INDIAN POLITY, GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. BHASHA SANGAM INITIATIVE

THE CONTEXT: Education Minister launched of BhashaSangam Initiative for schools, BhashaSangam Mobile App and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Quiz App, to commemorate RashtriyaEktaDiwas.

THE EXPLANATION:

• BhashaSangam is an initiative of the Ministry of Education under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, to teach basic sentences of everyday usage in 22 Indian languages.
• The idea is that people should acquire basic conversational skills in an Indian language other than their mother tongue.
• Aim is at least 75 lakh people should acquire this skill during the AzadiKaAmritMahotsav period.

BHASHA SANGAM INITIATIVE FOR SCHOOLS

• Developed by NCERT
• 100 sentences in 22 scheduled languages are presented in such a way that children in school will be able to read in the Indian language, in Devanagari script, in roman script and translations into Hindi and English.
• 100 sentences are presented in audio and video form with Indian Sign Language.
• Through this programme of BhashaSangam learners in school will be able to get acquainted with all the languages-their scripts, pronunciation.
• Available on DIKSHA, ePathshala and 22 booklets.

BHASHA SANGAM MOBILE APP

• This is an initiative of DoHE, in collaboration with MyGov.
• The App has been developed by a startupMultibhashi, selected by myGov through a competition.
• The App initially has 100 sentences of everyday usage in 22 Indian languages. These sentences are available in both Roman script and in the script of the given language, and also in audio format. More sentences will be added to the list.
• A learner will pass through stages on the basis of testing. There is also detailed testing in the end with the generation of the digital certificates.
• Available in both Android and iOS.

SOURCE: PIB

2. THE MEGHALAYA HEALTH SYSTEMS STRENGTHENING PROJECT

THE CONTEXT: Government of India, the Government of Meghalaya and the World Bank signed a $40 million health project for the state of Meghalaya.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project will enhance the management and governance capabilities of the state and its health facilities; expand the design and coverage of the state’s health insurance program; improve the quality of health services through certification and better human resource systems; and enable efficient access to medicines and diagnostics.
• All 11 districts of the state will benefit from the project.
• It will also benefit health sector staff at the primary and secondary levels by strengthening their planning and management capabilities and building their clinical skills.
• The project will enable women to better utilize healthcare services at the community level.
• The project will help strengthen the effectiveness of Meghalaya’s health insurance program known as the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) – which currently covers 56% of the households.
• With its merger into the national Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojna (PMJAY), MHIS now plans to offer a more comprehensive package and cover 100% of the households.
• As a key strategy, the project will move towards a performance-based financing system where Internal Performance Agreements (IPAs) between the DoHFW and its subsidiaries would foster more accountability at all levels.
• The project will invest in infection prevention and control for a more resilient response to future outbreaks, pandemics, and health emergencies.
• The project will invest in improving the overall ecosystem for bio-medical waste management (both solid and liquid waste). It will include segregation, disinfection, and collection while safeguarding the environment and improving the quality of health service and patient safety.

SOURCE: PIB

ENVIRONMENT, GEOGRAPHY AND AGRICULTURE

3. GUIDE FOR SAFE RESCUE AND RELEASE OF GANGES RIVER DOLPHINS

THE CONTEXT: The Jal Shakti Ministry released a guide for the safe rescue and release of stranded Ganges river dolphins.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The document has been prepared by the Turtle Survival Alliance and the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department (EFCCD) of the Uttar Pradesh Government.
• The manual is endorsed by the IUCN Cetacean Specialist Group.
• On 15 August 2020, MoEFCC announced ‘Project Dolphin’ for conservation of both river and oceanic dolphins.

ABOUT GANGETIC DOLPHINS

• Scientific name: Platanistagangeticagangetica
• Local name: Susu
• The Gangetic Dolphins are generally blind and catch their prey in a unique manner. They emit an ultrasonic sound which reaches the prey.
• Threats: Direct killing, habitat fragmentation by dams and barrages and indiscriminate fishing, pollution.
• National Aquatic Animal of India.
• Conservation status:

1. Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
2. IUCN status: endangered
3. Schedule-I under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972

• River dolphins of the world: Susu- Ganga river ,Bhulan- Indus river ,Boto- Amazon river and Baiji- Yangtze river.

SOURCE:TH

4. PM: INDIA WILL ACHIEVE NET ZERO EMISSIONS BY 2070

THE CONTEXT: India will achieve net zero emissions latest by 2070, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the COP26 summit in Glasgow.

THE EXPLANATION:

• By 2030, India will ensure 50% of its energy will be sourced from renewable sources.
• India also committed to reduce its carbon emissions until 2030 by a billion tonnes.
• India will also reduce its emissions intensity per unit of GDP by less than 45%.
• India would also install systems to generate 500 gigawatt of renewable energy by 2030, a 50 GW increase from its existing target.
• PM added that in the spirit of climate justice, rich developed countries ought to be providing at least $1 trillion in climate finance to assist developing countries and those most vulnerable.
• PM said sustainable modes of living being practised in certain traditional communities ought to be made part of school curricula and the lessons from India’s efforts at adaptation in programmes such as Jal Jeevan mission, Swacch Bharat mission and Ujwala scheme ought to be popularized globally.

SOURCE:TH

5. STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF BASIC COUNTRIES AT COP26

THE CONTEXT: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, delivered the statement on behalf of the BASIC group of countries, comprising Brazil, South Africa, India and China at the UN Climate Change Conference underway at Glasgow.

THE EXPLANATION:

• He highlighted that even though COP 26 has been delayed by a year, Parties have already commenced implementation of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and therefore, it is crucial that Paris Agreement Rulebook is concluded at COP 26.
• In doing so, full effect must be given to implementation of the principles of Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) and, recognition of the very different national circumstances of Parties.
• COP 26 must aim for higher global ambition on climate finance and adaptation as well, along with recognition of Parties’ differing historical responsibilities and the developmental challenges faced by developing countries, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The bottom-up nature of the Paris Agreement and the freedom of Parties to determine their NDCs and progressively update them based on the outcomes of the Global Stocktake cycle and as per national circumstances and call of science.
• With regard to the long-term temperature goal, he affirmed that the latest available science makes it clear that all Parties need to immediately contribute their fair share, and achieving this would require developed countries to rapidly reduce their emissions and dramatically scale-up their financial support to developing countries.
• Developed countries have not only failed to meet the $100 billion goal per year of support to developing countries each and every year since 2009, they continue to present the 2009 goal as the ceiling of their ambition all the way to 2025. In a context where developing countries, including BASIC countries, have massively stepped up their climate actions since 2009, it is unacceptable that there is still no matching ambition from developed countries on the enabling means of implementation on climate finance support.
• COP 26 needs to be remembered as the COP where a step-change in financial support for developing countries from developed countries was initiated.Finance, technology development and transfer and capacity-building are critical enablers of climate actions in developing countries.
• On behalf of the BASIC group, he reaffirmed full commitment to fighting climate change and work constructively and progressively with the Presidency and all other Parties in ensuring that a successful outcome is reached at COP 26.

SOURCE: TH

INDIAN ECONOMY

6. EGOS TO MONITOR THE PM GATI SHAKTI NMP

THE CONTEXT: Government of India has constituted a 20 member Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS), which will be a monitoring mechanism for the development and implementation of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP).

 THE EXPLANATION:

• The Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) shall have the following terms of reference:

1. Review and monitor implementation of the Plan to ascertain the logistics efficiency accruing thereof;
2. Adopt framework and norms for undertaking any amendments in the Plan;
3. Coordinate for any changes in the projects already included in the Plan, within the prescribed framework and norms;
4. To set out a procedure and a definitive timeframe for synchronization of various activities for construction of roads, rail, etc. along with all utility services in an area-based approach for the development of infrastructure on a pilot basis;
5. Align various initiatives on the development of a common integrated portal that serves the needs of all stakeholders;
6. Issue appropriate directions for achieving the objectives and for compliance to guiding principles of the PM GatiShakti NMP and in addressing demand-side requirements of concerned Ministries.
7. The EGoS will also look at the interventions required to meet the demand side, inefficiently transporting bulk goods based on the requirements of various Ministries like Steel, Coal, Fertilizer, etc.

• The Logistics Division will act as Secretariat to the Empowered Group of Secretaries for its Terms of Reference (ToRs).

SOURCE: PIB

7. SECOND HIGHEST EVER GST COLLECTION

THE CONTEXT: GST collection for October 2021 registered the second highest since implementation of GST.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The gross GST revenue collected in the month of October 2021 is ₹ 1,30,127 croreof which CGST is ₹ 23,861 crore, SGST is ₹ 30,421 crore, IGST is ₹ 67,361 crore (including ₹ 32,998 crore collected on import of goods) and Cess is ₹ 8,484 crore (including ₹ 699 crore collected on import of goods).
• The government has settled ₹27,310 crore to CGST and ₹ 22,394 crore to SGST from IGST as regular settlement. The total revenue of Centre and the States after regular settlements in the month of October 2021 is ₹ 51171 crore for CGST and ₹ 52,815 crore for the SGST.
• The GST revenues for October have been the second highest ever since introduction of GST, second only to that in April 2021,which related to year-end revenues. This is very much in line with the trend in economic recovery.
• This is also evident from the trend in the e-way bills generated every month since the second wave. The revenues would have still been higher if the sales of cars and other products had not been affected on account of disruption in supply of semi-conductors.
• The revenues have also been aided due to the efforts of the State and Central tax administration resulting in increased compliance over previous months. In addition to action against individual tax evaders, this has been a result of the multipronged approach followed by the GST Council. On one hand, various measures have been taken to ease compliance like nil filing through SMS, enabling Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) system and auto-
  population of return.

SOURCE: PIB

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

8. BRIDGMANITE

THE CONTEXT: The key findings of a study led by IIT Kharagpur researchers could help us understand the formation and evolution of the Earth.

THE EXPLANATION:

• They have studied a meteorite that fell near the town of Katol in Nagpur District of Maharashtra on May 22, 2012, reporting for the first time, presence of veins of the mineral bridgmanite, which is the most abundant mineral in the interior of the Earth, within the Katol L6 Chondrite meteorite. This finding adds evidence to the Moon-forming giant impact.
• Bridgmanite is the most volumetrically abundant mineral of the Earth’s interior. It is present in the lower mantle (from 660 to 2700 km), and it is important to understand its formation mechanism to better comprehend the origin and evolution of planetary interiors.
• The Moon-forming giant impact hypothesis is that long ago, nearly 4.5 billion years ago, the Earth collided with a planet the size of Mars named Thela, and the force of this impact was so huge as to melt the Earth down from the surface to a depth of 750 km to 1,100 km.
• The hypothesis goes that this caused the Earth to be bathed in a magma ocean, and the ejecta from the collision led to the formation of the Moon.
• This is the most favoured hypothesis on the formation of the Moon and the present finding by the Kharagpur team lends further support to it.

SOURCE: TH

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

9. PRIME MINISTER’S MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER OF UK

THE CONTEXT: PM met PM of the United Kingdom, the Boris Johnson MP on the sidelines of the COP26 World Leaders Summit in Glasgow.

THE EXPLANATION:

• PM congratulated PM Johnson for successfully organising the COP26 and for his personal leadership in championing global action for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• He reiterated India’s commitment to closely work with the UK on climate finance, technology, innovation and adaptation green hydrogen, renewables and clean technologies including joint initiatives under ISA and CDRI.
• The two Prime Ministers reviewed the implementation of the Roadmap 2030 priorities particularly in the trade and economy, people-to-people, health, defence and security areas.
• They expressed satisfaction at the progress in delivering the Enhanced Trade Partnership including steps taken towards the launch of FTA negotiations.
• Both leaders also discussed regional and global challenges including Afghanistan, Counter-Terrorism, Indo-Pacific, supply chain resilience and post-Covid global economic recovery.
• PM reiterated his desire to welcome PM Johnson in India soon.
• They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest including Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific.

SOURCE:  PIB

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Which of the following are among India’s commitments made at COP26?

1. Achieve net-zero emissions latest by 2060.
2. 50% of energy will be sourced from renewable sources.
3. Install systems to generate 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030.
4. Reduce emissions intensity per unit of GDP by less than 45%.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

       a) 1 and 2 only                             b) 2 and 3 only

c) 2, 3 and 4 only                        d) All of them

ANSWER FOR NOVEMBER 01, 2021 PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. Answer: c)

Explanation:    

• Statement 1 is correct: It is classified as endangered species by IUCN.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: It is found in India only in the Beas river.
• Statement 3 is correct: is declared as the state aquatic animal of Punjab in 2019.

1. How to decarbonize: Central planning in decarbonisation will impose excessive costs upon society READ MORE
2. With or without a net-zero deadline, India will have to make these policy changes to cut emissions READ MORE

1. Welcome the light that can transform you READ MORE
2. Paradox of autonomy READ MORE
3. Epidemics End. Eventually. Sort Of. READ MORE

1. Getting nutrition back on the school high table: COVID-19 or otherwise, educational institutions need to ensure that schoolchildren are nurtured and nourished READ MORE
2. Farmer suicides: Numbers tell story of financial and mental distress READ MORE

1. The Court’s order on Pegasus still falls short: Far too many cases have been diluted with the appointment of external panels, in turn compromising civil liberties READ MORE  
2. Why India needs a Ministry of Energy READ MORE
3. Is Arbitration Still Really an Alternative to Traditional litigation? READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelims and Mains:

1. PM launches Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0 READ MORE
2. Punjab bats for conservation of Indus River dolphin READ MORE
3. Scientists find a mineral seen in the depths of the Earth in a meteorite READ MORE
4. NITI Aayog, in a joint effort with IFPRI, IIPS, UNICEF and IEG launch ‘The State Nutrition Profiles” for 19 States and Union Territories READ MORE
5. Four Gulf states including UAE pull diplomats from Beirut READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. Indians have shrunk Sardar Patel to just 1947 integration. There was so much more to him READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. The Court’s order on Pegasus still falls short: Far too many cases have been diluted with the appointment of external panels, in turn compromising civil liberties READ MORE  
2. Why India needs a Ministry of Energy READ MORE
3. Is Arbitration Still Really an Alternative to Traditional litigation? READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Getting nutrition back on the school high table: COVID-19 or otherwise, educational institutions need to ensure that schoolchildren are nurtured and nourished READ MORE
2. Farmer suicides: Numbers tell story of financial and mental distress READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. G20 ends without time-bound promise on climate change READ MORE
2. India in a double bind: Episodic foreign policy comes with more problems than solutions READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Two paths of recovery READ MORE
2. How China Beat India in the FDI Game and How We Can Pull Ahead READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY  

1. How to decarbonize: Central planning in decarbonisation will impose excessive costs upon society READ MORE
2. With or without a net-zero deadline, India will have to make these policy changes to cut emissions READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Explained: How IRIS and CDRI work to strengthen critical infrastructure against climate change READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Welcome the light that can transform you READ MORE
2. Paradox of autonomy READ MORE
3. Epidemics End. Eventually. Sort Of. READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN Exam

1. ‘Episodic foreign policy comes with more problems than solutions’. In the light of the statement, discuss what should be India’s approach for its foreign policy?
2. State policy must work towards improving the courts system rather than pushing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) at the cost of courts. How far do you agree with this view? Analyse your view.
3. Discuss how ‘the successful satyagraha in Bardoli in 1928 against the revised rates of land revenue catapulted Patel into national prominence’?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• When you live on a round planet, there’s no choosing sides.
• In order for arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms to become true ‘alternatives’ to the court system, State policy must work towards improving the courts system rather than pushing ADR at the cost of courts.
• COVID-19 or otherwise, educational institutions need to ensure that schoolchildren are nurtured and nourished.
• It would not alter the existing roles and responsibilities of the various ministries that oversee petroleum, coal, renewables and power, but would identify and handle all of the issues that currently fall between the cracks created by the existing structure.
• While the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) aims to climate-proof infra projects in member countries, the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) is its first major work that focuses on islands.
• Persistence of high demand for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme shows the crisis in the informal economy.
• Suicide is the ultimate sign of distress. Falling incomes and rising indebtedness are cited as trigger points, but such deaths can have complex causes.
• Despite the lack of clarity on distinguishing farmer suicide from death by suicide over reasons that may not be directly related to the occupation, the numbers only reveal the extent of agrarian distress and its tragic manifestation.
• The successful satyagraha in Bardoli in 1928 against the revised rates of land revenue catapulted Patel into national prominence.

50- WORD TALK

• Suicide is the ultimate sign of distress. Falling incomes and rising indebtedness are cited as trigger points, but such deaths can have complex causes. Preventing such extreme steps calls for an attitudinal change not only of the government, but also of those who care for farmers. That seeking mental healthcare is a sign of strength, and not weakness, needs to be driven home.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and also exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

INDIAN POLITY, GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. DAIRY SAHAKAR SCHEME

THE CONTEXT:  Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation launched the “Dairy Sahakar” scheme at Anand, Gujarat, during the function organised by Amul for the celebration of the 75th Foundation Year of Amul.

ABOUT DAIRY SAHAKAR

• The Dairy Sahakar with a total investment of Rs 5000 crore will be implemented by NCDC under the Ministry of Cooperation, the Government of India to realize the vision, “from cooperation to prosperity”.
• Under Dairy Sahakar, financial support will be extended by NCDC to eligible cooperatives for activities such as bovine development, milk procurement, processing, quality assurance, value addition, branding, packaging, marketing, transportation and storage of milk and milk products, exports of dairy products within the overall objectives of “Doubling the farmer’s income” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• There will also be a convergence with various schemes of Government of India and/or of State Government/UT Administration/ Development agencies/ bilateral/multilateral assistance/ CSR mechanism is encouraged

SOURCE:  PIB

ENVIRONMENT, GEOGRAPHY AND AGRICULTURE

2. G20 ENDS WITHOUT TIME-BOUND PROMISE ON CLIMATE CHANGE

THE CONTEXT: No time-bound agreements were reached as leaders of the world’s top economies ended the summit in Rome, recommitting to providing $100 billion a year to counter climate change, and pushing for greater vaccine equality to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE EXPLANATION:

• G-20 countries also committed to ending international financing for all new coal plants by the end of 2021 but made no mention of domestic commitments on ending coal power generation.
• Amongst the other highlights of the statement was a decision to pursue the recognition of more vaccines by the World Health Organization under a “One Health approach” for the world and providing finances and technology for vaccine production at “mRNA Hubs” in South Africa, Brazil and Argentina, and to mobilize more international public-private financing for “green” projects.
• India pushed for “safeguarding the interests of the developing world” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the G20 summit at sessions on climate change and sustainable development.

 SOURCE: TH

3. INDIAN DATABASE HIGHLIGHTS EMISSIONS GAP

THE CONTEXT: A day ahead of the commencement of COP 26, India has officially endorsed a website ‘Climate Equity Monitor’, made by Indian climate experts, that lists the historical carbon dioxide emissions of developed countries.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The database aims to highlight the disparity between the emissions of developed and developing countries with countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia and those in Western Europe shown as having a net carbon debt while developing countries such as India and China have net credit.
• Its focus on equity & climate action from a data and evidence-based perspective will encourage vigorous discussion on the crucial issue and engage experts from all nations.
• It is aimed at monitoring the performance of Annex-I Parties under the UNFCCC (developed countries) based on the “foundational principles” of the Climate Convention.
• The performance and policies of the Non-Annex-I Parties (developing countries) will be provided for comparison.
• The website was conceptualised and developed by the Climate Change Group at the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Department at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, with other independent researchers.

SOURCE: TH

4. PUNJAB BATS FOR CONSERVATION OF INDUS RIVER DOLPHIN

THE CONTEXT: The census of the Indus river dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor), a freshwater dolphin found in the Beas River, is slated to begin this winter as part of a Centre project. Punjab’s wildlife preservation wing, on the other hand, has gone above and above to conserve not only the dolphins but also their natural habitat.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The Indus river dolphin is classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and, until recently, it was believed that these dolphins were endemic to Pakistan.
• But in 2007, a remnant but viable population of Indus dolphins were discovered in Punjab’s Harike wildlife sanctuary and in the lower Beas River.
• The Indus river dolphin was declared the State aquatic animal of Punjab in 2019.
• Alongside research, the importance will be on engaging the riparian communities by encouraging community-led biological monitoring.
• Villages around the hot spot sites of dolphin occurrence will be developed as models for community-led conservation.
• Extension programmes will be held to develop a group of dedicated individuals, called ‘Beas-Dolphin Mitras’ [friends and protectors] of the river Beas.
• The project also will embark on dolphin eco-tourism.

SOURCE: TH

INTERNAL  SECURITY

5. NAVY TAKES DELIVERY OF GUIDED-MISSILE DESTROYER VISAKHAPATNAM

THE CONTEXT: The first ship of the four Project-15B state-of-the-art stealth guided-missile destroyers, Visakhapatnam, being built at the Mazgaon Docks Limited (MDL), was delivered to the Navy. Delayed by three years, the ships will be commissioned very soon.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The 163-metre-long warship has a full load displacement of 7,400 tonnes and a maximum speed of 30 knots. The overall indigenous content of the project is approximately 75%,” the Navy said
• The design of the ships has been developed in-house by the Directorate of Naval Design and are a follow on of the Kolkata class (Project 15A) destroyers.
• The four ships are named after major cities from all four corners of the country — Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal and Surat, the Navy said.
• These ships are equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and long-range Surface-to-Air missiles (SAM).
• These ships are propelled by four gas turbines in Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration and have maximum endurance of 4000 nm at an economical speed of 14 knots.

SOURCE: TH

INDIAN ECONOMY

6. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ENERGY CONSERVATION ACT 2001

THE CONTEXT: Amidst the growing energy needs and changing global climate landscape, the Government of India has identified new areas to achieve higher levels of penetration of Renewable energy by proposing certain Amendments to Energy Conservation Act, 2001.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The objective will be to enhance demand for renewable energy at the end-use sectors such as Industry, buildings, transport etc.
• Ministry of Power has prepared amendments, after consultations with stakeholders. The proposal includes defining the minimum share of renewable energy in the overall consumption by the industrial units or any establishment.
• There will be provision to incentivise efforts on using clean energy sources by means of a carbon saving certificate.
• The proposed amendments would facilitate the development of the Carbon market in India and prescribe minimum consumption of renewable energy either as direct consumption or indirect use through the grid. This will help in the reduction of fossil fuel-based energy consumption and carbon emission to the atmosphere.
• The proposed changes to the EC Act will boost the adoption of clean technologies in various sectors of the economy. The provisions would facilitate the promotion of green Hydrogen as an alternative to the existing fossil fuels used by the industries.
• The additional incentives in the form of Carbon credits against the deployment of clean technologies will result in private sector involvement in climate actions. The proposal also includes expanding the scope of the Act to include larger Residential buildings, with an aim to promote Sustainable Habitat.

SOURCE: PIB

7. GOI IS COMMITTED TO RELEASE FUNDS FOR THE MGNREGA SCHEME

THE CONTEXT: The government of India is committed to release funds for wage and material payments for proper implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA scheme.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Fund release towards wage and material is a continuous process. There has been increasing of more than 18% of funds allocated for the current financial year in comparison to the previous financial year as a budget estimate. During the current FY, so far more than Rs.63,793 crore funds have been released for the implementation of the scheme in the States/UTs. Currently Rs.8921 crore funds are available which can meet the wage liability equal to this current availability.
• Govt of India is committed to release funds for wage and material payments for proper implementation of the scheme, as per the provisions of the act and guidelines applicable for Central Government as well as State Governments.
• Whenever additional fund is required, the Ministry of Finance is requested to provide the funds. In the previous financial year, the Ministry of Finance allocated Rs.50,000 crore additional funds for the scheme over and above that of BE.
• The provision for unemployment allowances is applicable for the beneficiary who has demanded work and could not be offered the work within 15 days from the date of demand for work.
• All other demands for work where the beneficiary has already completed 100 days in the current financial year or the beneficiary who has demanded the work but died before 15 days of the date of the demand of work shall not be eligible for unemployment allowances.
• The category wise (SC, ST and Others) wage payment system, as made applicable from this current financial year, has been introduced to accurately reflect on the ground flow of funds to various population groups. Its further streamlining is being undertaken.
• According to its own financial statement, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme shows a negative net balance of 8,686 crores.

ABOUT MGNREGA

• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (Mahatma Gandhi NREGA) provides the guarantee of at least 100 days of wage employment against the demand made by a household in a rural area.
• During the current financial year so far more than 222 crore person-days has been generated. A total of more than 6 crore households have got wage employment during the current financial year against their demand.
• Employment has been offered to 99.63% of the total demand of wage employment and against the offer of employment, a total of 87.35% of beneficiaries has turned up for work as per their will.

SOURCE: PIB

8. LAKHPATISHG WOMEN

THE CONTEXT: Ministry of Rural Development launched an initiative to enable rural SHG women to earn at least Rs.1 lakh per annum.

THE EXPLANATION:

• For the realization of this ambitious goal, the Ministry has envisioned livelihood support to 25 million rural SHG women in the next 2 years. Based on various models existing across the country.
• Over the years this money borrowed by SHGs through bank capitalization support is now being used for creating diversified livelihood opportunities. While all these efforts are yielding positive transformation, it is realized that for ensuring sustainable livelihoods and dignified life of women SHG members, there is a need to make a concerted effort for ensuring at least INR 1,00,000 income per annum for the household i.e. enabling them to become a Lakhpati. The figure of Rs 1 lakh is both aspirational and inspirational for rural SHG women.
• DeenDayalAntyodaya Yojana is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Rural Development organizing the rural poor into self-governed institutions with a focus on building capacity and creating diversified livelihood opportunities for Rural Poor Women.
• The mission has made successful strides through the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana bringing focus on the role of women as farmers. Moving from the phase of community mobilization and building institutions of women, now the focus is on envisaging SHG women in higher-order economic activities through producer groups, FPOs and producer companies.

 SOURCE: PIB

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

9. EX YUDH ABHYAS

THE CONTEXT: The 17th Edition of Indo-US joint exercise “Ex Yudh Abhyas 2021”, the joint military training between Indian and the US Armies concluded at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska on 29 October 2021.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The aim of this 14-day exercise was to familiarise each other with operational procedures, combat drills and developing inter-operability.
• The Indian contingent comprised 350 personnel of an Infantry Battalion group of the MADRAS Regiment while the US contingent consisted of 300 soldiers of the First Squadron (Airborne) of the 40th Cavalry Regiment.
• The exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase comprised combat conditioning and tactical training by both the contingents. Training received by both contingents in the first phase was put into practice in the validation stage.
• Both contingents jointly took part in the validation exercise which comprised combat shooting, rappelling and helicopter-based mobilization of quick response teams.
• The troops were organized into composite companies with mixed platoons of Indian and US Armies and the validation exercise culminated in a raid on an enemy position in mountainous terrain and securing of critical infrastructure.
• The two Armies have gained from each other’s expertise and experience in the conduct of platoon and company level operations. The exercise has strengthened mutual confidence, inter-operability and enabled sharing of best practices between the two contingents.

SOURCE: PIB

10. PRIME MINISTER’S MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER OF SPAIN

THE CONTEXT: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met H.E. Mr. Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rome on 31 October 2021.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The two leaders welcomed the growing bilateral trade and investment linkages including the recent signing of the contract to procure 56 C295 aircrafts from Airbus Spain, 40 of which will be ‘Made in India’ in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems.
• They agreed to further expand bilateral cooperation in new areas like e-mobility, clean tech, advanced materials and deep sea exploration.
• PM Modi invited Spain to invest in various sectors including Green Hydrogen, infrastructure and defence manufacturing and further take advantage of India’s National Infrastructure Pipeline, Asset Monetization Plan and the Gati Shakti Plan.
• The two leaders discussed India-EU relations as well as cooperation on climate action and priorities at upcoming COP26.
• They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest including Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific.
• PM Modi looks forward to welcoming PM Sanchez to India next year.

SOURCE:  PIB

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1 Consider the following statements about the Indus dolphins:

1. It is classified as endangered species by IUCN.
2. It is found in India only in the Sutlej River.
3. It is declared as the state aquatic animal of Punjab.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER FOR OCTOBER 30, 2021 PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Answer: C

Explanation:

A conjugate vaccine is a type of vaccine which combines a weak antigen with a strong antigen as a carrier so that the immune system has a stronger response to the weak antigen.

[WpProQuiz 81]