July 16 To Aug 3 Flashcards

Question

What are the conventions does the GEF provides financial mechanism

Answer 1

Convention on Biological Diversity UNFCCC UNCCD Stockholm convention on persistent organic pollutants Minamata convention on Mercury

Answer 2

Article 122 and article 212

Answer 3

Maharashtra

Answer 4

Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in soil

Answer 5

Law and education But now SC said they must enter all 10 streams of Permanent commission

Answer 6

Short service commission

Answer 7

It imposed restrictions on public procurement from bidders of countries that share a land border with india, citing grounds of defence and national security

Answer 8

1960 Kerala elections But the EC said it add in election manifesto in 2014 general election on the direction on SC

Answer 9

Israel’s India has brought them to induct in Indian army, Navy and Air Force

Answer 10

Fully under current and partially under capital account

Answer 11

IIkal saree is from the state of Karnataka it got GI tag

Answer 12

Article 153-162

Answer 13

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

Answer 14

Ministry of science and tech

Answer 15

The violence against women and domestic violence

Answer 16

Screening Scoping EIA report Public hearing Apprisal

Answer 17

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);

Answer 18

Nope It was backed by article 163, so the aid and advice of the CoM is required

Answer 19

IT Act of 2000

Answer 20

75% Highest in Nagarjunasrisailam tiger park

Answer 21

Collaboration between india and Israel for developing rapid tests for COVID 19

Answer 22

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

Answer 23

Nope Garba belongs to gujarat while ghumar belongs to rajasthan

Answer 24

Madhya Pradesh

Answer 25

It is on the bank of river gandak not on Kosi It is on the border of india and Nepal

Answer 26

National Educational Technology forum

Answer 27

Gender inclusion fund

Answer 28

Code of conduct in the use of internet

Answer 29

Nope It derives its power from the Delhi special police establishment act of 1946

Answer 30

Concurrent list

Answer 31

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

Answer 32

House of Representatives and senate i.e congress

Answer 33

MHRD Implemented by AICTE aimed at providing encouragement and support to specialty abled children to pursue technical education

Answer 34

Ministry of minority affairs — the programme aims to impart digital literacy to students of madrasas and government schools in identified minority concentration areas

Answer 35

Minority youths who don’t have a formal cool leaving certificate It was initiated by Ministry of minority affairs

Answer 36

By TN Periyar river is in Kerala, but dam is used by TN

Answer 37

Kesari in Marathi and mahratta in English

Answer 38

Arunachal Pradesh

Answer 39

Tamil Nadu

Answer 40

A reusable space craft developed by Space X

Answer 41

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

Answer 42

Vulnerable

Answer 43

HEFA provides financial assist me for creation of educational infrastructure in India’s premier educational institutions

Answer 44

It can grown in saline region of Kerala

Answer 45

Arabian Sea

Answer 46

UN Working group on indigenous populations in 1982

Answer 47

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

Answer 48

Yersina pestis It effects the lymphatic system

Answer 49

Report on appropriation account Report on finance account Report on Public Undertakings

Answer 50

Wireless communication technology by google to provide internet to rural areas

Answer 51

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

Answer 52

Bhopal gas tragedy

Answer 53

M.C Mehta vs union of india

Answer 54

Krishna Bhima is also left bank tributary

Answer 55

Right bank tributary

Answer 56

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.

Answer 57

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.”

Answer 58

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).

Answer 59

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.

Answer 60

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.

Answer 61

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.

Answer 62

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.

Answer 63

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.

Answer 64

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).

Answer 65

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.

Answer 66

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.

Answer 67

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.

Answer 68

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.

Answer 69

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.

Answer 70

The acceptable maximum limit of ammonia in drinking water, as per the Bureau of Indian Standards, is 0.5 ppm.

Answer 71

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.

Answer 72

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.

Answer 73

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.

Answer 74

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.

Answer 75

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.

Answer 76

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.

Answer 77

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.

Answer 78

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.

Answer 79

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.

Answer 80

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.

Answer 81

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.

Answer 82

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.

Answer 83

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.

Answer 84

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.

Answer 85

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.

Answer 86

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.

Answer 87

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.

Answer 88

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.

Answer 89

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.

Answer 90

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.

Answer 91

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’.

Answer 92

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.

Answer 93

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.

Answer 94

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.

Answer 95

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.

Answer 96

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.

Answer 97

Meritorious students belonging to SC, ST, OBC and other socially and economically disadvantaged groups will be given incentives.

Answer 98

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.

Answer 99

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.

Answer 100

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.

Answer 101

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.

Answer 102

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.

Answer 103

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.

Answer 104

Context: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) recently published a survey report on antibiotic use in the dairy sector.

Answer 105

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.

Answer 106

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.

Answer 107

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.

Answer 108

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.

Answer 109

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.

Answer 110

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.

Answer 111

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.

Answer 112

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.

Answer 113

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’.

Answer 114

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.

Answer 115

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.

Answer 116

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.

Answer 117

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.

Answer 118

The European Union, China, India, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States.

Answer 119

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.

Answer 120

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.

Answer 121

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.

Answer 122

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).

Answer 123

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.

Answer 124

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.

Answer 125

The government says the legislation was needed to combat cybercrime and protect users. The law was necessary to contain cyberbullying and insults against women.

Answer 126

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.

Answer 127

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.

Answer 128

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.

Answer 129

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.

Answer 130

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).

Answer 131

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.

Answer 132

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.

Answer 133

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.

Answer 134

Celebrated on July 30. Designated by UN in 2013. This year’s theme focuses on first responders to human trafficking.

Answer 135

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.

Answer 136

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.

Answer 137

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.

Answer 138

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.

Answer 139

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.

Answer 140

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.

Answer 141

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.

Answer 142

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).

Answer 143

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.

Answer 144

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.

Answer 145

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.

Answer 146

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.

Answer 147

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.

Answer 148

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.

Answer 149

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.

Answer 150

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.

Answer 151

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.

Answer 152

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.

Answer 153

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.

Answer 154

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.

Answer 155

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.

Answer 156

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.

Answer 157

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.

Answer 158

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.

Answer 159

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.

Answer 160

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.

Answer 161

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.)

Answer 162

They try to ensure that their fellow political party legislators attend voting sessions and vote according to their party’s official policy.

Answer 163

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.

Answer 164

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.

Answer 165

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.

Answer 166

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.

Answer 167

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.

Answer 168

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.

Answer 169

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,

Answer 170

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.

Answer 171

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.

Answer 172

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.

Answer 173

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.

Answer 174

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”.

Answer 175

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.

Answer 176

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.

Answer 177

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.

Answer 178

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.

Answer 179

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.

Answer 180

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.

Answer 181

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.

Answer 182

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.

Answer 183

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.

Answer 184

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.

Answer 185

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.

Answer 186

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.

Answer 187

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.

Answer 188

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.

Answer 189

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.

Answer 190

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.

Answer 191

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.

Answer 192

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.

Answer 193

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.

Answer 194

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’.

Answer 195

His slogan ‘Swaraj is my birth right and I shall have it’ caught the imagination of a country fighting to free itself from the colonial rule.

Answer 196

Why in News? Recently, Foreign Minister of Nepal said that the 1947 agreement among India, Nepal and the United Kingdom that deals with the military service of Gorkha soldiers has become redundant. About the 1947 pact on Gorkha soldiers: Following the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814-16, the British decided to recruit Gorkha soldiers in 1815. After India’s Independence in 1947, the question of allotting the 10 regiments of Gorkha soldiers was settled by the Britain-India-Nepal Tripartite Agreement. The agreement divided the Gorkha Regiments of the british Empire between India and the United Kingdom. It also assured that the Gorkha soldiers of Nepal while serving in the british military will draw perks and privileges equivalent to their counterparts.

Answer 197

For some time now, Gorkha veterans have been alleging that the UK has been discriminating against them. The objection from Nepal regarding the Gorkhas serving in the Indian military has been heard more prominently in the recent months in the backdrop of Nepal-India territorial dispute over the Kalapani region.

Answer 198

Nepal has written to the United Kingdom to review the engagement with London to secure the prospects of the Gorkha soldiers. And also, Nepal is planning to terminate the 1947 agreement.

Answer 199

Currently, the Gorkhas comprise up to 3% of the British Army, and in 2015 completed 200 years of service there. Regarded as fierce and loyal, the Gorkhas are held in high esteem in the British Army. They are enlisted not only in the infantry, but also in the engineering corps and as logisticians. Their signature weapon, the khukri, famous for the inwardly curved shape of its blade and its legendary utility, forms part of the Gorkha regimental insignia in Britain as well as in India. Queen Elizabeth II of Britain is guarded by two personal Gurkha officers.

Answer 200

Why in News? The special status of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked on August 5 last year. But, even after almost a year, over two dozen mainstream leaders of the regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir remain under house arrest. The state was stripped of special status under Article 370 and the government had also repealed Article 35A. Concerns associated with such measures: House detentions without any administrative orders are unlawful. It undermines human rights and individual liberty. Even the courts failed to hear petitions and left jailed Kashmiris at the mercy of the government.

Answer 201

Jammu and Kashmir home department officials estimate that, in the run up to and aftermath of August 5, more than 500 people were booked under the Public Safety Act. That included stone-pelters, lawyers, separatist leaders of the Hurriyat as well as leaders of pro-India parties. Around 250 Kashmiri detainees are still lodged in jails outside the Union Territory. Since 6th of August, 2019, more than six hundred Habeas Corpus Petitions have been filed before the Hon’ble High Court of Union Territory of J&K at Srinagar and till date not even 1% of such cases have been decided by the J&K High Court.

Answer 202

Conditional release of leaders placed under house arrest for more than a year. Restoration of 4G network. Lifting of the curbs on peaceful political activity. A multilevel dialogue with those affected with the August 5 decision. Compensation to Kashmiri farmers and businessmen for their economic losses.

Answer 203

Also called as the Jammu & Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA), 1978. It is a preventive detention law, under which a person is taken into custody to prevent him or her from acting in any manner that is prejudicial to “the security of the state or the maintenance of the public order”.

Answer 204

Introduced as a tough law to prevent the smuggling of timber and keep the smugglers “out of circulation”.

Answer 205

The law allowed the government to detain any person above the age of 16 without trial for a period of two years. It allows for administrative detention for up to two years “in the case of persons acting in any manner prejudicial to the security of the State”, and for administrative detention up to one year where “any person is acting in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order”.

Answer 206

It comes into force when administrative order passed by either by Divisional Commissioner or the District Magistrate. The detaining authority need not disclose any facts about the detention “which it considers to be against the public interest to disclose”.

Answer 207

Section 22 of the Act provides protection for any action taken “in good faith” under the Act: “No suit, prosecution or any other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for anything done or intended to be done in good faith in pursuance of the provisions of this Act.”

Answer 208

Under Section 23 of the Act, the government is empowered to “make such Rules consistent with the provisions of this Act, as may be necessary for carrying out the objects of this Act”. However, no Rules have so far been framed to lay down procedures for the implementation of the provisions of the PSA.

Answer 209

It allows for detention without trial. No Right to File Bail It provides a vast number of reasons for detention. No Distinction Between Minor and Major Offences.

Answer 210

The only way this administrative preventive detention order can be challenged is through a habeas corpus petition filed by relatives of the detained person. The High Court and the Supreme Court have the jurisdiction to hear such petitions. However, if the order is quashed, there is no bar on the government passing another detention order under the PSA and detaining the person again.

Answer 211

Article 22 (3) – If a person is arrested or detained under preventive detention, then the protection against arrest and detention under Article 22 (1) and 22(2) shall not be available.

Answer 212

Why in News? Global electronics giants such as Samsung, Pegatron, Flex, and Foxconn among others are in final stages of negotiations to benefit from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for making mobile phones and certain other specified electronic components. About the PLI scheme: Notified on April 1 as a part of the National Policy on Electronics. It proposes a financial incentive to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in the electronics value chain.

Answer 213

The scheme shall extend an incentive of 4% to 6% on incremental sales (over base year) of goods manufactured in India and covered under target segments, to eligible companies, for a period of five (5) years with financial year (FY) 2019-20 considered as the base year for calculation of incentives. The Scheme is open for applications for a period of 4 months initially which may be extended. The Scheme will be implemented through a Nodal Agency which shall act as a Project Management Agency (PMA) and be responsible for providing secretarial, managerial and implementation support and carrying out other responsibilities as assigned by MeitY from time to time.

Answer 214

According to the scheme, companies that make mobile phones which sell for Rs 15,000 or more will get an incentive of up to 6 per cent on incremental sales of all such mobile phones made in India. In the same category, companies which are owned by Indian nationals and make such mobile phones, the incentive has been kept at Rs 200 crore for the next four years.

Answer 215

All electronic manufacturing companies which are either Indian or have a registered unit in India will be eligible to apply for the scheme. These companies can either create a new unit or seek incentives for their existing units from one or more locations in India. However, all investment done by companies on land and buildings for the project will not be considered for any incentives or determine eligibility of the scheme.

Answer 216

The domestic electronics hardware manufacturing sector faces lack of a level playing field vis-à-vis competing nations. The sector suffers disability of around 8.5% to 11% on account of lack of adequate infrastructure, domestic supply chain and logistics; high cost of finance; inadequate availability of quality power; limited design capabilities and focus on R&D by the industry; and inadequacies in skill development. Therefore, to position India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM), it is necessary to encourage and drive capabilities in the country for developing core components and create an enabling environment for the industry to compete globally.

Answer 217

Context: China has recently completed its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System constellation. What is the BeiDou navigation system? It is Chinese Satellite Navigation System. The system uses a network of satellites and can provide positional accuracies of under ten metres (GPS provides positioning accuracies of under 2.2 metres). China initiated BeiDou in 1994 with aims to integrate its application in different sectors, including fishery, agriculture, special care, mass-market applications, forestry and public security. BeiDou offers services including accurate positioning, navigation and timing as well as short message communication.

Answer 218

It consists of 27 satellites in medium Earth orbit, five in geostationary orbit and three more in inclined geosynchronous orbits.

Answer 219

As ties between US and China deteriorated, it had become more important for China to have its own navigation system that the US does not have control over. By completing BeiDou, China now has its own navigation system, which will compete with systems developed by other countries. It is of foremost importance in allowing China’s military to employ Beidou-guided conventional strike weapons.

Answer 220

The GPS is owned by the US government and operated by the US Air Force. Russia has its navigation system called GLONASS. The European Union (EU) has Galileo. India’s navigation system is called Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC).

Answer 221

It is an online transit pass generation system for timber, bamboo and other forest produce. It was launched recently by the Union Environment Ministry. The pilot project will be functional in Madhya Pradesh and Telangana for now. How it works? An applicant has to register in the system, thereafter the applicant can apply for a transit pass. Application will move to concerned range forest office. After following state specific procedure of verification, transit pass will be issued. The applicant will receive message of issuance and transit pass can be downloaded and viewed. Significance: It expedites issuance of transit pass system. A transit pass issued will be valid across India. This will enhance seamless movement of forest produce.

Answer 222

The hackathon is a nationwide initiative to provide students with a platform to solve some of the pressing problems people face in daily lives, and thus inculcate a culture of product innovation and a mindset of problem-solving. The first edition of Smart India Hackathon was held in 2017. This hackathon is being organised jointly by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Persistent Systems and i4c.

Answer 223

The Bharat Air Fibre services are introduced by BSNL as part of digital India initiates by the Government of India and it aims of providing Wireless Connectivity in the range of 20 KMs from the BSNL Locations and thus customers at remote places also will be benefitted as BSNL comes with cheapest services with support of Telecom Infrastructure Partners (TIPs).

Answer 224

Why in News? Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh rank high in the conservation of the endangered dhole in India, according to a new study. Key facts: Dhole is an apex social carnivore in the tropical forests of South and South East Asia. Endangered –IUCN. CITES – Appendix II. Shedule II of wildlife act. Disease and pathogens: Dholes are susceptible to rabies, canine distemper, canine parvovirus and sarcoptic mange among others which are usually contracted from domestic village dogs that act as reservoirs.

Answer 225

It is the language of government and education of the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, with the notable exceptions of Hong Kong and Macau where a local dialect of Chinese called Cantonese is more often used. Context: The National Education Policy (NEP) has dropped Mandarin or ‘Chinese’ from its list of examples of foreign languages that can be taught in schools.

Answer 226

United Arab Emirates’ first nuclear reactor at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has achieved first criticality and successfully started up. Barakah, which means “blessing” in Arabic, is a regional first. Barakah was built by a consortium led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation.

Answer 227

Agatti Island is a 7.6 km long island, situated on a coral atoll called Agatti atoll in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India. Why in News? Recently, the National Green Tribunal granted an interim stay on felling of coconut trees on Agatti Island for the purpose of forming a Beach Road.

Answer 228

Britain is considering minting a coin to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi, amid growing interest in recognizing the contributions of people from the Black, Asian and other minority ethnic communities.

Answer 229

Context: Noted civil rights lawyer Prashant Bhushan has responded to suo motu contempt action initiated against him on his tweets. What’s the issue? Mr Bhushan had made two tweets- one concerning a photograph of Chief Justice of India Sharad A. Bobde on a motorcycle and the other about the functioning of the Supreme Court in the past six years under four Chief Justices. Following this, the Court issued the contempt notice on July 22, saying the tweets undermined the dignity and authority of the court and the office of the CJI.

Answer 230

Expressing opinion or bona fide anguish, however outspoken, disagreeable or unpalatable, cannot constitute contempt amounting to scandalising the court. Chief Justice is not the court, and raising issues of concern regarding the manner in which a CJI conducts himself during ‘court vacations’ does not amount to ‘scandalising or lowering the authority of the court. Also, raising issues of grave concern regarding the manner in which four CJIs have used, or failed to use, their powers as ‘Master of the Roster’ to allow the spread of authoritarianism, majoritarianism, stifling of dissent, widespread political incarceration, and so on, cannot and does not amount to ‘scandalising or lowering the authority of the court.

Answer 231

Supreme Court in the contempt case against former Madras High Court judge C.S. Karnan had held that the “law of contempt is not made for the protection of judges who may be sensitive to the winds of public opinion. Judges are supposed to be men of fortitude, able to thrive in a hardy climate”.

Answer 232

Freedom of speech and expression is the “ultimate guardian” of values upheld in the Constitution. Therefore, the exercise of contempt powers by the Supreme Court must necessarily not be of a nature that went beyond ‘reasonable restrictions’. The power of contempt under Article 129 is to be utilised to aid in administration of justice. Contempt could not be pressed into service to stifle bona fide criticism from citizens who were well-informed about the omissions and commissions of the Supreme Court.

Answer 233

The citizens in a democracy has every right to freely and fairly discuss the state of affairs of an institution and build public opinion in order to reform the institution. However, every criticism must be carefully weighed and made with the highest sense of responsibility.

Answer 234

Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, in its report on Code on Social Security, 2019, has submitted its report to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The parliamentary committee, headed by senior BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, had examined the code referred to it by the Lok Sabha last December.

Answer 235

The time limit for payment of gratuity to an employee after termination of employment should be reduced from the current five years of continuous service to just one year. The provision of gratuity should be extended to all kinds of employees, including contract labourers, seasonal workers, piece rate workers, fixed term employees and daily/monthly wage workers. “Inter-state migrant workers” should be mentioned as a separate category in the Code. A welfare fund should be created exclusively for them. The fund should be financed proportionately by the sending states, the receiving states, the contractors, the principal employers and the registered migrant workers. The funds so created should exclusively be used for workers/employees not covered under other welfare funds. Create a central online portal and database of registered establishments as well as migrant workers, including building and other construction staff. Registration: It should be made mandatory for all establishments, including agricultural, non-agricultural, contract as well as self-employed workers to register under one body, instead of multiple organisations. This body “should remain responsible for provision of social security for all types of workers in the country”. An enabling mechanism should be included in the code itself for portability of Building and Construction Workers Welfare Fund among states so money due to beneficiaries can be paid in any state irrespective of where the cess has been collected.

Answer 236

The Code on Social Security, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha in December last year but several concerns were raised over some of its key provisions which led to the Bill being sent to the Standing Committee. The Code replaces nine laws related to social security and is focused to amend and consolidate the laws relating to social security of the employees’ and related issues.

Answer 237

The Building and Construction Workers Welfare Fund is raised by levying a cess of 1 per cent of the construction cost. It is part of the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996, which regulates employment and working conditions of construction workers and also provides for their safety and welfare measures.

Answer 238

Context: Ministry of Defence (MoD) has formulated and released a draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020 (DPEPP 2020). It is envisaged as overarching guiding document of MoD to provide a focused, structured and significant thrust to defence production capabilities of the country for self-reliance and exports. The policy has laid out following goals and objectives: To achieve a turnover of Rs 1,75,000 Crores (US$ 25Bn) including export of Rs 35,000 Crore (US$ 5 Billion) in Aerospace and Defence goods and services by 2025. To develop a dynamic, robust and competitive Defence industry, including Aerospace and Naval Shipbuilding industry to cater to the needs of Armed forces with quality products. To reduce dependence on imports and take forward “Make in India” initiatives through domestic design and development. To promote export of defence products and become part of the global defence value chains. To create an environment that encourages R&D, rewards innovation, creates Indian IP ownership and promotes a robust and self-reliant defence industry. The share of domestic procurement in overall defence procurement is about 60%. In order to enhance procurement from domestic industry, it is incumbent that procurement is doubled from the current ₹70,000 crore to ₹1,40,000 crore by 2025.

Answer 239

Procurement Reforms Indigenization & Support to MSMEs/Startups Optimize Resource Allocation Investment Promotion, FDI & Ease of Doing Business Innovation and R&D DPSUs and OFB Quality Assurance & Testing Infrastructure Export Promotion

Answer 240

The policy states that a negative list of weapons and platforms will be notified with year-wise time lines for placing an embargo on import of such items from those dates. A Technology Assessment Cell (TAC) would be created. It would assess the industrial capability for design, development and production, including re-engineering for production of major systems such as armoured vehicles, submarines, fighter aircraft, helicopters and radars with the major industries in the country, the policy states. A Project Management Unit (PMU) will be set up with representation from the Services for estimation of development and production lead times specifications and technologies involved, life cycle costs and maintenance requirements of platforms, equipment and weapon systems.

Answer 241

Context: All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) has announced a “Corporates Leave Farming” campaign across the country on August 9 against the Centre’s recent ordinances on agriculture and farmer issues. What’s the issue? In June 2020, the Central government introduced three ordinances to bring in far-reaching agricultural ‘reforms’ in the country. They are: The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020. The Farmers’ Produce Trade And Commerce (Promotion And Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020. The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance, 2020. But, activists have expressed disappointment saying that the reforms package will not solve the problems of farmers, instead will exacerbate them.

Answer 242

These are anti-farmer and will only result in reduced crop prices for farmers and undermine seed security even further. Food security will be eroded as government intervention is eliminated. These ordinances promote corporate control of the Indian food and farming systems. They will also encourage hoarding and black marketing, in addition to exploitation of farmers.

Answer 243

The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020: Key provision: It allows for regulating the supply and stock limit of certain specified agricultural produce under extraordinary circumstances such as an extraordinary price rise and natural calamity of grave nature, etc. Issues: The price range fluctuation allowed in this ordinance is narrow (100% increase in the retail price of horticultural produce and 50% increase in the retail price of non-perishable agricultural foodstuffs). This stock limit regulation will not be applicable for value chain participants of any agricultural produce if their stock limit remains within their installed capacity. It will also not apply to exporters if they can show demand for export. The Farmers’ Produce Trade And Commerce (Promotion And Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020: Key provision: It seeks to effectively bypass the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) markets by providing for the freedom to trade in any area outside of private and APMC designated market yards. Issues: This leads to a situation where local farmers do not find adequate demand for their produce at MSP in the local market. Since most farmers are small or marginal landowners, they do not have wherewithal to transport their produce to large distances. Hence, they are forced to sell them at a lower price than the MSP in the local market itself. The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance, 2020: Key provision: It seeks to create a legal framework for contract farming in India. There are two broader concerns here: First, one principle concern with contract farming has been regarding the negotiating power of the two parties involved. It seems likely that individual farmers might not find themselves equipped or powerful enough to negotiate with corporates or big-pocket sponsors to ensure a fair price for their produce. Second, the ordinance says that the quality parameters can be mutually decided by the two parties in the agreement. But the quality aspect will become crucial when a few corporates will try to usher in uniformity which might end up adversely impacting the already skewed agro-ecological diversity in the country.

Answer 244

The three ordinances will have far-reaching and varying impacts depending on the social, political, economic and cultural contexts of the respective states. But such bold and unilateral moves by the Centre fail to incorporate and give due consideration to the immense diversity in the country, not just between the states in terms of land ownership, cropping patterns, historical functioning of agricultural markets etc. but also within them. Therefore, it is feared that the three ordinances rather than helping farmers, might end up being a source of distress for millions of small and marginal farmers in the country as have been observed in the past in cases of demonetization and COVID-19 related lock-downs.

Answer 245

Context: The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft with astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley onboard splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020. What is it? In May 2020, the Crew Dragon became the first space vehicle to launch humans from American soil in nine years. Built by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, it’s part of Nasa’s plan to hand over space station flights to private companies. In particular, SpaceX was given funding through NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which started in 2010 to foster public-private partnerships for space exploration.

Answer 246

Crew Dragon evolved from an earlier design, called Dragon 1, which launched 20 times on missions to deliver cargo to the ISS between May 2012 and March 2020.

Answer 247

It was the first time that astronauts used a spaceship built and launched by a private company, and the event is being widely seen as the beginning of a new era in space exploration. The rocket, named Falcon 9, which carried the spaceship into the orbit, was also built by SpaceX. The mission was called Demo-2, in keeping with the fact that it was only a ‘test flight’, which if successful, would lead to more missions in the coming months.

Answer 248

Why in News? As part of its global tiger census, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is set to release a dedicated report on leopard sightings by the month-end. Insta Fact: No separate census for leopard is conducted. The quadrennial tiger survey also estimates the population of other animals including leopards by relying on camera trap images. Estimated Leopards in India: The last formal census on India’s leopards was conducted in 2014 which estimated the cat’s population at between 12,000 and 14,000. They also estimated 8,000 leopards in the vicinity of tiger habitat.

Answer 249

Conducting a leopard survey, along with the tiger survey, is problematic as the former is adapted to living on the edge of forests and human habitats, unlike the tiger which is an elusive creature. This had led to gross errors in estimating the true numbers of leopards.

Answer 250

Leopards share habitat with both, tigers and humans. They reside in protected areas as well outside them in agricultural fields, scrublands and riverine tracts. Therefore , it is highly difficult to count such a widely distributed population. Besides, there are substantial numbers of leopards and they are well distributed. Hence, a separate wouldn’t be necessary.

Answer 251

India’s leopard population may be only a tenth of what it was a little over a century ago, experiencing catastrophic declines due to human pressures. Instead of conducting a new leopard census, the cause of the leopard would be served better if conservation strategies were made a priority of policy decisions. A stringent policy action should be to bring down retailiatory killings as well poaching for trade. Given the threats the animal faces today–ranging from conflicts with humans, poaching, habitat loss to availability of prey– an initiative similar to ‘Project Tiger’ is required for the cat.

Answer 252

Scientific Name- Panthera pardus. Listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Included in Appendix I of CITES. Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Nine subspecies of the leopard have been recognized, and they are distributed across Africa and Asia.

Answer 253

Context: On the eve Raksha Bandhan, using leaf vines, women and children tied symbolic rakhi to the trees and took an oath to protect the Aravali forests that are the lifeline for clean air and water in Gurugram and National Capital Region. Background: The degradation of the Aravalis threatens Gurugram and National Capital Region’s water security. High levels of natural cracks and fissures in the Aravali hills make this mountain range a superior zone for recharging groundwater, which is in the red zone at this point in time as extraction is several folds more than what is put back into the ground.

Answer 254

They are aligned in north-east to south-west direction. They run between Delhi and Palanpur in Gujarat. The highest peak is Guru Shikharat 1,722 metres (5,650 ft). They are one of the oldest fold mountains of the world and the oldest in India. According to some geographers, one Branch of the Aravalis extends to the Lakshadweep Archipelago through the Gulf of Khambhat and the other into Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. At the south-west extremity the range rises to over 1,000 m. Here Mt. Abu (1,158 m), a small hilly block, is separated from the main range by the valley of the Banas. Pipli Ghat, Dewair and Desuri passes allow movement by roads and railways. The Aravalli Range joins two of the ancient earth’s crust segments that make up the greater Indian craton– Aravalli Craton and Bundelkand Craton.

Answer 255

Three major rivers and their tributaries flow from the Aravalli, namely Banas and Sahibi rivers which are tributaries of Yamuna, as well as Luni River which flows into the Rann of Kutch.

Answer 256

It is a 1,600 km long and 5 km wide green ecological corridor along Aravalli range from Gujarat to Delhi. It will be connected to Shivalikhill range. To be implemented on a concept similar to the Great Green Wallof Sahara in Africa, it will act as a buffer against pollution.

Answer 257

The Galapagos Islands, spread over almost 60,000 sq km, are a part of Ecuador, and are located in the Pacific Ocean around 1,000 km away from the South American continent. The giant tortoises found here – ‘Galápagos’ in old Spanish– give the islands its name. Ecuador made a part of the Galapagos a wildlife sanctuary in 1935, and the sanctuary became the Galapagos National Park in 1959. In 1978, the islands became UNESCO’s first World Heritage Site. Charles Darwin described the islands as a “world in itself”. Why in News? Ecuador was on alert earlier this week as a fleet of Chinese fishing vessels– what some called a “floating city”– was sighted near the Galapagos archipelago. Chinese ships frequent Ecuador’s waters this time of the year when the cold Humboldt Current brings in nutrients that lead to a high congregation of marine species.

Answer 258

John Hume, the visionary politician who won a Nobel Peace Prize for fashioning the agreement that ended violence in Northern Ireland, has died at 83. He was seen as the principal architect of Northern Ireland’s 1998 peace agreement. He, along with few others, won the Nobel Prize for their efforts to end the sectarian violence that plagued the region for three decades and left more than 3,500 people dead.

Answer 259

This is being implemented under National Health Mission (NHM) by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. eVIN aims to provide real-time information on vaccine stocks and flows, and storage temperatures across all cold chain points in the country.

Answer 260

Context: The grand temple at Rama Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya will follow the Nagara style of temple architecture. What is Nagara style of temple architecture? The Nagara style of temple architecture is found in northern India. In the Nagara style, the temple is generally constructed on an upraised platform called jagati. Mandapasare present in front of the Garbhagriha. These are adorned with the Shikhara, the tallest one being above the Garbhagriha. Nagara style doesn’t usually have elaborate boundary walls or gateways. Generally, there is no water tank in the temple premises and the pradakshina patha is covered. The garbhagriha is always located directly under the tallest tower.

Answer 261

Garbhagriha– the small room where the principle deity/deities of the temple reside Mandapa– the portico or hall at the entrance of the temple generally designed to house a large number of people Shikhara– the mountain like spire which can have different shapes from pyramidal to curvilinear Vahana– the mount or vehicle of the main deity placed generally in line of sight from Garbhagriha

Answer 262

Nagara school is further subdivided into different schools based on region like Odisha, Khajuraho, Solanki etc.

Answer 263

Why in News? The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has received a funding of ₹455.02 crore for the construction of new academic buildings, hostels, and research centres, among others, under the Union ministry of human resources development (MHRD)’s higher education funding agency (HEFA). About Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA): HEFA incorporated on 31st May 2017, is a joint venture of Ministry of HRD, GOI and Canara Bank with an agreed equity participation in the ratio of 90.91% and 09.09% respectively. HEFA is registered under the Companies Act 2013 as a Union Govt company and as Non–deposit taking NBFC with RBI. VISION: To enable India’s premier educational institutions to excel and reach the top in global rankings by financing building world class infrastructure including R&D Infra.

Answer 264

It will mobilize resources from the market by way of equity from individuals / corporates and by issue of bonds to finance the requirement. It provides financial assistance for creation of educational infrastructure and R&D in India’s premier educational Institutions. Encourages scientific and technological developments by supporting R&D facilities for conducting high-quality research. Channelises CSR contributions from companies and donations for various schemes in uplifting higher education.

Answer 265

The funding under HEFA will replace the current grant assistance by GOI for infrastructure projects in premier educational institutions. All the Educational Institutions set up/funded referred by concerned ministries would be eligible for financing their capital expenditure from HEFA. HEFA would be able to fund larger basket of institutions as compared to grants approach. Top class infrastructure can be created in quick time so that the country realises the potential of its demographic dividend in a faster time frame.

Answer 266

“Revitalising Infrastructure and Systems in Education (RISE) by 2022”, is a major initiative launched by GOI in the FY 2018-19 budget. HEFA’s scope under RISE has been greatly expanded from initial objective of financing infrastructural needs of select Higher Educational Institutions in India to the extent of Rs. 20,000 crores. It is proposed to accelerate the investment in these institutions to Rs.1,00,000 crores over the next 4 years as under

Answer 267

Why in News? The Andhra Pradesh high court has stayed the notifications issued by the YSR Congress government on the formation of three capitals for the state till August 14. What’s the issue? Various petitions were filed opposing the three capitals move and demanding a stay on the two new acts. In response, the Court has granted stay on the implementation of the gazette notifications and asked the state government to file a counter within 10 days.

Answer 268

Andhra Pradesh Assembly, in January 2020, passed The Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Equal Development of All Regions Bill, 2020. On July 31 the state government notified the AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Act, 2020, and the AP Capital Region Development Authority (Repeal) Act, 2020. This law paves the way for three capitals for the state. Amaravati– legislative capital. Visakhapatnam– executive capital. Kurnool– judicial capital.

Answer 269

The government says it is against building one mega capital while neglecting other parts of the state. Three capitals ensure equal development of different regions of the state. Decentralisation has been the central theme in recommendations of all major committees that were set up to suggest a suitable location for the capital of Andhra Pradesh. These include Justice B N Srikrishna Committee, K Sivaramakrishnan Committee, G N Rao Committee etc.

Answer 270

Coordination and logistics fear: Coordinating between seats of legislature and executive in separate cities will be easier said than done, and with the government offering no specifics of a plan, officers and common people alike fear a logistics nightmare. Time and costs of travel: Executive capital Visakhapatnam is 700 km from judicial capital Kurnool, and 400 km from legislative capital Amaravati. The Amaravati-Kurnool distance is 370 km. The time and costs of travel will be significant.

Answer 271

Maharashtra has two capitals– Mumbai and Nagpur (which holds the winter session of the state assembly). Himachal Pradesh has capitals at Shimla and Dharamshala (winter). The former state of Jammu & Kashmir had Srinagar and Jammu (winter) as capitals.

Answer 272

Context: United Nation has released its policy brief on the pandemic’s impact on education. Key findings: More than 1.6 billion learners affected across the world by the disruption of the education system. Disparities increased: The pandemic has served to exacerbate existing disparities, with vulnerable populations in low-income countries taking a harder and longer hit. School dropouts: Almost 24 million children are at risk of not returning to school next year due to the economic fallout of COVID-19. Girls and young women are likely to be disproportionately affected as school closures make them more vulnerable to child marriage, early pregnancy and gender-based violence. Learning losses: Even for those who do not drop out of school, learning losses could be severe, especially in the foundational years.

Answer 273

Simulations on developing countries participating in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) suggest that: Impact on learning: Without remediation, a loss of learning by one-third [equivalent to a three-month school closure] during Grade 3 might result in 72% of students falling so far behind that by Grade 10 they will have dropped out or will not be able to learn anything in school. The economic loss might reach $16,000 of lost earnings over a student’s lifetime, translating over time into $10 trillion of lost earnings globally. Increased financial gap: In early 2020, low and middle incomes faced a $148-billion gap between their education budgets and the money available to reach the Sustainable Development Goal of quality education. The COVID-19 crisis is likely to increase that financing gap by up to one-third.

Answer 274

Education budgets need to be protected and increased. And it is critical that education is at the heart of international solidarity efforts, from debt management and stimulus packages to global humanitarian appeals and official development assistance.

Answer 275

Context: President Donald Trump has signed an executive order preventing federal agencies from contracting or subcontracting foreign workers — mainly those on H-1B visa — from hiring. What will change now? The order bars federal agencies from hiring H-1B visa holders and other foreign workers in place of US citizens or green card holders.

Answer 276

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

Answer 277

To keep costs in check, federal agencies in the US — and various other countries — either hire a large number of foreign workers or outsource their back-end database updation and other jobs to business process outsourcing firms from around the world. Such jobs in developed countries pay minimal wages, which are not lucrative enough for employable individuals in these countries.

Answer 278

The executive order requires all federal agencies to complete an internal audit and assess whether they are in compliance with the requirement that only US citizens and nationals are appointed to the competitive service. As a result, the Department of Labour will also finalise guidelines to prevent H-1B employers from moving H-1B workers to other employers’ job sites to displace Americans workers.

Answer 279

The latest order follows the federally-owned Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) announcement that it will outsource 20% of its technology jobs to companies based in foreign countries. TVA’s action could cause more than 200 highly-skilled American tech workers in Tennessee to lose their jobs to low-wage, foreign workers hired on temporary work visas.

Answer 280

Outsourcing hundreds of workers is especially detrimental in the middle of a pandemic, which has already cost millions of Americans their jobs. National security risk: Given the current climate of rampant intellectual property theft, outsourcing IT jobs that involve sensitive information could pose a national security risk. This will help combat employers’ misuse of H-1B visas, which were never intended to replace qualified American workers with low-cost foreign labour.

Answer 281

The latest move comes over a month after the Trump administration in June 23 suspended the H-1B visas along with other types of foreign work visas until the end of 2020 to protect American workers in a crucial election year. The latest executive order will also impact workers of Indian companies that are on contract with federal agencies. Bigger federal agencies such as state-run banks give the contract for supply and maintenance of their databases and other services to bigger Indian companies such as Infosys, TCS, or Wipro.

Answer 282

The new executive order is based on misperceptions, and misinformation. Such a measure could slow down the recovery phase of the US as countries start unlocking. The order is particularly coming at a time when there is a huge shortage of STEM skills in the US that workers on short-term non-immigrant visas like H-1B and L-1 help bridge.

Answer 283

Of 65,000 new visa applications approved every year, an average 1,800 to 2,000, or roughly 3%, are H-1B visas granted to workers employed by federal agencies. As many as 70% of the H-1B visa goes to people from India.

Answer 284

Mr. Trump said he favours a merit-based immigration system that brings in high-skilled people that creates jobs inside the US and not take jobs of Americans. An immigration bill in this regard will be introduced shortly.

Answer 285

Launched by Haryana government. Key features: PPP will provide a unique identity to complete family and it would have name of the head of the family on top. The name of family member will be added to the ‘Parivar Pehchan Patra’ right after his birth and after marriage of a girl her name will be transferred to the ‘Parivar Pehchan Patra’ of her in-laws. Significance: PPP will enable the citizens to get the benefits of various central and state government schemes at their door-step in a fair and transparent manner.

Answer 286

It is the capital and largest city of Lebanon. Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast, Beirut is an important regional seaport. Why in News? A huge explosion recently devastated the port area of the capital Beirut The blast was caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely in a warehouse.

Answer 287

Context: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan recently unveiled a new political map that includes all of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Sir Creek and Junagadh. Pak Foreign Minister said that the new map reflects the aspirations of the people.

Answer 288

India has dismissed the map as an “exercise in absurdity” that made “untenable claims” to territories in India. These ridiculous assertions have neither legal validity nor international credibility. India also said that the release of the new map confirms Pakistan’s “obsession with territorial aggrandizement” supported by cross-border terrorism.

Answer 289

The map has been released a day before the first anniversary of Indian government’s August 5 decisions rolling back special status of J&Kand the bifurcation of the state into two UTs. The move also appears to be a tit-for-tat for India’s inclusion of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir as part of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, and of Gilgit Baltistan as part of Ladakh in the new map the government released on November 2.

Answer 290

Sir Creek is a 96-km strip of water disputed between India and Pakistan in the Rann of Kutch marshlands. Originally named Ban Ganga,Sir Creek is named after a British representative. The Creek opens up in the Arabian Sea and roughly divides the Kutch region of Gujarat from the Sindh Province of Pakistan.

Answer 291

The dispute lies in the interpretation of the maritime boundary line between Kutch and Sindh. Pakistan claims the entire width of the estuary, while India says the demarcation should be in the middle. In its support, India cites the Thalweg Doctrine in International Maritime Law,which states that river boundaries between two states may be divided by the mid-channel if the water-body is navigable.

Answer 292

Junagadh is in coastal Gujarat. It was a part of the Kathiawar region. It decided to join India in 1947 and the decision was formalised through a Plebiscite in 1948. This was, however, not accepted by Pakistan then, but was overtaken by the first India-Pakistan war over Kashmir that began at the end of October 1947 and continued for over a year.

Answer 293

Context: The Delhi High Court has asked Delhi Police and Zee News to respond to a plea by Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra challenging the summons and framing of charges against her in a defamation case filed by the news channel and its editor. What’s the issue? The case relates to Ms. Moitra’s June 25, 2019 speech in Parliament on the ‘Seven Signs of Fascism’ and a TV show run by the news channel and other subsequent developments. Zee News has filed the defamation complaint against Ms. Moitra for allegedly making statements against the channel to the media. What is defamation? Defamation is the communication of a false statement that harms the reputation of an individual person, business, product, group, government, religion, or nation. In India, defamation can both be a civil wrong and a criminal offence. The difference between the two lies in the objects they seek to achieve. A civil wrong tends to provide for a redressal of wrongs by awarding compensation and a criminal law seeks to punish a wrongdoer and send a message to others not to commit such acts.

Answer 294

Criminal defamation has been specifically defined as an offence under section 499 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Civil defamation is based on tort law (an area of law which does not rely on statutes to define wrongs but takes from ever-increasing body of case laws to define what would constitute a wrong). Section 499 states defamation could be through words, spoken or intended to be read, through signs, and also through visible representations. Section 499 also cites exceptions. These include “imputation of truth” which is required for the “public good” and thus has to be published, on the public conduct of government officials, the conduct of any person touching any public question and merits of the public performance. Section 500 of IPC, which is on punishment for defamation, reads, “Whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.”

Answer 295

The criminal provisions have often been used purely as a means of harassment. Given the cumbersome nature of Indian legal procedures, the process itself turns into punishment, regardless of the merits of the case. Critics argue that defamation law impinges upon the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression and that civil defamation is an adequate remedy against such wrongs. Criminal defamation has a pernicious effect on society: for instance, the state uses it as a means to coerce the media and political opponents into adopting self-censorship and unwarranted self-restraint.

Answer 296

In Subramanian Swamy vs Union of India case 2014, the Court approved the Constitutional validity of sections 499 and 500 (criminal defamation) in the Indian Penal Code, underlining that an individual’s fundamental right to live with dignity and reputation “cannot be ruined solely because another individual can have his freedom”. In August 2016, the court also passed strictures on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for misusing the criminal defamation law to “suffocate democracy” and, the court said, “public figures must face criticism”.

Answer 297

Context: Three organisations representing the Bru community displaced from Mizoram have rejected the sites proposed by the Joint Movement Committee (JMC), an umbrella group of non-Brus in Tripura, for their resettlement. What’s the issue? The JMC had on July 21 submitted a memorandum to the Tripura government specifying six places in Kanchanpur and Panisagar subdivisions of North Tripura district for the resettlement of the Brus who fled ethnic violence in Mizoram since 1997. The JMC also proposed settling 500 families at most in these places. However, the organisations representing the Bru Community have opposed the involvement of non-Brus in JMC.

Answer 298

Resettle some 6,500 families in clusters of at least 500 families at each of the sites of their choice —seven in North Tripura district and five in the adjoining Dhalai district. The sites proposed by the JMC, they said, are unconnected by road and electricity and too far from hospitals, schools and other facilities.

Answer 299

The Brus, also referred to as the Reangs, are spread across the northeastern states of Tripura, Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram. In Tripura, they are recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group. In Mizoram, they have been targeted by groups that do not consider them indigenous to the state.

Answer 300

The centre, in January 2020, signed a historic pact for permanent solution of Bru refugees’ issue. The agreement was between Union Government, Governments of Tripura and Mizoram and Bru-Reang representatives to end the 23-year old Bru-Reang refugee crisis. Highlights of the agreement: Under the agreement, the centre has announced a package of Rs. 600 crore under this agreement. As per the agreement the Bru tribes would be given land to reside in Tripura. A fixed deposit of Rs. 4 lakh will be given to each family as an amount of government aid. They will be able to withdraw this amount after two years. Each of the displaced families will be given 40×30 sq ft residential plots. Apart from them, each family will be given Rs. 5,000 cash per month for two years. The agreement highlights that each displaced family will also be given free ration for two years and aid of Rs. 1.5 lakh to build their houses.

Answer 301

Context: Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) have developed an equipment-free fluoride ion detection and quantification in drinking water with the naked-eye. It can be operated by non-experts for household use to evade Fluorosis-based disorders. How it works? The technology involves a push-pull chromophore based on 2,3-disubstituted 1,1,4,4-tetracyano-1,3-butadienes (TCBDs) that changes color upon exposure to fluoride ion.

Answer 302

Fluorosis is a crippling disease resulting from deposition of fluorides in the hard and soft tissues of body due to excess intake of fluoride through drinking water/food products/industrial pollutants over a long period. It results in dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, and non-skeletal fluorosis. According to WHO, the fluoride concentration in drinking water should not exceed 1.5mg/l.

Answer 303

Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has set stringent conditions for commercial groundwater use. The order came on a plea seeking direction to check depleting groundwater level in the country. NGT has also struck down the Central Ground Water Authority’s (CGWA) 2020 guidelines, saying they were against the law. The 2018 version of the guidelines had been struck down by the NGT last year.

Answer 304

Industries must expect a complete overhaul in the manner in which the permits are issued for the extraction of groundwater for commercial activities. They must ensure that all the conditions are complied with. The tribunal has specifically banned the general permission for the withdrawal of groundwater, especially to the commercial entities without an environment impact assessment. Permits must be for the specified quantity of water and must be monitored with digital flow metres and audited every year by the third parties. Strict actions, including prosecution and blacklisting, must be taken against those who will fail the audit. All overexploited, critical and semi-critical (OCS) assessment units must undergo water mapping. Authorities are given three months to make water management plans for all the overexploited, semi-critical, and critical areas.

Answer 305

As per some of the experts, these directions have put rigorous requirements on the businesses at a time when they have been trying to find their way amid COVID-19. The restrictions make access of groundwater very difficult. The move by NGT has also been interfering with the legislative functions of the Jal Shakti Ministry.

Answer 306

No improvements: There was no claim over groundwater levels improving, nor was there a projection for future improvement in the past 23 years of regulation by the CGWB. India was at the bottom of the water quality index, at 120 among 122 countries. Fifty-four per cent of India’s groundwater wells have decreased in levels, with 21 major cities across the country expected to run out of groundwater by 2020. India extracted the most groundwater. India accounted for 25 per cent of the total annual global water extracted, with the extraction level steadily increasing. According to ‘Water and Related Statistics 2019’, a report published by the Central Water Commission (CWC), the annual replenishable groundwater resources in India (2017) are 432 BCM, out of which 393 BCM is the annual “extractable” groundwater availability.

Answer 307

Context: The catastrophic explosion at Beirut port on August 4 was caused by over 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate kept in storage for over six years. What is it? In its pure form, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is a white, crystalline chemical which is soluble in water.

Answer 308

It is the main ingredient in the manufacture of commercial explosives used in mining and construction. It is a common chemical ingredient of agricultural fertilisers. It is also the main component of the explosive composition known as ANFO — ammonium nitrate fuel oil.

Answer 309

Pure ammonium nitrate is not an explosive on its own. It is classified as an oxidiser (Grade 5.1) under the United Nations classification of dangerous goods. If mixed with ingredients like fuel or some other contaminants, or because of some other external factors, it can be very explosive. The explosion of large storage can happen primarily in two ways: By some type detonation or initiation because the storage comes in contact with explosive mixture. Due to a fire which starts in the ammonium nitrate store because of the heat generated due to the oxidation process at large scale.

Answer 310

In India, its usage is regulated as per The Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, under The Explosives Act, 1884. The rules also make storage of ammonium nitrate in large quantities in populated areas illegal in India. For the manufacture of ammonium nitrate, an Industrial licence is required under the Industrial Development and Regulation Act, 1951. A license under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012 is also required for any activity related to ammonium nitrate.

Answer 311

An ammonium nitrate explosion produces massive amounts of nitrogen oxides. Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a red, bad-smelling gas. It can irritate the respiratory system. Elevated levels of these pollutants are particularly concerning for people with respiratory conditions.

Answer 312

MyGov (mygov.in) is the Government of India’s citizen engagement and crowdsourcing platform. Launched in 2014. It aims to promote active citizen participation in governance and policymaking. Since its launch on 26th July 2014, MyGov has adopted multiple engagement methodologies like discussions, tasks, innovation challenges, polls, surveys, blogs etc. Why in News? Goa joins MyGov Citizen Engagement Platform; 12 states had already launched their MyGov Platforms.

Answer 313

The pokkali variety of rice is known for its saltwater resistance and flourishes in the rice paddies of coastal Kerala districts. The uniqueness of the rice has brought it the Geographical Indication (GI) tag and is the subject of continuing research. The organically-grown Pokkali is famed for its peculiar taste and its high protein content.

Answer 314

Context: Observing that adequate steps against dumping of unregulated solid waste on the banks of river Yamuna were not being taken by authorities, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has warned of imposing environmental compensation on the Uttar Pradesh government. The observations came when the Tribunal was hearing a plea, which alleged that illegal disposal of solid waste on the Yamuna floodplains in Vrindavan was affecting the environment adversely.

Answer 315

Context: Amid Madhya Pradesh government’s push for the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for basmati rice, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his personal intervention against allowing this in the larger interest of Punjab and other States which are already basmati GI tagged. Apart from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Western Uttar Pradesh and select districts of Jammu and Kashmir have GI tagging for basmati. What’s the issue? The Chief Minister said India exported basmati to the tune of ₹33,000 crore every year. Any dilution in registration may give advantage to Pakistan (which also produces basmati as per GI tagging) in the international market in terms of basmati characteristics, quality parameters.

Answer 316

Context: India has told China “not to comment on the internal affairs” of other countries, in response to Beijing describing the dilution of Article 370, on the one-year anniversary of the move, as being “illegal and invalid”. What’s the issue? In response to a question from the Pakistani media, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeated its opposition to “any unilateral change to the status quo” in Jammu and Kashmir, echoing its statements on the issue last year.

Answer 317

Context: PM Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone for a Hindu temple in the northern city of Ayodhya.

Answer 318

Context: National Galary of Modern Art, New Delhi is organising the virtual tour titled “The Great Maestro | Abanindranath Tagore” to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Abanindranath Tagore on 7th August 2020. About Abanindranath Tagore: Abanindranath Tagore, the nephew of Rabindranath Tagore, was one of the most prominent artists of Bengal school of art in India. He was the first major supporter of swadeshi values in Indian art.

Answer 319

Bengal School of Art: He first created the ‘Indian Society of Oriental Art’ and later went on to establish Bengal school of art. He believed that Indian art and its art forms gave importance to spirituality as opposed to the West which stressed on materialism, thus rejecting it. His idea of modernizing Mughal and Rajput paintings eventually gave rise to modern Indian painting, which took birth at his Bengal school of art. Most of his works revolved around Hindu philosophy. In his later works, Abanindranath started integrating Chinese and Japanese calligraphic traditions into his style. The intention behind this move was to construct an amalgamation of the modern pan-Asian artistic tradition and the common elements of Eastern artistic and spiritual culture.

Answer 320

Bharat Mata, The Passing of Shah Jahan (1900), My Mother (1912–13), Fairyland illustration (1913), Journey’s End (circa 1913).

Answer 321

Abanindranath is also regarded as a proficient and accomplished writer. Most of his literary works were meant for children. Some of his books like ‘BudoAngla’, ‘KhirerPutul’ and ‘Rajkahini’ are best examples of Bengali children’s literature. William Rothenstein helped Rabindranath Tagore to publish his work ‘Gitanjali’ in English. Arabian Nights series was one of his notable works.

Answer 322

Context: Japan, on 6th August, marked 75 years since the world’s first atomic bomb attack, with the coronavirus pandemic forcing a scaling back of ceremonies to remember the victims. What happened on August 6th? On August 6, 1945, the US dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, and three days later, on August 9, it dropped another bomb on Nagasaki, killing hundreds of thousands of people and affecting many more who would suffer the effects of the radiation from the blast and the “black rain” that fell in the aftermath of the explosions.

Answer 323

After the conclusion of World War II in 1945, the relations between Japan and the US worsened, especially after Japan forces decided to take an aim at Indochina with the intention of capturing the oil-rich areas of the East Indies. Therefore, US president Harry Truman authorised the use of atomic bombs in order to make Japan surrender in WWII, which it did.

Answer 324

The atomic bomb was a result of British and American scientific knowledge and was built at two plants in the US, while a scientific laboratory was maintained separately, all of which came under the ambit of the Manhattan Project, which was the codename for this research effort.

Answer 325

Context: Former Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu was recently appointed as the new Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). About CAG: The Constitution of India provides for an independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in chapter V under Part V. The CAG is mentioned in the Constitution of India under Article 148 – 151. He is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department. He is the guardian of the public purse and controls the entire financial system of the country at both the levels- the centre and state. His duty is to uphold the Constitution of India and the laws of Parliament in the field of financial administration.

Answer 326

The CAG is appointed by the President of India by a warrant under his hand and seal. He holds office for a period of six years or upto the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Answer 327

CAG audits the accounts related to all expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India, Consolidated Fund of each state and UT having a legislative assembly. CAG audits all expenditure from the Contingency Fund of India and the Public Account of India as well as the Contingency Fund and Public Account of each state. CAG audits all trading, manufacturing, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and other subsidiary accounts kept by any department of the Central Government and the state governments. CAG audits the receipts and expenditure of all bodies and authorities substantially financed from the Central or State revenues; government companies; other corporations and bodies, when so required by related laws. He ascertains and certifies the net proceeds of any tax or duty and his certificate is final on the matter.

Answer 328

He submits his audit reports relating to the accounts of the Centre and State to the President and Governor, who shall, in turn, place them before both the houses of Parliament and the state legislature respectively. He submits 3 audit reports to the President: audit report on appropriation accounts, audit report on finance accounts and audit report on public undertakings.

Answer 329

He acts as a guide, friend and philosopher of the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament. CAG along with its mandatory regulatory and compliance audit performs the performance as well as efficiency audit to question executive’s wisdom and economy in order to identify cases of improper expenditure and waste of public money.

Answer 330

CAG is provided with the security of tenure. He can be removed by the president only in accordance with the procedure mentioned in the Constitution. Thus, he does not hold his office till the pleasure of the president, though he is appointed by him. He is not eligible for further office, either under the Government of India or of any state, after he ceases to hold his office. His salary and other service conditions are determined by the Parliament. His salary is equal to that of a judge of the Supreme Court. Neither his salary nor his rights in respect of leave of absence, pension or age of retirement can be altered to his disadvantage after his appointment. The administrative expenses of the office of the CAG, including all salaries, allowances and pensions of persons serving in that office are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India. Thus, they are not subject to the vote of Parliament.

Answer 331

Context: The Supreme Court has referred to a five-judge Bench the “substantial question of law” whether grant of 10% reservation to economically weaker sections of the society is unconstitutional and violates the 50% ceiling cap on quota declared by the court itself. What does the reference mean? A reference to a larger Bench means that the legal challenge is an important one. As per Article 145(3) of the Constitution, “the minimum number of Judges who are to sit for the purpose of deciding any case involving a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of this Constitution” shall be five. The Supreme Court rules of 2013 also say that writ petitions that allege a violation of fundamental rights will generally be heard by a bench of two judges unless it raises substantial questions of law. In that case, a five-judge bench would hear the case.

Answer 332

The law was challenged primarily on two grounds. First, it violates the Basic Structure of the Constitution. This argument stems from the view that the special protections guaranteed to socially disadvantaged groups are part of the Basic Structure and that the 103rd Amendment departs from this by promising special protections on the sole basis of economic status. Although there is no exhaustive list of what forms the Basic Structure, any law that violates it is understood to be unconstitutional. Second, it violates the SC’s 1992 ruling in Indra Sawhney & Ors v Union of India, which upheld the Mandal Report and capped reservations at 50%. In the ruling, the court held that economic backwardness cannot be the sole criterion for identifying backward class.

Answer 333

The economic reservation was introduced in the Constitution by amending Articles 15 and 16 and adding clauses empowering the state governments to provide reservation on the basis of economic backwardness. The validity of the Constitutional Amendment was challenged, saying the 50% quota limit was part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution. A three-judge bench had refused to stay the implementation of the Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act, which provides the 10% quota.

Answer 334

The Centre had argued that it was every State’s prerogative to provide 10% economic reservation in State government jobs and admissions in State-run education institutions. Whether or not to provide reservation to the economically weaker section (EWS) of the society for appointment in State government jobs and for admission to State government educational institutions, as per provisions of the newly inserted Articles 15(6) and 16(6) of the Constitution, is to be decided by the State government concerned. The government also argued that under Article 46 of the Constitution, part of Directive Principles of State Policy, it has a duty to protect the interests of economically weaker sections. Countering the claims that the amendment violates the Indra Sawhney principle, the government relied on a 2008 ruling— Ashok Kumar Thakur v Union of India, in which the SC upheld the 27% quota for OBCs. The argument is that the court accepted that the definition of OBCs was not made on the sole criterion of caste but a mix of caste and economic factors, to prove that there need not a sole criterion for according reservation.

Answer 335

Article 145(3) says at least five judges need to hear cases that involve “a substantial question of law as to the interpretation” of the Constitution, or any reference under Article 143, which deals with the power of the President of India to consult the Supreme Court. But this doesn’t mean constitution benches can’t be larger. For example, nine judges were on the bench that unanimously declared privacy to be a fundamental right in August 2017. There have also been seven and 13-judge benches.

Answer 336

The Reserve Bank of India has assigned priority sector lending (PSL) status to India’s startup sector. Significance of the move: RBI opening up more funds for lending to startups is a very positive step. Startups have not had easy access to debt, stymied by traditional lender metrics of creditworthiness. This is a huge booster as sufficient funding and user adoption are two primary challenges for Indian entrepreneurs. Besides, Startups have mostly relied on expensive venture debt. This move will help startups free up their equity and raise low cost debt. What is Priority Sector Lending? It means those sectors which the Government of India and Reserve Bank of India consider as important for the development of the basic needs of the country and are to be given priority over other sectors. The banks are mandated to encourage the growth of such sectors with adequate and timely credit.

Answer 337

40% of the total net bank credit should go to a priority sector advances. 10% of the priority sector advances or 10% of the total net bank credit, whichever is higher should go to weaker section. 18% of the total net bank credit should go to agricultural advances. Within the 18 percent target for agriculture, a target of 8 per cent of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent Amount of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure, whichever is higher is prescribed for Small and Marginal Farmers, to be achieved in a phased manner. 5 of ANBC or Credit Equivalent Amount of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure, whichever is higher should go to Micro enterprises.

Answer 338

Agriculture Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Export Credit Education Housing Social Infrastructure Renewable Energy Others

Answer 339

Priority Sector Lending Certificates (PSLCs) are a mechanism to enable banks to achieve the priority sector lending target and sub-targets by purchase of these instruments in the event of shortfall. This also incentivizes surplus banks as it allows them to sell their excess achievement over targets thereby enhancing lending to the categories under priority sector.

Answer 340

Ministry of Agriculture funding start-ups under the innovation and agripreneurship component of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana in 2020-21. Background: A component, Innovation and Agri-entrepreneurship Development programme has been launched under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana in order to promote innovation and agripreneurship by providing financial support and nurturing the incubation ecosystem. These start-ups are in various categories such as agro-processing, artificial intelligence, digital agriculture, farm mechanisation, waste to wealth, dairy, fisheries etc.

Answer 341

Agripreneurship Orientation – 2 months duration with a monthly stipend of Rs. 10,000/- per month. Mentorship is provided on financial, technical, IP issues etc. Seed Stage Funding of R-ABI Incubatees – Funding upto Rs. 25 lakhs (85% grant & 15% contribution from the incubatee). Idea/Pre-Seed Stage Funding of Agripreneurs – Funding up to Rs. 5 lakhs (90% grant and 10% contribution from the incubatee).

Answer 342

RKVY scheme was initiated in 2007 as an umbrella scheme for ensuring holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors. The scheme incentivizes States to increase public investment in Agriculture & allied sectors. The Cabinet has approved (as on 1st November 2017) for the continuation of the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme (State Plans) – Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana- Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR).

Answer 343

Risk mitigation, strengthening the efforts of the farmers along with promoting agri-business entrepreneurship through the creation of agri-infrastructure. Providing all the states with autonomy and flexibility in making plans as per their local needs. Helping farmers in increasing their income by encouraging productivity and promoting value chain addition linked production models. To reduce the risk of farmers by focusing on increasing the income generation through mushroom cultivation, integrated farming, floriculture, etc. Empowering the youth through various skill development, innovation and agri-business models.

Answer 344

RKVY-RAFTAAR will continue to be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in the ratio of 60: 40 (Government of India and State Share respectively) except in the case of northeastern and hilly states where the sharing pattern is 90:10. For UTs the grant is 100% as Central share.

Answer 345

Odisha has achieved another milestone in disaster management. Venkatraipur in Ganjam and Noliasahi in Jagatsinghpur have been recognised by UNESCO-IOC as Tsunami-Ready Communities.

Answer 346

Tsunami Ready is a community performance-based programme. Initiated by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO to promote tsunami preparedness through the active collaboration of public, community leaders, and national and local emergency management agencies.

Answer 347

To improve the coastal community’s preparedness for tsunami emergencies. To minimize the loss of life and property. To ensure a structural and systematic approach in building community preparedness.

Answer 348

IOC-UNESCO was established in 1960 as a body with functional autonomy within UNESCO and is the only competent organization for marine science within the UN system. The purpose of the Commission is to promote international cooperation and to coordinate programmes in research, services and capacity-building, in order to learn more about the nature and resources of the ocean and coastal areas and to apply that knowledge for the improvement of management, sustainable development, the protection of the marine environment, and the decision-making processes of its Member States. The IOC is recognized through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the competent international organization in the fields of Marine Scientific Research and Transfer of Marine Technology.

Answer 349

Sixth edition of National Handloom Day to be celebrated on 7th August. First National Handloom Day was organised in 2015. Why August 7? This day is celebrated on August 7 as a way to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement. Swadeshi Movement was officially proclaimed on August 7, 1905 at the Calcutta Town Hall, in Bengal. The movement had been launched in 1905 on the same date and now, it is used to create awareness and acceptance towards this sector and their exquisite work.

Answer 350

Indian Railways will introduce “Kisan Rail”, a special Parcel Train from Devlali (Maharashtra) to Danapur (Bihar). It is in pursuance of announcement made by Finance Minister in Union Budget 2020-21. It is expected that the train will provide seamless supply chain of Perishable produce, will be a great help to the farmers.

Answer 351

Pangolin is only scaly mammal on the planet. According to CITES, it is also the most illegally traded vertebrate within its class (Mammalia). Of the eight species of pangolin worldwide, two are found in India. They are Chinese pangolin, mostly found in northeast India and Indian pangolin. Protection Status: Chinese pangolin has been listed as “critically endangered”. Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) has been listed as “endangered”. It is also a Schedule I category protected animal, under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

Answer 352

Context: Union Environment Minister responds to Jairam Ramesh’s series of public letters castigating the proposed Environment Impact Assessment Notification. Various criticisms: The draft saw environmental regulation as “an unnecessary burden and not an essential obligation to be met for sustainable development”. A clause in the draft allowed illegal projects to be approved post-facto. That is, it could have been set up in contravention of existing laws but managers of the project could later on approach a dedicated Expert Appraisal Committee, called a “violations committee”.

Answer 353

Context: Rajasthan High Court has disposed off a petition filed in the case regarding the merger of six BSP MLAs with the Congress.

Answer 354

Context: Birth Anniversary- 2nd August. He was born on August 2, 1876, in Andhra Pradesh. He is also known as ‘Jhanda Venkaiah’. Who was Pingali Venkayya? Pingali Venkayya was a freedom fighter and the designer of the Indian National Tricolour. The national flag that we see today was based upon his design.

Answer 355

Between 1918 and 1921, Venkayya raised the issue of having an own flag in every session of the Congress. Back then, he was working as a lecturer in the Andhra National College in Machilipatnam. He met the Mahatma once again in Vijayawada and showed him his publication with the various designs of the flag. Acknowledging the need for a national flag, Gandhi then asked Venkayya to design a fresh one at the national congress meeting in 1921. Initially, Venkayya came up with saffron and green colours, but it later evolved with a spinning wheel at the centre and a third colour-white. (LALA HANS RAJ SONDHI SUGGESTED ADDING A SPINNING WHEEL — SHOWING THE INDEPENDENT INDIANS WHO CAN SPIN THEIR OWN CLOTHING FROM LOCAL FIBRES.) The flag was officially adopted by the Indian National Congress in 1931.

Answer 356

Why in News? 33rd Foundation Day of TRIFED was observed on 6th August 2020. About TRIFED: It is the national level cooperative body mandated to bring about socio-economic development of tribals of the country by institutionalising the trade of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) & Surplus Agricultural Produce (SAP) collected/cultivated by them. It was established in 1987. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Answer 357

It plays the dual role of both a market developer and a service provider, empowering the tribals with knowledge and tools to better their operations in a systematic, scientific manner and also assist them in developing their marketing approach. It is involved actively in capacity building of the tribal people through sensitization and the formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs). The organisation also assists them in exploring and creating opportunities to market the developed products in national and international markets on a sustainable basis.

Answer 358

Launched Van Dhan Samajik Doori Jagrookta Abhiyaan, which is aimed at educating Tribals engaged in gathering NTFPs in forest areas, on covid-19 response, key preventive behaviour like social distancing, home quarantine, hygiene tips. Initiated steps to provide the Van Dhan Self Help Groups (SHGs) with protective masks and hygiene products (Soaps, Disinfectants, etc.) that are necessary for carrying out their operations in a safe manner. Focus on revamping the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for MFP to enhance tribal livelihood in these testing times and to ensure that they get the benefit of an equitable market price for their produce. TRIFOOD Scheme is a joint initiative of Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED. Tech for Tribals, an initiative of TRIFED supported by Ministry of MSME, aims at capacity building and imparting entrepreneurship skills to tribal forest produce gatherers enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri VanDhan Yojana(PMVDY).

Answer 359

Context: Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra was inaugurated recently. What is it? A tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra (RSK) was first announced by the Prime Minister on 10th April 2017, on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of Gandhiji’s Champaran Satyagraha. It is an interactive experience centre on the Swachh Bharat Mission. The installations at RSK will include audio visual immersive shows, interactive LED panels, hologram boxes, interactive games etc.

Answer 360

It will introduce future generations to its successful journey as the world’s largest behaviour change campaign. It will showcase the core elements of the mission and anecdotes on the journey of the country from Satyagraha to Swachchagrah. It will impart information, awareness and education on Swachhata (sanitation) and related aspects.

Answer 361

Context: The Supreme Court has refused to pass any order on the Centre’s plea seeking closure of cases against two Italian marines, who are facing charges of killing two Indian fishermen in February 2012. What has the Court said? The court said it would not pass any order without hearing the victims’ families who should be given adequate compensation. The Court insisted that it will close their criminal trial in India only after the victims’ families are heard and paid a “hefty” and “adequate” compensation.

Answer 362

On July 3, the Centre moved the top court seeking closure of judicial proceedings in India against the two Italian marines, arguing that it has accepted the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at the Hague, which held that India is entitled to get compensation in the case but can’t prosecute the marines due to official immunity enjoyed by them.

Answer 363

In a close 3:2 vote, the tribunal ruled that the Italian marines enjoyed diplomatic immunity as Italian state officials under the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea. Taking note of the “commitment expressed by Italy” to resume its criminal investigation into the incident, the tribunal said India must cease to exercise its jurisdiction.

Answer 364

The award passed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration is in conflict with the Supreme Court judgment in 2013. This verdict upheld the authority of the Union of India to prosecute the Marines. So, an international award which is in conflict with a domestic law, notwithstanding India’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas, can be implemented only if it is made into law under Article 253 of the Constitution”.

Answer 365

The court asked the Centre to negotiate a “hefty” compensation with Italy. The court ordered the Centre to implead the victims’ families in the case within a week.

Answer 366

In 2012, two Italian marines fired shots while on-board an Italian vessel, Enrica Lexie killing two Indian fishermen aboard an Indian vessel, St. Anthony. But, the fishing vessel was within the country’s Contiguous Zone and it was quite clear that the offence warranted arrest and prosecution under domestic law. Eventually, the marines were arrested. But, further the marines were released from India and sent to Italy. At that time, India had set up a specially designated court, as ordered by Indian Supreme Court, to determine the applicability of jurisdiction. Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency invoked the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Maritime Navigation and Fixed Platforms on Continental Shelf Act, 2002. The dispute between the two countries as regards which country will try the two marines went before the PCA.

Answer 367

It is an invitation for organizations across the globe to develop a Vision of the regenerative and nourishing food system that they aspire to create by the year 2050. The prize awards a cash incentive of USD $200,000. It was launched by the USA-based ‘The Rockefeller Foundation’, in partnership with the other two organisations – SecondMuse and OpenIDEO- in 2019.

Answer 368

It is really a story about the future that addresses the following six interconnected themes: Environment Diets Economics Culture Technology Policy

Answer 369

The Rockefeller Foundation has selected Naandi Foundation (a Hyderabad based non-profit organisation), as one of the top 10 ‘Visionaries’ in the world for the Food System Vision 2050 Prize. Naandi was recognised for its Arakunomics

Answer 370

It is a new integrated economic model that ensures profits for farmers, quality for consumers through regenerative agriculture. This model is a tribute to the tribal farmers of Araku region for the world-class coffee produced and launched in Paris in 2017 as well as for the high carbon landscape transformation they did in over 955 villages there by planting 25 million trees.

Answer 371

The success of Arakunomics in Araku region led to Naandi replicating the model to support the livelihood of farming communities in the villages of Wardha, Maharashtra, and later in New Delhi. Naandi hopes to expand its “food-print” by creating thousands of farm livelihoods by transforming their agriculture over one million acres spread across India. Also, Arakunomics model leads to Food Vision 2050 that follows an “ABCDEFGH” framework centering on: Agriculture Biology Compost Decentralised decision-making Entrepreneurs Families Global Markets Headstands or turning current approaches on their head.

Answer 372

Context: Delhi government has launched the Electric Vehicle Policy for the national capital. With this policy, the government aims to generate employment to give a boost to Delhi’s economy and reduce pollution levels in the national capital. Highlights of the policy: The policy aims to constitute 25% electric vehicles by 2024, which is currently just 0.29% in the in the national capital. The government will waive registration fee and road tax. It will give incentive of up to ₹30,000 for two-wheelers, autos, e-rickshaws and freight vehicles while for cars, it will provide an incentive of up to ₹1.5 lakh. The government will also give low-interest loan on electric commercial vehicles. An ‘EV Cell’ will be established to implement the Policy. The government will also set up a ‘State Electric Vehicle Board’. 200 charging stations will be set up in a year to ensure that people driving these vehicles can get a charging station within the radius of three kilometers. The Delhi government will give a ”scrapping incentive” under the electric vehicle policy, which will be first-of-its-kind in the country. Youth will be trained so that they get jobs as electric vehicle sector will need them at a large scale after implementation of this policy.

Answer 373

Context: TRAFFIC India has released a paper titled ‘‘SPOTTED’ in Illegal Wildlife Trade: A Peek into Ongoing Poaching and Illegal Trade of Leopards in India’. It is a study on the seizure and mortality of ‘common leopards’ (Panthera pardus fusca). Highlights of the report: Of the total of 747 leopard deaths between 2015-2019 in India, 596 were linked to illegal wildlife trade and activities related to poaching. The highest numbers of poaching incidents were reported from the States of Uttarakhand and Maharashtra. Among all the derivatives found in illegal wildlife trade, skin remained the most in-demand product, accounting for 69% of all seizures, while derivatives like claws, teeth and bones were also traded.

Answer 374

The last formal census on India’s leopards was conducted in 2014, which estimated the population between 12,000 and 14,000. The results of a recent census of leopard sightings are likely to be released soon by the Wildlife Institute of India.

Answer 375

The plight of leopards in illegal wildlife trade has been highlighted from time to time through investigative reports and studies, and through various wildlife enforcement actions across the country. However, this has not deterred wildlife smugglers, who are lured by high profits and low risk of detection, to target the species. Therefore, experts suggest that more emphasis should be given to the conservation of leopards.

Answer 376

TRAFFIC, the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network, is the leading non-governmental organisation working globally on the trade of wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity and sustainable development. It was founded in 1976 as a strategic alliance of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Answer 377

Scientific Name- Panthera pardus. Listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Included in Appendix I of CITES. Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Nine subspecies of the leopard have been recognized, and they are distributed across Africa and Asia.

Answer 378

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) constituted an expert committee under the chairmanship of veteran banker K.V. Kamath to make recommendations on norms for the resolution of COVID-19 related stressed loans. The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) will function as the secretariat to the committee and the committee will be fully empowered to consult or invite any person it deems fit.

Answer 379

India’s leading economic think tank, National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER) conducts a quarterly survey and releases Business confidence index (N-BCI). It tracks the business sentiments of around 600 Indian companies to compute the composite index.

Answer 380

It is a mass national gathering that brings together representatives from the various ethnic, religious, and tribal communities in Afghanistan. It is a highly respected centuries-old consultative body that has been convened at times of national crisis or to settle national issues. According to the Afghan Constitution, a Loya Jirga is considered the highest expression of the Afghan people. It is not an official decision-making body and its decisions are not legally binding. Why in News? A three-day Loya Jirga-grand assembly has been called in Afghanistan to decide on freeing about 400 Taliban fighters convicted for serious crimes including murder and abductions.

Answer 381

It is the Russian strategic command-post exercise. Why in News? India will take part in the Russian Kavkaz 2020 strategic command-post exercise next month. The invitees for the exercise also include China and Pakistan apart from other member-states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Answer 382

Context: 78th anniversary of Quit India movement was observed on August 8th, 2020. Every year 8 August is celebrated in India as August Kranti Din. What is Quit India Movement? Why was it launched? The Second World War had started in 1939 and Japan, which was part of the Axis Powers that were opposed to the British in the war were gaining onto the north-eastern frontiers of India. The British had abandoned their territories in South-East Asia and had left their population in the lurch. This act did not garner much faith among the Indian population who had doubts about the British ability to defend India against Axis aggression. Gandhi also believed that if the British left India, Japan would not have enough reason to invade India. Apart from hearing news about British setbacks in the war, the war-time difficulties such as high prices of essential commodities fostered resentment against the British government. The failure of the Cripps Mission to guarantee any kind of a constitutional remedy to India’s problems also led to the INC calling for a mass civil disobedience movement. After the failure of the Cripps Mission, Gandhiji gave the call “Do or Die”’ in his speech delivered at the Gowalia Tank Maidan.

Answer 383

An immediate end to British rule over India. Declaration of the commitment of free India to defend itself against all kinds of imperialism and fascism. Formation of a provisional government of India after British withdrawal. Sanctioning a civil disobedience movement against British rule.

Answer 384

Government servants: do not resign your job but proclaim loyalty to the INC. Soldiers: be with the army but refrain from firing on compatriots. Peasants: pay the agreed-upon rent if the landlords/Zamindars are anti-government; if they are pro-government, do not pay the rent. Students: can leave studies if they are confident enough. Princes: support the people and accept the sovereignty of them. People of the princely states:support the ruler only if he is anti-government; declare themselves as part of the Indian nation.

Answer 385

Several national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Abdul Kalam Azad, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were arrested. The Congress was declared an unlawful association, leaders were arrested and its offices all over the country were raided and their funds were frozen. The first half of the movement was peaceful with demonstrations and processions. The peaceful protest was carried till Mahatma Gandhi’s release. The second half of the movement was violent with raids and setting fire at post offices, government buildings and railway stations. Lord Linlithgow adopted the policy of violence. The Viceroy’s Council of Muslims, Communist Party and Americans supported Britishers.

Answer 386

Use of violent methods by the volunteers and participants. The movement was crushed in a relatively short period of time by the British. Lack of leadership did not lead to well-coordinated guidance and progress of the movement, with the intensity restricted to a few pockets. Some parties did not support the movement. There was opposition from the Muslim League, the Communist Party of India (the government revoked the ban on the party then) and the Hindu Mahasabha. Meanwhile, Subhas Chandra Bose, organised the Indian National Army and the Azad Hind government from outside the country. As, C Rajagopalachari was not in favour of complete independence he resigned from the INC.

Answer 387

Quit India Movement was a watershed movement in the sense, that it prepared the ground for future politics in India. It is in the Quit India Movement that freedom struggle was owned by ’We the People’ who fought for India’s freedom.

Answer 388

Aruna Asaf Alipopularly known as the ‘Grand Old Lady’ of the Independence Movement is known for hoisting the Indian flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Mumbai during the Quit India Movement. Female leaders like Usha Mehta has helped set up an underground radio station which led to the awakening about the movement.

Answer 389

Context: Educationist Professor Pradeep Kumar Joshi has been appointed as the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Joshi is currently a member in the Commission. He will succeed Arvind Saxena.

Answer 390

Article-316– Appointment and term of office of members: The Chairman and other members of a Public Service Commission shall be appointed, in the case of the Union Commission or a Joint Commission, by the President, and in the case of a State Commission, by the Governor of the State. Term: A member of a Public Service Commission shall hold office for a term of six years from the date on which he enters upon his office or until he attains, in the case of the Union Commission, the age of sixty-five years, and in the case of a State Commission or a Joint Commission, the age of sixty-two years, whichever is earlier. Reappointment: A person who holds office as a member of a Public Service Commission shall, on the expiration of his term of office, be ineligible for reappointment to that office. But, a member other than the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission shall be eligible for appointment as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission, or as the Chairman of a State Public Service Commission, but not for any other employment either under the Government of India or under the Government of a State. Also, the Chairman of a State Public Service Commission shall be eligible for appointment as the Chairman or any other member of the Union Public Service Commission. Article-317- Removal and suspension of a member of a Public Service Commission: Chairman or any other member of a Public Service Commission shall only be removed from his office by order of the President on the ground of misbehaviour after the Supreme Court, on reference being made to it by the President, has, on inquiry held in accordance with the procedure prescribed in that behalf under article 145, reported that the Chairman or such other member, as the case may be, ought on any such ground to be removed. Besides, President may by order remove from office the Chairman or any other member of a Public Service Commission if the Chairman or such other member, as the case may be,— is adjudged an insolvent; or engages during his term of office in any paid employment outside the duties of his office; or is, in the opinion of the President, unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or body. Guilty of Misbehaviour: If the Chairman or any other member of a Public Service Commission is or becomes in any way concerned or interested in any contract or agreement made by or on behalf of the Government of India or the Government of a State or participates in any way in the profit thereof or in any benefit or emolument arising therefrom otherwise than as a member and in common with the other members of an incorporated company, he shall, for the purposes of clause (1), be deemed to be guilty of misbehaviour.

Answer 391

Context: In a first of its kind in the country, the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) recently organized the e-lok Adalat to facilitate mediation between the parties, who are willing to get their matters settled amicably, in all the District Courts Complexes of Delhi. How it was conducted? In the e-Lok Adalat, an online link would be sent by SAMA (an Online Dispute Resolution platform recognized by Department of Justice for resolving disputes through video conferencing) to the concerned parties and a judge would preside over the mediation process. Following the settlement, an OTP would be sent to them and on confirmation, the dispute would be settled.

Answer 392

77 Benches were constituted wherein total 5838 cases were disposed of pertaining to various categories in which settlement amount was approx Rs 46.28 crores.

Answer 393

Lok Adalat is one of the alternative dispute redressal mechanisms, it is a forum where disputes/cases pending in the court of law or at pre-litigation stage are settled/ compromised amicably. The Lok Adalats are formed to fulfil the promise given by the preamble of the Indian Constitution– securing Justice – social, economic and political of every citizen of India.

Answer 394

Article 39A of the Constitution provides for free legal aid to the deprived and weaker sections of the society and to promote justice on the base of equal opportunity. Articles 14 and 22(1) of the Constitution also make it compulsory for the State to guarantee equality before the law.

Answer 395

Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 Lok Adalats have been given statutory status.

Answer 396

The decision made by the Lok Adalats is considered to be a verdict of a civil court and is ultimate and binding on all parties.

Answer 397

There is no provision for an appeal against the verdict made by Lok Adalat. But, they are free to initiate litigation by approaching the court of appropriate jurisdiction by filing a case by following the required procedure, in exercise of their right to litigate.

Answer 398

There is no court fee payable when a matter is filed in a Lok Adalat. If a matter pending in the court of law is referred to the Lok Adalat and is settled subsequently, the court fee originally paid in the court on the complaints/petition is also refunded back to the parties.

Answer 399

Any case pending before any court. Any dispute which has not been brought before any court and is likely to be filed before the court. Provided that any matter relating to an offence not compoundable under the law shall not be settled in Lok Adalat.

Answer 400

Context: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently announced a list of 101 items that the Defence Ministry will stop importing. It essentially means that the Armed Forces—Army, Navy and Air Force—will only procure all of these 101 items from domestic manufacturers. The manufacturers could be private sector players or defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).

Answer 401

As per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India has been the second largest importer between 2014 and 2019 with US$ 16.75 billion worth of imports during this period. The government wants to reduce the dependence on imported items in defence and give a shot in the arm to the domestic defence manufacturing industry. By denying the possibility of importing the items on the negative list, the domestic industry is given the opportunity to step up and manufacture them for the needs of the forces.

Answer 402

Context: India has refused a request by Pakistan to hold a meeting on issues around the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) at the Attari checkpost near the India-Pakistan border. Background: In March India had suggested a virtual conference but Pakistan had insisted on a physical meeting. But, India said because of restrictions on movement in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, travelling to the border for a meeting isn’t advisable.

Answer 403

The practice at the IWT meetings is that they are led by Indus Water Commissioners from both countries and a range of issues on construction of dams and hydropower projects concerning the Indus river system are discussed. The last such meeting between the two countries was in October in Islamabad, and, as per the agreement in the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), a meeting was to be scheduled in India before March 31.

Answer 404

Evolving a procedure to solve differences on technical aspects governing the construction of the Ratle run-of-the-river (RoR) project on the Chenab in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. India has called for the appointment of a ‘neutral’ party while Pakistan favours a Court of Arbitration to agree upon a final resolution on the design parameters of this hydropower project.

Answer 405

It is a Water-Distribution Treaty, signed in Karachi on 1960, between India (Pm Jawaharlal Nehru) and Pakistan (President Ayub Khan), brokered by the World Bank . Under the treaty, India has control over water flowing in the eastern rivers– Beas, Ravi and Sutlej. Pakistan has control over the western rivers– Indus, Chenab and Jhelum. As per the treaty, the water commissioners of Pakistan and India are required to meet twice a year and arrange technical visits to projects’ sites and critical river head works. Both the sides share details of the water flow and the quantum of water being used under the treaty. The treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries regarding their use of the rivers.

Answer 406

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched the financing facility of Rs 1 lakh crore under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund via video conferencing. The fund has been launched as part of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) to make farmers self-reliant. About the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: It is a new pan India Central Sector Scheme. The scheme shall provide a medium – long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management Infrastructure and community farming assets through interest subvention and financial support. The duration of the Scheme shall be from FY2020 to FY2029 (10 years).

Answer 407

Under the scheme, Rs. One Lakh Crore will be provided by banks and financial institutions as loans to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Marketing Cooperative Societies, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), SHGs, Farmers, Joint Liability Groups (JLG), Multipurpose Cooperative Societies, Startups etc.

Answer 408

All loans under this financing facility will have interest subvention of 3% per annum up to a limit of Rs. 2 crore. This subvention will be available for a maximum period of seven years.

Answer 409

Credit guarantee coverage will be available for eligible borrowers from this financing facility under Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme for a loan up to Rs. 2 crore. The fee for this coverage will be paid by the Government. In case of FPOs the credit guarantee may be availed from the facility created under FPO promotion scheme of Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DACFW).

Answer 410

It will be managed and monitored through an online Management Information System (MIS) platform. The National, State and District level Monitoring Committees will be set up to ensure real-time monitoring and effective feed-back.

Answer 411

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched “Gandagi Mukt Bharat”, a week-long campaign for ‘swachhata’ in the run-up to Independence Day. During this week, each day till August 15 will have special ‘swachhata’ initiatives in urban and rural India to re-enforce the ‘jan andolan’ for ‘swachhata’.

Answer 412

Context: Minister for Industries, IT and Urban Development K.T. Rama Rao has stated that Telangana’s cordial relations with Andhra Pradesh would not hinder its fight for the rightful share of people in Krishna water. The said there would be no compromise on the State’s interests and the government had already filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court. Note: This was just a statement given by a state minister and there has been no significant development on the issue.

Answer 413

Context: Recently, there has been a war of words between India and Nepal over the origin of Gautama Buddha. What’s the issue? Nepal is the land of origin of Lord Buddha, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu asserted recently after India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described the founder of Buddhism as one of the greatest Indians ever.

Answer 414

Gautam Buddha was a prince of the Shakya republic, which extended till the current border region of India and Nepal. Its capital was Kapilvastu, whose exact location has remained unascertained among historians. By the time Gautam was born to Shakya chief Shuddhodana and Mayamaya, the republic was a vassal of Kosala kingdom. In Buddhist texts, Shakya chief’s family has been identified with the Ikshwaku lineage. It is the same lineage as Lord Ram’s. Ayodhya under Kosala kingdom was the central line of Ikshwaku tree expanding over to Nepal and India as the borders then were not so defined as today. According to Buddhist texts, Gautma Buddha was born while his mother Mahamaya was travelling. He was born in a park in Lumbini, which is in Nepal. Lumbini is a UNESCO-declared heritage site and holds immense significance for the followers of Buddhism.

Answer 415

Gautam Buddha grew up in Kapilvastu, whose location is yet to be identified conclusively. He left Kapilvastu to fulfill his spiritual quest and reached Rajgrih, located in Bihar. He was still Prince Gautam. What is also conclusively known is that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya, in India. Here Gautam became Buddha. He spent over four decades of his life travelling across Indian cities and villages reaching in the India-Nepal borders. Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon near Varanasi. He kept wandering mostly in the vast expanse of the kingdom of Magadha. Buddha breathed his last in Kushinagar, a town in eastern UP.

Answer 416

Gautam Buddha lived in an era when citizenship was not a concept bound by political boundaries of the states. Those boundaries kept changing. His life was modelled as a citizen of humanity. Nepal’s claim of Gautam Buddha being a Nepali citizen or giving Nepali identity to Gautam Buddha appears unfair given that as Buddha, Gautam was a general resident of India. He was born in Nepal while his pregnant mother was in journey.

Answer 417

Context: Scientists of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) recently conducted a study on Geothermal springs in Himalayas. Key observations and findings: Geothermal springs cover about 10,000 square kms in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. The Himalayas host hundreds of geothermal springs and they release a huge amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. CO2 in these thermal springs are sourced from metamorphic decarbonation of carbonate rocks present deep in the Himalayan core along with magmatism and oxidation of graphite. Most of the geothermal water is dominated by evaporation followed by weathering of silicate rocks.

Answer 418

A hot spring is a spring produced by the emergence of geothermally heated groundwater that rises from the Earth’s crust. Science behind hot water: As we know, deeper we go down the earth hotter it gets and find magma (molten rock) at the outer core of the earth. This magma(8001300°C) is surrounded by different layers of the earth. If there is a crack or thrust fault in the layers of earth (one layer of the crust breaking and being thrust over another), tremendous amount of heat will be transferred from the magma to the surrounding rocks. Now, all that thermal energy will be transferred from the rocks along that thrust fault to the water present down there. As the temperature of the water increases, its density decreases which results in the rise of the hot water toward the surface along this thrust fault in the form of hot springs.

Answer 419

Context: IFC to invest $10 mn in Endiya Partners Fund II for product start-ups. About the International Finance Corporation (IFC): It is an international financial institution that offers investment, advisory, and asset management services to encourage private sector development in developing countries. It is a member of the World Bank Group and is headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States. It was established in 1956 as the private sector arm of the World Bank Group to advance economic development by investing in strictly for-profit and commercial projects that purport to reduce poverty and promote development. The IFC is owned and governed by its member countries, but has its own executive leadership and staff that conduct its normal business operations. It is a corporation whose shareholders are member governments that provide paid-in capital and which have the right to vote on its matters. Since 2009, the IFC has focused on a set of development goals that its projects are expected to target. Its goals are to increase sustainable agriculture opportunities, improve healthcare and education, increase access to financing for microfinance and business clients, advance infrastructure, help small businesses grow revenues, and invest in climate health. It offers an array of debt and equity financing services and helps companies face their risk exposures while refraining from participating in a management capacity. It advises governments on building infrastructure and partnerships to further support private sector development.

Answer 420

Context: Finance Minister launches an Online Dashboard for the National Infrastructure Pipeline. Key points: The online dashboard is envisaged as a one stop solution for all stakeholders looking for information on infrastructure projects in New India. The dashboard is being hosted on the India Investment Grid (IIG) (indiainvestmentgrid.gov.in). About NIP: When was it announced? In the budget speech of 2019-2020, Finance Minister announced an outlay of Rs 100 lakh Crore for infrastructure projects over the next 5 years. What is it? NIP is a first-of-its-kind initiative to provide world-class infrastructure across the country and improve the quality of life for all citizens. It will improve project preparation, attract investments (both domestic & foreign) into infrastructure, and will be crucial for attaining the target of becoming a $5 trillion economy by FY 2025. Covers both economic and social infrastructure projects.

Answer 421

The task force headed by Atanu Chakraborty on National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), in May 2020, submitted its final report to the Finance Minister. Important recommendations and observations made: Investment needed: ₹111 lakh crore over the next five years (2020-2025) to build infrastructure projects and drive economic growth. Energy, roads, railways and urban projects are estimated to account for the bulk of projects (around 70%). The centre (39 percent) and state (40 percent) are expected to have an almost equal sharein implementing the projects, while the private sector has 21 percent share. Aggressive push towards asset sales. Monetisation of infrastructure assets. Setting up of development finance institutions. Strengthening the municipal bond market.

Answer 422

Committee to monitor NIP progress and eliminate delays Steering Committee at each Infrastructure ministry level to follow up on the implementation process Steering Committee in DEA for raising financial resources for the NIP.

Answer 423

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Chennai-Andaman and Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System, which will provide better connectivity to the archipelago. The foundation stone for the project was laid by PM Modi in December 2018 at Port Blair. Key points: About 2,300 km of submarine optical fibre cable (OFC) has been laid at a cost of about Rs 1,224 crore to provide better connectivity in the UT. The project envisages better connectivity from Chennai to Port Blair and seven other Islands — Swaraj Deep (Havelock), Long Island, Rangat, Hutbay (Little Andaman), Kamorta, Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay (Great Nicobar). The project is funded by the government through the Universal Service Obligation Fund under the ministry of communications.

Answer 424

Better connectivity in the region will facilitate the delivery of e-governance services such as telemedicine and tele-education. Small enterprises will benefit from opportunities in e-commerce, while educational institutions will utilise the enhanced availability of bandwidth for e-learning and knowledge sharing. Business Process Outsourcing services and other medium and large enterprises too also benefit from better connectivity. After the launch of the project by PM Modi, the internet bills in Andaman and Nicobar will also come down substantially.

Answer 425

It is a cable laid on the sea bed between land-based stations to carry telecommunication signals across stretches of ocean and sea. The optical fiberelements are typically individually coated with plastic layers and contained in a protective tube suitable for the environment where the cable will be deployed.

Answer 426

There are two types of Submarine fibre cables: unrepeatered and repeatered. Unrepeatered cables are preferred in short cable routes because it does not require repeaters, lowering costs; however, their maximum transmission distance is limited.

Answer 427

Currently 99 per cent of the data traffic that is crossing oceans is carried by undersea cables. The reliability of submarine cables is high, especially when multiple paths are available in the event of a cable break. The total carrying capacity of submarine cables is in the terabits per second, while satellites typically offer only 1,000 megabits per second and display higher latency.

Answer 428

A typical multi-terabit, transoceanic submarine cable system costs several hundred million dollars to construct.

Answer 429

Context: World Biofuel Day is observed every year on 10th August to raise awareness about the importance of non-fossil fuels as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels. The day honours the research experiments by Sir Rudolf Christian Karl Diesel (inventor of the diesel engine) who ran an engine with peanut oil in 1893. In India, the day has been celebrated by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas since 2015. The theme for 2020 World Biofuel Day in India is ‘Biofuels Towards Atmanirbhar Bharat’

Answer 430

Any hydrocarbon fuel that is produced from an organic matter (living or once living material) in a short period of time (days, weeks, or even months) is considered a biofuel. Biofuels may be solid, liquid or gaseous in nature. Solid: Wood, dried plant material, and manure Liquid: Bioethanol and Biodiesel Gaseous: Biogas

Answer 431

1st generation biofuels are also called conventional biofuels. They are made from things like sugar, starch, or vegetable oil. Note that these are all food products. Any biofuel made from a feedstock that can also be consumed as a human food is considered a first-generation biofuel. 2nd generation biofuels are produced from sustainable feedstock. The sustainability of a feedstock is defined by its availability, its impact on greenhouse gas emissions, its impact on land use, and by its potential to threaten the food supply. No second-generation biofuel is also a food crop, though certain food products can become second generation fuels when they are no longer useful for consumption. Second generation biofuels are often called “advanced biofuels.” 3rd generation biofuels are biofuel derived from algae. These biofuels are given their own separate class because of their unique production mechanism and their potential to mitigate most of the drawbacks of 1st and 2nd generation biofuels. 4th generation biofuels: In the production of these fuels, crops that are genetically engineered to take in high amounts of carbon are grown and harvested as biomass. The crops are then converted into fuel using second generation techniques.

Answer 432

It is the National Portal on human elephant conflict. It is for collection of real time information & also for managing the conflicts on a real time basis.

Answer 433

The Delhi High Court has issued notice to Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on a plea challenging this year’s preliminary examination notice for direct recruitment to civil services on the ground that it neglects the minimum reservation to be provided to disabled persons. The petition claimed that the UPSC’s notice reserves only 24 vacancies for persons with disabilities out of a total 796 ‘expected approximate vacancies’. This was below the four per cent mandatory reservation under section 34 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. The plea submitted that four per cent of 796 vacancies work out to is 32.

Answer 434

It was introduced in April 2014 with an aim to have inclusive growth of farm mechanisation to boost productivity. The scheme is implemented in all the states, to promote the usage of farm mechanization and increase the ratio of farm power to cultivable unit area up to 2.5 kW/ha.

Answer 435

Context: The chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Jairam Ramesh, urged Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar to keep the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020 notification in abeyance until the committee examines it in detail.

Answer 436

Context: Farmers of as many as 10 outfits recently taged a ‘two-wheeler’ protest in Punjab, opposing the Centre’s recently promulgated agriculture-related ordinances. Farmers were seen shouting slogans against the recently promulgated ordinances by the Centre, which included the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance; the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and the Farm Services Ordinance and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance.

Answer 437

Context: The nationwide lockdown had a significant negative impact on inpatient care utilisation under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), where claim volumes fell by over 50%, with wide variation across the States and procedure types. The steepest decline (over 75%) was registered in Assam, followed by Maharashtra and Bihar. Of particular concern were significant declines in admissions for child delivery and oncology.

Answer 438

Location: North Sumatra, Indonesia. Why in News? The volcano has become active once again. The volcano became active in 2010, erupting after nearly 400 years of inactivity.

Answer 439

Indonesia is home to many active volcanoes, due to its position on the “Ring of Fire”, or the Circum-Pacific Belt, which is an area along the Pacific Ocean characterised by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. The Ring of Fire is home to about 75 per cent of the world’s volcanoes and about 90 per cent of its earthquakes.

Answer 440

A volcano can be active, dormant or extinct. An eruption takes place when magma (a thick flowing substance), formed when the earth’s mantle melts, rises to the surface. Because magma is lighter than solid rock, it is able to rise through vents and fissures on the surface of the earth. After it has erupted, it is called lava.

Answer 441

Not all volcanic eruptions are explosive, since explosivity depends on the composition of the magma. When the magma is runny and thin, gases can easily escape it, in which case, the magma will flow out towards the surface. On the other hand, if the magma is thick and dense, gases cannot escape it, which builds up pressure inside until the gases escape in a violent explosion.

Answer 442

Context: In February, a government-appointed committee had submitted its recommendations for implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, a key provision that has been contentious for decades. The government made the report public recently. Background: The committee was set up by the Home Ministry in 2019. Headed by retired High Court judge Biplab Kumar Sarma. Its brief was to define the “Assamese people” and suggest measures for the safeguard of their rights.

Answer 443

Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, which was signed in 1985 after the Assam Agitation of 1979-85, envisages that appropriate “constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards should be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the people of Assam.” This Clause was inserted to safeguard the socio-political rights and culture of the “indigenous people of Assam”.

Answer 444

It was a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between representatives of the Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Movement in New Delhi on 15 August 1985. For recognition as citizens, the Accord sets March 24, 1971 as the cutoff.

Answer 445

The committee has proposed that the following be considered Assamese people for the purpose of Clause 6: All citizens of India who are part of: Assamese community, residing in the Territory of Assam on or before January 1, 1951; or Any indigenous tribal community of Assam residing in the territory of Assam on or before January 1, 1951; or Any other indigenous community of Assam residing in the territory of Assam on or before January 1, 1951; or All other citizens of India residing in the territory of Assam on or before January 1, 1951; and Descendants of the above categories.

Answer 446

Clause 6 is meant to give the Assamese people certain safeguards, which would not be available to migrants between 1951 and 1971. If the recommendation is accepted, those who migrated between 1951 and 1971 would be Indian citizens under the Assam Accord and NRC, but they would not be eligible for safeguards meant for “Assamese people”.

Answer 447

80 to 100% reservation in the parliamentary seats of Assam, Assembly seats and local body seats be reserved for the “Assamese people”. 80 to 100% of Group C and D level posts (in Assam) in central government/semi-central government/central PSUs/private sector 80 to 100% of jobs under Government of Assam and state government undertakings; and 70 to 100% of vacancies arising in private partnerships Land rights, with restrictions imposed on transferring land by any means to persons other than “Assamese people”. Several other recommendations deal with language, and cultural and social rights.

Answer 448

Context: Supreme Court has expanded on a Hindu woman’s right to be a joint legal heir and inherit ancestral property on terms equal to male heirs. What is the ruling? A Hindu woman’s right to be a joint heir to the ancestral property is by birth and does not depend on whether her father was alive or not when the law was enacted in 2005. The ruling now overrules the verdicts from 2015 and April 2018.

Answer 449

While the 2005 law granted equal rights to women, questions were raised in multiple cases on whether the law applied retrospectively, and if the rights of women depended on the living status of the father through whom they would inherit.

Answer 450

It gave Hindu women the right to be coparceners or joint legal heirs in the same way a male heir does. The amended act made a daughter of a coparcener also a coparcener by birth “in her own right in the same manner as the son”. The law also gave the daughter the same rights and liabilities “in the coparcenary property as she would have had if she had been a son”. Applicability of the law: It applies to ancestral property and to intestate succession in personal property — where succession happens as per law and not through a will.

Answer 451

Different benches of the Supreme Court and various High Courts had taken conflicting views on the issue. In Prakash v Phulwati (2015), the Supreme Court held that the benefit of the 2005 amendment could be granted only to “living daughters of living coparceners” as on September 9, 2005 (the date when the amendment came into force). In February 2018, contrary to the 2015 ruling, the Court held that the share of a father who died in 2001 will also pass to his daughters as coparceners during the partition of the property as per the 2005 law. Then in April that year, the Court reiterated the position taken in 2015. These conflicting views by Benches of equal strength led to a reference to a three-judge Bench in the current case.

Answer 452

Context: The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-IM has for the first time released the details of the 2015 framework agreement. It has also accused interlocutor R.N. Ravi of deleting a key word from the original document and sharing the modified version with other Naga groups. What’s the issue? The agreement released by the NSCN-IM stated “sharing the sovereign power” and provide for an “enduring inclusive new relationship of peaceful co-existence of the two entities”. However, it is alleged that Mr. Ravi, also Nagaland Governor, “craftily deleted the word new from the original” and circulated to the other Naga groups including the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs).

Answer 453

The NSCN claimed that the word ‘new’ is politically sensitive as it goes to define the meaning of peaceful co-existence of the two entities (two sovereign powers) and it strongly indicates outside the purview of the Constitution. It has demanded that the Centre should come out with an undertaking that the framework agreement is still alive in its original form and “to be handled by somebody other than RN Ravi” who is sensitive enough to understand and respect what has been achieved during the past 23 years.

Answer 454

Naga talks have hit a rough weather as the NSCN-IM has demanded that the present interlocutor be removed from the position. The NSCN-IM has been fighting for ‘Greater Nagaland’ or Nagalim — it wants to extend Nagaland’s borders by including Naga-dominated areas in neighbouring Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, to unite 1.2 million Nagas. The Centre has said there will be no disintegration of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur to merge the Naga inhabited areas with Nagaland.

Answer 455

Pre- independence: The British annexed Assam in 1826, and in 1881, the Naga Hills too became part of British India. The first sign of Naga resistance was seen in the formation of the Naga Club in 1918, which told the Simon Commission in 1929 “to leave us alone to determine for ourselves as in ancient times”. In 1946 came the Naga National Council (NNC), which declared Nagaland an independent state on August 14, 1947. The NNC resolved to establish a “sovereign Naga state” and conducted a “referendum” in 1951, in which “99 per cent” supported an “independent” Nagaland. Post- independence: On March 22, 1952, underground Naga Federal Government (NFG) and the Naga Federal Army (NFA) were formed. The Government of India sent in the Army to crush the insurgency and, in 1958, enacted the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.

Answer 456

A group of about 140 members led by Thuingaleng Muivah, who were at that time in China, refused to accept the Shillong Accord, and formed the National Socialist Council of Nagaland in 1980. As per the accord, NNC and NFG agreed to give up arms. In 1988, the NSCN split into NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) after a violent clash.

Answer 457

Context: This new virus is rapidly spreading in China. It causes a disease called Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS). What’s the concern now? While the disease is transferred to humans through tick bites, Chinese virologists have warned that human-to-human transmission of the virus cannot be ruled out. The current case fatality rate rests between approximately 16 and 30 per cent. Due to the rate at which it spreads and its high fatality rate, SFTS has been listed among the top 10 priority diseases blue print by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Unlike SARS-CoV-2 however, this is not the first time the SFTS virus has infected people. The recent spate of cases merely marks a re-emergence of the disease.

Answer 458

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) belongs to the Bunyavirus family and is transmitted to humans through tick bites. The virus was first identified by a team of researchers in China over a decade ago.

Answer 459

An Asian tick called Haemaphysalis longicornis is the primary vector, or carrier, of the virus. Scientists have found that the virus is often transmitted to humans from animals like goats, cattle, deer and sheep.

Answer 460

According to a study conducted by a team of Chinese researchers in 2011, the incubation period is anywhere between seven and 13 days after the onset of the illness. Patients suffering from the disease usually experience a whole range of symptoms, including, fever, fatigue, chill, headache, lymphadenopathy, anorexia, nausea, myalgia, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gingival hemorrhage, conjunctival congestion, and so on.

Answer 461

While a vaccine to treat the disease is yet to be successfully developed, the antiviral drug Ribavirin is known to be effective in treating the illness.

Answer 462

Context: Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, in collaboration with Dell Technologies has launched Student Entrepreneurship Programme 2.0 (SEP 2.0) for young innovators of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs). About SEP 2.0 and its significance: It will allow student innovators to work closely with Dell volunteers. They will receive mentor support; prototyping and testing support; end-user feedback; intellectual property registration and patenting of ideas, processes, and products; manufacturing support; as well as the launch support of the product in the market.

Answer 463

SEP 1.0 began in January 2019. Through a 10-month-long rigorous programme, the top 6 teams of ATL Marathon—a nationwide contest where students identify community challenges and create grassroots innovations and solutions within their ATLs—got a chance to transform their innovative prototypes into fully functioning products, which are now available in the market.

Answer 464

It is a prototype of SpaceX’s uncrewed “Mars ship”. It is a stainless steel test. It is a part of the Starship spacecraft. Why in News? The prototype recently completed its first test flight. It successfully flew to an altitude of over 500 feet for a little less than 60 seconds.

Answer 465

Designed by SpaceX, Starship is a spacecraft and super-heavy booster rocket meant to act as a reusable transportation system for crew and cargo to the Earth’s orbit, Moon and Mars. SpaceX has described Starship as “the world’s most powerful launch vehicle” with an ability to carry over 100 metric tonnes to the Earth’s orbit.

Answer 466

Once functional, the Starship spacecraft will enter Mars’ atmosphere at a speed of 7.5 km per second and will be designed to withstand multiple entries. Starship can deliver satellites further and at lower marginal costs than SpaceX’s Falcon vehicles and it can ferry both cargo and crew to the International Space Station (ISS). Once developed, Starship is also expected to help carry large amounts of cargo to the Moon, for human spaceflight development and research. Beyond the Moon, the spacecraft is being designed for carrying crew and cargo for interplanetary missions as well.

Answer 467

It is a new coronavirus vaccine launched by Russia. It is touted as the world’s first such vaccine, too. Currently, WHO and Russian health authoritiesare discussing the process for possible WHO prequalification for its newly approved COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is named Sputnik V, a reference to the first orbital satellite, which was launched by the Soviet Union in 1957 and set off the global space race.

Answer 468

Context: The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Centre on a plea seeking contempt proceedings against the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for failing to publish the translated versions of the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification in all 22 languages of the Eighth Schedule. What’s the issue? The petitioner accused the Ministry of “wilful disobedience and deliberate defiance” of the order of the High Court passed on June 30 to publish the draft EIA in the vernacular languages to enable the general public to give their comments, objections or recommendations.

Answer 469

Context: The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry recently said over 5 lakh applications had been received under the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme for street vendors since it started on July 2 and 1 lakh loans had been sanctioned already.

Answer 470

Recently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs signed MoU with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in order to engage SIDBI as the Implementation Agency for the scheme. SIDBI will manage the credit guarantee to the lending institutions through Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).

Answer 471

It is a special micro-credit facility plan to provide affordable loan of up to ₹10,000 to more than 50 lakh street vendors, who had their businesses operational on or before 24 March 2020. The the scheme is valid until March 2022. Small Industries Development Bank of India is the technical partner for implementation of this scheme. It will manage the credit guarantee to the lending institutions through Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises.

Answer 472

Under the scheme, vendors can avail working capital loan of up to ₹10,000, which is repayable in monthly instalments within one year. On timely/early repayment of the loan, an interest subsidy of 7% per annum will be credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on six-months basis. There will be no penalty on early repayment of loan.

Answer 473

The scheme is applicable to vendors, hawkers, thelewalas, rehriwalas, theliphadwalas in different areas/contexts who supply goods and services. Street vendors belonging to the surrounding peri-urban/rural areas are also included.

Answer 474

The lockdown has affected the lives and livelihoods of many especially daily wagers including street vendors who businesses were affected due to the restrictions. Street vendors usually work with a small capital base taken on very high interest rates from informal sources. Further, they might have consumed their savings and high cost capital during the lockdown. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide affordable credit for working capital through formal banking channel to street vendors to help them resume the business.

Answer 475

Context: Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare virtually launched the Krishi Megh (National Agricultural Research & Education System -Cloud Infrastructure and Services). What is it? Krishi Megh is the data recovery centre of ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research).

Answer 476

Krishi Megh has been set up under the National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP). The data recovery centre has been set up at National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad.

Answer 477

Built to mitigate the risk, enhance the quality, availability and accessibility of e-governance, research, extension and education in the field of agriculture in India. Krishi Megh is equipped with the latest artificial intelligence and deep learning software for building and deploying of deep learning-based applications through image analysis, disease identification in livestock, etc. It enables the farmers, researchers, students and policymakers to be more equipped with the updated and latest information regarding agriculture and research.

Answer 478

The project is funded by both the government of India and the World Bank. The overall objective of the project is to provide more relevant and high-quality education to the agricultural university students that is in tune with the New Education Policy – 2020.

Answer 479

Why in News? Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) releases the Report of the Committee on Business Responsibility Reporting. Key recommendations: A new reporting framework called the ‘Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR)’ has been recommended to better reflect the intent and scope of reporting on non-financial parameters. The BRSR would be integrated with the MCA 21 portal. The information captured through BRSR filings should be used to develop a Business Responsibility-Sustainability Index for companies. The top 1000 listed companies are to undertake this reporting mandatorily. The reporting requirement may be extended by MCA to unlisted companies above specified thresholds of turnover and/or paid-up capital.

Answer 480

It is a disclosure of adoption of responsible business practices by a listed company to all its stakeholders. Business Responsibility Reporting is applicable to all types of companies including manufacturing, services etc.

Answer 481

Corporate Voluntary Guidelines in 2009; Endorsement of United Nations Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights by India in 2011; MCA issued ‘National Voluntary Guidelines on Social, Environmental and Economical Responsibilities of Business’ which encourages reporting on environment, social and governance issues in 2011; SEBI mandates top 100 listed companies by market capitalization to file Business Responsibility Reports (BRR) based on NVGs in 2012; SEBI extends BRR reporting to top 500 companies by market capitalization in 2015; National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC) released in 2019.

Answer 482

At a time and age when enterprises are increasingly seen as critical components of the social system, they are accountable not merely to their shareholders from a revenue and profitability perspective but also to the larger society which is also its stakeholder. This is important considering the fact that these companies have accessed funds from the public, have an element of public interest involved, and are obligated to make exhaustive disclosures on a regular basis.

Answer 483

Context: To speed up testing as well as improve the accuracy of testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) positive cases, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is working on developing “mega labs”. In these labs, large machines, called Next Generation Sequencing machines (NGS), which are also used for sequencing human genomes, will be repurposed to sequence 1,500-3,000 viral genomes at a go for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus.

Answer 484

These genome sequencing machines can substantially detect the possible presence of the virus even in several instances where the traditional RT-PCR(reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) tests miss out on them. RT-PCR test identifies the SARS-CoV-2 virus by exploring only specific sections of the virus whereas the genome method can read a bigger chunk of virus genome and thereby provide more certainty that the virus in question is indeed the particular coronavirus of interest. It can also trace the evolutionary history of the virus and track mutations more reliably. The NGS does not need primers and probes, and only needs custom reagents.

Answer 485

It is figuring out the order of DNA nucleotides, or bases, in a genome—the order of Adenine, Cytosine, Guanines, and Thymine that make up an organism’s DNA.

Answer 486

Context: The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has put calls for proposals to the One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative on hold till further notice. About the initiative: OSOWOG initiative was proposed by India to set up a framework for facilitating global cooperation which aims at building a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources that can be easily shared.

Answer 487

Parent Body: The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Objective: To build global consensus about sharing solar resources among more than 140 countries of West Asia and South-East Asia. The vision is ‘The Sun Never Sets’ and is a constant at some geographical location, globally, at any given point of time. This grid shall be interconnected with the African power pools also at the later stage. It has been taken up under the technical assistance program of the World Bank.

Answer 488

India would generate 40% of power from non-fossil fuels by 2030 and has called for connecting solar energy supply across borders giving the mantra of ‘One World One Sun One Grid’. The proposed integration would lead to reduced project costs, higher efficiencies and increased asset utilization for all the participating entities. This plan will require only incremental investment because it will not require a parallel grid infrastructure due to working with existing grids. It will help all the participating entities in attracting investments in renewable energy sources as well as utilizing skills, technology and finances. Resulting economic benefits would positively impact poverty alleviation and support in mitigating water, sanitation, food and other socio-economic challenges. It will allow national renewable energy management centers in India to grow as regional and global management centers.

Answer 489

Context: Two legal instruments that have enabled tiger recoveries in India are: ``` The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980, which reinforced Project Tiger. ``` How was this achieved? The political leadership and field efforts behind this recovery had to overcome very difficult social challenges: slow growth of the economy. excessive reliance on forest exploitation for livelihoods and government revenues. dire poverty, and protein dependency on wild meat that drove massive local hunting. These challenges were overcome and tiger recoveries occurred, but only sporadically in a few reserves.

Answer 490

Around 2000, things began to change. There was a decline in political commitment to conservation. There was gradual transition of the field-oriented Forest Department to one whose primary aspiration was to be like the multitasking Indian Administrative Service. There was also unnecessary and massive borrowings from the Global Environment Facility-World Bank combine to create new models for tiger recovery. There was also the upsurge of emancipatory political movements for the release of wildlife habitats for cultivation and exploitation by loosely defined “forest-dwellers”- This populist movement led to the implementation of the Forest Rights Act of 2006. The tiger extinction in Sariska Reservecaused a public outcry in 2005, leading to the appointment of a Tiger Task Force (TTF) by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. However, it created a tiger management model that benefited the forest bureaucracy more than it did the tigers.

Answer 491

Global Tiger forum is the only intergovernmental international body established with members from willing countries to embark on a global campaign to protect the tiger. It is focused on saving the remaining five subspecies of tigers distributed over 13 tiger range countries of the world.

Answer 492

National Tiger conservation authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and climate change. It was established in 2005 following the recommendations of the Tiger task force. It was constituted under enabling provisions of the wildlife (protection) act 1972, as amended in 2006.

Answer 493

The role of the forest bureaucracy should be once again restricted to wildlife law enforcement. Merging Project Tiger with other Central schemes for wildlife conservation would be a good first step. Government monopoly over domains of tiger conservation such as tiger research, monitoring, nature education, tourism and possibly even conflict mitigation should be erased. The vast reservoir of talent and energy in society should be drawn in to engage with these diverse domains, by involving private enterprises, local communities, NGOs and scientific institutions.

Answer 494

Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has compiled the best practices of human-elephant conflict management in India. These include: Retaining elephants in their natural habitats by creating water sources and management of forest fires. Elephant Proof trenches in Tamil Nadu. Hanging fences and rubble walls in Karnataka. Use of chili smoke in north Bengal and playing the sound of bees or carnivores in Assam. An elephant corridor initiative where 25.37 acres of private land was purchased at Edayarahalli-Doddasampige in Karnataka as part of conservation efforts. Use of technology: Individual identification, monitoring of elephants in south Bengal and sending SMS alerts to warn of elephant presence.

Answer 495

Over 500 humans are killed in encounters with elephants annually, and crops and property worth millions are also damaged. Many elephants are also killed in retaliation due to conflict.

Answer 496

Asian elephants are listed as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Indian Elephant has also been listed in the Appendix I of the Convention of the Migratory species in the recently concluded Conference of Parties of CMS 13 at Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat in February 2020. Elephant is the Natural Heritage Animal of India. India has the largest number of wild Asian Elephants, estimated at 29,964 according to the 2017 census by Project Elephant. The figure amounts to about 60% of the species’ global population.

Answer 497

The Maharashtra government has cleared a speed boat ambulance service between Gateway of India in Mumbai and Mandwa jetty in Raigad district.

Answer 498

Observed every year on August 12. The first World Elephant Day was observed on August 12, 2012. This day was conceived by the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation in Thailand and Canadian filmmakers Patricia Sims and Michael Clark in 2011.

Answer 499

It is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Arunachal Pradesh. Located between two IBAs, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary to the east and Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary to the west. The Reserve Forest forms part of the Eastern Himalayas Endemic Bird Area. Why in News? A study based on satellite data has flagged a high rate of deforestation in this area which is also a major hornbill habitat in Arunachal Pradesh. Papum RF is a nesting habitat of three species of the large, colourful fruit-eating hornbills: Great, Wreathed and Oriental Pied.

Answer 500

Context: The revival of the demand for two autonomous councils has made political parties and community-based groups call for bringing the entire Arunachal Pradesh under the ambit of the Sixth Schedule or Article 371 (A) of the Constitution.

Answer 501

Currently, Arunachal Pradesh is under the Fifth Schedule that “does not provide special rights for the indigenous communities” unlike the Sixth Schedule. Many political parties have been demanding the inclusion of Arunachal Pradesh in the 6th Schedule for making the Arunachalees owner of all natural resources instead of being protectors only. Inclusion of the state under the Sixth Schedule would enable the state to own the legitimate ownership rights over its own natural resources and make it self sufficient without having to depend too much on central grants.

Answer 502

The Sixth Schedule currently includes 10 autonomous district councils in four northeastern States — Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura. Passed by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, it seeks to safeguard the rights of tribal population through the formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADC). This special provision is provided under Article 244(2) and Article 275(1) of the Constitution.

Answer 503

The governor is empowered to organise and re-organise the autonomous districts. If there are different tribes in an autonomous district, the governor can divide the district into several autonomous regions. Composition: Each autonomous district has a district council consisting of 30 members, of whom four are nominated by the governor and the remaining 26 are elected on the basis of adult franchise. Term: The elected members hold office for a term of five years (unless the council is dissolved earlier) and nominated members hold office during the pleasure of the governor. Each autonomous region also has a separate regional council. Powers of councils: The district and regional councils administer the areas under their jurisdiction. They can make laws on certain specified matters like land, forests, canal water, shifting cultivation, village administration, inheritance of property, marriage and divorce, social customs and so on. But all such laws require the assent of the governor. Village councils: The district and regional councils within their territorial jurisdictions can constitute village councils or courts for trial of suits and cases between the tribes. They hear appeals from them. The jurisdiction of high court over these suits and cases is specified by the governor. Powers and functions: The district council can establish, construct or manage primary schools, dispensaries, markets, ferries, fisheries, roads and so on in the district. It can also make regulations for the control of money lending and trading by non-tribals. But, such regulations require the assent of the governor. The district and regional councils are empowered to assess and collect land revenue and to impose certain specified taxes. Exceptions: The acts of Parliament or the state legislature do not apply to autonomous districts and autonomous regions or apply with specified modifications and exceptions. The governor can appoint a commission to examine and report on any matter relating to the administration of the autonomous districts or regions. He may dissolve a district or regional council on the recommendation of the commission.

Answer 504

Nagaland is governed by Article 371 (A), which says that no Act of Parliament shall apply in the State in several areas unless the Nagaland Assembly so decides by a resolution. These include administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law and ownership and transfer of land and its resources.

Answer 505

Context: A Price Monitoring and Resource Unit (PMRU) has been set up in Karnataka under the aegis of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. What are Price Monitoring and Resource Units (PMRU)? It is a registered society and shall function under the direct control and supervision of State Drug Controller of respective states. The unit shall be funded by NPPA for its recurring and non-recurring expenses.

Answer 506

Help NPPA and State Drug Controller in ensuring availability and accessibility of medicines at affordable prices. Organise seminars, training programs and other information, education and communication (IEC) activities in the areas of availability and affordability of medicines for all. Collect samples of medicines, collect and analyse data and make reports with respect to availability and over-pricing of medicines for taking action under the provisions of Drug Price Control Order (DPCO).

Answer 507

NPPA, under its Central Sector Scheme named Consumer Awareness, Publicity and Price Monitoring (CAPPM), has already set up PMRUs in 12 States/ UTs, including Kerala, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Nagaland, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram and Jammu & Kashmir. NPPA has plans to set up PMRUs in all the 36 States/ UTs.

Answer 508

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

Answer 509

The Draft Defence Acquisition Policy 2020 (DAP 20) envisages Service Headquarters establishing an Innovation & Indigenisation Organisation within existing resources. Indian Navy already has a functional Directorate of Indigenisation (DoI) and the new structures created will build upon the ongoing indigenisation initiatives, as well as focus on innovation.

Answer 510

Context: It is a new platform launched recently by PM Modi to further digitise the Income Tax Department’s functioning. The platform seeks to “reform and simplify our tax system.” Key features of the platform: The platform has major reforms like faceless assessment, faceless appeal and taxpayers charter. Faceless assessment and taxpayers charter have come into force. However, the facility of faceless appeal will be available from September 25.

Answer 511

The number of taxpayers is significantly low with only 1.5 Crore paying taxes in a country of 130 Crore people. Therefore, its time for people to introspect and come forward to pay Income taxes due on them to build an AtmaNirbharBharat. Besides, the country’s tax structure needed fundamental reforms as the earlier tax structure was developed from the one created during pre-independent times. Even the several changes made during the post-independent times did not alter its fundamental character. Thus, the complexity of the earlier system made it difficult to conform.

Answer 512

Honest taxpayers of the country play a big role in nation-building. When the life of an honest taxpayer becomes easy then the country also develops. Therefore, the tax system should be seamless, painless and faceless. The new facilities launched are a part of the Government’s resolve to provide maximum governance with minimum government.

Answer 513

Latest laws reduced the legal burden in the tax system where now the limit of filing cases in the High Court has been fixed at up to 1 crore rupees and up to 2 crores for filing in the Supreme Court. Initiatives like the ‘Vivaad Se Vishwas’ Scheme pave the way for most of the cases to be settled out of court. The tax slabs have also been rationalised as a part of the ongoing reforms where there is zero tax upto an income of 5 lakh rupees, while the tax rate has reduced in the remaining slabs too.

Answer 514

Context: African swine fever (ASF) has spread to Meghalaya; more than 17,000 pigs have died due to the highly-contagious disease in adjoining Assam. Background: Since February this year, ASF has killed at least 17,000 domesticated pigs in Assam and an unspecified number in Arunachal Pradesh. The disease is believed to have been transmitted from China where it has resulted in the death of several animals in 2019.

Answer 515

Piggery is a major source livelihood in the northeast because of the high demand for pork. Assam alone has seven lakh pig farmers engaged in the business, worth at least ₹8,000 crore annually.

Answer 516

ASF is a highly contagious and fatal animal disease that infects domestic and wild pigs, typically resulting in an acute form of hemorrhagic fever. It was first detected in Africa in the 1920s. The mortality is close to 100 per cent, and since the fever has no cure, the only way to stop it spreading is by culling the animals. ASF is not a threat to human beings since it only spreads from animals to other animals. According to the FAO, “its extremely high potential for transboundary spread has placed all the countries in the region in danger and has raised the spectre of ASF once more escaping from Africa. It is a disease of growing strategic importance for global food security and household income”.

Answer 517

Context: In a world battered by the COVID pandemic, the demand for healthy and safe food is already showing an upward trend and hence this is an opportune moment to be captured for a win-win situation for our farmers, consumers and the environment.

Answer 518

India ranks first in number of organic farmers and ninth in terms of area under organic farming. Sikkim became the first State in the world to become fully organic and other States including Tripura and Uttarakhand have set similar targets. North East India has traditionally been organic and the consumption of chemicals is far less than rest of the country. Similarly the tribal and island territories are being nurtured to continue their organic story. The major organic exports from India have been flax seeds, sesame, soybean, tea, medicinal plants, rice and pulses.

Answer 519

Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) launched in 2015 to encourage chemical free farming. Both these schemes are promoting certification under Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) and National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) respectively targeting domestic and exports markets.

Answer 520

It is an agricultural process that uses biological fertilizers and pest control acquired from animal or plant waste. It is a unique production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity.

Answer 521

Context: India announced a slew of new connectivity measures for the Maldives, including air, sea, intra-island and telecommunications in an effort to help the Indian Ocean Islands deal with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initiatives announced: Air connectivity “bubble” for travel. A direct ferry service. A submarine cable for telecom connectivity. Assistance for the Greater Male Connectivity project (GMCP) to connect Male to three neighbouring islands- Villingili, Thilafushi and Gulhifahu islands.

Answer 522

India will support the implementation of the GMCP in Maldives, through a financial package consisting of a grant of USD 100 million and a new Line of Credit (LoC) of USD 400 million. The GMCP would be the “largest civilian infrastructure project in Maldives”.

Answer 523

The Line of Credit is not a grant but a ‘soft loan’ provided on concessional interest rates to developing countries, which has to be repaid by the borrowing government. The LOCs also helps to promote exports of Indian goods and services, as 75% of the value of the contract must be sourced from India.

Answer 524

It is an Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel. It was launched recently. It is the 4th in the series of five OPVs. It has been designed & built indigenously by M/s Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

Answer 525

The Mediterranean is a vast sea positioned between Europe to the north, Africa to the south, and Asia to the east. The Mediterranean Sea connects: to the Atlantic Oceanby the Strait of Gibraltar (known in Homer‘s writings as the “Pillars of Hercules“) in the west to the Sea of Marmaraand the Black Sea, by the Straits of the Dardanelles and the Bosporus respectively, in the east The 163 km (101 mi) long artificial Suez Canalin the southeast connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Why in News? France has temporarily reinforced its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean Sea amid tensions between neighbours Greece and Turkey over recently discovered gas reserves.

Answer 526

Bureau of Indian standards

Answer 527

Multi barrel Rocket Launcher developed by DRDO

Answer 528

The BoP is a statement of all transactions made between entities in one country and the rest of the world over a period of time, such as quarter or a year Current account includes a nation’s net trade in goods and services, its net earning on cross border investments, and its net transfer payments such as remittances

Answer 529

The capital account consists of a nation’s imports and export of capital and foreign aid.

Answer 530

BRICS It made the way for establishment of NDB and CRA ( contingent reserve arrangment)

Answer 531

Arunachal Pradesh