The day which brought the biggest change in our country. The day on which worlds biggest Democratic Republic was formed. The day on which our Fundamental Rights were officially guaranteed. The day on which we could proudly call ourselves Indians. The Day of Commencement of the Indian Constitution - 26th of January, 1950.
Happy Republic Day.
Happy Republic Day.
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Strive Prelims Test Series 2021
Total Tests 52
( Including 15 Mocks Tests, 10 Current Affairs, and 5 CSAT )
Price - @Rs 1499 only (Save 2500)
Offer Valid for Today..
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https://rzp.io/l/PTTests2021
Strive Prelims Test Series 2021
Total Tests 52
( Including 15 Mocks Tests, 10 Current Affairs, and 5 CSAT )
Price - @Rs 1499 only (Save 2500)
Offer Valid for Today..
Enroll Now.
https://rzp.io/l/PTTests2021
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Draft Arctic Policy
- By Indian government
- This draft rides on five pillars:
1. Science and research activities
2. Economic and human development cooperation
3. Transportation and connectivity
4. Governance and international cooperation
5. National capacity building.
Goal:
1. Understanding scientific and climate-related linkages between the Arctic and the Indian monsoons.
2. To harmonise polar research with the third pole (the Himalayas)
3. To advance the study and understanding of the Arctic within India.
- India has an ‘Observer’ status in the Arctic Council.
Draft Arctic Policy
- By Indian government
- This draft rides on five pillars:
1. Science and research activities
2. Economic and human development cooperation
3. Transportation and connectivity
4. Governance and international cooperation
5. National capacity building.
Goal:
1. Understanding scientific and climate-related linkages between the Arctic and the Indian monsoons.
2. To harmonise polar research with the third pole (the Himalayas)
3. To advance the study and understanding of the Arctic within India.
- India has an ‘Observer’ status in the Arctic Council.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Changes in Corporate Social Responsibility Rules
- The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has introduced changes to the CSR Rules.
Key features:
1. Mandating Impact Assessment for big CSR projects
2. Revamping the reporting formats of the Board report
3. Mandatory disclosure of all CSR projects
4. CSR Committee's composition on the company’s website.
5. Allow CSR activities to be carried through charitable trusts.
- Annual action plan for CSR has to be approved by the company Board.
- All CSR projects must be registered from April 1 in new Form CSR-1.
Changes in Corporate Social Responsibility Rules
- The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has introduced changes to the CSR Rules.
Key features:
1. Mandating Impact Assessment for big CSR projects
2. Revamping the reporting formats of the Board report
3. Mandatory disclosure of all CSR projects
4. CSR Committee's composition on the company’s website.
5. Allow CSR activities to be carried through charitable trusts.
- Annual action plan for CSR has to be approved by the company Board.
- All CSR projects must be registered from April 1 in new Form CSR-1.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Regulation of Non-Banking Financial Companies
News: RBI has created a four-tier structure for a tighter regulation of (NBFCs).
Key features:
1. The regulatory framework will be anchored on proportionality.
2. The four-layered structure includes: Base Layer, Middle Layer, Upper Layer and Top Layer.
- Proposed classification of NPAs of base layer NBFCs from 180 days to 90 days overdue.
Regulation of Non-Banking Financial Companies
News: RBI has created a four-tier structure for a tighter regulation of (NBFCs).
Key features:
1. The regulatory framework will be anchored on proportionality.
2. The four-layered structure includes: Base Layer, Middle Layer, Upper Layer and Top Layer.
- Proposed classification of NPAs of base layer NBFCs from 180 days to 90 days overdue.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Akash-NG Missile
- Conducted by DRDO
- It is a new generation Surface to Air Missile.
- Use by Indian Air Force.
- Aim: Intercepting high maneuvering low RCS aerial threats.
Key features:
- It has a Command and Control system, onboard avionics
- It has aerodynamic configuration.
- Better deployability compared to other similar systems with canisterized launcher
- Much smaller ground system footprint.
Akash-NG Missile
- Conducted by DRDO
- It is a new generation Surface to Air Missile.
- Use by Indian Air Force.
- Aim: Intercepting high maneuvering low RCS aerial threats.
Key features:
- It has a Command and Control system, onboard avionics
- It has aerodynamic configuration.
- Better deployability compared to other similar systems with canisterized launcher
- Much smaller ground system footprint.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Climate Adaptation Summit 2021
- Hosted online by the Netherlands government.
Focus:
- On securing new investments to ensure that millions of smallholder farmers
- It can adapt to the stresses of climate on food production.
- It launched an Adaptation Action Agenda
Functions:
- deliver concrete new endeavors and partnerships
- It makes our world more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Climate Adaptation Summit 2021
- Hosted online by the Netherlands government.
Focus:
- On securing new investments to ensure that millions of smallholder farmers
- It can adapt to the stresses of climate on food production.
- It launched an Adaptation Action Agenda
Functions:
- deliver concrete new endeavors and partnerships
- It makes our world more resilient to the effects of climate change.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
National Baseline Geoscience Data Generation Programmes
- Aim: To expedite exploration activities in the country
- Developed by Geological Survey of India (GSI)
- It has embarked upon an ambitious scheme to complete some major National level surveys by 2024:
1. National Geochemical Mapping
2. National Geophysical Mapping
3. National Aero Geophysical Mapping Program
- GSI would adopt deep penetration geophysical techniques such as Magneto-Telluric Surveys etc.
- It has also initiated the National Geoscience Data Repository.
National Baseline Geoscience Data Generation Programmes
- Aim: To expedite exploration activities in the country
- Developed by Geological Survey of India (GSI)
- It has embarked upon an ambitious scheme to complete some major National level surveys by 2024:
1. National Geochemical Mapping
2. National Geophysical Mapping
3. National Aero Geophysical Mapping Program
- GSI would adopt deep penetration geophysical techniques such as Magneto-Telluric Surveys etc.
- It has also initiated the National Geoscience Data Repository.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
World Economic Situation and Prospects 2021
- Released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Key Features:
- Great Disruption due to Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
- India's economy is projected to grow at 7.3% in 2021.
- The global economy shrank by 4.3% in 2020
- Today’s economy shrank over two-and-a-half times more compare to crisis of 2009.
- The modest recovery of 4.7% expected in 2021
World Economic Situation and Prospects 2021
- Released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Key Features:
- Great Disruption due to Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
- India's economy is projected to grow at 7.3% in 2021.
- The global economy shrank by 4.3% in 2020
- Today’s economy shrank over two-and-a-half times more compare to crisis of 2009.
- The modest recovery of 4.7% expected in 2021
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Intergovernmental Negotiations(IGN) Framework
- India has said that UNSC needs inclusive reforms to act effectively.
- India, along with Brazil, Japan and Germany are pressing for urgent reform of the UNSC
- India’s demand for a permanent seat in it.
- Background: 2008, the UN General Assembly has decided to facilitate the reform process through the IGN.
- The UNGA’s adoption of a 2015 resolution to allow the IGN
- IGN framework was dampened by the U.S., Russia and China
Intergovernmental Negotiations(IGN) Framework
- India has said that UNSC needs inclusive reforms to act effectively.
- India, along with Brazil, Japan and Germany are pressing for urgent reform of the UNSC
- India’s demand for a permanent seat in it.
- Background: 2008, the UN General Assembly has decided to facilitate the reform process through the IGN.
- The UNGA’s adoption of a 2015 resolution to allow the IGN
- IGN framework was dampened by the U.S., Russia and China
#MainsFodder #PT2021
India’s Agreement with IEA
- The Framework for Strategic Partnership between IEA members and India was signed.
- Aim: to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation, and enhance global energy security & stability.
- Significance:
1. India becoming a full member of the IEA.
2. The IEA Secretariat will be responsible for implementation of the cooperative activities in India.
3. Extensive exchange of knowledge in the energy sector
4. Promote and encourage strategic and technical cooperation in various areas of the energy sector.
India’s Agreement with IEA
- The Framework for Strategic Partnership between IEA members and India was signed.
- Aim: to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation, and enhance global energy security & stability.
- Significance:
1. India becoming a full member of the IEA.
2. The IEA Secretariat will be responsible for implementation of the cooperative activities in India.
3. Extensive exchange of knowledge in the energy sector
4. Promote and encourage strategic and technical cooperation in various areas of the energy sector.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Nanobodies
- Developed by the University of Bonn
- Aim: Novel antibody fragments (nanobodies) against SARS-CoV-2.
- Nanobodies are antibody fragments that are so simple that they can be produced by bacteria or yeast.
Key features:
1. Less expensive
2. Recombinant, antigen-specific
3. It has a single variable domain on a heavy chain, called VHH domains.
4. They lack VL domains.
5. It can be produced in larger quantities.
Nanobodies
- Developed by the University of Bonn
- Aim: Novel antibody fragments (nanobodies) against SARS-CoV-2.
- Nanobodies are antibody fragments that are so simple that they can be produced by bacteria or yeast.
Key features:
1. Less expensive
2. Recombinant, antigen-specific
3. It has a single variable domain on a heavy chain, called VHH domains.
4. They lack VL domains.
5. It can be produced in larger quantities.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Elephant Corridor
- News: SC appointed a conservationist as a Member of Technical Committee of the National Elephant 2 Action Plan.
- These are linear, narrow, natural habitat linkages that allow elephants to move between secure habitats without any disturbance.
- Location: Situated in the Sigur plateau.
- Reasons: The elephants cross the plateau in search of food and water.
- Aim: To secure a future for wild elephants it is essential that we ensure their uninterrupted movement between key habitats.
- 3 member Committee was constituted.
- Functions of committee:
1. It hears complaints by land owners against the action taken by the Nilgris Collector.
2. It included allegations about arbitrary variance in acreage of the elephant corridor.
Elephant Corridor
- News: SC appointed a conservationist as a Member of Technical Committee of the National Elephant 2 Action Plan.
- These are linear, narrow, natural habitat linkages that allow elephants to move between secure habitats without any disturbance.
- Location: Situated in the Sigur plateau.
- Reasons: The elephants cross the plateau in search of food and water.
- Aim: To secure a future for wild elephants it is essential that we ensure their uninterrupted movement between key habitats.
- 3 member Committee was constituted.
- Functions of committee:
1. It hears complaints by land owners against the action taken by the Nilgris Collector.
2. It included allegations about arbitrary variance in acreage of the elephant corridor.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Covid-19 Performance Index
- News: India has been ranked 86th in a “Covid-19 Performance Index” comprising 98 countries.
Key feature
1. Index was compiled by the Sydney-based Lowy Institute
2.6 Indicators: Confirmed cases, confirmed deaths, cases per million people, deaths per million people, and cases as a proportion of tests, and tests per thousand people.
3. Assessed 98 countries in the 36 weeks
4. China was not included in the study because all of its testing rates are not publicly available.
5. New Zealand topped the rankings closely followed by Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand and Cyprus.
6. Brazil stood at the bottom of the index.
7. India ranked 86th
Covid-19 Performance Index
- News: India has been ranked 86th in a “Covid-19 Performance Index” comprising 98 countries.
Key feature
1. Index was compiled by the Sydney-based Lowy Institute
2.6 Indicators: Confirmed cases, confirmed deaths, cases per million people, deaths per million people, and cases as a proportion of tests, and tests per thousand people.
3. Assessed 98 countries in the 36 weeks
4. China was not included in the study because all of its testing rates are not publicly available.
5. New Zealand topped the rankings closely followed by Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand and Cyprus.
6. Brazil stood at the bottom of the index.
7. India ranked 86th
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Davos Dialogue by World Economic Forum
News: Recently, the Prime Minister addressed WEF’s Davos Dialogue via video conferencing.
Aim: Engages the world's top leaders to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
Key feature:
1. This agenda marks the launch of the WEF’s Great Reset Initiative (GRI) in the post Covid world.
2. GRI is based on the assessment that the world economy is in deep trouble.
Davos Dialogue by World Economic Forum
News: Recently, the Prime Minister addressed WEF’s Davos Dialogue via video conferencing.
Aim: Engages the world's top leaders to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
Key feature:
1. This agenda marks the launch of the WEF’s Great Reset Initiative (GRI) in the post Covid world.
2. GRI is based on the assessment that the world economy is in deep trouble.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Future Investment Initiative Forum
News: The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare addressed the 4th edition of the Future Investment Initiative Forum.
Hosted in Riyadh(Saudi Arabia)
Aim:
1. To find solutions on how businesses and governments can expand access to healthcare
2. Remove regulatory barriers
3. Encourage investment in advanced health technologies.
Key features:
1. Saudi Arabia’s flagship investment conference.
2. India’s Initiatives Highlighted:
- Indigenous Innovations to Digital Health Tools (for Covid-19)
- Launched a special economic and comprehensive package.
- Government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana .
- The steps taken to mitigate climate change.
- Demonstrated the world's largest vaccination campaign.
Future Investment Initiative Forum
News: The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare addressed the 4th edition of the Future Investment Initiative Forum.
Hosted in Riyadh(Saudi Arabia)
Aim:
1. To find solutions on how businesses and governments can expand access to healthcare
2. Remove regulatory barriers
3. Encourage investment in advanced health technologies.
Key features:
1. Saudi Arabia’s flagship investment conference.
2. India’s Initiatives Highlighted:
- Indigenous Innovations to Digital Health Tools (for Covid-19)
- Launched a special economic and comprehensive package.
- Government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana .
- The steps taken to mitigate climate change.
- Demonstrated the world's largest vaccination campaign.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
STARS Project
- Agreement by Ministry of Education, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), and World Bank
- Aim: Financial support towards the implementation of the STARS project.
- STARS - Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States.
- Features:
1. STARS project will cover six states including Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Odisha.
2. An independent verification agency will verify each result before disbursement of funds.
3. A State Incentive Grant will encourage states to meet desired project outcomes.
Significance:
1. It will ensure major reforms at the state-level
2. Will improve the quality of education for the identified states
3. Improving the overall monitoring and measurement activities in education system.
STARS Project
- Agreement by Ministry of Education, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), and World Bank
- Aim: Financial support towards the implementation of the STARS project.
- STARS - Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States.
- Features:
1. STARS project will cover six states including Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Odisha.
2. An independent verification agency will verify each result before disbursement of funds.
3. A State Incentive Grant will encourage states to meet desired project outcomes.
Significance:
1. It will ensure major reforms at the state-level
2. Will improve the quality of education for the identified states
3. Improving the overall monitoring and measurement activities in education system.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Global Climate Risk Index 2021
- Released by environmental think tank Germanwatch.
Key features:
- India was ranked the 7th worst-hit country in 2019.
- This Index ranked countries according to their vulnerability to extreme weather events.
- Eight of the 10 countries most affected between 2000 and 2019 were developing countries
- It pushes for the need to support developing countries in coping with the effects of climate change.
Global Climate Risk Index 2021
- Released by environmental think tank Germanwatch.
Key features:
- India was ranked the 7th worst-hit country in 2019.
- This Index ranked countries according to their vulnerability to extreme weather events.
- Eight of the 10 countries most affected between 2000 and 2019 were developing countries
- It pushes for the need to support developing countries in coping with the effects of climate change.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Asia-Pacific Personalised Health Index
- Released by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Key features :
1. India ranked 10th out of 11 in this newly-launched health index
2. It measures the progress of 11 Asia Pacific countries across the region towards personalised healthcare.
3. Countries - Australia, China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and New Zealand.
4. It measures their readiness in adopting personalised healthcare
5.It enabling the right care to be tailored to the right person at the right time.
6.It measures performance against 27 different indicators of personalised health.
Asia-Pacific Personalised Health Index
- Released by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Key features :
1. India ranked 10th out of 11 in this newly-launched health index
2. It measures the progress of 11 Asia Pacific countries across the region towards personalised healthcare.
3. Countries - Australia, China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and New Zealand.
4. It measures their readiness in adopting personalised healthcare
5.It enabling the right care to be tailored to the right person at the right time.
6.It measures performance against 27 different indicators of personalised health.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Stardust 1.0
- News: The United States of America’s Stardust 1.0 became the first commercial space launch powered by biofuel.
- Manufactured by bluShift
- bluShift is an aerospace company that is developing rockets that are powered by bio-derived fuels.
Key features:
1. A launch vehicle suited for student and budget payloads.
2.Mass of 250 kg and can carry a maximum payload mass of 8 kg.
Significance:
1. These rockets will help to launch small satellites called cubesats into space.
2. It is relatively cheaper than using traditional rocket fuel.
3. It is less toxic for the environment.
Stardust 1.0
- News: The United States of America’s Stardust 1.0 became the first commercial space launch powered by biofuel.
- Manufactured by bluShift
- bluShift is an aerospace company that is developing rockets that are powered by bio-derived fuels.
Key features:
1. A launch vehicle suited for student and budget payloads.
2.Mass of 250 kg and can carry a maximum payload mass of 8 kg.
Significance:
1. These rockets will help to launch small satellites called cubesats into space.
2. It is relatively cheaper than using traditional rocket fuel.
3. It is less toxic for the environment.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Green Tax
- Approved by Union Transport Ministry
- Aim: To dissuade people from using polluting vehicles
- Key features:
1. It kept in a separate account to help States measure pollution and tackle it.
2. The policy is scheduled to come into force on April 1, 2022.
3. Lower green tax for public transport vehicles
4. Additional green tax of 10%-25%- commercial transport vehicles (older than 8 yrs)
5. Exemptions for tractors, harvesters and tillers used in farms, hybrid, electric, ethanol.
6. A higher additional 50%- vehicles in highly polluted cities.
Green Tax
- Approved by Union Transport Ministry
- Aim: To dissuade people from using polluting vehicles
- Key features:
1. It kept in a separate account to help States measure pollution and tackle it.
2. The policy is scheduled to come into force on April 1, 2022.
3. Lower green tax for public transport vehicles
4. Additional green tax of 10%-25%- commercial transport vehicles (older than 8 yrs)
5. Exemptions for tractors, harvesters and tillers used in farms, hybrid, electric, ethanol.
6. A higher additional 50%- vehicles in highly polluted cities.