#MainsFodder #PT2021
APEC Virtual Meet
In News: Virtual meeting of the 21-member APEC forum was held.
- Hosted by Malaysia.
Key Points
- Growth rate declined by 2.7% from 3.6% last year
- Replaced Bogor Goals
- Putrajya Vision 2014 adopted
Focus areas:
- Trade and investment
- Digital Economy and Technology
- Structural Reform
Economic and Technical Cooperation etc.
APEC Virtual Meet
In News: Virtual meeting of the 21-member APEC forum was held.
- Hosted by Malaysia.
Key Points
- Growth rate declined by 2.7% from 3.6% last year
- Replaced Bogor Goals
- Putrajya Vision 2014 adopted
Focus areas:
- Trade and investment
- Digital Economy and Technology
- Structural Reform
Economic and Technical Cooperation etc.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)
In News: 30th edition of CORPAT has been concluded in the Andaman Sea.
- Neval Exercise held twice annually
- Started since 2005
Aim:
- Keep Indian Ocean safe & Secure
- To ensure effective implementation of the UNCLOS.
Participants:
1. Indian Naval Ship (INS)
2.Karmuk and Thailand Frigate HTMS Kraburi
3. Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
Other Military Exercises
- Exercise MAITREE (Army)
- Exercise SIAM BHARAT (Air Force).
India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)
In News: 30th edition of CORPAT has been concluded in the Andaman Sea.
- Neval Exercise held twice annually
- Started since 2005
Aim:
- Keep Indian Ocean safe & Secure
- To ensure effective implementation of the UNCLOS.
Participants:
1. Indian Naval Ship (INS)
2.Karmuk and Thailand Frigate HTMS Kraburi
3. Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
Other Military Exercises
- Exercise MAITREE (Army)
- Exercise SIAM BHARAT (Air Force).
#2minRead #IR_InNews #Pre-cum-Mains
G-20 Summit 2020
In News: Recently held virtually, India called for a “New Global Index” for the post-Corona world.
- It is an Informal group of 19 countries and the EU with representatives of the IMF and WB.
New Global Index will be based on 4 pillars:
1.Talent
2.Technology
3.Transparency
4.Trusteeship towards the planet.
- 2020 hosted by Saudi Arabia.
Key topics discussed:
- Talent
- Technology
- Transparency
- Trusteeship
Future meetings
1. Italy in 2021
2.Indonesia in 2022
3.India in 2023
4.Brazil in 2024.
India's Initiatives for Lowering Emissions
- Infrastructure
- PushProducing Clean Energy
- International Solar Alliance (ISA).
- Combat Desertification
- Clean Air & Water
G-20 Summit 2020
In News: Recently held virtually, India called for a “New Global Index” for the post-Corona world.
- It is an Informal group of 19 countries and the EU with representatives of the IMF and WB.
New Global Index will be based on 4 pillars:
1.Talent
2.Technology
3.Transparency
4.Trusteeship towards the planet.
- 2020 hosted by Saudi Arabia.
Key topics discussed:
- Talent
- Technology
- Transparency
- Trusteeship
Future meetings
1. Italy in 2021
2.Indonesia in 2022
3.India in 2023
4.Brazil in 2024.
India's Initiatives for Lowering Emissions
- Infrastructure
- PushProducing Clean Energy
- International Solar Alliance (ISA).
- Combat Desertification
- Clean Air & Water
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Chang’e-5 spacecraft
- Launched by China
- Location: from Wenchang Space Launch Center (China)
- Aim: To bring back lunar rocks.
Named after the ancient Chinese goddess of the moon.
- Significance:
1. It would make China only the third country to have retrieved lunar samples.
2. Information of Moon’s origins.
3.Volcanic activity on its surface and its interior etc.
Chang’e-5 spacecraft
- Launched by China
- Location: from Wenchang Space Launch Center (China)
- Aim: To bring back lunar rocks.
Named after the ancient Chinese goddess of the moon.
- Significance:
1. It would make China only the third country to have retrieved lunar samples.
2. Information of Moon’s origins.
3.Volcanic activity on its surface and its interior etc.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Desalination plant
In News: Recently, Maharashtra announced the setting up of a desalination plant in Mumbai.
Process: It turns salt water into water that is fit to drink
Focus: The plant will process 200 million litres of water daily (MLD)
Aim: help in overcoming the water shortage faced by Mumbai in summer.
Key points
- Maharashtra will be the fourth state to experiment this.
- Reverse osmosis technology will be used.
- Set up in sea water areas
Desalination plant
In News: Recently, Maharashtra announced the setting up of a desalination plant in Mumbai.
Process: It turns salt water into water that is fit to drink
Focus: The plant will process 200 million litres of water daily (MLD)
Aim: help in overcoming the water shortage faced by Mumbai in summer.
Key points
- Maharashtra will be the fourth state to experiment this.
- Reverse osmosis technology will be used.
- Set up in sea water areas
#2minRead #pre-cum-Mains
National Nutrition Mission
In News: The NITI Aayog has released “Accelerating Progress on Nutrition in India: What Will It Take”.
- 3rd progress report on the National Nutrition Mission
- Launched in 2018
- Aim: To improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
- Supported by NITI Aayog
- Funds: 50% from World Bank (or multi-developer bank) & 50% from Centre.
Key points of Report:
- Takes stock of the roll-out status on the ground and implementation challenges
- Deepening poverty and hunger may delay due to pandemic
- Use of large-scale datasets
(These datasets are the NFHS-4 and Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey)
National Nutrition Mission
In News: The NITI Aayog has released “Accelerating Progress on Nutrition in India: What Will It Take”.
- 3rd progress report on the National Nutrition Mission
- Launched in 2018
- Aim: To improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
- Supported by NITI Aayog
- Funds: 50% from World Bank (or multi-developer bank) & 50% from Centre.
Key points of Report:
- Takes stock of the roll-out status on the ground and implementation challenges
- Deepening poverty and hunger may delay due to pandemic
- Use of large-scale datasets
(These datasets are the NFHS-4 and Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey)
#Mains Fodder#PT2021
Cyclone Nivar
In News: Recently, the tropical cyclone Nivar has made landfall along the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast.
- It is the fourth cyclone that has hit North Indian Ocean.
- Named Cyclone Nivar, based on the guidelines of the WMO.
- It has weakened from a very severe cyclonic storm to a severe cyclonic storm.
Cyclone Nivar
In News: Recently, the tropical cyclone Nivar has made landfall along the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast.
- It is the fourth cyclone that has hit North Indian Ocean.
- Named Cyclone Nivar, based on the guidelines of the WMO.
- It has weakened from a very severe cyclonic storm to a severe cyclonic storm.
#Mains Fodder#PT 2021
Land-attack version of the BrahMos
News: India has successfully test-fired a land-attack version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Features:
- Range 400 km
- Top-attack mode
- Speed 2.8 Mach
Significance:
- Display of India’s tactical cruise missile triad.
- Enhancing India’s capability of engaging enemy’s vitally important targets.
- Test fired a number of missiles
Land-attack version of the BrahMos
News: India has successfully test-fired a land-attack version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Features:
- Range 400 km
- Top-attack mode
- Speed 2.8 Mach
Significance:
- Display of India’s tactical cruise missile triad.
- Enhancing India’s capability of engaging enemy’s vitally important targets.
- Test fired a number of missiles
#2minRead #Pre-cum-Mains
PRAGATI Meeting
In News: Recently, the Prime Minister (PM) has chaired the 33rd PRAGATI meeting.
- Multimodal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.
- Launched in 2015
- It is a three-tier system
1. PMO
2.Union Government Secretaries
3. Chief Secretaries of the States
Objective:
1. Grievance Redressal
2. Programme Implementation
3. Project Monitoring
Significance:
1. It promotes cooperative federalism
2. Bringing e-transparency and e-accountability.
3. Bring e-governance and good governance.
PRAGATI Meeting
In News: Recently, the Prime Minister (PM) has chaired the 33rd PRAGATI meeting.
- Multimodal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.
- Launched in 2015
- It is a three-tier system
1. PMO
2.Union Government Secretaries
3. Chief Secretaries of the States
Objective:
1. Grievance Redressal
2. Programme Implementation
3. Project Monitoring
Significance:
1. It promotes cooperative federalism
2. Bringing e-transparency and e-accountability.
3. Bring e-governance and good governance.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Honey Farmer Producer Organisation Programme(HFPO)
In News: Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has virtually inaugurated it.
- Launched under Formation and Promotion of FPOs.
- Central Sector Scheme
- NAFED has been appointed as the 4th national implementing agency.
- Honey collectors in 5 states of India.
- First Honey FPO has been in Madhya Pradesh
Significance:
- Skill Upgradation
- Provide infrastructural facilities
- Quality upgradation by quality control laboratories.
- Better supply chain management
Honey Farmer Producer Organisation Programme(HFPO)
In News: Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has virtually inaugurated it.
- Launched under Formation and Promotion of FPOs.
- Central Sector Scheme
- NAFED has been appointed as the 4th national implementing agency.
- Honey collectors in 5 states of India.
- First Honey FPO has been in Madhya Pradesh
Significance:
- Skill Upgradation
- Provide infrastructural facilities
- Quality upgradation by quality control laboratories.
- Better supply chain management
#MainsFodder #PT2021
India Climate Knowledge Portal
Launched by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Objective:
- Information of climate change issues.
- Government initiatives for addressing climate issues.
Benefits: single point Information resource
Structure: 8 componenets
1. India’s Climate Profile
2. National Policy Framework
3. India’s Nationally determined contributions (NDC) Goals
4. Adaptation Actions
5. Mitigation Actions
6. Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation
7. International Climate Negotiations
8. Reports & Publications
India Climate Knowledge Portal
Launched by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Objective:
- Information of climate change issues.
- Government initiatives for addressing climate issues.
Benefits: single point Information resource
Structure: 8 componenets
1. India’s Climate Profile
2. National Policy Framework
3. India’s Nationally determined contributions (NDC) Goals
4. Adaptation Actions
5. Mitigation Actions
6. Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation
7. International Climate Negotiations
8. Reports & Publications
#MainsFodder #PT2021
India-Vietnam Relationship
In News: Recently discussed collaboration in defence industry,cooperation in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations, etc.
Aim: To enhance their bilateral cooperation in line with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo-Pacific.
Key points:
- Defence Cooperation: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2016) is key pillar.
- UN Peacekeeping
Cooperation in the field of Hydrography
- Regional East Asia Summit, Mekong Ganga Cooperation, Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM).
India-Vietnam Relationship
In News: Recently discussed collaboration in defence industry,cooperation in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations, etc.
Aim: To enhance their bilateral cooperation in line with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo-Pacific.
Key points:
- Defence Cooperation: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2016) is key pillar.
- UN Peacekeeping
Cooperation in the field of Hydrography
- Regional East Asia Summit, Mekong Ganga Cooperation, Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM).
#MainsFodder #PT2021
National Portal for Transgender Persons
Launched by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Inaugurated: Garima Greh, a shelter home for transgender persons.
Key Points about Portal:
1. As per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.
2. Digitally applying for a certificate and identity card
3. Will ensure transparency in the process.
Garima Greh:
1. Opened in Vadodara, Gujarat
2. will be run in association with the Lakshya Trust
3. It includes shelter facility, food, clothing, recreational facilities, skill development etc.
4. It will rehabilitate a minimum of 25 transgender persons in each homes.
National Portal for Transgender Persons
Launched by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Inaugurated: Garima Greh, a shelter home for transgender persons.
Key Points about Portal:
1. As per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.
2. Digitally applying for a certificate and identity card
3. Will ensure transparency in the process.
Garima Greh:
1. Opened in Vadodara, Gujarat
2. will be run in association with the Lakshya Trust
3. It includes shelter facility, food, clothing, recreational facilities, skill development etc.
4. It will rehabilitate a minimum of 25 transgender persons in each homes.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
In News: PTR has won first international award TX2 for doubling the number of tigers in the past four years.
TX2 Award:
- It was set up in 2010 in St. Petersburg Russia
- Sites will receive a small financial grant
- It goes to one site that has achieved increase in its tiger population since 2010.
Conservation Excellence Award for 2020
- Trans-boundary Manas Conservation Area straddling the India-Bhutan border has received it.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
In News: PTR has won first international award TX2 for doubling the number of tigers in the past four years.
TX2 Award:
- It was set up in 2010 in St. Petersburg Russia
- Sites will receive a small financial grant
- It goes to one site that has achieved increase in its tiger population since 2010.
Conservation Excellence Award for 2020
- Trans-boundary Manas Conservation Area straddling the India-Bhutan border has received it.
#2minRead #Pre-cum Mains
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020
Implemented since 10th January 2020
Aim
It seeks to recognize the identity of transgender and prohibit discrimination in various fields.
Background:
In 2014, National Legal Services Authority versus Union of India established the foundation.
Key Features:
- It prohibits the discrimination of transgender persons at educational establishments etc.
- Certificate of Identity
- Equal Opportunity Policy
- Complaint Officer
- Transgender Protection Cell
- Welfare schemes
- Medical Care Facilities
- National Council for Transgender Persons
- Offences and Penalties
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020
Implemented since 10th January 2020
Aim
It seeks to recognize the identity of transgender and prohibit discrimination in various fields.
Background:
In 2014, National Legal Services Authority versus Union of India established the foundation.
Key Features:
- It prohibits the discrimination of transgender persons at educational establishments etc.
- Certificate of Identity
- Equal Opportunity Policy
- Complaint Officer
- Transgender Protection Cell
- Welfare schemes
- Medical Care Facilities
- National Council for Transgender Persons
- Offences and Penalties
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Mission COVID Suraksha
In News: Announced the stimulus packsage of Rs. 900 crore for this Mission
Fund: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for Research and Development
- It is a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Aim:
1. It will help the development process of the vaccine candidates.
2. Accelerating pre-clinical and clinical development
Implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
Grants:
Rs. 900 Crore for a period of 12
months.
Vaccines:
1. Covishield by The Serum Institute of India
2. Covaxin by ICMR
3. ZyCoV-D by Zydus Cadila
4. Sputnik V by Russia
5. BNT162b2 by Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine candidate
Mission COVID Suraksha
In News: Announced the stimulus packsage of Rs. 900 crore for this Mission
Fund: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for Research and Development
- It is a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Aim:
1. It will help the development process of the vaccine candidates.
2. Accelerating pre-clinical and clinical development
Implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
Grants:
Rs. 900 Crore for a period of 12
months.
Vaccines:
1. Covishield by The Serum Institute of India
2. Covaxin by ICMR
3. ZyCoV-D by Zydus Cadila
4. Sputnik V by Russia
5. BNT162b2 by Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine candidate
#MainsFodder #PT2021
China’s hydropower project on Brahmputra
In news: Chinese Hydropower Company to construct the first downstream hydropower project on the lower reaches of the river Brahmaputra.
About the Project
Agreement between POWERCHINA company and Tibet Autonommous Region
- Part of China’s five year plan
Importance of the Project for China:
1. Provide 300 billion kWh of clean, renewable and zero-carbon electricity annually.
2. China’s goal of reaching a carbon emissions peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality till 2060.
Concerns for India:
Border issue
China’s hydropower project on Brahmputra
In news: Chinese Hydropower Company to construct the first downstream hydropower project on the lower reaches of the river Brahmaputra.
About the Project
Agreement between POWERCHINA company and Tibet Autonommous Region
- Part of China’s five year plan
Importance of the Project for China:
1. Provide 300 billion kWh of clean, renewable and zero-carbon electricity annually.
2. China’s goal of reaching a carbon emissions peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality till 2060.
Concerns for India:
Border issue
#2MinRead #Pre-cum Mains
India’s First Train on electrified route
In News: Recently, the Minister of Railways has inaugurated the newly electrified Dhigawdara-Bandikui section of North Western Railway.
Route from Dhigawara station in Alwar District, Rajasthan.
Current Electrification:
- Target till December 2023
More than 66% of the Broad gauge route has already been electrified
- Railways recorded a 371% increase in electrification during 2014-20 period
Benefits:
1. Speed will increase
2. Enhancing line capacity due to higher speed and higher haulage capacity.
3. Safety: Improved signaling system
4. Less Financial Burden: 50% cheaper
5. Seamless Movement due to higher acceleration and braking features
6. Employment Generation
7. Energy bill savings
Sustainability
India’s First Train on electrified route
In News: Recently, the Minister of Railways has inaugurated the newly electrified Dhigawdara-Bandikui section of North Western Railway.
Route from Dhigawara station in Alwar District, Rajasthan.
Current Electrification:
- Target till December 2023
More than 66% of the Broad gauge route has already been electrified
- Railways recorded a 371% increase in electrification during 2014-20 period
Benefits:
1. Speed will increase
2. Enhancing line capacity due to higher speed and higher haulage capacity.
3. Safety: Improved signaling system
4. Less Financial Burden: 50% cheaper
5. Seamless Movement due to higher acceleration and braking features
6. Employment Generation
7. Energy bill savings
Sustainability
#MainsFodder #PT2021
SCO Online Exhibition
In News: Vice President of India has launched the first ever SCO Online Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage.
Venue: 19th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government held in New Delhi
Key points of Exhibition:
1.Developed by : National Museum National Museum, New Delhi
2.Participants: Museums from India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
3. Significance:
- Budhhist Connection a single platform.
- Indian schools knowledge
- Artistic Wealth and Excellence.
SCO Online Exhibition
In News: Vice President of India has launched the first ever SCO Online Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage.
Venue: 19th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government held in New Delhi
Key points of Exhibition:
1.Developed by : National Museum National Museum, New Delhi
2.Participants: Museums from India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
3. Significance:
- Budhhist Connection a single platform.
- Indian schools knowledge
- Artistic Wealth and Excellence.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Indian peacock soft-shell turtle
Founding Institute: Sweden’s Karolinska Institute
Scientific Name: Nilssonia hurum.
Features:
1. Large head, downturned snout
2.The head and limbs are olive green
3. Forehead has dark reticulations and large yellow or orange patches or spots
4. Males possess relatively longer and thicker tails than females.
Habitat: India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Major Threats:
1. exploited for its meat and shell
2. Overfishing, pollution etc.
Conservation Status:
1. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
2.IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
3. CITES: Appendix I
Indian peacock soft-shell turtle
Founding Institute: Sweden’s Karolinska Institute
Scientific Name: Nilssonia hurum.
Features:
1. Large head, downturned snout
2.The head and limbs are olive green
3. Forehead has dark reticulations and large yellow or orange patches or spots
4. Males possess relatively longer and thicker tails than females.
Habitat: India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Major Threats:
1. exploited for its meat and shell
2. Overfishing, pollution etc.
Conservation Status:
1. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
2.IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
3. CITES: Appendix I