👉🔺 Swanidhi Scheme
- The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched a micro-credit facility for street vendors under the Swanidhi Scheme.
- It is a special micro-credit facility scheme to enable more than 50 lakh urban/peri-urban & rural street vendors to restart their livelihoods affected due to the lockdown.
- The loans are meant to help kick-start activity for vendors who have been left without any income since the lockdown was implemented on March 25.
- Duration of the scheme will be applicable till March 2022.
#Pre_2020
- The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched a micro-credit facility for street vendors under the Swanidhi Scheme.
- It is a special micro-credit facility scheme to enable more than 50 lakh urban/peri-urban & rural street vendors to restart their livelihoods affected due to the lockdown.
- The loans are meant to help kick-start activity for vendors who have been left without any income since the lockdown was implemented on March 25.
- Duration of the scheme will be applicable till March 2022.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Pardoning Power of President and Governor
- Article 72 and Article 161 empowers the President and the Governors respectively, the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence.
- The pardoning power of the President extends to the:
1) Punishment or sentence for an offence against a Union Law,
2) Punishment or sentence is by a court-martial (military court), and
3) Punishment is a Death sentence.
- The pardoning power of the Governor extends to the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any State law.
- The Governor cannot pardon against the death sentence and sentence of a Court Martial.
#Pre_2020
- Article 72 and Article 161 empowers the President and the Governors respectively, the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence.
- The pardoning power of the President extends to the:
1) Punishment or sentence for an offence against a Union Law,
2) Punishment or sentence is by a court-martial (military court), and
3) Punishment is a Death sentence.
- The pardoning power of the Governor extends to the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any State law.
- The Governor cannot pardon against the death sentence and sentence of a Court Martial.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Direct Monetisation
- It simply means that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directly funds the Central government’s deficit against government bonds or securities.
- Until 1997, the government used to sell securities directly to the RBI.
- This allowed the government to technically print equivalent amounts of currency to meet its budget deficit.
- However, this practice was stopped over its inflationary impact and in favour of fiscal prudence.
- This is different from the “indirect” monetisation that RBI does when it conducts the Open Market Operations (OMOs) and/or purchases bonds in the secondary market.
#Pre_2020
- It simply means that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directly funds the Central government’s deficit against government bonds or securities.
- Until 1997, the government used to sell securities directly to the RBI.
- This allowed the government to technically print equivalent amounts of currency to meet its budget deficit.
- However, this practice was stopped over its inflationary impact and in favour of fiscal prudence.
- This is different from the “indirect” monetisation that RBI does when it conducts the Open Market Operations (OMOs) and/or purchases bonds in the secondary market.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Important Straits
- Strait of Hormuz is a channel linking the Persian Gulf (west) with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (southeast).
- Strait of Gibraltar is a channel connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, lying between southernmost Spain and north western most Africa.
- Strait of Malacca, waterway connecting the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) and the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean).
- Cook Strait is a strait separating the North and South islands of New Zealand, extending northwest to southeast from the Tasman Sea to the South Pacific Ocean.
#Pre_2020
- Strait of Hormuz is a channel linking the Persian Gulf (west) with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (southeast).
- Strait of Gibraltar is a channel connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, lying between southernmost Spain and north western most Africa.
- Strait of Malacca, waterway connecting the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) and the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean).
- Cook Strait is a strait separating the North and South islands of New Zealand, extending northwest to southeast from the Tasman Sea to the South Pacific Ocean.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Difference between Epidemic, Endemic, Pandemic and Syndemic
- Epidemic - An epidemic is a large outbreak, one that spreads among a population or region. It is less severe than pandemic due to a limited area of spread.
- Endemic - A disease is called endemic when the presence or usual prevalence of its infectious agent is constant within a given geographical area or population group.
- Pandemic - A pandemic is declared when a new disease for which people do not have immunity
spreads around the world beyond expectations.
- Syndemic - A Syndemic is a situation when two or more epidemics interact synergistically to produce an increased burden of disease in a population.
#Pre_2020
- Epidemic - An epidemic is a large outbreak, one that spreads among a population or region. It is less severe than pandemic due to a limited area of spread.
- Endemic - A disease is called endemic when the presence or usual prevalence of its infectious agent is constant within a given geographical area or population group.
- Pandemic - A pandemic is declared when a new disease for which people do not have immunity
spreads around the world beyond expectations.
- Syndemic - A Syndemic is a situation when two or more epidemics interact synergistically to produce an increased burden of disease in a population.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Kasowal Bridge
- It is a 484- metre long permanent bridge on the River Ravi to connect the Kasowal enclave of Punjab along the Pakistan border to the rest of the country. It is Built by the Borders Roads Organization.
- The enclave was formed because it has the Ravi behind it and the International Border ahead of it.
#Pre_2020
- It is a 484- metre long permanent bridge on the River Ravi to connect the Kasowal enclave of Punjab along the Pakistan border to the rest of the country. It is Built by the Borders Roads Organization.
- The enclave was formed because it has the Ravi behind it and the International Border ahead of it.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Sacred Groves
- Sacred groves are communally protected forests which usually have a significant religious connotation for the protecting community.
- In India, there are over a lakh sacred groves across different states called by different names like Kaavu in Malayalam, Koyil kaadu in Tamil, Orans in Rajasthan, Devara kaadu in Karnataka and Sernas in Madhya Pradesh.
- Sacred groves have been legally protected under ‘community reserves’ in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002.
#Pre_2020
- Sacred groves are communally protected forests which usually have a significant religious connotation for the protecting community.
- In India, there are over a lakh sacred groves across different states called by different names like Kaavu in Malayalam, Koyil kaadu in Tamil, Orans in Rajasthan, Devara kaadu in Karnataka and Sernas in Madhya Pradesh.
- Sacred groves have been legally protected under ‘community reserves’ in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 BlackRock
- BlackRock is a banking Trojan and said to be an enhanced version of existing Xerxes malware which itself is a variant of the LokiBot Android trojan.
#Pre_2020
- BlackRock is a banking Trojan and said to be an enhanced version of existing Xerxes malware which itself is a variant of the LokiBot Android trojan.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Theravada Buddhism
- It is the most ancient branch of extant Buddhism.
- Theravada Buddhism developed in SriLanka and subsequently spread to the rest of Southeast Asia.
- It is the dominant form of religion in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
- In India, this strain of Buddhism is represented by the followers of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, known as the Ambedkar Buddhists, who are exclusive to India.
#Pre_2020
- It is the most ancient branch of extant Buddhism.
- Theravada Buddhism developed in SriLanka and subsequently spread to the rest of Southeast Asia.
- It is the dominant form of religion in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
- In India, this strain of Buddhism is represented by the followers of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, known as the Ambedkar Buddhists, who are exclusive to India.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Haloarchaea
- Lonar lake water in Maharashtra Buldhana district turned pink due to a large presence of the salt-loving ‘Haloarchaea’ microbes.
- The increased salinity and pH facilitated the growth of halophilic microbes, mainly Haloarchaea.
- Halophiles are a group of microorganisms that can grow and often thrive in areas of high salt (NaCl) concentration.
- Haloarchaea or halophilic archaea is a bacteria culture which produces pink pigment and is found in water saturated with salt.
- Haloarchaea microbes were ingested by Flamingos.
- These microbes acted as carotenoid (pigment) rich food for the birds.
#Pre_2020
- Lonar lake water in Maharashtra Buldhana district turned pink due to a large presence of the salt-loving ‘Haloarchaea’ microbes.
- The increased salinity and pH facilitated the growth of halophilic microbes, mainly Haloarchaea.
- Halophiles are a group of microorganisms that can grow and often thrive in areas of high salt (NaCl) concentration.
- Haloarchaea or halophilic archaea is a bacteria culture which produces pink pigment and is found in water saturated with salt.
- Haloarchaea microbes were ingested by Flamingos.
- These microbes acted as carotenoid (pigment) rich food for the birds.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Human Growth Hormone (hGH)
- Human Growth Hormone (hGH) is produced in the body and secreted by the pituitary gland near the base of the brain.
- HGH helps in bone, organ and cartilage growth and also helps in repairing damaged muscles.
- When the gland releases the growth hormone, it results in the secretion of a protein called IGF-1 from the liver.
- The IGF-1 protein is what ultimately stimulates the growth of bones, muscle, and other tissues.
- hGH is banned both in-competition as well as out-of-competition by the World Anti- Doping Agency (WADA).
#Pre_2020
- Human Growth Hormone (hGH) is produced in the body and secreted by the pituitary gland near the base of the brain.
- HGH helps in bone, organ and cartilage growth and also helps in repairing damaged muscles.
- When the gland releases the growth hormone, it results in the secretion of a protein called IGF-1 from the liver.
- The IGF-1 protein is what ultimately stimulates the growth of bones, muscle, and other tissues.
- hGH is banned both in-competition as well as out-of-competition by the World Anti- Doping Agency (WADA).
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Madhubani/Mithila painting
- Madhubani painting has its origins in Mithila region of Bihar.
- These paintings are popular because of their tribal motifs and use of bright earthy colours that is natural extracts from plants and other natural sources.
- It includes geometrical patterns, floral, animal and bird motifs.
- It is based on the mythological characters which depict the life of Hindu deities like Krishna, Rama, Lakshmi, Shiva, Durga, and Saraswati.
- Motif is a decorative image or design, especially a repeated one forming a pattern.
#Pre_2020
- Madhubani painting has its origins in Mithila region of Bihar.
- These paintings are popular because of their tribal motifs and use of bright earthy colours that is natural extracts from plants and other natural sources.
- It includes geometrical patterns, floral, animal and bird motifs.
- It is based on the mythological characters which depict the life of Hindu deities like Krishna, Rama, Lakshmi, Shiva, Durga, and Saraswati.
- Motif is a decorative image or design, especially a repeated one forming a pattern.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Kihoto Hollohan Judgment
- The petitioners in Hollohan Case, 1992 argued whether it was fair that the Speaker should have such broad powers provided by the 10th schedule and 52nd Amendment, given that there is always a reasonable likelihood of bias.
- The majority judgment said the Speakers/Chairmen hold a pivotal position in the scheme of Parliamentary democracy and are guardians of the rights and privileges of the House.
- They are expected to and do take far reaching decisions in Parliamentary democracy.
- Thus Constitutional courts cannot judicially review disqualification proceedings under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) of the Constitution until the Speaker or Chairman makes a final decision on merits.
#Pre_2020
- The petitioners in Hollohan Case, 1992 argued whether it was fair that the Speaker should have such broad powers provided by the 10th schedule and 52nd Amendment, given that there is always a reasonable likelihood of bias.
- The majority judgment said the Speakers/Chairmen hold a pivotal position in the scheme of Parliamentary democracy and are guardians of the rights and privileges of the House.
- They are expected to and do take far reaching decisions in Parliamentary democracy.
- Thus Constitutional courts cannot judicially review disqualification proceedings under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) of the Constitution until the Speaker or Chairman makes a final decision on merits.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Manodarpan Initiative
- Union Human Resource and Development Ministry virtually launched the Manodarpan initiative under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
- This initiative will provide psycho-social support to students, teachers and parents.
- It aims to address the issues related to mental health and emotional wellbeing.
- The components of the initiative are:
1) Web page on the MHRD website for advisory on psychosocial support.
2) Voluntary Tele-Counselling service on the National Helpline by utilizing National level database and directory of counsellors.
3) Handbook on Psychosocial Support - Enriching Life skills & Wellbeing of Students to be published online.
4) Interactive Online Chat Platform for contact, counselling and guidance by psychologists and other mental health professionals.
#Pre_2020
- Union Human Resource and Development Ministry virtually launched the Manodarpan initiative under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
- This initiative will provide psycho-social support to students, teachers and parents.
- It aims to address the issues related to mental health and emotional wellbeing.
- The components of the initiative are:
1) Web page on the MHRD website for advisory on psychosocial support.
2) Voluntary Tele-Counselling service on the National Helpline by utilizing National level database and directory of counsellors.
3) Handbook on Psychosocial Support - Enriching Life skills & Wellbeing of Students to be published online.
4) Interactive Online Chat Platform for contact, counselling and guidance by psychologists and other mental health professionals.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 State of food security and nutrition in the world (SOFI)
- The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2020 report was released on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.
- It is produced jointly by the:
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD),
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),
UN World Food Programme (WFP) and
World Health Organization (WHO).
- Highlights of the report are as follows:
1) The world is not on track to meet the goal of zero hunger by 2030 i.e. SDG2.
2) Between 8.3 crore and 13 crore people globally are likely to go hungry this year due to the economic recession triggered by COVID-19.
3) The global prevalence of undernourishment, or overall percentage of hungry people, is 8.9%.
4) Asia remains home to the greatest number of undernourished (38 crore), Africa is second (25 crore), followed by Latin America and the Caribbean (4.8 crore).
#Pre_2020
- The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2020 report was released on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.
- It is produced jointly by the:
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD),
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),
UN World Food Programme (WFP) and
World Health Organization (WHO).
- Highlights of the report are as follows:
1) The world is not on track to meet the goal of zero hunger by 2030 i.e. SDG2.
2) Between 8.3 crore and 13 crore people globally are likely to go hungry this year due to the economic recession triggered by COVID-19.
3) The global prevalence of undernourishment, or overall percentage of hungry people, is 8.9%.
4) Asia remains home to the greatest number of undernourished (38 crore), Africa is second (25 crore), followed by Latin America and the Caribbean (4.8 crore).
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 KVIC
- It is a Statutory Body established by an Act of Parliament (Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956).
- It is an apex organization under the Ministry of MSME, with regard to khadi and village industries within India.
- It seeks to plan, promote, facilitate, organise and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary.
- KVIC SCHEMES
PMEGP
SFURTI
RISC
EXPORT INCENTIVE SCHEME
INTEREST SUBSIDY SCHEME
MPDA
KRDP
Beekeeping - HONEY Mission
#Pre_2020
- It is a Statutory Body established by an Act of Parliament (Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956).
- It is an apex organization under the Ministry of MSME, with regard to khadi and village industries within India.
- It seeks to plan, promote, facilitate, organise and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary.
- KVIC SCHEMES
PMEGP
SFURTI
RISC
EXPORT INCENTIVE SCHEME
INTEREST SUBSIDY SCHEME
MPDA
KRDP
Beekeeping - HONEY Mission
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Entangled Photons
- Entangled photons are twinned light particles whose properties remain intertwined no matter how far apart they are.
- If one of the photons is manipulated, the other will be similarly affected at the very same moment.
- It is this property that lies in the heart of the most secure forms of quantum cryptography (the study of concepts like encryption and decryption).
- If one of the entangled particles is used to create a key for encoding messages, only the person with the other particle can decode them.
#Pre_2020
- Entangled photons are twinned light particles whose properties remain intertwined no matter how far apart they are.
- If one of the photons is manipulated, the other will be similarly affected at the very same moment.
- It is this property that lies in the heart of the most secure forms of quantum cryptography (the study of concepts like encryption and decryption).
- If one of the entangled particles is used to create a key for encoding messages, only the person with the other particle can decode them.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Types of creditors
🔺 Secured creditor is generally a bank or other asset-based lender that holds a fixed or floating charge over a business asset or assets.
- When a business becomes insolvent, sale of the specific asset over which security is held provides repayment for this category of creditor.
🔺 Unsecured creditor is an individual or institution that lends money without obtaining specified assets as collateral.
- This poses a higher risk to the creditor because it will have nothing to fall back if the borrower default on the loan.
#Pre_2020
🔺 Secured creditor is generally a bank or other asset-based lender that holds a fixed or floating charge over a business asset or assets.
- When a business becomes insolvent, sale of the specific asset over which security is held provides repayment for this category of creditor.
🔺 Unsecured creditor is an individual or institution that lends money without obtaining specified assets as collateral.
- This poses a higher risk to the creditor because it will have nothing to fall back if the borrower default on the loan.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Micius Satellite
- Micius is the world’s first quantum communications satellite, launched by China in 2016.
- The satellite provided entangled photons as a convenient resource for the quantum cryptography and the two ground stations then used them according to their agreed protocol.
- Recently, it has sent light particles to the Earth to establish the world’s most secure communication link.
#Pre_2020
- Micius is the world’s first quantum communications satellite, launched by China in 2016.
- The satellite provided entangled photons as a convenient resource for the quantum cryptography and the two ground stations then used them according to their agreed protocol.
- Recently, it has sent light particles to the Earth to establish the world’s most secure communication link.
#Pre_2020
👉🔺 Rule of Law Index
- It is released by the World Justice Project, an independent organisation.
- It is a quantitative assessment tool designed to offer a detailed and comprehensive picture of the extent to which countries adhere to the rule of law in practice.
- 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,
8) Criminal Justice.
#Pre_2020
- It is released by the World Justice Project, an independent organisation.
- It is a quantitative assessment tool designed to offer a detailed and comprehensive picture of the extent to which countries adhere to the rule of law in practice.
- 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,
8) Criminal Justice.
#Pre_2020