#MainsFodder #PT2021
E3 Certification Programme
- Energy Efficiency Enterprise (E3) Certifications Programme for Brick manufacturing Sector.
- launched by Ministry of Power
- Comes under 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.
- The E3 Certificate will be awarded enterprises whose specific energy consumption will be 25% lower than the national baseline.
- Enterprises shifting to energy efficient brick manufacturing technology.
- Enterprises whose Production of lower density bricks with better thermal insulation.
Significance:
1. It will lead to cost savings
2. Energy savings to occupiers
3. Better thermal comfort and improved insulation properties.
4. India is the world's 2nd largest producer of bricks.
5. This demand would multiply 3 to 4 times over the next 20 years, through E3 Certification.
E3 Certification Programme
- Energy Efficiency Enterprise (E3) Certifications Programme for Brick manufacturing Sector.
- launched by Ministry of Power
- Comes under 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.
- The E3 Certificate will be awarded enterprises whose specific energy consumption will be 25% lower than the national baseline.
- Enterprises shifting to energy efficient brick manufacturing technology.
- Enterprises whose Production of lower density bricks with better thermal insulation.
Significance:
1. It will lead to cost savings
2. Energy savings to occupiers
3. Better thermal comfort and improved insulation properties.
4. India is the world's 2nd largest producer of bricks.
5. This demand would multiply 3 to 4 times over the next 20 years, through E3 Certification.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Influx from Myanmar
- News: Ministry of Home Affairs has directed Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh to check illegal influx from Myanmar into India.
Concern: India already has a lot of Rohingya migrated from Myanmar.
Key points:
- India, treats all refugees as illegal immigrants.
- In 2020- 40,000 Rohingya refugees in India.
- The State governments have no powers to grant “refugee status to any foreigner”.
- India is not a signatory to the United Nations Refugee Convention of 1951 and its 1967 Protocol.
- A Free Movement Regime (FMR) exists between India and Myanmar.
- Under FMR every member of the hill tribes, who is either a citizen of India or a citizen of Myanmar
- Resident of any area within 16 km on either side of the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) can cross the border with a border pass
- FMR issued by the competent authority and can stay up to two weeks per visit.
India Myanmar Border:
- India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border and people on either side have familial ties.
- The border along the four states is unfenced and porous.
Influx from Myanmar
- News: Ministry of Home Affairs has directed Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh to check illegal influx from Myanmar into India.
Concern: India already has a lot of Rohingya migrated from Myanmar.
Key points:
- India, treats all refugees as illegal immigrants.
- In 2020- 40,000 Rohingya refugees in India.
- The State governments have no powers to grant “refugee status to any foreigner”.
- India is not a signatory to the United Nations Refugee Convention of 1951 and its 1967 Protocol.
- A Free Movement Regime (FMR) exists between India and Myanmar.
- Under FMR every member of the hill tribes, who is either a citizen of India or a citizen of Myanmar
- Resident of any area within 16 km on either side of the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) can cross the border with a border pass
- FMR issued by the competent authority and can stay up to two weeks per visit.
India Myanmar Border:
- India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border and people on either side have familial ties.
- The border along the four states is unfenced and porous.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
QUAD(Quadrilateral Framework)
- News: Recently, the Prime Minister addressed the first summit of the leaders' of the QUAD.
- The meeting was hosted by the USA on a virtual platform.
- In February 2021, QUAD ministerial meeting discussed issues across Indo-Pacific and the military takeover in Myanmar.
- QUAD is a grouping of India, USA, Australia and Japan.
- Aim: To safeguard the interests of democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific region and address global challenges.
Key Points
- Focus: On pressing crises, such as Covid-19, climate change and emerging technologies.
- Pledge:
1. to promote a free, open rules-based order, rooted in international law
2. to advance security and prosperity
3. To counter threats to both in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Highlights:
- Quad Vaccine Partnership:
Appreciated the Vaccine Maitri initiative (India’s Vaccine Diplomacy) of India.
QUAD(Quadrilateral Framework)
- News: Recently, the Prime Minister addressed the first summit of the leaders' of the QUAD.
- The meeting was hosted by the USA on a virtual platform.
- In February 2021, QUAD ministerial meeting discussed issues across Indo-Pacific and the military takeover in Myanmar.
- QUAD is a grouping of India, USA, Australia and Japan.
- Aim: To safeguard the interests of democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific region and address global challenges.
Key Points
- Focus: On pressing crises, such as Covid-19, climate change and emerging technologies.
- Pledge:
1. to promote a free, open rules-based order, rooted in international law
2. to advance security and prosperity
3. To counter threats to both in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Highlights:
- Quad Vaccine Partnership:
Appreciated the Vaccine Maitri initiative (India’s Vaccine Diplomacy) of India.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Mera Ration APP
- In order to facilitate the 'One Nation One Ration Card’ system in the country
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has launched the 'Mera Ration' mobile app.
Aim: to benefit citizens in identifying the nearest Fair Price Shop (FPS).
Benefit: especially those ration card holders who move to new areas for livelihoods.
Developed by the National Informatics Center
National Informatics Center (NIC).
Language: The application is currently available in English and Hindi.
(it is planned to be introduced in 14 languages)
Facilities to the Beneficiaries:
1. Can identify and locate the nearest fair price shop.
2.Can easily check details of their foodgrain entitlement, recent transactions.
3. status of Aadhaar seeding can be checked.
4.Can register their migration details.
5.An option to enter suggestions/feedback.
Mera Ration APP
- In order to facilitate the 'One Nation One Ration Card’ system in the country
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has launched the 'Mera Ration' mobile app.
Aim: to benefit citizens in identifying the nearest Fair Price Shop (FPS).
Benefit: especially those ration card holders who move to new areas for livelihoods.
Developed by the National Informatics Center
National Informatics Center (NIC).
Language: The application is currently available in English and Hindi.
(it is planned to be introduced in 14 languages)
Facilities to the Beneficiaries:
1. Can identify and locate the nearest fair price shop.
2.Can easily check details of their foodgrain entitlement, recent transactions.
3. status of Aadhaar seeding can be checked.
4.Can register their migration details.
5.An option to enter suggestions/feedback.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Maratha Quota Law
- News: There are petitions in the Supreme Court against this law
- Maratha quota law i.e. the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act.
- It provides reservation to Marathas in jobs and admissions in the state.
Key points:
- The petitioners argument that the law was enacted without following the specific procedure laid out in Article 342A
- Article 324A introduced by the 102nd Constitutional Amendment, 2018.
- Under this act, it is only the President in consultation with the Governor can specify SEBC classes in a State.
- There was no Presidential notification issued in consultation with the Governor in this law.
Maratha Quota Law
- News: There are petitions in the Supreme Court against this law
- Maratha quota law i.e. the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act.
- It provides reservation to Marathas in jobs and admissions in the state.
Key points:
- The petitioners argument that the law was enacted without following the specific procedure laid out in Article 342A
- Article 324A introduced by the 102nd Constitutional Amendment, 2018.
- Under this act, it is only the President in consultation with the Governor can specify SEBC classes in a State.
- There was no Presidential notification issued in consultation with the Governor in this law.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
World Energy Transitions Outlook Report
- This report, previewed at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue 2021.
- Released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Report:
- Covid-19 crisis offers an unexpected opportunity for countries to decouple their economies from
fossil fuels.
- accelerate the shift to renewable energy sources.
- It proposes energy transition solutions for the narrow pathway available
- contain the rise of temperature to 1.5°C and halt global warming.
- IRENA estimates that by 2050, 90% of total electricity needs would be supplied by renewables,
- followed by 6% from natural gas and the remaining from nuclear.
- The agency has identified 30 innovations for the integration of wind and solar PV in power systems.
World Energy Transitions Outlook Report
- This report, previewed at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue 2021.
- Released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Report:
- Covid-19 crisis offers an unexpected opportunity for countries to decouple their economies from
fossil fuels.
- accelerate the shift to renewable energy sources.
- It proposes energy transition solutions for the narrow pathway available
- contain the rise of temperature to 1.5°C and halt global warming.
- IRENA estimates that by 2050, 90% of total electricity needs would be supplied by renewables,
- followed by 6% from natural gas and the remaining from nuclear.
- The agency has identified 30 innovations for the integration of wind and solar PV in power systems.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Baralacha Pass
News: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) would reopen the Baralacha Pass.
Key points:
- Baralacha La is a high mountain pass in Zanskar range
- It connect Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh to Leh district in Ladakh.
- Situated along the Leh–Manali Highway
- it acts as a water-divide between the Bhaga river and the Yunam river.
- Bhaga river, a tributary of the Chenab river, originates from Surya taal lake,
- Surya taal lake is situated a few of kms from the pass towards Manali.
- Chandra, a major tributary of the Chenab River, also originates from a glacier in this region.
Baralacha Pass
News: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) would reopen the Baralacha Pass.
Key points:
- Baralacha La is a high mountain pass in Zanskar range
- It connect Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh to Leh district in Ladakh.
- Situated along the Leh–Manali Highway
- it acts as a water-divide between the Bhaga river and the Yunam river.
- Bhaga river, a tributary of the Chenab river, originates from Surya taal lake,
- Surya taal lake is situated a few of kms from the pass towards Manali.
- Chandra, a major tributary of the Chenab River, also originates from a glacier in this region.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Sangay Volcano
- News: Ecuador’s Sangay volcano erupted, spewing clouds of ash.
Key points:
- Sangay volcano has been in an eruptive stage since 2019.
[Ecuador, part of the Pacific Rim’s “Ring of Fire” region, has eight volcanoes in its territory.]
- One of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
- One of Ecuador's most active ones - is located in the northern zone of the Andes.
- It is the southernmost stratovolcano.
- It had frequently erupted in historic times, mostly of strombolian type.
- The earliest report of a historical eruption was in 1628.
- More or less continuous eruptions were reported from 1934 to the present.
Sangay Volcano
- News: Ecuador’s Sangay volcano erupted, spewing clouds of ash.
Key points:
- Sangay volcano has been in an eruptive stage since 2019.
[Ecuador, part of the Pacific Rim’s “Ring of Fire” region, has eight volcanoes in its territory.]
- One of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
- One of Ecuador's most active ones - is located in the northern zone of the Andes.
- It is the southernmost stratovolcano.
- It had frequently erupted in historic times, mostly of strombolian type.
- The earliest report of a historical eruption was in 1628.
- More or less continuous eruptions were reported from 1934 to the present.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Adenovirus-based Vaccine
- This vaccine platform technology used by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.
- It has shown lower vaccine efficacy.
Key points:
1. A loss of potency of adenovirus-based vaccine if there are pre-existing antibodies.
2. Pre-existing antibodies against adenoviruses will stop the adenovirus particles from getting into cells.
3. making the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein they carry the code for.
4. The presence of pre-existing antibodies against adenovirus and those developed after first and second dose of the vaccine.
5. It becomes particularly important when repeat vaccinations are needed.
Adenovirus-based Vaccine
- This vaccine platform technology used by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.
- It has shown lower vaccine efficacy.
Key points:
1. A loss of potency of adenovirus-based vaccine if there are pre-existing antibodies.
2. Pre-existing antibodies against adenoviruses will stop the adenovirus particles from getting into cells.
3. making the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein they carry the code for.
4. The presence of pre-existing antibodies against adenovirus and those developed after first and second dose of the vaccine.
5. It becomes particularly important when repeat vaccinations are needed.
WR-CSM-20-Roll-23032021-Engl.pdf
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Mains 2020 Result is Out.... All the Best for the results...
Many Many Congratulations to our Students of 'INTENSIVE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (GS n Essay) Mains 2020' (IMP Mains 2020).....
1. Shubham Swami
2. Apoorva Balpande
3. Anurag Ghuge
1. Shubham Swami
2. Apoorva Balpande
3. Anurag Ghuge
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Butea monosperma
- News: Butea monosperma tree is now in bloom across the Nilgiris.
- They bloom from January to March.
Location: Native to India
- Also known as Bastard teak, this tree is widely grown in South Asia
Charecterstics:
1. small to medium sized deciduous tree wear more flowers than leaves.
2. Flowers are bright orange with a unique petal shape, hence called 'flame of the forest.'
3. Each flower consists of five petals with a very curved beak-shaped keel.
4. This keel gives it the name, Parrot Tree
- In Manipur, when a member of the Meitei community dies, and his body cannot be found, the wood of this tree is cremated in place of the body.
- A postal stamp was issued by the Indian Postal Department to commemorate this flower.
Butea monosperma
- News: Butea monosperma tree is now in bloom across the Nilgiris.
- They bloom from January to March.
Location: Native to India
- Also known as Bastard teak, this tree is widely grown in South Asia
Charecterstics:
1. small to medium sized deciduous tree wear more flowers than leaves.
2. Flowers are bright orange with a unique petal shape, hence called 'flame of the forest.'
3. Each flower consists of five petals with a very curved beak-shaped keel.
4. This keel gives it the name, Parrot Tree
- In Manipur, when a member of the Meitei community dies, and his body cannot be found, the wood of this tree is cremated in place of the body.
- A postal stamp was issued by the Indian Postal Department to commemorate this flower.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
SAAMAR Campaign
- Strategic Action for Alleviation of Malnutrition and Anaemia Reduction.
- Jharkhand government launched the SAAMAR campaign
Aim:
1. to tackle malnutrition in the state.
2. to identify anaemic women and malnourished children through Anganwadi Centres
3. treatment at the nearest Malnutrition Treatment Centre.
Key points:
1. It converges govt. departments and engagement with school management committees, gram sabhas etc.
2. launched with a 1000 days target
3. annual surveys will be conducted.
4. tries to target Primarily Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
SAAMAR Campaign
- Strategic Action for Alleviation of Malnutrition and Anaemia Reduction.
- Jharkhand government launched the SAAMAR campaign
Aim:
1. to tackle malnutrition in the state.
2. to identify anaemic women and malnourished children through Anganwadi Centres
3. treatment at the nearest Malnutrition Treatment Centre.
Key points:
1. It converges govt. departments and engagement with school management committees, gram sabhas etc.
2. launched with a 1000 days target
3. annual surveys will be conducted.
4. tries to target Primarily Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
3D-printed Clay Seabed
Use: 3D printed tiles is used to restore Hong Kong's fragile coral reefs.
- It work as an artificial clay seabed for corals to latch onto and thrive.
- Around 84 species of coral are found in Hong Kong's waters.
- It is more diverse than those found in the Caribbean Sea.
Key points:
1. Providing suitable ground for the coral larvae to latch onto and build a new home.
2. will help in repopulating a dead or damaged reef.
3. survive better than the traditional way of transplantation.
4. Tiles used in this project are made with terracotta.
5. Clay is basically soil, and it is found everywhere on earth.
6. water chemistry is unchanged.
3D-printed Clay Seabed
Use: 3D printed tiles is used to restore Hong Kong's fragile coral reefs.
- It work as an artificial clay seabed for corals to latch onto and thrive.
- Around 84 species of coral are found in Hong Kong's waters.
- It is more diverse than those found in the Caribbean Sea.
Key points:
1. Providing suitable ground for the coral larvae to latch onto and build a new home.
2. will help in repopulating a dead or damaged reef.
3. survive better than the traditional way of transplantation.
4. Tiles used in this project are made with terracotta.
5. Clay is basically soil, and it is found everywhere on earth.
6. water chemistry is unchanged.
#Geographyandenvironment
Corals
- Corals are colonies of living polyp invertebrates and are hugely sensitive to temperature changes.
- When they get too hot, they lose their vibrant colour and die.
- Australia's Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral system.
- It is now so badly damaged
- It is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as "critical", the worst category.
- Some subtropical corals thrive in warmer oceans because they form harder colonies, compared with their tropical corals.
Corals
- Corals are colonies of living polyp invertebrates and are hugely sensitive to temperature changes.
- When they get too hot, they lose their vibrant colour and die.
- Australia's Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral system.
- It is now so badly damaged
- It is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as "critical", the worst category.
- Some subtropical corals thrive in warmer oceans because they form harder colonies, compared with their tropical corals.
#IRcurrent
Digital Green Certificates
- Praposed by European Commission
Aim: to facilitate the safe and free movement of citizens within the European Union (EU) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- This certificate proves that a person has been vaccinated against covid-19.
- This digital or paper format certificate with a QR code will be free of charge.
- It can be issued by authorities, including hospitals, testing centres and health authorities.
- Once the proposal for digital certificates is finalised, it will be accepted in all EU countries.
- All EU citizens or third-country nationals who are legally staying in the EU can use these certificates.
Digital Green Certificates
- Praposed by European Commission
Aim: to facilitate the safe and free movement of citizens within the European Union (EU) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- This certificate proves that a person has been vaccinated against covid-19.
- This digital or paper format certificate with a QR code will be free of charge.
- It can be issued by authorities, including hospitals, testing centres and health authorities.
- Once the proposal for digital certificates is finalised, it will be accepted in all EU countries.
- All EU citizens or third-country nationals who are legally staying in the EU can use these certificates.
#IRDefence
Medium-Range Surface to Air Missile
- Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS)
1. It a private manufacturer of advanced weapons systems
2. It will deliver 1000 midsection MRSAM to Indian Armed Forces.
3. MRSAM of KRAS has a range of more than 70 km.
Useful:
1. It has the ability of direct hit
2. its accuracy is so perfect that a flying aircraft on one or two or two max plus can be picked up
3. It hit directly rather than at a proximity distance as such.
4. This is one of the most proven weapon systems with the Israeli defence forces.
Medium-Range Surface to Air Missile
- Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS)
1. It a private manufacturer of advanced weapons systems
2. It will deliver 1000 midsection MRSAM to Indian Armed Forces.
3. MRSAM of KRAS has a range of more than 70 km.
Useful:
1. It has the ability of direct hit
2. its accuracy is so perfect that a flying aircraft on one or two or two max plus can be picked up
3. It hit directly rather than at a proximity distance as such.
4. This is one of the most proven weapon systems with the Israeli defence forces.
#Geography
Ken-Betwa Link Project
- News: A memorandum of agreement was signed.
- Between Union Minister of Jal Shakti and the Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to implement this Project.
Key features:
- It is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for interlinking of rivers.
- Under this project, water from the River Ken will be transferred to the River Betwa.
-Both these rivers are tributaries of river Yamuna.
The project has two phases,
1. Phase-I - Daudhan dam complex and its appurtenances like Low and High Level Tunnel, Ken-Betwa link canal and Power houses
2. Phase-II - Lower Orr dam, Bina complex project, Kotha barrage
- Daudhan dam comes within the core habitat of Panna Tiger Reserve.
Use -
1. The project is expected
to provide annual irrigation
drinking water supply
2. Also generate 103 MW of hydropower.
3. Benefit to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, which spreads across 13 districts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Ken-Betwa Link Project
- News: A memorandum of agreement was signed.
- Between Union Minister of Jal Shakti and the Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to implement this Project.
Key features:
- It is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for interlinking of rivers.
- Under this project, water from the River Ken will be transferred to the River Betwa.
-Both these rivers are tributaries of river Yamuna.
The project has two phases,
1. Phase-I - Daudhan dam complex and its appurtenances like Low and High Level Tunnel, Ken-Betwa link canal and Power houses
2. Phase-II - Lower Orr dam, Bina complex project, Kotha barrage
- Daudhan dam comes within the core habitat of Panna Tiger Reserve.
Use -
1. The project is expected
to provide annual irrigation
drinking water supply
2. Also generate 103 MW of hydropower.
3. Benefit to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, which spreads across 13 districts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
#Geography
Tulip Garden
- News: Prime Minister asked people to visit tulip garden in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- The Tulip garden is located at the foothills of Zaberwan range with an overview of Dal Lake
It is the largest tulip garden in Asia.
Key features:
1. This garden, built on a sloping ground in a terraced fashion with seven terraces.
2. It was opened in 2007
3. Tulip festival is organised at the onset of spring season in the Valley.
Aim: to boost floriculture and tourism in Kashmir Valley by the then Chief Minister.
Tulip Garden
- News: Prime Minister asked people to visit tulip garden in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- The Tulip garden is located at the foothills of Zaberwan range with an overview of Dal Lake
It is the largest tulip garden in Asia.
Key features:
1. This garden, built on a sloping ground in a terraced fashion with seven terraces.
2. It was opened in 2007
3. Tulip festival is organised at the onset of spring season in the Valley.
Aim: to boost floriculture and tourism in Kashmir Valley by the then Chief Minister.
#Environment
Whale Shark
- News: A whale shark was rescued by fishers in Odisha coast.
- It is very important for marine megafauna like turtles, whales and sharks.
Key points:
1. The dotted whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean
2. It is often called ‘Gentle Giant’ in fishing parlance.
3. It is a ‘filter feeder shark’ which means it does not eat meat like other sharks.
4. They filter sea water and feed on tiny planktons.
Found: The largest whale shark aggregation in India is:
1. Along the Gujarat coats.
2. On the Bay of Bengal coast
3. Andhra Pradesh.
- Whale sharks are found in all the tropical oceans of the world.
- They are a protected species under the,
1. Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 - Schedule I
2. IUCN Red List - Endangered
3. CITES - Appendix II
Threat -
1. Accidental entanglement in fishing nets
2. Oil and gas drilling
3. Shipping lanes, etc.,
Whale Shark
- News: A whale shark was rescued by fishers in Odisha coast.
- It is very important for marine megafauna like turtles, whales and sharks.
Key points:
1. The dotted whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean
2. It is often called ‘Gentle Giant’ in fishing parlance.
3. It is a ‘filter feeder shark’ which means it does not eat meat like other sharks.
4. They filter sea water and feed on tiny planktons.
Found: The largest whale shark aggregation in India is:
1. Along the Gujarat coats.
2. On the Bay of Bengal coast
3. Andhra Pradesh.
- Whale sharks are found in all the tropical oceans of the world.
- They are a protected species under the,
1. Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 - Schedule I
2. IUCN Red List - Endangered
3. CITES - Appendix II
Threat -
1. Accidental entanglement in fishing nets
2. Oil and gas drilling
3. Shipping lanes, etc.,