#Environment
Protected wetlands
- News: Srinagar’s Dal Lake along with five other ones in Jammu and Kashmir is to be declared protected wetlands.
- Other lakes - Wular Lake, Nigeen Lake; Sanasar Lake, Manasbal Lake and Purmandal lake or Chotta Kashil.
- Decided by: Jammu and Kashmir Wetland Authority, chaired by Chief Secretary.
- Various wetlands of Jammu and Kashmir and recommend their notification under,
1. Environment Protection Act, 1986 and
2. Wetland (Conversation & Management) rules.
Protected wetlands
- News: Srinagar’s Dal Lake along with five other ones in Jammu and Kashmir is to be declared protected wetlands.
- Other lakes - Wular Lake, Nigeen Lake; Sanasar Lake, Manasbal Lake and Purmandal lake or Chotta Kashil.
- Decided by: Jammu and Kashmir Wetland Authority, chaired by Chief Secretary.
- Various wetlands of Jammu and Kashmir and recommend their notification under,
1. Environment Protection Act, 1986 and
2. Wetland (Conversation & Management) rules.
#Economy
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Subordinate Debt
- News: It has been extended up to September 30, 2021.
- Launched by the Ministry of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
- Year: in 2020
- Aim: to provide financial facility to stressed MSMEs, under the AtmaNirbhar Bharat Package.
Key points:
1. It extends support to the promoters of the MSMEs with Special Mention Accounts-2 (SMA-2)
2. Also supports NPA accounts which are stressed and have become NPA as on April 30, 2020.
3. The eligible accounts for restructuring are selected as per RBI guidelines.
4. The promoters of the MSME unit will be given credit equal to 15% of stake in the company or Rs 75 lakh, whichever is lower.
5. Fraud/wilful defaulter accounts won’t be considered under the scheme.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Subordinate Debt
- News: It has been extended up to September 30, 2021.
- Launched by the Ministry of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
- Year: in 2020
- Aim: to provide financial facility to stressed MSMEs, under the AtmaNirbhar Bharat Package.
Key points:
1. It extends support to the promoters of the MSMEs with Special Mention Accounts-2 (SMA-2)
2. Also supports NPA accounts which are stressed and have become NPA as on April 30, 2020.
3. The eligible accounts for restructuring are selected as per RBI guidelines.
4. The promoters of the MSME unit will be given credit equal to 15% of stake in the company or Rs 75 lakh, whichever is lower.
5. Fraud/wilful defaulter accounts won’t be considered under the scheme.
#SnT
Baikal-GVD
- News: Russian scientists launched Baikal-GVD (Gigaton Volume Detector)
- It is an underwater neutrino telescope in the waters of Lake Baikail.
- This lake is world’s deepest lake situated in Siberia.
- It is one of the world’s three largest neutrino detectors.
Significance:
1. It determine neutrino sources.
2. will help us understand the origins of the universe since some neutrinos were formed during the Big Bang.
3. others continue to be formed due to supernova explosions or nuclear reactions in the Sun.
4. One way of detecting neutrinos is in water or ice, where neutrinos leave a flash of light or a line of bubbles when they interact.
Baikal-GVD
- News: Russian scientists launched Baikal-GVD (Gigaton Volume Detector)
- It is an underwater neutrino telescope in the waters of Lake Baikail.
- This lake is world’s deepest lake situated in Siberia.
- It is one of the world’s three largest neutrino detectors.
Significance:
1. It determine neutrino sources.
2. will help us understand the origins of the universe since some neutrinos were formed during the Big Bang.
3. others continue to be formed due to supernova explosions or nuclear reactions in the Sun.
4. One way of detecting neutrinos is in water or ice, where neutrinos leave a flash of light or a line of bubbles when they interact.
#Economy
Retail G-Sec
News: RBI allowed retail investors to participate in the government securities market through ‘Retail Direct’.
- It is an online portal for trading.
- This is a key structural reform since India is only the third country in enacting such a provision.
- The RBI has been allowing small investors to participate in G-Sec market since 2001.
- RBI is going to auction long-term dated securities (G-Secs, State Development Loans) and short-term instruments (Treasury Bills) to retail investors.
Objectives:
- To provide retail investors a digital avenue for their financial savings.
- To meet its mammoth borrowing programme of ₹12 lakh crore in order to bridge its burgeoning fiscal deficit.
- To broaden and deepen the investors’ base for better price discovery in the G-Sec market.
Retail G-Sec
News: RBI allowed retail investors to participate in the government securities market through ‘Retail Direct’.
- It is an online portal for trading.
- This is a key structural reform since India is only the third country in enacting such a provision.
- The RBI has been allowing small investors to participate in G-Sec market since 2001.
- RBI is going to auction long-term dated securities (G-Secs, State Development Loans) and short-term instruments (Treasury Bills) to retail investors.
Objectives:
- To provide retail investors a digital avenue for their financial savings.
- To meet its mammoth borrowing programme of ₹12 lakh crore in order to bridge its burgeoning fiscal deficit.
- To broaden and deepen the investors’ base for better price discovery in the G-Sec market.
#Governmentinitiative
Anamaya
- Anamaya is the Tribal Health Collaborative
- Initiative of Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA)
- Supported by Piramal Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
Aim –
1. To end all preventable deaths among Indian tribal communities.
2. Enhance the health and nutrition status of the tribal communities of India on a Mission Mode.
Function:
It brings together governments, philanthropists, national and international foundations, NGOs/CBOs.
Key points:
- Begin its operations with 50 tribal, Aspirational Districts.
- Across 6 high tribal population states.
- Over a 10-year period, the work of the THC will be extended to 177 tribal Districts.
- Address tribal health issues through the Tribal Health Action Plan.
- As part of this Collaborative, the MoTA will set up:
1. ‘Tribal Health Cell’:
- to strengthen the primary healthcare systems
- invest in tribal health research
devise mechanisms to
- implement the Tribal Health Action Plan, etc.,
2. ‘National Council on Tribal Health’
- to drive policy initiatives in tribal health,
- to monitor the implementation of the Tribal Health Action Plan.
Anamaya
- Anamaya is the Tribal Health Collaborative
- Initiative of Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA)
- Supported by Piramal Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
Aim –
1. To end all preventable deaths among Indian tribal communities.
2. Enhance the health and nutrition status of the tribal communities of India on a Mission Mode.
Function:
It brings together governments, philanthropists, national and international foundations, NGOs/CBOs.
Key points:
- Begin its operations with 50 tribal, Aspirational Districts.
- Across 6 high tribal population states.
- Over a 10-year period, the work of the THC will be extended to 177 tribal Districts.
- Address tribal health issues through the Tribal Health Action Plan.
- As part of this Collaborative, the MoTA will set up:
1. ‘Tribal Health Cell’:
- to strengthen the primary healthcare systems
- invest in tribal health research
devise mechanisms to
- implement the Tribal Health Action Plan, etc.,
2. ‘National Council on Tribal Health’
- to drive policy initiatives in tribal health,
- to monitor the implementation of the Tribal Health Action Plan.
#Governmentinitiative
Tribal TB Initiative
- Launched by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- Aim: to fulfil the Prime Minister’s goal of ‘TB MuktBharat’ by 2025, five years ahead of the global deadline.
Tribal TB Initiative
- Launched by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- Aim: to fulfil the Prime Minister’s goal of ‘TB MuktBharat’ by 2025, five years ahead of the global deadline.
#polity
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Ordinance, 2021
News: The President promulgated it.
- The Cabinet had approved the proposal to make amendments in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Aim: to provide a Pre-Packaged alternative insolvency resolution framework for corporate persons - Classified as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the Code.
Key features :
-Based on a trust model the amendments honour the honest MSME owners.
- Seeks to amend the Code based on suggestions of the Insolvency Law Committee (ILC).
- Expected benefits of the amendment in Code Lesser burden on Adjudicating Authority.
- Assured continuity of business operations for Corporate Debtor
- Less process costs & maximum assets realization for financial creditors.
- Assurance of continued business relation with CD and
Rights protection for operational Creditors.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Ordinance, 2021
News: The President promulgated it.
- The Cabinet had approved the proposal to make amendments in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Aim: to provide a Pre-Packaged alternative insolvency resolution framework for corporate persons - Classified as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the Code.
Key features :
-Based on a trust model the amendments honour the honest MSME owners.
- Seeks to amend the Code based on suggestions of the Insolvency Law Committee (ILC).
- Expected benefits of the amendment in Code Lesser burden on Adjudicating Authority.
- Assured continuity of business operations for Corporate Debtor
- Less process costs & maximum assets realization for financial creditors.
- Assurance of continued business relation with CD and
Rights protection for operational Creditors.
#Defence
INS Sarvekshak
- Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sarvekshak visited Port Louis, Mauritius.
Key points:
- It commenced the hydrographic survey of ‘Deep sea area off Port Louis’.
- It is a hydrographic survey ship, which is part of Research, Survey and Tracking vessels fleet of the Indian Navy.
- It is under the Southern Naval Command.
Key features :
1. It is fitted with state-of-the-art survey equipments like Deep Sea Multi-Beam Echo Sounder, Side Scan Sonars
2. It is a fully automated digital surveying and processing system.
3. It carries an integral Chetak helicopter.
INS Sarvekshak
- Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sarvekshak visited Port Louis, Mauritius.
Key points:
- It commenced the hydrographic survey of ‘Deep sea area off Port Louis’.
- It is a hydrographic survey ship, which is part of Research, Survey and Tracking vessels fleet of the Indian Navy.
- It is under the Southern Naval Command.
Key features :
1. It is fitted with state-of-the-art survey equipments like Deep Sea Multi-Beam Echo Sounder, Side Scan Sonars
2. It is a fully automated digital surveying and processing system.
3. It carries an integral Chetak helicopter.
#IR
E9 Initiative
- News: Meeting of Education Ministers of E9 countries on ‘E9 initiative.
- E9 meeting is the first of a 3-phased process to co-create an initiative on digital learning and skills, targeting marginalised children and youth.
Aims: to accelerate recovery and advance the Sustainable Development Goal 4 agenda.
- Rapid change in education systems in three of the 2020 Global Education Meeting priorities,
1. Support to teachers;
2. Investment in skills;
3. Narrowing of the digital divide.
- It is spearheaded by the United Nations.
- E9 countries - Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria and Pakistan.
Indian Initiatives
1. One Nation-One Digital Platform - DIKSHA.
2. One Nation-One Channel programme –
- SWAYAM PRABHA
- SWAYAM MOOCS
- radio broadcasting.
3. PM e-VIDYA
E9 Initiative
- News: Meeting of Education Ministers of E9 countries on ‘E9 initiative.
- E9 meeting is the first of a 3-phased process to co-create an initiative on digital learning and skills, targeting marginalised children and youth.
Aims: to accelerate recovery and advance the Sustainable Development Goal 4 agenda.
- Rapid change in education systems in three of the 2020 Global Education Meeting priorities,
1. Support to teachers;
2. Investment in skills;
3. Narrowing of the digital divide.
- It is spearheaded by the United Nations.
- E9 countries - Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria and Pakistan.
Indian Initiatives
1. One Nation-One Digital Platform - DIKSHA.
2. One Nation-One Channel programme –
- SWAYAM PRABHA
- SWAYAM MOOCS
- radio broadcasting.
3. PM e-VIDYA
#Governmentinitiative
Campaign on COVID-19 Vaccination
- A multipronged nationwide mass awareness campaign on Covid-19 vaccination.
- Organized by the Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS).
- This campaign will be carried out through an android-based mobile app COVACNEWS.
- Aim: for ensuring information at the fingertips.
Key points:
- A pan-India info-graphic video and audio competition
- It is being organised GYAN TEEKA webinar series on COVID-19 vaccination.
Campaign on COVID-19 Vaccination
- A multipronged nationwide mass awareness campaign on Covid-19 vaccination.
- Organized by the Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS).
- This campaign will be carried out through an android-based mobile app COVACNEWS.
- Aim: for ensuring information at the fingertips.
Key points:
- A pan-India info-graphic video and audio competition
- It is being organised GYAN TEEKA webinar series on COVID-19 vaccination.
#Economy
Ghaziabad Green Municipal Bonds
- Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam has successfully listed India’s first-ever Green Municipal bond issue on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
- Raised Rs. 150 crore by issuing this bond
- Coupon rate of 8.10% with over-subscription.
- The Urban Development Ministry has provided a 2% interest subvention.
Key points:
- The funds for an environmentally sustainable projects.
- Tertiary water treatment plant to benefit industries.
- Supply piped water through water-meters.
- Ghaziabad bond is debt-free
- Maintained a revenue surplus position in the last few years.
- Other Cities – Municipal bonds have been raised by 9 cities - Ahmedabad, Surat, Visakhapatnam, Amravati, Indore, Bhopal, Pune, Hyderabad and Lucknow.
Ghaziabad Green Municipal Bonds
- Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam has successfully listed India’s first-ever Green Municipal bond issue on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
- Raised Rs. 150 crore by issuing this bond
- Coupon rate of 8.10% with over-subscription.
- The Urban Development Ministry has provided a 2% interest subvention.
Key points:
- The funds for an environmentally sustainable projects.
- Tertiary water treatment plant to benefit industries.
- Supply piped water through water-meters.
- Ghaziabad bond is debt-free
- Maintained a revenue surplus position in the last few years.
- Other Cities – Municipal bonds have been raised by 9 cities - Ahmedabad, Surat, Visakhapatnam, Amravati, Indore, Bhopal, Pune, Hyderabad and Lucknow.
#Governmentinitiative
Integrated Health Information Platform
- World's biggest online disease surveillance platform, was launched.
- India is the first country in the world to adopt such an Advanced Digital Surveillance System.
Key points:
- IHIP is the next generation highly refined version of the presently used Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme digital platform.
- It is in sync with the National Digital Health Mission
- Fully compatible with the other digital information systems presently in use.
- It can easily be integrated with other ongoing surveillance program.
- having the feature of addition of special surveillance modules
- It will track 33 diseases now as compared to the earlier 18 diseases.
- It will provide health information system developed for real time, case-based information.
Integrated Health Information Platform
- World's biggest online disease surveillance platform, was launched.
- India is the first country in the world to adopt such an Advanced Digital Surveillance System.
Key points:
- IHIP is the next generation highly refined version of the presently used Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme digital platform.
- It is in sync with the National Digital Health Mission
- Fully compatible with the other digital information systems presently in use.
- It can easily be integrated with other ongoing surveillance program.
- having the feature of addition of special surveillance modules
- It will track 33 diseases now as compared to the earlier 18 diseases.
- It will provide health information system developed for real time, case-based information.
#PT2021
EatSmart Cities Challenge
- Launched recently by MoH&UA
- aims to motivate Smart Cities to develop a plan that supports a healthy, safe and sustainable food environment
- It is to be supported by institutional, physical, social, and economic infrastructure along with the application of ‘smart’ solutions to combat food related issues.
EatSmart Cities Challenge
- Launched recently by MoH&UA
- aims to motivate Smart Cities to develop a plan that supports a healthy, safe and sustainable food environment
- It is to be supported by institutional, physical, social, and economic infrastructure along with the application of ‘smart’ solutions to combat food related issues.
#PT2021
Transport4All Digital Innovation Challenge
- Launched recently by MoH&UA
- aims to develop digital solutions that will make public transport safe, affordable, comfortable, and reliable for all.
Transport4All Digital Innovation Challenge
- Launched recently by MoH&UA
- aims to develop digital solutions that will make public transport safe, affordable, comfortable, and reliable for all.
#Governmentinitiative
Aahaar Kranti
Aim:
1. to spread the message of the need for a nutritionally balanced diet.
2. to understand the importance of accessibility to all local fruits and vegetables.
- Launched by Vijnana Bharati (Vibha) and Global Indian Scientists’ and Technocrats’ Forum (GIST).
Motto - ‘Uttam Aahaar Uttam Vichaar’ or ‘Good Diet-Good Cognition’.
Function:
To address the ‘hunger and diseases in abundance’.
Focuses on:
1. To apply the knowledge of Ayurveda-based nutrition to practice
2. To rouse the people to the values of India’s traditional diet
3.Healing powers of local fruits and vegetables.
4.To promote better awareness, nutrition and agriculture.
5. Uttam evam santulit aahaar in locally sourced fruits and vegetables.
6. It will train the teachers.
Aahaar Kranti
Aim:
1. to spread the message of the need for a nutritionally balanced diet.
2. to understand the importance of accessibility to all local fruits and vegetables.
- Launched by Vijnana Bharati (Vibha) and Global Indian Scientists’ and Technocrats’ Forum (GIST).
Motto - ‘Uttam Aahaar Uttam Vichaar’ or ‘Good Diet-Good Cognition’.
Function:
To address the ‘hunger and diseases in abundance’.
Focuses on:
1. To apply the knowledge of Ayurveda-based nutrition to practice
2. To rouse the people to the values of India’s traditional diet
3.Healing powers of local fruits and vegetables.
4.To promote better awareness, nutrition and agriculture.
5. Uttam evam santulit aahaar in locally sourced fruits and vegetables.
6. It will train the teachers.
#Polity
Decriminalising Begging
News: The S C has asked the Centre and five States to file their response on a plea seeking a direction to repeal the provisions criminalising begging.
- Five states are: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar.
Key points:
- criminalising the act of begging were violative of constitutional rights, specifically Article 21.
- This act make an unreasonable choice between committing a crime or not and starving.
- It has referred to the 2018 verdict of the Delhi High Court which had decriminalised begging in the national capital.
- The petition has sought directions to declare as “illegal and void".
- All provisions, except some sections, of
1. Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959,
2. Punjab Prevention of Beggary Act, 1971,
3. Haryana Prevention of Begging Act, 1971
4. Bihar Prevention of Begging Act 1951.
Decriminalising Begging
News: The S C has asked the Centre and five States to file their response on a plea seeking a direction to repeal the provisions criminalising begging.
- Five states are: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar.
Key points:
- criminalising the act of begging were violative of constitutional rights, specifically Article 21.
- This act make an unreasonable choice between committing a crime or not and starving.
- It has referred to the 2018 verdict of the Delhi High Court which had decriminalised begging in the national capital.
- The petition has sought directions to declare as “illegal and void".
- All provisions, except some sections, of
1. Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959,
2. Punjab Prevention of Beggary Act, 1971,
3. Haryana Prevention of Begging Act, 1971
4. Bihar Prevention of Begging Act 1951.
#Governmentinitiative
Umngot River
News: People of Meghalaya’s villages fear the death of Umngot River.
Concern:
- Tourism-based livelihood threatened if the 210 MW hydroelectric project comes up.
Key points :
- Umngot River is considered as the cleanest river in India.
- In some parts this river is as transparent as crystal and you can actually see the river bed.
- This river, which flows in both India and Bangladesh, is in Meghalaya.
- It is the natural boundary between RiPnar (of Jaintia Hills) with HimaKhyrim (of Khasi Hills).
- Over this river hangs a single span suspension bridge called Dawki Bridge.
Umngot River
News: People of Meghalaya’s villages fear the death of Umngot River.
Concern:
- Tourism-based livelihood threatened if the 210 MW hydroelectric project comes up.
Key points :
- Umngot River is considered as the cleanest river in India.
- In some parts this river is as transparent as crystal and you can actually see the river bed.
- This river, which flows in both India and Bangladesh, is in Meghalaya.
- It is the natural boundary between RiPnar (of Jaintia Hills) with HimaKhyrim (of Khasi Hills).
- Over this river hangs a single span suspension bridge called Dawki Bridge.
#Governmentinitiative
Anamaya
- Anamaya is the Tribal Health Collaborative.
- Initiative: of Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA).
- Supported by Piramal Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
Aim –
1.To end all preventable deaths among Indian tribal communities
2. Enhance the health and nutrition status of the tribal communities of India on a Mission Mode.
Function: It brings together governments, philanthropists, national and international foundations, NGOs/CBOs.
Anamaya
- Anamaya is the Tribal Health Collaborative.
- Initiative: of Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA).
- Supported by Piramal Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
Aim –
1.To end all preventable deaths among Indian tribal communities
2. Enhance the health and nutrition status of the tribal communities of India on a Mission Mode.
Function: It brings together governments, philanthropists, national and international foundations, NGOs/CBOs.
#SnT
Serum Institute of India
- Serum Institute of India Pvt.
Ltd.
- World's largest vaccine manufacturer by number of doses produced and sold globally.
Based in Pune, Maharashtra.
Founded by Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla in 1966
Aim: to manufacture life-saving immuno-biologicals, which were in shortage in the country and imported at high prices.
Function:
1. It manufactures highly specialized life saving biologicals like vaccines
2. Uses cutting edge genetic and
cell based technologies, antisera, etc.
3. Vaccines manufactured by the Institute are accredited by the World Health Organization.
4. It sells BCG, polio vaccines, r-Hepatitis B, DTP etc.
Serum Institute of India
- Serum Institute of India Pvt.
Ltd.
- World's largest vaccine manufacturer by number of doses produced and sold globally.
Based in Pune, Maharashtra.
Founded by Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla in 1966
Aim: to manufacture life-saving immuno-biologicals, which were in shortage in the country and imported at high prices.
Function:
1. It manufactures highly specialized life saving biologicals like vaccines
2. Uses cutting edge genetic and
cell based technologies, antisera, etc.
3. Vaccines manufactured by the Institute are accredited by the World Health Organization.
4. It sells BCG, polio vaccines, r-Hepatitis B, DTP etc.
#Governmentinitiative
Oxygen Express
- Indian Railway is running Oxygen Expresses with Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) tankers in.
Aim: to the fight against Covid-19.
- First Oxygen Express is going to start its journey from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai.
- Through Ro-Ro service of Indian Railways.
- A green corridor was created between Lucknow to Varanasi.
- Another Oxygen Express that started its journey from Lucknow to Bokaro via Varanasi to fulfil the requirements of oxygen.
Oxygen Express
- Indian Railway is running Oxygen Expresses with Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) tankers in.
Aim: to the fight against Covid-19.
- First Oxygen Express is going to start its journey from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai.
- Through Ro-Ro service of Indian Railways.
- A green corridor was created between Lucknow to Varanasi.
- Another Oxygen Express that started its journey from Lucknow to Bokaro via Varanasi to fulfil the requirements of oxygen.