#History_Basics #PT2020 #Facts_Prelims
Key Terms - Medieval India (Part 03)
1. Sipahsalar - The Head executive
2. Diwan - Incharge of revenue department
3. Bakshi - Incharge of military department
4. Sadr - Incharge of judicial department
5. Fauzdar - Administrative Head
6. Amal/Amalguzar - Revenue collection
7. Kotwal - Maintenance of law & order; trial of criminal cases; price regulation
8. Muqaddam Headman
9. Patwari Accountant
10. CHowkidar Watchman
@Digicate
Key Terms - Medieval India (Part 03)
1. Sipahsalar - The Head executive
2. Diwan - Incharge of revenue department
3. Bakshi - Incharge of military department
4. Sadr - Incharge of judicial department
5. Fauzdar - Administrative Head
6. Amal/Amalguzar - Revenue collection
7. Kotwal - Maintenance of law & order; trial of criminal cases; price regulation
8. Muqaddam Headman
9. Patwari Accountant
10. CHowkidar Watchman
@Digicate
#PT2020 #Facts_Prelims
Geo-Heritage Site - Part 03
Chattisgarh
Lower Permian Marine bed at Manendragarh, Surguja
Karnataka
1. Columnar Lava, St Mary Island Udupi
2. Pillow lavas near Mardihalli, Chitradurga
3. Peninsular Gneiss, Lalbagh, Banglore
4. Pyroclastics & Pillow lavas, Kolar Gold fields, Kolar
Himachal Pradesh
1. Siwalik Fossil Park, Saketi, Sirmur
Odisha
1. Pillow Lava in lron ore belt at Nomira, Keonjhar
Jharakhand
1. Plant Fossil bearing Inter-trappean beds of Rajmahal Formation and upper Gondwana sequence around Mandro, Sahibganj
Nagaland
1. Nagahill Ophiolite Site near Pungro,
Sikkim
1. Stromatolite bearing Dolomite / Limestone of Buxa Formation at Mamley, near Namchi, South district.
@Digicate
Geo-Heritage Site - Part 03
Chattisgarh
Lower Permian Marine bed at Manendragarh, Surguja
Karnataka
1. Columnar Lava, St Mary Island Udupi
2. Pillow lavas near Mardihalli, Chitradurga
3. Peninsular Gneiss, Lalbagh, Banglore
4. Pyroclastics & Pillow lavas, Kolar Gold fields, Kolar
Himachal Pradesh
1. Siwalik Fossil Park, Saketi, Sirmur
Odisha
1. Pillow Lava in lron ore belt at Nomira, Keonjhar
Jharakhand
1. Plant Fossil bearing Inter-trappean beds of Rajmahal Formation and upper Gondwana sequence around Mandro, Sahibganj
Nagaland
1. Nagahill Ophiolite Site near Pungro,
Sikkim
1. Stromatolite bearing Dolomite / Limestone of Buxa Formation at Mamley, near Namchi, South district.
@Digicate
#PT2020 #2MinRead
Rule of Law index
Released by the World Justice Project- an independent organisation.
It is a quantitative assessment tool about the extent to which countries adhere to the rule of law in practice.
It covers 128 countries.
It measures countries’ rule of law performance across eight factors:
(1) Constraints on Government Powers, (2) Absence of Corruption, (3) Open Government, (4) Fundamental Rights, (5) Order and Security, (6) Regulatory Enforcement, (7) Civil Justice, and (8) Criminal Justice
News - it was in news as a petition was filed in supreme court to improve India's ranking in the Index
Rule of Law index
Released by the World Justice Project- an independent organisation.
It is a quantitative assessment tool about the extent to which countries adhere to the rule of law in practice.
It covers 128 countries.
It measures countries’ rule of law performance across eight factors:
(1) Constraints on Government Powers, (2) Absence of Corruption, (3) Open Government, (4) Fundamental Rights, (5) Order and Security, (6) Regulatory Enforcement, (7) Civil Justice, and (8) Criminal Justice
News - it was in news as a petition was filed in supreme court to improve India's ranking in the Index
#IMP_Index #PT2020
Human Development Index 2019
- released by UN Development Programme (UNDP) as part of Human Development Report.
- It measures average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development,
i. Life expectancy,
ii. Education and
iii. Per capita income.
HDI 2019
- India ranks129 out of 189 countries
- Norway, Switzerland, Ireland occupied the top 3
- Among India's neighbours, Sri Lanka (71) and China (85) are higher up the rank scale.
- Bhutan (134), Bangladesh (135), Myanmar (145), Nepal (147), Pakistan (152) and Afghanistan (170) were ranked lower on the list.
Human Development Index 2019
- released by UN Development Programme (UNDP) as part of Human Development Report.
- It measures average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development,
i. Life expectancy,
ii. Education and
iii. Per capita income.
HDI 2019
- India ranks129 out of 189 countries
- Norway, Switzerland, Ireland occupied the top 3
- Among India's neighbours, Sri Lanka (71) and China (85) are higher up the rank scale.
- Bhutan (134), Bangladesh (135), Myanmar (145), Nepal (147), Pakistan (152) and Afghanistan (170) were ranked lower on the list.
#IMP_Index #PT2020
Ease of Doing Business Index
- It is being released as part of the World Bank every year.
- It was introduced in 2004
- The ranking of a country is based on index averages on following indicators, each having equal weightage.
The indicators are -
1. Ease of starting business
2. Getting electricity
3. Dealing with construction permits
4. Registering property
5. Protecting investors
6. Access to credit
7. Employing workers
8. Trading across borders
9. Paying taxes
10. Enforcing contracts &
11. Resolving insolvency
- A higher ranking of a country means that its regulatory environment is more conducive and favourable for the starting and operation of firms.
- India ranks at 63rd among 190 countries, moved 14 places from the previous year (77th rank in 2018).
@Digicate
Ease of Doing Business Index
- It is being released as part of the World Bank every year.
- It was introduced in 2004
- The ranking of a country is based on index averages on following indicators, each having equal weightage.
The indicators are -
1. Ease of starting business
2. Getting electricity
3. Dealing with construction permits
4. Registering property
5. Protecting investors
6. Access to credit
7. Employing workers
8. Trading across borders
9. Paying taxes
10. Enforcing contracts &
11. Resolving insolvency
- A higher ranking of a country means that its regulatory environment is more conducive and favourable for the starting and operation of firms.
- India ranks at 63rd among 190 countries, moved 14 places from the previous year (77th rank in 2018).
@Digicate
Forwarded from VV Ronge Patil via @QuizBot
🎲 Quiz ''PT 25 - Quiz - 24th June''
Practice MCQs on IMP Static and Current Affairs of last 1 year.
🖊 25 questions · ⏱ 1 min
Practice MCQs on IMP Static and Current Affairs of last 1 year.
🖊 25 questions · ⏱ 1 min
#TermsInNews #PT2020
GAFA TAX
- Its named after Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon
- It is a proposed digital tax to be levied on large technology and internet companies.
Significant Economic Presence (SEP)
- Transaction in respect of any goods, services or property carried out by a non-resident in India, including the provision of download of data or software in India.
Equalization Levy
- Finance Act, 2016 introduced it, at internet advertising providers that earn income from India, and do not have a permanent establishment for tax purposes in India.
GAFA TAX
- Its named after Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon
- It is a proposed digital tax to be levied on large technology and internet companies.
Significant Economic Presence (SEP)
- Transaction in respect of any goods, services or property carried out by a non-resident in India, including the provision of download of data or software in India.
Equalization Levy
- Finance Act, 2016 introduced it, at internet advertising providers that earn income from India, and do not have a permanent establishment for tax purposes in India.
#Index_InNews #PT2020
Multidimensional Poverty Index 2019
- It is a measure that takes into account the incidence of poverty and the extent of deprivation.
- It is calculated by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
- The MPI value ranges between 0 and 1(from lowest to highest)
- It has been calculated for 105 developing economies.
- Multidimensionally poor means that poverty is defined not simply by income, but by a number of indicators, including poor health, poor quality of work and the threat of violence.
Findings of 2019 Report
- As per Index 1.3 billion people in the world are still multidimensionally poor.
- Every second child below the age of 18 years is multidimensionally poor in the world.
- India lifted 271 million people out of poverty between 2006 and 2016, (reduced from 0.283 in 2005-06 to 0.123 in 2015-16)
Multidimensional Poverty Index 2019
- It is a measure that takes into account the incidence of poverty and the extent of deprivation.
- It is calculated by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
- The MPI value ranges between 0 and 1(from lowest to highest)
- It has been calculated for 105 developing economies.
- Multidimensionally poor means that poverty is defined not simply by income, but by a number of indicators, including poor health, poor quality of work and the threat of violence.
Findings of 2019 Report
- As per Index 1.3 billion people in the world are still multidimensionally poor.
- Every second child below the age of 18 years is multidimensionally poor in the world.
- India lifted 271 million people out of poverty between 2006 and 2016, (reduced from 0.283 in 2005-06 to 0.123 in 2015-16)
#Environment_Current #PT2020
Decarbonizing Transport Project Emerging Economies (DTEE)
News -
Recently, NITI Aayog and the International Transport Forum (ITF) launched it in India.
Its a five-year project to develop a low-carbon transport system through the development of modelling tools and policies.
It supports transport decarbonisation across different world regions.
Participating countries - India, Argentina, Azerbaijan, and Morocco.
- It is a collaborative project of the ITF and the Wuppertal Institute and International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment
Decarbonizing Transport Project Emerging Economies (DTEE)
News -
Recently, NITI Aayog and the International Transport Forum (ITF) launched it in India.
Its a five-year project to develop a low-carbon transport system through the development of modelling tools and policies.
It supports transport decarbonisation across different world regions.
Participating countries - India, Argentina, Azerbaijan, and Morocco.
- It is a collaborative project of the ITF and the Wuppertal Institute and International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment
#2MinRead #PT2020
International Transport Forum (ITF)
- Formed in 2006 by 43 countries.
- Headquarter - in Paris, France.
- It is an intergovernmental organisation within the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with 60 member countries.
- It acts as a think tank for transport policy and organises the Annual Summit of transport ministers.
- ITF is the only global body that covers all transport modes.
- The ITF is administratively integrated with the OECD, yet politically autonomous.
International Transport Forum (ITF)
- Formed in 2006 by 43 countries.
- Headquarter - in Paris, France.
- It is an intergovernmental organisation within the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with 60 member countries.
- It acts as a think tank for transport policy and organises the Annual Summit of transport ministers.
- ITF is the only global body that covers all transport modes.
- The ITF is administratively integrated with the OECD, yet politically autonomous.
#IR_InNews #PT2020
75th United Nations Day
Its 75th anniversary is on 24 October 2020.
To mark its 75th anniversary, the UN is igniting a people’s debate: UN75, to encourage people to put their opinions on how enhanced international cooperation can help realize a better world by 2045.
UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter and the founding of the Organization in 1945.
Context
Recently, a commemorative declaration marking the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations (UN) Charter was delayed as member states could not reach an agreement on phraseology.
Five Eyes (FVEY)— Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with India, objected (hence broke the silence process) to the use of a phrase “shared vision of a common future”, which is associated with China.
Silence process is a procedure by which a resolution passes if no formal objections are raised within a stipulated time.
75th United Nations Day
Its 75th anniversary is on 24 October 2020.
To mark its 75th anniversary, the UN is igniting a people’s debate: UN75, to encourage people to put their opinions on how enhanced international cooperation can help realize a better world by 2045.
UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter and the founding of the Organization in 1945.
Context
Recently, a commemorative declaration marking the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations (UN) Charter was delayed as member states could not reach an agreement on phraseology.
Five Eyes (FVEY)— Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with India, objected (hence broke the silence process) to the use of a phrase “shared vision of a common future”, which is associated with China.
Silence process is a procedure by which a resolution passes if no formal objections are raised within a stipulated time.
#OrgInNews #PT2020 #2MinRead
United Nations
- It is an intergovernmental organization
- Aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
- UN is headquartered on international territory in New York City, with its other main offices in Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna and The Hague.
- Official languages - Arabic, Chinese, English French, Russian and Spanish
- Members - 193 member states
2 observer states
Six main organs of the UN
1. General Assembly,
2. Security Council,
3. Economic and Social Council,
4. Trusteeship Council,
5. International Court of Justice,
6. UN Secretariat.
United Nations
- It is an intergovernmental organization
- Aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
- UN is headquartered on international territory in New York City, with its other main offices in Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna and The Hague.
- Official languages - Arabic, Chinese, English French, Russian and Spanish
- Members - 193 member states
2 observer states
Six main organs of the UN
1. General Assembly,
2. Security Council,
3. Economic and Social Council,
4. Trusteeship Council,
5. International Court of Justice,
6. UN Secretariat.
#OrgInNews #PT2020 #2MinRead
ASEAN
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit
- It is a regional grouping that promotes economic, political, and security cooperation.
- Established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration)
- Secretariat - Jakarta, Indonesia
- Founding fathers of ASEAN - Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
- It consists of 10 members namely, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Chairmanship of ASEAN rotates annually, based on the alphabetical order of the English names of Member States.
- ASEAN countries have a total population of 650 million people and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $2.8 trillion.
News -
Recently, the 36th ASEAN Summit was held via video conference to focus on the Covid-19 pandemic response, post-pandemic recovery and further cooperation.
ASEAN
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit
- It is a regional grouping that promotes economic, political, and security cooperation.
- Established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration)
- Secretariat - Jakarta, Indonesia
- Founding fathers of ASEAN - Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
- It consists of 10 members namely, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Chairmanship of ASEAN rotates annually, based on the alphabetical order of the English names of Member States.
- ASEAN countries have a total population of 650 million people and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $2.8 trillion.
News -
Recently, the 36th ASEAN Summit was held via video conference to focus on the Covid-19 pandemic response, post-pandemic recovery and further cooperation.
#Govt_Initiative #2MinRead #PT2020
Skills Build Reignite
- Launched by Ministry of Skill Development And Entrepreneurship and IBM
- It's a Free Digital Learning Platform to reach more job seekers & provide new resources to business owners in India.
- provides access to free online coursework and mentoring support designed to help them reinvent careers and businesses.
- content on topics like Artificial intelligence, Cloud, Data analytics and security to reskill and upskill themselves, is provided at no cost.
- There is also personalized coaching for entrepreneurs, seeking advice on recovery out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Skills Build Reignite
- Launched by Ministry of Skill Development And Entrepreneurship and IBM
- It's a Free Digital Learning Platform to reach more job seekers & provide new resources to business owners in India.
- provides access to free online coursework and mentoring support designed to help them reinvent careers and businesses.
- content on topics like Artificial intelligence, Cloud, Data analytics and security to reskill and upskill themselves, is provided at no cost.
- There is also personalized coaching for entrepreneurs, seeking advice on recovery out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
#IR_InNews #PT2020
STARS Program
- It stands for ‘Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States Program’.
- Launched in 1994 by World Bank Group
- It helps in addressing the learning outcome challenges existing in the educational system in rural parts of India.
- It supports ‘Education for All’ initiative of central govt.
News-
World Bank Group has announced a loan of USD 500 million for improving the quality and governance of school education system in India.
@Digicate
STARS Program
- It stands for ‘Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States Program’.
- Launched in 1994 by World Bank Group
- It helps in addressing the learning outcome challenges existing in the educational system in rural parts of India.
- It supports ‘Education for All’ initiative of central govt.
News-
World Bank Group has announced a loan of USD 500 million for improving the quality and governance of school education system in India.
@Digicate
#Environment_Basic #PT2020 #2MinRead
Great Indian Bustard
- It is a large bird with a horizontal body and long bare legs (ostrich like appearance)
- This bird is among the heaviest of the flying birds.
- They are often found associated in the same habitat as blackbuck
- Naturally Found in - Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
Population: about 150 individuals worldwide and largest populations are found in Rajasthan.
Conservation Status:
- It is Listed in- Schedule I of Indian Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972 and Bonn Convention
- Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
- IUCN Red List- as Critically Endangered
Great Indian Bustard
- It is a large bird with a horizontal body and long bare legs (ostrich like appearance)
- This bird is among the heaviest of the flying birds.
- They are often found associated in the same habitat as blackbuck
- Naturally Found in - Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
Population: about 150 individuals worldwide and largest populations are found in Rajasthan.
Conservation Status:
- It is Listed in- Schedule I of Indian Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972 and Bonn Convention
- Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
- IUCN Red List- as Critically Endangered
#Environment_Basic #PT2020
CITES Convention
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
- It is as an international agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
- Its text was agreed in Washington, DC, in 1973 (So it is also referred to as Washington Convention) and entered into force in 1975.
- Parties - 183
- It is legally binding on Parties i.e. they are committed to implementing it.
- It is administered through United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
- Secretariat - Geneva, Switzerland.
CITES Appendix:
- It classifies plants and animals according to three categories, or appendices, based on level of threats faced by them.
- CITES also restricts trade in items made from such plants and animals, such as food, medicine, clothing, and souvenirs etc.
Appendix I: It includes species threatened with extinction. completely bans commercial trade in specimens of these species. But permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
Appendix II: species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but may become so unless protected.
Appendix III: It contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade.
CITES Convention
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
- It is as an international agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
- Its text was agreed in Washington, DC, in 1973 (So it is also referred to as Washington Convention) and entered into force in 1975.
- Parties - 183
- It is legally binding on Parties i.e. they are committed to implementing it.
- It is administered through United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
- Secretariat - Geneva, Switzerland.
CITES Appendix:
- It classifies plants and animals according to three categories, or appendices, based on level of threats faced by them.
- CITES also restricts trade in items made from such plants and animals, such as food, medicine, clothing, and souvenirs etc.
Appendix I: It includes species threatened with extinction. completely bans commercial trade in specimens of these species. But permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
Appendix II: species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but may become so unless protected.
Appendix III: It contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade.
#Environment_Current #PT2020
Okjokull glacier
- Location - Iceland
- It is 1st Icelandic glacier to lose its status as glacier.
- The glacier was officially declared dead by Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO)
- Scientists warn that hundreds of other ice sheets on subarctic island risk the same fate.
- Iceland loses about 11 billion tonnes of ice/year. Scientists fear that all of island country’s 400-plus glaciers will be gone by 2200.
Okjokull glacier
- Location - Iceland
- It is 1st Icelandic glacier to lose its status as glacier.
- The glacier was officially declared dead by Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO)
- Scientists warn that hundreds of other ice sheets on subarctic island risk the same fate.
- Iceland loses about 11 billion tonnes of ice/year. Scientists fear that all of island country’s 400-plus glaciers will be gone by 2200.
#Environment_Current #PT2020 #2MinRead
Conference of Parties(CoP)- 13 - Bonn Convention
- Held in India in March 2020.
- Theme - “Migratory species connect the planet, and We welcome them home”.
- Mascot - Great Indian Bustard
- Logo: Kolam Art form of Southern India
Highlights
- A draft resolution was presented by the European Union: EUROBATS Agreement- focuses on insect decline.
- The ‘State of India’s Birds Report 2020’ was released - 79% of Indian species of birds declined in population.
- 3 Migratory Mammals Targeted
1. Gobi Bear
- found in Gobi-desert of Mongolia
- Critically Endangered, IUCN Red List
2. Persian Leopards
- found in Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia
- Endangered, IUCN Red List
3. Urials (Wild sheeps)
- Found in Kazakhstan, Pakistan and India
- Vulnerable, IUCN Red List
@Digicate
Conference of Parties(CoP)- 13 - Bonn Convention
- Held in India in March 2020.
- Theme - “Migratory species connect the planet, and We welcome them home”.
- Mascot - Great Indian Bustard
- Logo: Kolam Art form of Southern India
Highlights
- A draft resolution was presented by the European Union: EUROBATS Agreement- focuses on insect decline.
- The ‘State of India’s Birds Report 2020’ was released - 79% of Indian species of birds declined in population.
- 3 Migratory Mammals Targeted
1. Gobi Bear
- found in Gobi-desert of Mongolia
- Critically Endangered, IUCN Red List
2. Persian Leopards
- found in Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia
- Endangered, IUCN Red List
3. Urials (Wild sheeps)
- Found in Kazakhstan, Pakistan and India
- Vulnerable, IUCN Red List
@Digicate
#Environment_Basic
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
- also called as Bonn Convention
- It is an international agreement that aims to conserve migratory species within their migratory ranges.
- signed in 1979 under the United Nations Environment Programme
- Parties - 129 States
- Location - Bonn, Germany
- It is the only global intergovernmental organization established exclusively for the conservation and management of terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species.
- India has been a Party to the CMS since the year 1983.
Appendix I
Under this convention, migratory species which are threatened with extinction are listed on
Appendix II
Migratory species which need or would significantly benefit from international co-operation are listed on.
@Digicate
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
- also called as Bonn Convention
- It is an international agreement that aims to conserve migratory species within their migratory ranges.
- signed in 1979 under the United Nations Environment Programme
- Parties - 129 States
- Location - Bonn, Germany
- It is the only global intergovernmental organization established exclusively for the conservation and management of terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species.
- India has been a Party to the CMS since the year 1983.
Appendix I
Under this convention, migratory species which are threatened with extinction are listed on
Appendix II
Migratory species which need or would significantly benefit from international co-operation are listed on.
@Digicate