Kalvari subMarine
It is a class of submarines based on Scorpene class submarines
It is a class of diesel-electric
attack submarine
They are being built under technology transfer agreement with France
They are being built under P75 (Project 75)
The project was necessitated by the dwindling number of submarines in the Indian Navy.
They use guided weapons such as tube-launched anti-ship missiles and torpedoes on enemy submarines from the surface or underwater.
Besides warfare, they can perform varied functions will include intelligence gathering, mine laying and area surveillance etc.
2 Scorpene class submarines already inducted are:
INS Kalvari
INS Khanderi
It is a class of diesel-electric
attack submarine
They are being built under technology transfer agreement with France
They are being built under P75 (Project 75)
The project was necessitated by the dwindling number of submarines in the Indian Navy.
They use guided weapons such as tube-launched anti-ship missiles and torpedoes on enemy submarines from the surface or underwater.
Besides warfare, they can perform varied functions will include intelligence gathering, mine laying and area surveillance etc.
2 Scorpene class submarines already inducted are:
INS Kalvari
INS Khanderi
GSLV mark III
It is the next generation launch vehicle of ISRO
It will be capable of launching
four-tonne class satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
It has an indigenous cryogenic third stage , designated as C25 .
The C25 stage is considered as the most powerful upper stage developed by ISRO which uses
Liquid Oxygen ( LOX) and
Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) propellant combination.
ISRO as of now have the capability to launch satellites only up to 2.2 tonne.
It will end ISRO’s dependence on foreign agencies to launch heavy satellites.
It will be capable of launching
four-tonne class satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
It has an indigenous cryogenic third stage , designated as C25 .
The C25 stage is considered as the most powerful upper stage developed by ISRO which uses
Liquid Oxygen ( LOX) and
Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) propellant combination.
ISRO as of now have the capability to launch satellites only up to 2.2 tonne.
It will end ISRO’s dependence on foreign agencies to launch heavy satellites.
Global peace index 2017
Read more. https://www.affairscloud.com/india-ranked-137th-global-peace-index-2017/
India is ranked 137/163
Last year India was ranked 141.
The index is compiled every year by the Sydney-based think tank Institute for Economics and Peace.
Iceland in ranked 1
Read more. https://www.affairscloud.com/india-ranked-137th-global-peace-index-2017/
India is ranked 137/163
Last year India was ranked 141.
The index is compiled every year by the Sydney-based think tank Institute for Economics and Peace.
Iceland in ranked 1
Mega food park scheme
Ministry/Department : Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Objective: Aims to provide a mechanism to bring together farmers, processors and retailers and link agriculture production to the market so as to ensure maximization of value addition, minimization of wastages and improving farmers’ income
Scheme:
Government provides financial support to establish the mega food parks in the country.
The Scheme has a cluster based approach based on a hub and spokes model
It includes creation of infrastructure for primary processing and storage near the farm in the form of Primary Processing Centres (PPCs) and Collection Centres (CCs) and common facilities and enabling infrastructure like roads, electricity, water, ETP facilities etc. at Central Processing Centre (CPC)
Mega Food Park project is implemented by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which is a Body Corporate registered under the Companies Act. State Government/State Government entities/Cooperatives applying for setting up a project under the scheme are not required to form a separate SPV.
The financial assistance for Mega Food Park is provided in the form of grant-in-aid at 50% of eligible project cost in general areas and at 75% of eligible project cost in NE Region and difficult areas (Hilly States and ITDP areas) subject to maximum of Rs. 50 crore per project
Factual Information:
Started in 2008
Ministry/Department : Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Objective: Aims to provide a mechanism to bring together farmers, processors and retailers and link agriculture production to the market so as to ensure maximization of value addition, minimization of wastages and improving farmers’ income
Scheme:
Government provides financial support to establish the mega food parks in the country.
The Scheme has a cluster based approach based on a hub and spokes model
It includes creation of infrastructure for primary processing and storage near the farm in the form of Primary Processing Centres (PPCs) and Collection Centres (CCs) and common facilities and enabling infrastructure like roads, electricity, water, ETP facilities etc. at Central Processing Centre (CPC)
Mega Food Park project is implemented by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which is a Body Corporate registered under the Companies Act. State Government/State Government entities/Cooperatives applying for setting up a project under the scheme are not required to form a separate SPV.
The financial assistance for Mega Food Park is provided in the form of grant-in-aid at 50% of eligible project cost in general areas and at 75% of eligible project cost in NE Region and difficult areas (Hilly States and ITDP areas) subject to maximum of Rs. 50 crore per project
Factual Information:
Started in 2008
☞ Pressurized Water Reactors
They are one of three types of light water reactor (LWR), the other types being boiling water reactors (BWRs) and supercritical water reactors (SCWRs).
In a PWR, the primary coolant (water) is pumped under high pressure to the reactor core where it is heated by the energy released by the fission of atoms.
The heated water then flows to a steam generator where it transfers its thermal energy to a secondary system where steam is generated and flows to turbines which, in turn, spin an electric generator.
In contrast to a boiling water reactor, pressure in the primary coolant loop prevents the water from boiling within the reactor.
All LWRs use ordinary water as both coolant and neutron moderator .
In a PWR, the primary coolant (water) is pumped under high pressure to the reactor core where it is heated by the energy released by the fission of atoms.
The heated water then flows to a steam generator where it transfers its thermal energy to a secondary system where steam is generated and flows to turbines which, in turn, spin an electric generator.
In contrast to a boiling water reactor, pressure in the primary coolant loop prevents the water from boiling within the reactor.
All LWRs use ordinary water as both coolant and neutron moderator .
Gravitational waves
Gravitational Waves:
Gravitational waves are oscillations in the fabric of space-time, moving at the speed of light and caused by the acceleration of massive objects.
They can be generated, for example, by supernovas, neutron star binaries spiralling around each other, and pairs of merging black holes.
Hypothesised by Albert Einstein a century ago
These were first seen last year by the ground-based Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)
Why they are useful ?
These waves will be particularly useful for studying black holes (the existence of which was first implied by Einstein’s theory) and other dark objects, because they’ll give scientists a bright beacon to search for even when objects don’t emit actual light.
With this, mapping the abundance of black holes and frequency of their mergers could get a lot easier.
Since they pass through matter without interacting with it, gravitational waves would come to Earth carrying undistorted information about their origin.
They could also improve methods for estimating the distances to other galaxies.
Gravitational waves are oscillations in the fabric of space-time, moving at the speed of light and caused by the acceleration of massive objects.
They can be generated, for example, by supernovas, neutron star binaries spiralling around each other, and pairs of merging black holes.
Hypothesised by Albert Einstein a century ago
These were first seen last year by the ground-based Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)
Why they are useful ?
These waves will be particularly useful for studying black holes (the existence of which was first implied by Einstein’s theory) and other dark objects, because they’ll give scientists a bright beacon to search for even when objects don’t emit actual light.
With this, mapping the abundance of black holes and frequency of their mergers could get a lot easier.
Since they pass through matter without interacting with it, gravitational waves would come to Earth carrying undistorted information about their origin.
They could also improve methods for estimating the distances to other galaxies.
Parasar Bharti
Prasar Bharati is a statutory autonomous body
It is established under the
Prasar Bharati Act
Established in 1997
It is the Public Service Broadcaster of the country.
The objectives of public service broadcasting are achieved in terms of Prasar Bharati Act through All India Radio and Doordarshan.
It is established under the
Prasar Bharati Act
Established in 1997
It is the Public Service Broadcaster of the country.
The objectives of public service broadcasting are achieved in terms of Prasar Bharati Act through All India Radio and Doordarshan.
Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP)
What is QIP?
A QIP is a capital raising tool
In a QIP a listed company can issue equity shares, fully and partly convertible debentures, or any security (other than warrants) that is convertible to equity shares.
Apart from preferential allotment, this is the only other speedy method of private placement whereby a listed company can issue shares or convertible securities to a select group of investors.
But unlike in an IPO or an FPO (further public offer), only institutions or qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) can participate in a QIP issuance.
QIBs include mutual funds, domestic financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies, venture capital funds, foreign institutional investors, and others.
There are a few rules to follow:
The market regulator has stated that there should be at least two QIBs if the issue size is less than Rs.250 crore, and at least five investors if the size is more than Rs.250 crore.
A single investor cannot be allotted more than 50% of the issue.
Why QIP?
For the issuing company, QIPs are less cumbersome than IPOs and FPOs. It doesn’t have to file a pre-issue document with the capital markets regulator, and only a placement document with the stock exchanges, which only has details of the issue.
QIP is also a less expensive mode of raising capital than, say, an IPO, FPO or rights issue.
For the QIBs, unlike in an IPO where an anchor investor has to stay invested for a month, there are no such restrictions with QIPs.
Why in news?
SBI is going to raise money via QIP
What is QIP?
A QIP is a capital raising tool
In a QIP a listed company can issue equity shares, fully and partly convertible debentures, or any security (other than warrants) that is convertible to equity shares.
Apart from preferential allotment, this is the only other speedy method of private placement whereby a listed company can issue shares or convertible securities to a select group of investors.
But unlike in an IPO or an FPO (further public offer), only institutions or qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) can participate in a QIP issuance.
QIBs include mutual funds, domestic financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies, venture capital funds, foreign institutional investors, and others.
There are a few rules to follow:
The market regulator has stated that there should be at least two QIBs if the issue size is less than Rs.250 crore, and at least five investors if the size is more than Rs.250 crore.
A single investor cannot be allotted more than 50% of the issue.
Why QIP?
For the issuing company, QIPs are less cumbersome than IPOs and FPOs. It doesn’t have to file a pre-issue document with the capital markets regulator, and only a placement document with the stock exchanges, which only has details of the issue.
QIP is also a less expensive mode of raising capital than, say, an IPO, FPO or rights issue.
For the QIBs, unlike in an IPO where an anchor investor has to stay invested for a month, there are no such restrictions with QIPs.
Why in news?
SBI is going to raise money via QIP
INS khanderi
It is a scorpene class submarine
It is the second of the six submarines being built as part of Project 75 of Indian Navy.
INS Khanderi has been named Khanderi, after the Island fort of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji which played had vital role in ensuring their supremacy at sea in late 17th century. Khanderi is also name for Tiger Shark.
It is a scorpene class submarine
It is the second of the six submarines being built as part of Project 75 of Indian Navy.
INS Khanderi has been named Khanderi, after the Island fort of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji which played had vital role in ensuring their supremacy at sea in late 17th century. Khanderi is also name for Tiger Shark.
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
NTCA is a statutory body under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change.
It was provided statutory status by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006 which had amended Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
It addresses the administrative as well as ecological concerns for conserving tigers, by providing a statutory basis for protection of tiger reserves.
It also provides strengthened institutional mechanisms for the protection of ecologically sensitive areas and endangered species.
It ensures enforcing of guidelines for tiger conservation and monitoring compliance of the same.
It also places motivated and trained officers having good track record as Field Directors of tiger reserves.
It was provided statutory status by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006 which had amended Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
It addresses the administrative as well as ecological concerns for conserving tigers, by providing a statutory basis for protection of tiger reserves.
It also provides strengthened institutional mechanisms for the protection of ecologically sensitive areas and endangered species.
It ensures enforcing of guidelines for tiger conservation and monitoring compliance of the same.
It also places motivated and trained officers having good track record as Field Directors of tiger reserves.
Orange tiger reserve
It is located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River.
It is 49th Tiger Reserve of country, notified in 2016.
It has the smallest core of 78.28 sq. km.
It is also known as the mini Kaziranga National Park (IUCN site) since the two parks have a similar landscape made up of marshes, streams and grasslands.
The park has a rich flora and fauna, including great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, pigmy hog, elephants, wild buffalo and tigers. It is the only stronghold of rhinoceros on the north bank of the Brahmaputra river.
It is located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River.
It is 49th Tiger Reserve of country, notified in 2016.
It has the smallest core of 78.28 sq. km.
It is also known as the mini Kaziranga National Park (IUCN site) since the two parks have a similar landscape made up of marshes, streams and grasslands.
The park has a rich flora and fauna, including great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, pigmy hog, elephants, wild buffalo and tigers. It is the only stronghold of rhinoceros on the north bank of the Brahmaputra river.
Rutland island
It is in South Andaman
It will be developed as DRDO’s long range missile testing facility
DRDO has been seeking the approval for the test facility since 2012
Island is very rich in Marine life
The project was continuously stalled by the environment ministry as the project involves diversion of 49.978 acres forest land, of which 0.84 ha falls in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and 49.138 ha reserve forest within 10km of the Eco Sensitive Zone.
National Board of Wildlife as given its approval now due to strategic importance of the project.
It is in South Andaman
It will be developed as DRDO’s long range missile testing facility
DRDO has been seeking the approval for the test facility since 2012
Island is very rich in Marine life
The project was continuously stalled by the environment ministry as the project involves diversion of 49.978 acres forest land, of which 0.84 ha falls in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and 49.138 ha reserve forest within 10km of the Eco Sensitive Zone.
National Board of Wildlife as given its approval now due to strategic importance of the project.
Brown dwarft
Brown dwarfs are objects which have a size between that of a giant planet like Jupiter and that of a small star.
In fact, most astronomers would classify any object with between 15 times the mass of Jupiter and 75 times the mass of Jupiter to be a brown dwarf.
Given that range of masses, the object would not have been able to sustain the fusion of hydrogen like a regular star; thus, many scientists have dubbed brown dwarfs as “ failed stars ”.
Brown dwarfs are objects which have a size between that of a giant planet like Jupiter and that of a small star.
In fact, most astronomers would classify any object with between 15 times the mass of Jupiter and 75 times the mass of Jupiter to be a brown dwarf.
Given that range of masses, the object would not have been able to sustain the fusion of hydrogen like a regular star; thus, many scientists have dubbed brown dwarfs as “ failed stars ”.
Habibgang railway station
It will be India’s first railway station to be redeveloped in PPP mode.
It will be redeveloped by a private company who has won the bid
Company will develop four commercial land parcels to make Habibganj a commercial hub with shops, offices and hotels, all in a span of three years.
This project is a part of the Indian Railways’ ambitious plan to re-develop 400 A1 and A category railway stations
It will be redeveloped by a private company who has won the bid
Company will develop four commercial land parcels to make Habibganj a commercial hub with shops, offices and hotels, all in a span of three years.
This project is a part of the Indian Railways’ ambitious plan to re-develop 400 A1 and A category railway stations
AEROBOATS
Build jointly by India-Russian Joint Venture
It is capable of travelling on land, water, snow and sand.
It has been designed to access difficult terrain, such as flooded or marshy areas in which the regular boats cannot ply because of shallow water, patches of dry land or by marine vegetation.
In India, these aeroboats will be helpful for disaster management authorities. It would be helpful especially to save hundreds of lives during the monsoon season.
It is capable of travelling on land, water, snow and sand.
It has been designed to access difficult terrain, such as flooded or marshy areas in which the regular boats cannot ply because of shallow water, patches of dry land or by marine vegetation.
In India, these aeroboats will be helpful for disaster management authorities. It would be helpful especially to save hundreds of lives during the monsoon season.
BIMSTC
BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
It is an international organisation involving a group of countries in South Asia and South East Asia.
7 members :
Bangladesh
India
Myanmar
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Bhutan
Nepal
Established in 1997 in Bangkok
Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand were founding members
HQ : Dhaka, Bangladesh
The main objective of BIMSTEC is technological and economic cooperation among south Asian and south east Asian countries along the coast of the bay of Bengal . Commerce, investment, technology, tourism, human resource development, agriculture, fisheries, transport and communication, textiles, leather etc. have been included in it
BIMSTEC uses the alphabetical order for the Chairmanship
Bhutan has never been chairman (Skipped itself)
Current chairmanship : Nepal
BIMSTEC uses the alphabetical order for the Chairmanship
Bhutan has never been chairman (Skipped itself)
Current chairmanship : Nepal
Astana
Capital of Kazakhstan
Hosted SCO summit
From mains point of view visit http://aovious.blogspot.in/2017/06/astana-summit.html?m=1
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
It is a Eurasian political, economic, and military organisation
Founded in 2001 in Shanghai
6 members :
China ,
Kazakhstan ,
Kyrgyzstan,
Russia,
Tajikistan , and
Uzbekistan
SCO evolved from Shanghai Five (All above minus Uzbekistan)
On July 10, 2015, the SCO decided to admit India and
Pakistan as full members, and they are expected to join by 2017
Main activities: cooperation on security, military activities, and economic and cultural cooperation
Member countries are rich in energy resources (both fossil fuels and uranium)
HQ : Beijing , China
Latest Summit:
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 2016
This year it meet at
Astana (Kazakhstan)
Founded in 2001 in Shanghai
6 members :
China ,
Kazakhstan ,
Kyrgyzstan,
Russia,
Tajikistan , and
Uzbekistan
SCO evolved from Shanghai Five (All above minus Uzbekistan)
On July 10, 2015, the SCO decided to admit India and
Pakistan as full members, and they are expected to join by 2017
Main activities: cooperation on security, military activities, and economic and cultural cooperation
Member countries are rich in energy resources (both fossil fuels and uranium)
HQ : Beijing , China
Latest Summit:
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 2016
This year it meet at
Astana (Kazakhstan)
KELT-9b
It is the hottest known exoplanet.
It is warmer than most starts in universe.
The planet’s day-side temperature is 4,326 degree Celsius and is only 926 degree Celsius cooler than the Sun
Due to the bombardment of stellar radiation, the planet is very hot so much so that the molecules such as water, carbon dioxide and methane can not form there
Oxytocin
What is Oxytocin?
It is a female hormone
It has also been dubbed the love hormone, hug hormone, cuddle chemical, moral molecule, and the bliss hormone due to its effects on behavior, including its role in love and in female reproductive biological functions in reproduction.
Oxytocin is a hormone that is made in the brain, in the
hypothalamus. It is transported to, and secreted by, the
pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain.
It acts both as a hormone and as a brain neurotransmitter.
The release of oxytocin by the pituitary gland acts to regulate two female reproductive functions: Childbirth and
Breast-feeding .
Why its sale is being limited?
The drug is used by diary owners and farmers to boost milk production and make vegetables look bigger and fresher. But, it was found that indiscriminate use of Oxytocin in milch animals and by farmers was causing irreversible hormone damage.
It is warmer than most starts in universe.
The planet’s day-side temperature is 4,326 degree Celsius and is only 926 degree Celsius cooler than the Sun
Due to the bombardment of stellar radiation, the planet is very hot so much so that the molecules such as water, carbon dioxide and methane can not form there
Oxytocin
What is Oxytocin?
It is a female hormone
It has also been dubbed the love hormone, hug hormone, cuddle chemical, moral molecule, and the bliss hormone due to its effects on behavior, including its role in love and in female reproductive biological functions in reproduction.
Oxytocin is a hormone that is made in the brain, in the
hypothalamus. It is transported to, and secreted by, the
pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain.
It acts both as a hormone and as a brain neurotransmitter.
The release of oxytocin by the pituitary gland acts to regulate two female reproductive functions: Childbirth and
Breast-feeding .
Why its sale is being limited?
The drug is used by diary owners and farmers to boost milk production and make vegetables look bigger and fresher. But, it was found that indiscriminate use of Oxytocin in milch animals and by farmers was causing irreversible hormone damage.
United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC)
It is a part of UN System
Founded in 1974
Established by UN General Assembly.
Established with an objective to promote, coordinate and support South-South and triangular cooperation across the world
UNOSSC receives policy directives and guidance from the General Assembly and through its subsidiary body, the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation.
UNOSSC submits its strategic planning frameworks to the UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS Executive Board for approval and funding.
Why in news?
India and the UN Office for South- South Cooperation have launched a partnership fund that will support sustainable development projects across the developing world
Founded in 1974
Established by UN General Assembly.
Established with an objective to promote, coordinate and support South-South and triangular cooperation across the world
UNOSSC receives policy directives and guidance from the General Assembly and through its subsidiary body, the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation.
UNOSSC submits its strategic planning frameworks to the UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS Executive Board for approval and funding.
Why in news?
India and the UN Office for South- South Cooperation have launched a partnership fund that will support sustainable development projects across the developing world
India-UN Development Partnership Fund
About Fund:
It is a fund to promote sustainable development projects across the developing world.
Launched by India and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation ( UNOSSC )
It will be utilized to carry out country-level projects that would be catalytic towards achieving the 17 sustainable development goals ( SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda
The Partnership fund would be
managed by UNOSSC
Purpose:
The establishment of the fund is aimed at reducing poverty and hunger, improving health, education and equality, and expanding access to clean water, energy and livelihoods.
The fund would focus on transformational sustainable development projects across the developing world especially on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
About Fund:
It is a fund to promote sustainable development projects across the developing world.
Launched by India and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation ( UNOSSC )
It will be utilized to carry out country-level projects that would be catalytic towards achieving the 17 sustainable development goals ( SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda
The Partnership fund would be
managed by UNOSSC
Purpose:
The establishment of the fund is aimed at reducing poverty and hunger, improving health, education and equality, and expanding access to clean water, energy and livelihoods.
The fund would focus on transformational sustainable development projects across the developing world especially on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital (SATH)
Ministry/ Department: NITI Ayog
NITI Aayog under the SATH initiative plans to identify and build three future ‘role model’ states for health systems.
The vision of the program is to initiate transformation in the education and health sectors .
The program addresses the need expressed by many states for technical support from NITI.
Program:
NITI Ayog will identify three states and will work with them
It will help in designing a robust roadmap, develop a program governance structure, establish monitoring and tracking mechanisms, and provide support to the state institutions to achieve the end objectives.
SATH program will be implemented by NITI Aayog along with McKinsey & Company and IPE Global consortium
NOTE: You can use SATH in your answers related to NITI Ayog, Cooperative Federalism or Centre State Relations.
Ministry/ Department: NITI Ayog
NITI Aayog under the SATH initiative plans to identify and build three future ‘role model’ states for health systems.
The vision of the program is to initiate transformation in the education and health sectors .
The program addresses the need expressed by many states for technical support from NITI.
Program:
NITI Ayog will identify three states and will work with them
It will help in designing a robust roadmap, develop a program governance structure, establish monitoring and tracking mechanisms, and provide support to the state institutions to achieve the end objectives.
SATH program will be implemented by NITI Aayog along with McKinsey & Company and IPE Global consortium
NOTE: You can use SATH in your answers related to NITI Ayog, Cooperative Federalism or Centre State Relations.
Tele law
Ministry: Ministry of Law and Justice in partnership with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Aims to provide legal services to people using digital technology vis CSCs
Scheme:
Under the scheme, a portal called ‘Tele-Law’ will be launched, which will be available across the Common Service Centre (CSC) network.
‘Tele-Law’ will enable people to seek legal advice from lawyers through video conferencing available at the Common Service Centres (CSC).
Additionally, law school clinics, District Legal Service Authorities, voluntary service providers and Non-Government Organisations working on legal aid and empowerment can also be connected through the CSCs anywhere and anytime, in order to strengthen access to justice for the marginalized communities.
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) will provide a panel of lawyers from State capitals, who will be available through video conferencing to provide legal advice and counselling to the applicants, across the 1000 Common Service Centres (CSC).
Under this scheme, every Common Service Centre (CSC) will engage a Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) , who will be the first point of contact for the rural citizens and will help them in understanding the legal issues, explain the advice given by lawyers and assist in further action required in cases as per the advice of the lawyer.
A trained PLV will be available in a CSC for ten days in a month under the Scheme. These PLVs will help the applicant connect with a lawyer through the video conferencing facility at the CSC and will keep a track of the progress of the applicants’ cases and grievances and maintain a record.
They will also submit the records maintained to the District Legal Service Authority every week.
NOTE: It is an innovative step to provide legal services at doorstep of citizens. Can be used in answers related to our legal system.
Ministry: Ministry of Law and Justice in partnership with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Aims to provide legal services to people using digital technology vis CSCs
Scheme:
Under the scheme, a portal called ‘Tele-Law’ will be launched, which will be available across the Common Service Centre (CSC) network.
‘Tele-Law’ will enable people to seek legal advice from lawyers through video conferencing available at the Common Service Centres (CSC).
Additionally, law school clinics, District Legal Service Authorities, voluntary service providers and Non-Government Organisations working on legal aid and empowerment can also be connected through the CSCs anywhere and anytime, in order to strengthen access to justice for the marginalized communities.
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) will provide a panel of lawyers from State capitals, who will be available through video conferencing to provide legal advice and counselling to the applicants, across the 1000 Common Service Centres (CSC).
Under this scheme, every Common Service Centre (CSC) will engage a Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) , who will be the first point of contact for the rural citizens and will help them in understanding the legal issues, explain the advice given by lawyers and assist in further action required in cases as per the advice of the lawyer.
A trained PLV will be available in a CSC for ten days in a month under the Scheme. These PLVs will help the applicant connect with a lawyer through the video conferencing facility at the CSC and will keep a track of the progress of the applicants’ cases and grievances and maintain a record.
They will also submit the records maintained to the District Legal Service Authority every week.
NOTE: It is an innovative step to provide legal services at doorstep of citizens. Can be used in answers related to our legal system.
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
Ministry/Department : Ministry of Women and Child Development
Objectives:
To improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age-group 0-6 years;
To lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child;
To reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout;
To achieve effective co-ordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote child development; and
To enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child through proper nutrition and health education.
Scheme:
Following six services are provided under ICDS:
It is a Centrally sponsored Scheme implemented by States/UTs across the country.
Supplementary nutrition (SNP),
Immunization,
Health check-up,
Referral services,
Pre-school non-formal education and
Nutrition & health education are provided.
Factual Information:
Launched in 1975
WB and UNICEF supports it
Objectives:
To improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age-group 0-6 years;
To lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child;
To reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout;
To achieve effective co-ordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote child development; and
To enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child through proper nutrition and health education.
Scheme:
Following six services are provided under ICDS:
It is a Centrally sponsored Scheme implemented by States/UTs across the country.
Supplementary nutrition (SNP),
Immunization,
Health check-up,
Referral services,
Pre-school non-formal education and
Nutrition & health education are provided.
Factual Information:
Launched in 1975
WB and UNICEF supports it
Free movement regime (FMR)Issue
Fact:
India shares 1,643-km long border with Myanmar that passes through four states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.
What is Free movement regime (FMR)?
The formation of Myanmar as a separate State in 1935 and decolonisation of the sub-continent in 1947 divided ethnic communities living along the Indo-Myanmar border.
These communities, particularly Nagas, found the newly created boundary to be inconsistent with the traditional limits of the region they inhabited. And they felt a deep sense of insecurity because they became relegated to the status of ethnic minorities on both sides of the border.
To address their concerns and enable greater interaction among them, the Indian and Myanmarese governments established the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allowed Nagas to travel 16 kilometres across the border on either side without any visa requirements.
Why FMP is causing issues now?
Free movement regime is being misused by militants and trans-border criminals who smuggle weapons, contraband goods and fake Indian currency notes. Taking advantage of the free-movement regime, occasionally they enter India, commit crimes and escape to their relatively safer hideouts.
What government is doing in this regard?
The Union Home Ministry has constituted a committee to examine methods to curb the misuse of free movement along the Myanmar border.
India shares 1,643-km long border with Myanmar that passes through four states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.
What is Free movement regime (FMR)?
The formation of Myanmar as a separate State in 1935 and decolonisation of the sub-continent in 1947 divided ethnic communities living along the Indo-Myanmar border.
These communities, particularly Nagas, found the newly created boundary to be inconsistent with the traditional limits of the region they inhabited. And they felt a deep sense of insecurity because they became relegated to the status of ethnic minorities on both sides of the border.
To address their concerns and enable greater interaction among them, the Indian and Myanmarese governments established the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allowed Nagas to travel 16 kilometres across the border on either side without any visa requirements.
Why FMP is causing issues now?
Free movement regime is being misused by militants and trans-border criminals who smuggle weapons, contraband goods and fake Indian currency notes. Taking advantage of the free-movement regime, occasionally they enter India, commit crimes and escape to their relatively safer hideouts.
What government is doing in this regard?
The Union Home Ministry has constituted a committee to examine methods to curb the misuse of free movement along the Myanmar border.
ANUGA
ANUGA stands for Allgemeine Nahrungs Und Genußmittel Ausstellung (General Food and Non- essential Provisions Exhibition)
It is the world’s biggest and most important trade fair for Food and beverage trade .
It takes place biennially (every 2 years)
India will be co-partner country in ANUGA 2017
ANUGA stands for Allgemeine Nahrungs Und Genußmittel Ausstellung (General Food and Non- essential Provisions Exhibition)
It is the world’s biggest and most important trade fair for Food and beverage trade .
It takes place biennially (every 2 years)
India will be co-partner country in ANUGA 2017
Nag missile
It is a “ Fire and Forget” anti-tank missile
It is a guided missile
Developed by DRDO under Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.
The missile incorporates an advanced passive homing guidance system and possesses high single-shot kill probability. It is designed to destroy modern main battle tanks and other heavily armoured targets.
Nag can be launched from land and air-based platforms.
It is in service since 2015.
It is developed under Indian Ministry of Defence’s integrated guided missile development programme (IGMDP), which also involved the development of four other missiles that are Agni, Akash, Trishul and Prithvi.
It is a guided missile
Developed by DRDO under Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.
The missile incorporates an advanced passive homing guidance system and possesses high single-shot kill probability. It is designed to destroy modern main battle tanks and other heavily armoured targets.
Nag can be launched from land and air-based platforms.
It is in service since 2015.
It is developed under Indian Ministry of Defence’s integrated guided missile development programme (IGMDP), which also involved the development of four other missiles that are Agni, Akash, Trishul and Prithvi.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
CAH is an inherited disorder that affects the adrenal glands where the glands cannot produce cortisol and aldosterone, and instead produce an unwanted excess amount of androgens.
A child with CAH lacks enzymes the adrenal glands use to produce hormones that help regulate metabolism, the immune system, blood pressure, and other essential functions.
Parents with children suffering from it often have great difficulty in the upbringing of the child, including treatment, getting school admission and other support issues.
A child with CAH lacks enzymes the adrenal glands use to produce hormones that help regulate metabolism, the immune system, blood pressure, and other essential functions.
Parents with children suffering from it often have great difficulty in the upbringing of the child, including treatment, getting school admission and other support issues.
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
It is an intergovernmental organisation
Established in 1996 under UNCLOS
UNCLOS was signed in 1982 (Came in force in 1994)
It established an international framework for law over “all ocean space, its uses and resources”
The Tribunal is composed of 21 independent members who are elected from among persons enjoying the highest reputation for fairness and integrity and of recognised competence in the field of the law of the sea.
The Tribunal has the power to settle disputes between party states.
Currently, there are 161 parties
Based in Hamburg, Germany
Why in news?
India’s law expert Neeru Chadha has been appointed as a judge at the tribunal
Established in 1996 under UNCLOS
UNCLOS was signed in 1982 (Came in force in 1994)
It established an international framework for law over “all ocean space, its uses and resources”
The Tribunal is composed of 21 independent members who are elected from among persons enjoying the highest reputation for fairness and integrity and of recognised competence in the field of the law of the sea.
The Tribunal has the power to settle disputes between party states.
Currently, there are 161 parties
Based in Hamburg, Germany
Why in news?
India’s law expert Neeru Chadha has been appointed as a judge at the tribunal
Bosphorus Strait
It is a natural strait connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara
It has huge strategic significance.
It’s length is 32 kilometers (20 miles) in the north to south direction.
Bosphorus strait separates the
European part from the Asian part of Istanbul.
Why in news?
Its colour has been changing suddenly.
Change of colour is due to a surge in numbers of the micro-organism Emiliania huxleyi.
One of the most successful life-forms on the planet, Emiliania huxleyi is a single-celled organism visible only under a microscope.
Its astonishing adaptability enables it to thrive in waters from the equator to the sub-Arctic
It has huge strategic significance.
It’s length is 32 kilometers (20 miles) in the north to south direction.
Bosphorus strait separates the
European part from the Asian part of Istanbul.
Why in news?
Its colour has been changing suddenly.
Change of colour is due to a surge in numbers of the micro-organism Emiliania huxleyi.
One of the most successful life-forms on the planet, Emiliania huxleyi is a single-celled organism visible only under a microscope.
Its astonishing adaptability enables it to thrive in waters from the equator to the sub-Arctic
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Set up in 1977
It is 13th specialised agency of the United Nations.
India is a founder member of IFAD and a key contributor among the member countries.
IFAD works towards removing poverty and hunger in rural areas all over the world, especially in developing countries.
Its goal is to empower poor rural men and women in developing countries to achieve higher incomes and improved food security.
IFAD is managed by the two main governing bodies i.e. the Governing Council and the Executive Board. The Governing Council is the highest decision-making body of IFAD.
It is 13th specialised agency of the United Nations.
India is a founder member of IFAD and a key contributor among the member countries.
IFAD works towards removing poverty and hunger in rural areas all over the world, especially in developing countries.
Its goal is to empower poor rural men and women in developing countries to achieve higher incomes and improved food security.
IFAD is managed by the two main governing bodies i.e. the Governing Council and the Executive Board. The Governing Council is the highest decision-making body of IFAD.
Babulwadi
It is Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra located very close to West Coast.
World’s largest refinery is being set up here.
Being on the West coast will be helpful in easily sourcing the crude oil from the Middle-East, Africa and South America.
The Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies, Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum has have signed the joint venture agreement to jointly set up the complex here.
It is Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra located very close to West Coast.
World’s largest refinery is being set up here.
Being on the West coast will be helpful in easily sourcing the crude oil from the Middle-East, Africa and South America.
The Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies, Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum has have signed the joint venture agreement to jointly set up the complex here.
Interest Subvention Scheme
The interest subvention scheme was introduced in 2006-07 with the view of providing concessional credit to farmers.
This will help farmers getting short term crop loan up to Rs. 3 lakh payable within one year at only 4% per annum.
The Interest Subvention Scheme will continue for one year and it will be implemented by NABARD and RBI
The interest subvention will be given to Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Private Sector Banks, Cooperative Banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) on use of own funds and to NABARD for refinance to RRBs and Cooperative Banks.
Positives:
1. Increase of formal loaning system
2. Increase in financial inclusion.
3. Decrease in interest rates of money-lenders
4. Decrease in farmers distress due to availability of loan for agriculture on lesser rates of interest
Negatives:
1. Big farmers gets most of the benefit as scheme do not differentiate b/w small and big farmers
2. Net loan value is more than the entire agriculture input gives sign of diversion of funds.
3. Though net loan value has increased, farmers income goes down
4. No substantial increase in production
5. Delay in settlement of interest and low budgetary support to scheme hampers banks growth
6. Non-institutional loan sources still prevail because of lesser number of bank branches in rural areas
7. Unsettled claims lie at 35,000 crore and the current budgetary allocation is not enough to solve the problem.
Way Forward:1. An income based policy should be used wherein the money is directly transferred to the farmers Aadhar linked accounts. This will ensure better targeting and plug leakages.
2. A subsidy income package can be designed on a per hectare basis, with higher rates for small landholders.
3. Banks must be quickly compensated to prevent overburdening. Budgetary allocations can be improved.
Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017Aims to deal with financial sector crisis and protect interest of customers.
Provisions:
The Bill would provide for a comprehensive resolution framework for specified financial sector entities to deal with bankruptcy situation in banks, insurance companies and financial sector entities.
The Bill when enacted, will pave the way for setting up of the Resolution Corporation. It would lead to repeal or amendment of resolution-related provisions in sectoral Acts as listed in Schedules of the Bill.
It will also result in the repealing of the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, 1961 to transfer the deposit insurance powers and responsibilities to the Resolution Corporation.
The Resolution Corporation would protect the stability and resilience of the financial system ; protecting the consumers of covered obligations up to a reasonable limit; and protecting public funds, to the extent possible.
The bill also seeks to give comfort to the consumers of financial service providers in financial distress.
It also aims to inculcate discipline among financial service providers in the event of financial crises by limiting the use of public money to bail out distressed entities.
The new bill will complement the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 by providing a comprehensive resolution framework for the financial sector. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 was enacted recently to deal with the insolvency of non- financial entities
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