CURRENT AFFAIRS - IAS WINNISHERS

CURRENT AFFAIRSORGANIC AND ORGANISED

SEPTEMBER 2021

Vinay Kumar R International NLP & IAS Coach 9886273325 | 9916527480 www.iaswinnishers.com

© Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd

A LETTER FROM MY HEART

Dear IAS Aspirant Friends,

It gives me immense pleasure to present to you the 360º Current Affairs Magazine for the month of September 2021. The dedicated team that compiles and edits Current Affairs at IAS WINNISHERS has made sincere efforts to provide to you the most relevant and important news from the point of view of Interview, Mains and especially the soon approaching Prelims.

Our mission is to build IAS aspirants into human beings who can become IAS officers. In that direction, we strive to facilitate the current affairs knowledge that is ORGANIC and ORGANISED.

Due to the ongoing unfortunate situation, we fully empathize with your anxiety related to the exam. This compilation aids you in your preparation, especially the soon approaching Prelims exam. This issue also carries information on INTERVIEW GUIDANCE PROGRAM conducted by IAS WINNISHERS, which has produced amazing results in the past. Get more information on our website and benefit immensely from it.

Wishing You Success Vinay Kumar R Founder & CEO, IAS WINNISHERS

© Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd 1

Contents 1. POLITY & CONSTITUTION .......................................................................... 61.1. WHY MAHARASHTRA GOVT IS WAITING FOR UPSC DECISION ON STATE DGP CONTENDERS? .................................................................................................................................. 6 1.2. LONG WAIT FOR A DEPUTY SPEAKER FOR LOK SABHA ....................................................... 6 1.3. KEEPING ‘GLUE GRANT’ TO SET UP UMBRELLA-LIKE STRUCTURE IN RESEARCH ACROSS NINE CITIES ......................................................................................................................... 7 1.4. WHAT IS THE ASSAM CATTLE PRESERVATION BILL, 2021? ................................................ 8 1.5. ‘RIGHT TO SIT’: TN TABLES BILL MANDATING ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROVIDE SEATING FOR EMPLOYEES .............................................................................................................. 9 1.6. JHARKHAND CLEARS BILL FOR 75% QUOTA FOR LOCALS IN PRIVATE JOBS ................. 10 1.7. MAGISTRATES CANNOT EXTEND PROBE UNDER UAPA AT WILL: SC ............................... 10 1.8. CENTRE APPOINTS 31 MEMBERS TO NCLT, ITAT ................................................................. 11 1.9. WHAT IS THE BILL TO SCRAP NEET IN TAMIL NADU? ........................................................ 12 1.10. INSTEAD OF DENYING SLIDE IN DEMOCRATIC VALUES, INDIA MUST WORK TO FIX IT ........................................................................................................................................................ 13 1.11. NFRA NEEDS TO HAVE STANDALONE LEGISLATION’ ........................................................ 14 1.12. NEED TO ‘INDIANISE’ LEGAL SYSTEM TO SUIT OUR SOCIETY: CJI ................................. 15 1.13. CENTRE ALLOWS IAS, IPS OFFICERS TO RETAIN GIFTS RECEIVED FROM FOREIGN DIGNITARIES .................................................................................................................................... 16 1.14. GUN LICENCE: HC UPHOLDS CONSTITUTIONAL VALIDITY OF EXEMPTION TO KODAVAS........................................................................................................................................... 17 1.15. SUPREME COURT NOD FOR E-TRANSFER OF ORDERS TO JAILS FOR QUICK PRISONER RELEASE ........................................................................................................................................... 18 1.16. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA RELEASES FSSAI’S 3RD STATE FOOD SAFETY INDEX ............... 19 1.17. MINISTRY OF TOURISM WILL LAUNCH ‘NIDHI 2.0’ & ‘INDIA TOURISM STATISTICS – AT A GLANCE, 2021’ IN WORLD TOURISM DAY CELEBRATION ............................................... 20 1.18. GETTING GOVT AID NOT A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT: SC ................................................... 20 1.19. NIMABEN ACHARYA BECOMES FIRST WOMAN SPEAKER OF GUJARAT ASSEMBLY .... 21 2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ................................................................. 222.1. UNSC ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON TALIBAN UNDER INDIA’S PRESIDENCY, PM MODI FORMS HIGH-LEVEL GROUP ........................................................................................................ 22 2.2. UNSC ADOPTS NEW RESOLUTION ON AFGHANISTAN UNDER INDIA’S PRESIDENCY . 23 2.3. CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCIES (CBDC) SCHEME .................................................. 25 2.4. INDIA, US SIGN PACT FOR COOPERATION IN DEVELOPMENT OF AIR-LAUNCHED UAV ............................................................................................................................................................ 27 2.5. INDIA-UK ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL DIALOGUE ........................................................... 28 2.6. BRICS BANK NDB ADMITS UAE, URUGUAY, BANGLADESH AS NEW MEMBERS ............ 29 2.7. HIGHLIGHTS OF EAM JAISHANKAR’S VISIT TO SLOVENIA, CROATIA, DENMARK ....... 30 2.8. SRI LANKA’S ECONOMIC CRISIS ............................................................................................. 31 2.9. Thirteenth BRICS Summit ......................................................................................................... 32 2.10. INDIA-AUSTRALIA HOLD 2+2 MINISTERIAL DIALOGUE .................................................. 35 2.11. INDIA - US LAUNCH CLIMATE ACTION AND FINANCE MOBILIZATION DIALOGUE OF AGENDA 2030 PARTNERSHIP ....................................................................................................... 36 2.12. INDIA TO STAND BY AFGHANISTAN PEOPLE: EAM JAISHANKAR CALLS FOR HUMANITARIAN AID THROUGH UN ............................................................................................ 37 2.13. SCO SUMMIT 2021 .................................................................................................................. 38 2.14. AUKUS: US, UK AND AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCE NEW DEFENCE PACT ............................. 40 2.15. PM MODI ADDRESSES SCO SUMMIT 2021 ........................................................................... 41 2.16. Sixth BRICS Young Scientist Forum ........................................................................................ 43


2.17. INDIA, EL SALVADOR HOLD THIRD FOREIGN OFFICE CONSULTATIONS..................... 44 2.18. UNGA GENERAL DEBATE WEEK BEGINS ............................................................................ 45 2.19. SAARC FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING CALLED OFF ...................................................... 46 2.20. IRAN BECOMES NINTH MEMBER OF THE SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION ............................................................................................................................................................ 47 2.21. QUAD SUMMIT 2021 ............................................................................................................... 48 2.22. QUAD SUMMIT 2021 HIGHLIGHTS ...................................................................................... 49 2.23. PM MODI ADDRESSES UNGA ................................................................................................ 51 2.24. CHINA DECLARES ALL CRYPTO-CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS ILLEGAL ......................... 53 2.25. INDIA COMMITTED TO GOAL OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS-FREE WORLD, FOREIGN SECRETARY TELLS UNSC MEET .................................................................................................... 55 2.26. JAPAN'S FUMIO KISHIDA SET TO BECOME NEW PRIME MINISTER AFTER LEADERSHIP VOTE .......................................................................................................................... 56 2.27. RBI FINANCIAL INCLUSION INDEX ..................................................................................... 57 3. ECONOMY ................................................................................................ 583.1. TMA SCHEME TO BE REINTRODUCED .................................................................................. 58 3.2. ACCOUNT AGGREGATORS ....................................................................................................... 61 3.3. SEBI TO SHORTEN TRADE SETTLEMENT CYCLE ................................................................ 62 3.4. BIG TECH COMPANIES' FORAY INTO FINANCIAL SERVICES IS RAISING CONCERNS... 64 3.5. TOKENS INSTEAD OF CREDIT CARD DETAILS CAN MAKE TRANSACTION SAFER ........ 64 3.6. MSP OF RABI CROPS ................................................................................................................. 67 3.7. TOKENISATION ........................................................................................................................ 68 3.8. NATIONAL ASSET RECONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED .............................................. 69 3.9. 45th GST COUNCIL MEETING ................................................................................................. 70 3.10. THE NEED FOR A BAD BANK ................................................................................................. 72 3.11. COAL BED METHANE .............................................................................................................. 73 3.12. FLAWED CALCULATION OF INFLATION .............................................................................. 74 3.13. INDIA - UAE BILATERAL TRADE ........................................................................................... 75 3.14. I-T DEPT NOTIFIES SAFE HARBOUR RATES ........................................................................ 76 3.15. USE CASES FOR A CBDC .......................................................................................................... 77 3.16. SITUATION ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL HOUSEHOLDS ........................................ 79 3.17. SEBI CLEARS GOLD EXCHANGE FRAMEWORK .................................................................. 79 4. ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY............................................................... 814.1. SWINHOE’S SOFTSHELL TURTLE. .......................................................................................... 81 4.2. CROCODILIAN SPECIES IN INDIA ......................................................................................... 82 4.3. LADAKH ADOPTS STATE ANIMAL AND BIRD. ..................................................................... 84 4.4. ASSAM GOVERNMENT DROPS ‘RAJIV GANDHI' FROM THE NAME OF ORANG NATIONAL PARK. ............................................................................................................................ 85 4.5. FOOTPRINTS OF 3 DINOSAUR SPECIES DISCOVERED. ...................................................... 86 4.6. BHITARKANIKA MANGROVES ............................................................................................... 86 4.7. INDIA'S FIRST DUGONG CONSERVATION RESERVE. ......................................................... 88 4.8. PRANA PORTAL. ....................................................................................................................... 89 4.9. NORTHERN MOST ISLAND DISCOVERED OFF GREENLAND. ........................................... 90 4.10. WORLD’S LARGEST PLANT TO CAPTURE CO2 FROM AIR. ............................................... 90 4.11. CORAL REEFS. ......................................................................................................................... 92 4.12. SCIENTISTS UNRAVEL THE MYSTERY BEHIND ODISHA’S BLACK TIGERS. .................. 94 4.13. UNESCO DECLARES WORLD'S FIRST FIVE COUNTRY BIOSPHERE RESERVE. ............. 96 4.14. LOW CARBON BRICKS DEVELOPED USING C AND D WASTE FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT WALLING ENVELOPES. ................................................................................................................... 97 4.15. WORLD RHINO DAY ............................................................................................................... 98 4.16. BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION. ................................................................................................ 99


4.17. WHO REVISES GLOBAL AIR QUALITY NORMS ................................................................. 100 4.18. POSSIBLY EXTINCT’ SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS ............................................... 101 4.19. NASA STUDY SHOWS HOW CLOUDS RESPOND TO ARCTIC SEA ICE CHANGE. ........... 102 4.20. INDIA’S FIRST HERBICIDE TOLERANT NON- GM RICE VARIETIES. ............................. 103 4.21. A REPORT PREDICTS DESERTIFICATION IN PUNJAB IN 25 YEARS. .............................. 104 5. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ..................................................................... 106 5.1. UBREATHE LIFE ...................................................................................................................... 106 5.2. BLUE STRAGGLERS ................................................................................................................. 108 5.3. MICROBIAL EXPERIMENTS IN OUTER SPACE .................................................................... 109 5.4. INSPIRESat-1 ............................................................................................................................ 110 5.5. SOLAR STORMS AND THEIR EFFECTS .................................................................................. 111 5.6. INSPIRATION4 ......................................................................................................................... 112 5.7. PATROL ROBOTS ..................................................................................................................... 114 5.8. SOLID-STATE BATTERIES ...................................................................................................... 115 5.9. CHANDRAYAAN-2 ................................................................................................................... 116 5.10. HIGH ASH COAL GASIFICATION BASED METHANOL PRODUCTION PLANT ................ 119 5.11. RAY-BAN STORIES ................................................................................................................. 120 5.12. PATENT FOR ANAAR (FIREWORKS) MAKING MACHINE ................................................ 122 5.13. IMPROVED WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR TOXIC TEXTILE EFFLUENTS ......... 123 5.14. TECH BASED ON CRISPR TO CONTROL GROWTH OF MOSQUITOES ............................. 124 5.15. CONVERTING KERATIN WASTE TO FERTILIZERS ............................................................ 124 5.16. SUBSTITUTE FOR SINGLE-USE PLASTICS ......................................................................... 125 5.17. COLEXION .............................................................................................................................. 127 5.18. PROJECT TAARA .................................................................................................................... 127 5.19. DARK ENERGY ....................................................................................................................... 128 5.20. LANDSAT 9 ............................................................................................................................. 129 5.21. PROJECT UDAAN ................................................................................................................... 130 6. SECURITY ............................................................................................... 131 6.1. MAIDEN EXERCISE ................................................................................................................. 131 6.2. AIR-LAUNCHED UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE ................................................................ 131 6.3. SIMBEX ..................................................................................................................................... 131 6.4. AUSINDEX ................................................................................................................................ 132 6.5. EXERCISE ZAPAD 2021 ........................................................................................................... 132 6.6. INDIGENOUS ARJUN MK-1A ................................................................................................. 133 6.7. AKASH PRIME .......................................................................................................................... 133 6.8. INDIA AND OMAN MARITIME COOPERATION ................................................................... 135 7. SOCIAL ISSUES ...................................................................................... 136 7.1. NATIONAL NUTRITION WEEK, 2021 ..................................................................................... 136 7.2. MILITANCY IN ASSAM’S DIMA HASAO ................................................................................. 138 7.3. VANNIYAR MOVEMENT ......................................................................................................... 140 7.4. NIPAH VIRUS ........................................................................................................................... 141 7.5. RIGHT TO SIT ........................................................................................................................... 141 7.6. SHIKSHAK PARV, 2021 ............................................................................................................ 142 7.7. ‘CATASTROPHIC’ IMPACT OF SCHOOL CLOSURES ACROSS INDIA: ................................. 143 7.8. Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) ........................................................................................................ 144 7.9. WHAT IMPACTS CHILD MALNUTRITION IN INDIA? ......................................................... 144 7.10. BRUCELLOSIS ........................................................................................................................ 145 7.11 COSTLY ACTIVE PHARMA INGREDIENTS FROM CHINA CREATE HEALTHCARE HURDLES IN INDIA ....................................................................................................................... 146 7.12. FOREST RIGHTS ..................................................................................................................... 147 7.13. FOOD POVERTY IN OLDER ADULTS IN INDIA................................................................... 148


7.14. REFORMS IN URBAN PLANNING CAPACITY IN INDIA REPORT ..................................... 149 7.15. CENTRE FLAGS DEADLY DENGUE OUTBREAK IN 11 STATES.......................................... 150 7.16. FERTILITY RATES OF HINDUS AND MUSLIMS CONVERGING: ...................................... 151 7.17. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SIGN LANGUAGES (IDSL) ........................................................ 152 7.18. ISLRTC ..................................................................................................................................... 153 7.19. AROUND 66% CHILDREN BELOW 2 YEARS DON’T GET NUTRITIOUS DIET: UNICEF . 153 7.20. MEDICAL DEVICE PARKS’ SCHEME NOTIFIED ................................................................ 154 7.21 PLAN TO DISCONTINUE THE VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT (VAS) PROGRAMME IS HASTY: .......................................................................................................................................................... 154 8. SCHEMES ............................................................................................... 156 8.1. HATHKARGHA SAMVARDHAN SAHAYATA (HSS) YOJANA ............................................... 156 8.2. PRADHAN MANTRI GATISHAKTI INITIATIVE .................................................................... 156 8.3. MISSION ‘LAL LAKIR’ ............................................................................................................. 157 8.4. NATIONAL MISSION ON EDIBLE OILS – OIL PALM ........................................................... 158 8.5. STAND UP INDIA ..................................................................................................................... 159 8.6. SFURTI...................................................................................................................................... 161 8.7. SUKANYA SAMRIDDHI YOJNA .............................................................................................. 162 8.8. RASHTRIYA UCHCHATAR SHIKSHA ABHIYAN .................................................................. 163 8.9. PRODUCTION LINKED INCENTIVE (PLI) SCHEME FOR TEXTILES. ................................ 165 8.10. ME TOO DIGITAL (MAI BHI DIGTAL) ................................................................................. 166 8.11. SERB-POWER SCHEME ......................................................................................................... 167 8.12. ATL SPACE CHALLENGE 2021 .............................................................................................. 168 8.13. MEDICINE FROM THE SKY PROJECT: TELANGANA ........................................................ 169 8.14. SABKI YOJNA SABKA VIKAS’ CAMPAIGN ........................................................................... 170 8.15. TRANSPORT AND MARKETING ASSISTANCE SCHEME .................................................... 171 8.16. NIRYAT RIN VIKAS YOJANA (NIRVIK SCHEME) ............................................................... 172 8.17. HATHKARGHA SAMVARDHAN SAHAYATA (HSS) YOJANA ............................................. 172 8.18. FUND FOR INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ENGAGEMENT (FIRE) INITIATIVE ..................... 173 8.19. NATIONAL INITIATIVE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND HARNESSING INNOVATIONS (NIDHI) PROGRAMME .................................................................................................................. 173 8.20. PM-CARES FOR CHILDREN SCHEME................................................................................. 175 8.21. CSIR FLORICULTURE MISSION ........................................................................................... 177 8.22. BIJU SWASTHYA KALYAN YOJANA .................................................................................... 178 8.23. SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TOWARDS AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION (SATAT) .......................................................................................................................................................... 178 8.24. ORUNUDOI SCHEME ............................................................................................................ 180 8.25. ATL SPACE CHALLENGE 2021 ............................................................................................. 180 8.26. DEFENCE TESTING INFRASTRUCTURE SCHEME ............................................................ 181 8.27. AYUSHMAN BHARAT DIGITAL MISSION ........................................................................... 182 9. MISCELLANEOUS & FACTS .................................................................... 183 9.1. V.O. CHIDAMBARANAR PORT ................................................................................................ 183 9.2. KAKORI TRAIN ACTION ......................................................................................................... 186 9.3. SRILA BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA JI ........................................................... 187 9.4. HARI SINGH NALWA .............................................................................................................. 188 9.5. V. O. CHIDAMBARAM PILLAI ................................................................................................. 188 9.6. DR. SARVEPALLI RADHAKRISHNAN ................................................................................... 189 9.7. NAMASYA MOBILE APP .......................................................................................................... 190 9.8. MANDA BUFFALO ................................................................................................................... 190 9.9. SPECTRAL ENHANCEMENT (SPE) ........................................................................................ 190 9.10. ROSH HASHANAH ................................................................................................................. 191 9.11. BUJURGONKIBAAT–DESHKESAATH .................................................................................. 191


9.12. BUSINESS BLASTERS ............................................................................................................ 192 9.13. ASHRAMWASIS IMPACTED BY GANDHI ASHRAM REVAMP ........................................... 192 9.14. PORUNAI RIVER (THAMIRABARANI) CIVILIZATION ....................................................... 193 9.15. SAMVATSARI PARVA 2021 .................................................................................................... 195 9.16. NEW ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN UTTAR PRADESH’S BILSARH .......................... 195 9.17. ACHARYA VINOBA BHAVE ................................................................................................... 196 9.18. SUBRAMANIA BHARATHI .................................................................................................... 196 9.19. BATTLE OF SARAGARHI ....................................................................................................... 197 9.20. RAJA MAHENDRA PRATAP SINGH ..................................................................................... 197 9.21. MILLET MISSION ................................................................................................................... 198 9.22. FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE AWARD .................................................................................... 199 9.23. JOYNAGARER MOA ............................................................................................................... 199 9.24. SAFDARJUNG TOMB DOME ............................................................................................... 200 9.25. HATHEI CHILLI AND TAMENGLONG ORANGE ............................................................... 200 9.26. SDG PROGRESS AWARD ....................................................................................................... 201 9.27. EK PAHAL DRIVE CAMPAIGN .............................................................................................. 201 9.28. NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME (NSS) AWARD .................................................................. 202 9.29. APO ISLAND .......................................................................................................................... 203 9.30. BHIKAJI RUSTOM CAMA .................................................................................................... 203 9.31. KALVARAYAN HILLS ............................................................................................................ 204 9.32. CHAM DANCE, LAMAS AND YOGACHARA ........................................................................ 204 9.33. ASSAM’S RICE WINE JUDIMA ............................................................................................ 206 9.34. DESHBHAKTI CURRICULUM .............................................................................................. 206


1. POLITY & CONSTITUTION 1.1. WHY MAHARASHTRA GOVT IS WAITING FOR UPSC DECISION ON STATE DGP

CONTENDERS? Why in news? The UPSC is meeting to shortlist names of three IPS officers that it will send to the Maharashtra government for appointment as state DGP. The state government, in keeping the Supreme Court directions, will select the next Maharashtra DGP from the three officers. What is the procedure to appoint a DGP as laid down by the Supreme Court?

• In the 2006 Prakash Singh judgment, the Supreme Court laid down procedures for appointment of a DGP so that there is no political interference.

• As per the guidelines, the state government was to select the DGP from the list of three officers selected by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) that would have gone through the records of all the eligible officers from the state cadre.

• In Maharashtra’s case, a list of 20 officers with over 30 years tenure is present with UPSC.

• While initially the SC had said the person selected should have at least a two-year service period remaining, it was later reduced to six months.

• The Supreme Court also barred the state government from appointing DGP’s on acting basis.

1.2. LONG WAIT FOR A DEPUTY SPEAKER FOR LOK SABHA Why in news? With the Delhi High Court asking the Central government to explain its stand on a petition that claimed keeping the post of Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha vacant is a violation of Article 93 of the Constitution, the issue is once again in the spotlight. Petitioner Pawan Reley pointed out that the position had been vacant for the last 830 days. As of now there are nine members who are part of the Panel of Chairpersons from the BJP, DMK, YSR Congress, BJD, TMC and the Revolutionary Socialist Party. Importance of position of Deputy speaker:

• A Deputy Speaker enjoys the same legislative powers as the Speaker. • And in absence of the Speaker because of death, illness or any other

reason, the Deputy Speaker also assumes the administrative powers


About Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha: Manner of Election:

• The Deputy Speaker is also elected by the Lok Sabha from amongst its members right after the election of the Speaker has taken place.

• The date of election of the Deputy Speaker is fixed by the Speaker (date of election of the Speaker is fixed by the President).

Term of Office and Removal

• Like the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker remains in office usually during the life of the Lok Sabha (5 years).

• The Deputy Speaker may vacate his/her office earlier in any of the following three cases:

• If he ceases to be a member of the Lok Sabha. • If he is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then

members of the Lok Sabha. • Such a resolution can be moved only after giving 14 days’ advance notice.

Responsibilities and Powers:

• The Deputy Speaker performs the duties of the Speaker’s office when it is vacant.

• He/She also acts as the Speaker when the latter is absent from the sitting of the House.

• He/She also presides over the joint sitting of both the Houses of Parliament, in case the Speaker is absent from such a sitting.

• The Deputy Speaker has one special privilege, that is, whenever he/she is appointed as a member of a parliamentary committee, he/she automatically becomes its chairman

1.3. KEEPING ‘GLUE GRANT’ TO SET UP UMBRELLA-LIKE STRUCTURE IN

RESEARCH ACROSS NINE CITIES Why in news? Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the Government proposes to create a formal umbrella like structure for research institutions across 9 cities in the country. Need:

• To promote innovation and research and development in the country, she said that a ‘Glue Grant’ will be set aside for this purpose which will create an umbrella like structure for R&D.


• Under the glue grant, announced in this year’s budget, institutions in the same city would be encouraged to share resources, equipment and even allow their students to take classes from each other.

• Many of the cities have various research institutions, universities, and colleges supported by the Government of India.

• Hyderabad for example, has about 40 such major institutions. In 9 such cities, we will create formal umbrella structures so that these institutions can have better synergy, while also retaining their internal autonomy.

• The effort to bring in various research organisations augurs well as there could be a more collaborative effort.

1.4. WHAT IS THE ASSAM CATTLE PRESERVATION BILL, 2021? Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tabled proposed legislation to protect cattle in the state on the first day of the Budget Session of the state assembly. Other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka have similar laws. What are the restrictions on the sale of beef and beef products?

• No one will be allowed to sell beef or beef products in any form except at places permitted by the government.

• Beef would not be allowed to be sold in areas that have a predominant population of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and other non-beef-eating communities or within a radius of five km of any temple, satra (Vaishnavite monastery), or other religious institutions belonging to Hindus, or any other institution or area as may be prescribed by the competent authority.

• Consumption of beef is not presently illegal in Assam. • The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 1950, allows the slaughter of cattle

above 14 years of age with proper approval. The new Bill seeks to repeal the 1950 law.

How does the Bill seek to regulate the sale of cattle in animal markets?

• Every committee or recognised animal market shall issue proof of sale and purchase of animals in a prescribed format to the purchaser and maintain a proper record for inspection.

• Violations will lead to cancellation of license of the animal market and people responsible for violations are proposed to be barred from entering the market and fined.

• The Bill seeks to empower police and veterinary officers to seize cattle, carcasses, or vehicles used to transport cattle sold without following rules.

• The seized cattle shall be handed over to cow shelters or similar institutions.

What are the penalties for violating provisions of the Bill?


• The violators are proposed to be imprisoned for anywhere between three and eight years. It also provides for fines between ₹3 lakh and ₹5 lakh.

• The Bill seeks to punish repeat offenders with double the imprisonment and fines for the second and subsequent convictions.

How could the Bill affect other north-eastern states?

• Assam is the main gateway to the northeast region. Apart from cattle, almost all goods from other parts of the country are transported to the region via Assam.

• The Bill is likely to affect supplies of cattle to Christian-majority regions where beef is consumed.

1.5. ‘RIGHT TO SIT’: TN TABLES BILL MANDATING ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROVIDE

SEATING FOR EMPLOYEES Why in news?

• In a move that would benefit thousands of employees of large and small establishments, particularly those working in textile and jewellery showrooms, the Tamil Nadu government tabled a Bill in the Legislative Assembly making it mandatory for establishments to provide seating facilities for employees.

• The Bill introduced by Labour Welfare Minister and Skill Development C.V. Ganesan sought to amend the Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act, 1947 by adding a sub section to mandatorily provide seating facilities for the staff.

• The proposed Section 22-A to the Act reads: “The premises of every establishment shall have suitable seating arrangements for all employees so that they may take advantage of any opportunity to sit which may occur in the course of their work and thereby avoid ‘on their toes’ situation throughout the working hours.”

Need:

• The Bill said that persons employed in shops and establishments in the State “are made to stand throughout their duty time” resulting in varied health issues.

• Considering the plight of the employees who are on their toes throughout their duty time, it is felt necessary to provide seating facility to all the employees of the shops and establishments

• The subject of providing seating facility to the employees was placed in the State Labour Advisory Board Meeting held on September 4, 2019 and was unanimously approved by the members of the Board.

Other states example:


• A few years ago, workers of textile showrooms in Kerala had gone on a protest demanding the ‘Right to Sit’, prompting the government there to amend the Kerala Shops and Establishments Act in 2018 to provide seating arrangements for them.

1.6. JHARKHAND CLEARS BILL FOR 75% QUOTA FOR LOCALS IN PRIVATE JOBS Why in news? The Jharkhand Assembly passed a Bill, which provides 75% reservation for local people in the private sector up to ₹40,000 salary a month. Once notified, Jharkhand will become the third State in the country, after Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, to pass such law. Provisions of the Bill

• Every employer shall register such employees receiving gross monthly salary as wages not more than ₹ 40,000 as the limit notified by the government from time to time on the designated portal within three months of the Act coming into force.

• Every employer shall fill up 75% of the total existing vacancies on the date of notification of this Act and subsequent thereto by local candidates with respect to such posts where the gross monthly salary or wages are not more than ₹40,000.

• The Bill provides for the constitution of a committee headed by a designated officer that will include Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC), Circle Officer (CO) and the local MLA to supervise the employment procedure and issue directions to the employer concerned as it may deem fit.

• In 2019, Andhra Pradesh passed such law, while in June last, Haryana passed law, reserving 75% quota for the local people in private jobs with monthly salary less than ₹50,000

1.7. MAGISTRATES CANNOT EXTEND PROBE UNDER UAPA AT WILL: SC

• The Supreme Court has held that magistrates cannot favour the probe agency to extend the period of investigation in the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) cases at will.

• Under UAPA, the investigation has to be completed within 90 days. If not, the accused is entitled to default bail.

• only the Special Court under UAPA has jurisdiction to extend the period of investigation to 180 days

• magistrate would not be competent to consider the request and the only competent authority to consider such request would be ‘the Court’ as specified in the provision in Section 43-D (2)(b) of the UAPA

• By ‘the Court’, the Bench meant the Special Court under the UAPA.


About Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act

• It is an Indian law aimed at prevention of unlawful activities associations in India.

• Its main objective was to make powers available for dealing with activities directed against the integrity and sovereignty of India

• Originally enacted in 1967, the UAPA was amended to be modelled as an anti-terror law in 2004 and 2008.

• In August 2019, Parliament cleared the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 to designate individuals as terrorists on certain grounds provided in the Act.

• In order to deal with the terrorism related crimes, it deviates from ordinary legal procedures and creates an exceptional regime where constitutional safeguards of the accused are curtailed.

• The frequent application of UAPA indicates that it is often misused and abused like other anti-terror laws in the past in India such as POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) and TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act).

1.8. CENTRE APPOINTS 31 MEMBERS TO NCLT, ITAT The government has appointed 31 people as judicial, technical and accountant members at the NCLT and the ITAT, amid the Supreme Court flagging concerns about vacancies in various tribunals. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) deals with matters mainly related to companies law and the insolvency law while the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) deals with income tax matters. About NCLAT:

• The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) is a tribunal which was formed by the Central Government of India under Section 410 of the Companies Act, 2013.

• The tribunal is responsible for hearing appeals from the orders of National Company Law Tribunal(s) (NCLT), starting on 1 June 2016.

• The tribunal also hears appeals from orders issued by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India under Section 202 and Section 211 of IBC.

• It also hears appeals from any direction issued, decision made, or order passed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

• As per 2020, the Appellate Tribunal is headed by Chairperson Justice Bansi Lal Bhat

• Formed based on the recommendations of the Justice Eradi Committee.


• It deals with matters mainly related to companies law and the insolvency law.

• Appointments will be for five years from the date of assumption of charge or till attaining the age of 65 or until further orders.

• The NCLAT includes a Chairperson, a judicial member, and a technical member. It consists of a total of not more than eleven members

About ITAT:

• It deals with income tax matters. • It is statutory body in the field of direct taxes and its orders are

accepted as final, on findings of fact. • ITAT was the first Tribunal to be created on 25th January, 1941 and is

also known as ‘Mother Tribunal’. • It is second appellate authority under the direct taxes and first independent

forum in its appellate hierarchy. The orders passed by the ITAT can be subjected to appellate challenge, on substantial questions of law, before the respective High Court.

• With a view to ensuring highest degree of independence of the ITAT, it functions under the Department of Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Law and Justice and is kept away from any kind of control by the Ministry of Finance.

• The appeals before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal are generally heard by a division bench- consisting of one judicial member and one accountant member.

1.9. WHAT IS THE BILL TO SCRAP NEET IN TAMIL NADU? Why in news? The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a Bill to dispense with the National Entrance cum Eligibility Test (NEET) and allow admission to medical courses based on Class 12 marks to “ensure social justice”. It was introduced the Bill based on the recommendation of the high-level committee led by retired judge AK Rajan, which submitted its report in July. The provisions of Permanent Exemption Bill for NEET in Tamil Nadu

• The Permanent Exemption Bill for NEET exempts medical aspirants in Tamil Nadu from taking NEET examination for admission to UG degree courses in Indian medicine, dentistry and homeopathy.

• Instead, it seeks to provide admission to such courses on the basis of marks obtained in the qualifying examination, through “Normalisation methods”.

• The aim of the Bill is to ensure “social justice, uphold equality and equal opportunity, protect all vulnerable student communities from being discriminated”, the government said.


• The Bill seeks to bring vulnerable student communities to the “mainstream of medical and dental education and in turn ensure a robust public health care across the state, particularly the rural areas”

Why state opposing NEET?

• The Bill opposes NEET because it “undermined the diverse societal representation in MBBS and higher medical studies, favouring mainly the affordable and affluent sections of the society and thwarting the dreams of underprivileged social groups”, it said.

• NEET is not a fair or equitable method of admission since it favoured the rich and elite sections of society, the preamble of the Bill to override NEET said.

• The preamble added that the high-level committee making a detailed study on NEET concluded that if it continued for a few more years, the health care system of Tamil Nadu would be severely affected and there may not be enough doctors for Primary Health Centres or state-run hospitals and that the rural and urban poor may not be able to pursue medical courses.

• Admissions to medical courses are traceable to entry 25 of List III, Schedule VII of the Constitution and therefore the state legislature is competent to regulate the same, the Statement of Objects and Reasons (SoOAR) of the Bill.

1.10. INSTEAD OF DENYING SLIDE IN DEMOCRATIC VALUES, INDIA MUST WORK

TO FIX IT Why in news? Observations on Indian Democracy:

• The Freedom House Index for 2021 pushed India down four points from last year, bringing its score from 71 to 67. This demoted the country from being a “free” to a “partially free” country.

• V-Dem, the world-renowned think-tank from Sweden, has similarly downgraded India. It has labelled India an “electoral autocracy”, an even more devastating blow to the pride of a country that boasts of a completely independent and impartial electoral management body.

• The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has also been scathing in its report for 2021.

• A comparative study by the organisation has shown India’s score dropping from an all-time high of 7.92 in 2014 to 6.61 in 2020, and its ranking has taken a nosedive from 27 to 53 out of 167 countries.

• The Reporters without Borders’ Press Freedom Report has placed India 167th out of 183 countries.

• Freedom House has also given India a score of 2 out of 4 in terms of press freedom, and has stated that the Indian press is “partially free”.


Reasons: All these reputed agencies point to several factors contributing to India’s declining performance. That include,

• The country has seen increased pressure being put on human rights organisations and civil rights groups.

• Journalists and activists have been intimidated and incarcerated, and minorities have been specifically targeted.

• Hate and polarisation are rampant. It has even led to Amnesty International halting all activities in India.

• The most worrying trend has been the government’s crackdown on freedom of speech, with statistics showing a 165 per cent increase in sedition cases between 2016 and 2019.

Assessment ways:The democracy index has, in fact, itself spelt out that it is a weighted average of answers to 60 questions based on five parameters:

• Electoral process and pluralism • Functioning of government • Political participation • Political culture • Civil liberties.

Way forward:

• The desire to introspect and analyse what needs to be done to improve is correct and laudable.

• NITI Aayog and all concerned organisations focus on improving our performance in all the declining indicators. In this regard, our focus on “ease of doing business” which led to a phenomenal improvement in our ranking within a year is a success story to emulate.

1.11. NFRA NEEDS TO HAVE STANDALONE LEGISLATION’ Why in news? National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) Chairperson R. Sridharan pitched for a ‘standalone legislation’ for the regulator in the interests of autonomy, and emphasised all necessary penal provisions relating to financial reporting should be consolidated and vested with it. What is the issue highlighted?

• The NFRA may take action against auditors for professional misconduct but when it came to other functionaries of a company who have the responsibility for financial reporting, penal powers continue to be vested with the Centre


• Noting that the NFRA operated under a single section of the Companies Act, he said the section did not provide comprehensive coverage of all the functions and powers that are required to constitute the authority as a ‘corporate financial reporting regulator

What needs to be done?

• To enhance the effectiveness of the implementation of the law, it is necessary to consolidate... penal provisions relating to financial reporting and to vest them in NFRA. This will allow for integrated regulation of all participants in the financial reporting system

About National Financial Reporting Authority

• It was (NFRA) was constituted on 1st October, 2018 under section 132 (1) of the Companies Act, 2013.

• In the wake of accounting scams, a need was felt to establish an independent regulator for enforcement of auditing standards and ensuring the quality of audits so as to enhance investor and public confidence in financial disclosures of companies.

• The Companies Act requires the NFRA to have a chairperson who will be appointed by the Central Government and a maximum of 15 members.

Functions and Duties

• Recommend accounting and auditing policies and standards to be adopted by companies for approval by the Central Government

• Monitor and enforce compliance with accounting standards and auditing standards

• Oversee the quality of service of the professions associated with ensuring compliance with such standards and suggest measures for improvement in the quality of service

• Perform such other functions and duties as may be necessary or incidental to the aforesaid functions and duties.

• It can probe listed companies and those unlisted public companies having paid-up capital of no less than Rs 500 crore or annual turnover of no less than Rs 1,000 crore.

• It can investigate professional misconduct committed by members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for prescribed class of body corporate or persons.

1.12. NEED TO ‘INDIANISE’ LEGAL SYSTEM TO SUIT OUR SOCIETY: CJI Why there is need to Indianise? How it has to be reformed?

• Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana said the ordinary Indian feels out of place in our courts where proceedings are lengthy, expensive and in


English. Besides, judgments are either too long or technical or manage to be both, the Chief Justice said.

• It is time for courts to wake up from their colonial stupor and face the practical realities of Indian society.

• Rules and procedures of justice delivery should be made simple. The ordinary, poor and rural Indian should not be scared of judges or the courts.

• The working and the style of courts do not sit well with the complexities of India

• The systems, practices and rules of courts are foreign and sourced from our colonial days. They do not take care of the practical realities of India.

• Need to adapt to the practical realities of our society and localise our justice delivery systems.

• The simplification of justice delivery should be pressing concern. It is crucial to make justice delivery more transparent, accessible and effective. Procedural barriers often undermine access to justice.

• The Chief Justice said both judges and lawyers have to create an environment which is comforting for the litigants and other stakeholders.

• The CJI said alternate dispute mechanisms like mediation and conciliation would go a long way in reducing pendency, unnecessary litigation and save resources.

• The notion that ordinary people want black robed judges, well-dressed lawyers in fine courtrooms as settings to resolve their disputes is incorrect. People with problems, like people with pains, want relief and they want it as quickly and inexpensively as possible

1.13. CENTRE ALLOWS IAS, IPS OFFICERS TO RETAIN GIFTS RECEIVED FROM FOREIGN DIGNITARIES Why in news? The Centre has amended over a 50-year-old rule to allow IAS, IPS and IFoS officers to retain gifts received from foreign dignitaries while being members of the Indian delegation, according to an official Order. Existing rules

• They allowed these officers to accept gifts from their near relatives or from personal friends having no official dealings with them, on occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, funerals and religious functions when the making of gifts is in conformity with the prevailing religious and social practice.

• But they shall make a report to the government if the value of such gift exceeds ₹25,000, the rules say.


• Gifts include free transport, free boarding, free lodging or any other service or pecuniary advantage when provided by a person other than a near relative or personal friend having no official dealings with the officer but does not include a casual meal, casual lift or other social hospitality.

• No member of the service shall accept any gift without the sanction of the government if the value of a gift exceeds ₹5,000,” says the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, applicable to the officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS).

• The Personnel Ministry has now amended these rules and inserted a new sub-rule under Section 11 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968

• A member of the service, being a member of the Indian delegation or otherwise, may receive and retain gifts from foreign dignitaries in accordance with the provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Acceptance or Retention of Gifts or Presentations) Rules, 2012, as amended from time-to-time

• Gifts received from foreign dignitaries, from known or unknown sources, are usually deposited with the ‘toshakhana’ – a repository of such articles – in the Ministry of External Affairs.

1.14. GUN LICENCE: HC UPHOLDS CONSTITUTIONAL VALIDITY OF EXEMPTION TO

KODAVAS Why in news? The High Court of Karnataka upheld that constitutional validity of the 2019 notification of the Union government granting exemption to Kodavas and Jamma land holders in Kodagu district from obtaining a licence to possess and carry firearms as required under provisions of the Indian Arms Act, 1959. Exemption provided to persons of Coorg race and Jamma tenure holder under Section 41 of the Arms Act, satisfies the test of reasonable classification under Article 14 of the Constitution of India and the question of quashing the notification dated October 29, 2019, does not arise, the court said What was the petition filed?

• The petitioner had questioned the constitutional validity of the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs extending the exemption for “every person of Coorg race and every Jamma tenure land holder in Coorg” from gun licence till October 31, 2029.

• It was also claimed in the petition that the classification and use of term ‘Coorg race’ promotes discrimination between the citizens of Coorg region on the ground of caste, violating Article 15 of the Constitution, the petitioner contended.

From when this exemption given?


• The documents on record reflect that Kodavas have been considered to be a martial race from as early as 1890, and they are enjoying exemption since then.

• They have rightly been granted exemption for a period of 10 years, it is not the case that they have been granted exemption indefinitely. Exemption granted is subject to certain terms and conditions. Therefore, the constitutional validity of the notification is upheld

About The Arms Act, 1959

• It is an Act of the Parliament of India to consolidate and amend the law relating to arms and ammunition in order to curb illegal weapons and violence stemming from them.

• It replaced the Indian Arms Act, 1878. • It also helps government officials concerning the matter to exercise powers. • It lays down, like any other substantive law, the penalties and punishments

associated with the violation of the laws relating to this act. • This act deters many Indians from possessing guns to prevent any future

possibility of a civilian rebellion. 1.15. SUPREME COURT NOD FOR E-TRANSFER OF ORDERS TO JAILS FOR QUICK

PRISONER RELEASE In a big fillip to the fundamental rights of life, dignity and personal liberty, the Supreme Court has introduced a new system by which its crucial decisions, including orders on bail and stay of arrest, can be communicated electronically to prison authorities and investigating agencies through a secure channel. Prisoners granted bail will no longer have to wait for physical copy of the order to reach the jails for their release. The FASTER (Fast and Secured Transmission of Electronic Records) system proposes transmission of e-authenticated copies of interim orders, stay orders, bail orders and record of proceedings to the duty-holders for compliance and due execution, through a secured electronic communication channel. Need

• Court is concerned about the plight of jail inmates, who are not released despite bail orders passed by this court due to delay in communication of such orders.

• The system would also prevent unnecessary arrests and custody of people even after the court has already granted them its protection. It may even communicate a stay on an execution ordered by the final court on time

• It is high time to utilise information and communicational technology tools for efficient transmission of court’s orders


• The court directed chief secretaries of all States and Union Territories to ensure availability of internet facilities with adequate speed in each jail.

• Till then, communication shall be made through Nodal Officers of State Governments under FASTER system the order said.

• It directed that necessary changes in rules of the SC and high courts “to recognise e-authenticated copy of the order of this Court” be done “forthwith”.

1.16. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA RELEASES FSSAI’S 3RD STATE FOOD SAFETY INDEX In an effort to galvanize States to work towards ensuring safe food for citizens, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya released the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)’s 3rd State Food Safety Index (SFSI) to measure the performance of States across five parameters of food safety. The Minister felicitated nine leading States/UTs based on the ranking for the year 2020-21 for their impressive performance. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare statement, this year, among the larger states, Gujarat, Kerala and Tamil Nadu were the top-ranking state. Among the smaller states, Goa, Meghalaya and Manipur stood first. Among UTs, Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and New Delhi secured top ranks. Other initiatives launched:

• He also flagged off 19 Mobile Food Testing Vans (Food Safety on Wheels) to supplement the food safety ecosystem across the country taking the total number of such mobile testing vans to 109

• The mobile food testing laboratories will not only help functionaries in the States/UTs to enhance their outreach and conduct surveillance activities even in the far-flung areas but will also be utilized as an effective tool for training and awareness generation activities amongst citizens

• Various innovative initiatives by FSSAI including the Eat Right Research Awards and Grants to encourage and recognize high-quality research in the area of food safety and nutrition in India; a logo for Vegan Foods for easy identification and distinction from non-vegan foods for empowering consumers to make informed food choices.

• The Minister also released various e-books that advocate and captures recipes around local seasonal food items, indigenous millets and plant-based sources of protein.

• As part of the ongoing efforts to engage industry on the issue of plastic in food packaging, 24 food businesses signed a pledge on becoming “Plastic Waste Neutral” by collecting, processing and recycling 100 per cent post-consumer plastic waste from across the sources.21 companies have


committed themselves to reduce the levels of virgin plastic in the food and beverage sector

1.17. MINISTRY OF TOURISM WILL LAUNCH ‘NIDHI 2.0’ & ‘INDIA TOURISM

STATISTICS – AT A GLANCE, 2021’ IN WORLD TOURISM DAY CELEBRATION

The Ministry of Tourism is organizing an event to celebrate “World Tourism Day 2021” on 27th September 2021 in New Delhi, which has been designated by the UNWTO as a day to focus on “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”. India is in unlocking phase and domestic tourism has re-started slowly and steadily. The Covid-19 pandemic has had an immense socio-economic impact worldwide and gradual increase in the domestic tourism will help for recovery and growth in many folds of the society. Importance of the Day:

• Tourism has the potential to contribute to inclusive growth by creating opportunities for all different groups, ethnicity, religion and across sectors such as agriculture, arts & crafts etc., services to contribute and benefit from economic growth.

• Celebrated every September 27 around the world, the purpose of World Tourism Day (WTD) is to foster awareness among the international community on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.

• During World Tourism day event, NIDHI 2.0 (National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry) and ‘India Tourism Statistics – At a Glance, 2021’ will be launched.

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will also be signed between Ministry of Tourism, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and The Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI)to actively promote and support ‘sustainability initiatives’ in the tourism sector of each other.

1.18. GETTING GOVT AID NOT A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT: SC Government aid to an institution is a matter of policy and it is not a fundamental right, Supreme Court ruled. It also stated that as regards aided institutions, there cannot be any difference between a minority and non-minority one.

• A bench of Justices S K Kaul and M M Sundresh said grant of aid brings with it conditions which the institution receiving it is bound to comply with. If an institution does not want to accept the conditions, it can decline the grant but cannot say that the grant must be on its own terms, it said.

• Whether it is an institution run by the majority or the minority, all conditions that have relevance to the proper utilisation of the grant-in-aid by an educational institution can be imposed.


• All that Article 30(2) states is that on the ground that an institution is under the management of a minority, whether based on religion or language, grant of aid to that educational institution cannot be discriminated against, if other educational institutions are entitled to receive aid,

• The Bench clarified that if the government made a policy call to withdraw aid, an institution cannot question the decision as a “matter of right”.

• Financial constraints and deficiencies are the factors which are considered relevant in taking any decision qua aid, including both the decision to grant aid and the manner of disbursement of an aid

• The judgment came on an appeal filed by the Uttar Pradesh’ government challenging the 2018 Allahabad High Court verdict holding that Regulation 101 framed under The Intermediate Education Act, 1921 is unconstitutional. The apex court set aside the HC verdict

1.19. NIMABEN ACHARYA BECOMES FIRST WOMAN SPEAKER OF GUJARAT

ASSEMBLY Senior BJP MLA Nimaben Acharya became the first woman Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.

• The opposition Congress supported Acharya’s nomination for the post, following which she was elected unopposed as the new Speaker on the first day of state Assembly’s two-day monsoon session which began.

• For the first time after the formation of Gujarat in 1960, the state Assembly has a woman Speaker.

Article 178:

• The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. • Every Legislative Assembly of a State shall, as soon as may be, choose two

members of the Assembly to be respectively Speaker and Deputy Speaker thereof and, so often as the office of Speaker or Deputy Speaker becomes vacant, the Assembly shall choose another member to be Speaker or Deputy Speaker, as the case may be

• Article 179: Vacation and resignation of, and removal from, the offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

• A member holding office as Speaker or Deputy Speaker of an Assembly— • Shall vacate his office if he ceases to be a member of the Assembly; • (b) may at any time by writing under his hand addressed, if such member

is the Speaker, to the Deputy Speaker, and if such member is the Deputy Speaker, to the Speaker, resign his office; and

• May be removed from his office by a resolution of the Assembly passed by a majority of all the then members of the Assembly:


• Provided that no resolution for the purpose of clause shall be moved unless at least fourteen days’ notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution:

• Provided further that, whenever the Assembly is dissolved, the Speaker shall not vacate his office until immediately before the first meeting of the Assembly after the dissolution.

2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 2.1. UNSC ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON TALIBAN UNDER INDIA’S PRESIDENCY, PM

MODI FORMS HIGH-LEVEL GROUP Why in news? Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established a high-level group comprising External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval to focus on the immediate priorities of India including evacuation of stranded Indians amid the Afghanistan crisis.

• The high-level group has been meeting regularly over the last few days to deliberate over issues relating to the safe return of stranded Indians, travel of Afghans (especially minorities) to India, and assuring that Afghan territory is not used in any manner for terrorism directed against India.

• Taliban spokesperson Zahebullah Mujahid on August 30, 2021, had informed that Afghan Hindus and Sikhs are allowed to travel to India if they have all the valid travel documents. This move comes after the


insurgent group recently withheld minorities from boarding an evacuation flight headed for India.

• As the US pulled out its last troop from Afghanistan on August 31, 2021, India has been closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Taliban-captured country. India has also played a significant role in bringing resolution on Afghanistan on the last day of its presidency at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

USNC adopts 7-point resolution on Afghanistan under India’s presidency:

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), under the presidency of India, adopted a 7-point resolution on Afghanistan demanding that the Taliban-captured Afghan territory ‘not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists’.

• The resolution was proposed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies namely the UK, the US, and France after they withdrew their troops from Afghanistan. 13 out of 15 member countries of the UNSC voted in favor of the resolution, 0 against it and China and Russia abstaining.

• The UNSC stated that it expects the Taliban to facilitate safe passage for Afghans and foreigners who want to leave Afghanistan today, tomorrow, or after August 31.

• This is the first resolution adopted by the UNSC on the Afghanistan situation since the Taliban's takeover of the war-torn country.

• It reiterates the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan, including those individuals and entities designated pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), and notes the Taliban’s relevant commitments.

2.2. UNSC ADOPTS NEW RESOLUTION ON AFGHANISTAN UNDER INDIA’S

PRESIDENCY Why in news?

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), under India’s Presidency, has adopted a new resolution on Afghanistan, demanding that the territory must not be used to threaten any country or shelter terrorists.

• The resolution adopted by UNSC also expects that the Taliban will adhere to the commitments made by it regarding the safe and orderly departure from the country of Afghans and all the foreign terrorist

• The UNSC on August 30, 2021, adopted the resolution sponsored by the UK, France, and the US with 13 members voting in favour, none against, and permanent, veto-wielding members China and Russia abstaining.

• The latest resolution on Afghanistan was the first one adopted by the 15 powerful nation councils on the ongoing situation in the country after the takeover of Kabul by the Taliban. It also came on the penultimate day of India’s presidency of the Security Council for August 2021.


UNSC adopts resolution on Afghanistan:

• The resolution, reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and national unity of Afghanistan, condemned the deplorable attacks of August 26, 2021, near the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul for which the Islamic State in Khorasan Province has claimed responsibility. The attacks resulted in the deaths and injuries of over 300 civilians and 28 military personnel. The resolution by UNSC also took note of the Taliban’s condemnation of attacks.

• The resolution by UNSC demands that the Afghan territory must not be used to attack or threaten any country or to shelter or train the terrorists, or to finance or plan terrorist acts, and reiterates the significance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan.

• The resolution notes the statement by the Taliban on August 27, 2021, in which it committed that the Afghans will be able to travel abroad, they may leave the country any time they want to, and may also exit Afghanistan via any border crossing, both air and ground with no one preventing them from travelling. The resolution expects that the Taliban will follow its commitments, including and regarding the safe, secure, and orderly departure from Afghanistan of Afghans and all the other foreign nationals.

• Through the resolution, the UNSC also took note of the dangerous security situation around the Kabul Airport and expressed concerns that the Intelligence indicates that more terrorist attacks may take place in the area. The resolution calls on the relevant parties to work with the international partners for strengthening security and preventing more attacks.

• The resolution reaffirms the significance of upholding human rights including those of children, women and minorities and encourages all the parties to seek an inclusive, political statement with full, equal and meaningful participation of women. The resolution also calls for strengthened efforts of providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

Need to adopt resolution on Afghanistan:

• US Ambassador to UN Linda Thomas Greenfield said that the resolution establishes clear expectations regarding the future of Afghanistan- that UNSC expects the Taliban to live up to its commitment of facilitating safe passage for Afghans and Foreign nationals who want to leave Afghanistan.

• The resolution by the UNSC is also a significant step towards a unified international response to the situation in Afghanistan

• UNSC will continue to build on this to ensure that the Taliban is held accountable for its commitments. It will be judged by the International Community on the basis of their actions on the ground and not on their words.


Russia and China abstained from the resolution: The US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas Greenfield said that the council took into account some of the concerns of both Russia and China that were raised in the draft resolution which was eventually approved. So the fact that they abstained, they will have t explain themselves. Russia abstained-

• Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN said that Moscow was forced to abstain during the vote on the resolution on Afghanistan as the authors ignored principled concerns.

• He explained that despite the fact that the resolution was proposed against the backdrop of a terrible terrorist attack, the authors of the resolution refused to refer to a passage on the fight against terrorism ‘containing the internationally recognized organisations the East Turkistan Islamic Movement and ISIL’.

• Russia sees this as a reluctance to acknowledge the obvious and a plan to divide the terrorists into ‘ours’ and ‘theirs’.

China abstained-

• Geng Shuang, Chinese Ambassador said that the nations concerned circulated the draft resolution on the evening of August 27 and demanding action to be taken on August 30

• The Chinese government has doubts about the urgency and necessity of adopting this resolution as well as the balance of its content. Despite this, China participated constructively in all the consultations and had also put forward important amendments.

• China has always opposed the imposition or the forceful pushing for the resolution by any sponsors and based on the above considerations, China decided to abstain from this draft resolution.

• China further added that in face of the fundamental changes in the domestic situation in Afghanistan, it is important for the international community to engage with the Taliban and provide them with guidance.

2.3. CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCIES (CBDC) SCHEME Why in news? Central banks in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and South Africa launched a Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) Scheme. Highlights:

• CBDC scheme is a cross border payments trial that uses different central bank digital currencies (CBDC) in order to assess if this allows transactions to be settled in a cheap and easy manner.

• Many governments and central banks across the world are exploring the use of CBDCs.


• CBDCs are digital forms of existing currencies. • Countries like China, are trialling retail-focused CBDCs that have been

designed to replicate cash in circulation. • Other countries are considering to use wholesale CBDCs in order to

improve the internal workings of financial systems. • Most of the projects are still in early stages and are domestically focused.

But, the developing global rules and frameworks on how CBDCs can be used internationally is complicated technically.

• A separate BIS-led project to explore CBDCs for cross-border payments is also in process which involve central banks from China, Hong Kong, the UAE And

Aim of the latest CBDC project: The latest CBDC project was launched by stated countries with the aim of developing prototype shared platforms for cross-border transactions by using multiple CBDCs.

Significance of the platform:

• These new platforms would enable the financial institutions to transact directly with each other across CBDCs. It will eliminate the requirement for intermediaries and reduce the time and cost of transactions.

• The initiative, will also explore different technical, governance and operating designs. It will also publish its results in early 2022.

• This platform will also leapfrog the legacy payment arrangements and serve as the foundation for more efficient international settlement platform.

Central bank digital currency (CBDC):

CBDC is the virtual format of a fiat currency in a particular nation or region. It is an electronic record or digital token of official currency. This currency is issued and regulated by its monetary authority. • The main advantages of CBDCs are that they can simplify implementation

of monetary and fiscal policy and promote financial inclusion in an economy by bringing the unbanked into the financial system. The main


disadvantages of CBDCs is that they are a centralized form of currency and can erode the privacy of citizens.

2.4. INDIA, US SIGN PACT FOR COOPERATION IN DEVELOPMENT OF AIR-

LAUNCHED UAV Why in news? Ministry of Defence, Government of India, and the US Department of Defence signed a Project Agreement (PA) for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ALUAV) under the Joint Working Group Air Systems in the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).

• The agreement is a significant step that aims at deepening Defence technology collaborations between both nations through the co-development of Defence equipment.

• The Project Agreement (PA) for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ALUAV) comes under the Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation (RDT&E) Memorandum of Agreement between the Ministry of Defence and the US Department of Defence. The Memorandum was signed first in January 2006 and renewed in January 2015.

Project Agreement (PA) for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ALUAV) – Highlights:

• The Project Agreement (PA) showcases the collaboration between Air Force Research Laboratory, Indian Air Force, and Defence Research and Development Organization during the development, design, demonstration, evaluation, and testing of systems to co-develop a prototype of Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ALUAV).

• The principal organizations for the execution of the Project Agreement (PA) are the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) at DRDO and the Aerospace Systems Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), along with the Indian and US Air Forces.

• The Project Agreement (PA) is a major accomplishment under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). The Joint Working Group on Air Systems has been overseeing the PA for the co-development of ALUAV.

• The co-chairs of the Joint Working Group Air Systems under DTTI, Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Plans Air Vice Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari from the Indian Air Force and Director, Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate Brigadier General Brian R. Bruckbauer from the US Air Force had signed the Project Agreement (PA) for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ALUAV).

Background: India-US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI):


• The Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) between India and the US was signed in 2012. The DTTI was established out of the need to transform the bilateral Defence relationship between both nations and also strengthen India’s Defence base.

• Under DTTI, Joint Working Groups on land, air, naval, and aircraft carrier technologies have been established to focus on mutually agreed projects in respective domains.

Objective of DTTI:

• One of the major objectives of the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) between India and the US is establishing sustained leadership and generation of opportunities in the Defence sector.

• DTTI is not a treaty or law but a flexible mechanism that aids the senior leaders from India and the US to strengthen opportunities that enable co-production and co-development of necessary Defence equipment or systems.

2.5. INDIA-UK ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL DIALOGUE Why in news? The eleventh India-United Kingdom Economic and Financial Dialogue was held virtually. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the UK Treasury Chancellor Rishi Sunak co-chaired the meeting. The Indian delegation included Governor of Reserve Bank of India Governor, Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India, Chairman of International Financial Services Centres Authority, Secretary of Department of Economic Affairs and other representatives from Ministry of Finance, Ministry of External Affairs and Indian High Commission, UK. The UK delegation included Governor Bank of England, Chief Executive Officer of Financial Conduct Authority, Economic Secretary and other representatives from UK, HMT. The Dialogue covered discussions on economic cooperation on multilateral issues, including G-20 and COP-26. Both sides deliberated on furthering of Financial Services collaboration with special emphasis on Fin-Tech and GIFT City, annual India-UK Financial Market Dialogue and measures underway to reform financial markets. Infrastructure development and promotion of sustainable finance and climate finance were also discussed. Investments in Green Projects: Under the EFD, both the countries have signed a USD 1.2-billion package of public and private investment in green projects and renewable energy to boost India’s green growth objectives.


• Public Financing: The green investments also include the $1 billion investment by CDC Group, the UK’s Development Finance Institution, into climate-related projects in India over 2022-26.

• GGEF: New additional investment of around USD 200 million was added from a range of international investors into the joint Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF), which invests in Indian renewable energy.

• CFLI: A new Climate Finance Leadership Initiative (CFLI) India partnership has been agreed upon, in which CFLI India will work with financial institutions, corporates, and existing sustainable finance initiatives, to accelerate efforts to mobilize private capital into India.

The partnership will be led by the CFLI and supported by the UK Government and the Government of India. Highlights of the Meeting:

• The UK has welcomed India’s decision of increasing the FDI cap in the insurance sector from 49 percent to 74 percent. Click here to know more

• Global Leadership: India is chairing the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and set to chair the G20 Presidency in 2023, whereas the UK presides over the G7 and COP26.

• The UK and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Migration and Mobility Partnership for mutual exchanges and sharing of information and talents from both sides

• Over the last 5 years, Indian firms have raised £13.41 billion in masala, dollar and green bonds listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Both the nations have set a target to double the trade by 2030.

• UK banks are the first international banks to set up in GIFT City. The next EFD is expected to be held in London in 2022.

2.6. BRICS BANK NDB ADMITS UAE, URUGUAY, BANGLADESH AS NEW MEMBERS Why in news? The New Development Bank (NDB) set up by the BRICS group of nations has admitted the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and Bangladesh as the first batch of new members as part of its expansion drive, the bank announced. NDB has initiated its membership expansion and started formal negotiations with prospective members in late 2020, the bank said in a press release. After a round of successful negotiations, NDB approved the admission of the UAE, Uruguay and Bangladesh as its first new member countries, it said. Background:

• Launched in 2015 by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), a group of major emerging economies, the Shanghai-headquartered bank mobilises resources for infrastructure and sustainable


development projects in their respective countries and other developing nations, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

• NDB has an authorised capital of USD 100 billion, which is open for subscription by members of the United Nations, the press release said.

• Since the beginning of its operations, NDB approved about 80 projects in all of its members, totalling a portfolio of USD 30 billion.

• Projects in areas such as transport, water and sanitation, clean energy, digital infrastructure, social infrastructure and urban development are within the scope of the bank, the release said.

2.7. HIGHLIGHTS OF EAM JAISHANKAR’S VISIT TO SLOVENIA, CROATIA,

DENMARK Why in news? India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar paid a visit to Slovenia, Croatia and Denmark to review the bilateral relationship and strengthen India’s cooperation with the three European countries. Slovenia: At first, the EAM visited Slovenia. There he had a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Slovenia H.E. Dr Anze Logar. EAM was invited to attend the 2021 Bled Strategic Forum (BSF), an annual international conference which was held in Slovenia and participate in the panel discussion on ‘Partnership for a Rules-Based Order in the Indo-Pacific’.

• India was the only Asian country and one of 3 non-European countries along with the USA and Kenya to be invited for the 2021 BSF.

• Different Issues related to China-led Belt and Road Initiative’s (BRI’s) utility in Europe, China’s sanctions against European individuals and businesses, etc were discussed under the forum.

Croatia: On his visit to Croatia, EAM had a bilateral talk with Croatian foreign minister Gordan Grlic Radman. EAM also had a meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and discussed opportunities to further expand bilateral cooperation, including in pharma, digital and infrastructure. Denmark: EAM visited Denmark and co-chaired the 4th round of the Indo-Danish Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) along with Jeppe Kofod, Foreign Minister of Denmark.

• Both discussed launching new important cooperation in the field of health to strengthen the bilateral Green Strategic Partnership.

• They have reviewed the progress of the Joint Action Plan.


Denmark is the only country with which India is having a green strategic partnership, which was held in September 2020. India has 200 Danish companies operating in the country. Both the countries discussed bilateral cooperation and how to carry forward larger trade-investment agreements with the European Union. 2.8. SRI LANKA’S ECONOMIC CRISIS Why in news? The President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared an economic emergency, due to rapidly depleting forex reserves, depreciating currency, and rising food prices in the country. The emergency was declared under the Public Security Ordinance to prevent the hoarding of essential items, including sugar and rice. The Sri Lankan government has appointed a former Army General as Commissioner of essential services who is authorized to seize food stocks held by traders and retailers and regulate their prices. Reasons for food crisis in Sri Lanka: Depleting forex reserves, depreciating currency, rising food prices:

• Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic suffered a severe setback in its tourism industry which contributes to over 10 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and brings in foreign exchange. A setback in the tourism industry of the country has resulted in the depletion of forex reserves from over %7.5 billion in 2019 to approximately $2.8 billion in July 2021.

• Due to the depletion in the forex reserves, the country had to increase the amount of money to purchase the foreign exchange to import goods. This increase has led to the depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee by approximately 8 per cent so far in 2021.

• Since Sri Lanka heavily relies on imports to fulfill the basic food supplies in the country, the depreciating currency has further led to a rise in the price of food items.

Sri Lanka government’s ban on use of chemical fertilizers in farming:

• The ban on the use of chemical fertilizers in farming by the Sri Lankan government has led to a reduction in the agricultural production sector. Rajapaksa in 2021 announced his plan to make Sri Lanka the first country in the world with a 100 per cent organic agriculture sector.

• Experts noted that the push towards 100 per cent organic farming in a country like Sri Lanka could cut the production of tea and other crops by half and further aggravate the situation than the current one.


Sri Lankan government’s response to the economic crisis:

• Sri Lankan government has ascertained that the rise in food prices is due to speculators hoarding essential supplies. Therefore, the government has declared an economic emergency under the Public Security Ordinance.

• The government has appointed the army with the authority to seize food supplies from traders and supply them to consumers at fair prices. The army has also been given powers to ensure that forex reserves be used only for the purchase of essential goods.

• The government has announced that it will continue with the plan of 100 per cent organic agriculture sector. The government stated that the long-term benefits of organic farming will make up for the short-term losses. The government will provide farmers with organic fertilizers as an alternative, it added.

• The Central Bank of Sri Lanka in 2021 announced that traders are prohibited from exchanging more than 200 Sri Lankan rupees for an American dollar. Traders are not to enter into forward currency contracts, it added.

Effectiveness of Sri Lankan government’s response in solving the economic crisis:

• The move to make Sri Lanka a country with a 100 per cent organic farming agriculture sector is expected to aggravate the economic crisis. It will reduce domestic food production significantly and cause a further rise in prices.

• Other steps such as capping of prices of food items will cause severe shortages as demand exceeds supply at the price fixed by the government. People are already queuing up outside shops to buy essential goods due to a shortage of supplies.

• Deployment of the army with the power to seize supplies from traders will take the incentives from the traders to bring in fresh supplies. This will further cause a drop in supplies and an increase in the prices of food items.

• Further, the ban by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on forward contracts and spot trading of Sri Lankan rupees at above 200 rupees to an American dollar may further fuel the crisis. Due to the ban, if a trader wants to pay more than 200 Sri Lankan rupees for an American dollar to import food or essential item will not be able to conduct the trade.

2.9. Thirteenth BRICS Summit Why in news?


Prime Minister Modi, chaired the 13th BRICS Summit virtually. The theme for the BRICS Summit was ‘BRICS@15: Intra BRICS cooperation for continuity, consolidation, and consensus’. The 13th summit of the BRICS grouping was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, President of Brazil Jair Bolsanaro, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa. This will also be the second time that Prime Minister Modi will chair the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit. Earlier in 2016, Prime Minister had chaired the Goa Summit. PM Modi chairs 13th BRICS Summit:

• Prime Minister Modi thanked all the members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) for the full cooperation that India received during its chairship of BRICS.

• While talking about the theme selected by India for the duration of its chairship, Prime Minister Modi noted that these 4Cs are the basic principles of our BRICS Partnership. The theme was "BRICS@15: Intra BRICS cooperation for continuity, consolidation, and consensus."

• Prime Minister Modi further noted that BRICS member nations need to ensure that BRICS yields more results in 15 years. He further added that the theme chosen by India for its chairship also reflects its priority.

• While informing about the success of BRICS under India's chairship, PM Modi informed that despite the COVID-19 situation in 2021, over 150 BRICS meetings and events were organised, and of these, over 20 were ministerial-level. He added that BRICS also achieved many firsts in 2021 and that our water resources ministers were also meet in BRICS format for the first time in November 2021.

• Prime Minister Modi also said that India has adopted the BRICS counter-terrorism action plan during its chairship at BRICS.

BRICS nations must continue to safeguard people's lives: President of South Africa:

• The President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa during his address at the 13th BRICS Summit said that the collective response by BRICS members to COVID-19 has demonstrated what can be achieved if we all work together. He added that as BRICS nations we must continue to safeguard our people's lives, livelihoods, support global economic recovery, and enhance the resilience of public systems.

• The South African President further said that we all must also ensure equal access to COVID-19 vaccine, therapeutics, and diagnostics as this is the only way in which we can respond to this pandemic that has engulfed the world.


Five nations have maintained the momentum of BRICS, says Chinese President: The President of China Xi Jinping during his address at the 13th BRICS summit said that over the past 15 years, the 5 nations have enhanced the strategic communication and political trust in the spirit of openness, equality, and inclusiveness. We have respected each other's social systems and have developed and explored the sound way for nations to interact with each other. He further added that since the start of this year, the five nations have also maintained the momentum of BRICS and have secured new progress in various areas. He further added that as long as we pool our minds and efforts, we can make solid & smooth progress in BRICS cooperation. Afghanistan should not become a threat: Russian President Putin:

• Highlighting the ongoing Afghanistan crisis, the President of Russia Vladimir Putin said that the withdrawal of US forces and its allies from Afghanistan has led to a new crisis and it is still unclear that how it will affect global and regional security.

• President Putin further added that Afghanistan should not become a threat to its neighbouring countries, a source of terrorism and drug trafficking.

Agenda of the 13th BRICS Summit 2021:

• Reportedly, the leaders of the 5 countries will deliberate on significant regional and global issues including Afghanistan as the Taliban takes over Kabul.

• During the BRICS summit, the leaders will underscore the priority of fighting terrorism, which will also include preventing attempts by terror organisations to use Afghanistan as a sanctuary to carry out attacks on other nations.

• The BRICS summit meeting will also be attended by the National Security Advisor of India Ajit Doval, the pro temper chair of BRICS Business Council Onkar Kanwar, President of the New Development Bank Marcos Troyjo, and the pro tempore chair of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Sangita Reddy.

• The officials will present the reports on the outcomes pursued in 2021 under their respective tracks to the leaders during the summit.

In addition to all these, the leaders during the BRICS Summit will also exchange views on the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and the other current global and regional issues. India’s chairship at BRICS: Priority areas For its chairship at BRICS, India has outlined four priority areas. These are- 1. Reform of the Multilateral system 2. Counter-Terrorism 3. Using Digital and Technological tools for achieving SDGs


4. Enhancing People to People exchange The Indian Chairship of BRICS in 2021 also coincides with the 15th anniversary of BRICS. Russia had hosted the last BRICS summit. 2.10. INDIA-AUSTRALIA HOLD 2+2 MINISTERIAL DIALOGUE Why in news? The first-ever 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between India and Australia is underway in New Delhi to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, and Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton are present in the meeting.

• The Afghanistan crisis will be on the top of the agenda of the India-Australia 2+2 dialogue among other matters relating to economic security, climate, cyber, supply chains, critical technology, and exploring new areas in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and unmanned vehicles.

• The ministers will also discuss other important matters relating to security such as the role of China in the Afghanistan region and also the situation in the East and South China seas.

• “These inaugural 2+2 discussions are a cornerstone of the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is founded on a shared commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” said Australia’s Foreign Minister before she embarked on the four-country tour.

• Both the ministers of Australia are on a four-country tour as they visit India, Indonesia, South Korea, and the United States for Indo-Pacific Consultations.

• The Foreign Minister and Defence Minister of Australia also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence.

India a key market for emerging technologies: Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne at ORF:

• During an event at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a global think tank based in Delhi, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne highlighted that India and Australia have made a substantial level of progress in the first year of partnership. They should now reflect on common ground that makes the basis of bilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, she added.

• Payne further said that India is on the trajectory of the global manufacturing hub. India has become a key market for emerging technologies. Australia will contribute 10 million dollars towards the disaster-resilient infrastructure initiative of India.


• In regard to education, Payne said that though the pandemic has disrupted key areas such as education, Australia is working hard to bring the Indian students back.

Indian Defence Minister, Australian Defence Minister hold bilateral talks:

• The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Defence Minister of Australia Peter Dutton held bilateral talks, with an aim to boost the bilateral relationship between both countries. The bilateral talks were held a day before the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between the Foreign and Defence minister of Australia and India.

• Both the Defence Ministers during the bilateral talks discussed expanding bilateral defence cooperation, military engagements across services, increasing mutual logistic support, cooperation in emerging defence technology, and enhancing defence information sharing.

2.11. INDIA - US LAUNCH CLIMATE ACTION AND FINANCE MOBILIZATION

DIALOGUE OF AGENDA 2030 PARTNERSHIP Why in news? India and the United States, jointly launched the Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue (CAFMD) of Agenda 2030 Partnership. John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate is on a visit to India from September 12-14. Earlier, he also met Union Power Minister RK Singh as part of his trip to India to address the climate crisis. Climate Action and Financial Mobilisation: Significance

• The Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue (CAFMD) of Agenda 2030 Partnership will provide both India and the United States an opportunity to renew the collaborations on climate change while also addressing the financial aspects.

• It will deliver climate finance primarily as grants and concessional finance, as envisaged under the Paris Agreement for strengthening the climate action.

Background: US-India Agenda 2030 Partnership:

• The US-India Agenda 2030 Partnership was announced by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Leaders’ Summit on Climate in April 2021.

• As per the officials, the dialogue will not only strengthen the India-US bilateral cooperation on climate and environment but will also help in demonstrating how the world can align swift climate action with resilient and inclusive economic development.


India-US Climate partnership:

• Prime Minister Modi, earlier, had also announced the India-US Climate and Clean Energy Partnership in order to help mobilize the investments and enable green collaborations.

• John Kerry, while speaking at the launch of CAFMD said that India has demonstrated that economic development and clean energy can go hand in hand. He also appreciated Prime Minister Modi for setting ambitious climate targets.

• While congratulating and applauding India for making significant progress in climate targets, he also said that 450 gigawatts renewable energy goals will also be reached by India.

2.12. INDIA TO STAND BY AFGHANISTAN PEOPLE: EAM JAISHANKAR CALLS FOR

HUMANITARIAN AID THROUGH UN Why in news? India is willing to stand by Afghan people, as in the past, said Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar during a high-level meeting on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan convened by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. “India’s own approach to Afghanistan has been guided by historical friendship with its people. This will continue to be the case. Even in the past, we have contributed to the humanitarian needs of that society,” said EAM Jaishankar.

• India called for ‘non-discriminatory’ and direct distribution of humanitarian assistance through the United Nations (UN) to Afghanistan during its critical phase. Jaishankar highlighted the need for giving humanitarian assistance providers unimpeded, unrestricted, and direct access to Afghanistan.

• As an immediate neighbhour, India is keeping a tab on the situation in Afghanistan very closely. Jaishankar noted that the international community must come together to create the best possible enabling environment. Ensuring efficient logistics is among the many political, social, economic, and security challenges the country faces right now.

• Jaishankar noted that once the relief materials reach Afghanistan, a non-discriminatory distribution of humanitarian assistance across all sections of the Afghan society will be expected. However, there are a host of apprehensions that if the relief materials will reach the intended beneficiaries under the Taliban rule.

Jaishankar advocates ‘central role’ of UN in dealing with humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan:

• India and other countries are not fully convinced of sending humanitarian assistance directly to the Taliban following their


takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021. Therefore, several countries have called for sending aid through the UN and international bodies.

• Jaishankar during the meeting said that India has consistently advocated a central role for the UN in handling the Afghanistan crisis. Only the UN is capable of monitoring such huge humanitarian assistance and reassure donors. A multilateral platform is always more effective than small groups of countries in building global consensus and encouraging united action, he noted.

• Jaishankar noted that UN Security Council Resolution 2593 should be the guiding tool for the international community in managing the situation in Afghanistan. The UNSC resolution 2593 was adopted on August 30, 2021, under the Presidency of India at UNSC. The Resolution demanded that Afghanistan should not be used to attack or threaten any country or shelter or train terrorists and plan or finance terrorist attacks.

Normalization of commercial operations to accelerate humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan: Jaishankar noted that the normalization of regular commercial operations at Kabul airport would help in accelerating the assistance efforts to Afghanistan. The issue of safe passage and travel can pose an obstacle to humanitarian assistance. Those who wish to travel to and from Afghanistan should be granted permission. Imminent threat of poverty level rising from 72 to 97 per cent in Afghanistan: Referring to a UNDP report, Jaishankar noted that 97 per cent of the population of Afghanistan is at risk of falling below the poverty line unless a solution to the political and economic crisis in the war-torn country is launched immediately. India’s contribution to the humanitarian requirements of Afghanistan in the past:

• In the past, India has provided one million metric tonnes of wheat over the past 10 years. In 2020, India has assisted Afghanistan with 75,000 metric tonnes of wheat. India also partnered with World Food Programme for distributing high protein biscuits to support vulnerable school-going children of Afghanistan.

• India has invested more than $3 billion towards the welfare of the people in Afghanistan. India has undertaken 500 projects in Afghanistan in critical areas of water supply, power, education, road connectivity, agriculture, healthcare, and capacity building.

2.13. SCO SUMMIT 2021 Why in news?


The 21st meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State will be held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan in a hybrid format. The President of Tajikistan H E Emomali Rahmon will chair the SCO Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Indian delegation and address the plenary session of the Summit virtually. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will represent India in Dushanbe at the SCO Summit 2021. This will be the first SCO Summit that will be conducted in a hybrid mode and the 4th Summit that India will participate as a full-fledged member of the SCO. The SCO Foreign Ministers met on July, 2021, and the SCO Defence Ministers met on July, 2021 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. SCO Summit 2021: Significance and Agenda: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2021 holds significance as the Organization will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The Summit is also important as it is being held at a time of the Taliban take over Afghanistan. The leaders are expected to review the activities of SCO over the past two decades and discuss the state and prospects of future cooperation. Issues relating to regional and international importance will be covered during the Summit. Attendees to the Summit:

• The SCO Summit will be attended by the leaders of the SCO Member States, Observer States, Secretary-General of the SCO, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS), President of Turkmenistan, and other invited guests.

• The current eight Members States of SCO are India, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan. The Observer States status has been given to Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia. The Dialogue Partner status has been given to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.

• The current SCO Secretary-General of SCO is Vladimir Norov of Uzbekistan. The Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure is Jumakhon Giyosov of Tajikistan.

• ASEAN, CIS, UN are multiple organizations and Turkmenistan is one country that are guest attendees to SCO Summits.

Background: SCO Council of Heads of State:

• The Council of Heads of State is the supreme SCO body that determines priorities and defines major areas of activities of the SCO. The Council decides on the fundamental issues of its internal arrangement and functioning and its interaction with other States


and internal organizations. The Council deliberates on the most topical international issues.

• The Summits of the SCO Council of Heads of State is held annually at alternating venues. The SCO Summit 2020 was chaired by Russia through a video conference amid COVID-19. The SCO Summit 2019 was chaired by Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek.

• The Council of Foreign Ministers is supposed to meet one month before the annual Summit of the Council of Heads of State. The SCO Foreign Ministers met in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The Council decides the place of meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Governments (Prime Ministers). The Council of Heads of State also appoints the Secretary-General of the SCO and Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS).

2.14. AUKUS: US, UK AND AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCE NEW DEFENCE PACT Why in news? US President Joe Biden announced a new defence pact between the US, UK and Australia on September 15, 2021. The pact known as AUKUS will enable sharing of advanced technologies, expertise in artificial intelligence, cyber underwater systems and long-range capabilities. Australian PM Scott Morrison said that the first major initiative under AUKUS initiative will be the delivery of a nuclear-powered submarine fleet for Australia. He said, “ We will seek to determine the best way forward to achieve this. We intend to build these submarines in Australia in close cooperation with UK and US.” Responding strongly to the new pact, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern banned Australian nuclear submarines from New Zealand waters, stating that New Zealand would not change its nuclear-free stance. AUKUS:

• AUKUS is a new enhanced security partnership between three major economies- Australia, United Kingdom and the United States. Australian PM Scott Morrison said that AUKUS is a partnership where our technology, our scientists, our industry, and defence force all working together to deliver a safer and more secure region.

• The enhanced trilateral security partnership will see Australia build a nuclear-powered fleet of submarines in a joint endeavor with the US and UK with the main focus being on interoperability, commonality and mutual benefit.

• The joint statement on the formation of trilateral defence partnership between Australia, US and UK read that the three nations are deeply committed to upholding their leadership on global non-proliferation.

AUKUS: Key Focus


• Under AUKUS, the leaders of Australia, UK & US guided by their shared ideals and commitment to international rules-based order, will focus on resolving deepen diplomatic, security & defence cooperation in Indo-Pacific by working along with partners to meet challenges of the 21st century.

• UK PM Boris Johnson stated that the aim of AUKUS will be working hand in glove to preserve security & stability in the Indo-Pacific. He clarified that the submarines will be powered by nuclear reactors and not armed with nuclear weapons.

Australia to continue as a non-nuclear weapons state:

• Australia will remain committed to fulfilling all of its obligations as non-nuclear weapons state, including with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

• The joint statement emphasised that Australia will continue its position as a non-nuclear weapons state and will not be fielding nuclear weapons. It will, however, use nuclear propulsion systems for the vessels to guard against threats.

• The nuclear-powered submarines will be built in Adelaide in South Australia state, in close cooperation with the United States and Britain.

Need for the Pact:

• UK PM Boris Johnson called it a momentous decision for Australia to acquire the technology and said it would make the world safer.

• US President Joe Biden said, “We all recognize the imperative of ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific over the long term.” He added saying, “We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it may evolve because the future of each of our nations and indeed the world depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead.”

Counter China Policy: The new trilateral security pact, AUKUS is perhaps another effort by the US and its allies to counter China’s growing power and influence in the South China Sea. There was though no mention of China while announcing the partnership. 2.15. PM MODI ADDRESSES SCO SUMMIT 2021 Why in news? Prime Minister Modi, led the Indian delegation and virtually addressed the plenary session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe.


• The 21st meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State was held in a hybrid format. At Dushanbe, India will was represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

• This was the first SCO meet which took place in a hybrid format and the fourth summit in which India participated as a full-fledged member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• The 21st SCO summit also assumed significance as the organization is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2021.

Prime Minister Modi addresses SCO meet:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address said that this year 20th anniversary of SCO is being celebrated. He welcomed Iran as the new member of the SCO. Prime Minister Modi also welcomed the three new dialogue partners- Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

• PM Modi added that the 20th anniversary of SCO is the right time to think about the future of the organisation. The biggest challenges that we face in this area are related to security, peace, trust deficit, and the root cause of all these problems is increasing radicalization. Prime Minister added that recent developments in Afghanistan have made this challenge extremely clear.

• PM Modi in his address at SCO Summit noted that youngsters must be encouraged towards science and rational thinking. He added that we can bring start ups and entrepreneurs together to make the innovative spirit towards making India a stakeholder in emerging technology.

• Prime Minister Modi at SCO Summit assured that India is committed to increasing its connectivity with Central Asia. He added that landlocked central Asian countries can benefit immensely by connecting with India’s vast market.

• Noting the significance of mutual trust, PM Modi said that any initiative cannot be one way. In order to ensure mutual trust, the connectivity projects must be transparent, consultative, and participatory. There should be respect for the territorial integrity of all the countries.

• Prime Minister Modi emphasized that SCO must develop a shared template to fight radicalism and extremism.

EAM meets ministers from Russia, Iran in Dushanbe:

• The External Affairs Minister of India S Jaishankar, who is in Dushanbe representing India at the 21st SCO Summit, met the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov before the commencement of the SCO Summit in Tajikistan.

• EAM stated the discussion with Russian FM on contemporary issues useful. Afghanistan was also a part of the discussion.


• Jaishankar also met President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi ahead of the SCO Summit.

SCO Summit 2021 – Highlights:

• As India will be represented by EAM S. Jaishankar, the world leaders at the meeting are expected to deliberate on the Afghan crisis, its internal-external implications, and the issues pertaining to regional security.

• The summit will be chaired by the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. It will also see the leaders of the SCO member states, SCO Secretary-General, observer states, executive director of SCO regional anti-terrorist structure, President of Turkmenistan among others.

• During the meet, Jaishankar is also expected to attend a meeting on Afghanistan with the Head of the States of SCO and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation.

• Foreign Minister of Russia, Foreign Minister of Iran, Prime Minister, as well as Foreign Minister of Pakistan, are some of the leaders who will be attending the meeting.

2.16. Sixth BRICS Young Scientist Forum Why in news? At the 6th BRICS Young Scientist Forum which was hosted by the Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, India focused on energy, healthcare, innovation, and the digital revolution.

• Sanjay Bhattacharya, Secretary (CPV & OIPA) & BRICS Sherpa at BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) Young Scientist Forum gave the valedictory address at the BRICS Young Scientist Forum.

• Inaugural BRICS Digital health Summit was also held recently. It reflected the growing need for innovative solutions to the traditional challenges, which were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BRICS Young Scientist Forum Highlights:

• The officials during the forum noted that the Coronavirus pandemic has caused enormous hardships to citizens, not only in BRICS nations but also across the globe. Both lives and livelihoods have been lost and inequities have also widened. They further emphasized that in the post-pandemic era, the target is to recover fast.

• Sanjay Bhattacharya during his address said that BRICS must take a lead in agenda-setting to build back capacity, promote innovation, have resilience, establish sustainability as the highest priority, and have credibility.


• BRICS must also focus on research and technological cooperation to ensure the supply of the vaccines, raw materials, etc. to facilitate inclusive recovery.

• In his address, Bhattacharya highlighted that the forum aims to foster the dialogues and has chosen important and relevant themes such as energy, health care, cyber and innovations, the reflect the contemporary realities of the world.

BRICS Scientific ministries joined hands to support research:

• In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, BRICS Scientific ministries have joined hands to support the collaborative research in multiple areas.

• Funding the agencies from BRICS nations, including the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Biotechnology from India, about USD 10 million have been co-invested for the collaborative projects.

Projects under BRICS COVID Call:

• Sanjay Bhattacharya informed that about 84 project proposals have been received under BRICS COVID Call. India is a partner in 6 projects out of 12 recommended for support.

• These projects aim to develop vaccines, drugs, genome sequencing, diagnostic skills, application of artificial intelligence for the treatment and prevention of the COVID-19 virus.

• Under BRICS COVID Call, BRICS officials have agreed to operationalize the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center as a virtual network.

Background: BRICS Young Scientist Forum:

• The forum by the 5 powerful nations has created a network to harness knowledge for solving the common societal challenges through research and innovation.

• Accelerating both collective and individual change, the conclave has built a BRICS leadership and has reinforced its regional STI policies, entrepreneurship, and young skill development. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is a grouping of five nations that are known for their significant influence on regional affairs.

2.17. INDIA, EL SALVADOR HOLD THIRD FOREIGN OFFICE CONSULTATIONS Why in news? The Third Foreign Office Consultations between India and El Salvador were held in San Salvador. Highlights:


• Indian side was led by Secretary (East), Riva Ganguly Das while and El Salvadoran side was led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Integration & Economic Promotion, Ambassador Adriana Maria Mira.

• During the consultations, both of them noted the warm and friendly relations between India and El Salvador.

• They also reviewed the bilateral relations in all the fields including health, trade & investment, tourism, energy, aquaculture, transport, aviation & infrastructure, consular & development partnership and culture.

• Both the countries decided to exchange their best practices in the area of public diplomacy.

• They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest such as cooperation in the United Nations and finally agreed to work closely across the multilateral arena.

El Salvador–India relations: Diplomatic relations between both the countries were established on February 12, 1979. Embassy of El Salvador in London was accredited to India until June 2008 when El Salvador established its embassy in New Delhi. El Salvador currently maintains its embassy in New Delhi as well as an honorary consulate in Bangalore. Embassy of India in Guatemala is accredited to El Salvador. India has also an honorary consulate in San Salvador. 2.18. UNGA GENERAL DEBATE WEEK BEGINS Why in news? The 76th UN General Assembly's high-level segment, General Debate began on September 21 and will run till September 27, 2021. The week-long segment will see many top speakers including US President, China's Premier and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping will address the world leaders today, PM Narendra Modi will address the forum on September 25th. This will be US President Joe Biden's first address to the 193-member General Assembly as the US President. UNGA General Debate 2021 theme: The UNGA General Debate theme for this year is ‘Building Resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations’. UNGA taking place in hybrid format:

• The 76th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) is taking place in a hybrid format under the Presidency of Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. The world leaders were given the option of attending in person or sending pre-recorded statements.


• As per the second provisional list of speakers, around 109 heads of state and government will address the UNGA General Debate in person and around 60 will deliver their speeches through pre-recorded video statements.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit the United States later this year, is among the 109 heads of state who will address the General Debate in person. US President Joe Biden will also be addressing the General Debate in person today, while Xi Jinping is scheduled to deliver his address virtually.

• Other world leaders who are expected to address the session in person include Israel’s new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

2.19. SAARC FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING CALLED OFF Why in news? SAARC Foreign Ministers meeting that was scheduled to be held in New York on September 25, 2021 has been cancelled after Pakistan demanded the participation of the Taliban regime. SAARC Chair Nepal sent a letter to SAARC member countries, officially informing them that the meeting stands cancelled. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal Government wrote in the letter that, “due to lack of concurrence from all member states, the informal meeting of the SAARC Council of Ministers proposed to be held in-person on 25 September 2021 on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York will not take place.” Reasons for cancellation of the Meeting:

• As per reports, Pakistan did not want the participation of Afghan envoy from the previous Ashraf Ghani regime and instead demanded the SAARC member states to allow the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to send a representative for the SAARC meeting.

• If the meeting was held, Ghulam M. Isaczai, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations could have attended it but Pakistan refused to allow it.

• It is reported that majority of SAARC members had agreed to keep an empty chair for Afghanistan during the meeting but Pakistan did not agree. Pakistan demanded the participation of a Taliban representative, which was shot down by the remaining SAARC member countries including India and chair Nepal.

• The Taliban regime has not yet been recognised by governments across the world. In fact, many of the top Taliban cabinet ministers are blacklisted by the United Nations.

Background:


South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC):

• The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional intergovernmental organization that comprises eight South Asian countries as its member states including India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

• SAARC was founded in December 1985 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The grouping aims to promote development of economic and regional integration.

• Afghanistan is SAARC’s youngest member, as it joined the grouping in 2007. The SAARC Secretariat is located in Kathmandu, Nepal.

• With the recent developments in the region, questions have been raised on the functionality of SAARC and India’s engagement in the grouping given Pakistan’s continuous support to terrorism.

2.20. IRAN BECOMES NINTH MEMBER OF THE SHANGHAI COOPERATION

ORGANISATION Why in news? Iran has become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The decision to admit the nation as a full-time member of the bloc was announced during the 21st SCO leaders summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

• Chinese President Xi Jinping, who addressed the summit virtually, confirmed Iran’s permanent membership of the SCO.

• Iran was so far participating in SCO meetings as an observer nation, a status that it had acquired in June 2005.

• It had applied for full membership of the bloc first in 2008 and then again in 2010 but both times it was not successful.

• Iran will formally join the SCO bloc after the conclusion of the technical and legal process, which could take up to two years.

Iranian President’s statement: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi termed the approval as a “diplomatic success” during his speech at the two-day SCO summit in Tajikistan’s Dushanbe. This was the first appearance of Iran’s new president, hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi at an international platform. He had taken the oath of office in August 2021, succeeding Hassan Rouhani.

• He called the SCO summit “one of the few” opportunities for dialogue to ensure real peace and cooperation at the regional level. He also spoke about Iran’s vast potential in terms of energy, population, geopolitics, transportation, human resources, and culture, spirituality and civilization.

• He also spoke about strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in the field of economy is an important factor in improving the strategic role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the global economy. He noted that


the international system is changing towards the polarization and redistribution of power in favor of independent states.

• Raisi also denounced “unilateralism” by the United States and called for a concerted effort to fight sanctions during his speech.

Significance:

• This would be the first time that Iran becomes a full member of a major regional bloc since its 1979 revolution. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes Iran’s full membership in the bloc.

• Iran’s inclusion as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization would mean linking Iran to the economic infrastructures of Asia and its vast resources.

• Iran, which is currently facing harsh US sanctions, could stand to gain politically and economically from the SCO membership. It could also gain significant access to the Central Asian region, which can be the possibly market for the export of Iranian goods

• While US sanctions may still potentially prove to be roadblocks, it will not halt Iran’s economic progress, as per experts. Iran is looking to expand its pre-existing cooperation agreement with Russia. It had also signed a 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement with China in March 2021.

2.21. QUAD SUMMIT 2021 Why in news? The White House confirmed that US President Joe Biden will host the first-ever Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) leaders’ Summit at the White House. As per the official statement by the White House, President Biden has been looking forward to welcoming PM Modi, Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. The Quad members are the grouping of four nations- India, the US, Australia, and Japan. This will also be the first-ever in-person Quad meet. The virtual meeting of the leaders was held in March 2021. Agenda of the Summit: The official statement noted that the Quad leaders will focus on deepening the ties and advancing the practical cooperation in areas such as combating the Coronavirus pandemic, partnering on emerging technologies and cyberspace, addressing the climate crisis, and promoting free and open Indo-Pacific.

• As part of their ongoing effort to contain the pandemic, the Quad leaders during the summit will review the Quad vaccine initiative which was announced in March 2021.

• They will also review the progress made since the first virtual summit of Quad in March 2021 and will discuss the regional issues of shared interest.

• During Quad Summit, the views will be exchanged on contemporary global issues such as connectivity and infrastructure, critical and emerging


technologies, maritime security, cyber security, climate change, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief.

• The recent developments in Afghanistan and rising global terror threats are also expected to be part of the discussion for four leaders.

PM Modi visits US to address UNGA:

• Prime Minister Modi is visiting the US for the summit and will also address the General-Debate of the High-Level Segment of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

• The theme of this year’s UNGA debate is ‘Building resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, responds to the need of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalize the United Nations.’

Quad virtual summit in March 2021:

• The first-ever virtual summit of the Quad leaders was held on March 12, 2021. The summit was attended by the leaders of the four nations- the US, Japan, Australia, and the US.

• During the first Quad dialogue, the four leaders had stressed an open, free, and rule-based Indo-Pacific region that will be anchored by unconstrained coercion and democratic values.

• The Quad leaders, in a joint statement, had said: “We bring diverse perspectives and are united in a shared vision for the free and open Indo-Pacific. We strive for a region which is free, open, healthy, inclusive, and unconstrained by coercion”.

Background: Quad:

• The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is a strategic dialogue between Japan, India, the US, and Australia.

• The significant dialogue between the four nations was initiated in 2007 by the then Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, Australian Prime Minister John Howard, US Vice President Dick Cheney, and the Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh.

• The dialogue was ceased after the withdrawal of Australia during Kevin Rudd’s tenure as the Prime Minister. However, it was revived again during the 2017 ASEAN Summits, when the four leaders Narendra Modi, Shinzo Abe, Malcolm Turnbull, and Donald Trump agreed to revive the alliance.

• Quad, the diplomatic and military engagement, was widely viewed as a response to China’s growing economic and military power in the Indo-Pacific region.

2.22. QUAD SUMMIT 2021 HIGHLIGHTS Why in news?


US President Joe Biden hosted the first-ever Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) leaders’ Summit at the White House.

• Quad Summit 2021 was attended by PM Modi, President Biden, Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

• Reportedly, the Quad leaders summit was structured on- COVID-19 response; Afghanistan & Regional Security; Tech & Cyber Security; and Climate.

• The Quad members are the grouping of four nations- India, the US, Australia, and Japan. This was also the first-ever in-person Quad meet. The virtual meeting of the leaders was held in March 2021.

PM Modi at Quad Leaders Summit 2021 Highlights:

• Prime Minister Modi in his opening remarks at Quad Summit 2021 said that the four nations met for the first time after the 2004 Tsunami to help the Indo-pacific region. He added that today when the world has been fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, the four nations have come here once again as Quad for the welfare of humanity.

• While talking about the Quad Vaccine initiative, Prime Minister Modi said that it will help the Indo-pacific nations. Quad has decided to go ahead with a positive approach on the basis of shared democratic values which include climate change, global security, COVID-19 response, or tech cooperation.

• Prime Minister Modi further said that Quad will work as a 'force for global good'. The cooperation in Quad will ensure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region as well as the entire world.

• The Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla while addressing the media after the Quad Summit informed that Prime Minister Modi during the meeting highlighted the issue of getting access for the Indian professionals to the US and mentioned H1B Visa. There was also a strong emphasis on trade and economic relations.

Quad Fellowship launched:

• The President of the United States while hosting the first in-person Quad summit in the White House said that the four Quad nations- India, US, Australia, and Japan- are launching a new Quad fellowship for students from each of the Quad countries to pursue the advanced degrees in the leading stem programs here in the United States, representing an investment in the innovators, leaders, and pioneers of tomorrow.

• The Quad fellowship will sponsor 100 students per year- 25 from each

Quad country- to pursue masters and doctoral degrees at the leading stem graduate universities in the United States.

India to provide 8 million Janssen Vaccine doses:


• The Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringhla post the Quad summit informed that at Quad's request, Prime Minister Modi has said that India will make available 8 million doses of Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Vaccine, which is manufactured by Biological E in India.

Quad Summit 2021: PM Modi proposes common international travelling protocol:

• During the Quad leader's meeting, Prime Minister Modi proposed a common international travelling protocol involving the mutual recognition of the COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate. The proposal was well-received by all the Quad Leaders.

Quad countries pledge to donate more than 1.2 billion vaccine doses globally:

• In a joint statement, the four Quad leaders announced that they have pledged to donate more than 1.2 billion COVID-19 vaccines globally, in addition to the doses that they have financed through COVAX.

• Japan through Japan Bank for International Cooperation will work with India to enhance the key investments of approx $100 million in the healthcare sector related to COVID-19.

2.23. PM MODI ADDRESSES UNGA Why in news? I represent a country called the Mother of Democracies, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a powerful and landmark message to the world at the 76th session of UNGA. The Prime Minister during his speech underlined India’s strong and robust tradition of democracy, which has drawn strength from the nation’s diversity. The Prime Minister said that our diversity and plurality is an example of vibrant democracy and emphasised that the impact of India's development on global progress is evident as "When India grows, the world grows; when India reforms, the world transforms". PM Modi further added saying "A boy who helped his father sell tea is now PM." Highlights of PM Modi's speech at UNGA: The Prime Minister in his UNGA speech said that there is a need to stay away from the race of "expansion and exclusion". He pointed out that his government's priority is that development should be all-inclusive, universal and one that nurtures all.


He highlighted a few of his government's flagship schemes such as Ayushmann Bharat, PM Awas Yojana and PM Jan Dhan Yojana and emphasised on the principle of 'Antyodaya'. He said "I can say with my own experience that democracy can deliver. Yes, democracy has delivered." PM Modi further highlighted the transformational role of technology in the daily lives of people and stressed on diversified, resilient and expanded global value chains. Prime Minister Narendra Modi quoted Chanakya, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore during his UNGA speech. Quoting Chanakya he said, "When the right work is not done at the right time, then only time destroys the success of that work." PM Modi highlighted that if the United Nations has to keep itself relevant, it has to improve its effectiveness, increase its reliability. The Prime Minister stressed on the need to strengthen the United Nations to protect the Global Order, Global Laws and Global Values and called on the international community to strengthen rule-based world order. On Afghanistan:

• The Prime Minister while speaking on the situation in Afghanistan said that it is absolutely essential to ensure that Afghanistan territory is not used to spread terrorism and for terror activities.

• He warned countries using terrorism as a political tool, saying that it will

backfire on them and cautioned against regressive thinking and extremism. • He also emphasised that the world must ensure that Afghanistan's soil is

not used to spread terrorism and terrorist attacks. He said that we must stay alert that no one should make use of the delicate situation in Afghanistan as a political tool for their own use.

On Vaccine:

• PM Modi while stressing that India's "faith is to serve people" invited the global vaccine manufacturers to come and make vaccines in India. He informed that India has developed the first DNA-based COVID vaccine, which can be administered to those older than 12 years.

• The Prime Minister pointed out that despite having limited resources, India has been working aggressively towards vaccine development and manufacturing.

• He further paid his tributes to all those who lost their lives due to COVID-19 and expressed his condolences to their families.


Mother of Democracy:

• The Prime Minister noted that India is known as the mother of democracy, adding that "our diversity is the identity of our strong democracy".

• He said that as India enters the 75th year of its independence this year, "our diversity is the identity of our strong democracy. He highlighted that in a country that has dozens of languages, hundreds of dialects, different lifestyles and cuisines, this is the best example of a vibrant democracy.

• He further noted that COVID-19 taught the world that the global economy should be more diversified now and stated that the expansion of the global value chain is important in this regard.

Oceans common heritage:

• PM Modi also highlighted that the oceans are a "common heritage" and therefore, "we should use ocean resources, not abuse." He highlighted that our oceans are also the lifeline of international trade and we have to protect them from the race of expansion and exclusion.

• The Prime Minister concluded his speech by quoting Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore "Move forward fearlessly on your auspicious path of action. May all weaknesses and doubts be eliminated".

• He said that the message is relevant for the United Nations in today's context as it is relevant for every responsible country. "I believe, the efforts of all of us, will increase peace and harmony in the world, make the world healthy, safe and prosperous," he concluded.

2.24. CHINA DECLARES ALL CRYPTO-CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS ILLEGAL Why in news? China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China, announced that all transactions of crypto-currencies are illegal, effectively banning financial activities involving cryptocurrencies, such as trading crypto, selling tokens, transactions involving virtual currency derivatives.

• China had banned trading cryptocurrency in 2019 but the nation remained as one of the world's largest cryptocurrency markets.

• The price of the world’s largest cryptocurrency Bitcoin fell by almost 10 per cent to around $40,000 after China issued a nationwide ban on cryptocurrency mining.

• "Virtual currency-related business activities are illegal financial activities, it seriously endangers the safety of people's assets,” said the People's Bank of China. “And foreign websites that provide such services to Chinese citizens online is also an illegal activity,” added China’s Central Bank.

Reason for China's ban on Cryptocurrency:


China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China, said that trading of Bitcoin and other virtual currencies had become widespread and ‘disrupting economic and financial order, giving rise to money laundering, illegal fund-raising, fraud, pyramid schemes, and other illegal and criminal activities.’ Developments leading to the ban: China had banned trading cryptocurrency in 2019 but the nation remained as one of the world's largest cryptocurrency markets. Therefore, in order to shut down cryptocurrency mining in all its forms, China made a significant crackdown in 2021. May 2021: China banned banks and payment firms from providing services related to cryptocurrency transactions. It also warned investors against speculative crypto trading. The National Internet Finance Association of China, the Clearing Association of China and the China Banking Association, and the Payment issued a warning that consumers would have no protection if they faced any losses during crypto-trading. June 2021: The People's Bank of China completely ordered several banks and payment companies to not provide any services such as clearing, settlement, or trading environment for cryptocurrency transactions. The Agricultural Bank of China and China's Postal Savings Bank also followed the suit. China ban on crypto-trading platforms - Significance: Making crypto transactions illegal:

• Changpeng Zhao in China who had founded the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange Binance moved to Japan within months of the Chinese crackdown on crypto trading platforms.

• Smaller nations like El Salvador have recently adopted Bitcoin as legal tender to foster financial inclusion and economic growth while in May 2021, China’s State Council vowed to crack down on Bitcoin trading and mining and create its own digital currency Yuan which will not use the blockchain technology like the cryptocurrencies.

Create its own digital currency:

• Economy experts state China’s ban on cryptocurrency trading has come at a time when China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China has been testing its own digital currency, the Chinese Yuan, since 2014.

• The digital Yuan aims at replacing and digitizing cash and coin. Chinese authorities banned initial coin offerings (ICOs) in 2017.

• The digital Yuan will be issued by the People's Bank of China (PBOC) unlike Bitcoin which is not controlled by any central authority.


• This will allow the government to keep track of how money flows around China’s economy, detect any illegal flow of funds, and the internationalization of the Yuan currency.

2.25. INDIA COMMITTED TO GOAL OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS-FREE WORLD,

FOREIGN SECRETARY TELLS UNSC MEET Why in news? India is committed to the goal of nuclear weapons-free world and complete elimination of nuclear weapons, said Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla during the United Nations Security Council meeting. The Foreign Secretary said, "We believe that this goal can be achieved through a step-by-step process underwritten by a universal commitment and an agreed global and non-discriminatory multilateral framework." While India had participated in the negotiations of the draft CTBT in the Conference on Disarmament, India could not join the Treaty as the Treaty did not address a number of core concerns raised by India. India, however, maintains a voluntary, unilateral moratorium on nuclear explosive testing and has actively supported and contributed to the strengthening of global nuclear security architecture, informed Shringla. The Indian Foreign Secretary was addressing the United Nations Security Council meeting on 'Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction: Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)', held under the Irish Presidency. Highlights:

• The Foreign Secretary highlighted that India has been a key partner in the strengthening of the global nuclear security architecture.

• In fact, India was the first country to call for a ban on nuclear testing in 1954 and a non-discriminatory non-proliferation of nuclear weapons treaty in 1965.

• India has also participated in the Nuclear Security Summit and has been regular in the International Conferences on Nuclear Security organized by the IAEA.

• India is also a member of the Nuclear Security Contact Group. India had also piloted the annual UN General Assembly Resolution on 'Measures to Prevent Terrorists from Acquiring Weapons of Mass Destruction' since 2002, which is adopted by consensus.

• Foreign Secretary Shringla highlighted that there is a need for the international community to pay closer attention to the illicit proliferation of networks of nuclear weapons, their delivery systems, components and relevant technologies.

• Shringla also informed that India would continue to work in the framework of the Disarmament Triad comprising the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, UN Disarmament Commission and Conference on


Disarmament to strengthen the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation architecture.

• He further said that the Conference on Disarmament, the world's sole multilateral disarmament negotiating forum, is well placed to take forward the global disarmament agenda and negotiate legally binding instruments on items on its core agenda.

Background: India is an active part of various export control regimes including Wassenaar Arrangement, Australia Group and Missile Technology Control Regime with the objective of strengthening the non-proliferation architecture. India's Foreign Secretary highlighted that India hopes that the international community will continue to work towards realizing the collective aspiration for a nuclear weapons-free world. 2.26. JAPAN'S FUMIO KISHIDA SET TO BECOME NEW PRIME MINISTER AFTER

LEADERSHIP VOTE Why in news? Fumio Kishida is set to become the new Prime Minister of Japan after he was elected as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. He will succeed outgoing party leader Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who had earlier announced his decision to step down from the position after serving for just a year. Fumio Kishida is Japan's former foreign minister and he will be elected as Japan's next Prime Minister in the Parliament on October 4, 2021. He beat Taro Kono, the popular vaccinations minister, in a runoff vote to be elected as the ruling party's leader. Japan's Political Crisis:

• Japan's incumbent Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga had announced earlier this month that he will not run for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in September 2021.

• Suga made his intentions to step down as Japan's Prime Minister very clear, after serving for only a year since he took office in September 2020. Suga had succeeded Japan's longest-serving prime minister Shinzo Abe, who had resigned unexpectedly in August 2020 citing ill health.

• Suga was expected to seek re-election in the ruling LDP's leadership election, however, he indicated that he wants to focus on coronavirus response instead. He explained that it requires immense energy to simultaneously tackle both COVID-19 responses and prepare for the leadership race. Hence, he decided to focus only on one task and that was responding to the COVID-19 situation in the country.

• Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's handling of the coronavirus pandemic received a lot of backlash from the public, especially after his insistence on holding the Tokyo Olympics this past summer.


2.27. RBI FINANCIAL INCLUSION INDEX Why in news? Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled the first edition of Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index).

• The FI-Index for the financial year ended March 2021 crossed the halfway mark to 53.9

• It was 43.4 for the year ended March 2017 About the FI index

• FI-Index covers financial services as a whole, with a total of 97 indicators weighing three parameters:

• Ease of access to services (35% weight) • Availability and usage of services (45%) • Quality of services (20%). • As per a RBI release, it captures the quality aspect of financial inclusion “as

reflected by financial literacy, consumer protection, and inequalities and deficiencies in services.

Facts • Close to 96% of the bank accounts are claimed by the government to have

been covered by at least one digital means of payment by March 2021. • RBI Governor claimed that about 425 million individuals have JDY

accounts, 55% of whom are women. He attempted to address the criticism that one-third of poor women in India don’t have JDY accounts.

• The new FI-Index also considers people’s access to the post offices in their new avatar. Atal Pension Yojana (co-contributory) is a government-backed pension scheme primarily targeting the unorganised sector. LIC and other companies have already launched many pension products irrespective of economic strata, apart from the National Pension Scheme being in play for the private sector employees. The FI-Index makes participation of people in these pension schemes a parameter of financial inclusion.

Issues

• But all these statistics fall short of explaining the value of the FI-Index crossing merely the halfway mark.

• The “qualitative” evaluation of financial inclusion gives rise to many questions like how many customer-induced transactions could be seen in JDY accounts, usage of overdraft facility, availing accidental insurance facility associated with the Rupay card or life insurance facility associated.


• It also throws up questions on financial literacy, about the masses’ knowledge of financial products and types, for example, their ability to distinguish between insurance from an ordinary investment.

3. ECONOMY 3.1. TMA SCHEME TO BE REINTRODUCED About:

• Worried about an over 300% jump in shipping costs in August from a year before, the government is exploring a range of options–including incentivising the setting up of domestic shipping lines and temporary fiscal support — to soften the blow to exporters.

• The crisis hits exporters at a time when they are striving to reap benefits of a resurgence in global demand for merchandise, and threatens the country’s ambitious $400-billion export target for FY22.

• For immediate relief, government is considering demands to extend fiscal support to Covid-hit exporters for the next 6-7 months to bolster their ability to honour supply commitments on time.

• For exporters of specified farm products, it’s planning to re-introduce the Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) scheme for at least one more year.

TMA SCHEME

• Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) scheme is introduced by the Government of India for agricultural products. It aims to provide less expensive transportation of goods, referred to as freight, which is an integral element of today’s international trade.

• Under this scheme, the cost of transportation required to export some specific agricultural products has lowered. It essentially means that the Freight Cost up to a specific limit will be reimbursed by the Government to make our Agricultural products competitive in the global market.

• It also provides benefits for the marketing of agricultural products, which helps to promote the brands and help them attain the recognition for Indian agrarian products in the overseas markets.


• The TMA Scheme is included in the Foreign Trade Policy (2015-20) and was introduced on 01.03.2019.

Who is eligible for TMA Scheme?

• The scheme covers all the exporters of eligible agriculture products, registered with the relevant Export Promotion Council, as per the Foreign Trade Policy.

• The transport and marketing assistance scheme aims to reimburse the part amount of freight paid (sea and air) by the exporter and also the marketing costs involved in the promotion of the product. This scheme was introduced from 01.03.2019 to 31.03.2020. As per latest update, the TMA scheme has been extended till 31.03.2021.

Eligible Products under the TMA scheme

• The scheme is eligible for all the export products covered under chapters 1 to 24 of the ITC HS, including marine and plantation products.

• However, some specific products falling under Chapter 1 to 24 would not be covered under the Scheme for assistance. A list of such ineligible products is mentioned in Annexure (1).


Coverage under the TMA scheme

• Export of agricultural products, to certain permissible countries as specified in Annexure (2) will only be covered under the TMA scheme.


• The scheme covers freight transportation and the marketing for export through both ways, i.e., Air as well by sea (both regular and refrigerated cargo).

• Annexure- 2 mentioned a list of all the export destinations/countries in each region which are available for assistance under the TMA Scheme.

• In Annexure- 3 mentioned, the rate of assistance is provided Country-wise.

3.2. ACCOUNT AGGREGATORS Why in news?


Eight of India’s major banks joined the Account Aggregator (AA) network that will enable customers to easily access and share their financial data.

• It is an initiative by FSDC - Financial stability and development council. What is an NBFC-AA?

• According to the Reserve Bank of India, an Account Aggregator is a non-banking financial company engaged in the business of providing, under a contract, the service of retrieving or collecting financial information pertaining to its customer.

• Facilitates sharing of financial information in a real-time and data-blind manner (Data flow through AA are encrypted) between regulated entitied (different banks) and to customers as necessary.

• An Account Aggregator is a financial utility for secure flow of data controlled by the individual.

• AAs enable secure, consented data flows while protecting user privacy. Purpose

• Allows customers to avail various financial services from a host of providers on a single portal based on a consent method, under which the consumers can choose what financial data to share and with which entity.

• It reduces the need for individuals to wait in long bank queues, use Internet banking portals, share their passwords, or seek out physical notarisation to access and share their financial documents.

• Reduces the fraud associated with physical data by introducing secure digital signatures and end-to-end encryption for data sharing.

• Helps banks come up with more tailored products and services to their customers.

• Reduces transaction cost for banks and users. 3.3. SEBI TO SHORTEN TRADE SETTLEMENT CYCLE The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) decided to allow stock exchanges the option to offer the faster T+1 trade cycle instead of the existing T+2 cycle from 1st January. The settlement or transfer of ownership of stocks on exchanges can be cut to just one business day after the trade is executed.

• T+1 means that settlements will have to be cleared within one day of the actual transactions taking place.

• The change to a shorter cycle is likely to benefit retail investors, who will get quicker access to cash and securities after trades are executed. It will also reduce the risks associated with fluctuations of stocks during the settlement cycle.

• The proposed T+1 settlement cycle will, however, not be mandatory, with exchanges retaining the option to continue to offer the T+2 settlement


cycle. A stock exchange may choose to offer the T+1 settlement cycle on any stock after giving advance notice of at least one month regarding the change in the settlement cycle to the public.

• After opting for the T+1 settlement cycle for a stock, the exchange will have to mandatorily continue with the same for a minimum period of six months. Thereafter, in case the stock exchange intends to switch back to the T+2 settlement cycle, it can do so by giving one-month advance notice to investors.

• Any subsequent switch from T+1 to T+2 or vice versa shall be subject to six-month minimum lock-in period and one-month advance notice period. There shall be no netting between T+1 and T+2 settlements.

• Netting is a method of reducing risks in financial contracts by aggregating multiple financial obligations to arrive at a net obligation amount.

• The settlement option for securities shall be applicable to all types of transactions in the security on that stock exchange. For example, if a stock is placed under the T+1 settlement on a stock exchange, the regular market deals and block deals will follow the T+1 settlement cycle on that stock exchange.

• In 2003, Sebi shortened the settlement cycle from T+3 rolling settlement to T+2.

Implementation challenges

• The stockbrokers’ lobby group Association of National Exchanges Members of India (ANMI), had earlier raised concerns on implementation of T+1 settlement system. The window will be too short for securities lending and borrowing to practically work, and there could be spill over.

• Several operational and technical challenges would need to be tackled before implementing the T+1 settlement system. At present, the infrastructure available with market infrastructure institutions is not able to efficiently meet timely issuance of pay-in and pay-out and to send files on time.

• Besides operational and technical challenges, implementing the new system will increase working capital requirements for brokers and extended working hours for banks and depository participants.

• Global investors will face difficulties in a short cycle of settlement as securities settlement of FPIs is operationally very complex, involving coordination among multiple entities such as fund managers, global and local custodians, brokers, clearing members, and exchanges.

• If the settlement of T+1 is adopted, the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) country classification methodology may look at it negatively as it is likely to result in Indian market being a pre-funded market. This may result in a drop in the weightage to India in its MSCI emerging market Index. This will adversely affect flows.


3.4. BIG TECH COMPANIES' FORAY INTO FINANCIAL SERVICES IS RAISING CONCERNS

Why in news? The involvement of large tech players in the financial services segment is something that has been specifically flagged by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the Financial Stability Report released in July 2021. Large tech players in the financial services segment

• E-commerce giant Amazon’s financial services unit Amazon Pay has partnered with investment platform Kuvera to offer wealth management services to the former’s customers, which include investments in mutual funds and fixed deposits.

• This follows Google Pay’s deal with Equitas Small Finance Bank for fixed deposits.

• While this holds the promise of supporting financial inclusion and generating lasting efficiency gains, including by encouraging the competitiveness of banks and democratisation of financial services, important policy issues arise.

Concerns as noted by RBI Big techs present at least three unique challenges.

• First, they straddle many different (non-financial) lines of business with sometimes opaque overarching governance structures.

• Second, they have the potential to become dominant players in financial services.

• Third, big techs are generally able to overcome limits to scale in financial services provision by exploiting network effects.

Other concerns have intensified around

• Level-playing field with banks • Operational risk • Too-big-to-fail issues • Challenges for antitrust rules • Cyber security and data privacy

3.5. TOKENS INSTEAD OF CREDIT CARD DETAILS CAN MAKE TRANSACTION

SAFER About: Many merchants and e-commerce entities force customers to store debit or credit card details, which increases the risk of card data being stolen. This can be avoided now with the Reserve Bank of India allowing tokenisation of cards while making payments.


Tokenisation • It refers to replacement of card details with an alternative code called a

‘token’, which is unique for a combination of card, token requestor (the entity that accepts a request from the customer for tokenisation of a card and passes it on to the card network to issue a token) and the device.

• It reduces the chances of fraud arising from sharing card details. The token is used to perform contactless card transactions at point-of-sale (PoS) terminals and QR code payments.

• The RBI has also extended tokenisation of Card-on-File (CoF) transactions — where card details used to be stored by merchants — and directed the merchants not to store card details in their systems from January 1, 2022.

• A CoF transaction is one in which a cardholder has authorised a merchant to store his or her Mastercard or Visa payment details, and to bill the stored account. E-commerce companies and airlines and supermarket chains often store card details.

Working of Tokenisation

• The cardholder can get the card tokenised by initiating a request on the app provided by the token requestor. The token requestor will forward the request to the card network which, with the consent of the card issuer, will issue a token corresponding to the combination of the card, the token requestor, and the device.

• Tokenisation has been allowed through mobile phones or tablets for all use cases and channels like contactless card transactions, payments through QR codes and apps.

• The tokens are generated by companies like Visa and MasterCard, which act like Token Service Providers (TSPs), and they provide the tokens to mobile payment or e-commerce platforms so that they can be used during transactions instead of the customer’s credit card details.

• When users enter their card details into a virtual wallet like Google Pay or PhonePe, these platforms ask one of these TSPs for a token.

• The TSPs will first request verification of the data from the customer’s bank. When the data has been verified, a code is generated and sent to the user’s device.

• Once the unique token has been generated, it remains irreversibly linked to the customer’s device and cannot be replaced. Thus, each time a customer uses his or her device to make a payment, the platform will be able to authorise the transaction by simply sharing the token, without having to reveal the customer’s true data.

• Tokens can be generated to safeguard payments in mobile wallets and physical or online stores like Amazon.

Who can tokenise cards?


• The RBI has permitted card issuers to act as TSPs, which will offer tokenisation services only for cards issued by or affiliated to them. The ability to tokenise and de-tokenise card data will be with the same TSP.

• Tokenisation of card data will be done with explicit customer consent requiring Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) validation by the card issuer.

• Normally, in a tokenised card transaction, the stakeholders involved are the merchant, the merchant’s acquirer, card payment network, token requestor, issuer and customer.

• The registration for a tokenisation request is done only with explicit customer consent through AFA, and not by way of a forced, default or automatic selection of check box, radio button, etc.

• Customers will also be given the choice of selecting the use case and setting up limits. Customers have the option to set and modify per-transaction and daily transaction limits for tokenised card transactions.

What happens after tokenisation?

• According to the RBI, for transaction tracking and reconciliation, entities can store limited data — last four digits of actual card number and card issuer’s name — in compliance with applicable standards. Actual card data, token and other relevant details are stored in a secure mode by authorised card networks.

• The token requestor cannot store the card number, or any other card detail. Card networks are also mandated to get the token requestor certified for security conforming to international best practices / globally accepted standards.

• A customer can choose whether or not to let his or her card tokenised. Besides, the card issuer should also give the cardholder the facility to view the list of merchants for whom he or she has opted for CoF transactions, and to de-register any such token.

Need for tokenisation

• Citing convenience and comfort for users while undertaking card transactions online, many entities involved in the card transactions store actual card details, which is CoF.

• Some merchants force their customers to store card details. Availability of such details with a large number of merchants substantially increases the risk of card data being stolen.

• In the recent past, there have been incidents where card data stored by some merchants have been compromised or leaked.

• Any leakage of CoF data can have serious repercussions because many jurisdictions do not require an AFA for card transactions. Stolen card data can also be used to perpetrate frauds within India through social engineering techniques.


3.6. MSP OF RABI CROPS Why in news? The government has just announced MSP of rabi crops for marketing season 2022-23. Wheat MSP is up by 2% while rapeseed-mustard (R-M) MSP is up by 8.6% indicating that the government wants to focus more on oilseeds. Facts

• 60% of our edible oil consumption is imported—more than half of which is palm oil followed by soybean and sunflower.

Why is oil palm preferred?

• Oil palm is the only crop that yields upto 4 tonnes oil/hectare with good farming practices.

• The National Re-assessment Committee has identified 28 lakh hectare (Lha) area suitable for oil palm cultivation. The actual area under oil palm is only 3.5 Lha.

• Thus, a large potential is waiting to be tapped. Much of this (34%) is in the north-eastern states, including Assam. Andhra Pradesh has 19%, Telangana 16%, and the rest is in other states.

Growing conditions • It is a water-guzzler, requires 150 mm rainfall every month, and thrives

best in areas with temperature between 20-33 degrees Celsius. Reason for increasing prices of edible oils

• High import duty (upwards of 35%), against surging global edible oil prices (by almost 70%), has caused high domestic inflation in edible oils (32.5%).

Government initiatives National Edible Oil Mission-Oil Palm

• NEOM-OP aims to create additional 6.5 Lha under oil palm by 2025-26, with a focus on the North East and irrigated tracts of Telangana, hoping to cover 1 million hectares (Mha) under oil palm by 2025-26.

• The NEOM-OP focuses on productivity and area expansion by providing:

o Input assistance of Rs 20,000-29,000/ha to farmers for planting material.

o Additional Rs 12,500/ha for four years to cover farmers’ maintenance/opportunity cost, with no limits on acreage

o Rs 5 crore to the industries for a 5 tonnes/hour processing unit in that area


o Assistance to seed gardens of up to Rs 100 lakh in North East and up to Rs 80 lakh in other states for 15 hectares land.

Issues

• Given the large procurement programme for wheat, but meagre R-M procurement even when prices fall below the MSP, implies relative incentives are still highly in favour of wheat.

• Syncing import duty with rational domestic price is a necessary condition to give a fillip to atmanirbharta in edible oils.

• The need is to devise a crop-neutral incentive structure where cropping patterns are aligned with demand patterns, and production happens in a globally-competitive manner.

3.7. TOKENISATION What is tokenisation?

• Tokenisation is a process of replacing sensitive data with non-sensitive data. In payments cards industry, it is typically used to replace cardholder’s card number (i.e., PAN) with a surrogate value called a ‘token’.

• Multiple methods of tokenisation exist within payments and vary depending on the parties in the payment ecosystem (merchants, acquirers, card networks or issuers).

• In merchants’ or acquirers’ tokenisation method, sensitive card information is stored in a secured vault and a token is used for processing payment transactions within their environment. Use cases for this method are recurring payments or one-click payments.

• The card network tokenisation method, unlike acquirer tokenisation, is interoperable. In this method, card network issues token to a requester (e.g. merchant, wallet, etc.) for payment processing, while the sensitive card information is securely stored in a vault within card network environment.

• Tokenisation restricts availability of sensitive card information within a secure vault, and thus reduces risk of loss of such information from wider payment environment, on the one hand, and, on the other, alleviates the need for card-holder to put such sensitive information for each transaction, reducing payment friction.

• Tokenisation can be implemented using a variety of storage mechanisms viz. device-based, cloud based, app-based and card-on-file (CoF) and payment channels like NFC, MST, in-app, QR code, etc.

Initiative by RBI

• The extension by RBI to include all types of storage mechanisms has allowed the industry to come up with innovative, secure and less-friction use-cases. The circular permits card-issuers to offer card tokenisation


services as TSPs (Token Service Providers) for cards issued by or affiliated to them.

• A key part of this extension is allowing for CoFT (Card of File Tokenisation), a unique token issued by TSPs for a combination of card, token requestor and merchant.

• Several organisations offer digital payments through innovative mechanisms like one-click or zero-click payments. However, to do this, payment data, like card-holders PAN etc, needs to be stored so it can be accessed in the future without the customer having to re-enter.

• CoF is a method used for this purpose, wherein a merchant stores cardholders’ data securely for recurring usage. However, the cardholder data needs to be maintained by several merchants, albeit securely.

• CoFT, on the other hand allows merchants/acquirers to offer such frictionless payment solutions without the need of storing cardholders’ data, and thereby substantially reducing the risk of data compromise.

Benefits

• The new extension has enabled the industry to offer tokenisation service benefits of enhanced security, reduced fraud risk and less payment disruption (also read dropouts) across a wide variety of use cases.

• Card Tokenisation shall enhance customer confidence on digital payments while also addressing an important need for making payment transaction frictionless and convenient to use.

3.8. NATIONAL ASSET RECONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED Why in news? Central Government guarantee of Rs.30,600 crore to back Security Receipts (SRs) issued by National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL) for acquiring stressed loan assets was approved by the cabinet. This is in line with Budget announcement for the FY 2021-22.

• NARCL proposes to acquire stressed assets of about Rs. 2 Lakh crore in phases within extant regulations of RBI.

What is NARCL and IDRCL?

• NARCL has been set up by banks to aggregate and consolidate stressed assets for their subsequent resolution. PSBs will maintain 51% ownership in NARCL.

• India Debt Resolution Company Ltd. is a service company/operational entity which will manage the asset and engage market professionals and turnaround experts. Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Public FIs will hold a maximum of 49% stake and the rest will be with private sector lenders. IDRCL will be engaged for management and value addition.


How will NARCL and IDRCL work?

• The NARCL will acquire assets by making an offer to the lead bank. • The proposed bad bank or NARCL will pay up to 15% of the agreed value

for the loans in cash and the remaining 85% would be government-guaranteed security receipts.

• Once the NARCL and the IDRC have finally resolved the asset, preferably as a going concern and not through liquidation proceedings, the balance 85% held as security receipts would be given to the banks.

Backstop arrangement • guarantee can be invoked by NARCL for meeting the shortfall, if any

between the face value of the SR and the actual realization upon resolution / liquidation.

• The SRs issued by NARCL shall be backed by sovereign guarantee of Government of India. The Gol's guarantee shall be for Rs.30,600 crore and shall be valid for five years .

• The five-year limit on the guarantee, with an increase in the fees charged for the guarantee every year, is an incentive for the resolution process to be completed at the earliest.

• Thus it imparts credibility and provides for contingency buffers. Need for NARCL and it's benefits Gol's

• In spite of these efforts, substantial amount of NPAs continue on balance sheets of banks primarily because the stock of bad loans as revealed by the Asset Quality Review is not only large but fragmented across various lenders.

• The NARCL - IDMCL structure will assist in consolidation of debt, currently fragmented across various lenders, thus leading to faster, single point decision making including through IBC processes, where applicable.

• This approach will also permit freeing up of personnel in banks to focus on increasing business and credit growth.

• As the holders of these stressed assets and SRs, banks will receive the gains.

• Gol's guarantee will also enhance liquidity of SRs as such SRs are tradable. 3.9. 45th GST COUNCIL MEETING Why in news? State governments are looking at coming up against a fiscal cliff in FY23, as the Centre made it clear it can’t extend the GST revenue compensation mechanism for them beyond the five years through June 2022.


Important recommendations • GST rate changes in order to correct inverted duty structure, in footwear

and textiles sector, as was discussed in earlier GST Council Meeting and was deferred for an appropriate time, will be implemented with effect from 01.01.2022.

• On the issue of compensation scenario, a presentation was made to the Council wherein it was brought out that the revenue collections from Compensation Cess in the period beyond June 2022 till April 2026 would be exhausted in repayment of borrowings and debt servicing made to bridge the gap in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

• The Council decided to set up a GoM to examine the issue of correction of inverted duty structure for major sectors; rationalize the rates and review exemptions from the point of view of revenue augmentation, from GST.

• It was also decided to set up a GoM to discuss ways and means of using technology to further improve compliance including monitoring through improved e-way bill systems, e-invoices, FASTag data and strengthening the institutional mechanism for sharing of intelligence and coordinated enforcement actions by the Centre and the States.

• In terms of the recent directions of the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala, the issue of whether specified petroleum products should be brought within the ambit of GST was placed for consideration before the Council. After due deliberation, the Council was of the view that it is not appropriate to do so at this stage.

Other recommendations • Council also recommends major changes in GST rates and scope of

exemption on Services. • Recommends several clarifications in relation to GST rates on Goods and

Services • Council recommends several measures relating to GST law and procedure.

Issues

• Lower growth in state GST collections due to the absence of compensation could jeopardise state government’s capex plans in the medium term.

• State GST (SGST) accounted for two-fifths of the aggregate own tax revenues of the state governments in the last three fiscal years.

• The weighted average GST rate is around 11.5% at present, as against the revenue neutral rate of 15.5% estimated originally.

Way forward This leaves the states with no option other than to rely on a near comprehensive revision of the goods and services tax (GST) rates and possible pick-up in economic growth to soften the looming revenue shock.


3.10. THE NEED FOR A BAD BANK Why in news? The Union Cabinet approved a ₹30,600-crore backstop facility for guaranteeing securities to be issued by the National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd. (NARCL), the so-called ‘bad bank’ that is being set up to help aggregate and consolidate lenders’ non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans. Bad bank and NARCL

• A ‘bad bank’ is a financial entity set up to acquire NPAs from banks and resolve them. The bank, which sells the stressed assets to the bad bank, is now relieved of the burden of the bad loans and can focus instead on growing its business by advancing fresh loans to borrowers requiring credit. The cleaner balance sheet also makes it relatively easier for the lender to raise fresh capital, if required.

• The NARCL, which is being set up by lenders and will be 51% owned by public sector banks, proposes to take over the fully provisioned stressed assets of about ₹90,000 crore in the first phase. The minimum size of each NPA to be acquired will be ₹500 crore as the focus is on resolving big-ticket bad loans.

• The longer-term goal for the NARCL is to help resolve NPAs worth ₹2 lakh crore, with the remaining assets with lower provisions expected to be transferred in a second phase.

How will the NARCL operate?

• The ‘bad bank’ will acquire assets by making an offer to the lead bank of a group of lenders of an NPA. The NARCL would make a 15% cash payment to the banks based on a valuation and the rest would be given as security receipts. These receipts, in turn, would be guaranteed by the government’s ₹30,600-crore backstop facility.

• To assist the NARCL, public and private banks together would set up an India Debt Resolution Company Ltd. (IDRCL) that would manage the acquired assets and try to improve their value for final resolution and on completion of resolution, the balance 85% of value, being held as security receipts, would be given to the banks.

Centre’s intervention

• Given the large volume and individual sizes of these NPAs, a backstop from the government helps lend credibility to the resolution process and provides for contingency buffers.

• The guarantee, which will be valid for five years, would be invoked either at the time of resolution or liquidation to cover the shortfall (if any) between the face value of the security receipts and the actual


realisation. The Union government’s guarantee will also enhance liquidity of these receipts, which are tradable.

• Also, given that there would be a pool of assets, it is likely that the realisation of value in many cases would exceed the acquisition cost, obviating the need to draw down on the guarantee.

What lies ahead for the banking industry?

• The government expects that the setting up of the twin entities, the NARCL and the IDRCL, with adequate capital and its guarantee, will incentivise quicker action on resolving stressed assets, thereby helping in better value realisation. As the holders of these stressed assets and security receipts, banks stand to receive the gains accruing from a successful resolution process.

• In a bid to disincentivise delay in resolution, the government has also proposed that the NARCL pay a guarantee fee to the Centre, which would increase with the passage of time.

Critics

• Critics contend that the government’s role in guaranteeing some part of the NPAs could lead to laxity on the part of bankers in assessing risk and thus creating fresh dodgy loans.

• Bad bank segregations are effective in cleaning up balance sheets and promoting bank lending only if they combine recapitalisation with asset segregation.

• The study, based on data covering 135 banks from 15 European banking systems over the period 2000-16, observed that neither recapitalisation nor asset segregation used in isolation would suffice to spur lending and reduce future NPAs.

3.11. COAL BED METHANE Why in news? The Union government launched the special bid round 2021 for coal bed methane (CBM), offering 15 blocks. What is CBM?

• Coalbed methane (CBM or coal-bed methane), coalbed gas, coal seam gas or coal-mine methane is a form of natural gas extracted from coal beds.

• The term refers to methane adsorbed into the solid matrix of the coal. • It is called 'sweet gas' because of its lack of hydrogen sulfide. • The presence of this gas is well known from its occurrence in underground

coal mining, where it presents a serious safety risk. Difference with respect to natural gas


• Unlike much natural gas from conventional reservoirs, coalbed methane contains very little heavier hydrocarbons such as propane or butane, and no natural-gas condensate. It often contains up to a few percent carbon dioxide.

Issues

• The controversy surrounding coal bed methane extraction has to do with the use of water during the process and its impact on global climate change.

• Coal bed methane exploration involves pumping large volumes of water out of coal seams to reduce the hydrostatic pressure and liberate the gas which leads to water pollution.

India's resources

• The country’s coal and CBM reserves are found in 12 states of India, with the Gondwana sediments of eastern India holding the bulk.

• India has the fifth-largest coal reserves in the world in 2019. CBM uses

• CBM can be used for power generation, as compressed natural gas (CNG) auto fuel, as feedstock for fertilisers, industrial uses such as in cement production, rolling mills, steel plants, and for methanol production.

3.12. FLAWED CALCULATION OF INFLATION Why in news? Inflation for the last four months has been high — wholesale price index (WPI) has been above 10% and consumer price index (CPI) crossed the 6% mark in June, which was above the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s tolerance band. This is happening at a time when demand has been down, unemployment has been high, many have lost incomes and poverty has aggravated. Data issues

• In April and May 2020, data on production and prices could not be collected due to the strict lockdown. Unlock had gradually started in June and July 2020 but normalcy had not returned. So, the current data on prices for April to July 2021 are not comparable with the same months of 2020.

• A single number for inflation is an aggregate across different commodities and services — the price rise differs for different items of consumption. So, the single number is arrived at by assigning weights to different commodities and services.

• For WPI, the weights in production are used and for CPI, the consumption basket is used. But people are not homogenous. The consumption basket is


vastly different for the poor, the middle classes, and the rich. Hence, the CPI is different for each of these classes and a composite index requires averaging the baskets.

• Inflation data under-represents services in the consumption basket. In production, services are about 55% of the GDP but have no representation in WPI and about 40% in CPI.

• Many services were not used. Eating out and travel, for instance, should have been factored out.

• In brief, the shock of lockdowns not only made data collection difficult but the consumption basket for calculating CPI should have been changed.

Factors underlying inflation

• The government has increased taxation of energy to raise resources. Since energy is used for all production, prices of all goods and services tend to rise and push up the rate of inflation. Further, this is an indirect tax, it is regressive and impacts the poor disproportionately more. It also makes the RBI’s task of controlling inflation difficult.

• The lockdowns disrupted supplies and that added to shortages and price rise. Prices of medicines and medical equipment rose dramatically. Prices of items of day-to-day consumption also rose. Fruits and vegetable prices rose since these items could not reach the urban markets. Their prices collapsed in rural areas but rose sharply in urban areas.

• Big business raised prices since competition from the unorganised sector decreased. And in spite of a lower wage bill, they raised prices as reflected in a sharp rise in the profits of the corporate sector.

• International factors have impacted prices. Most major economies have recovered and demand for inputs has increased while supplies have remained disrupted (like chips for automobiles). So, commodity and input prices have risen (like in the case of metals). Businesses claim increase in input costs underlies price rise.

• The weakening of the rupee also added to inflation. • The current official inflation rate does not correctly measure price rise since

the lockdown administered a shock to the economy. The method of calculating it needed modification. Many of the non-rich have suffered a double blow due to loss of income and rise in prices. This is slowing down the pickup in growth by curtailing demand.

3.13. INDIA - UAE BILATERAL TRADE Why in news? India-United Arab Emirates have formally announced negotiations regarding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).


• Both countries are looking to build on the progress made by both countries under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed in 2017;

• Both sides will aim to conclude negotiations by December 2021 and sign a formal agreement in March 2022.

Implications

• CEPA will create new jobs, raise living standards, and provide wider social and economic opportunities in both nations.

• A new strategic economic agreement is expected to increase bilateral trade in goods to USD 100 billion within five years of the signed agreement and increase trade in services to USD 15 billion.

Bilateral trade • The UAE is currently India’s third-largest trading partner with bilateral

trade in 2019/2020 valued at USD 59 billion. • The UAE is also India’s second-largest export destination after the US,

with exports valued at approximately USD 29 billion in 2019-2020. • The UAE is the eighth-largest investor in India, having invested USD 11

billion between April 2000 and March 2021, while investment by Indian companies in the UAE is estimated to be over USD 85 billion.

Major exports and imports • India's major exports to the UAE include petroleum products, precious

metals, stones, gems and jewellery, minerals, food items such as cereals, sugar, fruits and vegetables, tea, meat, and seafood, textiles, engineering and machinery products, and chemicals.

• India's top imports from the UAE include petroleum and petroleum products, precious metals, stones, gems and jewellery, minerals, chemicals and wood and wood products.

• India imported USD 10.9 billion of crude oil from the UAE in 2019-2020. ( Third biggest supplier)

3.14. I-T DEPT NOTIFIES SAFE HARBOUR RATES Why in news? The Central Board of Direct Taxes, has extended the applicability of Safe Harbour Rules (SHR) to 2020-21. As per the notification, the rates under SHR applicable from 2016-17 to 2018-19, and later extended to 2019-20, will continue to apply for 2020-21 as well. Safe Harbour

• Safe harbour is defined as circumstances in which the tax authority shall accept the transfer price declared by the taxpayer to be at arm’s length. It is for calculation of transfer pricing by foreign companies in India.


• Transfer pricing implies the prices at which various overseas divisions of a company transact with each other.

• SHR should be mutually beneficial for both taxpayers and tax authorities. For taxpayers, in terms of reduced compliance burden, cost saving, administrative convenience and resources channelised in other business area, and for tax authorities, in terms of reduced time for review and litigation, agreed margins with computation mechanism and taxes.

• Following international best practice, India introduced the concept of SHR in Finance Act 2009. Post that, the first round of SHR provisions were introduced in August 2013 for a period of three years, followed by a revision in 2017 in the SHR which was applicable till 2019-20.

• Different rates were prescribed for different category of international transactions. Of these, the category of software development, and knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) were popularly opted for.

3.15. USE CASES FOR A CBDC About: CBDCs can be instruments that support the public policy objectives of the government by providing a safe and resilient means of payments. Apart from being a tool for digital transformation of payments, CBDC has multiple facets. CBDC has multiple forms in terms of usage across different geographies. Major use cases are -

1. Programmable payments (DBT) • A possible use case for CBDC is ‘fit-for-purpose’ money used for social

benefits and other targeted payments in a country. For such cases, the central bank can pay intended beneficiaries pre-programmed CBDC, which could be accepted only for a specific purpose.

• For example, pre-programmed CBDC could be issued for LPG subsidies as direct benefit transfer (DBT). This CBDC could only be accepted at authorised LPG agencies and would be declined for use in other areas.

• LPG agencies would be able to convert this CBDC to a general-purpose CBDC or fiat currency at any commercial bank, which would have the necessary authorisation to change the nature of the CBDC.

• Such subsidies can also be extended to other sectors such as agriculture, where subsidies for fertilisers could be transferred via the CBDC route.

• Programmable payments can also be used by other organisations for their employees’ expenses, including for fuel and telecom bills. It also be used in industrial supply chain ecosystems and also for fuel expenses and state border taxes.

2. Cross-border remittances


• CBDCs could be used for faster cross-border remittance payments. International collaboration among the major economies of the world, including India, could help create the necessary infrastructure and arrangements for CBDC transfer and conversion.

• Such infrastructure must ensure interoperability of CBDCs across jurisdictions and quick transfer of CBDC for success. In such an environment, CBDC remittances could happen in real time, rapidly reducing the time required for the payment to be received by the intended recipient.

3. Retail payments • CBDCs can also be used for retail payments. Payment instruments could

be made available for payment transactions to be made via CBDC. Furthermore, universal access attributes of a CBDC could also include an offline payment functionality.

• Retail CBDC distributed by the RBI and commercial banks would have to be held in electronic wallets/ accounts by the end users. This would enable payment means between the following:

• Consumer to consumer: Where consumers could exchange CBDC between their wallets

• Consumer to business: Where consumers can use CBDC to pay for products and services

• Business to business: Where businesses can exchange CBDC between their corporate account wallets.

• As CBDCs offer instant settlement, they lower the risk in clearing and settlement of retail payments, thus reducing counterparty risk.

• Its irrefutable nature combined with ownership record transfers can provide irrefutable evidence of proof of ownership.

4. MSME lending • Instant lending to MSMEs in India can be possible with the help of CBDC.

As more MSMEs use CBDC, banks can draw up a more accurate borrower risk profile. This can be used to promptly meet MSME financing requirements.

• Moreover, stimulus for MSMEs can also be disbursed quickly from the central bank. This can help businesses grow and sustain themselves during periods of uncertainty where availability of cash is limited.

• CBDC’s traceability can help MSMEs prove their creditworthiness. Moreover, it leads to transparency and can be extremely resilient to forgery.

5. Offline payments • The offline wallet in general would be a separate wallet and could be based

on near-field communication (NFC) technology. The digital wallet/application can be used in NFC-enabled devices – a feature phone or a smartphone.


• In areas with weak networks or with no internet, it will be a highly secure and easy solution for peer-to-peer payments. The verification of identity, confirmation of a transaction and payment will happen over the offline wallet in an account-agnostic way without the need for an internet connection.

3.16. SITUATION ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL HOUSEHOLDS Why in news? National Statistical Office (NSO) in its 77th round of survey, conducted during the period 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019, carried out a survey on “Land and Livestock Holdings of Households and Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households” in the rural areas of India. Some important findings of the survey

• Indebtedness of Agricultural Households - 50.2% agricultural households were in debt with an average outstanding amount of ₹74,000.

• Average area (ha.) owned per household in rural areas - 0.512 ha. • Percentage of landless households - 8.2 % had become landless since the

last survey in 2012. • 70.4 per cent agricultural households had less than one hectare land. • Net investment in productive assets in 2018-19 was less than half the level

in 2012-13, even in nominal terms • The average income of an agricultural household from farm and non-farm

incomes increased in real terms from Rs.6,436 in 2012-13 to Rs.7,683 in 2018-19.

• The nominal growth has been at 8%. • There has been a dramatic rise in the share of income from livestock sector

from 4.3% in 2002-03 to 15.7% in 2018-19, while contribution from cultivation of crops has declined from 45.8% to 37.7% in the same period.

Concerns

• The Dalwai Committee, which was set up to chalk out a strategy to achieve this, confirmed that the target of doubling farmers’ incomes in real terms was to be achieved over seven years with the base year of 2015-16, and it would require a growth rate of 10.4% per annum to double farmers’ real income by 2022-23.

• This is in variance we with the present growth rates which indicates there is a long way to go before the income of farmers can be doubled.

3.17. SEBI CLEARS GOLD EXCHANGE FRAMEWORK


About: SEBI's board cleared a proposal for setting up a gold exchange wherein the yellow metal will be traded in the form of electronic gold receipts. As notified in the Budget 2021-22, SEBI will be the regulator for gold exchange and Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) will be strengthened to set up the commodity market ecosystem.

• The instruments representing gold will be called Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) and will be notified as securities.

• EGRs will have the trading, clearing and settlement features akin to any other securities.

• Any recognised stock exchange, existing as well as new, can launch trading in EGRs in a separate segment. The denomination for trading of EGR and conversion of EGR into gold can be decided by the stock exchanges with the approval of SEBI.

• The exchange would be a national platform for buying and selling EGRs with underlying standardised gold in India and also create a national pricing structure for gold.

• The EGR holder can continue to hold the EGRs as long as intended since EGRs will have perpetual validity. Such holder at his discretion can also withdraw the underlying gold from the vaults upon surrender of EGRs.

• To lower the costs associated with withdrawal of gold from the vaults, EGRs will be made "fungible" and "interoperability between vault managers" will be allowed.

• The criteria for vault managers, is that the manager should be a body incorporated in India and should have a net worth of at least ₹50 crore. The vault manager will be registered and regulated as a SEBI intermediary for providing vaulting services meant for gold deposited to create EGRs.

• The obligations of the vault manager include accepting deposits, storage and safekeeping of gold, creation as well as withdrawal of EGR, grievance redressal and periodic reconciliation of physical gold with the records of depository.


4. ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY 4.1. SWINHOE’S SOFTSHELL TURTLE. In October 2020, a female turtle was captured in Vietnam Hanoi’s Dong Mo lake and confirmed by veterinarians to be a female Rafetus swinhoei. With the leadership of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Asian Turtle Program of Indo-Myanmar Conservation and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), this imperiled turtle species may now have a second chance at survival.

• The confirmation of Swinhoe’s softshell turtle in Hanoi’s Dong Mo lake means there is now a female in addition to a male, who is at the Suzhou Zoo in China.

• So now conservationists aim to help at least one male and female to breed to ensure that this species can return from the brink of extinction.

Background: • The species is extremely threatened and has been listed as ‘Critically

Endangered’ on the Red List for nearly two decades. Since 2013, the Rafetus swinhoei has also been listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

• When the last remaining Swinhoe’s softshell turtles died without producing any known offspring between 2016 and 2019, this species became the most endangered turtle in the world.

Swinhoe’s softshell turtle: • It is also known as the Red River giant softshell turtle, the Shanghai

softshell turtle, the speckled softshell turtle, and Yangtze giant softshell turtle is an extremely rare species of turtle in the family Trionychidae.

• The species is endemic to eastern and southern China and northern Vietnam.

• It is noted for its deep head with a pig-like snout and dorsally placed eyes.


• This species also holds the title of being the largest freshwater turtle in the world

• It is listed as critically endangered in the IUCN Red list. 4.2. CROCODILIAN SPECIES IN INDIA Why in news? Odisha’s Kendrapara became the only district in India to be home to all three species of crocodilians found in the country. This was after forest officials found a baby gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in a river system of the district.

• The Bhitarkanika river systems are home to salt water crocodiles, while the Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers and their tributaries that pass through the district are inhabited by muggers and gharials.

• The crocodilian family consists of 27 different species that are subdivided into three families: True crocodiles, alligators and caimans and gharials.

Gharials:

• The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), also known as the gavial or the fish-eating crocodile, is a crocodilian in the family Gavialidae and among the longest of all living crocodilians.

• Adult males have a distinct boss at the end of the snout, which resembles an earthenware pot known as a ghara, hence the name “gharial”.

• Habitat: Gharials live in clear freshwater river systems, congregating at river bends where the water is deeper.

• Distribution: Once found from Pakistan to Myanmar, the reptile’s range has shrunk to two countries: India, along the Chambal, Girwa, and Son Rivers; and Nepal, along the Narayani River.

• IUCN status: Critically endangered.


Mugger crocodile: The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is a medium-sized broad-snouted crocodile, also known as mugger and marsh crocodile.

• Habitat: The mugger crocodile occurs in southern Iran, Pakistan, Nepal, India and Sri Lanka up to an elevation of 420 m.It inhabits freshwater lakes, rivers and marshes, and prefers slow-moving, shallow water bodies. It is also thrives in artificial reservoirs and irrigation canals.

• It is a powerful swimmer, but also walks on land in search of suitable waterbodies during the hot season.

• They feed on insects, and adults prey on fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. • Threats: It is threatened by conversion of natural habitats, gets entangled

in fishing nets and is killed in human–wildlife conflict situations and in traffic accidents.

• IUCN status: Vulnerable

Saltwater crocodile: • The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is a crocodilian native

to saltwater habitats and brackish wetlands from India's east coast across Southeast Asia and the Sundaic region to northern Australia and Micronesia.

• It is the largest living reptile and crocodilian known to science. • It is also known as the estuarine crocodile, Indo-Pacific crocodile,

marine crocodile, sea crocodile or informally as saltie. • This is infamous globally as a known maneater. • IUCN status: Least concern


4.3. LADAKH ADOPTS STATE ANIMAL AND BIRD. Ladakh adopted two endangered species, snow leopard and black-necked crane, as State animal and State bird, two years after it was carved out as a separate Union Territory (UT) from the erstwhile State of J&K. Black necked crane:

• The Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) is a medium-sized crane in Asia that breeds on the Tibetan Plateau and remote parts of India and Bhutan.

• Black-necked crane, only found in Ladakh’s changthang region, was the State bird of J&K before August 5, 2019.

• It is whitish-gray, with a black head, red crown patch, black upper neck and legs, and white patch to the rear of the eye.

• It is revered in Buddhist traditions and culturally protected across much of its range. A festival in Bhutan celebrates the bird.

• The black-necked crane is evaluated as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed on Appendix I of CITES.

SNOW LEOPARD: • The snow leopard (Panthera uncia), also known as the ounce, is a felid in

the genus Panthera native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia.

• It inhabits alpine and subalpine zones at elevations from 3,000 to 4,500 m, ranging from eastern Afghanistan, the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, to southern Siberia, Mongolia and western China. In the northern part of its range, it also lives at lower elevations.

• In India, their geographical range encompasses a large part of the western Himalayas including the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern Himalayas.

• Threat: The major threat to snow leopard populations is poaching and illegal trade of skins and body parts. Other threats include habitat loss and loss of natural prey.

• Conservation: It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because the global population is estimated to number fewer than 10,000 mature individuals and is expected to decline about 10% by 2040.

• It is listed in CITES Appendix I. It has been listed as threatened with extinction in Schedule I of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals since 1985.


4.4. ASSAM GOVERNMENT DROPS ‘RAJIV GANDHI' FROM THE NAME OF ORANG NATIONAL PARK.

Why in news? The Himanta Biswa Sarma government in Assam has announced that the Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park — the oldest game reserve in the state, located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra will be known as the Orang National Park.

• The decision to restore the original name of Orang National Park was taken following requests from the Adivasi groups in the State.

Orang National Park:

• Orang National Park is a national park in India located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River in the Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam.

• In 1915, the British notified it as a game reserve, after which it was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1985,”. In 1999 it was upgraded to National Park, and in 2016, recognised as a Tiger Reserve.

• Orang is one of Assam’s seven national parks and among the top three rhino habitats. It also has one of the highest density of tigers in the country

• It has a rich flora and fauna, including great Indian rhinoceros, pygmy hog, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo and Bengal tiger. It is the only stronghold of rhinoceros on the north bank of the Brahmaputra river.


• Pachnoi river, Belsiri river and Dhanshiri River border the park and join the Brahmaputra river.

• It is often called ‘Mini Kaziranga’ owing to the similarities in topography, and a rich population of the one-horned rhino.

4.5. FOOTPRINTS OF 3 DINOSAUR SPECIES DISCOVERED. Why in news? In a major discovery, footprints of three species of dinosaurs have been found in the Thar desert in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, proving the presence of the giant reptiles in the western part of the State, which formed the seashore to the Tethys Ocean during the Mesozoic era.

• The footprints, made in the sediment or silt of the seashore, later become permanently stone-like. They belong to three species of dinosaurs — Eubrontes cf. giganteus, Eubrontes glenrosensis and Grallator tenuis. While the giganteus and glenrosensis species have 35 cm footprints, the footprint of the third species was found to be 5.5 cm.

• The dinosaur species are considered to be of the theropod type, with the distinguishing features of hollow bones and feet with three digits. All the three species, belonging to the early Jurassic period, were carnivorous

• Eubrontes could have been 12 to 15 metres long and weighed between 500 kg and 700 kg, while the height of the Grallator is estimated to have been two metres, as much as a human, with a length of up to three metres.

• Jan Schlogl of Comenius University in Slovakia and Grzegorz Pienkowski from Warsaw University in Poland were the first to discover dinosaur footprints in India after the ‘Ninth International Congress on the Jurassic System’ was held in Jaipur in 2014.

4.6. BHITARKANIKA MANGROVES


Why in news? The Wildlife Society of Orissa (WSO), an environmental pressure group, has expressed concern over the massive diversion of fresh water from the Brahmani river basin, which could pose a grave threat to the famous mangrove vegetation in Odisha. Concern: The Talcher-Angul coal mines, steel and power plants as well as the Kalinganagar steel and power hub are drawing enormous quantities of fresh water from the Brahmani river. This reduction in water flow would lead to drastic changes in the water regime of the Bhitarkanika mangroves.

• Mangroves grow in brackish water. Proportionate fresh water flow from the Brahmani river basin and the Kharasrota river keep the salinity level of the water along the shore down. The brackish water becomes ideal for the mangroves to grow and stay healthy.

• The lack of normal flow of fresh water would increase saline ingression upstream, and it would affect the local flora and fauna as well as the livelihoods of the farmers and fishermen dependent upon the Brahmani and the Kharasrota rivers.

• Besides, there could be a quantum increase in the man–crocodile conflict since the estuarine crocodiles would leave the core sanctuary area and migrate upstream once salinity increases.

About Bhitarkanika:

• Bhitarkanika National Park is a 145 km2 large national park in northeast Kendrapara district in Odisha.

• It is surrounded by Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, which spread over 672 km2.

• Gahirmatha Beach and Marine Sanctuary are to the east, separating swamp region and mangroves from the Bay of Bengal.

• The national park and wildlife sanctuary is inundated by the rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, Pathsala.

• It is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India as home to 62 mangrove species.

• Bhitarkanika Mangroves were designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002.

• This mangrove ecosystem harbours the largest number of saltwater crocodile population in the Indian sub-continent. Other reptilian fauna include Monitor lizard, Indian python, King cobra and varieties of other snake species. It also harbours a number of endangered animals like Fishing cat, Leopard cat, Dolphins and Porpoises.

• Bhitarkanika’s famous Gahirmatha coast finds a prominent place in the turtle map of the world because of the distinction of having one of world’s largest nesting and breeding congregation of Olive Ridley Sea turtles.


4.7. INDIA'S FIRST DUGONG CONSERVATION RESERVE. Why in news? The Tamil Nadu government has declared 500 sq.km of the biodiversity-rich waters in the Palk Bay, on the southeast coast of the state, as India’s first dugong conservation reserve. The reserve will span the northern part of the Palk Bay from Adiramapattinam to Amapattinam.

• The proposed area is being used as breeding grounds by dugongs and therefore it was identified as a ‘critical habitat of the dugong’. About 82 per cent of the proposed conservation reserve is covered with seagrass with 48 per cent having intensive seagrass cover.

• Studies have revealed that the proposed conservation reserve supports several globally important species such as the highly-threatened whale shark, sea horses, green and hawksbill sea turtles, dolphins and sacred chanks. Despite its ecological and economic significance, this critical dugong habitat is under threat largely due to unsustainable fishing practices.

• According to Wildlife Institute of India (WII) estimates, only 200-250 Dugongs are left in the wild, of which 150 are found in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu, among the last surviving natural habitats for dugongs in the world.

About Dugong:

• Dugong (Dugong dugon) also called as ‘Sea Cow’ is one of the four surviving species in the Order Sirenia.

• Dugong is the only herbivorous marine mammal on earth that feeds exclusively on seagrass. It consumes 40kg of seagrass daily and helps in the growth of fresh vegetation. In the absence of dugongs, seagrass will grow densely and fish will not come to lay eggs.

• Dugongs generally inhabit shallow waters. • In India, dugongs are found in Palk Bay, Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu,

Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. • They are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and are protected in

India under Schedule I of the Wild (Life) Protection Act, 1972. • Human activities such as the destruction and modification of habitat,

pollution, rampant illegal fishing activities, vessel strikes, unsustainable hunting or poaching and unplanned tourism are the main threats to dugongs.

• India has signed non-legally binding Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with CMS on the conservation and management of Siberian Cranes (1998), Marine Turtles (2007), Dugongs (2008) and Raptors (2016).

• The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change under the Government of India constituted a ‘Task Force for Conservation of Dugongs’


to look into the entire gamut of issues related to conservation of dugongs and implementation of the ‘UNEP/CMS Dugong MoU’ in India and also to facilitate the country to act as the leading nation in the South Asia Sub-region with respect to dugong conservation.

4.8. PRANA PORTAL. Why in news? Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav recently launched a portal named “PRANA” – Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

• PRANA meaning ‘Life’ in Sanskrit, is a portal for regulation of air pollution in 132 cities across the country.

• It would support tracking of the physical and financial status of city air action plan implementation. It would also disseminate information on air quality to the public while also providing comprehensive information related to NCAP programme details, progress, city action plans, implementation updates by city/state/ national level agencies, air quality data, and trends, etc.

• The portal (prana.cpcb.gov.in) has a national dashboard that has interactive points on 7 thematic areas of city air action plans, PM10 performance, ambient air monitoring network, public grievance redressal portal, graded response action plans, and more. It is intertwined with the Government’s goal for sustainable utilization, protection, and conservation of public goods and the environment.

• The Central Government has launched several initiatives to improve air quality in the entire country. The Prime Minister set a goal for holistic improvement in air quality in more than 100 cities.

• In 2020, 104 cities showed better air quality. This increased from 86 cities in 2019 in comparison to 2018, the Union Environment Minister informed.

• City-specific action plans for improving air quality for 132 Non-attainment cities (NACs)/Million Plus Cities (MPC) targeting city-specific air polluting sources (soil & road dust, vehicles, domestic fuel, MSW burning,

construction material, and Industries) have been prepared and are being implemented.


National clean Air programme (NCAP) National Clean Air Programme, a mid-term, five-year action plan was launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

• This comprehensive initiative, in partnership with various Ministries and States, aims to improve air quality at the city, regional and national levels and is a focused and time-bound effort to implement various sectoral policies, strengthen monitoring and enhance public participation in more than 100 cities for effective air quality management.

• NCAP aims to achieve a tentative national level target of a 20%–30% reduction of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentration by 2024 across the country.

• It aims to implement measures for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution.

• It also aims to provide reliable data and create public awareness and capacity-building for inclusive public participation for improving air quality.

4.9. NORTHERN MOST ISLAND DISCOVERED OFF GREENLAND. Why in news? A group of researchers who went out to collect samples off the coast of Greenland in July have discovered a tiny, uninhabited and previously unknown island. About the new Island:

• Measuring 60×30 metres and with a peak of three metres above sea level, it has now become the new northernmost piece of land on Earth.

• It is located around 780 m north of Oodaaq. Before this discovery, Oodaaq was marked as the Earth’s northernmost terrain.

• The new island is made up of seabed mud and moraine, i.e. soil, rock and other material left behind by moving glaciers, and has no vegetation.

• The group has suggested the discovery be named ‘Qeqertaq Avannarleq’, which is Greenlandic for “the northernmost island”.

• According to Reuters, the discovery comes as a battle is looming among Arctic nations, the US, Russia, Canada, Denmark and Norway for the control of the North Pole and of the surrounding seabed, fishing rights and shipping routes exposed by melting ice due to climate change.

• Global warming has had a severe effect on the ice sheet of Greenland. The new island, which was exposed by shifting pack ice, is, however, not a direct consequence of climate change.

4.10. WORLD’S LARGEST PLANT TO CAPTURE CO2 FROM AIR. Why in news?


A company in Iceland has built the world’s largest plant that sucks carbon dioxide directly from the air and deposits it underground.

• The giant Orca plant, constructed by Switzerland’s start-up Climeworks and Iceland’s Carbfix, comprises four units, each made up of two metal boxes, similar in appearance to the containers used for maritime transport.

• Orca is named after the Icelandic word “Orka” meaning “energy”. • The company has claimed that the Orca plant can draw 4,000 tonnes of

carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the air every year. • According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that is the

equivalent of the annual emissions from about 870 cars. • Critics however argue that the technology is still prohibitively expensive

and might take decades to operate at scale. How does Iceland’s Orca plant suck CO2 from the air?

• To collect the carbon dioxide, the plant uses fans to draw air into a collector, which has a filter material inside.

• Once the filter material is filled with CO2, the collector is closed and the temperature is raised to release the CO2 from the material after which the highly concentrated gas can be collected.

• The CO2 is then mixed with the water before being injected at a depth of 1,000 metres into the nearby basalt rock where it is petrified.

• Orca is the only one that permanently disposes of the CO2 rather than recycling it.

Significance:

• Direct air capture is one of the few technologies extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and is viewed by scientists as vital to limit global warming, blamed for causing more heatwaves, wildfires, floods and rising sea levels.

• There are currently 15 direct air capture plants operating worldwide, capturing more than 9,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, according to the IEA.

• US oil firm Occidental is currently developing the largest direct-air-capture facility, to pull 1 million tonnes per year of carbon dioxide from the open-air near some of its Texas oilfields.

Direct Air capture:

• Direct air capture is a technology to capture CO2 from the atmosphere. • The CO2 can be permanently stored in deep geological formations or used

in the production of fuels, chemicals, building materials and other products containing CO2.

• When CO2 is geologically stored, it is permanently removed from the atmosphere, resulting in negative emissions.


• Carbon removal is expected to play a key role in the transition to a net-zero energy system in which the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere is equivalent to the amount being removed.

• Because certain sectors such as aviation and heavy industry are difficult to decarbonise, carbon removal technologies can offset these emissions and support a faster transition.

• Benefits of direct air capture as a carbon removal option include its limited land and water footprint and the possibility of locating plants close to suitable storage or utilisation sites, eliminating the need for long-distance CO2 transport.

4.11. CORAL REEFS. Why in news? Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, along with the Australian government has released a report titled Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2020. Key highlights:

• It said coral reefs have suffered terribly in the past three decades. Yet, they are resilient and would be able to withstand challenges posed by a warming world.

• The study also said reducing local pressures on coral reefs to maintain their resilience would be critical in the years to come. Monitoring data collected in the field was also essential to understand the status of the trends in coral reef condition.

• There were many shocking aspects noted in the report as well. For instance, the 1998 coral bleaching event killed eight per cent of the world’s coral.Subsequent events between 2009 and 2018 killed 14 per cent of the world’s coral

• Most declines in global coral cover were associated with either rapid increase in sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly or sustained high SST anomaly.

• There was 20 per cent more algae on the world’s coral reefs in 2019 than in 2010. The increase in the amount of algae, was associated with declines in the amount of hard coral, the study said.

• The study noted that since 2010, almost all regions had exhibited a decline in average coral cover. According to estimates, coral reefs would experience further declines in the coming decades as sea temperatures arose.

• However, the increases in global coral cover between 2002 and 2009 and in 2019 offered hope. For instance coral reefs in east Asia, which has 30 per cent of the world’s coral reefs, had more coral on average in 2019 than they did in 1983.

• This, according to the study, showed that high coral cover and diversity might confer a degree of natural resistance to elevated sea surface temperatures.


About coral reefs: A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem characterized by reef-building corals. Reefs are formed of colonies of coral polyps held together by calcium carbonate.

• Each individual coral is referred to as a polyp. Coral polyps live on the calcium carbonate exoskeletons of their ancestors, adding their own exoskeleton to the existing coral structure.

It has a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae microscopic algae .The corals receive their coloration from the zooxanthellae living within their tissues.

• These algae live inside the coral polyp’s body where they photosynthesize to produce energy for themselves and the polyps. The polyps, in turn, provide a home and carbon dioxide for the algae.

• They occur in shallow tropical areas where the sea water is clean, clear and warm.

• They are one of the most productive and complex coastal ecosystems with high biological diversity.

• Corals are found all over the world’s oceans, from the Aleutian Islands off the coast of Alaska to the warm tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea. The biggest coral reefs are found in the clear, shallow waters of the tropics and subtropics. The largest of these coral reef systems, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, is more than 1,500 miles long (2,400 kilometers).

• India has four coral reef areas: Gulf of Mannar, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep islands and the Gulf of Kutch.

Types: Fringing reefs grow near the coastline around islands and continents. They are separated from the shore by narrow, shallow lagoons. Fringing reefs are the most common type of reef that we see.

1) Barrier reefs also parallel the coastline but are separated by deeper, wider lagoons. At their shallowest point, they can reach the water’s surface forming a “barrier” to navigation. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the largest and most famous barrier reef in the world.

2) Atolls are rings of coral that create protected lagoons and are usually located in the middle of the sea. Atolls usually form when islands surrounded by fringing reefs sink into the sea or the sea level rises around them (these islands are often the tops of underwater volcanoes). The fringing reefs continue to grow and eventually form circles with lagoons inside.

3) Patch reefs are small, isolated reefs that grow up from the open bottom of the island platform or continental shelf. They usually occur between fringing reefs and barrier reefs. They vary greatly in size, and they rarely reach the surface of the water.

Threats:


• Physical damage or destruction from coastal development, dredging, quarrying, destructive fishing practices and gear, boat anchors and groundings, and recreational misuse.

• Overfishing can alter food-web structure and cause cascading effects, such as reducing the numbers of grazing fish that keep corals clean of algal overgrowth.

• Increased ocean temperatures and changing ocean chemistry are the greatest global threats to coral reef ecosystems. These threats are caused by warmer atmospheric temperatures and increasing levels of carbon dioxide in seawater.

• This warming causes corals to lose the microscopic algae that produce food that corals need, placing stress on the corals. Without this algae coral also lose their coloration—a condition known as coral bleaching.

4.12. SCIENTISTS UNRAVEL THE MYSTERY BEHIND ODISHA’S BLACK TIGERS. Why in news? A team led by ecologist Uma Ramakrishnan and her student Vinay Sagar from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, have discovered that the coat colouration and patterning that make the wild cats appear dark boil down to a single mutation in the Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) gene.

• The enduring mystery behind the ‘black tigers’ of Similipal in Odisha have been finally resolved with researchers identifying a single mutation in a gene that causes their distinctive stripes to broaden and spread into their tawny pelt, occasionally appearing entirely dark.

• While the phenotype has been talked about and written about earlier, this is the first time its genetic underpinnings were scientifically investigated.

• The most recent sightings of this rare mutant tiger in Similipal, long considered mythical, was reported in 2017 and 2018.

Findings of the study: The abnormally dark or black coat in such tigers is termed pseudomelanistic or false coloured. According to the 2018 tiger census, India has an estimated 2,967 tigers. Photos captured from Similipal in 2018 showed eight unique individuals, three of which were ‘pseudomelanistic’ tigers, characterised by wide, merged stripes.

• The researchers found that the black tigers are mutants and are Bengal tigers with a single base mutation.

• Different mutations in this gene are known to cause similar changes in coat colour in several other species of cats, including cheetahs.

• The drastic change in patterning and colouring of the black tigers’ coat is caused by just one change in the genetic material DNA Alphabet from C


(Cytosine) to T (Thymine) in position 1360 of the Taqpep gene sequence.

• Further genetic analyses and comparisons with a total of 395 captive and wild Indian tiger populations indicates that the mutation in Similipal tigers is very rare.

• The only other black tigers outside of Similipal in India exist at the Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, Ranchi Zoo and Chennai’s Arignar Anna Zoological Park, where they were born in captivity. Genetic tracing proved that these captive-born tigers shared a common ancestry with Similipal tigers.

• Within Similipal, the mutation is present at a high frequency of 0.58: this means that if you pick any tiger from Similipal, the chance that it carries the mutant gene is almost 60 per cent.

Cause of the mutation: • One hypothesis is that the darker coat colour of the mutants offers them a

selective advantage when hunting in the dense closed-canopy and relatively darker forested areas of Similipal as compared to the open plains of most other tiger habitats.

• However, the results of additional genetic analyses coupled with computer simulations indicate that a small founding population and prolonged isolation from other tiger populations in India is likely to be the main reason for the occurrence of these black tigers.

• Due to this geographic isolation, genetically related individuals have been mating with each other for many generations in Similipal, leading to inbreeding.

• A combination of these interrelated factors are the likely evolutionary forces that have created Similipal’s unique population of black tigers.

Similipal Tiger Reserve: • Similipal, which derives its name from ‘Simul’ (Silk Cotton) tree, is a

national park and a Tiger Reserve situated in the northern part of Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district.

• The Government of India declared it as a biosphere reserve in 1994. UNESCO added this National Park to its list of Biosphere Reserves in May 2009. This tiger reserve also comes under Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve that includes the adjacent Hadgarh and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuaries.

• The tiger reserve is spread over 2750 sq km and has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani.

• The Park is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini.

• At least twelve rivers cut across the plain area, all of which drain into the Bay of Bengal. The prominent among them are Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi and Deo.


• The vegetation is a mix of different forest types and habitats, with Northern tropical moist deciduous dominating some semi-evergreen patches. Sal is the dominant tree species here.

• The Park is known for the tiger, elephant and hill mynah. It holds the highest tiger population in the state of Orissa.

• The Park also has a sizeable population of reptiles, which includes the longest venomous snake, the King cobra and the Tricarinate hill turtle.

• Similipal forests is home to a variety of tribes. Prominent among these are Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia and Sahara. Most of them are settled agriculturists, except for the last three who are indigenous hunter-gatherer communities.

4.13. UNESCO DECLARES WORLD'S FIRST FIVE COUNTRY BIOSPHERE RESERVE. Why in news? The UNESCO has designated Mura-Drava-Danube (MDD) as the world’s first ‘five-country biosphere reserve’. The biosphere reserve covers 700 kilometres of the Mura, Drava and Danube rivers and stretches across Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary and Serbia.The so-called Amazon of Europe begins at the Austrian Mura River and extends over the Drava to the Danube in Serbia.

• With a total area of around 930,000 hectares and a length of 700 kilometres, makes it the largest riverine protected area on the continent.

• MDD’s recognition is a mandate to all 5 countries to jointly advance the protection and revitalisation of the Mura-Drava-Danube area, and boost sustainable business practices.

• Due to its size and ambitions, the MDD represents an important contribution to the European Green Deal and contributes to the


implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy in the Mura-Drava-Danube region.

• The Strategy aims to revitalise 25,000 km of rivers and protect 30% of the EU’s land area by 2030.

Mura – Drava – Danube: It brings together the Lower Mura Valley Biosphere Reserve (Austria), the Mura-Drava-Danube Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Croatia and Hungary), the Bačko Podunavlje Biosphere Reserve (Serbia) and the Mura River Biosphere Reserve (Slovenia). The area is home to continental Europe’s highest density of breeding white-tailed eagle (more than 150 pairs), as well as endangered species such as the little tern, black stork, otters, beavers and sturgeons. It is also an important annual resting and feeding place for more than 250,000 migratory birds.

4.14. LOW CARBON BRICKS DEVELOPED USING C AND D WASTE FOR ENERGY

EFFICIENT WALLING ENVELOPES. Why in news? Scientists of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a technology to produce energy-efficient walling materials using construction and demolition (C&D) waste and alkali-activated binders.

• Called low-carbon bricks, they do not require high-temperature firing, and avoid the use of high-energy materials such as Portland cement. The technology will also solve the disposal problems associated with C&D waste mitigation.

• Conventionally, building envelopes consist of masonry walls built with burnt clay bricks, concrete blocks, hollow clay blocks, fly ash bricks, lightweight blocks.The envelopes spend energy during their production, thus incurring carbon emission, and consume mined raw material resources which lead to unsustainable constructions.

• The annual consumption of bricks and blocks in India is about 900 million tonnes. Besides, the construction industry generates vast amounts (70–100 million tonnes per annum) of construction and demolition waste (CDW).


• In order to promote sustainable construction, two important issues need to be addressed while manufacturing the masonry units – conserving mined raw material resources and emission reduction.

• Moving towards this target, scientists have developed low embodied carbon bricks from CDW waste through an alkali activation process using fly ash and ground slag and characterising the thermal, structural, and durability characteristics of Low-C bricks and their masonry.

• The major beneficiary of this development undertaken by IISc Bangalore, with funding from the Department of Science and Technology, is the construction industry in general and the building sector in particular. This technology will also mitigate the disposal problems associated with the C&D wastes.

• A start-up has been registered which will be functional within 6-9 months to manufacture low-C bricks and blocks with IISc’s technical help.

Construction and Demolition waste: As per the Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Rule 2016, ‘any waste comprising building materials, debris and rubble resulting from construction, remodeling, repair and demolition of any civil structure’ is classified as C&D waste.

• Wastes also include surplus and damaged products and materials arising in the course of construction work or used temporarily during the course of on-site activities. Some municipalities also include debris recovered from desilting of drains and waterbodies in C&D waste.

4.15. WORLD RHINO DAY

• Assam will mark World Rhino Day on September 22 with a special ceremony by burning a stockpile of nearly 2,500 horns of the one-horned rhinoceros seized mainly from poachers over the years and stored in various treasuries of the state.

• The public ceremony scheduled at Bokakhat in Kaziranga National Park (KNP) with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as the chief guest and several other politicians present has been publicised as a “milestone towards rhino conservation” aimed at “busting myths about rhino horns”.

• The case for the destruction of horns is in compliance with Section 39(3) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972

• Poaching pressure on Rhino: Rhino horn has huge demand in the illegal market as it is used in traditional Chinese medicine to cure a range of ailments, from cancer to hangovers, and also as an aphrodisiac. In Vietnam, possessing a rhino horn is considered a status symbol. “Due to demand in these countries, poaching pressure on rhinos is ever persistent against which one cannot let the guard down”.


World Rhino Day:

• World Rhino Day is celebrated annually on September 22 to create awareness for all five Rhino species namely Sumatran rhino, Greater one-horned rhino, Black rhino, Javan rhino and white rhino.

• World Wildlife Fund-South Africa in 2010, announced to celebrate this special day on September 22. However, it was in 2011 the event got international recognition when Lisa Jane Campbell of Chishakwe Ranch in Zimbabwe and founder of Annamitici joined hands with creative director Rhishja Cota to create large-scale awareness to protect the species.

• The theme for 2021 is ‘Keep The Five Alive’, that is, black, white, greater one-horned, Sumatran and Javan.

4.16. BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION. Why in news? The globally recognized and the coveted International eco-label “Blue Flag”, has accorded the Blue Flag Certification for 2 new beaches this year –Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry beaches.

• The Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark, which accords the Blue Flag certification, has also given re-certification for eight nominated beaches – Shivrajpur-Gujarat, Ghoghla-Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri-Karnataka, Kappad-Kerala, Rushikonda- Andhra Pradesh, Golden-Odisha and Radhanagar- Andaman and Nicobar, which were awarded the Blue Flag certificate last year.

Blue Flag certification: • The ‘Blue Flag’ is a certification that can be obtained by a beach, marina, or

sustainable boating tourism operator, and serves as an eco-label. • The certification is awarded by the Denmark-based non-profit Foundation

for Environmental Education, which sets stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria that applicants must meet and maintain.

• It is awarded annually to beaches and marinas in FEE member countries. • The Blue Flag recognition is awarded by a jury comprising members from

the IUCN, UNWTO, UNEP, and UNESCO after considering 33 parameters. • It was started in France in 1985 and in areas out of Europe in 2001. The

programme promotes sustainable development in freshwater and marine areas through four main criteria: water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety.

• The Blue Flag beach is an eco-tourism model endeavouring to provide the tourists/beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities, a safe and healthy environment and sustainable development of the area.

• Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world.


Initiatives by India for sustainable development of coastal regions: • India had started its journey of sustainable development of coastal regions

on World Environment Day in June 2018 by launching its beach cleaning campaign – I-AM- SAVING-MY-BEACH simultaneously at 13 coastal states.

• The MoEF & CC in its pursuit of “Sustainable Development” of the coastal regions of India embarked upon a highly acclaimed & flagship program Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services (BEAMS) which is one of the initiatives under ICZM approach .This was aimed for achieving the globally recognized and the coveted International eco-label “Blue Flag” .

• The objective of the BEAMS programme is to abate pollution in coastal waters, promote sustainable development of beach facilities, protect and conserve coastal ecosystems and natural resources, and seriously challenge local authorities and stakeholders to strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and safety for beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment and regulations.

• The ministry is committed to developing and deliver 100 more beaches under its ICZM initiative in the ensuing five years.

4.17. WHO REVISES GLOBAL AIR QUALITY NORMS

• The WHO has updated global air pollution standards, a first since 2005. The update, in most instances, reduces the maximum permissible limits for several classes of pollutants from nitrous oxide to particulate matter (PM).

• This is to recognise the research in the last decade and a half that shows air pollution to be much more strongly linked to poor health than previously recognised.

• In 2015, the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution on air quality and health, recognising air pollution as a risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and cancer, and the economic toll they take.

• These guidelines are not legally binding on countries, but are meant to provide guidance to help reduce levels of air pollution in order to decrease the health burden.

What are the recommendations? WHO’s new guidelines recommend air quality levels for six pollutants — particulate matter (PM), ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) — that are not just health hazards but they also give rise to other damaging pollutants.


• The 2021 guideline stipulates that the annual average for PM 10 should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic metre of air, while the 24-hour average should not exceed 45 micrograms per cubic metre. The earlier limit was 20 micrograms per cubic metre annually and 50 micrograms per cubic metre in a day.

• PM 2.5 - the annual average should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic metre, or 15 micrograms per cubic metre in a day. The earlier limit was 10 micrograms per cubic metre annually and 25 micrograms per cubic metre in a day.

• The ozone levels average should not exceed 100 micrograms per cubic metre over a 24-hour period. Nitrogen oxide should not exceed 25 micrograms per cubic metre, sulphur dioxide should remain below 40 micrograms per cubic metre and carbon monoxide levels should not exceed more than 4 micrograms per cubic metre over the same time.

What do these numbers mean for India? India’s National Ambient Air Quality standards — last revised in 2009 — specify an annual limit of 60 microgram per cubic metre for PM10 and 100 for a 24 hour period. Similarly it’s 40 for PM2.5 annually and 60 on a 24-hour period. India is thus far from meeting even the existing guidelines.

• Environmental organisation Greenpeace said in a statement that the new guidelines meant that among100 global cities, Delhi’s annual PM2.5 trends in 2020 was 16.8 times more than WHO’s revised air quality guidelines, while Mumbai’s exceeded 8-fold, Kolkata 9.4, Chennai 5.4, Hyderabad 7 fold and Ahmedabad exceeded 9.8 fold.

• As per the new guidelines, almost the entire region of India can be deemed polluted throughout the year, however India is not alone in this regard. More than 90 percent of the world’s population lived in areas that did not meet the air quality guidelines released in the year 2005.

Way forward: As India continues the implementation of the national clean air programme (NCAP) and revises its National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), it will be important to align with the WHO Air Quality Guidelines, including the interim targets for various air pollutants, and identify and implement policies that will help bring clean air to all. 4.18. POSSIBLY EXTINCT’ SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS Why in news?

• The latest edition of the Red List that was released at the recently-concluded World Conservation Congress organised by the IUCN at Marseille, France, has listed a number of animals and plants as ‘possibly extinct’.


• Among animals, there is the coconut crab, the largest terrestrial arthropod in the world.

• There are also fish species such as bovany barb, native to the Cauvery river system. Other fish that have been declared as possibly extinct include the Deolali minnow, the Deccan barb and the Nilgiri mystus, all of which are found in the Deccan.

• Birds include the Pink-headed duck, which has been feared to be extinct since the 1950s, the Siberian crane, that once famously drew crowds to Keoladeo National Park as well as the Buffy fish-owl or Malay owl.

• The Tentacled butterfly ray, a type of ray and the Dwarf sawfish are two other animal species that are feared to be possibly extinct. The Millepora boschmai or fire coral is also possibly extinct.

• There are also species that have been marked as ‘Extinct Post-1500’. These include Green peafowl, Cheetah, Hairy-nosed Otter, Banteng, a bovid found today in southeast Asia, the Sumatran and Javan rhino and the Osteobrama belangeri, a fish species endemic to Manipur.Hopea shingkeng, that is endemic to the Eastern Himalayas and Aldrovanda vesiculosa or the Waterwheel plant have been categorised as ‘Extinct Post-1500’.

Possibly Extinct species: The tags ‘Possibly Extinct’ and ‘Possibly Extinct in the Wild’ have been developed to identify Critically Endangered species that are likely to already be extinct (or extinct in the wild), but for which confirmation is required. 4.19. NASA STUDY SHOWS HOW CLOUDS RESPOND TO ARCTIC SEA ICE CHANGE. Why in news? A new research by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) research has now shown that more heat and moisture is released through a large hole in sea ice called a polynya, which fuels the formation of more clouds. This traps heat in the atmosphere and hinders the refreezing of new sea ice.

• The study was conducted over a section of northern Baffin Bay between Greenland and Canada known as the North Water Polynya.A polynya is an area of open water surrounded by sea ice. It is a patch of unfrozen seawater within the contiguous pack ice or fast ice.

• The research stated that low clouds over the polynya emitted more energy or heat than clouds in adjacent areas covered by sea ice. The polynya did refreeze, but only after the increased cloud cover and heat under the clouds persisted for about a week.

• The sea ice acts like a cap or a barrier between the relatively warm ocean surface and the cold and dry atmosphere above, so more heat


and moisture from the ocean into the atmosphere. This warming slows down the growth of the sea ice.

• The findings from the recent NASA report also suggested that the response of the clouds to the polynya lengthened the time the hole remained open.

Arctic sea ice decline: • Arctic sea ice has declined at a rate of almost 13 per cent per decade

in the last 30 years; the oldest and thickest ice in the Arctic has declined by 95 per cent, according to another report by NASA.

• Sea ice in the Arctic hit its annual minimum extent on September 16, after waning in the 2021 Northern Hemisphere spring and summer. The summertime extent is the 12th-lowest in the satellite record.

• Scientists believe the rapid Arctic Sea ice retreat in the early 21st century was driven by several dynamic and thermodynamic feedbacks, such as ice-albedo feedback and water vapour feedback.

• Much of the Arctic’s warming has also been attributed to the reduction of the surface albedo effect. A 2019 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences observed there was a 1.25-1.51 per cent reduction per decade in the surface albedo effect in the Arctic during the springs and summers from 1982 to 2014.

4.20. INDIA’S FIRST HERBICIDE TOLERANT NON- GM RICE VARIETIES.

Why in news? The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed the country’s first-ever non-GM (genetically modified) herbicide-tolerant rice varieties that can be directly seeded and significantly save water and labour compared to conventional transplanting.

• Varieties — Pusa Basmati 1979 and Pusa Basmati 1985 — contain a mutated acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene making it possible for farmers to spray Imazethapyr, a broad-spectrum herbicide, to control weeds.

• This dispenses with the need to prepare nurseries where paddy seeds are first raised into young plants, before being uprooted and replanted 25-35 days later in the main field.

• Water is a natural herbicide that takes care of weeds in the paddy crop’s early-growth period. The new varieties simply replace water with Imazethapyr and there’s no need for nursery, puddling, transplanting and flooding of fields.

Herbicide tolerance of new varieties: • The ALS gene in rice codes for an enzyme (protein) that synthesises amino

acids for crop growth and development. The herbicide sprayed on normal


rice plants binds itself to the ALS enzymes, inhibiting their production of amino acids.

• However, the new basmati varieties contain an ALS gene whose DNA sequence has been altered using ethyl methanesulfonate, a chemical mutant. As a result, the ALS enzymes no longer have binding sites for Imazethapyr and amino acid synthesis isn’t inhibited. The plants can also now “tolerate” application of the herbicide, and hence it kills only the weeds.

• This is herbicide-tolerance through mutation breeding, not GM. There isn’t any foreign gene here.

• Both Pusa Basmati 1979 and 1985 have been bred by crossing existing popular varieties — Pusa 1121 and Pusa 1509, respectively — with ‘Robin’.

• Robin is a mutant line derived from Nagina 22, an upland drought-tolerant rice variety. The mutant was identified for Imazethapyr-tolerance by S Robin, a rice breeder from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore.

Direct seeding of rice:

• Transplantation in paddy typically requires about 30 irrigations, each consuming some 5 hectare-cm of water (one hectare-cm equals 100,000 litres). Puddling alone takes up about 15 hectare-cm. In all, DSR is estimated to need 30 per cent less water, save Rs 3,000 per acre in transplantation labour charges, and also 10-15 days’ time due to no nursery preparation.

• Farmers in Punjab and Haryana are already adopting direct seeding of rice (DSR) in response to labour shortages and depleting water tables.

• But DSR cultivation is currently based on two herbicides, Pendimethalin (applied within 72 hours of sowing) and Bispyribac-sodium (after 18-20 days), these two are costlier than Imazethapyr.

• Imazethapyr, moreover, has a wider weed-control range and is safer, as the ALS gene isn’t present in humans and mammals. Even in the herbicide-tolerant rice, the chemical will target only the weeds.

4.21. A REPORT PREDICTS DESERTIFICATION IN PUNJAB IN 25 YEARS. Why in news? A study by Punjab Vidhan Sabha committee suggests that the state that draws major part of its income from cultivation might run out of water and turn to a desert in the next 25 years if the current trend of drawing water from underground aquifers continues.

• Another study titled ‘The State of the World Report,1998 conducted by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) published in Washington-based


World Watch Institute (WWI) had also said that aquifers will be depleted by 2025.

• In Punjab, the dwellers are drawing out more water than it is getting replenished as a result the water table is getting depleted day by day, posing a threat of desertification for the state. The rate of underground water extraction is 1.66 times more than replenishment.

• 109 out of 138 blocks are already over-exploited with 100 per cent groundwater extraction. Two of the blocks are in ‘dark/critical’ zone while five others are in the semi-critical zone. Hence, 80 per cent blocks of the state have already dried up and four per cent are on the verge of it.

• Water is available at 20 to 30 meters, or more than 30 meters down, in around 84 per cent of Punjab. Framers are spending huge amounts to get deeper and deeper pumps for extraction of water for cultivation.

Why waterbeds are over-exploited in Punjab? The Green Revolution in the state in 1966-67 made the farmers there take up paddy farming that was historically never the main crop there.

• Area under it increased from 2.93 lakh hectares during the advent of the revolution to 31.49 LS in 2020 , highest ever area under rice cultivation in the history of Punjab. This caused an 11-time increase in rice area in five decades.

• The puddling method of rice cultivation resulted in disturbing the replenishment system, creating flash floods and wasting rain water to evaporation.

• Paddy takes at least 4,000 liters of water to grow one kg of rice and by this calculation and considering the current situation in the coming 25 to 27 years the entire Punjab will slide to the dark zone, putting a question mark on sustainability of agriculture if control measures are not accepted.

• Like upper aquifers even deeper aquifers can also dry up if mindless extraction of groundwater is not controlled.


5. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 5.1. UBREATHE LIFE Why in news? • Scientists of Indian Institutes of Technology, Ropar and Kanpur and Faculty of

Management Studies of Delhi University have developed a living-plant based air purifier “Ubreathe Life” that amplifies the air purification process in the indoor spaces.

• These indoor spaces can be hospitals, schools, offices and our Homes. About Ubreathe Life • IIT Ropar’s startup company, Urban Air Laboratory, that has developed the

product claims it to be world’s first, state-of-the art ‘Smart Bio-Filter’ that can make breathing fresh.

• It has been incubated at IIT Ropar, which is a designated iHub - AWaDH (Agriculture and Water Technology Development Hub) by the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India.

• The technology works through the air-purifying natural leafy plant. The room-air interacts with leaves and goes to the soil-root zone where maximum pollutants are purified.

• The novel technology used in this product is ‘Urban Munnar Effect’ along with patent pending “Breathing Roots” to exponentially amplify the phytoremediation process of the plants. (Phytoremediation is a process by which plants effectively remove pollutants from the air).

• ‘Ubreathe Life’ effectively improves indoor air quality by removing particulate, gaseous and biological contaminants while increasing the oxygen levels in the indoor space through specific plants, UV disinfection and a stack of Pre-filter, Charcoal filter and HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter fitted in a specially designed wooden box.


• There is a centrifugal fan which creates a suction pressure inside the purifier, and releases purified air, formed at the roots, through the outlet in 360degree direction.

• The specific plants tested for air-purification include Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Spider plant etc. and all have given good results in purifying indoor-air.

• According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report the indoor air spaces are five times more polluted than outdoor air space. That is a cause of concern especially in the present Covid pandemic times.

• The results of testing, conducted by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories and the Laboratory of IIT Ropar maintains that the AQI (Air Quality Index) for a room size of 150sq.ft. drops from 311 to 39 in 15 minutes after using ‘Ubreathe Life’.

• The consumer need not water the plant regularly as there is a built-in water reservoir with a capacity of 150ml which acts as a buffer for plant requirements. The device supplies water to the roots whenever it gets too dry.


5.2. BLUE STRAGGLERS Why in news? • The Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), utilised the Gaia telescope launched in

2013 by the European Space Agency with its excellent positional accuracy to select the blue stragglers in clusters and understand how many such stars are there, where they are and how they are formed.

About Blue Stragglers


• A bunch of stars born at the same time from the same cloud form a star cluster.

• As time passes, each star evolves differently depending on its mass. The most massive and bright stars evolve and move off the main sequence creating a bend in their track, known as the turnoff.

• In 1953, Allan Sandage found that some stars seem to be hotter than the turnoff of the parent cluster.

• Initially, these blue stars still straggling above the turnoff were not part of these clusters. However, later studies confirmed that these stars are indeed cluster members, and they were termed “Blue Stragglers”.

• Blue stragglers, are a class of stars on open or globular clusters that stand out as they are bigger and bluer than the rest of the stars.

• Due to their large mass, they are segregated towards the centre of the clusters.

• Carrying out the first-ever comprehensive analysis of blue stragglers, Indian researchers found that: 1. Half of the blue stragglers in their sample are formed through mass

transfer from a close binary companion star (54%) 2. One third are likely formed through collisions of 2 stars. (30%) 3. The remaining are formed through interactions of more than 2 stars.

(10-16%) • The study will help improve understanding of these stellar systems to uncover

exciting results in studies of large stellar populations, including galaxies. 5.3. MICROBIAL EXPERIMENTS IN OUTER SPACE Why in news? • A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) and Indian

Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have developed a modular, self-contained device to cultivate microorganisms.

• This could enable scientists to carry out biological experiments in outer space.

About the Device • The Researchers showed how the device can be used to activate and track

the growth of bacterium ‘Sporosarcina pasteurii’ over several days, with minimal human involvement.


• Understanding how such microbes behave in extreme environments could provide valuable insight for human space missions such as ‘Gaganyaan’, India’s first crewed spacecraft set to be launched in 2022.

• The study of microbes in extreme conditions is a growing field. • The device developed by the team uses an LED and photodiode sensor

combination to track bacterial growth. • The device has separate compartments for different experiments. Each

compartment or ‘cassette’ consists of a chamber where bacteria suspended as spores in a sucrose solution and a nutrient medium can be mixed to kickstart growth, by flicking on a switch remotely.

5.4. INSPIRESat-1 Why in news? • INSPIRESat-1 CubeSat, developed under the International Satellite

Program in Research and Education (INSPIRE), is ready for launch, the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) has said.

About INSPIRESat-1 CubeSat • The small satellite that weighs less than 10 kg will be launched aboard an

upcoming Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• INSPIRESat-1 is a collaborative effort by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder in the U.S., the National Central University, Taiwan, and the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, apart from the IIST.

• The satellite, which will be placed in a low earth orbit, is equipped with a Compact Ionosphere Probe for studying the earth's ionosphere.

• A constellation of earth and space-weather observation satellites is envisaged under the INSPIRE programme.


• IIST students were responsible for the design and development of the onboard computer and the electrical power supply for INSPIRESat-1.

5.5. SOLAR STORMS AND THEIR EFFECTS Why in news? • Recent research from the University of California has said, Powerful solar

superstorms can destroy undersea cables leading to massive Internet disruption lasting for several months.

• They can also damage satellites, power grids, oil and gas pipelines. More about the Research • A solar storm is a directional ejection of a large mass of highly

magnetised particles from the sun. • When the earth is in the direct path of such solar storms, these magnetised

and charged solar particles will interact with the earth’s magnetic field and induce strong electric currents on the earth’s surface that can damage long-distance cables which form the backbone of the Internet.

• Undersea cables have a higher risk of failure compared to land cables due to their large lengths as current is proportional to the area of the loop formed by the two grounds and the cable. Hence, power grids, oil and gas pipelines, and networking cables are the most vulnerable.


• Communication satellites could also be among the severely affected systems due to direct exposure to highly charged particles in the storms.

• Solar storms can also create an extra drag on the satellite, particularly in low-earth orbit (LEO) systems such as Starlink causing orbital decay and uncontrolled re-entry to earth.

• The scale of impact is different for different regions, according to the researchers: 1. Chinese cities are more prone to lose connectivity than Indian cities

because the former connects to longer cables. 2. The U.S. is one of the most vulnerable locations with a high risk of

disconnection from Europe during extreme solar events. 3. Europe is at a lower risk due to the presence of shorter land and undersea

cables interconnecting the continent. 4. A cable between Brazil and Europe will be less impacted compared to

cables connecting the U.S. and Europe. 5. Cables along eastern and western coasts of Africa are less prone to failures.

5.6. INSPIRATION4 Why in news? • Entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX announced on 3rd September 2021, that

‘Inspiration4’, its first all-civilian, non-governmental spaceflight, is on track for launch on September 15.

• The Crew Dragon spacecraft is set to be launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida in the US. It will take a group of four private citizens into space for three days.

About Inspiration4 • The mission involves circling the Earth for three days, and then splashing

down into the Atlantic Ocean. • Inspiration4 will orbit the Earth at 575km, higher than the International

Space Station (408km) and the Hubble space telescope (547km). This will be the farthest distance travelled by a crewed mission since 2009, when astronauts last went to repair the Hubble.

• The Dragon module that the group will be using has also been modified for the mission. Since Inspiration4 is not going to the ISS, the docking port has been removed and has been replaced with a dome window instead.

• This dome window will offer breath-taking views of the Earth for the four travellers. The window has been inspired by the Cupola, a module on the ISS used to make observations about our planet.

• All four seats on the spacecraft have been purchased by US billionaire Jared Isaacman, founder of the fintech company Shift4 Payments. This is a part of an effort to raise millions for the Tennessee-based St. Jude Children’s


Research Hospital, a paediatric treatment and research facility that focuses on children’s catastrophic diseases, particularly leukaemia and other cancers.

• Joining Isaacman on the journey to space is Haley Arceneaux, a childhood bone cancer survivor and physician’s assistant at the hospital. The two others who will be on the spacecraft Sian Proctor and Chris Sembroski will be part of the mission after winning a global contest.

Significance of the Journey • According to a report, the journey will present an opportunity for collecting

large amounts of health data that will aid in planning future crewed space missions.

• They will collect data on ECG (electrocardiograph) activity, movement, sleep, heart rate and rhythm, blood oxygen saturation, cabin noise and light intensity, which will help in assessing behavioural and cognitive changes over the journey.

• The travellers will undergo balance and prescription tests just before and after their journey to assess their response to the change in gravity.

• Immune system function will also be monitored by collecting blood. Their organ systems will also be monitored by an AI-powered ultrasound device.


5.7. PATROL ROBOTS Why in news? • Singapore has started trialing robots to patrol public areas and deter poor

social behaviour in its latest effort to further augment its strong portfolio of surveillance tools.

• Ranked one of the safest countries in the world, Singapore has put two autonomous robots on trial to detect bad behaviour such as flouting of COVID-19 safety measures, smoking in prohibited areas and the improper parking of bicycles.

• The two patrol robots, named Xavier, are equipped with cameras that can detect bad social behaviour and trigger real-time alerts to the command and control centre.


• The deployment of Xavier will support the work of public officers as it will reduce the manpower required for foot patrols and improve operation efficiency.

5.8. SOLID-STATE BATTERIES Why in news? • Solid-state batteries could be game changer for electric vehicles (EVs) by

storing more energy, charging faster and offering greater safety than liquid lithium-ion batteries, helping accelerate the shift away from fossil fuel-powered cars.

About the Solid-state Batteries • Solid-state batteries use thin layers of solid electrolytes, which carry

lithium ions between electrodes. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries use liquid electrolytes and have separators that keep the positive electrode from coming in contact with the negative electrode.

• Currently, solid-state batteries are used in devices such as pacemakers and smart watches.

• Advantages of Solid-state Batteries: 1. They are likely to be safer and more stable than liquid lithium-ion

batteries in which the electrolyte is volatile and flammable at high temperatures. This makes electric vehicles that use li-ion batteries more vulnerable to fires and chemical leaks.

2. Increased stability means faster charging and reduces the need for bulky safety equipment.

3. They can hold more energy than liquid li-ion batteries, helping speed up a switch from gasoline vehicles to EVs because drivers would not need to stop as often to charge their cars.

• Difficulties in the production of Solid-state Batteries:

1. Carmakers and technology companies have produced solid-state li-ion battery cells one at a time in a lab, but have been unable so far to scale that up to a mass production.

2. It is hard to design a solid electrolyte that is stable, chemically inert and still a good conductor of ions between the electrodes.

3. They are expensive to fabricate and are prone to cracking because of the brittleness of the electrolytes when they expand and contract during use.

4. Currently, a solid-state cell costs about eight times more to make than a liquid Li-ion battery.


Companies researching on Solid-state batteries • Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp. is one of the front runners to produce solid-state

batteries, though it is struggling with their short service life. • Germany’s Volkswagen has invested in Bill Gates-backed U.S. battery firm

Quantum Scape Corp, which aims to introduce its battery in 2024 for VW’s EVs and eventually for other carmakers.

• Stellantis, formed in January by the merger of Italian-American automaker Fiat Chrysler and France’s PSA, intends to introduce solid-state batteries by 2026.

• Ford Motors and BMW AG have invested in startup Solid Power, which says its solid-state technology can deliver 50% more energy density than current lithium-ion batteries.

• South Korea’s Hyundai Motor, which has invested in startup Solid Energy Systems, plans to mass produce solid-state batteries in 2030.

• Samsung SDI Co Ltd, an affiliate of Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, is working on developing solid-state batteries.

5.9. CHANDRAYAAN-2 Why in News? • The failure of Chandrayaan-2, India’s second mission to the Moon, to

make a soft-landing on the lunar surface had led to much disappointment. The lander and rover malfunctioned in the final moments and crash-landed, getting destroyed in the process.

• But that did not mean the entire mission had been wasted. The Orbiter part of the mission has been functioning normally, and in the two years since that setback, the various instruments on board have gathered a wealth of new information that has added to our knowledge about the Moon and its environment.

• Recently the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released the information gathered by the scientific payloads till now.

Information gathered • The Orbiter is carrying eight instruments. • Through different methods, these instruments are meant to carry out a few

broad tasks study in more detail the elemental composition of the lunar surface and environment, assess the presence of different minerals, and do a more detailed mapping of the lunar terrain. WATER MOLECULE: 1. The presence of water on the Moon had already been confirmed by

Chandrayaan-1, in 2008. Before that, NASA missions Clementine and Lunar Prospector too had picked up signals of water presence.


2. But the instrument used on Chandrayaan-1 was not sensitive enough to detect whether the signals came from the hydroxyl radical (OH) or the water molecule (H2O, which too has OH).

3. Using far more sensitive instruments, the Imaging Infra-Red Spectrometer (IIRS) on board Chandrayaan-2 has been able to distinguish between hydroxyl and water molecules, and found unique signatures of both. This is the most precise information about the presence of H2O molecules on the Moon till date.

4. Previously, water was known to be present mainly in the polar regions of the Moon. Chandrayaan-2 has now found signatures of water at all latitudes, although its abundance varies from place to place. The IIRS characterised hydration features in the north polar region on the far side of the Moon and has also quantified the hydration within a crater.

5. Besides, the Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar, a microwave imaging instrument, has reported unambiguous detection of potential water ice at the poles as it has been able to distinguish properties of surface roughness from that of water ice, which is a first.

• MINOR ELEMENTS:

1. The Large Area Soft X-Ray Spectrometer (CLASS) measures the Moon’s X-ray spectrum to examine the presence of major elements such as magnesium, aluminium, silicon, calcium, titanium, iron, etc.

2. This instrument has detected the minor elements chromium and manganese for the first time through remote sensing.

3. The finding can lay the path for understanding magmatic evolution on the Moon and deeper insights into the nebular conditions as well as planetary differentiation.

4. CLASS has mapped nearly 95% of the lunar surface in X-rays for the first time.

5. Sodium, also a minor element on the Moon surface, was detected without any ambiguity for the first time.

• STYUDYING THE SUN:

1. Solar X-ray Monitor (XSM), besides studying the Moon through the radiation coming in from the Sun, has collected information about solar flares.

2. XSM has observed a large number of microflares outside the active region for the first time.

How does all these information help? • While the Orbiter payloads build upon existing knowledge of the Moon in

terms of its surface, sub-surface and exosphere, it also paves the path for future Moon missions.


• Four aspects - mineralogical and volatile mapping of the lunar surface, surface and subsurface properties and processes involved, quantifying water in its various forms across the Moon surface, and maps of elements present on the moon, will be key for future scope of work.

• Some key future Moon missions that hope to make use of such data include the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)-ISRO collaboration Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission scheduled for launch in 2023/2024. Its aim is to obtain knowledge of lunar water resources and to explore the suitability of the lunar polar region for setting up a lunar base.

• NASA’s Artemis missions plan to enable human landing on the Moon beginning 2024 and target sustainable lunar exploration by 2028.

• The Chinese Lunar Exploration Programme too plans to establish a prototype of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) at the lunar south pole and build a platform supporting large-scale scientific exploration.


5.10. HIGH ASH COAL GASIFICATION BASED METHANOL PRODUCTION PLANT Why in news? • India’s first Indigenously Designed High Ash Coal Gasification Based Methanol

Production Plant has been developed at BHEL R&D Centre, Hyderabad. About the Production Plant • Methanol is utilized as a motor fuel, to power ship engines, and to generate

clean power all over the world. • Methanol is also used to generate di-methyl ether (DME), a liquid fuel that

is very similar to diesel, existing diesel engines simply need to be minimally changed to use DME instead of diesel.

• The majority of worldwide methanol production is derived from natural gas, which is a relatively easy process.

• Since India doesn’t have much of the natural gas reserves, producing methanol from imported natural gas lead to outflow of foreign exchange and sometimes uneconomical due to excessive prices of natural gas.


• The next best option is to utilise India's abundant coal. However, due to the high ash percentage of Indian coal, most internationally accessible technology will not be adequate for our demands.

• To address this issue, BHEL R&D centre at Hyderabad began working on Indian high ash coal gasification in 2016 with support from the NITI Aayog to produce 0.25 ton per day (TPD) methanol.

• The project was supported by the Department of Science and Technology with a Rs 10 crore grant.

• With four years of hard work BHEL successfully demonstrated a facility to create 0.25 TPD Methanol from high ash Indian coal using a 1.2 TPD Fluidized bed gasifier.

• The methanol purity of the crude methanol produced is between 98 and 99.5 percent.

5.11. RAY-BAN STORIES Why in News? • Ray-Ban Stories, Facebook’s first ‘smart glasses’ in partnership with Ray-

Ban, are now official. These are not the sophisticated AR-glasses unlike the Facebook’s Oculus.

• Facebook’s first ‘smart’ glasses capitalise on the iconic Wayfarer design and comes in two other designs: round and meteor.

More about Ray-Ban Stories • At first glance, these might seem like ordinary sunglasses, except that they

come equipped with two 5MP cameras at the corners with an LED light near them.

• The white LED light turns on to let others know you are recording them. • The smart glasses will let users record the world around them, and take

pictures. For now, users can record 30-second videos or take photos by using either the capture button or going hands-free with Facebook Assistant voice commands.

• The glasses also come with built-in “open-ear speakers” and a three-microphone audio array, which will ensure that users can take calls as well. Facebook says it is using “beamforming technology” and “a background noise suppression algorithm” to ensure an “enhanced calling experience” just like headphones.

• Ray-Ban Stories will start at $299. • Users have to pair these smart glasses with the Facebook View app. The

glasses can pair with both iOS and Android devices. The assistant is currently available for English only.

• The Facebook View app will let users import, edit, and share photos or videos captured on these smart glasses.


• The smart glasses also come with a button to turn them off. They have a dedicated charging case and can be charged using a USB cable.

• According to Facebook, these glasses can capture and sync up to 50 videos or up to 200 photos per full charge. Fully charged glasses will last up to 6 hours for moderate usage and up to 3 hours with continuous audio streaming and Facebook Assistant turned on.

• Ray-Ban Stories do not support Augmented Reality (AR). AR, which would allow these glasses to project digital content on the optics, is a lot more complicated. Major concern for most users: 1. First, as some reviews have shown other people don’t really realise that the

Ray-Ban Stories are recording, despite the LED light coming on. 2. Also since the smart glasses look like any other Ray-Ban sunglasses, others

might not always realise the user is wearing Facebook’s special version. 3. The glasses and their ease of use raise concerns on whether some users

might rely on these to record confidential meetings, or even use them to just record others without consent and then use that footage for harassment. The potential for misuse is definitely there.

• Facebook says all photos and videos are encrypted on the smart glasses. The glasses can pair with only one account at a time. Also if one loses these sunglasses, which is fairly common for many people, and someone tries to pair them with a new phone and Facebook account, any data, and media left on the glasses will be automatically deleted. But there’s no feature in the Facebook View app to let users locate their lost glasses.

• Facebook also says that any tampering with the glasses or attempts to “obscure or modify any of the features on the Glasses that signal to others that the Glasses are recording (including the external-facing LED light),” will be considered a violation of its terms and services.


5.12. PATENT FOR ANAAR (FIREWORKS) MAKING MACHINE Why in news? • The MSME Tool Room, Hyderabad, Central Institute of Tool Design (CITD)

has obtained a patent for the invention entitled “AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CONICAL SHAPED FIREWORKS” for 20 years from the 10th November,2015.

• Central Institute of Tool Design signed an MOU with M/s. Standard Fireworks Pvt. Ltd., (SFPL), Sivakasi for automation processes for various firework projects.

• As a first project, CITD has taken up for Module-1 (consisting of flower pot chemical filling and packing).

• The aim of project is to automate the entire process of cracker-making for relieving human fatigue and to save human from hazardous environment. The entire process is minimal human intervention. Hence, it is safe for humans to handle the machine in Fireworks Industry.

• This is the first of its kind with fully indigenous technology. • CITD and SFPL had filed a joint patent application for this innovation. The

uniqueness of machine is that it completely works on pneumatic system for


entire process of manufacturing. There is no electrical or electronics system used in process. Therefore, this can avoid most of the fire accidents in field of fireworks industries.

About Central Institute of Tool Design (CITD) • CITD is a Govt. of India organisation working under the administrative

control of Ministry of MSME. It was established in the year 1968 and is a pioneering institution in training technical personnel in the field of Tool Design, CAD/CAM, Low Cost Automation etc.

• The Institute is conducting training courses right from Diploma level to Post Graduation.

5.13. IMPROVED WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR TOXIC TEXTILE EFFLUENTS Why in news? • Indian researchers have developed an improved water management system

that can completely reuse dye wastewater from textile industries, eliminating its toxicity and making it suitable for domestic and industrial usage.

• It can reduce water treatment costs and facilitate reuse of water in dry regions.

Present Treatment System • The current three-stage treatment process for wastewater consisting of

primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment is unable to treat toxic industrial wastewater.

• The stand-alone advanced oxidation process (AOP) treatment technique for colour and odour properties in industrial effluents (dye-based) may be insufficient to meet the set government standards and is also limited due to the high cost of AOPs involving continuous supply of chemical reagents.

• It cannot remove the synthetic industrial dyes and the effervescent colour and odour, which have a long-lasting carcinogenic and toxic effect on the ecological balance, especially aquatic life.

New Treatment Technology • Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur along with

Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, and MBM College, Jodhpur, have developed a modified AOP solution.

• The completely modified treatment process consists of the primary dosing step, followed by the sand filtration step, another AOP and subsequent carbon filtration step.


• It eliminates the need for the conventional primary, secondary, and tertiary processes, resulting in maximum colour removal, and meets the inland water discharge standards.

• The DST - Water Technology Initiative (WTI), along with the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) supported the development of this technology at pilot-level in collaboration with Laxmi Textile Prints, Jaipur.

• The much-improved AOP technology targeting zero discharge water management system is being utilised for complete reuse of industrial dye wastewater for domestic and industrial usage at a rate of 10 kilo litres/day.

• The treatment of toxic and highly carcinogenic industrial dyes of textile effluents is performed using this modified AOP technology for degrading and mineralizing recalcitrant organic matter from effluent wastewater.

• It is a direct replacement of the existing treatment plant processes and consists of a low-cost solution of dye adsorption on acid-modified soil.

• The technology has resulted in the recuperation of 50% of the treatment cost incurred from conventional processes for water treatment (especially due to the high cost of sludge disposability) in the water-scarce regions of Rajasthan.

5.14. TECH BASED ON CRISPR TO CONTROL GROWTH OF MOSQUITOES Why in news? • Leveraging advancements in CRISPR-based genetic engineering, researchers

have created a system that restrains populations of mosquitoes that infect millions each year with debilitating diseases.

• The “precision-guided sterile insect technique” (pgSIT), alters genes linked to male fertility, creating sterile offspring and render female Aedes aegypti, flightless, the mosquito species responsible for spreading diseases including dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika.

• The scientists say pgSIT eggs can be shipped to a location threatened by mosquito-borne disease or developed at an on-site facility that could produce the eggs for nearby deployment.

• Once the pgSIT eggs are released in the wild, sterile pgSIT males will emerge and eventually mate with females, driving down the wild population as needed.

5.15. CONVERTING KERATIN WASTE TO FERTILIZERS Why in news? • Indian scientists from Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai, have

developed a new sustainable and affordable solution for converting keratin waste such as human hair, wool, and poultry feathers to fertilizers, pet, and animal feeds.


About the Keratin Waste • India generates a huge amount of human hair, poultry feather waste, and wool

waste each year. • These wastes are dumped, buried, used for landfilling, or incinerated,

increasing environmental hazards, pollution, and threat to public health and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

• These wastes are inexpensive sources of amino acids and protein, underlining their potential to be used as animal feed and fertilizer.

About the New Technology • The novel technology is patented, easily scalable, environment-friendly,

energy-efficient, and it will make amino acid-rich liquid fertilizers more economical as compared to currently marketed products.

• The researchers used advanced oxidation for the conversion of the waste to marketable fertilizers and animal feed.

• The key technology behind this involves pre-treatment followed by hydrolysis of keratin using a technique called Hydrodynamic Cavitation, which involves vaporization, bubble generation, and bubble implosion in a flowing liquid.

• The current chemicals and physical methods for such conversion are energy-intensive, chemically hazardous, and involve multiple steps resulting in a higher cost of the final product.

• As calculated by the team, with the novel technology, the cost of the product at a large-scale plant, processing inputs of 1-ton, is up to three-folds cheaper than the existing market product.

• The scientists are currently implementing this technology at a large scale in collaboration with Revoltech Technologies Private Limited, Gujarat.

• This advancement in production will make the liquid biofertilizers which are three folds more efficient than the marketed product, available to farmers at an affordable rate.

5.16. SUBSTITUTE FOR SINGLE-USE PLASTICS Why in news? • Researchers from Department of Material Engineering, Indian Institute of

Science, Bengaluru (IISc) have found a way to make a substitute for single-use plastic that can, in principle help mitigate the problem of accumulating plastic waste in the environment.

• According to a report by Central Pollution Control Board of India, for the year 2018-2019, 3.3 million metric tonnes of plastic waste are generated by Indians. The bad news is that this may well be an under-estimation of the problem.

• Another alarming statistic is that of all the plastic waste produced in the world, 79% enters the environment. Only 9% of all plastic waste is recycled.


• Accumulation of plastic waste is detrimental to the environment and when this waste finds its way into the sea, there can be major harm to aquatic ecosystems, too.

More about the Alternatives • While plastic waste causes one type of pollution, agricultural stubble burning

is responsible for air pollution in several States. In Delhi, for example, the air quality index dips to indicate “severe” or “hazardous” level of pollution every winter, and this is due in part to the burning of agricultural stubble in the surrounding regions.

• The researchers thus developed polymers using non-edible oil and cellulose extracted from agricultural stubble. These polymers can be moulded into sheets having properties suitable for making bags, cutlery or containers.

• The material so made is bio-degradable, leak-proof and non-toxic. • Non-edible Castor oil was used in this process of making the polymer. The

same experiment is being tried with other non-edible oils such as jatropha oil and neem oil.

• The preliminary tests suggest that the material can be used for food packaging. Further tests are on to establish the sheet as food-grade.

• If more cellulose added, and less non-edible oil, the stiffer was the material, so that it was more suitable to making tumblers and cutlery. The greater the proportion of oil, the more flexible was the material and it could be moulded into sheets for making bags.

• The group has already filed a provisional patent.


5.17. COLEXION Why in news? • Colexion, the largest licenced NFT (non-fungible tokens) platform,

announced the formal public launch on September 10, 2021. About Colexion • Colexion is an NFT trading and community platform. It is a NFT platform

for Sports, Entertainment and Art. • It provides users with trade, purchase, and interactive activities. It will feature

NFT collections of global stars. • Through this platform, users would be able to buy different tiers of blind

boxes and own celebrity’s limited NFT collections. • Each NFT collectible comprise of a unique record on the blockchain. Users will

obtain ownership of this unique NFT collectible by purchasing it on the platform or trading on the Colexion marketplace.

• Colexion will accept general payment methods like credit cards in order to make it easy for mainstream consumers to participate.

• Colexion will feature stars from field like sports, arts, entertainment, and other industries celebrities. Global sports stars will be the main partners in initial phase of the launch.

• Colexion has signed many global superstars from sports as well as the entertainment industry like Kieron Pollard, West Indies All-Rounder, Glenn Maxwell, Australian All-Rounder and Morne Morkel, South African-Australian Fast Bowler. Mika Singh, the Iconic singer is all set to launch his NFT on Colexion.

• Colexion has been launched with the aim of creating a significant entrance to virtual reality by means of NFT collections, trading, and community platforms. It will bring the Novel technology world through NFT.

5.18. PROJECT TAARA Why in news? • Alphabet’s laser internet system (Project Taara) is now providing light-

speed connectivity from Brazzaville (Republic of Congo) to Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) across the Congo River.

• Project Taara, Alphabet’s wireless optical communications system has sent 700TB of data with 99.9% availability or when the system is up and running.

• Separated by the Congo River, the world’s deepest and second fastest river, Brazzaville and Kinshasa are only 4.8 kilometers apart but connectivity is five times more expensive in Kinshasa because the fibre connection has to travel more than 400 kms to route around the river.


• Taara’s laser-based internet system will provide faster, more affordable connectivity to the 17 million people living in these cities. It uses narrow, invisible beams of light to deliver fiber-like speeds.

• Alphabet claims that Taara’s internet system has better tracking capabilities, automated environmental responses and better planning tools than traditional fiber that is helping it deliver reliable high-speed bandwidth to places that fiber can’t reach.

• Better tracking capabilities mean that when Taara’s beam has been affected by haze, light rain, birds or monkeys, there is no service interruptions. Taara’s terminals could automatically adjust to changes in the environment to maintain the precise connection.

5.19. DARK ENERGY • Dark energy, the mysterious form of energy that makes up about 68% of the

universe, has intrigued physicists and astronomers for decades. • Dark energy has been noted as “the most profound mystery in all of

science”. • With advanced technologies and newer experiments, scientists have found

certain clues about it and, an international team of researchers made the first supposed direct detection of dark energy.

About the Dark Energy Detection • The researchers noticed certain unexpected results in an underground

experiment and write that dark energy may be responsible for it. • The XENON1T experiment is the world’s most sensitive dark matter

experiment and was operated deep underground at the INFN Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy.

• The finding says experiments like XENON1T, which are designed to detect dark matter, could also be used to detect dark energy.

Dark energy Vs Dark matter • Everything we see the planets, moons, massive galaxies, humans makes up

less than 5% of the universe. About 27% is dark matter and 68% is dark energy.

• While dark matter attracts and holds galaxies together, dark energy repels and causes the expansion of our universe.

• Despite both components being invisible, we know a lot more about dark matter and its existence was suggested as early as the 1920s, while dark energy wasn’t discovered until 1998.

Future experiments for direct detection of dark energy • The Research team is hopeful that upcoming upgrades to the XENON1T

experiment and similar experiments such as LUX-Zeplin - a next generation


dark matter experiment located at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, and PandaX-xT - another project at China Jinping Underground Laboratory could help directly detect dark energy within the next decade.

5.20. LANDSAT 9 Why in news? • A NASA satellite was successfully launched on September 27 from

Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. • The earth monitoring satellite, Landsat 9, is a joint mission of NASA and

the US Geological Survey (USGS). About Landsat Satellite • The first Landsat satellite was launched in 1972 and since then, Landsat

satellites have collected images of our planet and helped understand how land usage has changed over the decades.

• In 2008, it was decided that all Landsat images will be free and publicly available and the policy has helped scores of researchers, farmers, policy analysts, glaciologists, and seismologists.

• Landsat images have been used to study the health of forests, wildfire, coral reefs, monitor water quality and melting glaciers.

• The Landsat 9 joins Landsat 8 that was launched in 2013 and the satellites together will collect images of Earth’s surface.

• It takes 8 days to capture the whole Earth. • Landsat 9 is the most technologically advanced satellite of its generation. It

can see more colour shades with greater depths than the previous satellites, helping scientists capture more details about our ever-changing planet.

• The instruments aboard Landsat 9 are the Operational Land Imager 2 (OLI-2) and the Thermal Infrared Sensor 2 (TIRS-2). They will measure different wavelengths of light reflected off the Earth’s surface.

Utility of the Landsat satellite • If a forest is affected by drought, it will be seen in Landsat images and can

help the researchers decode the areas at risk. • Similarly, during a wildfire, the Landsat images will capture the plumes of

smoke and help study the extent of a burning and help recovery experts plan sites for replanting.

• Landsat images can also help identify water bodies affected by potentially harmful algal blooms.

• Landsat images have helped glaciologists study the melting ice sheets of the Antarctic and Arctic regions. The images can help track cracks in the glaciers, movement of glaciers, and decode how further global warming will impact them.


5.21. PROJECT UDAAN Why in news? • IIT-Bombay launched its “Project Udaan” on the occasion of Hindi Diwas on

September 14, 2021. About the Project • Project Udaan was launched with the aim of breaking the language barrier

that many students face while joining the institutes of higher education. • Project Udaan enables the translation of textbooks and other study

material of the engineering and other streams from English to Hindi and other Indian Languages.

• It is a donation based and Artificial Intelligence-based translation ecosystem.

• It helps in translating engineering textbooks and learning materials in one-sixth the time as compared to manual tasking. This machine translation will be aided by human effort.


6. SECURITY 6.1. MAIDEN EXERCISE • As part of her ongoing goodwill visit to Europe and Africa, INS Tabar took part

in a Maritime Partnership Exercise with Algerian Navy ship 'Ezzadjer' on 29 Aug 21.

• The landmark exercise, held off the Algerian coast, saw participation of a frontline Algerian warship, 'Ezzadjer'.

• As part of the exercise, diverse activities including coordinated manoeuvring, communication procedures and steam past were undertaken between the Indian and Algerian warships. The exercise enabled the two navies to understand the concept of operations followed by each other, enhanced interoperability and opened the possibility of increasing interaction and collaboration between them in future.

6.2. AIR-LAUNCHED UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE • Ministry of Defence and US Department of Defence signed a Project Agreement

(PA) for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ALUAV) under the Joint Working Group Air Systems in the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) in

• 2021. The PA for ALUAV falls under the Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (RDT&E) Memorandum of Agreement between Ministry of Defence and US Department of Defence, which was first signed in January 2006 and renewed in January 2015. The agreement is a significant step towards deepening defence technology collaboration between the two nations through co-development of defence equipment.

• The main aim of DTTI is to bring sustained leadership focus to promote collaborative technology exchange and create opportunities for co-production and co-development of future technologies for Indian and US military forces.

6.3. SIMBEX • The 28th edition of Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) was

conducted in the southern fringes of the South China Sea. • Initiated in 1994, SIMBEX is the Indian Navy’s longest uninterrupted bilateral

maritime exercise with any foreign navy. • Sustaining the continuity of this significant engagement despite the challenges

of the ongoing pandemic further underscores the strength of bilateral defence ties between both countries. Despite these constraints during the planning stages, both navies could achieve seamless and safe execution of several challenging evolutions including live weapon firing and advanced naval


warfare serials, including anti-submarine, anti-air and anti-surface warfare drills.

• This year’s edition of SIMBEX is also a special occasion as it takes place during the ongoing celebrations of the 75th year of India’s independence. The success of SIMBEX-2021 is yet another demonstration of the mutual resolve on both sides to strengthen the bilateral partnership further in the years ahead.

• India-Singapore Defence relations remain a very significant aspect of the overall bilateral relationship and cover a very wide spectrum of collaboration from conventional military-to-military exchanges to HADR and cyber security. Both navies have a representation in each other’s Maritime Information Fusion Centres and have also recently signed an agreement on mutual submarine rescue support and coordination.

6.4. AUSINDEX • Navies from Australia and India have commenced the bilateral maritime

exercise, codenamed Australia India (AUSINDEX) 2021. • The maritime exercise, which will run in September, focuses on developing

deeper understanding and cooperation between the The Indian Navy (IN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

• The fourth iteration of AUSINDEX exercise includes complex surface, sub-surface and air operations between ships, submarines, helicopters and long-range maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) of the two participating navies.

• “This important document is aligned to the ‘2020 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ between the two nations and aims to further consolidate shared commitment to regional and global security challenges promoting peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”

• AUSINDEX started in 2015 as a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Australia.

6.5. EXERCISE ZAPAD 2021 • Exercise ZAPAD-2021, a seven day long Multilateral 'Joint Strategic Exercise'

which saw participation from seven countries culminated at Mulino in the Novgorod Region of Russia.

• The exercise aims at strengthening long standing strategic partnership between India and Russia and also enhance better understanding, cooperation with all other seven participating Nations.

• Besides military training and exercise, the participating contingents showcased their skills in a number of extra-curricular & sports activities including Football, Volleyball, Kettle Bell lifting, Arm Wrestling, Tug of War and the cultural program. The exercise has promoted synergy and inter-operability amongst the Armed Forces, and will help in forging closer military


ties between the nations. All contingent commanders expressed immense satisfaction in the conduct of the joint exercise in terms of standards achieved and lessons learnt.

6.6. INDIGENOUS ARJUN MK-1A • The Defence Ministry placed an order with the Heavy Vehicle Factory (HVF),

Avadi, for the supply of 118 indigenous Arjun Mk-1A Main Battle Tanks (MBT) for the Army at a cost of ₹7,523 crore.

• The state–of-the-art MBT Mk-1A is a new variant of Arjun tank designed to enhance fire power, mobility and survivability. Infused with 72 new features and more indigenous content from the Mk-1 variant, the tank would ensure effortless mobility in all terrains, besides precise target engagement during day and night.

• The MBT Arjun Mk-1A was designed and developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) along with the other laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

6.7. AKASH PRIME • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday

successfully tested a new version of Akash Surface to Air missile Akash Prime from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.

• In comparison to the existing Akash System, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy. Other improvements also ensure more reliable performance under low temperature environment at higher altitudes.

Akash Missile (Akash-NG):


About: • It is a surface-to-air Missile. It is a new variant of the Akash missile that

can strike targets at a distance of around 60 km and fly at a speed of up to Mach 2.5.

• Once deployed, the Akash-NG weapon system will prove to be a force multiplier for the air defence capability of the Indian Air Force.

Development & Production: • Developed by Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL),

Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories. • It is being produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat

Dynamics Limited (BDL). Akash Missile:

• Akash is India’s first indigenously produced medium range Surface to Air missile that can engage multiple targets from multiple directions.

• The missile is unique in the way that it can be launched from mobile platforms like battle tanks or wheeled trucks. It has nearly 90% kill probability.

• The missile is supported by the indigenously developed radar called 'Rajendra'.

• The missile is reportedly cheaper and more accurate than US’ Patriot missiles due to its solid-fuel technology and high-tech radars.

• It can engage targets at a speed 2.5 times more than the speed of sound and can detect and destroy targets flying at low, medium and high altitudes.

• The Akash missile system has been designed and developed as part of India’s 30-year-old Integrated Guided-Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).

Defence Research & Development Organisation • It is the Research & Development wing of the Ministry of Defence, Govt of

India, with a vision to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies. • It was established in 1958 after combining the Technical Development

Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).

Integrated Guided-Missile Development Programme It was conceived by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to enable India attain self-

sufficiency in the field of missile technology. The 5 missiles (P-A-T-N-A) developed under this program are:

o Prithvi: Short range surface to surface ballistic missile. o Agni: Ballistic missiles with different ranges, i.e. Agni (1,2,3,4,5) o Trishul: Short range low level surface to air missile. o Nag: 3rd generation anti-tank missile. o Akash: Medium range surface to air missile.


6.8. INDIA AND OMAN MARITIME COOPERATION • This agreement will help in exchanging information on the merchant shipping

traffic movement, through IFC-IOR (Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region. It will help in enhancing maritime security and safety in the region.

• The Indian Navy in its global outreach has so far associated with around 21 countries and 22 multi-national agencies which will help in sharing information related to maritime activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in real time.

• In the IOR, at any given time, the Navy monitors more than 12,000 ships and 300 fishing vessels. Also, it keeps a watch on more than three lakh Indian fishing vessels which are operating in the seas.

Why is Indian Ocean Region (IOR) important? • The region accounts for 75 per cent of the world`s maritime trade and 50

percent of global consumption passes through it prompting security measures involving multiple countries.

• Such an agreement is inked with 21 countries including France, Japan, Australia, Italy, the US, Bangladesh, the Maldives, New Zealand, Myanmar, and Mauritius among others. There are 22 multi-national agencies too which help in sharing information of the movements in IOR.

• In December 2018, the IFC which is located at Gurugram and this helps to facilitate maritime information to all the member countries.

• As reported earlier the Indian Navy has been given an approval to ink the White Shipping agreement with 36 countries. 17 such agreements are inked and operationalised.

India and Oman Maritime Cooperation • The next edition of naval exercise ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ between the two countries

is scheduled to take place next year. Due to COVID-protocols in place the naval drill last year was conducted in 2020 off Goa and it was contactless.

The white shipping information • The white shipping information refers to the exchange of prior information on

the movement and identity of commercial non-military merchant vessels. • The White Shipping Agreement (WSA) as it establishes an information network

protocol that allows the navies of both countries to exchange information about ships in their oceanic territories.

• Ships would be classified into White (commercial ships), grey (military vessels), and black (illegal vessels).

How can White Shipping Agreement benefit India? • White Shipping agreement enables India and the countries it has signed

the agreement with to establish an information network protocol that allows the navies of both countries to exchange information about ships in


their oceanic territories. Ships would be colour coded based on their use, this enables better response against threats, quicker decisions and authorization of different vessels.

7. SOCIAL ISSUES 7.1. NATIONAL NUTRITION WEEK, 2021 Why in news? National Nutrition Week is celebrated from 1 to 7 September and the purpose is to spread awareness about good nutrition, and health. Indian scenario with regard to Nutrition:

• In the 2020 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 94th out of 107 countries. • According to UNICEF’s data on India, nearly half of all deaths in children

under 5 are attributable to undernutrition. • Undernutrition puts children at greater risk of dying from common

infections, and becomes especially dire during the pandemic. Why is September celebrated as POSHAN Maah and what is its significance?


• One of the distinct and defining features of POSHAN Abhiyan is Jan Andolan – creating a social movement.

• Since 2018, every September, the country has been celebrating POSHAN Maah, a month-long effort on social behaviour change communication and mass mobilisation to improve and increase the coverage of essential nutrition interventions.

• This has been a huge success and hopefully as in the previous years all stakeholders – the civil society, the private sector and academia will come together to help create the necessary awareness and demand for nutrition.

How important is it to get different sectors involved in tackling India’s significant nutrition crisis?

• Malnutrition is a complex problem: Causes are many and many of them are interrelated. Therefore, any solution that we offer to solve malnutrition should ideally involve all relevant sectors.

• It is necessary to create neutral platforms composed of all key sectors of society. The private sector plays a key role in our society, and increasingly so.

• The private sector is involved in all segments of the food system, which encompasses agricultural production, harvesting, processing and packaging, food transformation, marketing and consumer access.

• It also plays a major role in influencing both the food environment and consumer preferences.

How has COVID-19 affected the situation?

• In poor households, a high proportion of income is spent on food – it could be as high as 75% of total income.

• When the income comes down, as it happened to millions due to the pandemic and the containment strategies adopted by various governments, it seriously affects both the quantity and quality of food consumed by the poor.

• Even before the pandemic, the dietary intake in low income households was far below the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) prescribed by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR).

• Many states restarted Take-Home Ration (THR) distribution after the complete lockdown, and food grain distribution too started through the Public Distribution System. But the dietary gap is likely to widen and a surge in malnutrition among women and children can be expected.

Most urgent action points that are needed to take to address the malnutrition burden:

• Make POSHAN Abhiyaan and Mission Poshan 2.0 a community owned, community driven mission. Increase community demand for services.


• Mothers, families and communities should be educated to adopt appropriate nutrition practices. The community norm on many nutrition-related behaviours have to change.

• Nutrition sensitive interventions such as women’s empowerment and water and sanitation are highly important and should be prioritized.

• People who need the services are the ones who should be targeted by the program on priority.

• Improving service delivery in ICDS is largely a function of program management and not so much on resources.

7.2. MILITANCY IN ASSAM’S DIMA HASAO Why in news? A suspected militant attack left five truckers dead in Assam’s Dima Hasao hill district. According to police, intelligence inputs suggest that an outfit called the Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) was behind the attack. What is the DNLA?

• It is a new insurgent group, formed in 2019. It has not claimed responsibility for the attack.

• When it was formed, it had said in a release that it was “committed to revamp the national struggle and fight for the liberation of a sovereign, independent Dimasa Nation”.

• It aimed to “develop a sense of brotherhood among the Dimasa and also to rebuild the trust and faith among the Dimasa society for regaining the Dimasa Kingdom.

Who are the Dimasas?

• The Dimasas (or Dimasa-Kacharis) are the earliest known rulers and settlers of Assam, and now live in Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, Cachar, Hojai and Nagaon districts of central and southern Assam, as well as parts of Nagaland.

• Prior to Ahom rule, the Dimasa kings — believed to be the descendants of the rulers of the ancient Kamarupa kingdom — ruled large parts of Assam along the south bank of the Brahmaputra between the 13th and 16th centuries.

• Their earliest historically known capital was Dimapur (now in Nagaland), and later Maibang in North Cachar Hills.

History of militancy in Dima Hasao:

• The hill districts of Assam — Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao (earlier North Cachar Hills) — have had a long history of insurgency by Karbi and Dimasa groups which peaked in the mid-1990s, and was rooted in a core demand of statehood.


• Both districts are now protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and allows for greater political autonomy and decentralised governance in certain tribal areas of the Northeast. They are run by the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council respectively.

• In Dima Hasao, the demand for statehood began in the 1960s, along with other tribal sections of undivided Assam.

• While new states such as Meghalaya were carved out, Karbi Anglong and North Cachar remained with Assam on a promise of more power , including implementation of Article 244 (A), which allows for an ‘autonomous state’ within Assam in certain tribal areas. This was never implemented.

• A demand for a full-fledged state, ‘Dimaraji’, gathered steam and led to the formation of the militant Dimasa National Security Force (DNSF) in 1991. The group surrendered in 1995, but its commander-in-chief, Jewel Gorlosa, broke away and formed the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD).

• After the DHD began talks with the government in 2003, Gorlosa broke away again and formed the Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel) (DHD-J), with an armed wing called Black Widow.

• Gorlosa was arrested in 2009, signed a ceasefire agreement in 2012, and joined mainstream politics.In 2017, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) court convicted him and 14 others for diverting government funds to insurgent groups for terror activities between 2006 and 2009.


7.3. VANNIYAR MOVEMENT Why in news? With local body polls round the corner, the DMK government in Tamil Nadu has announced the construction of a memorial in Villupuram to people killed in police firing and clashes in 1987, during a movement demanding reservation for the Vanniyar community. The movement:

• Vanniyars are one of the largest and most consolidated backward communities in the state of Tamil Nadu. They had raised massive protests in the mid-1980s demanding 20% reservation in the state, and 2% in central services.

• Their movement was backed by the Justice Party as well as the Self-Respect Movement. Organised protests began with the formation of Vanniyar Sangam, headed by S Ramadoss, a medical practitioner who later founded the political party PMK (Pattali Makkal Katchi).

• The agitation began in 1986 with activists sending hundreds of letters and telegrams to then Chief Minister M G Ramachandran seeking an audience. As there was no response from MGR and the then Rajiv Gandhi government, agitators started demonstrations in community strongholds, then went on to blockading rail and road traffic.

• The 1987 deaths: The Vanniyars declared an agitation from September 17 to 23, 1987, which turned violent. At least 21 protesters were killed, mostly in police firing, and also in clashes with members of Scheduled Caste communities.

Reservation granted:

• After the DMK government of M Karunanidhi came to power in 1989, the OBC quota was split into two: Backward Castes and Most Backward Castes (MBC). Vanniyars were categorised among the MBCs with 107 other communities, with 20% reservation.

• Three decades later, the then AIADMK government passed a Bill, and the current DMK government has implemented it with a Government Order ensuring 10.5% reservation for Vanniyars within the 20% MBC quota.

The latest announcement:

• The PMK, considered representative of Vanniyars, generally benefits from whatever policies are undertaken by the government in favour of the community.


• The announcement of the Vanniyar Memorial, and the endorsement of the previous AIADMK government’s decision to give exclusive 10.5% reservation soon after coming to power, are being seen as strategic moves by the DMK.

Fallout of reservation

• The decision to give 10.5% reservation brought a setback to the AIADMK in the last Assembly polls as it offended another powerful community, Thevars, who too are among the MBCs.

• The AIADMK lost many seats in south Tamil Nadu. Vanniyars are numerically significant in northern Tamil Nadu.

7.4. NIPAH VIRUS Why in news? A suspected case of NIPAH, a 12 yr old boy who presented with features of encephalitis and myocarditis was reported on 3rd September, 2021 from Kozhikode district of Kerala.

• The Central Government has rushed a team of NCDC to the State which will provide technical support to the state.

The following immediate public health measures have been advised by the Centre: 1. Active case search in the family, families, village and areas with similar topography (especially Malappuram). 2. Active contact tracing (for any contacts) during past 12 days. 3. Strict quarantine of the contacts and isolation of any suspects. 4. Collection and transportation of samples for lab testing. About Nipah virus (NiV):

• It is a zoonotic virus (it is transmitted from animals to humans) and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people.

• In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis.

• The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.

• Human-to-human transmission of Nipah virus has also been reported among family and care givers of infected patients.

• The disease spreads through fruit bats or ‘flying foxes,’ of the genus Pteropus, who are natural reservoir hosts of the Nipah and Hendra viruses.

• Currently, there are no vaccines for both humans and animals. Intensive supportive care is given to humans infected by Nipah virus.

• It first broke out in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 and 1999. 7.5. RIGHT TO SIT


Why in news? In a move that would benefit thousands of employees of large and small establishments, particularly those working in textile and jewellery showrooms, the Tamil Nadu government has tabled a Bill in the Legislative Assembly making it mandatory for establishments to provide seating facilities for employees. There have been concerns that persons employed in shops and establishments in the state “are made to stand throughout their duty time” resulting in varied health issues. What the bill seeks to do?

• Amend the Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act, 1947 by adding a sub section to mandatorily provide seating facilities for the staff.

• The proposed Section 22-A to the Act reads: “The premises of every establishment shall have suitable seating arrangements for all employees so that they may take advantage of any opportunity to sit which may occur in the course of their work and thereby avoid ‘on their toes’ situation throughout the working hours.”

• A few years ago, workers of textile showrooms in Kerala had gone on a protest demanding the ‘Right to Sit’, prompting the government there to amend the Kerala Shops and Establishments Act in 2018 to provide seating arrangements for them.

7.6. SHIKSHAK PARV, 2021 Why in news? Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed teachers and students during the inaugural conclave of ‘Shikshak Parv’ via video-conferencing and launched multiple key initiatives in the education sector on the occasion. About:

• The Ministry of Education (MoE) is celebrating Shikshak Parv, 2021 from September 5-17 in recognition of the valuable contributions of teachers and to take National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 a step forward.

• Five initiatives were lauched on the occasion: 1. Indian sign language dictionary of 10,000 words 2.Talking books (audiobooks for visually impaired). 3. School quality assessment and accreditation framework (SQAAF) of CBSE 4. NISHTHA teachers’ training programme for NIPUN Bharat. 5. Vidyanjali portal for facilitating education volunteers, donors and CSR contributors for school development. NISHTHA:


• National Initiative for School Heads and Teachers Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA) is a national mission to improve learning outcomes at the elementary level. This is done through integrated teacher training.

• It is the largest teachers’ training programme of its kind in the world. • It has been launched under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of

Samagra Shiksha in 2109-20. • Objective: To motivate and equip teachers to encourage and foster critical

thinking in students and also teachers will get awareness and develop their skills on various aspects.

• The functionaries (at the state, district, block, cluster level) shall be trained in an integrated manner.

• This is being organized by constituting National Resource Groups (NRGs) and State Resource Groups (SRGs) at the National and the State level .

School Quality Assessment and Accreditation (SQAA)

• It is a quality initiative proposed by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to provide global parameters of attainment as standards in schools affiliated to it.

• It is holistic as it covers all aspects of a school functioning, namely its Scholastic and Co-scholastic Domains, Infrastructural Areas, Human Resources, Management and Administration, Leadership and Beneficiary Satisfaction.

7.7. ‘CATASTROPHIC’ IMPACT OF SCHOOL CLOSURES ACROSS INDIA: Why in news? The prolonged closure of primary and upper primary schools since the onset of the pandemic has led to “catastrophic consequences” for school students, says The ‘Emergency Report on School Education’. About:

• It says that only 8% of school students in rural India have been able to access online education, while at least 37% have stopped studying altogether.

• Reach of online education is very limited: the proportion of schoolchildren who were studying online “regularly” was just 24% and 8% in urban and rural areas respectively. One reason for this is that many sample households (about half in rural areas) have no smartphone.

• Dalit and Adivasi children were at a greater disadvantage as a mere 5% of the children from these groups had access to online classes.

• Access to online education among students in those houses with smartphones is also handicapped by the fact that the smartphones are


mainly used by the working adults who are not always able to share the gadgets with the children at home.

• In addition to education, the closure affected the level of nutrition among the children in rural schools where the midday meals have been stopped.

7.8. Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) Why in news? In 2017, a man affected by autism underwent his first DNA blood test at the age of 40. He tested positive for Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). This shows the lack of awareness and appropriate training in diagnosing FXS. About Fragile X Syndrome:

• Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder. It is also known as Martin-Bell syndrome or Marker X syndrome.

• The syndrome is the leading inherited cause of autism in 4% of the population worldwide. Boys often have a more serious form of it than girls.

• The syndrome is caused by changes in a gene called FMR1, which makes an important protein (FMRP). This protein is required for brain development. Children with Fragile X syndrome make too little or none of it.

• Passed on from A mother who is a carrier of FXS has a 50% chance of passing the mutated gene to her children, who will either be carriers or have FXS. Men who are carriers do not pass the pre-mutation to their sons, but only daughters, who become carriers.

• There is no cure. Early intervention is recommended, as it provides the most opportunity for developing a full range of skills.

7.9. WHAT IMPACTS CHILD MALNUTRITION IN INDIA?

• Child malnutrition is classified as ‘undernutrition’ (inadequate consumption of calories) and ‘overnutrition’ (excess consumption of calories). Of these, undernutrition leads to low height-for-age or stunting.

• Under nutrition is an indicator of chronic childhood malnutrition, which can lead to irreversible mental and physical damage that is even transmitted to the next generation.

Gravity of this Problem:

• One-third of stunted children, globally, are Indian. • India loses 4% of its GDP (gross domestic product) annually, and hence the

objective of economic development cannot be met without addressing the issue of child malnutrition.

• The NFHS-5 data revealed that child malnutrition in India is worsening . Thirteen out of the 22 states have witnessed a reversal in stunting outcomes.


Way Forward:

• Additional efforts should be expended to provide adequate nutrition to children from conception till two years (i.e.the first 1,000 days of life).

• Prioritising the nutritional needs of girls among these children will help India break the pattern of inter-generational transfer of stunting, as mothers who faced stunting in childhood are shown to have under-developed uteruses, which leads to the reproduction of stunted children.

• Enhancing the budgetary allocation for programmes like ICDS which are responsible for providing requisite antenatal healthcare to the mothers and optimal quantity and quality of diets to the children.

• While the supplementary nutrition programmes should be strengthened, their impact on the child health outcomes will be most effective when India is also witnessing a faster economic growth.

7.10. BRUCELLOSIS Why in news?


The Animal Husbandry Department in Yadgir has planned to vaccinate cattle and buffalo calves to prevent brucellosis disease under National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), a flagship scheme launched by the Union government. About:

• Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonosis caused by ingestion of unpasteurized milk or undercooked meat from infected animals, or close contact with their secretions.

• It is also known as undulant fever, Malta fever and Mediterranean fever. • It is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. Once cattle or buffalo is

infected with brucellosis disease, it will cause abortion or loss of re-productivity.

• The gastrointestinal tract is affected in about 70% of cases, including anorexia, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly.

• It affects people of all ages and both sexes. In the general population, most cases are caused by the consumption of raw milk or its derivatives such as fresh cheese. Most of these cases are from sheep and goat products.

• The disease is also considered an occupational hazard for people who work in the livestock sector.

• Human-to-human transmission is very rare. • Brucellosis first came to the attention of British medical officers in

the 1850s in Malta during the Crimean War, and was referred to as Malta Fever.

• The causal relationship between organism and disease was first established in 1887 by David Bruce.

7.11 COSTLY ACTIVE PHARMA INGREDIENTS FROM CHINA CREATE HEALTHCARE

HURDLES IN INDIA Why in news? A steep 50 % rise in the prices of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) has raised doubts on the shortage of essential drugs required to treat the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The report, titled Pharma Industry: Trends and Prospects, noted that there was a longer waiting period for critical equipment. Details from the Report:

• Nearly 70 % of the country’s APIs are imported from China ; this dependence is around 90 % for certain life-saving antibiotics such as cephalosporins, azithromycin and penicillin.


• The overall spending on health varied from 1.3 % of the gross domestic product in 2010-11 to 1.5 % and 1.8 % of the GDP (revised estimates) for 2019-20 and for 2020-21 (budget estimates) respectively.

• The pharmaceuticals industry grew 37 % year-on-year and 15 % sequentially in the first quarter of financial year 2021-22.

• The cost of manufacturing in India is approximately 33 % lower than that of the United States. Therefore, the industry can benefit from these attributes and accordingly scale up production, productivity and efficiency.

Active Pharma Ingredients (API):

• Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) is the biologically active component of a drug product (tablet, capsule, cream, injectable) that produces the intended effects.

• Fixed-dose combination drugs use multiple APIs, while single-dose drugs like Crocin use just one API.

How India lost its API market to China?

• During the early 90s, India was self-reliant in manufacturing APIs. • However, with the rise of China as a producer of API, it captured the

Indian market with cheaper products and it eventually led to high economies of scale for China.

• China created a low-cost API manufacturing industry. The industry was backed by the low cost of capital followed by aggressive government funding models, tax incentives. Their cost of operation is one-fourth of India’s cost.

• Even the cost of finance in China is 6-7 % against India’s 13-14 %. • Due to low-profit margins and non-lucrative industry, Indian pharma

companies over the years stopped manufacturing APIs. 7.12. FOREST RIGHTS Why in news? Karnataka ranks ninth in terms of approving applications filed by the Scheduled Tribes (ST) and the Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFD) under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). Details:

• According to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Andhra Pradesh tops the list when it comes to clearing applications from the communities seeking rights over forest land, followed by states like Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa and Gujarat which have expedited the process.

• Shivamogga became the most vulnerable district in Karnataka with rampant encroachments. Large-scale deforestation for claiming land titles took place in Shivamogga, Kodagu and Haveri districts.

• Many false claims were created after promulgation of FRA.


The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006

• It recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources on which these communities were dependent for a variety of needs, including livelihood, habitation and other sociocultural needs.

• The Gram Sabha is also a highly empowered body under the Act, enabling the tribal population to have a decisive say in the determination of local policies and schemes impacting them.

• Under the Forest Rights Act, OTFDs need to prove antecedents of three generations or 75 years of ownership of forest land prior to 2008 to claim rights over the forest land.

7.13. FOOD POVERTY IN OLDER ADULTS IN INDIA Why in news? Nearly 6% of individuals in India aged 45 and above studied consumed smaller portions or skipped meals; 5.3% did not eat even when they were hungry , according to a study by Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI). Details:

• The LASI report indicated food insufficiency of older adults (age 45 years and above) under three categories: 1. Smaller portions of meals / skipped meals because there was not

enough food at household; 2. Those who were hungry but didn’t eat because there was not enough

food 3. Those did not eat for an entire day because there was not enough food

at home. • A high percentage of older adults residing in rural areas reduced their meal

size (7.2 %), were hungry but did not eat (6.2 %), or did not eat for a full day (4.6 %) compared to their urban counterparts.

• In most of east India and central states and Tamil Nadu, more than 6 % of older adults were hungry but did not eat. A lower percentage of older adults in Nagaland (0.7 %), Lakshadweep (0.7 %), and Chandigarh (0.9 %) reported they were hungry but did not eat.

• The proportion of older persons who did not eat for a complete day was less than 5 % in most states / Union territories, except in Madhya Pradesh (6.8 %), Bihar (6.2 %) and Uttar Pradesh (5.7 %).

• The proportion of older persons who did not eat for a complete day was found to be the lowest in Arunachal Pradesh (0.3 %), followed by Nagaland (0.4 %), Goa and Lakshadweep (0.7 %).


Way Forward:

• Food assistance programmes should be provided to the elderly as a food safety net to combat the adverse nutritional and health status and provide healthcare cost saving for the nation.

• Food-insecure people should be given special attention because their nutritional and health state is worse than that of the average elderly.

• As the older population grows, determining the amount of food insecurity becomes more critical for policy decisions.

Food Insecurity is defined as “the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or the limited or uncertain ability to get appropriate foods in socially acceptable ways.” 7.14. REFORMS IN URBAN PLANNING CAPACITY IN INDIA REPORT Why in news? NITI Aayog has launched a report on measures to ramp up urban planning capacity in India. The report is titled ‘Reforms in Urban Planning Capacity in India.’ It presents a condensed outcome of the extensive deliberations and consultations conducted over a period of 9 months. Several recommendations that can unblock bottlenecks in the value chain of urban planning capacity in India provided by the report are:

• Programmatic Intervention for Planning of Healthy Cities: Every city must aspire to become a ‘Healthy City for All’ by 2030. The report recommends a Central Sector Scheme ‘500 Healthy Cities Programme’, for a period of 5 years.

• Programmatic Intervention for Optimum Utilization of Urban Land: All the cities and towns under the proposed ‘Healthy Cities Programme’ should strengthen development control regulations based on scientific evidence to maximize the efficiency of urban land.

• Ramping Up of Human Resources: To combat the shortage of urban planners in the public sector, the report recommends that the states/UTs may need to a) expedite the filling up of vacant positions of town planners, and b) additionally sanction 8268 town planners’ posts as lateral entry positions for a minimum period of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years to meet the gaps.

• Ensuring Qualified Professionals for Undertaking Urban Planning. • Re-engineering of Urban Governance:

The key aspects that would need to be addressed in this effort are: i) clear division of the roles and responsibilities of various authorities,

appropriate revision of rules and regulations, etc.


ii) creation of a more dynamic organizational structure, standardisation of the job descriptions of town planners and other experts

iii) extensive adoption of technology for enabling public participation and inter-agency coordination.

• Revision of Town and Country Planning Acts: The formation of an apex committee at the state level is recommended to undertake a regular review of planning legislations. • Demystifying Planning and Involving Citizens: the committee strongly

recommends a ‘Citizen Outreach Campaign’ for demystifying urban planning.

• Steps for Enhancing the Role of Private Sector: The report recommends that concerted measures must be taken at multiple levels to strengthen the role of the private sector to improve the overall planning capacity in the country.

• Steps for Strengthening Urban Planning Education System: 1. The Central universities and technical institutions in all the other

States/UTs are encouraged to offer postgraduate degree programmes. 2. The committee also recommends that all such institutions may

synergize with Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Panchayati Raj and respective state rural development departments/directorates and develop demand-driven short-term programmes on rural area planning.

3. The committee recommends that AICTE may retain the names of specializations based on industry requirements, while limiting them to an appropriate number, as 25 nomenclatures seem too high for market acknowledgement and absorption.

4. Faculty shortage in educational institutions conducting degree and PhD programmes in planning need to be resolved in a time bound manner by 2022.

• Measures for Strengthening Human Resource and Match Demand–Supply: The report recommends the constitution of a ‘National Council of Town and Country Planners’ as a statutory body of the Government of India. Also, a ‘National Digital Platform of Town and Country Planners’ is suggested to be created within the National Urban Innovation Stack of MoHUA.

7.15. CENTRE FLAGS DEADLY DENGUE OUTBREAK IN 11 STATES Details:

• The dengue outbreak this year, which mainly started from Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad district, is being caused by dengue serotype 2 or DEN-2 viruses with the potential to cause dengue haemorrhagic fever.

• The Centre has flagged the issue of rising dengue cases in at least 11 states in India which are leading to flooding of hospitals with fever patients, many


of whom are succumbing to the disease, and asked them to carry out urgent fever surveys to quickly identify patients and triage them.

About Dengue:

• Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, transmitted by female Aedes mosquitoes.

• It is common in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. These dengue mosquitoes thrive in and around human habitats and usually bite during daytime.

• This mosquito also transmits chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika infection. • There are 4 distinct, but closely related, serotypes (separate groups within a

species of microorganisms that all share a similar characteristic) of the virus that cause dengue (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4).

7.16. FERTILITY RATES OF HINDUS AND MUSLIMS CONVERGING: Why in news? According to a new study published by the Pew Research Center, the religious composition of India’s population since Partition has remained largely stable, with both Hindus and Muslims, the two largest religious groups, showing not only a marked decline but also a convergence in fertility rates. Details:

• From 1992 to 2015, the total fertility rates of Muslims declined from 4.4 to 2.6, while that of Hindus declined from 3.3 to 2.1, indicating that “the gaps in childbearing between India’s religious groups are much smaller than they used to be.”

• Due to the “declining and converging fertility patterns”, there have been only marginal changes in the overall religious composition of the population since 1951, the year India conducted its first census as an independent nation.

• Between 1951 and 1961, the Muslim population expanded by 32.7%, 11 percentage points more than India’s overall rate of 21.6%. But this gap has narrowed. From 2001 to 2011, the difference in growth between Muslims (24.7%) and Indians overall (17.7%) was 7 percentage points.

• India’s Christian population grew at the slowest pace of the three largest groups in the most recent census decade — gaining 15.7% between 2001 and 2011, a far lower growth rate than the one recorded in the decade following Partition (29%).

• Women in central India tended to have more children, with Bihar and Uttar Pradesh showing a total fertility rate (TFR) of 3.4 and 2.7 respectively, in contrast to a TFR of 1.7 and 1.6 in Tamil Nadu and Kerala respectively.


• All the six major religious groups — Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains — have grown in absolute numbers. The sole exception to this trend are Parsis, whose number halved between 1951 and 2011, from 110,000 to 60,000.

• Out of India’s total population of 1,200 million, about 8 million did not belong to any of the six major religious groups. Within this category, mostly comprising adivasi people, the largest grouping was of Sarnas (nearly 5 million adherents), followed by Gond (1 million) and Sari Dharma (5,10,000).

• With regard to migration as a driver of change in religious makeup, the study says Muslims more likely than Hindus to leave India”, while “immigrants into India from Muslim-majority counties are disproportionately Hindu.”

Note: SARI DHARAM is Religion of Santal Adivasi. SARNA is religion of other adivasi like Munda, Oraon, Ho, including Santals of Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam and Odisha. Only Santal people follow SARI DHARAM and already SARI DHARAM has been recognized by West Bengal state and Central Government. 7.17. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SIGN LANGUAGES (IDSL) Why in news? International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) is celebrated annually across the world on 23rd September every year along with International Week of the Deaf. About:

• The date 23rd September was chosen as it is the same date that the World Federation of the Deaf was established in 1951.

• This year, the theme of International Day of Sign Languages is "We Sign for Human Rights".

• Sign languages are fully-fledged natural languages, structurally distinct from spoken languages.

• The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes and promotes the use of sign languages.

• It makes clear that sign languages are equal in status to spoken languages and obligates states parties to facilitate the learning of sign language and promote the linguistic identity of the deaf community.

• Indian Sign Language (ISL) is used in the deaf community all over India. • In 2011, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment approved the

establishment of the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Center (ISLRTC) in New Delhi.


7.18. ISLRTC

• It is under the aegis of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

• •It signed an MoU with National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in 2020 for converting NCERT textbooks from Class I to XII into Indian Sign Language (digital format) to make the textbooks accessible to children with hearing disabilities.

• First phase of the project for conversion of Class I to V textbooks has been completed and e-Content thereof will be launched during the programme.

7.19. AROUND 66% CHILDREN BELOW 2 YEARS DON’T GET NUTRITIOUS DIET:

UNICEF Why in news? The report titled ‘Fed to Fail? The Crisis of Children’s Diets in Early Life’ examined latest data and evidence on the status, trends and inequities in diets of children aged 6-23 months and barriers to nutritious diets. The analysis used data from UNICEF Global Database on Infant and Young Child Feeding. It was released ahead of the United Nations Food Systems Summit on September 23, 2021 in New York. Highlights of the Report:

• Two in every three children between six months and two years didn’t get nutritious diet needed for healthy growth.

• More than half of all children with wasting are younger than 2 years of age.Drivers of poor diets for world’s youngest children include inequality, globalization, urbanization, conflict and the socioeconomic costs of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Children in rural areas, poorer households and disadvantaged regions within countries

• have the least diverse diets. • Around 27 % of children aged six-eight months were not fed any solid

food. • Among children aged 6–23 months, around half were not fed the minimum

number of meals or snacks. • As many as 62 % of children aged 6–23 months in Latin America and the

Caribbean were fed a minimally diverse diet in 2020. In South Asia and two sub-Saharan African regions, the share was less than 25 %.

• Around one in every three young children in Australia, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Serbia and Sudan were fed at least one processed or ultra-processed food or drink daily.


To deliver a nutritious, safe and affordable diet to every child, the report recommended the following actions:

• Increasing the availability and affordability of nutritious foods. • Implementing national standards and legislation to protect young children

from unhealthy processed food and drink. • Ending harmful marketing practices targeting children and families.

7.20. MEDICAL DEVICE PARKS’ SCHEME NOTIFIED Why in news? The Union government has notified the medical device parks scheme to promote medical device parks. Brief:

• The scheme aims to ensure easy access to testing and infrastructure facilities.

• It is expected that this will bring down the cost of production of medical devices, thereby making them more affordable for domestic consumption.

• The Medical Devices Parks to be developed under the scheme will provide common infrastructure facilities at one place thereby creating a robust ecosystem for the medical device manufacturing in the country.

Financial Assistance:

• The Union government notified a scheme to promote medical device parks at a financial outlay of ₹ 400 crore till financial year 2024-2025.

• The financial assistance for a selected medical device park would be 90% of the project cost of common infrastructure facilities for the northeastern and hilly States. For the rest, it would be 70%. However, a maximum assistance under the scheme for one such park will be ₹ 100 crore.

• The Centre has granted in-principal approval for the parks in Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh after it received proposals from as many as 16 States and Union Territories.

7.21 PLAN TO DISCONTINUE THE VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT (VAS) PROGRAMME IS

HASTY: Why in news? In a study published in June in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers from leading nutrition institutes in the country argued that the government’s National Vitamin A Supplement (VAS) programme should be


discontinued in all except seven states — Bihar, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Telangana, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. They argued that the VAS programme is leading to a condition of hypervitaminosis (abnormally high levels of vitamins that can cause toxicity). Vitamin A:

• Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. • It is important for normal vision, the immune system, and reproduction

and also helps the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs work properly. • Worldwide about 5 million children under the age of five are affected

by xerophthalmia, a serious eye disorder caused by vitamin A deficiency. These children are at risk of becoming blind and are more likely to die of common childhood diseases.

• It has antioxidant properties that can help reduce oxidative stress resulting in a controlled risk of cancer, heart disease and cognitive decline.

Vitamin A supplement (VAS) Programme:

• The National Prophylaxis Programme against Nutritional Blindness due to vitamin A deficiency (NPPNB due to VAD) was started in 1970 with the specific aim of preventing nutritional blindness due to keratomalacia.

• The Programme was launched as an urgent remedial measure to combat the unacceptably high magnitude of xerophthalmic blindness in the country seen in the 1950s and 1960s.

• Surveys by the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB) confirmed that over 70% of children consumed less than 70% of the recommended level of this vitamin.

• Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS), 2016-19, re-confirmed the low dietary intake of vitamin A-rich foods. Among children aged 2 to 4 years, only 5 % consumed vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables.

• “Management of Vitamin A Deficiency” was thus introduced in 1991. It was guided by the findings of the National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR that reported the seroconversion of measles vaccine in field conditions was significantly higher in children who had taken a vitamin A supplement as compared to those who did not.

What are the problems associated with the debate to limit the VAS?

• The survey is based on a limited sample. For e.g., in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the sample size was as low as 35 and 134 as against the recommended minimum 500.

• As per CNNS, vitamin A deficiency is a severe public health problem in not 7 but 12 states.


• There are wide intra-state variations that cannot be overlooked when dropping an entire state from the VAS programme.

8. SCHEMES 8.1. HATHKARGHA SAMVARDHAN SAHAYATA (HSS) YOJANA Ministry: Ministry of Textiles

About: • This scheme is introduced as an up-gradation scheme under National

Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) in 2015-16.

• It aims to provide upgraded looms/accessories to handloom weavers to improve the quality of the fabric and enhance productivity.

• Under the scheme, the Union Govt bears 90% of the cost of looms/accessories.

• It is designed for all the weavers, including SC/ST/OBC and women. • The performance of this scheme will be evaluated by independent third-

party agencies. 8.2. PRADHAN MANTRI GATISHAKTI INITIATIVE


Why in news? • The Prime Minister has launched the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan on the 75th

Independence Day i.e.,on August 15, 2021

Key Points • This initiative will create employment opportunities for youth in India. It

will also lead to growth and development of infrastructure. • It is a Rs.100 lakh-crore project for developing ‘holistic infrastructure’. • It is a national infrastructure master plan which will make a foundation for holistic

infrastructure. • It will be a source of employment opportunities for the youth in future

Focus areas of the initiative • Gati Shakti plan will help in raising global profile of local

manufacturers. • It will also help manufacturers to compete with their counterparts cross

the world. • It also increases the possibilities of new future economic zones.

8.3. MISSION ‘LAL LAKIR’ Why in news? The Punjab Government to carry out drone based large scale mapping of Abadi in rural areas of Punjab. Punjab inks MoU with survey of India to prepare inventory of properties within laal lakir of villages. About:

• ‘Lal Lakir’ refers to land that is part of the village ‘abaadi’ (habitation) and is used for non-agriculture purposes only.

• This is the way to give ownership rights of properties falling in Lal Dora of villages

• The mission is aimed at facilitating villagers to monetize property rights and availing benefits provided by government departments, institutions and banks in all villages across the state.

• As no record of rights is available for such properties within the ‘Lal Lakir’, the same cannot currently be monetized as per the real value of the property and no mortgages can be created on such properties.

• There are households within the ‘Lal Lakir’, which do not own property other than the areas within the ‘Lal Lakir’, and are thus at a disadvantage.

• The common lands within ‘Lal Lakir’, such as ponds, common gathering areas and even passages and streets, which were facing encroachments due to non-availability/creation of record to maintain these assets, will now be protected under the mission


• Under the mission, the right of record of properties within ‘Lal Lakir’ in the villages of the state will be prepared with the cooperation of the government of India under the SVAMITVA scheme

8.4. NATIONAL MISSION ON EDIBLE OILS – OIL PALM

Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare About:

• A new Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a special focus on the North east region and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• Focus on increasing area and productivity of oilseeds and Oil Palm • Aim: To make efforts for increasing the domestic production of edible

oils in which increasing area and productivity of oil palm plays an important part.

• Under the scheme, oil palm farmers will be provided financial assistance and will get remuneration under a price and viability formula.

• Budget: over Rs 11,040 crore. • Objectives:

1. Achieve self-reliance in edible oil. 2. Harness domestic edible oil prices that are dictated by expensive palm

oil imports. 3. To raise the domestic production of palm oil by three times to 11 lakh

MT by 2025-26. • Coverage:

• to cover an additional area of 6.5 lakh hectare (ha.) for oil palm till the year 2025-26

• Ultimately reaching the target of 10 lakh hectares. • The production of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) is expected to go upto 11.20

lakh tonnes by 2025-26 and upto 28 lakh tonnes by 2029-30


8.5. STAND UP INDIA Why in news? Stand Up India Scheme extended up to the year 2025

Ministry: Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services (DFS)

About: • Launched on 5th April, 2016 • Facilitates loans to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and women

borrowers. • A total of 1,16,266 loans amounting to Rs. 26204.49 crore extended under

the Scheme since inception. • Margin Money requirements for Scheme loans reduced in the Budget

Speech for FY 2021-22 • Activities allied to agriculture included in the Scheme in the Budget

Speech for FY 2021-22.

Objective:

• The objective of Stand-Up India is to promote entrepreneurship amongst women, SC & ST categories, to help them in starting a greenfield enterprise in trading, manufacturing and services sector, by both ready and trainee borrowers.

The purpose:


• Promote entrepreneurship amongst women, SC & ST category. • Provide loans for setting up greenfield enterprises in manufacturing,

services or the trading sector & activities allied to agriculture by both ready and trainee borrowers

• facilitate bank loans between Rs.10 lakh to Rs.1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch of Scheduled Commercial Banks

Eligibility

• SC / ST and /or Women entrepreneurs, above 18 years of age • Loans under the scheme is available only for Green Field Projects. • In case of non-individual enterprises, 51% of the shareholding and

controlling stake should be held by either SC/ST and/or Women Entrepreneur.

• Borrower should not be in default to any Bank / Financial Institution. Loan details

• Nature of Loan - Composite loan (inclusive of term loan and working capital) between 10 lakh and upto 100 lakh.

• Purpose of Loan - For setting up a new enterprise in manufacturing, trading or services sector by SC/ST/Women entrepreneur.

• Size of Loan - Composite loan of 75% of the project cost inclusive of term loan and working capital. The stipulation of the loan being expected to cover 75% of the project cost would not apply if the borrower’s contribution along with convergence support from any other schemes exceeds 25% of the project cost.

• Security - Besides primary security, the loan may be secured by collateral security or guarantee of Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Stand-Up India Loans (CGFSIL) as decided by the banks.


• Repayment - The loan is repayable in 7 years with a maximum moratorium period of 18 months.

• Rupay debit card to be issued for convenience of the borrower. • Margin Money - The Scheme envisages 15% margin money which can be

provided in convergence with eligible Central / State schemes 8.6. SFURTI

Why was it in news? 433 clusters approved so far under this scheme.

Ministry: Ministry of MSME Nodal Agency:

1. Khadi and Village Industries Commission - for Khadi and Village Industry clusters

2. Coir Board - Coir based cluster

About • ‘Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries’ (SFURTI)

Scheme • To promote Cluster development. • Launched in the year 2005. • Under which financial support is being provided for setting up of

traditional industries clusters viz. Khadi, Coir & Village industries clusters.

The following schemes are being merged into SFURTI 1. The Scheme for Enhancing Productivity and Competitiveness of Khadi

Industry and Artisans 2. The Scheme for Product Development, Design Intervention and Packaging

(PRODIP) 3. The Scheme for Rural Industries Service Centre (RISC) and 4. Other small interventions like Ready Warp Units, Ready to Wear Mission,

etc.

Objectives • To organize the traditional industries and artisans into clusters to make

them competitive and provide support for their long term sustainability • To provide sustained employment for traditional Industry artisans and

rural entrepreneurs • To enhance marketability of products of clusters by providing support for

new products, design intervention and improved packaging, and also the improvement of marketing Infrastructure

• To equip traditional artisans of the associated clusters with improved skills and capabilities through training and exposure visits

http://www.kvic.org.in/kvicres/index.php


• To make provision for common facilities and improved tools and equipment for artisans

• To strengthen the cluster governance systems with the active participation of the stakeholders, so that they are able to gauge the emerging challenges and opportunities and respond to them in a coherent manner

• To build innovative and traditional skills, improved technologies, advanced processes, market intelligence and new models of public-private partnerships, so as to gradually replicate similar models of cluster- based regenerated traditional Industries

SFURTI clusters are of two types

1. Regular Cluster (500 artisans) with Government assistance of up to Rs. 2.5 crore

2. Major Cluster (more than 500 artisans) with Government assistance up to Rs. 5 crore.

Project interventions: in 3 ways

1. Soft interventions - General awareness, counselling, motivation and trust building; Skill development and capacity building; Institution development; iv. Exposure visits; v. Market promotion initiatives; vi. Design and product development; vii. Participation in seminars, workshops and training programmes on technology up-gradation, etc.

2. Hard Interventions - Creation of facilities such as Multiple facilities for multiple products and packaging wherever needed; Common facility centres (CFCs); Raw material banks (RMBs); Up-gradation of production infrastructure; Tools and technological up-gradation; Warehousing facility; Training center; Value addition and processing center

3. Thematic interventions - cross - cutting thematic interventions at the sector level including several clusters in the same sector with emphasis on both domestic and international markets. These will primarily include: Brand building and promotion campaign; New media marketing; e-Commerce initiative; Innovation

8.7. SUKANYA SAMRIDDHI YOJNA

Ministry: Ministry of women and child development

About: • A small deposit scheme for girl child, launched as a part of the ‘Beti

Bachao Beti Padhao' campaign, which would fetch an attractive interest rate and provide income tax rebate.

• Launched in 2015

• Sukanya Samriddhi Account: • Can be opened at any time from the birth of a girl child till she

attains the age of 10 years, • With a minimum deposit of Rs 250.


• A maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh can be deposited during a financial year. • Opened in any post office or authorised branches of commercial

banks • Higher rates of interest is given on the deposits on annually

compounded basis with income tax concession. • The account will remain operative for 21 years from the date of

opening of the account or marriage of the girl child after attaining 18 years of age.

• Deposits in an account may be made till completion of fourteen years, from the date of opening of the account.

• Guardians have to deposit multiples of hundred minimum of Rs 1000 upto a maximum of Rs 1, 50,000 every year till the girl reaches 15 years of age.

• Closure: • The account shall mature on completion of 21 years from the date of

opening of the account: • Provided that where the marriage of the account holder takes place

before completion of such period of 21 years, the operation of the account shall not be permitted beyond the date of her marriage:

• To meet the requirement of higher education expenses, partial withdrawal of 50 per cent of the balance would be allowed after the girl child has attended 18 years of age.

• The provision of not allowing withdrawal from the account till the age of 18 has been kept to prevent early marriage of girls

• Eligibility: • The girl must be an Indian resident • The girl shouldn’t be more than 10 years of age • Only one account in the name of a girl child. • Natural or legal guardian of a girl child shall be allowed to open the

account for two girl children only: • Provided guardian of the girl child shall be allowed to open third

account in the event of birth of twin girls as second birth or if the first birth itself results into three girl children, on production of a certificate to this effect from the competent medical authorities where the birth of such twin or triple girl children takes place

8.8. RASHTRIYA UCHCHATAR SHIKSHA ABHIYAN Why in news? Recently a review meeting on Rashtriya Ucchtar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) held and focused on

• strengthening the RUSA Scheme and to draw plans on educating additional 3.5 crore students to increase GER to 50% by 2035

• To reach the last mile students, online distance learning and infrastructure development should be encouraged across the country.


• The education should lead to local employment. • Education in Degree College should be aligned with “One district one

product” plan Ministry: Ministry of Human Resources Development

About: • Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme

launched in 2013. • Its aim was to increase enrolment in higher education by 30%. • It primarily provides strategic funding to eligible State higher educational

institutions. Objective:

• Improve the overall quality of state institutions by ensuring conformity to prescribed norms and standards and adopt accreditation as a mandatory quality assurance framework.

• Usher transformative reforms in the state higher education system by creating a facilitating institutional structure for planning and monitoring at the state level, promoting autonomy in State Universities and improving governance in institutions.

• Ensure reforms in the affiliation, academic and examination systems. • Ensure adequate availability of quality faculty in all higher educational

institutions and ensure capacity building at all levels of employment. • Create an enabling atmosphere in the higher educational institutions to

devote themselves to research and innovations. • Expand the institutional base by creating additional capacity in existing

institutions and establishing new institutions, in order to achieve enrolment targets.

• Correct regional imbalances in access to higher education by setting up institutions in unserved & underserved areas.

• Improve equity in higher education by providing adequate opportunities of higher education to SC/STs and socially and educationally backward classes; promote inclusion of women, minorities, and differently abled persons.

Guiding principles: 1. Quality and Research: focuses on better quality of state higher education

institutions and ensure that all the institutions adopt NAAC accreditation as the mandatory quality assurance framework

2. Funding: The central funding is strategic and based on SHEPs, which serve as a benchmark against which the performance of a state and its institutions is graded.

3. Incentivizing: RUSA incentivizes and disincentivizes state actions. Not only is compliance to rules, regulations and fulfilment of norms supported by incentives, but non-performance or non-fulfilment of prerequisites and norms invites reduced allocations for states and institutions


4. Decision: the decision making is done in an unbiased, apolitical and professional manner, on the basis of the SHEPs and the performance of the states on the predefined parameters

5. Autonomy: The institutions will have full liberty to plan specific interventions depending on their special needs and requirements

6. Disclosure based Governance: RUSA envisages greater participation of all stakeholders, where the institutions are responsible for their quality not just to the regulatory authorities but also to the students, parents and the society.

7. Equity based Development: Any growth in the higher education sector must create equal opportunities for women, disadvantaged classes and the differently abled. Also, development must have a greater focus on serving the rural and tribal areas.

Components of RUSA

1. Creation of Universities by conversion of colleges in a cluster 2. Creation of Universities by upgradation of existing Autonomous College 3. Enhancing Quality and Excellence in select Autonomous Colleges 4. Equity Initiatives 5. Faculty Improvement 6. Faculty Recruitment Support 7. Infrastructure grants to colleges 8. Infrastructure grants to Universities 9. Institutional Restructuring, Capacity building and Reforms 10. New Colleges (Professional) 11. New Model Degree Colleges 12. Quality and Excellence in select State Universities (new) 13. Research, Innovation & Quality Improvement 14. Upgradation of Existing Degree Colleges to Model Degree Colleges 15. Vocationalisation of Higher Education (State as a Unit)

Achievement:

• Infrastructure grants to colleges: 1961 • Infrastructure grants to universities: 140 • New modelled degree college created: 130 • New universities approved: 109

8.9. PRODUCTION LINKED INCENTIVE (PLI) SCHEME FOR TEXTILES. Why in news? Government has approved Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles. With this, India is poised to regain its dominance in Global Textiles Trade Ministry: Ministry of Textile.


About: • PLI scheme for Textiles is part of the overall announcement of PLI

Schemes for 13 sectors made earlier during the Union Budget 2021-22, with an outlay of Rs. 1.97 lakh crore.

• The PLI Scheme for Textiles is approved for MMF Apparel, MMF Fabrics and 10 segments/ products of Technical Textiles

• The budgetary outlay: Rs. 10,683 crore. • Aim: promote production of high value MMF Fabric, Garments and

Technical Textiles in country • Incentives:

• There are two types of investment possible with different set of incentive structure.

1. Any person, (which includes firm / company) willing to invest minimum ₹300 Crore in Plant, Machinery, Equipment and Civil Works (excluding land and administrative building cost) to produce products of Notified lines (MMF Fabrics, Garment) and products of Technical Textiles, shall be eligible to apply for participation in first part of the scheme.

2. Any person, (which includes firm / company) willing to invest minimum ₹100 Crore shall be eligible to apply for participation in this part of the scheme.

• In addition, priority will be given for investment in Aspirational Districts, Tier 3, Tier 4 towns, and rural areas and due to this priority Industry will be incentivized to move to backward area.

• This scheme will positively impact especially States like Gujarat, UP, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, Punjab, AP, Telangana, Odisha etc.

Benefits: • It will create additional employment opportunities of more than 7.5 lakh

jobs in this sector and several lakhs more for supporting activities • The textiles industry predominantly employs women, therefore, the scheme

will empower women and increase their participation in formal economy. • Leveraging Economies of Scale, the scheme will help Indian companies to

emerge as Global Champions • It is expected that this scheme will result in fresh investment of above Rs

19,000 crore and additional production turnover of over Rs.3 lakh crore in five years

8.10. ME TOO DIGITAL (MAI BHI DIGTAL) Why in news? Main Bhi Digital 3.0' - A special Campaign for Digital Onboarding and Training for street vendors launched


Ministry: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs About:

• MoHUA in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) launched the pilot drive 'Main Bhi Digital 3.0' - A special Campaign for Digital Onboarding and Training for street vendors under PM SVANidhi scheme across 223 cities in the country today

• The BharatPe, Mswipe, PhonePe, Paytm, Aceware are participating in this drive to issue UPI IDs, QR code and provide digital training.

• The vendors would be able to not just receive payments digitally but also pay for material they procure from sellers using unique QR codes.

• The mobile phones of the vendors will be equipped with the software needed for the transactions, and training provided to them on safe and secure payments.

PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi)

• Launched on June 1, 2020 • It is a Central Sector Scheme. • The scheme facilitates affordable working capital loan of up to ₹10,000 with

an interest subsidy @7% on regular repayment. • The street vendors are not required to pay any collateral for the loan. • The scheme provides Graded Guarantee Cover, to Lending Institutions, on

a portfolio basis. • The scheme targets to cover 50 lakh street vendors, who had been

vending on or before March 24, 2020. • The street vendors also stand a chance to avail a loan of ₹20,000 and

₹50,000 in the second and third tranches respectively on timely repayment of the loan.

• To encourage digital transaction a cash back up to ₹1,200 on digital transactions at ₹100 per month is provided to the street vendors under the scheme.

• An Integrated IT Platform has been developed to provide end-to-end solution for the paper less loan processing.

• SIDBI has been appointed as the implementation agency for scheme administration.

8.11. SERB-POWER SCHEME Ministry: Ministry of Science and Technology

About: • SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research) Scheme • Aim: to mitigate gender disparity in science and engineering research

funding in various S&T programs in Indian academic institutions and R&D Laboratories.

• designed exclusively for women scientists


• It will serve as a benchmark of recognition in the national scenario and will empower women scientists and cultivate a women-friendly culture and ensure more women in leadership positions in decision-making bodies.

• Scheme will have two components namely

1. SERB-POWER Fellowship 2. SERB- POWER Research Grants.

1. SERB-POWER Fellowship

• Target: • Women researchers in 35-55 years of age. • Up-to 25 Fellowships per year and not more than 75 at

any point in time. • Components of support:

• Fellowship of Rs. 15,000/- per month in addition to regular income;

• Research grant of Rs. 10 lakh per annum; • Overhead of Rs. 90,000/- per annum.

• Duration: Three years, without the possibility of extension. Once in a career.

2. SERB – POWER Research Grants • POWER Grants will empower women researchers by funding them

under following two categories: Level I (Applicants from IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, Central

Universities, and National Labs of Central Government Institutions): The scale of funding is up to 60 lakhs for three years.

Level II (Applicants from State Universities / Colleges and Private Academic Institutions): The scale of funding is up to 30 lakhs for three years.

• POWER Grant will be regulated through terms of reference conforming to SERB-CRG(Science and Engineering Research Board-Core Research Grant) guidelines.

• The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) • a Statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST),

Government of India 8.12. ATL SPACE CHALLENGE 2021 Implemented by: NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)

About: • Eligibility:


• It is for all the school students, mentors and teachers across the country who not only are associated with schools having ATL labs but for all the non ATL schools as well.

• Aim: to ensure that students of classes 6 to 12 are given an open platform where they can innovate and enable themselves to solve digital age space technology problems

• It aligns with this year’s theme of celebrating 75 years of India’s independence as “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.

• It aligns with the World Space Week 2021 which is being observed from 4 to 10 October each year at the global level in order to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology

• Students can create a solution that can be implemented and adopted leveraging technologies such as:

1. Explore Space 2. Reach Space 3. Inhabit Space 4. Leverage Space

8.13. MEDICINE FROM THE SKY PROJECT: TELANGANA

Why in news? Telangana government’s ‘Medicine from the sky’ programme is all set for launch on September 11. Collaboration: The Telangana government, World Economic Forum, HealthNet Global and NITI Aayog. About:

• The first State in the country to embark on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLoS) flights to deliver the payload comprising vaccines

• The project would be launched in three waves starting with a pilot followed by mapping the route network for operation of drones for delivering vaccine/medicine in the desired community health centres and PHCs.

• The project is being launched following the approval granted by the Civil Aviation Ministry to the request made by the State to grant conditional exemption from the Unmanned Aircraft System Rules 2021.

• The project, which seeks to deliver medicines, vaccination, and units of blood to remote, rural areas by means of drones

• three of the eight selected consortia namely Bluedart Med Express Consortium (Skye Air), Hepicopter Consortium (Marut Drones), and


CurisFly Consortium (TechEagle Innovations) have reached Vikarabad and conducted test flights of their drones via VLOS and BVLOS

• The Medicine from the Sky project would be ramped up in six other States in the country, in the next six to 12 months. “We are already in talks with Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat to expand this effort nationally. This is the template not just for India, but also the region at large,” Mr Santhanam said.

8.14. SABKI YOJNA SABKA VIKAS’ CAMPAIGN

Why in news? The government of India has launched the People’s Plan Campaign titled ‘Sabki Yojna Sabka Vikas’ campaign for inclusive and holistic preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). Ministry: Ministry of Panchayats Raj About:

• It was also launched during 2018 and 2019. And it has been launched from 2nd October 2020 to 31st January 2021.


• Aim: To help Gram Panchayats(GPs) in the preparation of a convergent and holistic Gram Panchayat Development Plan(GPDP) through the identification of sectoral infrastructural gaps in respective areas

Objectives

• Strengthening of elected representatives and Self Help Groups • Evidence-based assessment of progress made in 2020-21 and proposals for

2021-22 in all 29 subjects of XI Schedule • Public disclosure on Schemes, finances • Preparation of inclusive, participatory and evidence based GPDP for 2021-

22 Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP):

• Under Article 243 G of the Constitution, Gram Panchayats have been mandated for the preparation of GPDP for economic development and social justice utilizing the resources available to them.

• The GPDP planning process should be comprehensive and participatory by involving full convergence with the schemes of all related Central Ministries / Line Departments

8.15. TRANSPORT AND MARKETING ASSISTANCE SCHEME

Why in news?

• Recently, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has revised the Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) scheme for specified agriculture products.

• It will be effected on or after 1st April, 2021, up to 31st March, 2022.

Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

About: • Introduced in 2019 • Objectives:

• To provide assistance for the international component of freight and marketing of agricultural produce.

• To mitigate the disadvantage of higher cost of transportation of export of specified agriculture products due to trans-shipment.

• To promote brand recognition for Indian agricultural products in the specified overseas markets.

• The level of assistance would be different for different regions as notified from time to time for export of eligible products. The scheme covers freight and marketing assistance for export by air as well as by sea.

• The scheme will help in increasing farm export from India. • The scheme would be suitably included in the Foreign Trade Policy

(2015-20).


• Under the TMA, the government reimburses a certain portion of freight charges and provides assistance for the marketing of agricultural produce. • The assistance, at notified rates, will be available for export of eligible

agriculture products to the permissible countries, as specified from time to time.

• The revised scheme has included dairy products among other agriculture products in its purview and increased the rates of assistance.

• Rates of assistance have been increased, by 50% for exports by sea and 100% through the air.

• TMA would be reimbursed through the Regional Authorities of DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade).

8.16. NIRYAT RIN VIKAS YOJANA (NIRVIK SCHEME) Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry About:

• A scheme implemented under the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) with a view to ease lending of loans and enhance credit availability to small-scale exporters.

• Aim: to boost the export segment of the Indian economy • The NIRVIK scheme announced in the Union Budget 2020-21 • It will provide high insurance cover for exporters and reduce premium

for small exporters • It is also called as the Export Credit Insurance Scheme (ECIS) ,the

insurance guarantee could cover up to 90% of the principal and interest.

• The ECGC currently provides credit guarantee of up to 60% loss. • The cover will include both pre and post-shipment credit. • The enhanced cover will ensure that Foreign and Rupee export credit

interest rates will be below 4% and 8% respectively for exporters 8.17. HATHKARGHA SAMVARDHAN SAHAYATA (HSS) YOJANA Ministry: Ministry of Textiles

About: • This scheme is introduced as an up-gradation scheme under National

Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) in 2015-16.

• It aims to provide upgraded looms/accessories to handloom weavers to improve the quality of the fabric and enhance productivity.

• Under the scheme, the Union Govt bears 90% of the cost of looms/accessories.


• It is designed for all the weavers, including SC/ST/OBC and women. • The performance of this scheme will be evaluated by independent third-

party agencies. 8.18. FUND FOR INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ENGAGEMENT (FIRE) INITIATIVE

Why in news? SERB-DST partners with Intel India to launch first-of-its-kind initiative to advance deep tech-based research in India

Launched by: the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of Department of Science and Technology (DST)

About:

• It will increase research opportunities in the space of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML), platform systems, circuits & architecture, Internet of Things (IoT), materials & devices, security, and so on from edge to cloud.

• SERB-FIRE is a novel initiative to bring together industry and academia on a common platform to exchange ground-breaking ideas and co-promote innovative research.

• The FIRE program is a joint government and industry initiative with a co-funding mechanism to promote innovative technology solutions and strengthen academic research through collaboration with key research and development (R&D) organizations in India.

• The program intends to select highly impactful research projects in every cycle (typically once or twice a year), which have breakthrough potential at a national or global level.

• It will support the best researchers in academia with funding, mentoring, and industry connect.

8.19. NATIONAL INITIATIVE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND HARNESSING INNOVATIONS

(NIDHI) PROGRAMME Ministry: Ministry of Science & Technology About:

• It is an umbrella program is pioneered by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, for nurturing ideas and innovations (knowledge-based and technology-driven) into successful startups.

Objectives • To take forward student innovations in IEDC / NewGen IEDC programme

to commercialization stage. • To promote student startups.


• To accelerate the journey of idea to prototype by providing initial funding assistance.

Components of NIDHI

• There are eight components of the National Initiative for Development and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI). These include:

1. NIDHI GCC – Grand Challenges and Competitions for scouting innovations

2. NIDHI – PRomoting and accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (NIDHI-PRAYAS) – Support from Idea to Prototype

3. NIDHI-Entrepreneur In Residence (NIDHI-EIR)-Support system to reduce risk

4. Startup-NIDHI 5. NIDHI-Technology Business Incubator(TBI)-Converting Innovations to

start-ups 6. NIDHI-Accelerator-Fast tracking a start-up through focused

intervention 7. NIDHI-Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS)-Providing early-stage

investment 8. NIDHI Centres of Excellence (NIDHI-CoE)-A World-class facility to

help startups go global NIDHI-EIR programme

• EIR programme is one of the programs introduced under NIDHI to inspire the best talents to be entrepreneurs, to minimise the risk involved in pursuing start-ups, and to partially set off their opportunity costs of high paying jobs.

• It provides tremendous opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs to expand their networks and get critical feedback on their ventures in order to promote their entrepreneurial career goals and aspirations.

The opportunities under NIDHI-EIR program include:

• Guidance from experienced, innovative and highly successful entrepreneurs on the business concept, strategy or venture and insight into specific industries or markets.

• Best practices for starting a business and broaden the professional network.

• Co-working spaces for developing the idea into a marketable product. Under NIDHI, PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring innovators & Startups) programme has been initiated in which established Technology Business Incubators (TBI) are supported with PRAYAS grant to support innovators and entrepreneurs with grants for ‘Proof of Concept’ and developing prototypes


Significance:

• Provide guidance- To provide guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs from experienced, innovative and highly successful entrepreneurs on the business concept strategy and insight into specific industries or markets, inspire the best talents to be entrepreneurs.

• Risk minimisation – To minimise the risk involved in pursuing start-ups, and to partially set off their opportunity costs of high paying jobs.

• Broaden the professional network- Best practices for starting a business and broaden the professional network.

• Encourages enterprising individuals- The Programme thus encourages enterprising individuals to venture out and pursue daring entrepreneurial ideas as well as enhances the quantity and quality of startups

8.20. PM-CARES FOR CHILDREN SCHEME Why in news?

• The government has announced a special “PM-CARES for Children” scheme for all those orphaned due to Covid-19.

• The Supreme Court has ordered the district authorities to upload the details of children in need of care and protection on NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) portal Bal Swaraj.

About: • All children who have lost both parents or surviving parent or legal

guardian/adoptive parents due to Covid 19 will be supported under ‘PM-CARES for Children’ scheme

• Implemented under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Need of this scheme

• As India battles a raging second wave, cases of children losing their parents to Covid-19 are also mounting.

• Also the apprehension of child trafficking in the garb of adoption has increased.

• Child Marriages have also increased in the Covid-19 induced lockdown

Features:

1. Fixed Deposit of Rs 10 lakh in the name of the child:

• This will create a corpus of Rs 10 lakh for each child when he or she reaches 18 years of age.

• Usage of this corpus: • Upto age 18- a monthly financial support/ stipend • From 19 to 23 – cost to take care of his or her personal

requirements during the period of higher education


• On reaching the age of 23 years- he or she will get the corpus amount as one lump-sum for personal and professional use.

2. School Education: For children under 10 year

• Given admission in the nearest Kendriya Vidyalaya or in a private school as a day scholar.

• If the child is admitted in a private school, the fees as per the RTE norms will be given from the PM CARES.

• PM-CARES will also pay for expenditure on uniform, text books and notebooks

3. School Education: for children between 11-18 years:

• The child will be given admission in any Central Government residential school such as Sainik School, Navodaya Vidyalaya etc.

• In case the child is to be continued under the care of Guardian/ grandparents/ extended family, then he or she will be given admission in the nearest Kendriya Vidyalaya or in a private school as a day scholar.

• If the child is admitted in a private school, the fees as per the RTE norms will be given from the PM CARES.

• PM CARES will also pay for expenditure on uniform, text books and notebooks.

4. Support for Higher Education:

• The child will be assisted in obtaining education loan for Professional courses / Higher Education in India as per the existing Education Loan norms.

• The interest on this loan will be paid by the PM CARES. • As an alternative, scholarship equivalent to the tuition fees / course

fees for undergraduate/ vocational courses as per Government norms will be provided to such children under Central or State Government Schemes.

• For children who are not eligible under the existing scholarship schemes, PM CARES will provide an equivalent scholarship.

5. Health Insurance

• All children will be enrolled as a beneficiary under Ayushman Bharat Scheme (PM-JAY) with a health insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakhs.

• The premium amount for these children till the age of 18 years will be paid by PM CARES.

Portal Bal Swaraj.

• Created with a purpose for online tracking and digital real time monitoring mechanism of children who are in need of care and protection.


• It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development.

• National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has extended the use of this portal for tracking children who have lost both its parents or either of the parent during COVID-19 and provided a link under the name of “COVID-Care” for uploading of data of such children by the concerned officer/department on the portal.

8.21. CSIR FLORICULTURE MISSION Why in new?

• Recently, CSIR Floriculture Mission has been approved for implementation in 21 States and Union Territories of India

• Also launches “CSIR’s Societal Portal along with the Android App” to facilitate public to submit societal problems that can be resolved using S&T interventions

About: Implemented in collaboration with

• Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology.

• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Directorate of Floriculture • Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) • Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority

(APEDA), Ministry of Commerce • Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd.

(TRIFED) • Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC), Kannauj • Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Universities

The need of the mission • Farmers have little knowledge about floriculture which can give 5 times

more return than the traditional crops. • Despite the fact that India has diverse agro-climatic and edaphic

conditions, and rich plant diversity, it shares only 0.6 % of global floriculture market.

• At least 1200 million USD worth of floriculture products are being imported by India every year from different countries”.

Mission: • It is expected to create opportunity for entrepreneurship development in

floriculture • The available knowledgebase in CSIR Institutes will be utilized and

leveraged to help Indian farmers and industry re-position itself to meet the import requirements.


• Thus, the mission will focus on commercial floral crops, seasonal/annual crops, wild ornaments and cultivation of flower crops for honey bee rearing.

• Some of the popular crops include Gladiolus, Canna, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera, Lilium, Marigold, Rose, Tuberose etc.

• The Indian floriculture market was worth Rs 15700 cr in 2018. The marketis projected to reach Rs47200 cr by 2024 during 2019-24.

CSIR’s Societal Portal along with the Android App. • This portal has been developed by CSIR Team with the help of MyGov

Team. • The Portal is to facilitate the public to submit the societal problems that

can be resolved using S&T interventions. • This is the first step in terms of seeking inputs on challenges and problems

being faced by different stake holders in society. 8.22. BIJU SWASTHYA KALYAN YOJANA Why in news? Smart health card for Odisha’s poor is launched. Initiative of: Odisha government About:

• It was launched in 2018. • Aims to transform the health service delivery system of the state. • Under the scheme,

• smart cards would be distributed to the beneficiaries. • The smart cards will have the details of family members and a 12-

digit distinctive registration quantity. • Each family will be given two cards in case two people fall sick at

the same time. • The smart cards can be used by the beneficiaries to avail cashless health

coverage across more than 200 empanelled private hospitals. • Those who don’t have smart cards will have to produce their food

security cards to avail the services under the scheme. • Each family can get treatment cost up to ₹5 lakh per year and women

will get benefits up to ₹10 lakh per year under the scheme. 8.23. SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TOWARDS AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION

(SATAT) Why in news:

• Recently 9 CBG plants have been commissioned and started supply of CBG under SATAT scheme.


• These plants are located in Andhra Pradesh (1No.), Gujarat (3 No.), Haryana (1 No.), Maharashtra (3 No.) and Tamil Nadu (1No.).

• These plants are set up by entrepreneurs and private companies who have raised financial resources to develop these plants on the basis of LoIs issued by OGMCs.

Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas

About: • Aimed at setting up of Compressed Bio-Gas production plants and make it

available in the market for use in automotive fuels by inviting Expression of Interest from potential entrepreneurs.

• The initiative was launched in October 2018 • Launched by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in association with

Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Oil Marketing Companies (OMC) viz. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

• The programme will be funded under Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) component of Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G) to benefit households in identified villages through Gram Panchayats.

• The Government is in the process of including Compressed Biogas under Priority Sector Lending.

• SATAT provides for generating gas from municipal waste as well as forest and agri waste.

• Animal husbandry and marine wastes are also included. • The gas produced at CBG plants can be used as fuel to power automobiles • It is planned to roll out 5,000 Compressed Bio-Gas plants across India in a

phased manner, by 2025.

Other steps: • The National Policy on Biofuels 2018 also emphasises active promotion of

advanced bio-fuels, including CBG. • Earlier, the Government of India had launched the GOBAR-DHAN

(Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources) scheme to convert cattle dung and solid waste in farms to CBG and compost.

BioGas • Bio-gas is produced naturally through a process of anaerobic

decomposition from waste / bio-mass sources like agriculture residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste, sewage treatment plant waste, etc.

• After purification, it is compressed and called CBG, which has pure methane content of over 95%.

• Compressed Bio-Gas is exactly similar to the commercially available natural gas in its composition and energy potential

Benefits of the programme


• There are multiple benefits from converting agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste into CBG on a commercial scale:

• Responsible waste management, reduction in carbon emissions and pollution

• Additional revenue source for farmers • Boost to entrepreneurship, rural economy and employment • Support to national commitments in achieving climate change goals • Reduction in import of natural gas and crude oil • Buffer against crude oil/gas price fluctuations

8.24. ORUNUDOI SCHEME Why in news? The Orunudoi scheme, with women as its primary target group, is perhaps the most popular one announced by BJP ahead of the Assam Assembly elections. About:

• Assam state scheme announced in 2020. • Aims to cover over 18 lakh families of the state • A monthly assistance of Rs 830 is transferred to women members of

marginalised families of Assam • Using a provison of Direct Benefit Transfer scheme, the money is credited

directly to the bank account of the woman head of a family. • It is the biggest ever scheme in post-Independence Assam because the

scheme would strengthen the role of the women as the money will be deposited in the bank accounts of the women of the families.

Eligibility: • A woman, has to be a permanent resident of Assam,whose composite

household income should be less than Rs 2 lakh per annum. • Families with specially-abled members and divorced/widowed/separated

/unmarried women are prioritised. • Poorer families, those without National Food Security Act (NFSA) or ration

cards, are also given priority. • Families without any women members, MPs, MLAs (former and current),

members of Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies, government officials and employees of cooperative societies are excluded from the scheme.

• Families owning four-wheelers, mechanised boats, tractors or refrigerators, ACs and washing machines, or more than 15 bighas of agricultural land, are not eligible either.

8.25. ATL SPACE CHALLENGE 2021


Implemented by: NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)

About: • Eligibility:

• It is for all the school students, mentors and teachers across the country who not only are associated with schools having ATL labs but for all the non ATL schools as well.

• Aim: to ensure that students of classes 6 to 12 are given an open platform where they can innovate and enable themselves to solve digital age space technology problems

• It aligns with this year’s theme of celebrating 75 years of India’s independence as “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.

• It aligns with the World Space Week 2021 which is being observed from 4 to 10 October each year at the global level in order to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology

• Students can create a solution that can be implemented and adopted leveraging technologies such as:

1. Explore Space 2. Reach Space 3. Inhabit Space 4. Leverage Space

8.26. DEFENCE TESTING INFRASTRUCTURE SCHEME

Ministry: Ministry of Defence

About: • Aim: to boost domestic defence & aerospace manufacturing • Budget outlay: Rs 400 crore outlay

• to create state-of-the-art testing infrastructure in partnership with industry

• It was launched in May 2020 • Project consultant/officer can be contacted for clarification • The scheme would run for the duration of five years and envisages setting

up of 6-8 Greenfield Defence Testing Infrastructure facilities that are required for defence and aerospace related production.

• This will facilitate indigenous defence production, consequently reduce imports of military equipment and help make the country self-reliant under ‘Make in India’.

• Funding: • The projects under the scheme will be provided with up to 75 per

cent Government funding in the form of ‘Grant-in-Aid’.


• The remaining 25 per cent of the project cost will have to be borne by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) constituents of which will be the Indian private entities and state government.

• The SPVs under the Scheme will be registered under Companies Act 2013 and shall also operate and maintain all assets under the Scheme, in a self-sustainable manner by collecting user charges.

8.27. AYUSHMAN BHARAT DIGITAL MISSION

Why in news? National digital health mission which was launched in 2020 in a pilot phase now the mission will be launched nationwide under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

About: • This Mission will create interoperability within the digital health ecosystem,

similar to the role played by the Unified Payments Interface in revolutionizing payments. Citizens will only be a click-away from accessing healthcare facilities

• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will create a seamless online platform that will enable interoperability within the digital health ecosystem

• Launch on 27th September 2021 • Currently, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is being implemented in pilot

phase in six Union Territories. • The key components of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission include

• A health ID for every citizen that will also work as their health account, to which personal health records can be linked and viewed with the help of a mobile application;

• A Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR) • A Healthcare Facilities Registries (HFR) that will act as a

repository of all healthcare providers across both modern and traditional systems of medicine.

• This will ensure ease of doing business for doctors/hospitals and healthcare service providers.

• Based on the foundations laid down in the form of Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile (JAM) trinity and other digital initiatives of the government, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will create a seamless online platform through the provision of a wide-range of data, information and infrastructure services, duly leveraging open, interoperable, standards-based digital systems while ensuring the security, confidentiality and privacy of health-related personal information.

• The Mission will enable access and exchange of longitudinal health records of citizens with their consent


Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Sandbox • It is created as a part of the Mission, • It will act as a framework for technology and product testing that will help

organizations, including private players, intending to be a part of National Digital Health Ecosystem become a Health Information Provider or Health Information User or efficiently link with building blocks of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.

9. MISCELLANEOUS & FACTS 9.1. V.O. CHIDAMBARANAR PORT Why in news?

• V.O. Chidambaranar Port created a new record by handling a ship with highest parcel size.

About • V. O. Chidambaranar Port Trust, also known as Tuticorin Port, is one of

the 13 major ports in India. It was declared to be a major port on 11 July 1974.

• It is second largest port in Tamil Nadu and third largest container terminal in India.

• Type of harbor : Medium seaport (Artificial port) • This is the third international port in Tamil Nadu and it is second all-

weather port. • It is owned by V. O. Chidambaranar Port Trust, Ministry of Ports, Shipping

and Waterways, Government of India and operated by V. O. Chidambaraner Port Trust.


• The port is named after V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, the eminent freedom fighter who was well known as Kappalottiya Thamizhan, meaning The Tamillian man who rode the ship.



9.2. KAKORI TRAIN ACTION Why in news? The Uttar Pradesh government has renamed the landmark freedom movement event “Kakori Train Conspiracy” as “Kakori Train Action” in a tribute to the revolutionaries who were hanged for robbing a train at Kakori to buy weapons in 1925. Kakori Robbery (August 1925):

• The most important action of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) was the Kakori robbery.


• The men held up the 8-Down train at Kakori, an obscure village near Lucknow, and looted its official railway cash.

• Government crackdown after the Kakori robbery led to arrests of many, of whom 17 were jailed, four transported for life and four—Bismil, Ashfaqullah, Roshan Singh and Rajendra Lahiri—were hanged. Kakori proved to be a setback.

Hindustan Republic Army (HRA):

• The revolutionary activity in the Punjab-United Provinces-Bihar region was dominated by the Hindustan Republican Association/Army or HRA (later renamed Hindustan Socialist Republican Association or HSRA).

• The HRA was founded in October 1924 in Kanpur by Ramprasad Bismil, Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee and Sachin Sanyal, with an aim to organise an armed revolution to overthrow the colonial government and establish in its place the Federal Republic of United States of India whose basic principle would be adult franchise.

• The HSRA determined to overcome the Kakori setback, the younger revolutionaries, inspired by socialist ideas, set out to reorganise Hindustan Republic Association at a historic meeting in the ruins of Ferozshah Kotla in Delhi (September 1928).

• Under the leadership of Chandra Shekhar Azad, the name of HRA was changed to Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). The participants included Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Bhagwaticharan Vohra from Punjab and Bejoy Kumar Sinha, Shiv Verma and Jaidev Kapur from the United Provinces.

• The HSRA decided to work under a collective leadership and adopted socialism as its official goal.

9.3. SRILA BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA JI Why in news? PM releases a special commemorative coin on the occasion of 125th Birth Anniversary of Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Ji. About:

• Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami (1896 – 1977) or Srila Prabhupada, born Abhay Charan De, was an Indian spiritual teacher and the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the "Hare Krishna movement".

• Members of the ISKCON movement view Bhaktivedanta Swami as a representative and messenger of Krishna Chaitanya.

• His mission was to propagate throughout the world Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a school of Vaishnavite Hinduism that had been taught to him by his guru, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati.


• His translation of and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, titled Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, is considered by ISKCON adherents and many Vedic scholars as the finest, bonafide translation of Vaishnava literary works.

9.4. HARI SINGH NALWA Why in news?

• Over the years, Afghanistan has been notoriously difficult to govern, with the US now and erstwhile USSR in 1988 deciding to pull out their forces after having once established control in the region.

• But Hari Singh Nalwa, a legendary Sikh commander, had once tamed the turbulent forces in Afghanistan and earned the reputation of being the “most feared Sikh warrior”.

Who was Hari Singh Nalwa? • Hari Singh Nalwa was one of the most trustworthy commanders in

Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army. He was the Governor of Kashmir, Hazara and Peshawar.

• Nalwa shot to fame after defeating the Afghans and establishing control over various regions along the boundary of Afghanistan. He also prevented Afghans from entering Punjab through the Khyber Pass, which was the main route that foreign invaders used to enter India from 1000 AD till the early 19th century.

Why did the Afghans start fearing Nalwa? • In 1807, at the age of 16, Nalwa fought the battle of Kasur (which is now

in Pakistan) and defeated Afghani ruler Kutab-ud-din Khan. • Then in the battle of Attock in 1813, Nalwa along with other commanders

won against Azim Khan and his brother Dost Mohammad Khan, who fought on behalf of Shah Mahmud of Kabul. This was the first major victory of the Sikhs over the Durrani Pathans.

• In 1818, a Sikh army under Nalwa won the battle of Peshawar. Moreover, Nalwa took control over Jamrud in 1837, a fort at the entryway to Afghanistan through the Khyber Pass.

• These victories expanded the Sikh empire. And they also created a huge fear of Nalwa among the Afghans. Nalwa, thereafter, remained stationed in Peshawar to keep an eye on the Afghan-Punjab border.

• The battle of jamrud proved to be the final battle for Nalwa. During the war Nalwa got seriously injured and later died.

9.5. V. O. CHIDAMBARAM PILLAI Why in news?


• Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to V. O. Chidambaram Pillai on his Jayanti (September 5th), the legendary freedom fighter who is popularly known as ‘Kappalottiya Tamizhan’.

About

• Valliyappan Ulaganathan Chidambaram Pillai popularly known by his initials, V.O.C. also known as Kappalottiya Tamizhan or "The Tamil Helmsman", was an Indian freedom fighter and leader of the Indian National Congress.

• He founded the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company (SSNC) in 1906 to compete against the monopoly of the British India Steam Navigation Company.

• He launched the first indigenous Indian shipping service between Tuticorin and Colombo with the SSNC, competing against British ships.

• Tuticorin Port Trust, one of India’s thirteen major ports, is named after him.

• At one time a member of the Indian National Congress, he was later charged with sedition by the British government and sentenced to life imprisonment, and his barrister license was revoked.

• His life were immortalised by the legend Sivaji Ganesan in the 1961 movie, Kappalottiya Tamizhan.

• His Written works are Meyyaram 1914, Meyyarivu 1915, Anthology 1915.

9.6. DR. SARVEPALLI RADHAKRISHNAN

• Since 1962, Teachers' Day in India is celebrated on 5 September every year to pay tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary.

About • Dr Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in a poor Brahmin

family in Andhra Pradesh. He completed his graduation and earned a Master's degree in Philosophy.

• He was a renowned philosopher, statesman as well as a teacher. He is remembered for being one of the greatest thinkers of the 20th century. He was the one who introduced western philosophies into Indian society.

• He was a professor of philosophy at Madras Presidency College. He was also teaching philosophy at the University of Mysore.

• He was the first Vice-President and the second President of independent India- from 1962 to 1967.

• He was also nominated 16 times for the Nobel Prize in Literature and nearly 11 times for the Nobel Peace Prize. He was awarded Bharat Ratna award in 1954.

• In the year 1948, Radhakrishnan was elected chairman of UNESCO’s executive board.


• The first book Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan wrote was about the philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore. His other works include Gautama the Buddha, India and China, Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore, Reign of Religion in Contemporary Philosophy among others.

9.7. NAMASYA MOBILE APP

• National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines, come up with a modern & innovative platform ‘NALCO Micro And Small enterprise Yogayog Application’ (NAMASYA), a bi-lingual App developed exclusively for the benefit of the Company’s MSE Vendors.

• The NAMASYA App provides a platform to highlight the Company's efforts towards development of MSEs. The App empowers MSEs with required information about vendor registration process, items which can be supplied by them with technical specification, vendor development and training programmes of NALCO.

9.8. MANDA BUFFALO Manda buffalo, which is seen in the hill ranges of Eastern Ghats and plateau of Koraput region in the Odisha state, gets unique, indigenous tag.

• It is recognised as indigenous and distinctive buffalo by the Nationwide Bureau of Animal Genetic Sources (NBAGR), affiliated to Indian Council of Agriculture Analysis.

• Around one lakh buffaloes of this breed are there in the state. Besides the agricultural operations, these buffaloes contribute to the family nutrition of households for generations. The average milk yield of these buffaloes is 2 to 2.5 litre in single milking with more than eight percent fat. However, a few of those yields up to four litres.

• It become the 19th recognized buffalo breed in India. • In the Odisha state, 4 breeds of cattle — Binjharpuri, Motu, Ghumusari

and Khariar — and two breeds of buffalo — Chilika and Kalahandi — and one breed of sheep, Kendrapada, have already obtained NBAGR recognition.

• Binjharpuri cattle semen production and use through artificial insemination is a remarkable achievement in the country in the field of the conservation process.

9.9. SPECTRAL ENHANCEMENT (SPE) Coal India Ltd (CIL) has launched a software named ‘Spectral Enhancement’ (SPE).


• This software will help in identifying thin coal seams under the earthcrust and improve assessment of resources of fossil fuel using seismicsurvey during exploration process.

• It is developed by the CIL’s research and development (R&D) arm CentralMine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) in association with GujratEnergy Research and Management Institute (GERMI).

• This ‘Made in India’ software will also help to save time and cost of coalexploration and thus boost the mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat in coalproduction.

• CIL accounts for 80 per cent of India’s coal output.

9.10. ROSH HASHANAH

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 6th September greeted his Israelicounterpart Naftali Bennett on the Jewish festival of Rosh Hashanah.

About • Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of Judaism’s holiest days.

Meaning “head of the year” or “first of the year,” the festival begins on thefirst day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which fallsduring September or October.

• Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks thebeginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection andrepentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as theDay of Atonement.

• Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two “High Holy Days” in theJewish religion.

• Rosh Hashanah is not mentioned in the Torah, Judaism’s foundingreligious text, and appears under different names in the Bible.

Torah and Talmud • The Jewish sacred text is called the Tanakh or the “Hebrew Bible”. It

includes the same books as the Old Testament in the Christian Bible, butthey’re placed in a slightly different order.

• The Torah—the first five books of the Tanakh—outlines laws for Jews tofollow. It’s sometimes also referred to as the Pentateuch.

• Talmud, is a collection of teachings and commentaries on Jewish law.

9.11. BUJURGONKIBAAT–DESHKESAATH

• Union Minister of Culture Shri G.K Reddy launches program'BujurgonkiBaat–DeshKeSaath'.

• The programme 'BujurgonkiBaat–DeshKeSaath’ aims at enhancing theinteraction between the youth and the elder persons who are 95 years andabove and thus have spent around 18 years in India before independence.


• During the event minister launched the book “Gita Govinda :Jaydeva’sDivine Odyssey” by Dr.Utpal K. Banerjee.

• Gita Govinda is originally written by 12th century poet Jayadeya.

9.12. BUSINESS BLASTERS

• Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, launched the ‘BusinessBlasters’ programme on September 7, 2021.

About • This programme was launched with the aim of developing young

entrepreneurs at school-level by providing students some seed money inorder to start a business.

• It will be implemented across all the Delhi government schools under the“Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum (EMC)”.

• Under the programme, class 11 and 12 students will be provided seedmoney of Rs 2,000 to start their business.

• The "Business Blasters" programme was started at the School of Excellencein Khichripur under a pilot project. In this project, nine groups of 41children were formed and each child was given seed money of at least Rs1,000. These children made huge profits in the project.

9.13. ASHRAMWASIS IMPACTED BY GANDHI ASHRAM REVAMP

Why in news? In October 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal for a larger Sabarmati Ashram complex had caused much anxiety among its Trustees and residents, with the Ashramwasis — third or fourth generation of ashram residents sitting on protests fearing eviction. Over 250 families residing in the Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad will have to be relocated as part of the redevelopment plan of the area.

Who are the Ashramwasis? • Descendants of the people who were brought into the Harijan Ashram that

Mahatma Gandhi established on the bank of the Sabarmati river in1917, to do various tasks and help run the ashram, and those whocontinued to stay on the premises, now controlled by one or the other trust,call themselves ashramwasis.

• There are some 263 such families on the premises who are tenants of therespective trusts on whose land they reside and will have to be relocated inorder to proceed with the Gandhi Ashram redevelopment plan.

• They comprise all communities as Gandhiji believed in ‘sarva dharmasambhav’.

• Current residents include OBCs, Dalits, a few Muslims and someBrahmins.


• On his return from South Africa, Gandhi established the first ashram at Kochrab in 1915 was located near the city of Ahmedabad given to him by his friend, the barrister Jivanlal Desai which he shifted after the plague to a piece of open land on the banks of the river Sabarmati in 1917 for experiments in farming, animal husbandry, cow breeding, Khadi and related activities.

What do the Ashramwasis do?

• Many of them do different jobs than what their forefathers did in Gandhi's time.

• Kalam Kush: The products of Kalam Kush (handmade paper factory) are made from waste cotton fabric without chemicals, are now bought by the Gujarat government.

• Khadi-weaving in the Imam Manzil campus. • Some things still produced there are soap, oil, Ambar Charkha, its looms

and accessories. • All these products are sold under Gujarat Khadi Gramudyog Mandal, one

of the six trusts.

9.14. PORUNAI RIVER (THAMIRABARANI) CIVILIZATION

Why in news? US-based lab Beta Analytic studied organic materials like paddy and soil that was found in an urn, discovered during an archeological excavation near Thamirabarani river in Thoothukudi district's Sivakalai, Tamil Nadu.

Key findings:

• The finding has established that the Porunai River (Thamirabarani) civilization dates back to 3,200 years.

• This is the oldest civilization perhaps, older than the Vaigai civilization (Keeladi civilisation) which is believed to be 2,600 years old.

Other excavations and finding: • Archaeological excavations are being done at Kodumanal, Keeladi, Korkai,

Mayiladumparai, Sivakalai, Adichchanallur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu.

• As per the carbon dating of artefacts, the Keeladi civilisation dates back to 6th century BC proving that Tamilians were learned even then.

• Korkai was a port city in ancient times was an established fact through earlier excavations. Now broken black pot pieces of Gangetic plains have been found at Korkai.

• Experts have concluded that Korkai might have served as one of the important ports even before the 8th century BC.


• Mayiladumparai excavation and its associated findings observed at Varatanapalli and Kappalavadi prove that the Neolithic people carried out agricultural activities 4000 years ago.

Looking beyond the sub-continent: • With Tamil Nadu trade links extending till Egypt and Oman in ancient

times as per artefacts found in those countries and Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola conquering South East Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam archaeological studies will be conducted in those countries with necessary permissions.

• Similarly archaeological studies will also be undertaken in other Indian states like Andhra Pradesh (Vengi area), Karnataka (Thalaikkadu), Kerala (Pattanam) and Palur in Odisha to understand the antiquity of Tamil civilisation.

• Studies will also be conducted in the port of Musiri, now known as Pattanam in Kerala to look into any possible links to the ancient Chera kingdom.

Some Traditional water harvesting systems:

• Phad – It is a community-managed irrigation system in the tapi river basin in Maharashtra.

• Zing – It is found in Ladakh, are small tanks that collect melting glacier water.

• Kuhls – They are surface water channels found in the mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh.

• Zabo or Ruza System– It is practised in Nagaland. • Pat system – It is developed in Madhya Pradesh. • Eri – It is tank system, widely used in Tamil Nadu. • Panam keni – used by the Kuruma tribe (a native tribe of Wayanad in

Kerala). • Ahar Pynes – They are traditional floodwater harvesting systems indigenous

to South Bihar. • Khadin – Also called dhora, is a long earthen embankment that is built

across the hill slopes of gravelly uplands, indigenous to Jaisalmer region and similar to the irrigation methods of Ur region (Present Iraq).

• The Katas, Mundas and Bandhas - were the main irrigation sources in the ancient tribal kingdom of the Gonds (now in Orissa and Madhya Pradesh). A kata is constructed north to south, or east to west, of a village. A strong earthen embankment, curved at either end, is built across a drainage line to hold up an irregularly-shaped sheet of water.

• Dongs - Ponds constructed by the Bodo tribes of Assam to harvest water for irrigation. These ponds are individually owned with no community involvement.


• Virdas - These are shallow wells dug in low depressions tanks. They are found all over the Banni grasslands, a part of the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. They are systems built by the nomadic Maldharis, who used to roam these grasslands. Essentially, the structures use a technology that helps the Maldharis separate potable freshwater from unpotable salt water.

9.15. SAMVATSARI PARVA 2021 Samvatsari Parva is a festival that is celebrated by Jains in mid-August and September.

• The Festival of Samvatsari is the day of forgiveness for Jains. Significance

• Jain strongly believes in forgiving. The forgiving plead is not limited to present life but also includes there all previous lives, Jains beg forgiveness from all living beings for faults they have made, whether deliberately or unknowingly. They forgive people animals and all kinds of living creatures.

9.16. NEW ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN UTTAR PRADESH’S BILSARH Bilsarh village in Etah District of Uttar Pradesh State, where the remains were found has been a protected site from the colonial times and is a known Gupta period settlement.

• Archaeological department said that, the entire village is situated on an ancient mound. The part where the temple ruins were found is with the ASI, and the site holds four pillars. while both have inscriptions in Gupta Brahmi lipi that have been deciphered as from Kumaragupta’s time.

• The 5th stair revealed an inscription in sankha-lipi or shell script, which after comparing with older inscriptions was found to read as Sri Mahendraditya… which was the title for King Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty whose ruling period was from 415- 455 CE

• Sankha lipi is an ornate spiral script popular during the 4th-8th centuries About Kumaragupta I

• Kumaragupta I was an emperor of the Gupta Empire of Ancient India. • A son of the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II and queen Dhruvadevi, he

seems to have maintained control of his inherited territory, which extended from Gujarat in the west to Bengal region in the east.

• Among the Gupta kings, Kumaragupta issued the largest varieties of coins.

• Adopted the title of Mahendraditya. • Introduced worship of God Kartikeya. • Founded the monastery of Nalanda, which Developed into a great centre

of learning.


• Kalidasa flourished in the reign of both Kumar Gupta I and Chandragupta II.

9.17. ACHARYA VINOBA BHAVE Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 11th paid tributes to Vinoba Bhave on his birth anniversary, saying he carried forward the noble Gandhian principles after India attained independence. About

• Vinayak Narahari "Vinoba" Bhave born in 1895 was an Indian advocate of nonviolence and human rights.

• Often called Acharya (Sanskrit for teacher), he is best known for the "Bhoodan" campaign as he persuaded people across the country to donate a part of their land that he distributed among the landless poor.

• He is considered as a National Teacher of India and the spiritual successor of Mahatma Gandhi. He was an eminent philosopher.

• The Gita has also been translated into Marathi language by him with the name as Geetai means mother Geeta.

• In 1940 he was chosen by Gandhi to be the first individual Satyagrahi (an individual standing up for Truth instead of a collective action) against the British rule (Second Satyagrahi was Jawahar Lal Nehru. Third was Brahma Datt, one of the inmates of the Gandhi's Ashram).

• The Brahma Vidya Mandir is one of the ashrams that Bhave created. It is a small community for women that was created in order for them to become self-sufficient and non-violent in a community.

• In 1958 Bhave was the first recipient of the international Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1983.

9.18. SUBRAMANIA BHARATHI

• On 100th death anniversary (12th September) of Subramania Bharathi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced to set up a chair on his name in the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). ‘Subramanya Bharati Chair’ on Tamil Studies will be established in Faculty of Arts of BHU.

About • Subramania Bharathi was a Tamil writer, poet, journalist, Indian

independence activist, social reformer and polyglot. • Popularly known as "Mahakavi Bharathi" ("Great Poet Bharathi"), he

was a pioneer of modern Tamil poetry and is considered one of the greatest Tamil literary figures of all time.

• His numerous works included fiery songs kindling patriotism during the Indian Independence movement.


• He fought for the emancipation of women, against child marriage, stood for reforming Brahminism and religion. He was also in solidarity with Dalits and Muslims.

• Bharathi participated in the historic Surat Congress in 1907 along with V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and Mandayam Srinivachariar, which deepened the divisions within the Indian National Congress with a section preferring armed resistance, primarily led by Tilak over moderate approach preferred by certain other sections.

• Bharathi supported Tilak with V. O. Chidambaram Pillai and Kanchi Varathachariyar. Tilak openly supported armed resistance against the British.

9.19. BATTLE OF SARAGARHI

• September 12 marks the 124th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi that has inspired a host of armies, books and films, both at home and abroad.

About • The Battle of Saragarhi was a last-stand battle fought before the Tirah

Campaign between the British Raj and Afghan tribesmen On 12 September 1897.

• It is considered one of the finest last stands in the military history of the world. Twenty-one soldiers were pitted against over 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribals but they managed to hold the fort for seven hours.

• Saragarhi was the communication tower between Fort Lockhart (on the Samana Range of the Hindu Kush mountains), and Fort Gulistan (Sulaiman Range). The two forts in the rugged North West Frontier Province (NWFP), now in Pakistan. They were built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh but renamed by the British.

• Though heavily outnumbered, the soldiers of 36th Sikhs (now 4 Sikh), led by Havildar Ishar Singh, fought till their last breath, killing 200 tribals and injuring 600.

About Tirah campaign • The Tirah campaign, often referred to in contemporary British accounts as

the Tirah expedition, was an Indian frontier campaign from September 1897 to April 1898.

• Tirah is a mountainous tract of country in what was formally known as Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan, now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

9.20. RAJA MAHENDRA PRATAP SINGH

• PM lays the foundation stone of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State University in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.


About

• Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh was a freedom fighter, revolutionary, writer, social reformer, and internationalist.

• He born in the ruling Jat family of the princely state of Mursan in the Hathras District of Uttar Pradesh.

• He gave up his own residence in Mathura to be converted into a technical school named Prem Mahavidyalaya in 1909. It is said to have been the country’s first polytechnic.

• On December 1, 1915, he proclaimed the first Provisional Government of India outside India at the historic Bagh-e-Babur in Kabul in the middle of World War I. He declared himself president, and his fiery fellow revolutionary Maulana Barkatullah of Bhopal, prime minister, of the Provisional Government.

• In 1932, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. • In 1957, Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh contested the Lok Sabha election as

an Independent candidate from Mathura, and was elected Member of Parliament.

9.21. MILLET MISSION Why in news? Chhattisgarh government launched the “Millet Mission” on September 14, 2021 with the objective of making the state a millet hub of India.

Aim of the mission

• Millet Mission initiative was launched with the aim of giving the farmers right price for small cereal crops and to provide them input assistance, procurement arrangements and processing. This mission also seeks to ensure that the farmers get benefit from the expertise of experts.

About the MoU • To implement this mission, an MoU was signed between Indian Institute

of Millet Research, Hyderabad and collectors of 14 Chhattisgarh districts under “Millet Mission”.

• Under the MoU, Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad will provide support and guidance in order to increase the productivity of Kodo, Kutki and Ragi. It will also provide technical know-how and ensure the availability of high-quality seeds. Institute will also help in establishment of seed bank in Chhattisgarh. Apart from this, arrangements will be made to train the farmers of Chhattisgarh through Krishi Vigyan Kendra in a bid to spread the scientific technology developed at national level with respect to the millet production by IIMR Hyderabad at the field level.

About Millet


• Millet (also known as Bajra) is one of the most essential crops in India’s agricultural production. The grain’s main origin hails from India and Africa.

• Major producing states in India are Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana, UP, and Gujarat.

9.22. FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE AWARD The Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind virtually conferred the prestigious National Florence Nightingale Awards to 51 awardees.

• For the first time, the number of recipients increased from the usual 35 to 51, as a step to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of nurses and midwives as front-line COVID warriors.

About the award

• The National Florence Nightingale Award, in India started in 1973, is a mark of recognition for exemplary service in areas of public health and nursing education.

• The Indian Nursing Council, a statutory agency under the Ministry of Health & family Welfare, Government of India grants the award and is the highest national recognition in the nursing field in India.

• At the Eighth International Conference of Red Cross Societies in London in 1907, the assembled delegates decided to create a commemorative International Nightingale Medal to be awarded to those distinguished in the nursing field.

• Subsequently, the Florence Nightingale Medal was instituted in 1912 by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

• It is the highest international distinction a nurse can achieve and is awarded to nurses or nursing aides for "exceptional courage and devotion to the wounded, sick or disabled or to civilian victims of a conflict or disaster" or "exemplary services or a creative and pioneering spirit in the areas of public health or nursing education".

• Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing, was born on May 12, 1820 and hence this day is celebrated as International Nurses Day all over the world.

9.23. JOYNAGARER MOA

• India Post in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has released a specially designed envelope to commemorate Joynagarer Moa, a century-old GI certified sweet delicacy from West Bengal.

• The move is aimed at boosting the exports of the indigenous food products.

About:


• Joynagarer Moa is prepared from popped-rice ball held together with fresh date-palm jaggery. This variety of Moa originated in Joynagar, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal more than century back.

• Joynagarer Moa received its GI certification in the year 2015 due to the efforts of the ‘Joynagar Moa Nirmankari Society’.

• Despite several efforts made, due to its perishable nature, the produce could not be exported despite having export demand. In January, 2021, for the first time (since it received the GI tag) a consignment of Joynagarer Moa was exported to the Kingdom of Bahrain, by APEDA.

About APEDA • APEDA is a statutory body established under the Agricultural and

Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act 1985. • It functions under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. • APEDA replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC). • APEDA is mandated with the responsibility of promotion and development

of the export of agricultural and its allied products. • Chairman is appointed by the Central Government. • Headquarters– New Delhi.

9.24. SAFDARJUNG TOMB DOME Why in news?

• Weeds growing on the dome of Safdarjung Tomb had damaged the monument which required urgent care from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), historian S. Irfan Habib said in a tweet on September 18.

About • Safdarjung's Tomb is a sandstone and marble mausoleum in Delhi. • It was built in 1754 in the late Mughal Empire style for Nawab Safdarjung. • Safdarjung, Nawab of Oudh, was made prime minister of the Mughal

Empire (Wazir ul-Mamlak-i-Hindustan) when Ahmed Shah Bahadur ascended the throne in 1748.

• It is one of the 174 ASI-protected monuments in Delhi. • In 2019, it became the third ASI-protected monument in Delhi to be

illuminated, after Red Fort and Purana Qila. 9.25. HATHEI CHILLI AND TAMENGLONG ORANGE

• Recently, Manipur’s most famous Hathei chilli and Tamenglong orange have finally been awarded the GI Tag.

Hathei Chilli:


• Hathei chilly, commonly known as the Sirarakhong chilly, is almost 9-inches in size and bright red in colour.

• This specific variety of chilli thrives well only in the climatic condition of the Sirarakhong village of the Ukhrul district, which is situated about 66 km from Imphal.

• The village also has a folk song dedicated to the chilli, in which they compare the worth of the chilli to a prized shawl of the Tangkhul Naga tribe known as ‘Khuilang’.

• The Hathei chilly is loaded with antioxidants and contains high calcium and Vitamin C levels.

Tamenglong Orange:

• This orange variant belongs to the Tamenglong district of Manipur, which is also known as ‘The Orange Bowl of Manipur’.

• The orange has a bright orange colour and weighs about 232.76 grams on average. Tamenglong orange is quite juicy with a 45 percent juice content and provides a good dose of vitamin C.

9.26. SDG PROGRESS AWARD Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has been conferred with the “SDG Progress Award”.

• Award was conferred by the UN-sponsored Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).

• She was awarded for Bangladesh's steady course in responding to the universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all.

About SDSN: • The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) was set up

in 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. • SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote

practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

• The Leadership Council oversees the work of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network. It comprises eminent experts on sustainable development from academia, business, civil society, and the public sector.

• The Leadership Council acts as the board of SDSN. Much of SDSN’s work is led by National or Regional SDSNs.

9.27. EK PAHAL DRIVE CAMPAIGN


The Ministry of Law and Justice has launched a Pan-India Special Campaign called “Ek Pahal Drive” for Justice Delivery at doorstep.

• The Department of Justice and NALSA has undertaken the “Ek Pahal” drive across the country from 17th September till 2nd October to encourage mass registration under Tele-Law.

• It's focus is to mainstream legal aid and to actualize the aspiration of access to justice for every citizen.

• The highlights of this campaign include deployment of 185 Mobile Vans and other vehicles to show-case films and documentaries on Access to Justice programme, holding of 4100 Legal Aid Clinics to give pre-litigation / legal advice to common citizens with the help of 37,000 Panel Lawyers and Para-Legal Volunteers besides holding awareness programmes at the village level on legal aid in 672 districts.

• This combined effort of the Department of Justice and NALSA has been a path-breaking step in the process of furthering inclusive governance; in championing the cause of giving voice to the voiceless; and serving the goal of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Nyaya’.

About Tele law:

• Department of Justice has partnered with National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and CSC e-Governance Service India Limited for mainstreaming legal aid to the marginalised communities through Common Services Center (CSC).

• Tele-Law means the use of communications and information technology for the delivery of legal information and advice. This e-interaction between lawyers and people would be through the video-conferencing infrastructure available at the CSCs.

• The concept of Tele-Law is to facilitate delivery of legal advice through a panel of lawyers stationed at the state Legal Services Authorities (SALSA) and CSC. The project initiates to connect citizens with lawyers through video conferencing facilities by the Para-Legal Volunteers.

• The medium of Tele Law effectively provides pre-litigation advice / consultation to beneficiaries by Panel Lawyers through a huge network covering 51,434 Common Service Centres in 50,000 Gram Panchayats in 633 districts across 34 States and UTs.

9.28. NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME (NSS) AWARD

• The President of India confer the National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards for the year 2019-20 on 24th September, 2021.

• It will be given to 42 awardees in 3 different categories like University +2 Councils, NSS Units and their Programme Officers and NSS Volunteers.

• Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Department of Youth Affairs confers every year the National Service Scheme Award to recognize and reward


outstanding contributions towards voluntary community service made by the Universities/Colleges, (+2) Councils, Senior Secondary, NSS Units/ Programme Officers and NSS Volunteers, with a view to further promote NSS in the country.

• NSS is a Centrally Sector Scheme which was launched in the year 1969 with the primary objective of developing the personality and character of the student youth through voluntary community service.

• The ideological orientation of the NSS is inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. Very appropriately, the motto of NSS is “NOT ME, BUT YOU”.

9.29. APO ISLAND

• Apo Island became the first of the over 7,000 islands in the Philippines to go ‘Zero Waste’, according to the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA).

• In 2020, the community, living off the tip of Negros Island, was introduced to effective waste management systems.

• Information campaigns conducted under the War On Waste Negros Oriental-Zero Waste Cities Project (ZWCP) by GAIA Asia Pacific and 10-member collaborators from India, Indonesia and the Philippines since 2020 enabled households to embrace more efficient waste management solutions.

About GAIA • The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) is a worldwide

alliance of more than 600 grassroots groups, non-governmental organizations, and individuals in over 82 countries with the aims of acheiving a just, toxic-free world without incineration.

• Their efforts focus on three initiatives: 1. Promoting zero waste. 2. Reducing problematic waste streams like plastic. 3. Putting an end to the ineffective and hazardous practice of burning waste.

9.30. BHIKAJI RUSTOM CAMA

• Bikaji Rustom Cama was a renowned Indian activist. She was born on 24th September 1861 in Bombay to a Zoroastrian family. She was famously known as Madam Cama.

• She is the co-founder of the Parsi Indian Society. She was also one of the initial females to talk about gender equality.

• Cama wrote and distributed revolutionary literature for the movement, including Bande Mataram (founded in response to the Crown ban on the poem Vande Mataram) and later Madan's Talwar (in response to the execution of Madan Lal Dhingra).

• She unfurled the first version of the Indian national flag—a tricolour of green, saffron, and red stripes—at the International Socialist Congress held at Stuttgart, Germany, in 1907.


• The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department issued a commemorativestamp in her honour on January 26, 1962.

9.31. KALVARAYAN HILLS

• The district administration is working on a master plan for developing theKalvarayan Hills in the Eastern Ghats, known for its picturesque waterfallsand pristine vegetation, into a major eco-tourism destination in the State.

About • The Kalvarayan Hills are a major range of hills situated in the Eastern

Ghats of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. • Along with the Pachaimalai, Alavaimalai, Javadi, and Shevaroy hills, they

separate the Kaveri River basin to the south from the Palar River basin to the north.

Topic: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya • Upadhyaya was born (25 September 1916) in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura

district. • He was the co-founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) and a Rashtriya

Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) thinker. • Antyodaya Diwas is celebrated every year on 25 September to mark the

birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, one of the most prominent personalities in the history of Indian politics.

• As the Antyodaya mission aims to ‘reaching out to the last person,’ thisday is dedicated to help and support rural youths and provide them with employment opportunities.

• On this day in 2014, the Ministry of Rural Development relaunched itsexisting skill development programme- Aajeevika Skills- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). However, they renamed the programme Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- NRLM in November 2015.

9.32. CHAM DANCE, LAMAS AND YOGACHARA

Cham Dance: • The word ‘chams’ is of Tibetan origin, and simply means “a dance.”• It is a lively masked and costumed dance associated with some sects of

Tibetan Buddhism and Buddhist festivals.• It is a sacred festival performed by the Buddhist monks in different

monasteries of Bhutan, Tibet, Sikkim and different parts of India(especially Himalayan region).

• The monks who perform this dance has to meditate for days or even weeksbeforehand, visualising and invoking protective deities.


• On the day of performances, the monks visualise themselves as deities, they perform ancient movement by chanting sacred mantras, it is believed that they draw in the evil in the crowd and the surrounding world. The evil is trapped in an effigy or a human body made of dough. Then the dance master cuts open the effigy and draw the evil into his body to show it peace and the path to liberation.

• The costumes and masks are an integral part of the dance.The masks are used to cover the ordinary, day-to-day nature of men and present qualities of divinity in them.So there are masks with peaceful and evil expressions. Finally, both symbolise the emptiness of the ultimate nature of all appearances.

• This dance form of Tibet is also known as God dance.

Lama: • Lama is a title for a teacher of the Dharma in Tibetan Buddhism. The

name is similar to the Sanskrit term guru, meaning "heavy one", endowed with qualities the student will eventually embody.

• The Tibetan word "Lama" means "highest principle", and less literally "highest mother" or "highest parent" to show close relationship between teacher and student.

• In the Vajrayana path of Tibetan Buddhism, the lama is often the tantric spiritual guide, the guru to the aspiring Buddhist yogi or yogini.

Yogachara:

• Yogachara is an influential tradition of Buddhist philosophy and psychology emphasizing the study of cognition, perception, and consciousness through the interior lens of meditative and yogic practices.

• The Yogachara (or Vijnanavada) School of Buddhism was founded in Kashmir in the 4th century by Asanga and Vasubandhu. This developed into the sophisticated Vajrayana form of Buddhism, which incorporated the Cham dance. From Ladakh till Mongolia, the Cham is the deepest form of meditation of the Lamas.

• Both Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism include doctrines that were to be influenced by Yogachara teaching.

• The special characteristics of Yogachara are its emphasis on meditation and a broadly psychological analysis, which contrasts with the other great Mahayana system, Madhyamika, where the emphasis is on logical analysis and dialectic.

• Its central doctrine, however, is that only consciousness (vijnanamatra; hence the name Vijnanavada) is real and that external things do not exist.

• Thought or mind is the ultimate reality, and nothing exists outside the mind, according to this school.


9.33. ASSAM’S RICE WINE JUDIMA

Judima, a home-made rice wine of Assam’s Dimasa tribe has become the first traditional brew in all of northeast to bag a geographical indication (GI) tag.

• Judima is traditionally made by women.• Judima is intrinsic to the social and cultural life of the Dimasas. The GI tag

for the drink came 14 years after the ginger of the adjoining Karbi Anglongdistrict received its geographical indication.

• It is made from sticky rice, which is steamed and mixed with traditionalherbs, the wine has a distinct sweet taste and takes around one week toprepare. However, it can be stored for years. It is a speciality of theDimasa tribe of the state’s Dima Hasao district.

Dimasa people: • The Dimasa people are an indigenous ethnolinguistic community presently

inhabiting Assam and Nagaland states in Northeastern India.• They speak Dimasa, a Tibeto-Burman language.• This community is fairly homogeneous and exclusive, with members

required to draw from both parents' separate clans.• Dimasa kingdom, one of many early states in Assam following the downfall

of Kamarupa kingdom, was established by these people.

9.34. DESHBHAKTI CURRICULUM

• Delhi government started its deshbhakti curriculum from 28th Septemberwith an aim to instil patriotism among students and inspire them tofeel proud for their nation.

• The curriculum is being rolled out in every class – from nursery to class 12– across all public schools in the national capital on September 28 to markthe occasion of the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.

• The deshbhakti curriculum mandates one period every day for patriotismstudies for students in the nursery to class 8, and two classes per week –not on consequent days – for senior students of classes 9 to 12.

About Bhagat Singh • Bhagat Singh was born in Banga village of Faisalabad district (previously

called Lyallpur), now in Pakistan's Punjab province, in 1907.• He was a charismatic Indian revolutionary who participated in many

Revolutionary activities.Revolutionary activities:

• In December 1928, Bhagat Singh and an associate, Shivaram Rajguru,both belonging to a small revolutionary group, the Hindustan SocialistRepublican Association (also Army, or HSRA), shot dead a 21-year-oldBritish police officer, John Saunders, in Lahore, Punjab, in what is todayPakistan.


• Another associate of Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, shot dead an Indian police head constable, Channan Singh, who attempted to give chase as Singh and Rajguru fled.

• In April 1929, he and another associate, Batukeshwar Dutt, set off two low-intensity homemade bombs among some unoccupied benches of the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi.

• In jail he joined fellow defendant Jatin Das in a hunger strike, demanding better prison conditions for Indian prisoners, the strike ending in Das's death from starvation in September 1929.

9886273325 | 9916527480

www.iaswinnishers.com

Headquarters: BENGALURU

#1218, 1st Floor, OJ Plex,80 Ft. Road, Chandra Layout, Bengaluru - 560040

Residential Coaching: BALLARI

Prakruthi Maatha #59, 4th Cross, Tilak Nagar,Cantonment, Ballari - 583104

CURRENT AFFAIRS - IAS WINNISHERS

Documents