on tiger census
The fourth cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation 2018 recently entered the Guinness World Record for being the world’s largest camera trap wildlife survey.
Camera trapswere placed in 26,838 locations across 141 different sites and surveyed an effective area of 121,337 square kilometres.
All India Tiger estimation
The All India Tiger Estimation done quadrennially is steered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority with technical backstopping from the Wildlife Institute of India and implemented by State Forest Departments and partners.
Conservation efforts- National and Global
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has launched the M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status), a mobile monitoring system for forest guards.
At the Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010,leaders of 13 tiger range countries resolved to do more for the tiger and embarked on efforts to double its number in the wild, with a popular slogan ‘T X 2’.
The Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) programof the World Bank, using its presence and convening ability, brought global partners together to strengthen the tiger agenda.
Over the years, the initiative has institutionalised itself as a separate entity in the form of the Global Tiger Initiative Council (GTIC), with its two arms –the Global Tiger Forum and the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program.
The Project Tiger,launched way back in 1973, has grown to more than 50 reserves amounting to almost 2.2% of the country’s geographical area.
What are the different species of tigers?
There are different species of tigers – Siberian tigers, Bengal tigers, Indochinese tigers, Malayan tigers and South China.
The Bengal tiger is found primarily in India with smaller populations in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Myanmar.
It is the most numerous of all tiger subspecies with more than 2,500 left in the wild.
AstroGen project
It is a genealogy project for academics — who earned doctorates on astronomy-related theses or supervised research for such dissertations.
It was launched recently by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and its Historical Astronomy Division.
The project allows these academics to trace their ‘ancestors’. In academic genealogy, however, a person’s ‘parent’ is their thesis advisor.
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)
It is the largest Tiger Reserve in India.
The reserve spreads over five districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The area consists mostly of the Nallamala Hills.
The Krishna river cuts its basin almost 200 m (660 ft) deep over a distance of 130 km (81 mi) through the reserve.
Ban on Chinese Apps
Union information and technology ministryhas banned 47 new apps.
The move comes nearly a month after the ban on 59 Chinese apps, taking the total number of mobile applications blocked to 106.
The new apps include clones and different versions of some of the original apps.
Why the government banned these apps?
These measures have been undertaken since there is credible information that these apps are engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.
Relevant provisions:
For this, the Ministry has invoked its power under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.
Rafale fighter jets
Context:
Five Rafale jets arrived in India. These are part of the 36 twin-engine aircraft purchased from Dassault Rafale at approximately Rs 59,000 crore in 2016.
What is the Rafale Jet?
It is a twin-engine fighter jet manufactured by Dassault Aviation of France.
Pampa river
Pampa is the third longest river in Kerala after Periyar and Bharathappuzha.
Sabarimala temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is located on the banks of the river.
The river is also known as ‘Dakshina Bhageerathi’ and ‘River Baris’.
New Education Policy
First new education policy in 34 years has been brought out. The union Cabinet gave its nod to the new policy recently.
The aim of the National Education Policy 2020 is to create an education system which is deeply rooted in Indian ethos and can rebuild India as a global knowledge superpower, by providing high-quality education to all.
Background:
A panel headed by former ISRO chief K. Kasturirangan submitted a draft in December 2018, which was made public and opened for feedback after the Lok Sabha election in May 2019.
Highlights of the policy
Education
Public spending on education by states, Centre to be raised to 6% of the GDP.
Ministry of Human Resource Development to be renamed Minister of Education.
Digital Education- related:
An autonomous body, the national educational technology forum, will be created for the exchange of ideas on use of technology to enhance learning, assessment, planning and administration.
Separate technology unit to develop digital education resources. The new unit will coordinate digital infrastructure, content and capacity building.
Teacher Education- related:
By 2030, the minimum degree qualification for teaching will be a four year integrated B.Ed.
Teachers will also be given training in online educational methods relevant to the Indian situation in order to help bridge the digital divide.
Traditional knowledge- related
Indian knowledge systems, including tribal and indigenous knowledge, will be incorporated into the curriculum in an accurate and scientific manner.
School Education- related
New education policy
School Education- related:
Universalise the pre-primary education (age range of 3-6 years) by 2025.
Universalization of Education from pre-school to secondary level with 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education by 2030.
A new school curriculum with coding and vocational studies from class 6 will be introduced.
A child’s mother tongue will be used as the medium of instruction till class 5.
A new curricular framework is to be introduced, including the preschool and Anganwadi years.
A National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy will ensure basic skills at the class 3 level by 2025.
Board exams to be easier, redesigned. Exams will test core competencies rather than memorising facts, with all students allowed to take the exam twice.
School governance is set to change, with a new accreditation framework and an independent authority to regulate both public and private schools.
Higher Education- related
NEP
Four year undergraduate degrees with multiple entry and exit options will be introduced.
The Phil degree will be abolished.
New umbrella regulator for all higher education except medical, legal courses.
An Academic Bank of Credit will be set up to make it easier to transfer between institutions.
College affiliation system to be phased out in 15 years, so that every college develops into either an autonomous degree-granting institution, or a constituent college of a university.
It also aims to double the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education, including vocational education, from 26.3% in 2018 to 50% by 2035, with an additional 3.5 crore new seats.
Special focus
NEP
Regions such as aspirational districts, which have large number of students facing economic, social or caste barriers will be designated as ‘Special Educational Zones’.
The Centre will also set up a Gender Inclusion Fund to build the country’s capacity to provide equitable quality education to all girls and transgender students.
Financial support
NEP
Meritorious students belonging to SC, ST, OBC and other socially and economically disadvantaged groups will be given incentives.
New Curricular and Pedagogical Structure
The NEP proposes changing the existing 10+2 Curricular and Pedagogical Structure with 5+3+3+4 design covering the children in the age group 3-18 years. Under this —
Five years of the Foundational Stage: 3 years of pre-primary school and Grades 1, 2;
Three years of the Preparatory (or Latter Primary) Stage: Grades 3, 4, 5;
Three years of the Middle (or Upper Primary) Stage: Grades 6, 7, 8;
Four years of the High (or Secondary) Stage: Grades 9, 10, 11, 12.
Challenges ahead
NEP
Since education is a concurrent subject most states have their own school boards.
Therefore, state governments would have to be brought on board for actual implementation of this decision.
Trust set up to build Mosque in Ayodhya
Context:
A trust has been set up to build a mosque in Ayodhya, in line with the November 2019 order of the Supreme Court in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case.
The trust has been named the ‘Indo Islamic Cultural Foundation’.
There will be 15 members on the trust.
What is this trust? Why has it been setup?
Trust set up to build Mosque in Ayodhya
On November 9, the Supreme Court delivered its verdict in the Babri Masjid case.
It allowed the construction of a Ram temple at the site of the demolished Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, and ordered handing over another 5-acre plot to the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Waqf Board for the mosque. According, the Waqf Board has setup this trust.
About the trust
Trust set up to build Mosque in Ayodhya
There will be 15 members on the trust.
The Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board will be the founder trustee of the trust, while the secretary of the trust will also function as the official spokesperson.
Functions of the trust
Trust set up to build Mosque in Ayodhya
The trust will build the Mosque and other facilities for the benefit of general public.
It will provide community service to the local population, including medical and health facilities, community kitchen.
It will act as a centre to promote and highlight the Indo-Islamic cultural influences in the Indian society through a research facility, a museum, a library and a publishing house.
Antibiotic resistance
Context:
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) recently published a survey report on antibiotic use in the dairy sector.
Concerns expressed in antibiotic resistance
Antibiotics are extensively misused in the dairy sector and its residues remain largely untested in milk, which is an integral part of Indian diets, particularly of children.
Another pandemic-like situation — Antibiotic resistance fuelled by the way we are producing our food, which has become chemical-intensive, could become another pandemic- like situation.
Farmers often sell milk while the animal is under treatment, which increases the chances of antibiotic residues. While milk sold directly to consumers is not tested, contrary to what one would expect, processed milk sold in packets is also largely unchecked for antibiotic residues.
Why there is increased use of antibiotics?
In Diary sector
Farmers indiscriminately use antibiotics for diseases such as mastitis (infection/inflammation of the udder), a common ailment in dairy animals.
Often, these include critically important antibiotics (CIAs) for humans — the WHO has warned that they should be preserved in view of the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance.
The abused antibiotics — despite a law against it — are easily available without the prescription of a registered veterinarian and stocked at farms.
Back ground for antibiotic use in diary sector
India is the world’s largest milk producer — it produced a massive 188 million tonnes in 2018-19.
Urban areas consume 52% of it, and the unorganised sector, comprising milkmen and contractors, caters to 60% of this consumer base;
The remaining demand is met by dairy cooperatives and private dairies which represent the organised sector.
What is Antimicrobial resistance?
It is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria, viruses, and some parasites) to stop an antimicrobial (such as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials) from working against it.
As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
Context:
The independent experts on the Human Rights Committee have published a fresh interpretation of the right of peaceful assembly, offering comprehensive legal guidance about where and how it applies and also outlining governments’ obligations.
Background of
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
The committee is tasked with monitoring how countries implement the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which under Article 21 guarantees the right to peaceful assembly.
What’s the issue?
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):
Authorities worldwide are grappling with swelling demonstrations over issues like political rights and racial justice. At some places, coercive forces are being used to suppress the voices of protesters.
Therefore, right to peaceful assembly has come into the spotlight.
Supporters believe that protesting peacefully, online or in person, is a fundamental human right.
Important observations made by the Human Rights Committee
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):
It is a “fundamental human right” for people to gather to celebrate or to air grievances, “in public and in private spaces, outdoors, indoors and online.”
Everyone, including children, foreign nationals, women, migrant workers, asylum seekers and refugees, can exercise the right of peaceful assembly.
Governments could not prohibit protests by making “generalised references to public order or public safety, or an unspecified risk of potential violence”.
In addition, Governments “cannot block internet networks or close down any website because of their roles in organising or soliciting a peaceful assembly”.
It also stressed the right of journalists and human rights observers to monitor and document any assembly, including violent and unlawful ones.
Implications
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):
The Committee’s interpretation will be important guidance for judges in national and regional courts around the world, as it now forms part of what is known as ‘soft law’.
About ICCPR
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):
It is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Monitored by the United Nations Human Rights Committee.
The covenant commits its parties to respect the civil and political rights of individuals, including the right to life, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, electoral rights and rights to due process and a fair trial.
The ICCPR is part of the International Bill of Human Rights, along with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
It became effective in 1976.
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)
Context:
The truly massive International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) has entered its years-long assembly phase.
After 35 years of brainstorming, planning, and preproduction, ITER says assembly will take five years, starting now.
What is ITER?
It is an international nuclear fusion research and engineering megaproject, which will be the world’s largest magnetic confinement plasma physics experiment.
It is an experimental tokamak nuclear fusion reactor that is being built in southern France.
The goal of ITER is to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energyfor peaceful use.
Significance of ITER
ITER will be the first fusion device to produce net energy.
ITER will be the first fusion device to maintain fusion for long periods of time.
ITER will be the first fusion device to test the integrated technologies, materials, and physics regimes necessary for the commercial production of fusion-based electricity.
The project is funded and run by seven member entities
The European Union, China, India, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States.
What will ITER do?
Produce 500 MW of fusion power
Demonstrate the integrated operation of technologies for a fusion power plant
Achieve a deuterium-tritium plasma in which the reaction is sustained through internal heating
Test tritium breeding
Demonstrate the safety characteristics of a fusion device.
What is Fusion?
Fusion is the energy source of the Sun and stars. In the tremendous heat and gravity at the core of these stellar bodies, hydrogen nuclei collide, fuse into heavier helium atoms and release tremendous amounts of energy in the process.
How is it achieved in the laboratory?
Most efficient fusion reaction in the laboratory setting is the reaction between two hydrogen isotopes, deuterium (D) and tritium (T).
The DT fusion reaction produces the highest energy gain at the “lowest” temperatures.
Three conditions must be fulfilled to achieve fusion in a laboratory:
Very high temperature (on the order of 150,000,000° Celsius).
Sufficient plasma particle density (to increase the likelihood that collisions do occur).
Sufficient confinement time (to hold the plasma, which has a propensity to expand, within a defined volume).
What is a Tokamak?
The tokamak is an experimental machine designed to harness the energy of fusion.
Inside a tokamak, the energy produced through the fusion of atoms is absorbed as heat in the walls of the vessel.
Just like a conventional power plant, a fusion power plant will use this heat to produce steam and then electricity by way of turbines and generators.
First developed by Soviet research in the late 1960s, the tokamak has been adopted around the world as the most promising configuration of magnetic fusion device. ITER will be the world’s largest tokamak—twice the size of the largest machine currently in operation, with ten times the plasma chamber volume.
Turkey approves social media law
Context:
Turkey’s parliament has approved a new social media law that gives authorities greater power to regulate social media despite concerns of growing censorship.
Key provisions:
The law requires major social media companies such as Facebook and Twitter to keep representative offices in Turkey to deal with complaints against content on their platforms.
If a social media company refuses to designate an official representative, the legislation mandates steep fines, advertising bans and bandwidth reductions.
With a court ruling, bandwidth would be halved, and then cut further. Bandwidth reductions mean social media networks would be too slow to use.
The representative will be tasked with responding to individual requests to take down content violating privacy and personal rights within 48 hours or to provide grounds for rejection.
The company would be held liable for damages if the content is not removed or blocked within 24 hours.
It also would require social media providers to store user data in Turkey.
Need for this law- govt’s arguments
Turkey approves social media law
The government says the legislation was needed to combat cybercrime and protect users.
The law was necessary to contain cyberbullying and insults against women.
Concerns
Turkey approves social media law
The new law is being called the “censorship law.”
It is because the law would further limit freedom of expression in a country where the media is already under tight government control and dozens of journalists are in jail.
The law would be used to remove content critical of the government rather than to protect users.
This is a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression online and contravenes international human rights law and standards.
Background
Turkey approves social media law
In recent times, hundreds of people have been investigated and some arrested over social media posts on the COVID-19 pandemic, opposition to Turkish military offensives abroad or insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other officials.
Turkey leads the world in removal requests to Twitter, with more than 6,000 demands in the first half of 2019.
More than 408,000 websites are blocked in Turkey.
Online encyclopedia Wikipedia was blocked for nearly three years before Turkey’s top court ruled that the ban violated the right to freedom of expression.
Indians largest diaspora to get Australian citizenship in 2019-20
More than 38,000 Indians became Australian citizens in 2019-2020, a 60 per cent increase from the previous year and the largest diaspora group to be granted the country’s citizenship.
India was followed by 25,011 Britishers, 14,764 Chinese and 8821 Pakistanis.
Places in News- Port Louis
It is the capital city of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean. It’s known for its French colonial architecture
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Jugnauth jointly inaugurated the new Supreme Court built in Port Louis with Indian grant assistance.
Pratihara style of architecture
Context:
A rare late ninth century stone statue of Lord Shiva, which was stolen from a temple in Rajasthan and smuggled to the UK, will be returned to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Key facts
The stone Nataraj/Natesha murti, in “chatura pose with jatamakuta and trinetra” and almost four-feet-tall, is a rare depiction of Lord Shiva in the Prathihara style.
It is a rare sandstone idol.
It is originally from the Ghateswara Temple at Baroli, Rajasthan.
Pratihara empire
The Gurjara-Pratiharas, also known as the Pratihara Empire, ruled much of Northern India from the mid-7th to the 11th century.
They were instrumental in containing Arab armies moving east of the Indus River.
Nagabhata I defeated the Arab army under Junaid and Tamin during the Caliphate campaigns in India.
Architecture
Prathihara
Gurjara-Pratihara are known for their sculptures, carved panels and open pavilion style temples.
The greatest development of their style of temple building was at Khajuraho, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
Celebrated on July 30.
Designated by UN in 2013.
This year’s theme focuses on first responders to human trafficking.
Who are first responders?
These are the people who work in different sectors – identifying, supporting, counselling and seeking justice for victims of trafficking, and challenging the impunity of the traffickers.
During the COVID-19 crisis, the essential role of first responders has become even more important, particularly as the restrictions imposed by the pandemic have made their work even more difficult.
Still, their contribution is often overlooked and unrecognized.
Key facts
People are trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced begging, forced marriage; for selling children and as child soldiers, as well as for removal of organs;
Women make up 49% and girls 23% of all victims of trafficking;
Sexual exploitation is the most common form of exploitation (59% share) followed by forced labour (34% share);
Most victims are trafficked within their countries’ borders – those trafficked abroad are moved to the richest countries.
Blue Heart Campaign of UN
It has been initiated by the UN to raise global awareness to fight human trafficking and its impact on society.
It aims to encourage the involvement of the governments, civil society, the corporate sector and individuals to inspire action and help prevent this heinous crime.
It allows people to show their solidarity with the victims of human traffickingand increasing their visibility by wearing the Blue Heart.
What are the constitutional & legislative provisions related to Trafficking in India?
Trafficking in Human Beings or Persons is prohibited under the Constitution of India under Article 23 (1).
The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA)is the premier legislation for prevention of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.
Criminal Law (amendment) Act 2013 has come into force wherein Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code has been substituted with Section 370 and 370A IPC which provide for comprehensive measures to counter the menace of human trafficking.
Protection of Children from Sexual offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 is a special law to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
Merger of political parties under 10th schedule
Context:
The Rajasthan High Court has issued notices to the speaker and secretary of the state legislative assembly and six MLAs, who contested elections on BSP tickets and then defected to the Congress.
What’s the issue?
The BSP won six seats in Rajasthan but all its MLAs joined the Congress in September last year.
But, now at the national level, BSP is arguing that a state unit of a national party cannot be merged without the party being merged at the national level.
Besides, BSP national secretary has also issued a whip to 6 MLAs telling them to vote against the Congress in case there is a floor test.
On what grounds is BSP’s case based?
BSP’s contention is that the merger is illegal and unconstitutional because for a national party, such merger has to take place at the national level.
Supporting Supreme Court judgments:
2006 ruling in Jagjit Singh v State of Haryana:
In this case, the Court upheld the Speaker’s decisions disqualifying 4 MLAs from single- member parties who had joined the congress.
2007 ruling in Rajendra Singh Rana And Ors vs Swami Prasad Maurya:
37 MLAs — one-third of the BSP strength — “split” from the party after its government fell, to support SP.
The SC ruled that the split cannot be recognised primarily because not all these MLAs split at once.
But, why these judgments cannot be relevant today?
The key aspect is that these cases deal with splits where when one-third of the members of a legislative party splits; they could not attract disqualification as per Paragraph 3 of the Tenth Schedule.
However, in 2003, through the 91st Constitutional Amendment, Paragraph 3 was deleted from the Tenth Schedule.
The amendment was made as the one-third split rule was grossly misused by parties to engineer divisions and indulge in horse-trading.
One-third was regarded as an easy target to achieve and the law now exempts defection only when it is at two-thirds (in a merger).
Firstly, is “merger” allowed under the constitution?
The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution prohibits defection to protect the stability of governments but does not prohibit mergers.
Paragraph 4(2) of the Tenth Schedule, dealing with mergers, says that only when two-thirds of the members agree to “merge” the party would they be exempt from disqualification.
The “merger” referred to in Paragraph 4(2) is seen as legal fiction, where members are deemed to have merged for the purposes of being exempt from disqualification, rather than a merger in the true sense.
Can a state unit of a national party be merged without the party being merged at the national level?
Tenth Schedule identifies this dichotomy between state units and national units.
As per Paragraph 4(2), “merger” of a party means merger of a legislative party of that House.
In Rajasthan’s case, it would be the Rajasthan Legislative unit of the BSP and not the BSP at the national level.
What about the whip?
The whip issued by BSP national general secretary to the six MLAs would have no impact because such a direction has to necessarily be issued for voting on the floor of the House.
A national leader’s direction cannot be considered a whip in the context of the anti-defection law.
Anti defection law facts
Anti-defection law lists situations for disqualification on the ground of defection:
If an MP or an MLA “has voluntarily given up his membership of such political party” [clause 2(1)(a)], or
If he/she votes or abstains from voting in the house contrary to any direction issued by his party, that is if he violates the party whip in the house [clause 2(1)(b)].
If an independent candidate joins a political party after the election.
If a nominated member joins a party six months after he becomes a member of the legislature.
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI)
A report on slavery was recently released by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) and an international anti-slavery organisation Walk Free on the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
Key findings:
Commonwealth countries account for about 40% of people living in conditions of modern slavery in the world.
Commonwealth nations are lacking in actions to eradicate modern slavery by 2030.
There is an estimated one in every 150 people in the Commonwealth living in conditions of modern slavery.
One-third of the Commonwealth countries had criminalised forced marriage, while 23 had not criminalised commercial sexual exploitation of children.
Out of 54 countries, only four engage with business to investigate supply chains, and all countries report gaps in victim assistance programs.
India- specific findings
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI):
India has fared the worst in terms of coordination, “with no national coordinating body or National Action Plan in place”.
India had not ratified the International Labour Organisation’s 2011 Domestic Workers Convention or the 2014 Forced Labour Protocol.
India accounted for one-third of all child brides in the world.
Despite being the largest country in the region, India has the weakest response on national coordination, with no national coordinating body or National Action Plan in place.
About the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI)
It is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, international non-governmental organisation working in the area of human rights.
In 1987, several Commonwealth professional associations founded CHRI, since there was little focus on human rights within the association of 53 nations although the Commonwealth provided member countries the basis of shared common legal system.
Roles and functions: CHRI promotes adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Commonwealth Harare Principles and other internationally recognised human rights instruments, including domestic legislation supporting human rights in Commonwealth countries.
It is headquartered in New Delhi, India.
Perseverance- NASA’s mission to Mars
Context:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched its Mars 2020 Perseverance rover aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V.
The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
This is the third launch to Mars this month, following the UAE’s Hope and China’s Tianwen-1 spacecraft.
Key facts
Perseverance NASA’s Mission to mars
The rover’s Mars arrival is set for 18, 2021.
The mission is planned to last for at least one Mars year, which works out to about 687 days on Earth (it takes longer for Mars to go around
the sun).
Landing site: Jezero crater.
Perseverance is loaded with seven instruments chosen to help it achieve its mission objectives.
Why is this mission significant?
Perseverance- NASA’s mission to Mars
Perseverancewill carry a unique instrument, MOXIE or Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment: which for the first time will manufacture molecular oxygen on Mars using carbon dioxide from the carbon-dioxide-rich atmosphere (ISRU means In Situ Resource Utilization: or the use of local resources to meet human needs or requirements of the spacecraft).
It will carry Ingenuity, the first ever helicopter to fly on Mars.
This is the first time NASA will fly a helicopter on another planet or satellite.
It is the planned first step to bring back rock samples from Mars for analysis in sophisticated laboratories on Earth: with the goal of looking for biosignatures: or signatures of present or past life.
These are some of the key mission objectives
Perseverance- NASA’s mission to Mars
Look for signs of ancient microbial life.
Collect Martian rock and dust samples for later return to Earth.
Deliver an experimental helicopter.
Study the climate and geology of Mars.
Demonstrate technology for future Mars missions.
What is the reason for the near-term interest in Mars?
Perseverance- NASA’s mission to Mars
Mars is located in the very near backyard (about 200 million km away).
It is a planet that humans can aspire to visit or to stay for a longer duration.
Mars had flowing water and an atmosphere in the distant past: and perhaps conditions to support life.
In the near term, the increase in interest related to Mars is because of Elon Musk’s plans for commercial travel.
Background
Perseverance- NASA’s mission to Mars
NASA has been sending rovers on Mars since 1997 when the Mars Pathfinder Mission was initiated.
As the mission turned out to be successful, NASA decided to continue going to Mars to find evidence.
Second time, the space organization sent twin rovers, Spirit and Opportunity to Mars in 2003.
The third attempt was by sending Curiosity in 2012.
What is aerial seeding?
Context:
The Haryana Forest Department has started aerial seeding across the state on a pilot basis.
This technique will allow plantation in sections of the Aravallis that are either difficult to access or inaccessible altogether.
The pilot project will help determine the effectiveness of the technology and the dispersal mechanism.
What is aerial seeding?
It is a technique of plantation wherein seed balls – seeds covered with a mixture of clay, compost, char and other components – are sprayed on the ground using aerial devices, including planes, helicopters or drones.
How does this technique work?
Aerial seeding
Seeds balls or seed pellets are dispersed in a targeted area by the low-flying drones.
They fall to the ground with the help of the coating of clay, compost, char and other material, that provides the required weight for seeds to drop on a predetermined location rather than disperse in the wind.
These pellets will then sprout when there is enough rain, with the nutrients present within them helping in the initial growth.
What are the advantages of this technique?
Aerial seeding
Areas that are inaccessible, have steep slopes, are fragmented or disconnected with no forest routes, making conventional plantation difficult, can be targeted with aerial seeding.
The process of the seed’s germination and growth is such that it requires no attention after it is dispersed – the reason why seed pellets are known as the “fire and forget” way of plantation.
They eliminate the need for ploughing and digging holes in the soil and the seeds do not need to be planted, since they are already surrounded by soil, nutrients, and microorganisms.
The clay shell of these pellets along with the other items in the mixture also protects them from birds, ants and rats.
Article 239A(4) of the Constitution
Context: Lt Governor Anil Baijal has reversed the Delhi cabinet’s decision to reject the Delhi Police’s panel of lawyers for the riots cases in the High Court and the Supreme Court.
L-G used his special powers under Article 239A(4) of the Constitution to overturn the cabinet’s decision.
Under this Article, the Delhi government is bound to follow the L-G’s orders.
Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act
Context: US House panel passes bill to promote legacies of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr.
It was authored by John Lewis, the civil rights leader Democratic member of the House who passed away last week.
Key provisions:
It will establish annual scholar and student exchange programs for Indians and Americans to study the leaders’ legacies and visit historic sites in India and the U.S., relevant to the India’s freedom struggle and the U.S.’s civil rights movement.
The bill also seeks to establish the Gandhi-King Global Academy, a conflict resolution initiative based on the principles of nonviolence.
It proposes the establishment of the United States-India Gandhi-King Development Foundation set up by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the government of India, organized under Indian law.
AIM-iCREST
It is an incubator capabilities enhancement programme for a robust ecosystem for creating high-performance start-ups.
Atal Innovation Mission has launched the programme in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wadhwani Foundation.
Under the initiative, AIM’s incubators are set to be upscaled and provided requisite support to foster the incubation enterprise economy, which will help them to significantly enhance their performance.
It will also provide training to entrepreneurs through technology-driven platforms and processes.
What is a whip?
Context:
Congress chief whip in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly has moved the Supreme Court against a State High Court direction to the Speaker to maintain status quo in the disqualification proceedings initiated against ousted MLAs under the anti-defection law.
What’s the issue?
According to chief Whip, the High Court order on July 24 violated a Constitution Bench judgment of the Supreme Court in the Kihoto Hollohan of 1992.
The verdict had categorically held that courts should not intervene in disqualification proceedings prior to a final decision from the Speaker.
Judicial review of disqualification proceedings was very limited.
In this case, the High Court, however, had intervened at the stage of notice in the disqualification action.
What is a whip?
A whip is an official of a political party who acts as the party’s ‘enforcer’ inside the legislative assembly or house of parliament.
Parties appoint a senior member from among their House contingents to issue whips — this member is called a Chief Whip, and he/she is assisted by additional Whips.
India inherited the concept of the whip from the British parliamentary system.
(Note: A whip in parliamentary parlance is also a written order that party members be present for an important vote, or that they vote only in a particular way.)
Role of whips
They try to ensure that their fellow political party legislators attend voting sessions and vote according to their party’s official policy.
What happens if a whip is disobeyed?
A legislator may face disqualification proceedings if she/he disobeys the whip of the party unless the number of lawmakers defying the whip is 2/3rds of the party’s strength in the house.
Disqualification is decided by the Speaker of the house.
Limitations of whip
There are some cases such as Presidential elections where whips cannot direct a Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) to vote in a particular fashion.
Types of whips
There are three types of whips or instructions issued by the party
One-line whip: Issued to inform members of a party about a vote. It allows a member to abstain in case they decide not to follow the party line.
Two-line whip: Issued to direct the members to be present in the House at the time of voting.
Three-line whip: Issued to members directing them to vote as per the party line.
Gramodyog Vikas Yojana
Context:
Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has approved a programme for the benefit of artisans involved in manufacturing of Agarbatti under the ‘Gramodyog Vikas Yojana’ (As a pilot project).
Key points:
Initially four Pilot Projects will be started, including one in North Eastern part of the country.
Each targeted cluster of artisans will be supported with about 50 Automatic Agarbatti making machines and 10 Mixing machines.
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) will provide training, and assist artisans working in this area.
Significance
Gramodyog Vikas Yojana
The programme aims to enhance the production of ‘Agarbatti’ in the country and create sustainable employment for the traditional Artisans, by providing them regular employment and increase in their wages.
This will give a boost to the domestic Agarbatti Industry in the country and will reduce imports of Agarbatti.
What are Smog towers?
A smog tower is a structure designed to work as a large-scale air purifier.
How it works?
This structure fitted with multiple layers of filters which trap fine dust particles suspended in the air as it passes through them.
Air is drawn through fans installed at the top of the tower, passed through filters, and then released near the ground.
Why in News?
Smog towers
Supreme Court, last year, had directed authorities to take measures, including asking the Delhi government and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to submit a comprehensive plan on setting up “smog towers” in the capital.
Later, in January, the Court directed that two towers should be installed in the capital by April on a pilot project basis.
This timeline was never met,
Are they helpful?
Smog towers
Yes, smog towers have been experimented with in recent years in cities in the Netherlands, China, South Korea and Poland.
The first such tower was erected in 2015, in Rotterdam, Netherlands (it can filter 30,000 cubic metres of air per hour around it).
Experts have said that the towers would create “clean air zones” in the city.
A tower would reduce 50% of the particulate matter load — fine dust particles suspended in the air — in an area of 1 kilometre in the direction of the wind, as well as 200 metres each along the sides of the tower and against the direction of the wind.
Why Delhi needs such measures?
Smog towers
Air pollution in the national capital has been an issue of concern for quite some time as Delhi and its suburbs have ranked among the most polluted cities in the world frequently since 2014, when the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Delhi the most polluted city in the world.
Pollution levels in Delhi increase dramatically during winter — on some days to nearly 10 times above the limits prescribed by WHO, posing a serious risk to vulnerable and also healthy populations.
Reasons behind high pollution levels?
In Delhi
Construction work, industrial and vehicular pollution — in and around the city.
The situation is aggravated at the start of winter by smoke from stubble-burning in northwestern states, coupled with unfavourable meteorological conditions, such as calm winds, low temperatures, and fewer sunny days.
Measures taken to control pollution
Persuading farmers in Punjab and Haryana to use mechanical alternatives to stubble-burning.
Closure of thermal power stations in Delhi.
Making industries use piped natural gas.
Control measures taken under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) when pollution levels spike.
Report on lead poisoning by UNICEF
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and international non-profit organization focused on pollution issues, Pure Earth have released a report- “The Toxic Truth: Children’s exposure to lead pollution undermines a generation of potential”.
Key findings of UNICEF
On lead poisoning
Lead poisoning is affecting children on a “massive and previously unknown scale”.
Around 1 in 3 children – up to 800 million globally – have blood lead levels at, or above, 5 micrograms per decilitre (µg/dL), the amount at which action is required.
Nearly half of these children live in South Asia.
How lead affects children?
Lead is a potent neurotoxin that causes irreparable harm to children’s brains.
It is particularly destructive to babies and children under the age of 5 as it damages their brain before they have had the opportunity to fully develop, causing them lifelong neurological, cognitive and physical impairment.
Childhood lead exposure has also been linked to mental health and behavioural problems and an increase in crime and violence.
Older children suffer severe consequences, including increased risk of kidney damage and cardiovascular diseases in later life.
How it costs countries?
Lead poisoning
Childhood lead exposure is estimated to cost lower- and middle-income countries almost USD $1 trillion due to lost economic potential of these children over their lifetime.
Factors contributing to lead poisoning
Informal and substandard recycling of lead-acid batteries.
Increase in vehicle ownership, combined with the lack of vehicle battery recycling regulation and infrastructure.
Workers in dangerous and often illegal recycling operations break open battery cases, spill acid and lead dust in the soil.
They also smelt the recovered lead in crude, open-air furnaces that emit toxic fumes poisoning the surrounding community.
Need of the hour
Lead poisoning
A coordinated and concerted approach across the following areas:
Proper Monitoring and reporting.
Prevention and control measures.
Management, treatment and remediation.
Public awareness and behaviour change.
Legislation and policy.
Global and regional action.
Conclusion
Poisoning
It is clear from evidence compiled that lead poisoning is a much greater threat to the health of children than previously understood.
Although much more research needs to be conducted, enough data have recently emerged for decisive action to begin – and it must begin now.
Lead poisoning
Lead in the body is distributed to the brain, liver, kidney and bones. It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it accumulates over time.
Lead in bone is released into blood during pregnancy and becomes a source of exposure to the developing foetus.
WHO has identified lead as 1 of 10 chemicals of major public health concern.
WHO has joined with the United Nations Environment Programme to form the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint.
Mullaperiyar Dam issue
Context:
The Supreme Court has decided to consider the plea demanding to reduce the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam during monsoon, on August 24.
Background:
The petition was filed by a resident of Idukki district of Kerala to lower the water level of Mullaperiyar dam to 130 feet saying there is a danger of earthquakes and floods in the area as monsoon progresses in the State.
Mullaperiyar Dam- what you need to know?
Although the dam is located in Kerala, it is operated by Tamil Nadu following an 1886 lease indenture for 999 years (the Periyar Lake Lease Agreement) that was signed between the Maharaja of Travancore and the Secretary of State for India for the Periyar Irrigation works.
Constructed between 1887 and 1895, the dam redirected the river to flow towards the Bay of Bengal, instead of the Arabian Sea and provide water to the arid rain region of Madurai in Madras Presidency.
The dam is located on the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar rivers inKerala’s Idukki district.
What’s the issue surrounding?
Mullaperiyar Dam Issue
The lease agreement was renewed in the 1970s by both Tamil Nadu and Kerala giving the former rights to the land and water from the dam, besides the authority to develop hydropower projects at the site. In return, Kerala would receive rent from Tamil Nadu.
The first cracks in this agreement surfaced in 1979 when a minor earthquake had resulted in cracks in the dam.
The Central Water Commission, under the Government of India, conducted a study and recommended lowering the water stored in the dam’s reservoir to 136 feet from 142 feet.
If definitive measures were implemented, only then could the Tamil Nadu administration raise water levels to the dam’s full capacity of 152 feet.
What Tamil Nadu says?
Mullaperiyar Dam
Tamil Nadu claims that although it has undertaken measures to strengthen the dam, the Kerala government has blocked any attempt to raise the reservoir water level – resulting in losses for Madurai farmers.
Kerala’s arguments
Mullaperiyar Dam
Kerala, however, highlights fears of devastation by residents living downstream in the earthquake-prone district of Idukki.
Scientists have argued that if there is an earthquake in the region measuring above six on the Richter scale, the lives of over three million people will come under grave danger.
Supreme Court verdict
Mullaperiyar Dam
In 2006, the Supreme court gave Tamil Nadu legal sanction to raise the water level to 142 feet.
In response, Kerala amended the 2003 Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act, restricting the water level to 136 feet.
In 2012, however, an Apex court-appointed committee stated that the dam was “structurally and hydrologically safe” and that the Tamil Nadu government could raise water levels up to 142 feet.
In 2014, the court event struck down the amendment to the 2003 Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act, calling it unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court had also directed the Centre and the governments of Kerala and Tamil Nadu to set up three panels to prepare a contingency plan in case of a disaster.
Conclusion
Mullaperiyar dam issue
Even years after this verdict, the latest developments show that the Mullaperiyar dam continues to be a bone of contention between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with mutliple interpretations on everything from the veracity of the 1886 agreement governing its use to the project’s structural safety.
Young Scientist Award
Given by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Given to scientists working in different institutions of CSIR for their achievements in biological sciences, chemical sciences, earth, atmosphere, ocean and planetary sciences, engineering sciences and physical sciences.
The award comprises a citation, a cash award of Rs 50,000, and a plaque.
SKOCH Gold Award
Context: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has received SKOCH Gold Award for its “Empowerment of Tribals through IT enabled Scholarship Schemes” project.
About SKOCH Awards:
Instituted in 2003, it is the highest civilian honour in the country conferred by an independent organisation.
It recognises people, projects and institutions that go the extra mile to make India a better nation.
It is given in the areas of digital, financial and social inclusion; governance; inclusive growth; excellence in technology and applications; change management; corporate leadership; corporate governance; citizen service delivery; capacity building; empowerment and other such softer issues.
It is given to both institutions/organisations and individuals.
Mahatma Gandhi Setu
It is a bridge over the river Ganges in Bihar, India, connecting Patna in the south to Hajipur in the north.
Its length is 5,750 metres and it is the third-longest river bridge in India.
Why in News?
Western flank of Mahatma Gandhi setu reopens for traffic.
Muslim Women’s Rights Day
Observed on August 1st.
To commemorate the first anniversary of the law against instant triple talaq- the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act.
It was on this day last year that the bill got the Presidential nod.
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE):
Set up in 1947 by ECOSOC.
It is one of five regional commissions of the United Nations.
UNECE’s major aim is to promote pan-European economic integration.
It includes 56 member States in Europe, North America and Asia.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s 100th death anniversary
Context:
One of the firebrand freedom fighters and the strongest proponent of ‘purna swaraj’ or ‘total self-rule’, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s 100th death anniversary was observed on August 1st.
Legacy:
Part of the Lal-Bal-Pal (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal) troika, Bal Gangadhar Tilak was called ‘father of the Indian unrest” by British colonial rulers.
Jawaharlal Nehru called him the ‘father of Indian revolution’.
Mahatma Gandhi described Tilak as ‘the maker of modern India’.
