#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.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
MITRA Scheme
- The Government has proposed the Mega Investment Textiles Parks (MITRA) scheme.
- It will be beneficial for the Indian Textiles Industry.
Key features:
1. It will create world class infrastructure with plug and play 2. Facilities Create global champions in exports.
3. Attract large investments, boost employment generation and exports.
4. Along with the Production Linked Incentive scheme.
MITRA Scheme
- The Government has proposed the Mega Investment Textiles Parks (MITRA) scheme.
- It will be beneficial for the Indian Textiles Industry.
Key features:
1. It will create world class infrastructure with plug and play 2. Facilities Create global champions in exports.
3. Attract large investments, boost employment generation and exports.
4. Along with the Production Linked Incentive scheme.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Shivalik Elephant Reserve
News: The Uttarakhand government issued a stay on its earlier government order to denotify the Shivalik Elephant Reserve.
About Reserve
- It is the premier and only elephant reserve of Uttarakhand.
- Home to over 2,000 elephants
- Has around a dozen elephant corridors.
- It was first identified by the central government in 1991-92 under ‘Project Elephant’.
- Objective: to arrest man-animal conflict in the region and rehabilitate elephants that were held captive.
Shivalik Elephant Reserve
News: The Uttarakhand government issued a stay on its earlier government order to denotify the Shivalik Elephant Reserve.
About Reserve
- It is the premier and only elephant reserve of Uttarakhand.
- Home to over 2,000 elephants
- Has around a dozen elephant corridors.
- It was first identified by the central government in 1991-92 under ‘Project Elephant’.
- Objective: to arrest man-animal conflict in the region and rehabilitate elephants that were held captive.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Deep Ocean Mission
- Announced by Indian government
- It will cover deep ocean survey exploration and projects for the conservation of deep sea bio-diversity.
- Under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
- There are two ongoing government projects on to study the Indian Ocean:
1. Ocean Services, Technology, Observations, Resources, Modelling and Science (O-STORMS) project.
2. Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART) project.
Deep Ocean Mission
- Announced by Indian government
- It will cover deep ocean survey exploration and projects for the conservation of deep sea bio-diversity.
- Under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
- There are two ongoing government projects on to study the Indian Ocean:
1. Ocean Services, Technology, Observations, Resources, Modelling and Science (O-STORMS) project.
2. Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART) project.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management(CWCM)
News: The Indian government announced the establishment of the first CWCM.
- This Centre will be a part of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai.
- Aim: It would address specific research needs and knowledge gaps.
Significance:
1. Application of integrated approaches for conservation, restoration, management and wise use of the wetlands.
2. will help in building partnership and networks with relevant national and international agencies.
3. serve as a knowledge hub and enable exchange between State/ UT Wetland Authorities, wetland users, researchers, etc.
4. Assist the national and State/ UT Governments in the design and implementation of policy and regulatory frameworks etc.
Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management(CWCM)
News: The Indian government announced the establishment of the first CWCM.
- This Centre will be a part of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai.
- Aim: It would address specific research needs and knowledge gaps.
Significance:
1. Application of integrated approaches for conservation, restoration, management and wise use of the wetlands.
2. will help in building partnership and networks with relevant national and international agencies.
3. serve as a knowledge hub and enable exchange between State/ UT Wetland Authorities, wetland users, researchers, etc.
4. Assist the national and State/ UT Governments in the design and implementation of policy and regulatory frameworks etc.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Jal Jeevan Mission Urban
- Announced by The Union Budget 2021-22
- Aim:
- To bring safe water to 2.86 crore households through tap connection with the target year as 2024.
- To ensure sustainable supply of household drinking water in urban India.
Key features:
1. This mission in line with the Centre’s rural water supply project.
2. JJM (Rural) has covered only around 34% of the targeted households in rural India.
3. An equal emphasis on treatment of faecal sludge is also necessary.
Jal Jeevan Mission Urban
- Announced by The Union Budget 2021-22
- Aim:
- To bring safe water to 2.86 crore households through tap connection with the target year as 2024.
- To ensure sustainable supply of household drinking water in urban India.
Key features:
1. This mission in line with the Centre’s rural water supply project.
2. JJM (Rural) has covered only around 34% of the targeted households in rural India.
3. An equal emphasis on treatment of faecal sludge is also necessary.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Green Hydrogen Energy Mission
- News: Praposed by the Union Budget
- Aim: generating hydrogen from green power sources.
- Key features:
1. India stresses on the hydrogen sources from renewable sources.
2. Mission would decarbonise heavy industries.
3. It holds the key to clean electric mobility that doesn’t depend on rare minerals.
4. It is vital for India to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions.
5. It ensure regional and national energy security, access and availability.
Green Hydrogen Energy Mission
- News: Praposed by the Union Budget
- Aim: generating hydrogen from green power sources.
- Key features:
1. India stresses on the hydrogen sources from renewable sources.
2. Mission would decarbonise heavy industries.
3. It holds the key to clean electric mobility that doesn’t depend on rare minerals.
4. It is vital for India to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions.
5. It ensure regional and national energy security, access and availability.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Social Stock Exchange (SSE)
- News: The Economic Survey 2021- To set up a SSE.
- Key features:
1. It will be set up within the existing stock market ecosystem under SEBI.
2. It would raise capital by organisations working for the realisation of a social welfare objective.
3. SEBI made recommendations to include participation of non-profit organisations and for-profit enterprises in SSE
4. It recommended standardisation of financial reporting by NPOs on SSE.
Social Stock Exchange (SSE)
- News: The Economic Survey 2021- To set up a SSE.
- Key features:
1. It will be set up within the existing stock market ecosystem under SEBI.
2. It would raise capital by organisations working for the realisation of a social welfare objective.
3. SEBI made recommendations to include participation of non-profit organisations and for-profit enterprises in SSE
4. It recommended standardisation of financial reporting by NPOs on SSE.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority
- It is a Statutory Authority
- Under the Department of Food and Public Distribution
- It was constituted in 2010
Under the Warehousing Act, 2007.
Function:
1. It regulates and ensures implementation of Act
2. Development and regulation of warehouses.
2. It implements and regulates the Negotiable Warehouse Receipt/electronic-NWR System in the country.
3. It promotes orderly growth of the warehousing business.
Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority
- It is a Statutory Authority
- Under the Department of Food and Public Distribution
- It was constituted in 2010
Under the Warehousing Act, 2007.
Function:
1. It regulates and ensures implementation of Act
2. Development and regulation of warehouses.
2. It implements and regulates the Negotiable Warehouse Receipt/electronic-NWR System in the country.
3. It promotes orderly growth of the warehousing business.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Solar Energy Corporation of India
- Set up in 2011
- Solar Energy Corporation of India ltd is dedicated to solar energy sector.
- Under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- Aim: To build ‘Green India’ through harnessing abundant solar radiation.
Key features"
- It was to facilitate the implementation of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission.
- It is responsible for implementation of a number of schemes of MNRE
- Viability Gap Fund schemes for large-scale grid-connected projects under JNNSM,
Solar park scheme and grid-connected solar rooftop scheme.
Solar Energy Corporation of India
- Set up in 2011
- Solar Energy Corporation of India ltd is dedicated to solar energy sector.
- Under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- Aim: To build ‘Green India’ through harnessing abundant solar radiation.
Key features"
- It was to facilitate the implementation of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission.
- It is responsible for implementation of a number of schemes of MNRE
- Viability Gap Fund schemes for large-scale grid-connected projects under JNNSM,
Solar park scheme and grid-connected solar rooftop scheme.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
MetroNeo
- MetroNeo is to be adopted for the Maharashtra’s Nashik.
- Implemented by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.
Key features:
1. It is a rapid, energy-efficient and less noisy transport medium.
2. It consists of electric bus coaches, and Feeder Bus will be battery-powered
3. The feeder bus batteries will get charged while operating on the main corridors
4. No separate charging facility will be required.
MetroNeo
- MetroNeo is to be adopted for the Maharashtra’s Nashik.
- Implemented by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.
Key features:
1. It is a rapid, energy-efficient and less noisy transport medium.
2. It consists of electric bus coaches, and Feeder Bus will be battery-powered
3. The feeder bus batteries will get charged while operating on the main corridors
4. No separate charging facility will be required.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
PM AtmaNirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana
- Centrally sponsored scheme
- Aim: to detect and cure of new and emerging diseases.
Functions:
- Develop capacities of primary, secondary, and tertiary care Health Systems,
- Strengthen existing national institutions, and create new ones.
- The main interventions under the scheme are:
1. Support for rural and urban Health and Wellness Centres;
2. Setting up of new integrated public health labs and public health units (PHUs);
3. Strengthening of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) etc.
PM AtmaNirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana
- Centrally sponsored scheme
- Aim: to detect and cure of new and emerging diseases.
Functions:
- Develop capacities of primary, secondary, and tertiary care Health Systems,
- Strengthen existing national institutions, and create new ones.
- The main interventions under the scheme are:
1. Support for rural and urban Health and Wellness Centres;
2. Setting up of new integrated public health labs and public health units (PHUs);
3. Strengthening of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) etc.