#MainsFodder #PT2021
World Malaria Report
Released by WHO
Key findings:
- 19 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and India accounted for 85% of the global malaria burden in 2018.
- Africa and India saw the maximum dip in malaria cases between 2017 and 2018.
- India showed a reduction in reported cases of 51% compared to 2017.
Challenges in Asia:
- Decreased funding
- Treatment failures
- Vector resistance to pyrethroids
- The insectides used against the vectors etc.
World Malaria Report
Released by WHO
Key findings:
- 19 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and India accounted for 85% of the global malaria burden in 2018.
- Africa and India saw the maximum dip in malaria cases between 2017 and 2018.
- India showed a reduction in reported cases of 51% compared to 2017.
Challenges in Asia:
- Decreased funding
- Treatment failures
- Vector resistance to pyrethroids
- The insectides used against the vectors etc.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
USCC Report
- The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC)
Key points of report
- Chinese government planned the Galwan Valley clash with ‘fatalities’ on the Indian side in mind.
- Just weeks before the June 15 faceoff, China had signalled its intent to escalate tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control.
- Exact motivations behind the China’s behaviour on the LAC this year remain unclear.
- Chinese forces have secured access and potential naval basing facilities in Pakistan.
USCC Report
- The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC)
Key points of report
- Chinese government planned the Galwan Valley clash with ‘fatalities’ on the Indian side in mind.
- Just weeks before the June 15 faceoff, China had signalled its intent to escalate tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control.
- Exact motivations behind the China’s behaviour on the LAC this year remain unclear.
- Chinese forces have secured access and potential naval basing facilities in Pakistan.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Homes for Transgender Children
In News: India’s first homes for transgender children in need of care and protection will soon be established.
- Will establish in Bengaluru Urban.
- Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development
Structure:
1. Two government-run homes reserved for transgender children.
2. The two homes would have the capacity to house 50 children each.
3. Children include orphans, abandoned children, street children, child labourers and child victims of abuse.
Reason for establishment: Child Welfare Committee (CWC) is not able to place the transgender children in the existing children’s homes for boys and girls.
Homes for Transgender Children
In News: India’s first homes for transgender children in need of care and protection will soon be established.
- Will establish in Bengaluru Urban.
- Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development
Structure:
1. Two government-run homes reserved for transgender children.
2. The two homes would have the capacity to house 50 children each.
3. Children include orphans, abandoned children, street children, child labourers and child victims of abuse.
Reason for establishment: Child Welfare Committee (CWC) is not able to place the transgender children in the existing children’s homes for boys and girls.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
AI & Robotics Technologies Park (ARTPARK)
- It is a not-for-profit foundation set up in Bengaluru.
Established by Indian Institute of Science (IISc) & AI Foundry in a public-private model.
Funded by Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India.
Implement under National Mission on Inter-disciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems.
Function:
1. Itwill leverage AI & Robotics in a mission-driven model that will have a societal impact.
2. Develop facilities to support technology innovations and capacity building.
3. Mentor technoprenour
4.It will develop DataSetu - boost AI solutions.
real-time Indic
5.BhashaSetu-that will enable real-time Indic language translation, both of speech to speech and speech to text.
AI & Robotics Technologies Park (ARTPARK)
- It is a not-for-profit foundation set up in Bengaluru.
Established by Indian Institute of Science (IISc) & AI Foundry in a public-private model.
Funded by Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India.
Implement under National Mission on Inter-disciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems.
Function:
1. Itwill leverage AI & Robotics in a mission-driven model that will have a societal impact.
2. Develop facilities to support technology innovations and capacity building.
3. Mentor technoprenour
4.It will develop DataSetu - boost AI solutions.
real-time Indic
5.BhashaSetu-that will enable real-time Indic language translation, both of speech to speech and speech to text.
#2MinRead# IR news-Pre-cum Mains
Cannabis
News: The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) has decided to remove cannabis and cannabis resin from (most dangerous substances) Schedule IV of 1961 Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
Cannabis: Cannabis is a drug that comes from Indian hemp plants such as Cannabis sativa and
Cannabis indica.
Uses of cannabis:
1. Treating Nausea and vomiting, particularly when associated with chemotherapy
2. Wasting and severe weight loss, in people with HIV/AIDS etc.
Effects of this:
1. It will change the way cannabis is regulated internationally.
2. Will use for medical purpose freely
Current status: Both cannabis and cannabis resin will continue to remain on Schedule I (least dangerous substance).
India’s stand:
1. India has voted with the majority at the United Nations for its removal.
2. Under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the production of cannabis is a punishable offence.
Cannabis
News: The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) has decided to remove cannabis and cannabis resin from (most dangerous substances) Schedule IV of 1961 Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
Cannabis: Cannabis is a drug that comes from Indian hemp plants such as Cannabis sativa and
Cannabis indica.
Uses of cannabis:
1. Treating Nausea and vomiting, particularly when associated with chemotherapy
2. Wasting and severe weight loss, in people with HIV/AIDS etc.
Effects of this:
1. It will change the way cannabis is regulated internationally.
2. Will use for medical purpose freely
Current status: Both cannabis and cannabis resin will continue to remain on Schedule I (least dangerous substance).
India’s stand:
1. India has voted with the majority at the United Nations for its removal.
2. Under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the production of cannabis is a punishable offence.
#MainsFodder# PT 2021
Malayan Giant Squirrel
In News: Zoological Survey of India in a first-of-its-kind study, has projected that numbers of the Malayan Giant Squirrel could decline by 90% in India by 2050.
Key points:
1. Scientific name is Ratufa bicolor Native to the forests of India’s northeast.
2. Found in parts of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.
3. Considered to be a forest health indicator species.
Status: It is listed as Near Threatened in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Concern: Numbers of this squirrel could decline by 90% in India by 2050.
Threat: Deforestation, fragmentation of forests, crop cultivation and over-harvesting of food, illegal trade etc.
Malayan Giant Squirrel
In News: Zoological Survey of India in a first-of-its-kind study, has projected that numbers of the Malayan Giant Squirrel could decline by 90% in India by 2050.
Key points:
1. Scientific name is Ratufa bicolor Native to the forests of India’s northeast.
2. Found in parts of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.
3. Considered to be a forest health indicator species.
Status: It is listed as Near Threatened in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Concern: Numbers of this squirrel could decline by 90% in India by 2050.
Threat: Deforestation, fragmentation of forests, crop cultivation and over-harvesting of food, illegal trade etc.
Hello Everyone,
We are glad to Relaunch the much awaited
"Prelims Test Series 2021"
Under the Guidance of IPS Sudhir Kekan Sir, who never failed in Prelims.
We strongly believe, these Tests would be a gamechanger for Prelims 2021.
Moreover, Sudhir sir will provide Remark section, discussing the Tricks to solve MCQs.
Further, Explanations of Each MCQs would be #2MinRead format, very precise, so that Quick revisions would be possible.
We are launching these Tests on No Profit No Loss Basis, so that Maximum number of students should be benefited.
Please spread the word.
Price - Only Rs 999 for first 250 Admissions
More Details and Enroll @
https://digicate.in/ias/test-series
Thank you
Team Digicate
We are glad to Relaunch the much awaited
"Prelims Test Series 2021"
Under the Guidance of IPS Sudhir Kekan Sir, who never failed in Prelims.
We strongly believe, these Tests would be a gamechanger for Prelims 2021.
Moreover, Sudhir sir will provide Remark section, discussing the Tricks to solve MCQs.
Further, Explanations of Each MCQs would be #2MinRead format, very precise, so that Quick revisions would be possible.
We are launching these Tests on No Profit No Loss Basis, so that Maximum number of students should be benefited.
Please spread the word.
Price - Only Rs 999 for first 250 Admissions
More Details and Enroll @
https://digicate.in/ias/test-series
Thank you
Team Digicate
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Feminization of Red Sea Turtles
In News: Red Sea Turtles are turning overwhelmingly female.
Reason: Because of a rise in sea temperatures.
Ideal conditions: Temperature of 29.2 degrees Celsius is pivotal for 50-50 ration of population.
- Sand temperatures exceeded this limit.
The Red Sea is home to 5 out of 7 species of sea turtles. They are:
1. Green turtle (Endangered)
2. Hawksbill turtle (Critically Endangered)
3. Loggerhead turtle (Critically Endangered)
4. Olive Ridley turtle (Vulnerable)
5. Leatherback turtle (Vulnerable)
Feminization of Red Sea Turtles
In News: Red Sea Turtles are turning overwhelmingly female.
Reason: Because of a rise in sea temperatures.
Ideal conditions: Temperature of 29.2 degrees Celsius is pivotal for 50-50 ration of population.
- Sand temperatures exceeded this limit.
The Red Sea is home to 5 out of 7 species of sea turtles. They are:
1. Green turtle (Endangered)
2. Hawksbill turtle (Critically Endangered)
3. Loggerhead turtle (Critically Endangered)
4. Olive Ridley turtle (Vulnerable)
5. Leatherback turtle (Vulnerable)
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Arecibo Telescope
In News: Puerto Rico’s Arecibo telescope, the world’s second-largest single-dish radio telescope (1963) has collapsed.
- The US National Science Foundation owned the telescope.
Function: To observe planets
asteroids and the ionosphere.
Discoveries:
1. Prebiotic molecules in distant galaxies, the first exoplanets, and the first millisecond pulsar.
2. In 1967, planet Mercury rotates in 59 days and not 88 days.
3. Tracked killer asteroids heading towards Earth.
4. Provided a strict test of Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity and the first evidence for the existence of gravitational waves.
Arecibo Telescope
In News: Puerto Rico’s Arecibo telescope, the world’s second-largest single-dish radio telescope (1963) has collapsed.
- The US National Science Foundation owned the telescope.
Function: To observe planets
asteroids and the ionosphere.
Discoveries:
1. Prebiotic molecules in distant galaxies, the first exoplanets, and the first millisecond pulsar.
2. In 1967, planet Mercury rotates in 59 days and not 88 days.
3. Tracked killer asteroids heading towards Earth.
4. Provided a strict test of Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity and the first evidence for the existence of gravitational waves.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Online voting for NRIs
News: Recently, the Election Commission of India extends the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) to NRI voters for elections next year in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
Background:
1. Writ petitions by NRIs in SC in 2013.
2. In 2014 12-member committee was setup.
3. 2017 Union Cabinet passed the proposal on proxy voting rights for NRIs.
Current Voting Process for NRIs:
An NRI can vote in the constituency in his/her place of
residence, as mentioned in the passport, is located.
Process of Voting by Postal Ballots:
1. inform the Returning Officer (RO) not later than five days after the notification of the election.
2. RO will dispatch the ballot paper electronically.
3. The NRI voters will download the ballot paper, mark their preference on the printout and send it back.
4. Also send back a declaration attested by an officer appointed by the diplomatic or consular representative of India.
Online voting for NRIs
News: Recently, the Election Commission of India extends the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) to NRI voters for elections next year in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
Background:
1. Writ petitions by NRIs in SC in 2013.
2. In 2014 12-member committee was setup.
3. 2017 Union Cabinet passed the proposal on proxy voting rights for NRIs.
Current Voting Process for NRIs:
An NRI can vote in the constituency in his/her place of
residence, as mentioned in the passport, is located.
Process of Voting by Postal Ballots:
1. inform the Returning Officer (RO) not later than five days after the notification of the election.
2. RO will dispatch the ballot paper electronically.
3. The NRI voters will download the ballot paper, mark their preference on the printout and send it back.
4. Also send back a declaration attested by an officer appointed by the diplomatic or consular representative of India.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
IGP as Ammonia Hotspot
News: IIT Kharagpur found that Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) is a global hot-spot of atmospheric ammonia.
Key points:
- Atmospheric ammonia generated due use of nitrogenous fertilizers, manure management etc.
- Positive correlation between atmospheric ammonia and fertilizer consumption.
Threat: key role in the deterioration of air quality in India by actively contributing to the formation of secondary aerosols.
Measures: Adoption of precision farming along with seasonal restrictions on the use of fertilizers.
- The general trend in atmospheric ammonia over India is negative in most seasons.
IGP as Ammonia Hotspot
News: IIT Kharagpur found that Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) is a global hot-spot of atmospheric ammonia.
Key points:
- Atmospheric ammonia generated due use of nitrogenous fertilizers, manure management etc.
- Positive correlation between atmospheric ammonia and fertilizer consumption.
Threat: key role in the deterioration of air quality in India by actively contributing to the formation of secondary aerosols.
Measures: Adoption of precision farming along with seasonal restrictions on the use of fertilizers.
- The general trend in atmospheric ammonia over India is negative in most seasons.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
PKVY for Lakshadweep
News: The UT’s proposal to declare it as organic was approved by the Centre
Implements: Certifications under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) of India through Paramaparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.
(PKVY is the Centre’s Organic Farming Improvement Programme.)
Key points:
- Had not spent on any synthetic chemicals since 2005.
- Instructed to use only organic fertilisers, including locally available organic inputs and organic waste.
- No genetically modified organism is allowed to be used.
- A village-wise certification under PGS-India programme, for making a formal announcement.
PKVY for Lakshadweep
News: The UT’s proposal to declare it as organic was approved by the Centre
Implements: Certifications under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) of India through Paramaparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.
(PKVY is the Centre’s Organic Farming Improvement Programme.)
Key points:
- Had not spent on any synthetic chemicals since 2005.
- Instructed to use only organic fertilisers, including locally available organic inputs and organic waste.
- No genetically modified organism is allowed to be used.
- A village-wise certification under PGS-India programme, for making a formal announcement.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Operation Blackface
- This operation is against the Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) across the country.
In News: Maharashtra Cyber becomes India’s first agency to acquire software ‘Crawler’ from the Interpol.
Key points:
1. It’s a drive to tackle child porn uploaders
2. It will aid in police’s crackdown against offenders of child pornography.
3. This software will be used in Operation Blackface.
Operation Blackface
- This operation is against the Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) across the country.
In News: Maharashtra Cyber becomes India’s first agency to acquire software ‘Crawler’ from the Interpol.
Key points:
1. It’s a drive to tackle child porn uploaders
2. It will aid in police’s crackdown against offenders of child pornography.
3. This software will be used in Operation Blackface.