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Jan 11, 2022

EC HIKES EXPENDITURE LIMITS FOR CANDIDATES AHEAD OF ASSEMBLY POLLS Recently, Election Commission has announced a hike in expenditure limit. Highlights:
  • The expenditure limit for candidates has been raised to Rs 95 lakhs from 75 lakhs for the Lok Sabha elections.
  • For Assembly polls, the amount has been raised to Rs 40 lakhs from 28 lakhs.
  • Election Commission had formed a committee to study cost factors and subsequently make suitable recommendations.
  • Suggestions were invited by the committee from political parties, chief electoral officers, and election observers.
  • For Assembly Elections, the revised expenditure limit for candidates is Rs 40 lakh for big states, and candidates in smaller states can spend a maximum of Rs 28 lakh.
  • The Commission has accepted recommendations of the Committee and decided to enhance the existing election expenditure limit for candidates
UNIFORM CIVIL CODE: LEGISLATORS TO DECIDE POLICY, NOT COURT, CENTRE TELLS DELHI HC The Central government has said the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a policy matter for the legislature to decide on and that the court cannot issue any direction. Doctrine of separation of powers:
  • The doctrine of separation of powers implies that each pillar of democracy performs separate functions and act as separate entities.
  • The doctrine is a part of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution even though it is not specifically mentioned in its text.
  • The executive is vested with the power to make policy decisions and implement laws. 
  • The legislature is empowered to issue enactments. 
    • It also reviews the functioning of the executive.
  • The judiciary is responsible for adjudicating disputes. 
    • The judiciary exercises judicial review over executive and legislative action.
What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?
  • The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) calls for the formulation of one law for India.
    • It would be applicable to all religious communities in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption.
  • The code comes under Article 44of the Constitution.
    • It lays down that the state shall endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India.
Article 44 important?
  • The objective of Article 44 was to address the discrimination against vulnerable groups and harmonize diverse cultural groups across the country.
  • The article on UCC was incorporated as a Directive Principle.
    • It was added so that it would be fulfilled when the nation would be ready to accept it and the social acceptance to the UCC could be made.
Origin of Uniform Civil Code
  • British government submitted its report in 1835 stressing the need for uniformity in the codification of Indian law.
Need of Uniform Civil code:
  • It will strengthen the ideals of ‘secular democratic republic’ as enshrined in the Preamble.
  • It will codify the various personal laws that are segregated at present on the basis of religious beliefs like the Hindu code bill, Shariat law, and others.
  • It will simplify the complex laws around marriage ceremonies, inheritance, succession, adoptions making them one for all. 
  • The same civil law will then be applicable to all citizens irrespective of their faith.
    • It will result in integration of India by bringing communities on the common platform on matters which are at present governed by diverse personal laws.
ECLGS SCHEME SAVED 13.5 LAKH FIRMS FROM GOING BANKRUPT, 1.5 CRORE JOBS: REPORT According to study, Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) provided relief to MSMEs impacted by COVID-19 pandemic.
  • It has saved 13.5 lakh firms from going bankrupt and consequently 1.5 crore jobs.
  • Amongst the states, Gujarat has been the biggest beneficiary, followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) Objective
  • To provide 100% guarantee coverage to banks and NBFCs to enable them to extend emergency credit facility to Business enterprises and MSMEs in view of covid-19 to meet their additional term loan.
Highlights
  • Launched by government of India as a special scheme in view of Covid-19.
  • Tenor of loan under Scheme shall be four years with moratorium period of one year on the principal amount.
  • Interest rates under the Scheme shall be capped at 9.25% for banks and FIs, and at 14% for NBFCs.
  • For the purpose of this scheme, the term ‘Business Enterprises/MSMEs’ would also include loans covered under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY).
‘INDIA TO SURPASS JAPAN AS ASIA’S 2ND LARGEST ECONOMY BY 2030’ According to a recent report, India is likely to overtake Japan as Asia's second-largest economy by 2030 when its GDP is also projected to surpass that of Germany and the UK to rank as world's No.3. Highlights:
  • India’s nominal GDP measured in USD terms is forecast to rise from USD 2.7 trillion in 2021 to USD 8.4 trillion by 2030.
  • Currently, India is the sixth-largest economy in the world, behind the US, China, Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom.
  • The key growth driver is rapidly growing domestic consumer market.
    • This will increase consumption expenditure, thereby consumer spending.
  • The digital transformation of India is expected to accelerate the growth of e-commerce, changing the retail consumer market landscape over the next decade.
    • It will make India one of the most important long-term growth markets for multinationals in a wide range of industries.
  • Foreign Direct Investment:
    • It is being boosted by large inflows of investments from global technology Multinational Companies (MNCs) that are attracted to India's large domestic consumer market.
­Government initiatives to boost economy
  • The government is considering a series of measures to boost the economy, including:
    • offering up to ₹3 lakh crore in incentives spread over six years to create global supply chains in some sectors,
    • tariff protection to key industries
    • relaxation in foreign investment rules
    • schemes aimed at the urban unemployed
  • PM Garib Kalayan Yojana:
    • Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana is a comprehensive relief package of Rs 1.70 Lakh Crore Yojana for the poor to help them fight the battle against Corona Virus.
    • The scheme has been extended to add free vaccination for all.
  • Atamnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan:
    • The government announced a ₹20 lakh crore Atamnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-reliant India Initiative) package.
    • It also included monetary measures by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • Make in India
    • It focuses on reducing import dependence, increasing domestic capacity, and modernising the armed forces.
    • Aim: Increasing domestic manufacturing capacity, promoting local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
  • National Policy on Electronics 2019 (NPE 2019)
    • This intended to transform the country into a global manufacturing hub.
  • Production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme:
    • Aim: To entice multinational firms to relocate their manufacturing capacity to India.
    • It provides eligible companies with incentives ranging from 4-6 percent on incremental sales of mobile phones manufactured in India over a five-year period beginning with the base year (2019-20).
  • PLI Scheme for Telecom:
    • PLI scheme for telecom and networking products was implemented to reduce import dependency and boost domestic production and exports.
    • Aim: To turn India into a global manufacturing hub for telecom equipment by encouraging telecom players to invest in India and incentivizing both foreign and domestic investments.
  • Telecom sector reforms:
    • ​​​​​​​Aim: To boost employment, growth, competition, and consumer interests.
    • The reforms include rationalisation of adjusted gross revenue, the rationalisation of bank guarantees (BGs), and the encouragement of spectrum sharing.
  • Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):
    • ​​​​​​​The Indian government approved the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), with a budget outlay of Rs. 4,077 crore (US$ 553.82 million) over the next five years.
    • DOM is an Indian initiative to undertake the deep ocean exploration focused on India's exclusive economic zones and continental shelf.
  • Initiatives by Reserve Bank of India:
    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that the investment limit for FPI (foreign portfolio investors) in State Development Loans (SDLs) and government securities (G-secs) would remain unchanged.
  • Roadmap 2030:
    • ​​​​​​​It is a joint initiative by India and United Kingdom to collaborate and combat climate change by 2030.
    • India is focusing on renewable sources to generate electricity.
  • Reforms in Aerospace:
    • The government has announced a number of reforms to the aerospace and defence manufacturing policies.
    • This is to provide a boost to Indian defence equipment manufacturer.
  • Inclusive economic growth:
    • ​​​​​​​₹20 lakh crore stimulus was announced by the government.
    • It has immensely helped the rural poor, especially with their active involvement in MGNREGS [Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme].
  • NIP [National Infrastructure Pipeline]:
    • ​​​​​​​Implementation of ₹111 lakh crore allocated for the NIP
    • NIP is a government exercise to provide world-class infrastructure to citizens and improving their quality of life.
    • Aim: To improve project preparation and attract investments into infrastructure.
EXPANDED TIGER RESERVE MAY SEE RETURN OF GHARIALS IN ASSAM Recently, the Assam government added around 200 KM area to the Orang National Park. This step might lead to the re-emergence of Gharial in the Brahmaputra River system.
  • Gharials were wiped out from the Brahmaputra River system in the 1950s.
Orang National Park (ONP):
  • Location: Darrang and Sonitpur districts (Assam),
  • It is situated on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River.
  • ONP was established as a sanctuary in 1985 and declared a national park in 1999.
  • Famously, It is also known as the mini Kaziranga National Park (IUCN site).
  • ONP is also an integral part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
Flora found in ONP:
  • Bombax ceiba, Dalbergia sissoo, Sterculia villosa, Trewia nudiflora, Zizyphus jujuba and Litsaea etc.
Fauna found in ONP: One-horned Rhinoceros, Leopard, Elephant, Sambar, Barking Deer, Tiger, varieties of water birds, Green Pigeon, Florican, Teal, Goose, etc. Gharials:
  • Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) have bulbous knob (narial excrescence) present at the end of their long snout.
  • They live in clear freshwater. Their presence indicates the ecology of rivers.
  • Found in: Ganges River system of India and Nepal.
    • It includes Girwa river (Uttar Pradesh), Son River (Madhya Pradesh), Ramganga river (Uttarakhand), Gandak River (Bihar), Chambal River (Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan), and Mahanadi River (Orissa).
Protection Status:
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
  • CITES:  Appendix I
  • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered category
CHEETAHS ARE COMING BACK TO INDIA Government of India has decided to reintroduce cheetahs, under the 'Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India’.
  • As part of the project, 50 cheetahs will be introduced in various National Parks over five years.
Highlights
  • India will source cheetahs from Southern Africa.
  • The locally extinct cheetah-subspecies of India is found in Iran.
  • Cheetahs from Southern Africa have the maximum observed genetic diversity among extant cheetah lineages.
Objectives of Program
  • To establish breeding cheetah populations in safe habitats across its historical range and manage them as a meta population.
  • To use the cheetah as a charismatic flagship and umbrella species to garner resources for restoring open forest and savanna systems
  • To enhance India’s capacity to sequester carbon through ecosystem restoration activities in cheetah conservation areas.
    • Thereby India can contribute towards the global climate change mitigation
  • To use the ensuing opportunity for eco-development and eco-tourism to enhance local community livelihoods.
  • To manage any conflict by cheetah or other wildlife with local communities within cheetah conservation areas expediently through compensation, awareness, and management actions to win community support.
Sites recommended for holding and conservation breeding of cheetah in India
  • Kuno Palpur National Park, Madhya Pradesh
  • Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
  • Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
  • Shahgarh bulge in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
  • Mukundara Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
Cheetah:
  • It is a large cat native to Africa and central Iran.
  • It is the fastest land animal, estimated to be capable of running at 80 to 128 km/h.
  • Habitat: Savannahs in the Serengeti, arid mountain ranges in the Sahara and hilly desert terrain in Iran.
  • The cheetah is a carnivore that hunts small to medium-sized prey.
Conservation Status
  • IUCN: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule I
Threats
  • Cheetah is threatened by several factors, like habitat loss and fragmentation of populations.
  • Habitat loss: Due to introduction of commercial land use, ecological degradation.
  • Shortage of prey and conflict with other species such as humans and large carnivores are other major threats.
MAHARASHTRA, TAMIL NADU AMONG 5 INDIAN STATES WITH DIRTIEST COAL POWER STATIONS: CSE ANALYSIS The analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), have shown that coal stations run by state governments will not be able to meet emission deadlines in 2022.
  • The emission norms were set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) in 2015.
Findings of the analysis:
  • 35 per cent of the total coal power will fail to meet their respective deadlines to meet the new emission norms.
  • A majority of the coal thermal power capacity that is likely to meet the norms belongs to the central sector followed by the private sector.
  • The major defaulters belong to the following states: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Except for Assam, none of the other states among these 17 will 100 per cent comply with the stipulated deadlines.
Categorization of Power Plants:
  • The country’s 596 coal thermal power plant units have been put under three categories: A, B and C.
  • 61 per cent coal thermal power capacity in Category A, 35 per cent capacity in Category B and 32 per cent capacity in Category C will not be able to meet deadlines in 2022.
  • The deadline for compliance of Category C powerplants is 2024.
Pollution from coal power plants:
  • Major pollutants from coal-fired power plants are oxides of nitrogen (NOx), Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM).
PRAVASI BHARTIYA DIWAS BEING CELEBRATED; VICE PRESIDENT & PM GREET INDIAN DIASPORA ON THE OCCASION Recently, the Prime Minister has greeted the Indian diaspora on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD):
  • PBD is celebrated once every two years on January 9.
  • Conducted by: Ministry of External Affairs.
  • Aim: To strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and reconnect them with their roots.
16th PBD Convention
  • It was held in New Delhi in 2021
  • Theme: Contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat
History of PBD:
  • The first PBD was organised on January 9, 2003.
  • On January 9 Mahatma Gandhi had returned to India from South Africa, in 1915.
  • After his return, he led the country's freedom struggle which changed the lives of Indians.
  • Sixteen PBDs have been held earlier in various places of India so far.
Significance:
  • It is celebrated to mark the contribution of the Indians residing abroad in the development of the land of their origin.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award:
  • It is the highest honour conferred on a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian Origin, an organisation or institution established and run by Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin.
It is awarded for significant contribution in
  • Understanding of India abroad
  • Support India's causes and concerns in a tangible way
  • Community work abroad
  • Welfare of local Indian community
  • Philanthropic and charitable work.
Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz:
  • Launched in: 2015-16
  • Aim: To strengthen the engagement with young overseas Indians and encourage them to know more about their country of origin.
  • The first edition of the "Bharat ko Janiye" Quiz was organized in 2015-16.
  • Second edition in 2018-19.
  • The third edition was organised in 2020.
WHY DID THE MAYA CIVILISATION COLLAPSE? WE DON’T KNOW YET, BUT DROUGHT WAS LIKELY NOT THE CAUSE: STUDY According to a new study, the Maya civilization may have had access to nearly 500 edible plants, many of which were highly resistant to drought. Highlights:
  • The Maya people faced starvation because of their dependence on drought-sensitive crops such as corn, beans and squash.
  • They could have turned to chaya and cassava to meet their carbohydrates and protein needs.
    • Chaya is a shrub whose leaves are high in protein, iron, potassium and calcium.
  • Social and economic upheaval likely played a key role in the decline of civilization.
  • Also, climate change has negatively affected the yield of maize and wheat in low-latitude areas.
Maya Civilization:
  • The Maya are an indigenous people of Mexico and Central America.
  • The civilization originated in the Yucatan Peninsula.
  • It flourished between 600 and 800 AD.
  • It developed in the area that today comprises southeastern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, the western portions of Honduras and El Salvador.
  • The designation Maya comes from the ancient Yucatan city of Mayapan, the last capital of a Mayan Kingdom in the Post-Classic Period (950-1524) CE.
Features:
  • They had their own calendars, farming methods, writing systems and religion.
  • They built palaces, pyramids, ceremonial structures and temple observatories.
  • The Mayans had different Gods and Goddesses.
    • ​​​​​​​Chaac was the God of rain and storms.
    • Itzamna was one of the creator Gods and was a patron of learning.
    • Awilix was the Goddess of night and the moon
  • The Mayans had a writing system where they used 
    • ​​​​​​​Hieroglyphics are signs that make up sounds and words.
    • There were up to 800 glyphs in their writing system.
Collapse:
  • Between 800 and 950 AD, many of the southern cities were abandoned.
    • This period is called the collapse of the Classic Maya civilizations.
CHINA’S LUNAR LANDER FINDS FIRST ON-SITE EVIDENCE OF WATER ON MOON’S SURFACE Recently, China’s Chang’e 5 lunar lander has found the first-ever on-site evidence of water on the surface of the moon. Highlights:
  • The presence of water had been confirmed by remote observation, but the signs of water in rock and soil is deducted by the lander.
  • As per the study published by peer-reviewed journal Science Advances, reveals that the lunar soil at the landing site contains less than 120 parts-per-million(ppm) water.
  • Lander measured the spectral reflectance of the Regolith and the rock and detected water on the spot for the first time.
Chang’e 5
  • Chang’e 5 is the fifth lunar exploration mission of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program, and China's first lunar sample-return mission.
  • Manufactured By: China Academy of Space Technology (CAST)
  • Rocket used for Launching: Long March 5
Components:
  • Lander: It landed on the lunar surface after separating from the Orbiter, installed with a drill and a scooping device.
  • Ascender: After the collection of samples, they are transported back to the orbiter with the help of ascender.
  • Orbiter: Once the samples are transported to Orbiter, orbiter travels back to the earth orbit and releases the returner or reentry capsule.
  • Returner: It performs a skip reentry to bounce off the atmosphere once before formal reentering.
MANDAVIYA CHAIRS HIGH-LEVEL MEETING TO MAKE ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT IN UREA, DAP PRODUCTION USING 'GREEN HYDOGEN' Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers chaired a high-level meeting to make Atmanirbhar Bharat in Urea and Diammonium Phosphate production by using 'Green Hydrogen'. Hydrogen:
  • Hydrogen is the lightest element, lighter than air.
  • It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and highly combustible.
  • Stars such as the Sun are mainly composed of hydrogen in the plasma state.
  • Most of the hydrogen on Earth exists in molecular forms such as water and organic compounds.
Features:
  • It has zero carbon content and is a non-polluting source of energy
  • It has the highest energy content by weight and lowest energy content by volume.
Significance of Hydrogen:
  • Hydrogen can cut down carbon emissions and also diversify a country’s energy basket and reduce external reliance.
  • Green Hydrogen can provide impetus to India’s Renewable Energy target of 450 GW by 2030.
  • As per International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Hydrogen shall make up 6 per cent of total energy consumption by 2050.
  • The Hydrogen Council Report, 2021 mentions that, global investments on hydrogen will constitute around 1.4 per cent of the total global energy funding by 2030.
Green Hydrogen:
  • Hydrogen produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrolyzer powered by electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar is known as Green Hydrogen.
National Hydrogen Mission:
  • The mission mainly focusses on generation of hydrogen from green power resources.
Objectives:
  • Propose a framework for inter alia creating demand for Green Hydrogen in sectors such as petroleum refining and fertilizer production
  • Support for indigenous manufacturing of critical technologies
  • Research & Development activities
  • An enabling policy and regulatory framework.
Other Government Initiatives for Cleaner fuels: SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) Scheme:
  • To set up Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) production plants and make it available in the market for use in automotive fuels
The National Policy on Biofuels 2018:
  • The scheme emphasizes active promotion of advanced bio-fuels, including Compressed Biogas.
GOBAR-DHAN (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources):
  • Aim: To o convert cattle dung and solid waste in farms to CBG and compost.
​​​​​​​ PM ANNOUNCES 26TH DECEMBER AS ‘VEER BAAL DIWAS’ TO MARK MARTYRDOM OF SAHIBZADA ZORAWAR SINGH JI AND SAHIBZADA FATEH SINGH JI Recently, the prime minister announced that 26th December shall be observed as Veer Baal Diwas. Veer Baal Diwas (26th December):
  • It is observed to remember the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji (6 years of age), and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji (9 years of age).
  • They were the kids of Guru Gobind Singh (10th Sikh guru).
  • On 26th December 1705, on orders of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, both kids were sealed alive in the wall, for not accepting Islam.


POSTED ON 11-01-2022 BY ADMIN
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