#Environment_Current #PT2020 #2MinRead
Anthurium
- It is one of the best domestic flowering plants in the world.
- It purifies the surrounding air and remove harmful airborne chemicals like formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene, xylene, and allergens..
News
- D Vasini Bai, from Kerala, has developed 10 varieties of Anthurium.
- National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF) has facilitated large scale production of four highly demanded varieties through tissue culture technique at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore.
Anthurium
- It is one of the best domestic flowering plants in the world.
- It purifies the surrounding air and remove harmful airborne chemicals like formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene, xylene, and allergens..
News
- D Vasini Bai, from Kerala, has developed 10 varieties of Anthurium.
- National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF) has facilitated large scale production of four highly demanded varieties through tissue culture technique at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore.
#SnT_Currents #PT2020 #1MinRead
PRACRITI
- PRACRITI = PRediction and Assessment of CoRona Infections and Transmission in India
- a web-based dashboard for predicting the spread of Covid-19.
- Developed by IIT Delhi.
- It gives detailed state-wise and district-wise predictions of Covid-19 cases.
PRACRITI
- PRACRITI = PRediction and Assessment of CoRona Infections and Transmission in India
- a web-based dashboard for predicting the spread of Covid-19.
- Developed by IIT Delhi.
- It gives detailed state-wise and district-wise predictions of Covid-19 cases.
#Polity_Constitutional_Evolution #PT2020 #1MinRevise
Charter Act - 1853
- Last in charter series
- Separation of legislative and executive functions of Governor-Generals Council
- Central Legislative Council to be functioned as Mini parliament.
- Open competition for civil service and it was opened to Indians
( On recommendations of Macaulay committee appointed in 1854 committee on Indian Civil service.)
- Local representation in Indian Legislative Council introduced 4 out of 6 members to be appointed by local governments of Bombay Madras, Bengal and Agra.
Charter Act - 1853
- Last in charter series
- Separation of legislative and executive functions of Governor-Generals Council
- Central Legislative Council to be functioned as Mini parliament.
- Open competition for civil service and it was opened to Indians
( On recommendations of Macaulay committee appointed in 1854 committee on Indian Civil service.)
- Local representation in Indian Legislative Council introduced 4 out of 6 members to be appointed by local governments of Bombay Madras, Bengal and Agra.
#Ancient_India #PT2020 #2MinRead
Buddist Councils Part 1/3
First Buddhist Council: 400 BC
- Held soon after the mahaparinirvana of the Buddha
-patronage of king Ajatshatru
- Presided by - monk Mahakasyapa ,
- at Rajgriha, in the Sattapani Cave.
- The idea was to preserve Buddha’s teachings (Sutta Pitaka) and rules for disciples (Vinaya Pitaka).
Second Buddhist Council : 383 BC
- Held to settle a dispute on Vinaya Pitaka(Rules of discipline)
- Held at Vaishali
- patronage of King Kalasoka
- presided by Sabakami.
- The dispute was on 10 Points such as storing salt in horn, eating after midday, eating once etc
- Disputes were not settled and paved the way for emergence of Buddhist sects - Sthaviravada, Mahasanghika and Sarvastivada.
Buddist Councils Part 1/3
First Buddhist Council: 400 BC
- Held soon after the mahaparinirvana of the Buddha
-patronage of king Ajatshatru
- Presided by - monk Mahakasyapa ,
- at Rajgriha, in the Sattapani Cave.
- The idea was to preserve Buddha’s teachings (Sutta Pitaka) and rules for disciples (Vinaya Pitaka).
Second Buddhist Council : 383 BC
- Held to settle a dispute on Vinaya Pitaka(Rules of discipline)
- Held at Vaishali
- patronage of King Kalasoka
- presided by Sabakami.
- The dispute was on 10 Points such as storing salt in horn, eating after midday, eating once etc
- Disputes were not settled and paved the way for emergence of Buddhist sects - Sthaviravada, Mahasanghika and Sarvastivada.
#Ancient_India #PT2020 #2MinRead
Buddhist Councils Part 2/3
Third Buddhist Council: 250 BC
- at Pataliputra
- patronage of King Asoka
- Presided by Moggaliputta Tissa.
- Abhidhamma Pitaka was introduced
- The teachings of Buddha- now classified in 3 categories(known as “Tripitaka”).
- It also tried to settle all the disputes of Vinaya Pitaka.
Fourth Buddhist Council: 72AD
- at Kundalvana, Kashmir
- Patronage of Kushan king Kanishka
- presided by Vasumitra
- council divided the Buddhism into 2 sects Mahayan & Hinayan.
Buddhist Councils Part 2/3
Third Buddhist Council: 250 BC
- at Pataliputra
- patronage of King Asoka
- Presided by Moggaliputta Tissa.
- Abhidhamma Pitaka was introduced
- The teachings of Buddha- now classified in 3 categories(known as “Tripitaka”).
- It also tried to settle all the disputes of Vinaya Pitaka.
Fourth Buddhist Council: 72AD
- at Kundalvana, Kashmir
- Patronage of Kushan king Kanishka
- presided by Vasumitra
- council divided the Buddhism into 2 sects Mahayan & Hinayan.
#Polity_Constitutional_Evolution #PT2020 #2MinRevise
Government of India Act 1858
- Also called as 'Act for the Good Governance of India'.
- Abolished East India company and transferred all power to Crown
- G-G of India was made Viceroy of India( Lord Canning was first).
- Ended the dual government system (removed Board of Control and court of directors)
- Secretary of State - new office created, which had complete authority and control over Indian Administration. He was a member of British cabinet
- Council of India(15 Members) was created to assist secretary of state. It was a advisory body and chairman was secretary of state.
Government of India Act 1858
- Also called as 'Act for the Good Governance of India'.
- Abolished East India company and transferred all power to Crown
- G-G of India was made Viceroy of India( Lord Canning was first).
- Ended the dual government system (removed Board of Control and court of directors)
- Secretary of State - new office created, which had complete authority and control over Indian Administration. He was a member of British cabinet
- Council of India(15 Members) was created to assist secretary of state. It was a advisory body and chairman was secretary of state.
#Ancient_India #PT2020
Buddhist Councils - Part 3/3
Fifth Buddhist Council: 1871
- Held at Mandalay, Burma.
- patronage of King Mindon.
- presided by Jagarabhivamsa, Narindabhidhaja, and Sumangalasami.
- The idea was to recite all the teachings of the Buddha and examine them systematically if any of them was dropped or altered.
Sixth Buddhist Council : 1954
- Held at Yangoon, Burma
- patronage of Burmese Government led by Prime Minister U Nu.
- Presided by - Mahasi Sayadaw and Bhadanta Vicittasarabhivamsa.
- It was aimed to preserve the genuine Dhamma and Vinaya Pitaka.
Buddhist Councils - Part 3/3
Fifth Buddhist Council: 1871
- Held at Mandalay, Burma.
- patronage of King Mindon.
- presided by Jagarabhivamsa, Narindabhidhaja, and Sumangalasami.
- The idea was to recite all the teachings of the Buddha and examine them systematically if any of them was dropped or altered.
Sixth Buddhist Council : 1954
- Held at Yangoon, Burma
- patronage of Burmese Government led by Prime Minister U Nu.
- Presided by - Mahasi Sayadaw and Bhadanta Vicittasarabhivamsa.
- It was aimed to preserve the genuine Dhamma and Vinaya Pitaka.
#Environment_Current #PT2020 #2MinRead
Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD)
- It is a quantitative estimate of the amount of aerosol present in the atmosphere.
-measures the extinction of a ray of light as it passes through the atmosphere.
- can be used as a proxy for surface PM2. 5
News - aerosol levels in northern India at the beginning of April were the lowest in 20 years.
(Resason- Lockdown). Aerosols contribute significantly in DELHI-NCR Pollution.
Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD)
- It is a quantitative estimate of the amount of aerosol present in the atmosphere.
-measures the extinction of a ray of light as it passes through the atmosphere.
- can be used as a proxy for surface PM2. 5
News - aerosol levels in northern India at the beginning of April were the lowest in 20 years.
(Resason- Lockdown). Aerosols contribute significantly in DELHI-NCR Pollution.
#Environment #PT2020
Aerosols
- Tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere are called aerosols.
- Examples - Windblown dust, sea salts, volcanic ash, smoke from wildfires, pollutents from factories etc
- Depending upon their size, type, and location, aerosols can either cool the surface, or warm it.
Aerosols
- Tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere are called aerosols.
- Examples - Windblown dust, sea salts, volcanic ash, smoke from wildfires, pollutents from factories etc
- Depending upon their size, type, and location, aerosols can either cool the surface, or warm it.
#Polity_Constitutional_Evolution #PT2020 #2MinRead
Indian councils Act 1861
- Beginning of representative Institutions by associating Indians
- Viceroy to nominate some Indian members as non-official members.
- Decentralization process initiated Legislative powers restored to Bombay and Madras.
- new legislative Councils for North West frontier province and Punjab.
- Portfolio system was recognised (introduced by Canning)
member of Viceroy Council was made in charge of particular department.
- Viceroy empowered to issue emergency ordinances valid for 6 months
Indian councils Act 1861
- Beginning of representative Institutions by associating Indians
- Viceroy to nominate some Indian members as non-official members.
- Decentralization process initiated Legislative powers restored to Bombay and Madras.
- new legislative Councils for North West frontier province and Punjab.
- Portfolio system was recognised (introduced by Canning)
member of Viceroy Council was made in charge of particular department.
- Viceroy empowered to issue emergency ordinances valid for 6 months
#Economy_Current #PT2020
Special Liquidity Facility for Mutual Funds (SLF-MF) Of 50k Crores.
- RBI is to conduct repo operations of 90 days at the fixed repo rate.
- The SLF-MF is on-tap and open-ended. Banks would submit their bids to avail funding.
- The scheme is available from 27 April till May 11 or up to utilization of the allocated amount.
- Funds to be used exclusively for meeting the liquidity requirements of
(1) extending loans,
(2) undertaking outright purchase of and/or repos against the collateral of investment grade corporate bonds, commercial papers (CPs), debentures and certificates of Deposit (CDs) etc.
Special Liquidity Facility for Mutual Funds (SLF-MF) Of 50k Crores.
- RBI is to conduct repo operations of 90 days at the fixed repo rate.
- The SLF-MF is on-tap and open-ended. Banks would submit their bids to avail funding.
- The scheme is available from 27 April till May 11 or up to utilization of the allocated amount.
- Funds to be used exclusively for meeting the liquidity requirements of
(1) extending loans,
(2) undertaking outright purchase of and/or repos against the collateral of investment grade corporate bonds, commercial papers (CPs), debentures and certificates of Deposit (CDs) etc.
#IR_OrgInNews #PT2020 #2MinRead
Export Control Regimes Part 1/4
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
- formed in 1987 by the G-7 counries.
- Members - 35 (India - 35th Member- joined in 2016)
- Informal, voluntary grouping of countries
- Aims to check the proliferation of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) Capable of Min 500kg (WMD) payload, with range of at least 300km.
# also focuses on any equipment/ software/technology that can enable a nation to produce such systems.
# not a treaty, hence not legally binding
# It coordinates individual national export licensing policies towards a common export policy that regulates the sale of any such systems.
# MTCR maintains a common list of items, including dual-use technology and components, which can be used to deliver WMDs.
Export Control Regimes Part 1/4
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
- formed in 1987 by the G-7 counries.
- Members - 35 (India - 35th Member- joined in 2016)
- Informal, voluntary grouping of countries
- Aims to check the proliferation of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) Capable of Min 500kg (WMD) payload, with range of at least 300km.
# also focuses on any equipment/ software/technology that can enable a nation to produce such systems.
# not a treaty, hence not legally binding
# It coordinates individual national export licensing policies towards a common export policy that regulates the sale of any such systems.
# MTCR maintains a common list of items, including dual-use technology and components, which can be used to deliver WMDs.
#IR_OrgInNews #PT2020 #2MinRead
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
News - Recently, USA has accused China and Russia of conducting nuclear tests with low yields, in violation CTBT.
- It is a multilateral treaty that bans all nuclear explosions, for both civilian and military purposes, in all environments.
- adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996.
- 168 states have ratified the CTBT and another 17 states have signed but not ratified it
- will enter into force 180 days after the Treaty has been ratified by 44 States, listed in Annex 2 of the Treaty.
- Eight States that needs to ratify - China, North Korea, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the United States.
- States NOT Signed - India, North Korea and Pakistan
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
founded - 1996
headquartered - Vienna.
It promotes the Treaty so that it can enter into force.
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
News - Recently, USA has accused China and Russia of conducting nuclear tests with low yields, in violation CTBT.
- It is a multilateral treaty that bans all nuclear explosions, for both civilian and military purposes, in all environments.
- adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996.
- 168 states have ratified the CTBT and another 17 states have signed but not ratified it
- will enter into force 180 days after the Treaty has been ratified by 44 States, listed in Annex 2 of the Treaty.
- Eight States that needs to ratify - China, North Korea, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the United States.
- States NOT Signed - India, North Korea and Pakistan
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
founded - 1996
headquartered - Vienna.
It promotes the Treaty so that it can enter into force.
#SnT_Currents #PT2020 #2MinRead
Spike LR Missiles
- Recently, Indian Army successfully test fired these missiles at Mhow(MP)
- 4th generation Anti-Tank missiles
with Fire and forget capability
Target Range up to 4 km.
- India - 33rd country in the world to have Spike missile.
- developed by Israel. India acquired them through transfer of technology.
It is man-portable and has its own vehicle-launch and helicopter-launch variants.
Spike LR Missiles
- Recently, Indian Army successfully test fired these missiles at Mhow(MP)
- 4th generation Anti-Tank missiles
with Fire and forget capability
Target Range up to 4 km.
- India - 33rd country in the world to have Spike missile.
- developed by Israel. India acquired them through transfer of technology.
It is man-portable and has its own vehicle-launch and helicopter-launch variants.
#SnT_Currents #PT2020 #2MinRead
ASTRA Missiles
News - India to increase the range of ASTRA missiles.
- It is Beyond-visual-range all-weather air-to-air missile developed by DRDO.
- first air-to-air missile developed by India.
- Current Target Range up to 110 km
Planned Range would be 160km
- Speed - Mach 4.7
- They are integrated with Sukhoi Su-30 MKI aircrafts.
There are also plans to integrate the missiles with other aircrafts like Dassault, MiG-29, HAL Tejas.
ASTRA Missiles
News - India to increase the range of ASTRA missiles.
- It is Beyond-visual-range all-weather air-to-air missile developed by DRDO.
- first air-to-air missile developed by India.
- Current Target Range up to 110 km
Planned Range would be 160km
- Speed - Mach 4.7
- They are integrated with Sukhoi Su-30 MKI aircrafts.
There are also plans to integrate the missiles with other aircrafts like Dassault, MiG-29, HAL Tejas.
#IR_OrgInNews #PT2020 #2MinRead
Export Control Regimes Part 2/4
Australia Group
- an informal group - estbd in 1985 (after the use of chemical weapons by Iraq in 1984)
- to help member countries to contain the spread of chemical and biological weapons, through regulation of exports.
- Members - 43
- Mexico, all OECD members, the European Commission, European Union, Ukraine, and Argentina.
India joined in 2018
-It maintains export controls on a uniform list of 54 compounds, that can be used in the manufacture of chemical weapons.
- Delegations representing the members meet every year in Paris, France.
Export Control Regimes Part 2/4
Australia Group
- an informal group - estbd in 1985 (after the use of chemical weapons by Iraq in 1984)
- to help member countries to contain the spread of chemical and biological weapons, through regulation of exports.
- Members - 43
- Mexico, all OECD members, the European Commission, European Union, Ukraine, and Argentina.
India joined in 2018
-It maintains export controls on a uniform list of 54 compounds, that can be used in the manufacture of chemical weapons.
- Delegations representing the members meet every year in Paris, France.
#Environment_Current #PT2020
Ozone Layer Hole Over Arctic Closed
- Reason is the recent polar vortex. ( and Not reduced pollution levels amidst Covid-19 lockdowns)
Ozone Hole
It refers to a region in the stratosphere where the concentration of ozone becomes extremely low in certain months.
Polar vortex
- It is a large area of low pressure and cold air that surrounds both of Earth's poles.
- They always exist, but weakens during the summer and strengthen in the winter.
Ozone Layer Hole Over Arctic Closed
- Reason is the recent polar vortex. ( and Not reduced pollution levels amidst Covid-19 lockdowns)
Ozone Hole
It refers to a region in the stratosphere where the concentration of ozone becomes extremely low in certain months.
Polar vortex
- It is a large area of low pressure and cold air that surrounds both of Earth's poles.
- They always exist, but weakens during the summer and strengthen in the winter.
#Environment_Current #PT2020
REducing PLAstic in Nature (REPLAN) project
- By Khadi and Village Industries Commission’s (KVIC)
- launched in September 2018
- To remove existing waste plastic material from nature and use it in semi-permanent manner.
- Under the project, KVIC manufactures plastic-mixed handmade paper.
- the waste plastic is collected, chopped, cleaned, beaten and treated for softness.
REducing PLAstic in Nature (REPLAN) project
- By Khadi and Village Industries Commission’s (KVIC)
- launched in September 2018
- To remove existing waste plastic material from nature and use it in semi-permanent manner.
- Under the project, KVIC manufactures plastic-mixed handmade paper.
- the waste plastic is collected, chopped, cleaned, beaten and treated for softness.
#Environment_Current #PT2020
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
- It is a statutory body established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956.
- works under Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
-Objective - to plan, promote, facilitate, organise and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
- It is a statutory body established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956.
- works under Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
-Objective - to plan, promote, facilitate, organise and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas