AUGUST MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS 2022: Monthly Current Affairs are very important for every competitive exam and as we all know, in the upcoming months, many government exams.
Download ADDA247 Odia APP – Appear Latest Exam Test Series & Live Classes
New Delhi SAH-BHAGITA’ scheme
On July 11, 2022 “New Delhi SAH-BHAGITA” scheme was launched by the Lieutenant
Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.
About New Delhi SAH-BHAGITA Scheme
New Delhi SAH-BHAGITA Scheme was launched to make Resident Welfare
Associations (RWAs) partners in tax collection and waste management ecosystem in
Delhi.
It is aimed at improving efficiency and compliance in tax collection by encouraging
RWAs.
As per scheme, if one RWA is able to achieve 90 percent tax collection, from overall
number of properties in societies or colonies, it would be able to recommend
development work across their areas equal to 10 per cent of the tax collection. This
tax collection is subject to a ceiling of Rs one lakh.
Furthermore, if the colony is able to achieve 100 per cent waste segregation at
source, compositing of wet waste as well as re-cycling of dry waste, then government
would provide an additional incentive of 5 per cent of tax paid.
Significance of the scheme
The New Delhi SAH-BHAGITA initiative addresses the issue of rationalization of property
tax structure. It also gives importance wo solid waste management by community
participation. New tax policy would help in bringing consistency and uniformity along
different approaches that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has adopted. It will
also bring in community participation as well as ensure that citizens become a stakeholder
in the MCD. It further seeks to ensure better service delivery for the residents of Delhi.
India’s first indigenously developed lithium-ion cell
Old Electric recently uncovered India’s first indigenously developed lithium-ion cell called
“NMC 2170”.
Ola electric is an electric vehicle company, led by Bhavish Aggarwal.
NMC 2170 was built in-house. Mass production of the cell will start at its upcoming
Gigafactory by 2023.
About NMC 2170
NMC 2170 is a high nickel cylindrical Ola cell. It comprises of Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt
(NMC) on cathode side while graphite & silicon on anode side. It makes use of specific
chemistry and materials, which helps the cell in packing more energy in a given space. It
also improves overall life cycle of the lithium-ion cell. The cell has been developed by
considering indigenous conditions at the core.
Background
In March 2022, Ola Electric had invested in the Israeli battery technology company
StoreDot, which is an expert in batteries with extreme fast charging (XFC) technology. Ola
Electric has the access to XFC battery technology of StoreDot, which is capable of charging
a battery from 0 to 100% in 5 minutes.
Ola’s investment in R&D
Ola Electric aims to invest in core R&D, in a bid to create indigenous advanced cell
technologies, create an integrated Ola Electric hub and strengthen manufacturing
capabilities. Ola electric recently received 20GWh capacity under the advanced chemistry
cell (ACC) PLI scheme by Central Government of India, to develop advanced cells.
Ola Electric Mobility
It is an Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer. It is headquartered in Bangalore. But
the manufacturing plant is established in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. Company was set in
2017, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ANI Technologies, which is the parent company of
Ola Cabs. In May 2020, Ola Electric acquired electric scooter manufacturer Etergo, which is
based in Amsterdam and announced to launch its own electric scooters in India by 2021.
SBICAP- MEA MoU for TDC Fund
Recently, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked by SBICAP Ventures Limited
(SVL) with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to set up the “Trilateral Development
Cooperation Fund (TDC Fund)”.
SBICAP Ventures Limited is a subsidiary of State Bank of India (SBI).
Trilateral Development Cooperation Fund will help in routing India’s commitment of
around Rs.175 crore to Global Innovation Development Fund (GIP Fund).
Global Innovation Development Fund (GIP Fund)
GIP Fund is an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), that have been proposed to be set
up in association with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
under “India-UK Global Innovation Partnership (GIP)”.
GIP Fund will invest in small & medium enterprises from India, to find solution for
development challenges in order with the goals & objectives of GIP.
It has developed & tested successfully the viable social impact innovations, which can
be transferred and ramp-up in third countries.
This find will be targeted towards Indian innovative enterprises, which are at an
advanced stage but they do not have access to capital to expand in other developing
countries.
About Trilateral Development Cooperation Fund (TDC Fund)
TDC Fund has been established as an AIF. It will operate as a ‘Fund of Funds’ under SEBI
AIF Regulations. The fund will be administered and advised upon by SVL. SVL will also be
facilitating the GIP program for MEA.
SBICAP Ventures Limited (SVL)
SVL is an alternative asset manager. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of SBI Capital Markets
Limited, which is owned by the State Bank of India (SBI).
First I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA) Leaders’ Virtual Summit
On July 14, 2022, the first India-Israel-UAE-USA (I2U2) Leader’s Summit was organised, in
virtual mode.
About I2U2 grouping
The I2U2 grouping was first assembled in October 2021, through a foreign ministers’
meeting in virtual mode.
This new Quad grouping is not gaining momentum.
It is not an alternative to Indo-Pacific Quad comprising of India, Japan, the United
States, and Australia.
I2U2 grouping emerged as a result of rapidly increasing cooperation among its
member countries.
Why is USA supporting the grouping?
USA seeks to advance the I2U2 grouping in a bid to:
1. Expand geographic scope of its top relationships
2. Restore partnerships and alliances which got suffered during Donald Trump
presidency,
3. Rebuilt relations with Middle East in the time, when it seeks a smaller footprint there.
Why is India supporting the grouping?
India is backing the I2U2 grouping due to following reasons:
1. To play an enhanced global role without compromising strategic autonomy
2. To expand cooperation with USA beyond Asia
3. To deepen ties in Middle East region, which is strategically significant for India due to
its energy and economic interests and presence of a large diaspora.
What are the concerns?
I2U2 does not have a unifying and galvanizing cause as opposed to the Indo-Pacific Quad,
that have a common desire to counter China. Countering China is a long-shot aim for
I2U2, as China is already strengthening its commercial cooperation with the UAE and
Israel.
Agenda of the I2U2 grouping
I2U2 will focus on ensuring continuity. Four countries are holding “Sherpa-level
interactions on regular basis, to discuss the possible areas of cooperation. It will
encourage joint investments across six non-securities areas viz., food security, health,
water, space, transportation and energy.
What is I2U2?
I2U2 is a new partnership involving governments of India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates
and the United States. It represents the first letters of English names of the four countries.
Dhammacakka Day 2022
On July 13, 2022, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind virtually addressed the Dhammacakka
Day 2022 celebrations at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. Celebrations were organised on
“Ashadha Purnima”, by Ministry of Culture, in coordination with “International Buddhist
Confederation” as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Highlights
During his address, President threw light on Buddhism.
According to him, Buddhism has become one of the greatest spiritual traditions in
India. Several holy sites connected with the life and teachings of Buddha are located
in India.
Four main holy places are:
1. Bodh Gaya– Lord Buddha attained enlightenment
2. Sarnath– Buddha gave his first sermon
3. Shravasti- He spent most of Chaturmases here and offered most of the sermons.
4. Kushinagar- He attained the Mahaparinirvana.
Ashadha Purnima
Ashadha Purnima is regarded as the second most significant sacred day for Buddhists,
after the Vaishakha Buddha Purnima. The day is observed to commemorate First Sermon
by Buddha or the event of First Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma”. During his first sermon
at Sarnath, Buddha taught Dharmacakra pravartana Sutra.
International Buddhist Confederation
International Buddhist Confederation was established in 2013. It is an international
Buddhist umbrella body, which was created to act as a common platform for Buddhists
across the world. It is headquartered in New Delhi. It represents the diversity in
Buddhism. Through this platform, global Buddhist community share their wisdom and
participate in ongoing social and political discourse. It also preserves and promotes the
shared heritage.
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
After Buddha got enlightened, he gave First Sermon to his five ascetics. This event is
known as Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta or ‘Turning the Wheel of Dhamma’. The
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta talks about Four Noble Truths, which express the basic
orientation of Buddhism. The Sutta is also referred to as three concepts of Buddhism viz.,
Middle Way, dependent origination and impermanence.
Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road Rail line
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the construction of 116.65-km long
Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road rail line.
Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road Rail Line
Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road Rail Line will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs
2,798.16 crore. Project is expected to be completed by 2026-27.
It will help in strengthening the connectivity and boosting socio-economic progress.
This project was approved in line with long-standing demand by people, for
improving access to Ambaji.
It will link two states and three religious places. It will pass through Sirohi district in
Rajasthan and Sabarkantha, Mahesana & Banaskantha, districts in Gujarat.
Who will look after the project?
The Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road Rail Line will be constructed by Ministry of Railways.
Significance of the project
The railway line will provide easy travel for millions of devotees to Ambaji. People visiting
the Taranga Hill based Ajitnath Jain Temple (one of the 24 Tirthankaras), will generate
direct employment for around 40 lakh man-days. It will enhance connectivity & mobility. It
will also help in socio-economic development of the region. This proposed rail line will also
help in faster movement of local and agricultural products. It will also boost the mobility
of people between Gujarat and Rajasthan. It will act as an alternative route to existing
Ahmedabad-Abu Road railway line.
About Ambaji
Ambaji is one among the 51 Shakti Peeths. It pulls millions of devotees from Gujarat and
other parts of India and World every year. It is the holy temple of “Arasuri Ambaji”. It does
not have any image or statue of goddess. People worship “Shree Visa Yantra” as the main
deity. No one can watch the Yantra with naked eye and its photography is also prohibited.
BRICS Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meet 2022
First BRICS Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meet was organised on July 13, 2022, under the
chairmanship of China.
During the virtual meet, member countries signed a communiqué of “BRICS
Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Corruption”.
Members set foot on broad consensus for rejecting the corruption safe haven
initiative. It was agreed upon to show a clear message of safeguarding fairness and
justice to international community.
This meeting marked the presence of heads of BRICS anti-corruption agencies,
UNODC and other international organizations.
India at Anti-Corruption Meet
From India, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the Meet, in virtual mode.
In his address, the minister dwell on India’s commitment to tackle corruption. India
has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
India’s Central Vigilance Commission is the nodal agency to look after preventive and
punitive measures against corruption.
How is India working against corruption?
India has taken several steps over time to reduce the corruption:
1. Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 was implemented. It introduced
following new provisions:
It criminalises the act of giving bribe and taking bribe.
It puts, an effective deterrence for these acts by individuals and corporate entities, in
place.
2. Lokpal: India also operationalised the Lokpal, which is a statutory body and is
mandated to directly receive and process complaints against public servants in
accordance with the Prevention of Corruption Act,1988.
3. E-governance measures: India has been effectively implementing the e-Governance
by extensive use of ICT tools including Digi Locker, fully automated Income Tax
compliances, Direct Benefit Transfer through Aadhaar payment bridge etc. It has
reduced the scope of corruption at all levels. Pensions,
About BRICS
BRICS acronym stands for world’s leading emerging countries viz., Brazil, Russia, India,
China, and South Africa. In 2006, leaders of the BRIC countries met and formalized the
“BRIC”. In 2010, South Africa was invited to join and it adopted the BRICS acronym. BRICS
is not headquartered at one place. However, member countries have set up BRICS offices
in their countries.
IISc-CSIR Research to inactivate SARS-CoV-2
Researchers from Indian Institute of Science (IISc) recently conducted an experiment to
inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in collaboration with the CSIR-Institute of Microbial
Technology.
Researchers found the design of a new class of synthetic peptides. The peptides can
block the entry of SARS-CoV-2 virus entry into cells, besides grouping the virus
particles together. This way, the ability of virus to infect also reduces.
The need of this research got triggered due to rapid emergence of new strains of
SARS-CoV-2 virus. It has decreased the protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines.
Protein-Protein interaction and new peptide
Protein-protein interaction is similar to that of a lock and a key. This interaction can
be obstructed by synthetic peptide that similar to and competes with, stops the ‘key’
from binding to ‘lock’.
The new peptides can bind with and block the spoke protein present in the
coronavirus.
This binding was characterised by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and other
such biophysical methods.
Designed peptides are hairpin-shaped and helical. Each of the peptides is capable to
pair up with another peptide, forming a dimer.
Each dimeric ‘bundle’ provides two ‘faces’ for interacting with two target molecules.
The two faces would bind with two different target proteins and lock all four in a
complex. This way, it will block the targets.
S Protein Trimer
S protein is a trimer. It is a complex of three similar polypeptides. Every polypeptide
comprises of a “Receptor Binding Domain (RBD)”, which sticks with the ACE2 receptor on
surface of host cell. This interaction provides for viral entry into the cell. SIH-5 peptide was
developed for blocking the RBD binding to human ACE2.
SIH-5 and s protein cross linking
When SIH-5 peptide come in contact with an S protein, one of its faces stick tightly with
the three RBDs on S protein trimer, while the other face stick to the RBD from different S
protein. This cross-linking helped SIH-5 in blocking both the S proteins at the same time.
Background
The research on the peptide was supported as a part of “COVID-19 IRPHA call” of SERB
Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), which is a statutory body of the
Department of Science and Technology (DST).
ReNew: Refinance Dollar-Denominated Bonds
ReNew Energy Global plc recently refinanced its bonds worth USD 525 million, which was
scheduled to get mature in 2024, from Indian non-banking financial company.
The dollar-denominated bonds were refinanced with amortising project debt from
Indian non-banking financial company.
ReNew Energy Global Plc has become the first renewable energy company in India,
to refinance the dollar-denominated bonds.
ReNew had issued bonds worth USD 525 million in 2019. These bonds are set to
mature in 2024.
Significance of the refinancing
By refinancing dollar-denominated bonds before the time, company has shown strong
and continued access towards domestic debt capital, as well as company’s ability to
proactively manage refinancing risk. Refinancing has reduced the interest cost on bonds
by 200 basis points. Interest rate has been fixed for three years while maturity has been
pushed to the end of 2027. Reduction in rates, rate fixing and extension in tenor took
place in the light of increasing interest rate environment.
ReNew Power
It is the largest renewable energy company in India, in terms of operational capacity. It is
based in Gurgaon, Haryana. The company has an asset base of more than 10 GW, with
operational capacity of 5 GW. The company operates more than 110 projects in 18 states
of India. ReNew Power was established by Sumant Sinha in 2011. First project of the
company was started in May 2012, at Jasdan in Gujarat.
Dollar Bond
Dollar bond is also called as dollar-denominated bond. It represents that, this bond is
issued outside U.S. by U.S. entities or within U.S. by foreign government and corporations.
Dollar bonds can cover wider participation, as a result, a larger market, as compared to
securities denominated in other currencies.
Twitter: ‘Unmentioning’ feature
The microblogging platform Twitter has rolled out “Unmentioning Feature”. This feature
will allow uses to remove themselves from any conversations.
About Unmentioning Feature
This feature was launched amid ongoing chaos over Elon Musk’s walkout of USD 44
billion deal to buy Twitter.
Twitter was testing the Unmentioning Feature on limited number of users, till date.
Now, it has been launched for everyone.
This feature will allow users to cut themselves from conversations they no longer
want to be a part of.
It will help in protecting the peace of people by removing themselves from unwanted
conversations.
Twitter has developed several other features for keeping mentions civil. One of such
features include “anti-harassment Safety Mode”.
Elon Musk’s deal termination and falling shares
In the premarket trading, the shares of twitter lowered by about 6 per cent, in the midst of
recent walkout by Elon Musk. Musk has recently terminated its worth USD 44 billion deal
to buy twitter. Following this, Twitter announced to sue Elon Musk. Musk will require to
pay USD 1 billion in termination fees to twitter, in line with earlier filing with US Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Twitter, Inc.
It is an American communications company, headquartered in San Francisco, California. It
heads the microblogging & social networking service “Twitter”. Vine short video app as
well as Periscope live streaming service were also operated by the company earlier.
Twitter was created in March 2006, by Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, Noah Glass, and Evan
Williams. It was officially launched in July 2006.
Lok Sabha Secretariat List of ‘Unparliamentary Words’
Lok Sabha Secretariat released a list of “unparliamentary words” on July 13, 2022. Some of
the unparliamentary words include ‘Jumlajeevi, Covid spreader, Snoopgate, Baal buddhi”.
It also includes expressions like “ashamed, betrayed, hypocrisy. Abuse, drama, and
incompetent”.
Key Facts
As soon as this list was released, a backlash started over the updated booklet of the
Lok Sabha Secretariat.
The booklet lists some words, which are considered to be unparliamentary in Lok
Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha.
Following the backlash, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Prakash Birla stated later that, “no
word has been banned” and parliamentarians are free to express their views”.
About the “unparliamentary words” list
According to the Speaker, this list is merely a compilation of expressions that had been
removed from records in the past. Earlier, the Secretariat used to release a book of such
unparliamentary words in a bid to avoid wastage of papers. Now the government has put
the list on internet. This list has been released in 1954, 1986, 1992, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2010
in the past. In year 2010, it was started releasing on yearly basis.
What words have been included?
The booklet was released before Monsoon Session of parliament. It mentions words
including Shakuni, dictatorial, taanashah, vinash purush, khoon ki kheti, Jaichand would be
removed if they are used during debates or otherwise. Words like Dohra Charitra,
nautanki, behri Sarkar, dhindora peetna will also be treated in similar manner. However,
chairman of Rajya Sabha and Speaker of Lok Sabha will have the last word in removing
words and expressions.
What are Unparliamentary Words?
Unparliamentary words are the abusive or rude words or expressions which are
considered unsuitable for use in Parliament. Unparliamentary words are regulated in
accordance with Article 105 (2) of the Indian constitution. Under article 105 (2), speech of
an MP in parliament is subject to discipline of Parliamentary rules and good sense of the
members. Speaker or chairman of the house is empowered to keep check on it, so as to
ensure that MPs does not use “defamatory or undignified unparliamentary words” inside
the Parliament. Rule 380 and Rule 381 of “Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in
Lok Sabha” deal with “Expunction (removal of unparliamentary words)”.
Guidelines for Mission Shakti Scheme
Ministry of Women and Child Development recently released guidelines for ‘Mission
Shakti’ scheme.
Highlights
Mission Shakti Scheme was launched by Government of India.
It will be implemented for the period of 2021-22 to 2025-26.
It an integrated women empowerment programme.
It will act as an umbrella scheme for security, safety, and empowerment of women
Newly released guidelines will be applicable with effect from April 1, 2022.
What is Mission Shakti?
Mission Shakti is a scheme, launched in mission mode. It aims to strengthen interventions
for safety, security and empowerment of women. It aims to realise the commitment of
government for “women-led development‟. This commitment will be fulfilled by:
1. Directing the issues affecting women on the basis of life-cycle continuum
2. Making women equal partners in nation-building.
Mission Shakti further seeks to turn women economically empowered so that they can
exercise free choice on their minds and bodies in an environment which is free from
violence and threat. It will also decrease care burden on women and improve female
labour force participation. Female labour force participation will be promoted through skill
development, financial literacy, capacity building, etc.
Sub-schemes of Mission Shakti
Mission Shakti has two sub-schemes:
1. Sambal- Sambal sub-scheme deals with the safety and security of women. It
comprises of “One Stop Centre (OSC), Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) and One Stop
Centres” components under a new component called “Nari Adalats”, which is
collectives of women for promoting and provide alternative dispute resolution and
gender justice.
2. Samarthya– Samarthya sub-scheme deals with the empowerment of women. It
comprises of components of schemes like Ujjwala, Swadhar Greh and Working
Women Hostel, with some modifications. National Creche Scheme for children of
working mothers as well as Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) have
also been included under this sub-scheme.
Nepal’s first Citizenship Amendment Bill
Parliament of Nepal passed the first ever “Citizenship Amendment Bill” on July 13, 2022.
The citizenship amendment bill was being discussed for over two years (since 2020),
because it could not bring a consensus among political parties.
Political parties had different opinions on different provisions, including- seven-year
waiting period to get “naturalised citizenship” for foreign women who is married to
Nepali men.
Nepal’s first Citizenship Amendment Bill 2022
Nepal’s first Citizenship Amendment Bill 2022 will amend the Nepal Citizenship Act
2006.
Bill will make provisions to provide citizenship in line with the Constitution.
There was a need to amend the citizenship act, because many people are deprived of
citizenship certificates even though their parents are citizens of Nepal. It was further
depriving them of education and other facilities provided by government.
Citizenship Law in Nepal
Citizenship or Nationality in Nepal is regulated under Articles 8, 9, and 10 of constitution of
Nepal. Parliament had promulgated the “Nepal Citizenship Act 1964” on February 28,
1964. The act provides for single citizenship in entire country. Later in 2006, “Nepal
Citizenship Act, 2006” was promulgated to repeal 1964 act. 2006 act comprises of
provisions related to termination and acquisition of citizenship in Nepal. To get citizenship
card in Nepal, people need to present citizenship cards of mother and father, along with
the birth certificate.
IIT, Madras is the best educational institute in Education Ministry’s India Rankings 2022 of Higher Educational Institutions
– Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu and Assam’s CM Himanta Biswa Sarma sign pact to resolve decades-old border dispute
– RJD MLA Anant Singh, convicted in arms case, disqualified by Bihar assembly
– Varanasi to be the first city in SCO to be granted the rotating title of ‘Cultural and Tourism capital of SCO’ in September when India assumes SCO Presidency
– Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launches indigenously built Y- 3023 Dunagiri, Project 17A frigate in Kolkata
– Supreme Court slams Nagaland government for delaying 33% women’s quota in local bodies
– Indian Navy participating in RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific exercise) in US from July 12 to August 4
– Kerala has become the first and only state in the country to have its own internet service: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
– India’s horticultural crops output increase marginally to 341 million tonne in 2021-22
– e-NAM (electronic-National Agriculture Market) platform linked to private agri-services providers; will enable more farmers use the online platform to sell their produce to buyers of their choice
– Trade deficit in April-June quarter jumps to a record $70.8 billion
– Govt launches “Jagriti” mascot for empowering consumers and generating awareness towards
their rights
– Heavy Industries Minister Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey virtually attends the meeting of Ministers of
Industry of the member states of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Uzbekistan
– LIC estimates its embedded value at Rs 5.41 lakh crore as of March 2022
– G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting held in Bali, Indonesia
– PNB, 3 other PSU banks activate account aggregator system which is a financial data exchange
where banks, fintechs or NBFCs can exchange customer data after taking consent from such users
– Privatise all public sector banks except SBI for now: Economists Poonam Gupta & Arvind
Panagariya suggest
– Country’s foreign exchange reserves declined by USD 8.062 billion to USD 580.252 billion in the week ended July 8
– Rajkiran Rai G recommended for post of MD of NaBFID (National Bank for Financing
Infrastructure and Development) by Financial Services Institutions Bureau
– Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurates 166 Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) stations across 14 states
– Google buys 1.2% stake in Bharti Airtel for $700 million
– Facebook-owner Meta releases first human rights report in India
– US House of Representatives approves amendment on CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries
Through Sanctions Act) waiver to India
– Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as Sri Lanka’s interim president
– Ukraine: Russian missiles kill 23 in Vinnytsia city
– India’s Adani Ports, Israel’s Gadot win tender to buy Haifa port from Israel govt
– International North-South Transport Corridor: Russia’s 1st rail transit cargo to India reaches Iran
– Only risks, no gains, for 15-39 age group from alcohol consumption: Lancet
– North Korea recognises Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republics (LPR) in Ukraine as independent countries; 3rd after Russia and Syria
– US carries out test of hypersonic missile ARRW (Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon)
– World Youth Skills Day celebrated on July 15; theme: ‘Transforming youth skills for the future’
– England (246/10 in 49) defeat India (146/10 in 38.5) by 100 runs in 2nd ODI of 3-match series at Lords in London; series at 1-1
– Surya Sekhar Ganguly wins Chess960 Rapid Open at 55th Biel Chess Festival in Switzerland
July 17, 2022
– BJP announces West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar as its Vice-Presidential candidate
– UP: PM inaugurates 296-km-long Bundelkhand Expressway constructed at a cost of Rs 14,850 crore
– 18th All India Legal Services Authority Meet held in Jaipur
– J&K: Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawan shoots 3 colleagues before killing self at a camp in Udhampur district
– Former Punjab speaker, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Nirmal Singh Kahlon dies at 79
– Centre amends Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules; will allow electronics industries
industry to declare information in digital form through QR Code
– US decides not to impose sanctions against India for purchasing S-400 missiles from Russia; India gets CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) waiver
– World Emoji Day being celebrated on July 17
– International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Changwon, Korea: Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar wins gold medal in Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions (3P) event
– India crosses milestone of administering 200 crore COVID vaccine doses
– Home Minister Amit Shah holds meeting with all CMs, LGs, Administrators of UTs on Har Ghar Tiranga Programme
– 52nd BGB-BSF (Border Guards Bangladesh-Border Security Force) Director General level
conference starts in Dhaka
– Army Chief Manoj Pande proceeds on three-day visit to Bangladesh
– Ex-Union minister Margaret Alva of Congress to be Opposition’s vice-presidential candidate
– Indian Navy’s INS Sindhudhvaj submarine decommissioned at Visakhapatnam after 35 years in service
– Cargo plane operated by Ukrainian airline crashes in Greece; was going from Serbia to Jordan
– Saudi Arabia: “Jeddah Summit for Security and Development” held; attended by leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and the US
– World Day for International Justice observed on July 17
SINGAPORE OPEN SUPER 500 BADMINTON WINNERS
– India’s P V Sindhu: women’s singles
– Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting: men’s singles
– Indonesia’s Leo Rolly Carnando & Daniel Marthin: men’s doubles
– Indonesia’s Apriyani Rahayu & Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti: women’s doubles
– Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh & Sapsiree Taerattanachai: mixed doubles
– Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa wins Paracin Open Chess title in Serbia
– Shiv Sena splits in Lok Sabha as 12 out of 19 MPs join rebel camp; Rahul Shewale named party leader in House
– ‘Beyond the Misty Veil – Temple Tales of Uttarakhand’, a book by IAS Officer Aradhana Johri, released
– 1,63,370 renounced Indian citizenship in 2021, US top choice: Govt
– Chhattisgarh government to purchase cow urine at Rs 4 per litre under ‘Godhan Nyay Yojana’ from
– ED arrests former Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey in connection with a money
laundering probe
– Centre sets up committee, headed by former Union Agriculture Secretary Sanjay Agrawal, on the
minimum support price and other issues in the farming sector
– CBIC clarifies on GST changes; 5% GST on these food items, like pulses, flour and rice, will not apply in case the pack size is over 25kg
– Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) releases compilation of success stories of 75,000 farmers
– Indian rupee declines to a record low of 80.0125 per dollar
– RBI hikes capital adequacy ratio for urban cooperative banks to 12%
– SEBI approves name of Ashish Kumar Chauhan as MD & CEO of NSE
– 17th CII – Exim Bank Conclave on India-Africa Growth Partnership held in New Delhi
– Go Digit General Insurance 1st to offer a ‘pay as you drive’ feature for motor insurance
– US was the top source country for inward remittances in India in 2020-21
– Yes Bank selects JC Flowers ARC as partner for sale of stressed loan portfolio
– Govt releases Natural Resource Accounting to track mineral, energy deposits
– UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for bold, coordinated responses to global food crisis
– India and European Union (EU) hold 10th round of talks on human rights,
– Athletics World Championships at Eugene (US): Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar wins men’s high jump gold in 2.37m
– International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Changwon, Korea: Rhythm Sangwan and Anish Bhanwala win bronze in mixed 25 m rapid fire pistol team event
– Former SC judge Vineet Saran appointed BCCI ethics officer & ombudsman
– India, Namibia sign MoU for bringing cheetah to Kuno-Palpur National Park in MP; extinct since 1952
– Proposed reservoir at Mekedatu to severely impact water flow; TN tells SC, Karnataka refutes claim
– Govt bans human embryo import in line with surrogacy, assisted reproductive tech laws
– China conducts military exercise with attack helicopters over Pangong Lake
– Renowned ghazal singer Bhupinder Singh dies at 82
– Govt slashes windfall tax on petrol (from Rs. 6/litre to nil), diesel (Rs 11 from Rs 13 per litre) and ATF (Rs 17,000 per tonne)
– Rajarshi Gupta appointed MD of ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL)
– Sri Lanka: Ranil Wickremesinghe elected president by MPs
– EU to defreeze some Russian assets to enable trade of food & fertilisers
– Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation awards Dissident Human Rights Award to Ukraine
– World Chess Day observed on July 20, marks the date of the establishment of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris in 1924
– International Moon Day observed on July 20, NASA’s Apollo 11 mission landed on Moon on July 20, 1969
– BJP’s candidate Droupadi Murmu elected as President with 64% of votes; defeats opposition
candidate Yashwant Sinha (36%)
– UN World Food Programme’s (WFP) Executive Director David Beasley visits India
– 9th ASEAN-India Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crimes (SOMTC) held virtually
– Running of ships in Lakshadweep handed over to Shipping Corporation of India
– Asian Development Bank (ADB) cuts India’s GDP growth forecast to 7.2% for 2022-23 from 7.5% estimated earlier
– NITI Aayog releases 3rd edition of India Innovation Index; Karnataka (Major States), Manipur (North East & Hill States) and Chandigarh (Union Territories & City States) topped in different categories
– India’s R&D spend (0.7% of GDP) among lowest in the world; Israel’s highest (4.5% of GDP): NITI Aayog
– Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Promotion and development Scheme (PMDPS) launched for strengthening pharmaceuticals industry by Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
– ICC (Indian Chamber of Commerce)-North East Initiative and NEDFi (North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd) sign MoU to promote investment in North East
– Italy: PM Mario Draghi resigns after coalition allies boycott confidence vote
– Russia biggest pipeline resumes pumping gas to Europe after a 10-day outage; Nord Stream 1 runs under the Baltic Sea to Germany
– International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Changwon, Korea: Anish Bhanwala,
Vijayveer Sidhu and Sameer win silver in men’s 25m rapid fire pistol team event
– Best Feature Film: ‘Soorarai Pottru’ (Tamil)
– Best Actor (shared): Suriya for ‘Soorarai Pottru’ & Ajay Devgn for ‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’ (Hindi)
– Best Actress: Aparna Balamurali for ‘Soorarai Pottru’
– Best Popular Film – Providing Wholesome Entertainment: ‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’
– Best Director: KR Sachidanandan for ‘Ayyappanum Koshiyum’ (Malayalam)
– Lok Sabha passes Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022 that seeks to extend the application of domestic laws to the two research stations set up by India in the Antarctic region: Maitri and Bharti
– National Security Adviser Ajit Doval meets his UK counterpart Stephen Lovegrove in New Delhi
– India, 17 others unveil roadmap for long-term resilient supply chains
– India’s foreign exchange reserves drop $7.5 billion to $572.7 billion during the week ended July 15
– upGrad acquires online learning institution Harappa Education for Rs 300 crore
– Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-backed Akasa Air to start from Mumbai-Ahmedabad route on August 7
– Russia and Ukraine agree to release blockaded grain exports; sign UN-brokered in Istanbul,
Turkey
– Sri Lanka: Dinesh Gunawardena sworn in as new PM
– World Athletics Championships in US: Shericka Jackson (Jamaica) wins gold in women’s 200 m in
21.45 seconds
July 24, 2022
Here are Today’s News Headlines by GK Today for July 24, 2022
INDIA
– Enforcement Directorate arrests West Bengal Minister & TMC leader Partha Chatterjee in teacher recruitment scam
– Issue of holding simultaneous polls referred to Law Commission: Law Minister Kiren Rijiju
– National Broadcasting Day observed on July 23; day of country’s 1st broadcast in 1927 from
Bombay
– ADB approves USD 96.3 million loan for Himachal Pradesh Rural Drinking Water Improvement and Livelihood Project
– Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri addresses 16th meeting of National
Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) in New Delhi
– Tata Motors bags order for 1,500 electric buses from Delhi Transport Corp
– WHO declares monkeypox outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC)
– Russian missiles strike Odesa port day after grain deal, Ukraine claims
– World Brain Day observed on July 22
SPORTS
– World Athletics Championships in US: Sydney McLaughlin (US) wins women’s 400m hurdles gold
in 50.68 seconds; breaks her own world record
– India (308/7 in 50) beat West Indies (305/6 in 50) by 3 runs in 1st ODI of 3-match series at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago
– Centre amends Flag Code to allow people to display tricolour 24X7
– Centre to launch “Har Ghar Tiranga” (hoisting of the flag at every home in the country) campaign from August 13 to 15
– Human Space Flight Expo organized by ISRO at Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru on July 22-24
– Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen refuses to accept Banga Bibhushan award of West Bengal govt.
– Govt directs major ports to exempt passenger ferries from paying port, vessel charges for 6 months
– Income Tax Day observed by Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on July 24
– China launches 2nd space station module Wentian after Tianhe in April 2021; launch of 3rd named Mengtian later to complete its permanent space station
– Russia insists strike on Ukrainian port of Odesa hit military targets
– Japan: Evacuation alert after Sakurajima volcano erupts in Kagoshima
– Jonas Vingegaard (Denmark) of Team Jumbo–Visma wins 3328-kms Tour de France cycle race
– Neeraj Chopra (88.13 m) wins silver in men’s javelin throw at World Athletics Championships in US; gold won by Anderson Peters (90.54 m) of Grenada
– Red Bull driver Max Verstappen wins Formula One French Grand Prix at Le Castellet
– India (312/8 in 49.4) beats West Indies (311/6 in 50) by 2 wickets in 2nd ODI at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain (Trinidad & Tobago)
– SAI launches Create for India campaign to cheer for Team India participating in Commonwealth Games
– 4 Cong MPs suspended from Lok Sabha for rest of session for disrupting proceedings
– Droupadi Murmu takes oath as India’s 15th President
– Fresh milk and pasteurised milk fully exempted from Goods and Service Tax, clarifies Government
– Multi-Agency Group set up by govt for expeditious and coordinated investigation of various
categories of foreign asset cases: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
– Maersk creates fast, reliable India-Bangladesh cross-border logistics solution using inland
waterways
– India contributes $2.5 million to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UN RWA)
– Boat carrying Haitian migrants sinks off Bahamas, killing 17; 25 rescued
– Myanmar: Military rulers execute four democracy activists, the first execution conducted in the country in decades
– World Drowning Prevention Day observed on July 25
– World Athletics Championships in US: Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan breaks world record in women’s 100m hurdles in 12.12 seconds
– Lok Sabha passes Family Courts’ Amendment Bill, 2022; validates existence of the 3 family courts in Himachal Pradesh and 2 in Nagaland with retrospective effect
– 19 Opposition MPs suspended over misconduct from Rajya Sabha for a week
– Prasar Bharati signs MoU with IIT, Kanpur to develop Next Generation Broadcast solution
– Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrated across the country on July 26; marks victory in Operation Vijay in 1999
– Gujarat: Death toll in hooch (spurious liquor) tragedy in Botad district rises to 33
– EAM Jaishankar meets USAID (United States Agency for International Development) Administrator Samantha Power in New Delhi
– India lost 329 tigers in last 3 years due to poaching, natural and unnatural causes: Govt.
– Bidding for first ever auction of 5G spectrum begins; Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Adani Data Networks in the fray
– Defence ministry approves arms procurement proposals worth Rs 28,732 cr
– Defence’s Ministry iDEX-DIO (Innovations for Defence Excellence–Defence Innovation
Organization) signs its 100th innovation contract
– IMF slashes India’s 2022-23 GDP growth forecast by 0.8% to 7.4%
– 8% decline in amount of bank frauds in last two years: MoS for Finance Bhagwat Karad
– Non-Performing Assets of Scheduled Commercial Banks in country declined in last four years: Govt
– Russia will withdraw from International Space Station (ISS) project after 2024; jointly run by space agencies of Russia, USA, Europe, Japan and Canada since 1998
– IMF cuts growth forecast for global economy in 2022 to 3.2% in its World Economic Outlook (WEO) report
– US actor Paul Sorvino dies at 83, famous for his role in the gangster classic “Goodfellas”
– Hosts US top medals tally at World Athletics Championships; Armand Duplantis of Sweden breaks own world record in men’s pole vault with 6.21 metres
– India adds 5 new wetlands, total Ramsar sites now at 54; new additions — Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest & Pichavaram Mangrove in Tamil Nadu, Pala wetland in Mizoram and Sakhya Sagar in MP
– Mission Parivar Vikas 2016 boosted National Family Planning Programme, says Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar
– LS Speaker Om Birla and Esperanca Bias sign MoU of Cooperation between Parliaments of India and Mozambique
– Govt to provide 4G mobile services in 24,680 uncovered villages at cost of Rs 26,316 crore
– Cabinet approves Rs 1.64 lakh crore revival package for BSNL; BBNL (Bharat Broadband Network Limited) to be merged with BSNL
– Govt. approves additional investment by BPRL (Bharat Petro Resources Limited) for development of BM-SEAL-11 Concession Project in Brazil
– BPRL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
– DGCA asks SpiceJet to operate 50% of approved flights for 8 weeks following snags
– Campbell Wilson gets security clearance, to take over as Air India MD-CEO
– Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Technologies, has been named the wealthiest woman on Kotak Private Banking – Hurun Leading Wealthy Women List 2021
– Companies can spend CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funds for ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’
campaign activities: Govt
– Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy given Churchill Leadership Award of UK
– Huanan seafood market in Wuhan, China ‘epicenter’ of Covid-19 pandemic: Study
– Russia’s Gazprom cuts gas supply to Europe through Nord Stream 1 to 20% of full capacity
– US to sell additional 20 million barrels of oil from strategic reserve
– Russia taking over ownership stakes in Arctic oil field now held by French and Norwegian
companies
– England: Leicester Cricket Ground named after Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar
– Lok Sabha passes National Anti-Doping Bill, 2021; provides for constitution of National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for regulating anti-doping activities in sports
– Indian Navy gets 1st indigenously-built aircraft carrier (IAC-1) from Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL); will commission it as INS Vikrant
– Indian Navy gets 3 of the 24 MH-60 ‘Romeo’ multi-mission helicopters from the US; made by Lockheed Martin Corporation
– PM Modi inaugurates and lays foundation stone of multiple projects of Sabar Dairy in Sabarkantha, Gujarat
– 2 Indian peacekeepers killed in violent anti-UN protests in Democratic Republic of Congo
– Kerala govt to launch online cab service ‘Kerala Savari’ in August
– Govt launches 11th agricultural census 2021-22 to collect data on various parameters, including operational holdings
– India’s installed capacity of electricity generation at 403 Giga Watt as on June 30: Govt.
– US Federal Reserve hikes interest rate by 75 basis points to check inflation
– World Hepatitis Day observed on July 28
– World Nature Conservation Day observed on July 28
– India beat West Indies by 119 runs in 5rd and final ODI to clinch series 3-0 at the Queen’s Park
Oval in Port of Spain
– Four times Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel to retire at season end
– PM inaugurates 44th Chess Olympiad at Jawaharlal Nehru indoor stadium in Chennai
– Indian Air Force to retire all squadrons of MiG-21 Bison aircraft by 2025
– Rajasthan: 2 pilots killed after IAF’s MiG-21 crashes in Barmer district
– Govt. notifies new set of specified health warnings on tobacco product packs that will have to
display image with text ‘Tobacco Causes Painful Death’
– Parliamentary delegation from Mozambique calls on President Droupadi Murmu
– India tops list of nations seeking blocking scribe, news co tweets: Twitter report
– West Bengal School jobs scam: Arrested Minister Partha Chatterjee stripped of cabinet portfolios, party posts
– SC upholds strict PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) provisions and backs sweeping powers of ED (Enforcement Directorate)
– PM launches ‘India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX)’ at Gujarat International Finance Tec- City (GIFT City) in Gandhinagar.
– Core sector output rises by 12.7% in June
– India April-June fiscal deficit widens to 21.2% of 2022-23 aim
– India receives record high FDI inflow of Rs 6,31,050 crore in 2021-22
– India’s foreign exchange reserves down by $1.152 billion to $571.560 billion in the week to July 22
– Banks’ boards must engage more to address climate concerns: RBI
– RBI eases card data storage norms; new rules allow the merchant or its payment aggregator to
save card data for a maximum period of four days
– Google Maps launches Street View in India in collaboration with Tech Mahindra and Genesys
– International Tiger Day observed on July 29; India has over half of the world’s wild tigers – 2,226
– India votes in favour of a UNGA resolution that recognises the right to a clean, healthy and
sustainable environment as a human right
– US Congress passes $280 bn bill to aid computer chip firms, counter China
– Tunisia referendum: Voters give President Kais Saied near unchecked power
– 7.0-magnitude earthquake kills five, injures 130 in northern Philippines
– Citing Kashmir, Pakistan pulls out on Chess Olympiad eve
– PM addresses first All India District Legal Services Authorities Meet in New Delhi; urges judiciary
to speed up the release of undertrials
– Home Minister Amit Shah opens conference on drug trafficking and national security in
Chandigarh
– Over 30,000 kg of drugs were burnt and disposed of by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) teams in
Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati and Kolkata.
– External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar attends Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at Tashkent in Uzbekistan
– Pranay Kumar Verma appointed India’s next High Commissioner to Bangladesh
– 1999 Kargil war: Point 5140 named as ‘Gun Hill’ to honour supreme sacrifice of gunners in
‘Operation Vijay’
– Actor Rasik Dave, known for Hindi and Gujarati films and TV shows, dies at 65
– EPFO launches face authentication for pensioners to submit digital life certificates
– PM launches National Solar rooftop portal to enable online tracking of the process of installation of
rooftop solar plants
– PM launches Power Ministry’s flagship Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme that aims at
improving the operational efficiencies and financial sustainability of the Distribution Companies
(DISCOMs)
– World Day against Trafficking in Persons observed on July 30
– International Day of Friendship celebrated on July 30
– United States, Japan to launch new semiconductor research hub
– Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham: Mirabai Chanu bags India’s first gold in women’s
49kg weightlifting
– India beat West Indies by 68 runs in first T20 at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad
and Tobago
July 16, 2022
Extension of RoSCTL scheme
Ministry of Commerce and Industry recently extended the “Scheme for Rebate of State
and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL)” till March 31, 2024.
About RoSCTL Scheme
RoSCTL scheme will be continued with the same rates as announced by Textile
Ministry for exports of apparel or garments and made-ups.
Scheme was extended in order to enhance exports and generate employment in
textile industry.
It is a forward-looking and growth-oriented scheme. The scheme has always
provided a predictable and stable policy regime.
It has led to improvement in cost efficiency and export competitiveness in global
market.
Scheme also promoted incubation of start-ups & entrepreneurs in this field.
Under the scheme, huge number of MSMEs have joined the apparel export business.
Background
In March 2019, government had replaced the RoSL (Rebate of State Levies) scheme by new
RoSCTL (Rebate of State and Central Taxes Levies) scheme, after the implementation of
GST in 2017.
Aim of the RoSCTL scheme
RoSCTL Scheme was launched with the aim of reimbursing all embedded State and
Central Taxes or Levies for exports of manufactured goods and garments. Importer-
Exporter Codes (IECs) are required to apply for RoSCTL programme. It also seeks to
enhance productivity in garment and made-up sectors as it rebates all the embedded
State and Central Taxes & Levies. It further aims to compensate State and Central Taxes
and Levies apart from the Duty Drawback Scheme on export of apparel or garments and
Made-ups.
Rebate of State Taxes and Levies
Rebate of State Taxes and Levies comprises of:
1. VAT on fuel used in transportation
2. Captive power
3. Farm sector
4. Mandi tax
5. Duty of electricity
6. Stamp duty on export documents
7. Embedded SGST which are paid on pesticides, fertilizers etc.
Ahmedabad in ‘Time’s World’s 50 Greatest Places of 2022’
List of World’s 50 Greatest Places of 2022 were recently released ‘Time Magazine”.
Ahmedabad and Kerala have been listed among 50 extraordinary places to explore.
Key Facts
Ahmedabad and Kerala are big attraction for a huge number of tourists from India
as well as abroad.
Kerala is famous for its beaches and backwaters, on the other hand Ahmedabad is
famous for Sabarmati riverfront and Gandhi Ashram.
Time Magazine has prepared profile pages for both the destination, highlighting the
reasons why they are part of its prestigious list.
Magazine has tagged Kerala as “Ecotourism hot spot” and Ahmedabad as a “city of
higher learning”.
Time Magazine’s profile for Kerala
According to Time magazine’s profile for Kerala, it is among India’s most beautiful states.
It has a number of spectacular beaches and lush backwaters, palaces, as well as temples.
Reason being this, it is called as “God’s own country”. In year 2022, Kerala is boosting
motor-home tourism, in a bid to inspire new pas de deux for exploration and
accommodation.
Time Magazine’s profile for Ahmedabad
According to profile, Ahmedabad is the first UNESCO World Heritage City in India. It
exaggerates ancient landmarks as well as contemporary innovations. Reason being this,
Ahmedabad is known as “mecca for cultural tourism.”
Other cities in the list
Other destinations included in the list of top 50 are- Seoul, Buahan in Bali, Great Barrier
Reef in Australia, Arctic, Doha, Nairobi, Seoul, Ras Al Khaimah in UAE, International Space
Station, Kyushu Island in Japan, Istanbul, Kigali in Rwanda etc.
CRS-25: SpaceX Cargo Dragon
CRS-25 SpaceX Cargo Dragon spacecraft was launched, recently. It was launched from
“launch complex 39A” of the Kennedy Space Centre towards International Space Station.
It was scheduled to be launched in June 2022, but the launch got delayed by over a
month due to a hydrazine leak on the spacecraft.
Spacecraft was lifted off on Falcon 9, which deployed the CRS-25 into low Earth orbit
after 12 minutes.
It will dock with the International Space Station on July 16.
This was the 30th launch for SpaceX, so far in 2021, as compared to 31 in 2021.
Falcon 9 launch vehicle
Falcon 9 is the first stage of spacecraft. After deploying CRS-25 into low Earth orbit, it
landed on a drone ship in Atlantic Ocean 7 & a half minutes later lift-off.
It completed its fifth flight. Earlier it launched the Crew-3, Crew-4 and CRS-22
missions for NASA. It had also launched Turksat 5B communications satellite.
About Dragon Spacecraft
The Dragon spacecraft is carrying a mission called CRS-25. It is carrying 2,668 kilograms of
cargo, apart from science investigations, spacewalk equipment, hardware and crew
supplies. It is also carrying 544 kilograms of equipment located in unpressurized trunk
section the Dragon.
Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT)
Dragon Spacecraft is carrying a science payload called “Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source
Investigation”. This payload will be installed on the exterior of the International Space
Station. EMIT will help in studying the dust mineral in atmosphere and its interaction with
the ecosystems globally.
Propellants of Dragon
Monomethyl hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide are used as propellants in the Dragon
spacecraft, for its Draco thrusters. Draco thrusters are used to control its approach to and
departure from space station.
Jerusalem Declaration
On July 14, 2022 US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Israel Yair Lapid inked a
joint strategic declaration in Jerusalem, which is officially called as “Jerusalem US-Israel
Strategic Partnership Joint Declaration”.
About Jerusalem Declaration
In the Jerusalem Declaration, US pledge to use all elements under its national power,
to ward off Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
As a part of declaration, US has affirmed the commitment for working in association
with other partners to oppose Iran’s aggression and destabilizing activities, either
directly or through proxies and terrorist organizations including Hamas, Hezbollah,
and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
USA and Israel have committed to continue discussions regarding challenges and
opportunities in Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
However, US President has affirmed his support of a two-state solution as well to
progress toward a reality in which Israelis and Palestinians can get equal measures
of security, prosperity and freedom. The United States is set to work with Israel,
Palestinian Authority, as well as regional stakeholders to achieve this objective.
Jerusalem declaration also comprises of US commitment to completely implement
the terms of USD 38 billion memorandum of understanding.
Cooperation in defence technologies
United States and Israel also committed for cooperation in “cutting-edge defence
technologies like high energy laser weapons systems to protect Israel and other security
partners of US and Israel.
USD 38 billion MoU
The USD 38 billion MOU was signed in 2016, for security assistance. It is an agreement of
10-year. It came into effect in 2018.
Abraham Accords
Jerusalem Declaration also highlights the importance of Abraham Accords as well as
Negev Forum which was started in Manama in June 2022. Abraham Accords is a joint
peace declaration which was inked on September 15, 2020. It seeks to normalize the
diplomatic relations between Bahrain, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
KVIC Knowledge Portal for Khadi
KVIC knowledge Portal for Khadi was inaugurated on July 14, 2022 by CEO of KVIC, Preeta
Verma.
Knowledge Portal for khadi
This portal has been developed by Centre of Excellence for Khadi, in a bid to provide
design directions to Khadi institutions.
KVIC under Ministry of MSME, has set up the Centre of Excellence for Khadi at NIFT.
This centre will extend support to Khadi Institutions.
Knowledge Port for Khadi seeks to spread knowledge related to design among
broader section of Khadi Institutions.
It seeks to create design intervention by simplifying trends, which are suitable for
Khadi.
Volume I of the Portal
Volume I of the portal has conceptualised and presented four stories or design directions.
Each story comprises of a key theme, colour palette, and directions for woven designs,
texture, prints, and surfaces. Each story has been divided into two segments, namely
Home and Apparel. Apart from themes, Knowledge portal also provides size charts,
buttons & closures, silhouette boards, seams and finishes for both the segments.
Information updates
The information will be updated on the knowledge portal for two times in year. It will be
updated to provide directions in accordance with seasons and trends. Information will be
valuable for not only Khadi institutions but also for those organisations providing support
for the development of apparel, packaging for khadi and home products.
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
KVIC is a statutory body, established in April 1957, in accordance with “Khadi and Village
Industries Commission Act, 1956”. It is an apex organisation, working under Ministry of
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). KVIC seeks to plan, promote, organise,
facilitate, and assist in establishing and developing khadi and village industries across
rural areas in association with other agencies.
Dunagiri- Project 17A stealth frigate
On July 15, 2022 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the second Project
17A stealth frigate ‘Dunagiri’.
About Dunagiri
Dunagiri frigate was launched into the Hooghly River in Kolkata.
It will be a very big asset for India as it has the potential to conclude its work in any
situation.
The ship has been named after a mountain range “Dunagiri” in Uttarakhand. This
mountain range was brought to Sri Lanka by Lord Hanuman to bring ‘sanjeevani
booti’ for Lord Laxman.
It is the fourth ship of P17A Frigates.
It is the improved version of P17 Frigates (Shivalik Class), with some improvements in
stealth features, platform management systems, advanced weapons and sensors.
Background
Dunagiri frigate is the renewal of ‘Dunagiri Leander class ASW frigate. Leander class
frigate was in her service for 33 years, from May 1977 to October 2010. It had gone
through several challenging operations and multinational exercises.
Project P17A
Under project P17A, first two ships were launched 2019 and 2020. First ship was launched
at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. On the other hand, second ship was launched at
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited. On May 17, 2022, the third ship named
Udaygiri was launched at MDL. All the ships under project P17A have been designed inhouse
by Directorate of Naval Design (DND) of Indian Navy.
Launch of AI products
Recently, during the first ever AI in Defence Symposium and exhibition, defence minister
inaugurated 75 newly-developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) products, as a part of ‘Azadi Ka
Amrit Mahotsav’. Products belong to different domains including AI platform automation,
blockchain-based automation, computer & intelligence, cyber security, surveillance and
reconnaissance etc.
‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Nationwide Campaign
Central Government is all set to launch a nationwide campaign “Har Ghar Tiranga”,
marking the 75th Independence Day.
Key Points
Under this campaign, citizens will be encouraged to raise the national flag at their
residences.
This initiative was launched as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, by the nodal
Ministry of Culture.
About Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign
The Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign was launched to encourage Indians worldwide to fly
the National flag.
This campaign will serve as a symbol of citizen’s dedication to nation-building and
personal connection to the flag, in light of 75th years of In Independence.
Its main goal is to inculcate a sense of patriotism in hearts of citizens and raise
awareness on the national flag.
How is the National Flag regulated in India?
In India, government has formulated the “Flag Code of India 2002”. It provides guidelines
on usage, exhibition and hoisting of National Flag. The Flag Code of India was
operationalised on January 26, 2002. It regulates the display of Flag by Public, Private and
Government Institutions. It formulates and compiles all laws, practices, customs, and
guidelines to do so.
Revised Flag Code of India, 2022
In 2021, the 2002 code was revised. As per revised norms, Indian flag can now be made
using machine and polyester fabric. National Flag can now be made using cotton,
polyester, silk, Khadi and wool.
Shape and size of the National Flag
The national flag of India must be in rectangular shape. It can be made in any size. But it
shall follow a length to width ratio of 3:2.
Restrictions on display
The Flag Code of India, 2002 provides no restriction on display of National Flag by
members of private organisations, general public, or educational institutions, if it is being
displayed with dignity and honour.
NSO Survey on proportion of unmarried persons
The Social Statistic Division of National Statistical Office (NSO) recently released a report
on proportion of Unmarried person in India.
Key Findings of the report
As per NSO report, percentage share of unmarried young people is increasing. This
number is commonly increasing among men and women.
Percentage of youth (aged 15-29 years) who are never married witnessed an
increase among male population by 26.1 percent in 2019, as compared to 20.8
percent in 2011.
In 2019, highest percentage of youth share who never married was witnessed across
Jammu & Kashmir. It was followed by Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab.
Lowest percentage share was witnessed across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
and Himachal Pradesh.
What is the reason for this trend?
The NSO report does not highlight any reason for the increasing trend. However,
according to government officials, it was highly due to “lifestyle and influence of
celebrities”. In modern lifestyle, being unmarried or becoming single mother or father is a
new trend. This trend is being followed when sex ratio of total population has increased to
1020 in the 5th National family Health Survey, as compared to 991 in 4th round of survey.
Declining youth population
According to NSO report, population of India had reached 1211 million in 2011. It is likely
to reach 1363 million in 2021. Population in India was youngest worldwide, with 27.3
percent of the population accounted for people aged 15–29 years. However, the report
notes that, during 201-2036 population pyramid of India will shift in terms of absolute
numbers, because of decreasing fertility rate and increasing life-expectancy.
National Statistical Office (NSO)
National Statistical Office (NSO) is the merger of National Sample Survey Office (NSSO)
and Central Statistical Office (CSO). NSSO and CSO were merged on May 23, 2019. Ministry
of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is the parent ministry of NSO.
Varanasi: First ‘Cultural and Tourism capital of SCO’
Varanasi City is all set to be declared as the “first Cultural and Tourism Capital of the
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)”.
Key Facts
Varanasi has been showcasing the culture and tradition of India for ages.
It will become the cultural and tourism capital of the SCO for year 2022-23, as a part
of SCO’s new rotating initiative that seeks to promote people-to-people ties and
tourism among member countries.
Under the initiative, a city of cultural heritage from member states will be designated
as cultural and tourism capital of SCO each year. Varanasi has become the first city to
get the title.
City will be selected from member country, which will take over the Presidency of
SCO on rotational basis.
Title will be given to cities in a bid to highlight its prominence.
When will this initiative be implemented?
The new initiative of the organisation will be implemented after the Samarkand Summit
2022. The Samarkand Summit of SCO is scheduled to be held at Samarkand, Uzbekistan
from September 15-16 2022. After this initiative, India is set to take over SCO’s Presidency
and will host next Heads of the State summit. This is why, Varanasi has won the title of
first Cultural and Tourism Capital of the SCO.
Other Initiative by SCO member
Member countries of the SCO were considering various initiatives for promoting tourism
in a bid to boost people-to-people ties, when the norms related to Covid-19 pandemic is
relaxed. Kazakhstan has announced to launch a “visa-free policy for tourists from India
and other countries”.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
SCO is a Eurasian political, economic and security alliance. It is the successor of Shanghai
Five, which was established in 1996. Formation of SCO was announced on June 15, 2001.
Following this, the SCO Charter was inked on July 7, 2002 which came into effect on
September 19, 2003. Membership of SCO has expanded to 8 countries now, viz., China,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, India and Pakistan. India and
Pakistan got membership on June 9, 2017.
July 18, 2022
U.P Bundelkhand Expressway
Bundelkhand Expressway was recently inaugurated in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
Highlights
Bundelkhand Expressway is a 296 km long expressway.
It will pass through 7 districts and lastly connect with Agra- Lucknow expressway.
The expressway will provide a seamless connectivity and boost economic progress in
this region, by bringing in an industrial boom.
Which places will be covered under expressway?
The Bundelkhand expressway starts at Bharatkoop in Chitrakoot district. It connects with
the Agra-Lucknow expressway at Kudrail village in Etawah district. It crosses seven
districts namely, Chitrakoot, Mahoba, Banda, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Aurraiya, and Etawah. It
crosses rivers like Bagen, Ken, Birma, Shyama, Betwa, Chandawal, Yamuna, and Sengar.
Outlay of the project
The Bundelkhand expressway has been built at a cost of Rs 14,850 crore. It was built under
Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). It is a 4-lane
expressway, which can later be expanded up to 6-lanes.
Significance of the expressway
This expressway will help in improving the connectivity in state. is one of the major links
improving the connectivity in the state. It will reduce the journey between Delhi and
Chitrakoot by 3-4 hours. Journey from Delhi to Chitrakoot can be completed in 6 hours,
which earlier used to take 9-10 hours. It is also significant for the Uttar Pradesh defence
corridor project. In Banda and Jalaun districts, an industrial corridor is also being
constructed which will be benefited from the expressway.
Expressways in UP
In Uttar Pradesh, total of 13 expressways were proposed. Out of 13, 6 expressways with
length 3200km are in use. On the other hand, 7 are under construction. In the state,
expressways and highways are becoming industrial areas. Airstrips are also being
developed by air force, to use it in emergencies.
Focus on connectivity
Connectivity and Infrastructure are the main focus of Narendra Modi’s government. In
budget 2022-23, Rs 1.99 lakh crore were allocated for the Ministry of Road Transport and
Highways, as compared to Rs 30,300 crore in 2013-14.
NIRF Rankings 2022 – Highlights
NIRF Rankings 2022 were released on July 15, 2022 by the Union Education Minister
Dharmendra Pradhan.
Key Points
In year 2022, rankings were announced in 11 categories viz., Engineering, Colleges,
Universities, Management, Overall, Medical, Law, Architecture, Research, Dental, and
Pharmacy.
Number of colleges or universities or institutions taking part in NIRF ranking has
been increasing over the year.
In 2021 rankings, 6,000 colleges took part for eleven categories. Indian Institute of
Management (IIM) Ahmedabad was ranked first that year, in management category.
It was followed by IIM Bangalore, and IIM Kolkata.
NIRF Rankings 2022-highlights
In Engineering institutes category, IIT Madras has been ranked at first position.
In Medical college category, AIIMS New Delhi has been ranked as best.
Savitha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai was ranked best in
dental college category.
Miranda House was tagged as best college, followed by Hindu college and
Presidency college.
IIM Ahmedabad was ranked as best B-school in India, in management category. IIM
Bangalore ranked 2nd while IIM Calcutta 3rd.
What is NIRF Ranking?
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is provided by Ministry of Human
resource development. Ministry has launched the NIRF on September 29, 2025. It provides
a methodology for providing rank to institutions across India in different categories. This
methodology is prepared from overall recommendations and broad understanding, which
was arrived at by a Core Committee. This committee was formed by MHRD, in a bid to
identify broad parameters of providing ranks to universities and institutions. The
parameters cover- Teaching, Learning & Resources; Graduation outcomes; Research &
Professional Practices; Perception and Outreach & Inclusivity.
Jagriti: Mascot for Consumer Rights
Recently, Jagriti Mascot was launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), in a
bid to empower consumers and generate awareness on their rights.
About Jagriti Mascot
Jagriti Mascot will help in empowering consumers and generating awareness among
them about “consumer rights”.
The Mascot will be presented as an empowered consumer, mushrooming awareness
on consumer rights and addressing solutions for the problems faced by consumers.
It will raise consumer awareness on several themes of the Department such as,
Hallmarking, provisions of Consumer Protection Act 2019, provisions of weights &
measures Act, National Consumer Helpline toll free number 1915, decisions of
Central Consumer Protection Authority besides the consumers’ testimonials on
grievance redressal.
Jagriti mascot will be displayed along with tagline “Jago Grahak Jago” across all the
media campaigns.
Jagriti Mascot and “Jago Grahak Jago tagline” are new synonymous with young
aware consumers. Both of these seek to bring sharp focus towards consumer rights
knowledge and movement.
Aim of the Jagriti Mascot
Through the Jagriti Mascot, DoCA aims to build up campaign on consumer awareness
campaign in digital and multimedia. It also seeks to support for a young, empowered and
informed consumer as consumer rights awareness recall brand.
Jago Grahak Jago Program
Jago Grahak Jago is consumer awareness campaign. Department of Food has launched in
2005. Government used different mediums to raise awareness among consumers
including- Media advertisements, Printings, Audio campaigns, Video campaigns and
Posters.
What are Consumer Rights?
Consumer right can be defined as the “right to have information regarding quality,
quantity, potency, price, purity, and standard of goods or services”.
Consumer Protection Act 1986
Consumer Protection Act 1986 was enacted in 1986, for the protection of consumers’
interests in India. It came into effect on December 24, 1986. Consumer Protection Act,
2019 has now replaced the 1986 act.
Consumer Protection Act 2019
Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 8, 2019. The act came
into force from July 20, 2020. In line with the Consumer Protection Act 2019, the ecommerce
entity are mandated to display the country of origin, on every product.
Kala Azar (Black fever) Case in West Bengal
In West Bengal, around 65 cases of Kala Azar (black fever) were reported across 11
districts in recent weeks.
However, there is no outbreak of the disease in state and cases are in limit, set by
Union government.
Union government aims to reduce Black fever cases to less than one per 10,000
population at block level, in a bid to eliminate the disease.
The disease is endemic to 11 districts of West Bengal, including Malda, North
Dinajpur, Darjeeling, South Dinajpur, and Kalimpong.
In India, cases of Black fever are mainly reported from 54 districts across four states
viz., West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand.
What is Kala-azar?
Kala-azar or Black fever is scientifically called as Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL). It is a complex
protozoan parasitic disease, caused due to parasite called Leishmania donovani. Sandfly
Phlebotomine argentipus is the medium of its transmission.
What are the causes of Kala-Azar?
The Kala-Azar disease is caused due to weak immune system, malnutrition, poor housing.
It mainly affects poorest people. It can also be caused due to environmental changes like
deforestation, irrigation schemes, building of dams, and urbanization.
Symptoms of Kala-Azar
As per World Health Organisation (WHO), people with Kala-azar can be characterized by
symptoms like irregular bouts of fever, enlargement of the spleen & liver, weight loss, and
anaemia.
Treatment of Kala-Azar
Kala-Azar can be diagnosed by merging the clinical signs with parasitological, or
serological tests like rapid diagnostic tests.
Badminton: PV Sindhu wins Singapore Open title
On July 17, 2022 PV Sindhu acquired the first Super 500 title in her career, after defeating
Asian champion Wang Zhi Yi from China.
Highlights
PV Sindhu secured the title, by defeating Wang Zhi Yi by 21-9, 11-21, 21-15 in the final
of Singapore Open.
The first two games were lop-sided, while the third game became a battle.
This is Sindhu’s first 500 title, since she won the world championship in 2019.
This is also the first 500 title or better final for year 2022.
In year 2022, she has won two titles of Super 300, before this win. However, she has
made to the semi-finals for 7 times and quarters for 10 times in 13 tournaments.
Singapore Open
Singapore Open badminton event has been held every year, in Singapore starting from
1929. The tournament is categorized as one among the seven BWF World Tour Super 500
events by Badminton World Federation. In 2023, it is set to be upgraded to a Super 750
event. The tournament is organised by Singapore Badminton Association, which was
created in 1929 to promote sport and organise competition. The tournament became an
open invitation championship in 1960. In 2007, the tournament became a part of BWF
Super Series event.
Singapore Badminton Association (SBA)
It is the national governing body for badminton. The body is an affiliate of Singapore
National Olympic Council. It was created in 1929, to govern, encourage and develop sports
across the Singapore. SBA is also member of Badminton World Federation (BWF) and
Badminton Asia. As of now, it has 32 member clubs across the country.
Badminton World Federation (BWF)
BWF is the international body, created in 1934, to govern badminton. the International
Olympic Committee (IOC). It was founded as an International Badminton Federation (IBF)
comprising of 9 member nations viz., Canada, France, Ireland, Denmark, England,
Scotland, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Wales.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2022
Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2022 is being held from July 16, 2022 to August 14, 2022 in New
Delhi.
Year 2022 is making the 22nd edition of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav.
It is being held as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, under name “22nd Bharat Rang
Mahotsav 2022 (Azadi Segment).
Event was inaugurated by Arjun Ram Meghwal, Malini Awasthi, and Arvind Kumar.
Who is organising the event?
22nd Bharat Rang Mahotsav is being held by National School of Drama (NSD) New Delhi.
Aim of the event
22nd edition of the event aims to showcase incidents and raise awareness about unsung
heroes of India’s freedom struggle who have not made to India’s history. For instance, in
1913, tribal people were brutally tortured and killed in Maangarh. But this incident is
hardly known to people. Thus, theatre artists can prepare plays based on these incidents.
About Bharat Rang Mahotsav
National School of Drama started the Bharat Rang Mahotsav two decade ago, in a bid to
revive the growth and development of theatre across India. It is a national festival, that is
held annually to showcase the work of most creative theatre workers in country.
National School of Drama (NSD)
NSD is a theatre training institute, based in New Delhi. It was established in 1959 as an
autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture. Sangeet Natak Akademi had set up
the school. In 1975, NSD became an independent school. It was given the status of
deemed university in 2005. However, this status was revoked in 2011. Currently, Paresh
Rawal is the Chairperson of NSD.
NHA Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Hackathon Series
The National Health Authority (NHA) recently organised the “Ayushman Bharat Digital
Mission Hackathon Series.
Highlights
It was the first organising first hackathon under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
Hackathon Series.
The hackathon was concluded on July 17, 2022.
Events were organised at Smart City Operations Centre, Pune, in a hybrid format.
Who organised the hackathon?
The hackathon was organised as a part of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) in
coordination with the Pune Smart City Development Corporation Limited (PSCDCL) and
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
Agenda of the hackathon
During the hackathon, several teams comprising of innovators, data experts and
developers joined physically and virtually. They collaborated and built innovative solutions.
Hackathon also focussed on mobilizing health Start-up ecosystem in country. This
objective was fulfilled by bringing the organisations and individuals together for
developing innovative solutions.
Prize pool
For Round 1-Kickstarting UHI (Unified Health Interface)’, Rs 60,00,000 has been fixed as
tentative prize pool. Organisations or individuals will be awarded for developing
innovative solutions. Their solutions will be assessed by independent jury. The prize will be
given to top performers in each challenge track, under two themes:
1. Innovation Track: Under this theme, organisations or individuals are required to
find innovative solutions to power digital health in open network across multiple use
cases like ambulance booking, teleconsultation, physical consultation booking and
lab tests booking.
2. Integration Track:Under this theme, organisations and individuals have been
challenged to accelerate development of applications which are compatible with UHI.
They have also been asked to integrate these applications with applications of other
participants in a bid to enable digital health transactions across UHI network.
National Health Authority (NHA)
NHA is the nodal agency for implementation of India’s flagship scheme called Ayushman
Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). It was set up to implement PM-JAY
at the national level. In the States, State Health Agencies (SHAs) have been established to
implement the scheme.
Cornechiniscus mystacinus: New Tardigrade Species in Kyrgyzstan
Recently, a study was conducted on new specimens of Cornechiniscus, found from
Kyrgyzstan, Argentina and Italy.
About Tardigrades
Tardigrades were first discovered in 1773. They are a diverse group of microscopic
invertebrates. They are best known for their capability to survive in extreme conditions.
The species is also called as water bears or moss piglets. The maximum age of the species
can be 60 years. They grow up to a maximum size of 0.5 mm.
Survival of Tardigrades
Tardigrades can survive for up to 30 years, without food or water. They can also survive
for a few minutes at temperatures below minus 272 degrees Celsius or even at
150 degrees Celsius. At minus 20 degrees Celsius, they can survive for decades. They are
resistant to pressures from 0 atm in space to 1200 atm in Mariana Trench. They can also
withstand the radiation levels up to 5,000-6,200 Gy.
About Cornechiniscus
It is an emblematic genus of large-bodied tardigrades. They are more than 0.3 mm in
length. Members of emblematic genus usually inhabit mosses and lichens with large
amounts of dusty soils. They are exposed to frequent and long drought. The species are
found across all continents, except Antarctica and Australasia.
About Cornechiniscus Mystacinus
In the recent study, it was found that, one tardigrade represented a previously
undiscovered species, called Cornechiniscus Mystacinus. It is the eleventh species of the
genus. The species are commonly found in mountains of Tashkomur in Jalalabat region of
northern Kyrgyzstan. It is found in yellow to dark orange colour. The species has a plump
body; large, round & black crystalline eyes; smooth claws besides a long peribuccal cirri.
INS SINDHUDHVAJ Decommissioned
On July 16, 2022, INS Sindhudhvaj was decommissioned from Indian Navy, after providing
service for 35 years.
About INS Sindhudhvaj
Sindhudhvaj means “flag bearer at sea”.
The crest of the submarine portrays a nurse shark un grey colour.
This Ship was the flag bearer of indigenisation as well as efforts of Indian Navy in
attaining Atma Nirbharta in Sindhughosh class submarines throughout her service in
the Navy.
She is the first ship to operationalise indigenised sonar USHUS, Inertial Navigation
System & Indigenised Torpedo Fire Control System, as well as Indigenised Satellite
Communication systems Rukmani & MSS.
It has also undertaken mating and personnel transfer successfully, with Deep
Submergence Rescue Vessel.
Sindhudhvaj is the only submarine, to receive the CNS Rolling Trophy. Prime Minister
Narendra Modi had awarded the trophy for Innovation.
It was a Sindhughosh-class submarine, in service from 1987.
Sindhughosh-class submarines
Sindhughosh-class submarines are diesel-electric submarines from Kilo-class. They were
designed under Project 877. The submarines were constructed as a part of contract
between Rosvooruzhenie and Indian Ministry of Defence. They have a displacement of
3,000 tonnes, max speed of 18 knots, and the max diving depth of 300 meters. These ships
are capable to go solo with a crew of 53, for 45.
Kilo class submarine
They are diesel-electric attack submarines, designed in 1970s. They were built in Soviet
Union for the Soviet Navy.
Ashish Kumar Chauhan: New NSE chief
Ashish Kumar Chauhan is all set to become the new chief of National Stock Exchange
(NSE).
Candidature of Ashish Kumar Chauhan was cleared by ‘Securities and Exchange
Board of India (SEBI)’.
He will become the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of NSE.
Presently, he is the MD & CEO of the BSE.
His name was cleared after Vikram Limaye resigned the office of MD & CEO of the
NSE.
Now, approval from shareholders will be required in for Ashish Kumar Chauhan to
take charge of NSE.
Background
The NSE had put forward the names of two candidates for the office of MD & CEO.
Four-member internal panel
NSE has formed a four-member internal panel to look after the responsibilities of MD &
CEO until Ashish Kumar Chauhan joins. Members of the committee are:
1. Chief Financial Officer of NSE Yatrik Vin
2. Chief Regulatory Officer Priya Subbaraman
3. Chief Technology & Operations Officer Shiv Kumar Bhasin
4. Chief Enterprise Risk Officer K S Somsundaram.
Ashish Kumar Chauhan at BSE
Ashish Kumar Chauhan is the current MD & CEO of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). This is
his second five-year tenure. His tenure is scheduled to end in November 2022.
Who is Ashish Kumar Chauhan?
Ashish Kumar Chauhan is alumnus of IIT and IIM. His career started at IDBI Bank, before
he moved to NSE. He worked in developing derivatives segment at the NSE, during
1993-2000.
National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE)
NSE is the leading stock exchange in India, headquartered in Mumbai. In 2021, it became
the largest derivatives exchange of the world in terms of number of contracts traded. In
terms of cash equities, NSE is ranked at 4th position. NSE was set up in 1992.
July 19, 2022
Jeddah Summit for Security and Development
On July 16, 2022, the Jeddah Security and Development Summit was organised in Jeddah
city of Saudi Arabia.
The summit marked the presence of leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC),
and United States of America.
During the summit, leaders highlighted the historic ties countries share.
It aimed at boosting the countries’ joint cooperation across all the areas.
Agenda of the Summit
During the summit, gulf leaders vindicated the important role played by United
States in their strategic partnerships in Middle East region.
Leaders also recapped their joint vision for a prosperous and peaceful Middle East
and stressed upon the importance of taking all necessary measures in protecting the
security and stability in the region.
Leaders committed for developing the mutual areas of cooperation & integration,
tackling common threats together while sticking to doctrines of good
neighbourliness & mutual respect.
They stressed upon the need of supporting Palestinian economy and UNRWA, that
stands for “United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees”.
During the summit, commitment of building joint projects among the countries to
attain sustainable development, was also renewed.
Global issue of climate change was jointly discussed. Leaders discussed to boost
climate ambition, supporting innovation & partnerships among the countries,
including “Circular Carbon Economy Framework.”
Electrical Grids between GCC and Iraq
Leaders held discussions on sustainable energy. Finalisation of agreements for connecting
electrical grids between Egypt, Jordan, & Iraq, between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) &
Iraq as well as between Saudi Arabia, Jordan & Egypt, was appreciated. They also
applauded the “Saudi Green Initiative” and “Middle East Green Initiative”. Both the
projects were announced by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
Combined Task Force 153
During the summit, leaders welcomed the setting up of Combined Task Force 153 and
Task Force 59. Both the task forces have been established to strengthen the joint defence
coordination, improve joint naval defence and tackle the maritime security threats.
National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment
National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment was recently conducted by
“Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)”, in partnership
with Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG) and National Association of Software &
Service Companies (NASSCOM).
Key Points
In the assessment, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) was ranked first under the
Central ministries’ portal.
MHA is followed by “Digital Police portal” of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
MHA was shortlisted for evaluation as parent ministry, while the digital police portal
of NCRB was shortlisted under the services portal of MHA.
National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment
The National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment is done periodically, with the
objective of improving the effectiveness of states and Union Territories as well as Central
government in terms of delivering their online services to citizens. In the assessment,
services portal is assessed along with their parent ministry and department’s portal.
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
NCRB is an Indian government agency, which is involved in collecting and analysing crime
data defined under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as well as Special & Local Laws (SLL). It is
headquartered in New Delhi. Ministry of Home Affairs is its parent ministry. It was
established in 1986, to act as a repository of information related to crime and criminals in
a bid to assist the investigators in linking crime to perpetrators.
National Association of Software & Service Companies (NASSCOM)
NASSCOM is a non-governmental, non-profit trade association and advocacy group in
India. It mainly focuses on technology industry of India. It was set up in 1988.
DoT License for Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON)
Kerala bas become the first and only state in India to launch its own internet service,
Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON).
Key Facts
It was announced by Chief Minister of Kerala, after Department of Telecommunications
granted an Internet Service Provider (ISP) licence to KFON Ltd, to provide internet access
to everyone in state.
About KFON
The Kerala Fibre Optic Network Ltd (KFON) is an initiative of Kerala government, launched
with the aim of eliminating the digital gap in state. According to government,
infrastructure created under this project will complement current telecom ecosystem in
Kerala.
What are the objectives of K-FON?
Important objectives of KFON include-
1. To create core network infrastructure or an information highway, in a bid to provide
non-discriminatory access to all service providers in order for them to augment their
connectivity gap.
2. To provide a reliable, secure and scalable intranet across all government offices,
hospitals and educational institutions.
3. To do partnership with Internet Service Providers, Multiple System Operators and
Telecommunication Service Providers in order to provide free internet to
economically backward households.
What is the basic principle behind KFON?
KFON has been kickstarted with the basic principle of “non -discriminatory” treatment.
Thus, no service provider or business segment will receive preferential treatment, in line
with recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Any internet
provider, at any level of business segment are free to use KFON network for bridging the
connectivity gaps at their core networks.
Significance of KFON
KFON will help in bridging the digital gap. It will complement the existing telecom
ecosystem in Kerala as well as act as perfect catalyst in ranking the state of Kerala as a
Gigabit Economy. This network can be utilized in providing affordable and better
broadband connectivity across households. It will play a critical role in delivering remote
education, providing remote access to healthcare, bringing in job opportunities,
strengthening infrastructure development, sharing information related to e-governance &
agriculture matters etc.
Nelson Mandela Day 2022
The Nelson Mandela International Day is observed on July 18, annually in the
remembrance of Nelson Mandela, who was the first democratically elected President of
South Africa.
The Nelson Mandela International Day calls for bringing change in actions of people
and inspiring others.
The day also remembers long years of struggle of Nelson Mandela, to get justice
against apartheid.
It celebrates the legacy of Nelson Mandela who taught to promote peace, to be in
harmony with nature, to have dignity for all and to uphold human rights.
Theme of the day
The Nelson Mandela International Day 2022 was observed under the theme “do what you
can with what you have and where you are”. The theme is significant considering the
geopolitical landscape in eastern Europe, conflicts in Horn of Africa, crisis in Sri Lanka &
Afghanistan, etc. In year 2021, the theme was “One Hand Can Feed Another.”
History of the day
The Nelson Mandela International Day was set up in November 2009, following the
recognition of contributions made by Mandela in bringing peace and fight for freedom, by
UN General Assembly (UNGA). The UNGA approved a resolution highlighting the values
and dedication to service of humanity in the midst of conflict resolution, protection of
human rights, race relations, promotion, and fight against poverty. The day is observed on
the birthday of Mandela.
Nelson Mandela Prize
UNGA launched the “Nelson Mandela Prize” in 2014. It is presented to those who
dedicated their lives to humanity.
About Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was a lawyer, human rights activist, and international promoter of peace.
He was born on July 18, 1918. He was the first democratically elected President of South
Africa. He was orphaned at a young age and claimed the Presidentship early. He was
honoured with Nobel Peace Prize in October 1993. He died aged 95, in 2013.
Presidential Elections- Key Facts
Voting for the presidential election lasted on July 18, 2022. 98.90 percent of electors were
allowed to vote in Parliament house.
Key facts
The election is pitted between NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu and joint opposition
pick Yashwant Sinha.
Polling started with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vote.
According to Election Commission, more than 99 per cent of total electors cast their
ballot.
Out of 736 electors (727 MPs and 9 MLAs), 728 electros (719 MPs and 9 MLAs) cast
their votes.
Counting is scheduled to be done on July 21, 2022.
The term of President Ram Nath Kovind will end on July 24, 2022. According to Presidential
and Vice-Presidential Elections Act 1952, a notification calling for election is issued by
Election Commission on or after 60th day, before the term of current President ends.
Presidential Election in India
In India, The President is elected by the members of an electoral college. The electoral
college comprises of-
Elected members of Lok Sabha (LS)
Elected members of Rajya Sabha (RS)
Elected members of Legislative Assemblies of states, including Delhi and Puducherry.
The nominated members from both the House of Parliament or Legislative Assemblies are
not eligible to cast vote or they are not the members of electoral college. Thus, the
electoral college comprises of 543 members of LS, 233 members of RS and 4120 members
of Legislative Assemblies.
Voting Process
Voting in the Presidential election is done on the basis of “system of proportional
representation” through single transferable vote. No election symbol is put on the ballot
paper. But it comprises of two columns. First column comprises of the name of candidates
while second column has the order of preference. Members of electoral college are
supposed to mark their preference against each candidate. Later, votes are counted.
Members do not abstain from voting. Ballot paper is not cancelled in case preference is
not properly marked.
Indian Navy ‘SPRINT Challenges’
The “SPRINT Challenges” were launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled for
Indian Navy, on July 18, 2022.
Highlights
SPRINT Challenge were launched during Swavlamban seminar in New Delhi. The seminar
was organised by “Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO)”.
What are SPRINT Challenges?
SPRINT Challenges were launched with the aim of increasing the usage of
indigenous technology in Indian Navy.
NIIO have planned to achieve ‘Aarmanirbharta’ in defence. Thus, it has aimed to
launch 75 new indigenous technologies or products in the Indian Navy, in
collaboration with the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).
NIIO-DIO collaborative project has been named as SPRINT, that stands for
“Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX),
NIIO and Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC)”.
Swavlamban seminar
It is a two-day seminar, being held on July 18-19 2022. It is aimed at engaging Indian
industry and academia for achieving self-reliance in Defence sector. The seminar will
provide a common platform for leaders from Academia, Industry, Services and
Government, in a bid to ideate and make recommendations for Defence Sector. Sessions
dedicated to Innovation, Armament, Aviation and Indigenisation were held. It will also
witness outreach to Indian Ocean Region, in order with SAGAR Vision of Indian
government.
Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO)
Defence Ministry had launched the NIIO in August 2020, to encourage innovation and
indigenisation for self-reliance in defence sector, in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar
Bharat. It is a three-tiered organisation:
1. Naval Technology Acceleration Council (N-TAC)- Created to bring the double
aspects of innovation and indigenisation together besides providing apex level
directives.
2. Working group– Created under the N-TAC, for implementing the projects.
3. Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC)– Created to induct new
disruptive technology in accelerated time frame.
NTPC- Indian Oil Joint venture firm
NTPC has inked an agreement with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to create a joint venture
company, in a bid to meet the power requirements for upcoming projects of IOC
refineries.
Highlights
Both the entities have joined hands with the objective of increasing the usage and
capacity of renewable energy sources in India.
As per plan. renewable energy-based power plants will be set-up by NTPC Green
Energy (NGEL) for Indian Oil refineries.
NGEL will act as an umbrella company, to consolidate NTPC’s total renewable energy
businesses.
Indian Oil seeks to fulfil the additional power requirement of its refineries through
renewable energy equal to 650MW by December 2024 through the joint venture.
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
IOCL is an oil and gas explorer and producer in India. It is headquartered in New Delhi. It
is a public sector undertaking. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the parent
organisation, to look after the operations of IOCL. In the Fortune Global 500 list of biggest
corporations of the world, Indian Oil has been ranked at 212th position. It is the largest
government owned oil corporation in India. Subsidiaries of IOCL have been set up in Sri
Lanka (Lanka IOC), Middle East (IOC Middle East FZE) and Mauritius (Indian Oil (Mauritius)
Ltd).
NTPC Limited
NTPC is an Indian public sector undertaking, that generates electricity and involved in
other allowed activities. It is headquartered in New Delhi. Core function of NTPC is to
generate and distribute electricity to State Electricity Boards in India. Government of India
had established NTPC in 1975.
US: Waiver to India against CAATSA sanctions
US House of Representatives passed an amendment, that approves waiver to India
against CAATSA Sanctions.
Key Facts
Amendment was passed by voice vote.
It provides waiver to India, under CAATSA sanctions, to purchase S-400 missile
defence system from Russia.
US’s waiver is directed towards countering China.
Amendment was passed during floor consideration of National Defence
Authorisation Act (NDAA).
About CAATSA Amendment
CAATSA amendment was prepared and introduced by Indian-American Congressman Ro
Khanna. The amendment asks the Joe Biden administration to provide waiver to India
under CAATSA, in order to help deter aggressor countries like China.
What is CAATSA?
CAATSA stands for Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. The law
authorises US administration to put sanctions on countries, which purchase major defence
equipment from Russia. This act was passed in 2017, to respond against Russia’s
annexation of Crimea in 2014 as well as and Russia’s interference in the 2016 US
presidential elections. US government are free to take punitive actions, under CAATSA,
against countries involved in transactions with Russian defence & intelligence sectors.
India-Russia S-400 Deal
India and Russia had inked USD 5 billion deal, to purchase five units of S-400 air defence
missile systems, even though US had warned India. S-400 is the most advanced longrange
surface-to-surface air missile defence system of Russia. In previous instance, US has
put sanctions on Turkey under the CAATSA, when it purchased a batch of S-400 missile
defence systems from Russia.
Rajasthan: AI-based Lok Adalat
Chairman of NALSA, Uday Umesh Lalit, launched India’s First AI-powered, end-to-end
digital Lok Adalat in Rajasthan.
About AI-based Lok Adalat
The AI-based Lok Adalat was launched during 18th All India Legal Services
Authorities’ Meet. It was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The digital Lok Adalat has been designed and developed by the technology partner
Jupitice Justice Technologies of Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA 22).
Significance of the AI-based Lok Adalat
In India, the number of pending cases is increasing over the years. Covid-19 pandemic
induced lockdown has further led to addition of pending cases. Recently, in Bihar, district
court gave its verdict in a land dispute case after 108 years. It was one of the oldest
pending cases in India. According to NITI Aayog report, it would take an around 324 years
to dispose of all current pending cases in country. NITI Aayog report further states that,
75% to 97% of justiciable problems do not reach to the Courts. Thus, 5 million to 40 million
people never reach to Court every month.
Role of Jupitice
Jupitice is the world’s first Justice Technology company. It has been working with several
quasi-judicial bodies and ADR centres across India, in a bid to transform and reboot
dispute resolution ecosystem, digitally. Jupitice has developed the “digital Lok Adalat”, to
fill the existing justice gap and to address problems of digital divide. It seeks to ensure
that justice reaches to common people even in remotest villages by means of mobile,
CSCs, and web.
About Digital Lok Adalat
The Digital Lok Adalat will help in disposing off the pending disputes or disputes which are
at the pre-litigation stage. Cases will be disposed-off by Rajasthan State Legal Service
Authority. This platform will provide end-to-end dispute resolution processes like- easy
drafting & filing of applications, smart templates to formulate settlement agreements,
one-click generation of e-notices, digital hearings through tailor-made video conferencing
tools, etc.
James Webb telescope: Discovery of water on distant planet
James Webb Telescope will help in discovery of water on distant planet. This telescope will
help the researchers in measuring the chemical makeup of atmospheres of planets across
other stars. Researchers hope that, one or more of the planets will show chemical
signature of life.
Highlights
According to researchers, Life might exist in solar system where there is liquid water.
For instance, on subsurface aquifers on Mars or in oceans of Europa (Jupiter’s
moon).
However, search of life across these places is difficult, as it is hard to reach there.
In order to detect life, scientists would need to send a probe which can return to
Earth with physical sample.
Theoretical calculations
According to theoretical calculations, there are about 300 million potentially habitable
planets alone in Milky Way galaxy. Astronomers have discovered more than 5,000
exoplanets till date, of which hundreds are potentially habitable planets. using indirect
methods that measure how a planet affects its nearby star.
How will scientists detect life on distant planet?
Astrobiologists will study about starlight, that has interacted with surface or atmosphere
of a plant, in a bid to detect life on distant planet. If the surface or atmosphere was
transformed by life, the light will carry a clue “biosignature.”
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
It is a space telescope, that has been designed specifically to conduct infrared astronomy.
It is the largest optical telescope in space. Its improved sensitivity and infrared resolution
allow it to look too old, distant, or faint objects for Hubble Space Telescope. It was
launched on December 25, 2021 from Kourou in French Guiana, on an Ariane 5 rocket.
Sanjay Agarwal Committee on MSP
Union Government has constituted “Sanjay Agarwal Committee on Minimum Support
Price (MSP)”, to make it more effective and transparent. Committee has been created
around eight months later the three farm Acts were repealed.
Members of the Panel
The committee will be headed by Sanjay Agarwal.
Other members of the committee include:
1. Member of NITI Aayog, Ramesh Chand
2. Professor of IIM Ahmedabad, Sukhpal Singh
3. Chairman of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative, Dilip Sanghani
4. Secretary of Department of Agriculture
5. Secretary of Department of Indian Council of Agricultural Research
6. Secretary of Food and Consumer Affairs
7. Secretary of Cooperation and Textiles
8. Representatives from state governments of Karnataka, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and
Odisha.
Sanjay Agarwal Committee has been created, keeping the promise made to farmers when
they were protesting against the controversial farm acts. Government had assured to
form a committee to consider their demand for legalising MSP.
Tasks given to the committee
The Sanjay Agarwal committee has been tasked to make suggestions, in a bid to
provide greater autonomy to “Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices”. This
move is directed towards strengthening agricultural marketing system, in line with
changing requirements of India.
Committee would deal with issues related to natural farming, including:
1. Formulating strategies to make krishi vigyan kendras and other R&D institutions as
knowledge centres on natural farming,
2. Established a chain of laboratories, to provide organic certification to products
produced by natural farming.
Committee will also work on crop diversification, in order to take farmers out of
wheat and rice cycles.
It will finally map the existing cropping patterns of producer and consumer and help
in creating a system to provide remunerative prices for sale of new crops.
What is Karakoram Anomaly?
Recently, Researchers unravelled why some areas of glaciers in the Karakoram Range are
going against the worldwide trend of glacial melt due to climate change.
Highlights
Even in Himalayas, glaciers are losing mass.
Researchers linked this phenomenon to “resurgence of western disturbances
(WDs)”.
The phenomenon of Karakoram not losing glacier mass, is known as Karakoram
Anomaly”.
What is the issue?
In India, Himalayan glaciers are very significant, specifically for people living downstream.
They depend on perennial rivers for daily water needs. However, due to global warming
and climate change, the water bodies are rapidly disappearing. On the other hand,
glaciers in central Karakoram have remained the same. In fact, they have risen slightly in
past few decades. This phenomenon is restricted to a relatively small area. Apart from
Karakoram range, similar or comparable phenomenon can be witnessed from Kunlun
ranges.
About the New Study
Recently, a study was published in American meteorological Society’s Journal of Climate,
explaining about the unusual pattern in Karakoram range. Researchers are claiming that,
revival of western disturbances is the main factor of triggering and sustaining Karakoram
Anomaly since the 21st century started. For the first time, this research brought forth the
significance that increased Western disturbances precipitation during accumulation
period modulates the regional climatic anomalies.
The Karakoram Range
The Karakoram Range is located in Kashmir, spreading across the borders of Pakistan,
China, and India. In northwest, it spreads to Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Most part of the
Karakoram Mountain range lies in Gilgit-Baltistan, the region controlled by Pakistan. K2 is
the highest peak of Karakoram range, which is also the world’s second highest peak.
Telangana- UNDP MoU on DiCRA
Government of Telangana recently announced “Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture
(DiCRA)” as a part of Digital Public Goods Alliance, in association with the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP).
What is DiCRA?
DiCRA is the latest addition to Digital Public Goods Registry.
This platform is powered by Artificial Intelligence and aims to strengthen food
systems and food security.
It is important milestone in Government’s commitment towards open data policy,
anticipatory governance to tackle global challenge of food security and service
delivery to farmers.
DiCRA supply intelligence on climate resilience at farm-level.
Significance of the platform
DiCRA is a digital solution, launched with the aim of attain the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). It will help farmers in reducing the effects of climate change on crops &
livestock, improving the resilience of their livelihoods, and wider food security. This is firstof-
its kind digital solution, launched to bring stakeholders like data scientists,
organizations, government, and citizens together, with the objective of promoting open
innovation & strengthening climate resilience in agriculture.
How will DiCRA help in mitigating climate change impact?
Climate change affects the crop yield, nutritional quality as well as livestock productivity.
DiCRA will help in identifying which farms are resilient to climate change and which are
highly vulnerable, using its remote sensing and pattern detection algorithms. It will use
open-source technologies for facilitating analysis and insights sharing on climate
resilience. It will provide the vital data and analytics to farmers in India and by this enable
the farmers to reduce the climate change effects on crops and livestock.
Effects of climate change on agriculture
In India, agriculture is vulnerable to climate change. High temperature reduces the crop
yields, while favours the weed and pest proliferation. Climate change negatively effects
the irrigated crop yields across agro-ecological regions because of increasing temperature
and changing pattern of water availability.
India-UNDP Collaborations
UNDP has been collaborating in various areas with different State Governments in India.
For example:
1. UNDP and Odisha government partnered for water management,
2. UNDP is working with governments and innovators for creating digital public goods
of the future.
3. UNDP and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare inked MoU, under which UNDP
provides technical support to Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
scheme and Kisan Credit Card.
National Standards for Civil Service Training Institutions
On July 18, 2022, Union government unveiled the “National Standards for Civil Service
Training Institutions (NSCSTI)”, with the aim of raising their quality and capacity.
NSCSTI was launched at the headquarter of Capacity Building Commission.
With this, India has become the world’s first country to launch a unique model for
creating a national level standard for civil service training institutions.
A web portal and approach paper for national standards were also unveiled, during
the launch event
How will national standards raise capacity and quality?
Capacity Building Commission develops the national standards to,
1. Formulate a baseline for central training institutes on their current capacity
2. To elevate quality and capacity of training delivery and
3. To harmonise standards for training.
These standards will also lay down aspirations for training institutions, to endeavour
towards excellence.
Capacity Building Commission
Capacity Building Commission was created as a part of Mission Karmayogi for civil
servants. The commission comprises of experts in related fields and global professionals.
It will help in preparing and monitoring annual capacity building plans as well as audit
human resources present in the government.
Mission Karmayogi
Mission Karmayogi is a “National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building
(NPCSCB)”. It was launched to build a future-ready civil service with right skill, knowledge
and attitude. The scheme seeks to prepare civil servants in India for future by making
them more constructive, creative, imaginative, innovative, progressive and technologyenabled.
Why was Mission Karmayogi launched?
Indian bureaucracy is facing several challenges such as political interference, rule
orientation, promotional inefficiency and generalist & specialist conflict. Thus, this mission
was launched to make changes in status quo of civil services.
Who will be covered under the scheme?
Mission Karmayogi will cover 46 lakh central government employees. It has been launched
at an outlay of Rs. 510 crores for a period of five-years.
RBI: Four-tiered regulatory for Urban Cooperative Banks
On July 19, 2022, a simple four-tiered regulatory framework was adopted by the Central
Bank, for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs).
Key Facts
The RBI adopted the framework on the basis of size of deposits.
This move is aimed at strengthening their financial soundness.
N. S. Vishwanathan Committee
1. S. Vishwanathan Committee was created to make recommendations on
strengthening the Urban Co-operative Banks. It had recommended to adopt fourtiered
regulatory framework, on the basis of size of deposits of banks and area of
operations. Committee had recommended a differentiated regulatory approach for
key parameters like net worth, branch expansion, Capital to Risk-weighted Assets
Ratio (CRAR) and exposure limits. It had also suggested for ‘membership to an
Umbrella Organisation’.
Which recommendations have been adopted?
The central bank accepted following recommendations of the committee.
1. Simple four-tiered regulatory framework has been adopted, with differentiated
regulatory prescriptions.
2. Minimum net worth of Rs 2 crore has been specified for Tier 1 UCBs operational in
single district and Rs 5 crore has been specified for all other UCBs (across all tiers).
CRAR framework
Currently, a minimum Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) requirement of 9% is retained for Tier
1 banks, based on Basel I. For Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4 UCBs, RBI has decided to increase
minimum CAR to 12%, in a bid to strengthen their capital structure.
Automatic Route for Branch Expansion
The RBI will also initiate automatic route for branch expansion of UCBs, meeting some
specific norms. This move will bring in growth opportunities in the sector.
Umbrella Organisation for UCB sector
The N. S. Vishwanathan Committee had recommended for membership to an Umbrella
Organisation (UO) in UCB sector. RBI will examine this recommendation, after the entity is
fully operational.
New Technologies used in Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
Union Government had launched the “Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-I (PMGSY-I)”,
to provide rural connectivity. As of July 13, 2022, road length of 6,45,566 km has been
sanctioned and 6,17,013 km has been completed.
PMGSY phase I
PMGSY phase I was launched as a one-time special intervention to impart rural
connectivity, by providing a single all-weather road.
All the eligible unconnected areas of designated population size were connected
under the scheme. Pain areas with 500+ population and Himalayan States,
Himalayan UTs and North-Eastern States with 250+ population have been connected.
PMGSY Phase II
PMGSY Phase II was launched in 2013, in a bid to consolidate the existing Rural Road
Network, for improving efficiency as transportation services providers as well as vehicle of
socio-economic development. Under the phase two, Selected Through Routes and Major
Rural Links (MRLs) were upgraded. Target was set to upgrade 50,000 Km across the states
and Union Territories.
PMGSY Phase III
PMGSY Phase III was approved by central government in 2019. It mainly focuses on
consolidating 125000 Km existing through routes and Major Rural Links which connect
habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Hospitals and Higher Secondary
Schools.
New technologies used under PMGSY
Under PMGSY, government has been taking several steps to ensure efficiency. One such
step is “use of new or green technologies”. Use of new or green technologies is helping
the agencies to save carbon footprint as well as save fuel. Using the green technology,
roads are constructed economically. It also helps in effective disposal of different
industrial and municipal waste. This in turn saves the environment.
Guidelines on technology Initiatives
Guidelines on technology initiatives were issued by NRIDA in May 2013. These guidelines
were directed towards promotion of cost-effective and fast construction technologies in
constructing the rural roads by using new materials or locally available materials or Waste
materials. This initiative has helped in launching over 40 technologies including cold mix
technology, waste plastics, stabilization using cement & lime, cell filled concrete, full Depth
Reclamation and nanotechnology.
Himachal Pradesh: First to connect all VLTD vehicles with ERSS
Himachal Pradesh has become India’s first state to connect the Vehicle Location Tracking
Device (VLTD) with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS).
Highlights
All the registered commercial vehicles equipped with VLRD will be connected with
ERSS.
Through this mechanism, these vehicles can be tracked anywhere in India.
Over 9,423 vehicles have been registered and connected with ERSS.
Under this mechanism, both Police and transport department can now monitor the
vehicles.
This system was launched by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur at Peterhof, in Shimla.
Panic Button for safety
Chief Minister also launched the facility of panic button for women’s and child’s safety in
public vehicles. Vehicle Location Tracking Device, comprising of Emergency Panic Button
System and Command Control Centre has been linked with the Emergency Response
Support System 112. When this panic button is pressed at the time of distress, it would
send a signal through satellite to 112. Following this, the system will connect the person in
distress and alert the police.
Significance of the system
Establishment of this monitoring centre or command control centre would help in
detecting the theft of vehicles and vehicle accidents easily.
It would easy to monitor the movement of vehicle, in order to ensure safety of
women and children.
This innovative initiative would make roads in states more safe and secure.
VLTD System in Punjab
Government of Punjab has also decided to introduce the “Vehicle Location Tracking
Device (VLTD)” system in all the passenger service vehicles (PSV). This mechanism will be
introduced from August 1, 2022 in order to monitor the vehicles effectively.
Cut in Windfall Tax on petrol, diesel, ATF
On July 20, 2022, Union government reduced the windfall tax on petrol, diesel, crude oil
and jet fuel, following the cut in international rates.
Windfall tax on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) has been reduced by Rs 2 per
litre and that on export of petrol has been reduced by Rs 6 per litre.
Tax on ATF has been reduced from Rs 6 per litre to Rs 4 per litre. On the other hand,
tax on diesel has been reduced from Rs 13 per litre to Rs 11 per litre.
Tax on crude oil produced domestically has been reduced from Rs 23,250 per tonne
to Rs 17,000 per tonne.
Ministry of Finance also imposed a cess of Rs 23,250 per tonne on domestically
produced crude oil, on July 1, 2022.
Background
India imposed the windfall tax on refiners and oil producers on July 1, 2022. These refiners
and oil producers had increased product exports to get profit from higher overseas
margins. It also applied export levy on the products.
What is windfall tax?
Windfall tax is a one-off tax, which is imposed by a government on a company. The tax
targets those who are gaining from something they were not responsible for. This tax is a
higher tax rate on sudden huge profits. Domestic producers sell crude oil at international
parity prices, to the domestic refiners. Thus, they make windfall gains and attracts windfall
tax. It is a one-time tax more than the normal rates of tax, imposed on profits.
Why had government imposed windfall tax?
In the aftermath of Russian-Ukraine conflict, energy companies are gaining profit from
sale or export of oil. There is no any improvement in their domestic processes. Thus,
governments are imposing windfall tax on profits being earned by these companies. This
tax will help in boosting government’s finances as well as help in funding the efforts being
made by government for protecting vulnerable sections from inflation.
Conclave on India Africa Growth Partnership
On July 19, 2022, Union Commerce and Industry minister Piyush Goyal attended the
“Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)-Exim Bank Conclave on India-Africa Growth
Partnership”.
Key Facts
During the conclave, he called to strengthen and expand India-Africa ties.
According to him, India can present emerging technologies to expand commerce
investment, trade, and opportunities for youth of Africa.
He highlighted the immense possibilities between both the countries and asked the
countries to expand the bilateral relation.
The Conclave showcased how India can play a significant role in economic
development of countries in Africa. India can help in skill development in industries,
financial inclusion, employment, creation of infrastructure, providing connectivity by
increasing penetration of telecom networks besides fulfilling the basic needs of
people across the African continent.
India-Africa Cooperation
India and Africa shared a strong partnership during COVID-19 pandemic. Both the
countries extended support to several other countries through the vaccine Maitri
program. After pandemic, India and Africa are showing signs of recovery, resilience and
renewal. They can work in guiding cost-effective solutions in several areas including
logistics, drinking water, education, healthcare, solar power and fintech.
Four Areas of Aspirations
During the conclave, Piyush Goyal highlighted four areas of cooperation, which can help in
fulfilling the aspirations of both the countries:
1. Solar power- to bring clean energy, Energy security and Jobs in Africa
2. Defence trade
3. Physical and digital infrastructure, and
4. Co-creating a start-up ecosystem.
About CII-Exim Bank event
The CII-Exim Bank event was inaugurated in 2005 with the help of Ministry of External
Affairs and Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Till date, 16 editions have been organised.
Conclave has been playing a significant role in encouraging companies in India to
establish and strengthen their footprints in Africa.
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
It is a non-governmental trade association and advocacy group. Headquarter of CII is
situated in New Delhi. It was established in 1895.
What are key features of India Innovation Index 2021?
Third edition of the India Innovation Index released by NITI Aayog on July 21, 2022. The
index assesses performance of states in innovation ecosystem on the basis of NITI
Aayog’s ranking released the previous year. 2021 report was prepared in the backdrop of
covid-19 pandemic.
Key Features of India Innovation Index 2021 can be summed up as:
1. The index inspects the innovation capacities and ecosystems across states, at the
sub-national level.
2. It highlights recent factors and catalysts, in a bid to promote covid-19 like crisisdriven
innovation.
3. It provides a more comprehensive outlook to measure innovation performance
across country based on 66 new & unique indicators, as opposed to 36 indicators in
India Innovation Index 2020.
4. To compare the performance of States and UTs, it has categorised them into 17
major states, 9 UTs and 10 northeast & hill states.
5. In Major State’s category, Karnataka (Score 18.01) has been ranked at first position.
It is followed by Telangana and Haryana. Chhattisgarh has been ranked last with
score 10.97.
6. Among North-Eastern & Hilly States, Manipur (19.37) was ranked as best performer.
Uttarakhand and Meghalaya have been ranked at second and third. Nagaland (Score
11) ranked at last position.
7. Among Union Territories and City-States, Chandigarh (Score 27.88) has been ranked
as top performer, which is followed by Delhi (Score 27.00). Ladakh remained at the
bottom with a score of 5.91.
Thus, the India Innovation Index 2021 provides state-wise rankings on the basis of
innovation landscape and performance of states and union territories in India. This edition
has been prepared on the basis of Global Innovation Index, which is published by World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), on annual basis. It is based on 7 pillars viz.,
human capital, investment, business environment, safety & legal environment, knowledge
workers, knowledge output, and knowledge diffusion.
What is EU-India Human Rights Dialogues?
The 10th EU-India Human Rights Dialogue was organised on July 15, 2022 in New Delhi. On
the occasion, both India and the EU restated their commitment of protecting and
promoting all human rights.
Highlights of the EU-India Human Rights Dialogues:
India and EU highlighted the indivisibility, universality, interrelatedness and
interdependence of human rights.
Participants from India and EU discussed on several human rights and presented
their approaches, efforts and achievements made in India and the EU, since the EUIndia
Human Rights Dialogues of 2021.
They exchanged their views and concerns related to civil and political rights, freedom
of religion or belief, rights of minorities & vulnerable groups, freedom of expression
& opinion, Children’s rights, women empowerment, Migrant’s rights, LGBTQI+ rights,
use of technology in democracy & human rights, issues of security & human rights,
co-operation in public health and humanitarian assistance & disaster relief.
India and EU agreed on significance of safeguarding freedom, independence and
diversity of civil society actors like journalists.
Greater Cooperation on Human rights
Both the sides expressed the need for greater cooperation on the basis of international
human rights laws and standards. Implementation of UN Guiding Principles on Business &
Human Rights were also updated during the dialogue. They discussed the recent
initiatives launched in respective countries. For instance, India updated on status of
“National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights”, on which both sides have agreed
to deepen cooperation.
Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
They restated their commitment towards multilateralism, including Universal Periodic
Review (UPR) mechanism, and significance of enhancing cooperation on human rights at
international forum, specifically at UN General Assembly and UN Human Rights Council
(UNHRC).
What are current trends in inward remittances in India?
India recently became the largest recipient of remittances worldwide. As per World Bank,
it received USD 87 billion in 2021, accounting for a growth of 4.6%. India is followed by
China and Mexico, each accounting for USD 53 billion remittances.
If we were to talk about current trends in India’s inward remittances
In India, the overall inward remittances remained adaptable during the pandemic
situation.
However, there can be witnessed a big shift now.
As per survey of central bank, share of remittances from Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC), inward remittances in India have decreased from over 50% in 2016- 17 to 30
per cent in 2020- 21.
Remittances from Gulf countries to India declines due to migration from India to
GCC region, strict labour laws, high work permit renewal fees, slow-moving oil prices,
and taxes.
Share of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has reduced to half in 2020-2021. Earlier,
these states were dominating in GCC region and were big contributors in terms of
remittance. These states now account for 25% of total remittances since 2016-17.
Maharashtra has become the largest recipient state, leaving behind Kerala.
Advanced economies have emerged as big sources of remittances to India, in the midst of
steady migration of skilled workers. The US, the UK and Singapore accounts for 36% of
total remittances in 2020-21. The US, with 23% of total remittances, left behind the UAE as
top source of remittances to India. According to World Bank, economic recovery in the US
was an important factor of India’s remittances growth.
What is WhatsApp banking? How does it work?
Recently, the State Bank of India launched its “WhatsApp Banking Services”. This service
will help SBI customers to avail some of the banking services on WhatsApp. This will make
banking easier for the customers as it will reduce the need of downloading the SBI app or
going to ATM anymore. This service can be availed by sending a “Hi” Message on
+919022690226.
SBI WhatsApp Banking Service will help their customers,
To check their Account Balance and get Mini Statement on WhatsApp.
By ensuring seamless and secure integration between systems of banks and
customers. It will facilitate easy data transfer between both the ends.
To do specific banking transactions.
WhatsApp-based services will also be available to SBI’s credit card holders, under the
name “SBI Card WhatsApp connect”. Through this service, SBI credit card customers
would be able to check account summary, outstanding balance, reward points and make
card payments.
Application Programming Interface (API)
SBI will also launch API banking for corporate clients and aggregators. Under this system
APIs are used to communicate between bank and client servers.
About WhatsApp Banking
WhatsApp had rolled out the payment services in India in 2020, after getting approval
from National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in July 2017. NPCI also imposed a cap
of 30% of total transactions being done through Unified Payments Interface (UPI), in effect
from January 1, 2021. WhatsApp users can send money on WhatsApp through UPI
supported app, without knowing the bank information of the recipient.
What is Jayant Kumar Banthia Commission?
On July 20, 2022, The Supreme Court of India accepted the report of Jayant Kumar Banthia
Commission. Court also gave direction to Maharashtra State Election Commission to hold
elections in accordance with the report. It also directed to take steps for holding the
stalled elections in the state, on urgent basis and asked to announce the schedule for
Election in next two weeks. The apex court was hearing a petition filed by Rahul Wagh in
2021, against the reservation.
Highlights of the Jayant Kumar Banthia Commission report include:
This report has paved way for candidates who belong to Other Backward Classes in
Local Bodies’ Elections in Maharashtra.
Commission has recommended to provide 27& reservation in local bodies. This
recommendation has been accepted by the supreme court. Thus, OBCs will get 27%
political reservation in local self-government elections to be held in state.
As per report, reservation should be provided to OBCs in proportion to their
population in each local body. However, this reservation should not affect the
statutory reservation for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. It is subject to
reservation limit of 50%.
As per commission, the backward class of citizens (including OBCs) accounts for 37%
of the total population. But it is different in each of the local body.
Jayant Kumar Banthia Commission is a six-member commission, set up by Maharashtra
government in March 2022, to look into matter of reservation of Other Backward Classes
(OBCs) in local bodies. It submitted its report on July 7, 2022.
What are NITI Aayog proposals for regulation of Digital Banks?
On July 20, 2022, NITI Aayog released a report on digital banks titled “A proposal for
Digital Banks in India: Licensing and Regulatory Regime’’ In the report, government’s
think tank has provided template and roadmap for licensing and regulatory regime for
India. NITI Aayog prepared this report on the basis of inter-ministerial consultations
Important features of the report include:
1. NITI Aayog report seeks to avoid regulatory or policy arbitrage and provide a level
playing field to incumbents and competitors.
2. It studies the gaps and niches which remain underserved as well as the best
practices of licensing digital banks, considering the need of supporting technology in
an effective way. This move seeks to cater the needs of banking in India.
3. It also maps prevalent business models in the digital domain and highlights
challenges faced by ‘partnership model’ of neo-banking.
The NITI Aayog report presents following recommendations:
1. Report recommends to issue a restricted digital bank licence (to a given applicant).
License will be restricted with respect to volume/value of customers serviced.
2. It also recommends to enlist the licensee in a regulatory sandbox framework,
provided by the RBI.
3. It asks to Issue full-scale digital bank licence.
In the report, the methodology used to provide licensing and regulatory template is based
on ‘digital bank regulatory index’. It comprises four factors viz., entry barriers,
competition, business restrictions and technological neutrality.
About Digital Bank
The digital bank would be a bank defined in accordance with the Banking Regulation Act,
1949. It will have its own balance sheet and legal existence. Digital banks are different
from 75 Digital Banking Units (DBUs). DBUs were announced in Union Budget 2022-23.
What is ‘imported’ human embryo? Why the government has banned import of human embryo?
On July 20, 2022, Union government restricted the import of human embryos in
accordance with the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 and Assisted Reproductive
Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021. Before this, such imports were restricted or prohibited
except for research purposes.
Important features of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021
include:
Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill 2020 was passed in December
2021.
It asks to constitute a “national registry and registration authority”. This authority
looks after the clinics and medical professionals serving in India.
Act defines ART to include all techniques which tries to obtain pregnancy by handling
sperm outside the human body and then transferring the embryo into reproductive
system of a woman.
Some of the ART services are- in-vitro-fertilization, gamete donation, and gestational
surrogacy.
ART Procedures:
Under the ART procedures, eggs are removed from woman’s ovaries by surgery. It is then
combined with sperm in the laboratory. Following this, it is either injected to woman’s
body or are donated to another woman. Such treatments handle woman’s egg as well as
man’s sperm. This procedure is used to treat infertility.Ban on Embryos Import:
There are many Indian couples, who freeze their egg or embryos in foreign countries.
Once they move to India, they think of going through IVF and bring the embryos back.
Such embryos are called as “Imported” Human Embryo. In India, importing embryo is
considered an illegal act. India had banned the import of embryo, ovum or sperm in 2015.
However, exception was given for research purposes. Government banned the import of
embryos because several parents want a child with “non-Indian looks”. This was leading
to illegal import, in which IVF clinics were also involved.
What is India-Namibia MoU on Cheetah Restoration?
On July 20, 2022, India and Namibia inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to
reintroduction cheetahs in historical range in India. 8 Cheetahs (4 males and 4 females)
are likely to reach India, in August 2022. They will be reintroduced in Kuno National Park of
Madhya Pradesh.
Highlights of the MoU include;
It seeks to promote conservation and restoration of cheetahs in the historical range,
where they are extinct species now.
India and Namibia will collaborate on areas including climate change, environmental
governance, pollution, waste management, and environmental impact assessments,
pollution and waste management, as a part of the MoU.
MoU was inked with the goal of establishing viable cheetah metapopulation across
India, allowing the species to perform its functional role of top predator.
Cheetah Restoration Plan:
India has planned to introduce 8 to 10 cheetahs each year.
In next five years, a total 50 cheetahs will be relocated to India from Namibia, South
Africa and other African countries.
About Cheetah:
The cheetah is scientifically known as Acinonyx jubatus. The large cat is native to Africa
and central Iran. It is the fastest land animal, running at the speed of 80 to 128 km/h. They
can be found in variety of habitats like savannahs of Serengeti, arid mountain ranges of
Sahara and hilly desert terrain of Iran. In the IUCN Red list, Cheetah is listed in Vulnerable
category.
What are highlights of Basic Road Statistics in India 2018-19?
Transport Research Wing of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways released its annual
publication “The Basic Road Statistics of India 2018-19”, on the road sector. This edition
presents information regarding different facets of road statistics across India, during
2018-19.
Important findings of the 2018-19 report include:
India has a network of more than 63,31,757 kilometres of roads, as on March 2019.
This figure is second highest worldwide.
During 1950-51 to 2018-19, construction of roads under several categories has
increased consistently.
From 2018 to 2019, it witnessed the growth of 1.9 percent, in terms of road
construction.
Road transport dominated the transport sector in India. It contributed 3.06% to GVA
as compared to total transport sector contribution of 4.58% for 2019-20. Share of
Railways stands at 0.74%, Air Transport at 0.125 and that of Water Transport at
0.08%.
Contribution of National Highways:
National Highways accounts for 2.09 % of total road network in India. Total length of
National Highways was 1,32,499 kms as in March 2019. It accounted for an increase of 4.9
% as compared to last year. States with largest network of highways (as of March 2019)
are:
Maharashtra with 13.4% of highways network stands at top position.
It is followed by Uttar Pradesh with 8.9% highways network and Rajasthan with 7.8 %
of highways network.
State Highways accounts for 2.8 percent of total road network in India. Maharashtra
(17.83%) has largest State Highways network. It is followed by Karnataka, Gujarat,
Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Together, these states accounted for 53.9% of total State
Highways network in India.
What is Varroa Mite plague in Australia?
In the recent weeks, Australian authorities have killed millions of honeybees in a bid to
stop the spread of catastrophic parasite to its south-eastern part. Honey-sector in
Australia is under huge threat from recent outbreak of deadly varroa mite. It is a sesame
seed-sized parasite, discovered at a port in near Sydney recently.
Varroa mite or Varroa destructor:
It is a parasitic bug, involved in attacking and feeding on honeybees. They are small pests,
reddish-brown in colour. They are known to destroy entire colonies of honeybees. They
move frequently through beekeeping supplies such as detached combs and hives. Varroa
mite affects the honeybee colonies severely;
Decrease in number of honeybees colonies across the world can be linked to the
proliferation of mite. Bee colonies worldwide have been affected by it.
It could negatively affect the development of various crops, including macadamia
nuts, blueberries, and almonds in Australia, if left uncontrolled. This is because, these
products depend on hives for pollination.
Australia’s agriculture business is going through several challenges including, Mouse
plague, supply-chain concerns, Bushfires, Increasing energy costs due to Russia-Ukraine
conflict, floods, and supply-chain issues. Furthermore, the outbreak of mice has spread to
over 400 different locations. To stop the spread, around six million bees have been killed.
Authorities have also implemented biosecurity zones in a bid to restrict the movement of
honey, bees, hives and comb.
July 22, 2022
What are the reasons of persistent extreme heat in Europe?
In July 2022, Poland and other parts of East Europe are suffering due to persistent extreme
heat. Earlier, France recorded the hottest May in history. Temperatures across Europe are
climbing again. Wildfires are also catching due to heat in many countries, and the
continent is also suffering due to lengthy drought.
In Europe, heat waves are increasing at a faster rate as compared to other part of World,
because of:
1. Global warming– Global warming is playing a critical role persistent extreme heat in
Europe. Due to global warming, temperatures have reached 1.1 degrees Celsius
higher, as compared to temperature in 19th
2. Circulation of atmosphere and the ocean– Circulation of atmosphere and ocean is
another factor, adding to heat waves in Europe. Present high temperatures in
England and Wales were caused in parts because, region of upper-level low-pressure
air has been blocked off the coast of Portugal. This phenomenon of blockade is
called as “cut-off low”, as it got cut off from a river of westerly winds. As a result of
this, Low-pressure zones have been created over Europe, which is pulling hot air
toward them from North Africa.
3. Changes in the jet stream– According to researchers, many heat waves in Europe
occurs when jet stream temporarily split in two. It leaves an area of weak winds and
high pressure between both the branches of jet stream. This is a favourable
condition for extreme heat to build-up. Current heatwaves in Europe can be linked to
this reason, because double jet has been there over Europe for past two weeks.
4. Warming in the Arctic– Arctic is warming at a faster rate. Due to this, temperature
differential between Arctic and equator is decreasing. Temperature difference is
decreasing the summertime winds, which in lastly affecting the weather systems and
making it to linger for longer.
5. Changes in Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation– It might have affected
Europe’s climate.
Period of extreme heat waves in Europe is drying out the soil. When there is moisture in
soil, sun’s energy is used in water evaporation, which generates some cooling effect.
However, one heat wave dries almost all the soil moisture. As a result, sun’s energy starts
penetrating the surface, which gets added to the heat.
What is Web 3.0? How it will be different from Web 2.0?
On July 19, 2022, Wipro reorganised its operating model from being industry-organised to
market-organised. Under this transformation, it has target to invest USD 1 billion in cloud
services vertical and emerging areas like web 3.0. Web or World Wide Web is the basic
stage for how internet is used. It provides website and application services.Web 3.0 is the
third generation of evolution of web technologies. It is still evolving. Thus, its universally
accepted definition is still not clear. It will use the block-chain based technologies
extensively and emphasis on decentralized applications. It will also use machine learning
and artificial intelligence (AI), in a bid to empower intelligent and adaptive applications.
Importance features of Web 3.0 include:
It may be constructed with AI and semantic web, in a bid to provide fast and relevant
data to end users.
It provides for social bookmarking search engine. It will thus provide better results
than Google because results will be based on users’ votes.
AI would separate legitimate results from falsified results. It will also
It is decentralised, against the first two generations of web, where governance and
applications were centralized.
Web 3.0 is based on blockchain and is Cryptocurrency-enabled.
It will provide for more automation, largely powered by AI.
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is the foundational stage with Web 3.0, similar to
Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 technologies. However, its way of connecting data sources and
where data sources reside, is different from previous generations. Application and
services use centralized database in Web 2.0. Web 2.0 can be defined as websites and
applications that uses user-generated content for end users. It seeks to providing
universal network connectivity & communication channels.
What is open radio access network technology (O-RAN)?
Recently, Open Radio Access Network Technology (O-RAN) certificates were awarded to
Keysight Open Radio Access Network Architect (KORA) solutions enabled MICAS. MICAS is
a world class Independent Design House, that provides signal chain reference solutions
including O-RU (FR1 and FR2) reference designs. O-RAN Conformance Certification was
issued by Asia & Pacific OTIC in PRC (APOP).
O-RAN badges and certificates are issued by Open Testing and Integration Centre
(OTIC).
OTICs provide collaborative, open and impartial working environment, in a bid to
ensure consistency and quality in O-RAN products and solutions testing.
O-RAN Certification & Badging Program has been designed to ensure
interoperability and conformance of O-RAN products.
The certification and badging programme were launched by O-RAN ALLIANCE in
association with the OTIC.
O-RAN certificates specifies that an equipment or function is allowable to O-RAN
specifications.
On the other hand, O-RAN badges confirm interoperability or functionality of O-RAN
solution.
Open Radio Access Network (O- RAN):
O-RAN is a significant part of a mobile network system, which make use of cellular radio
connections for linking devices to other parts of a network. It includes antennae.
Antennae transmits and receives signals to and from smartphones or similar compatible
devices. After this, the signal is digitised in RAN-base station and later connected to the
network. The main objective of Open RAN is to allow operators to mix and match
components, as opposed to the traditional set-up where Radio Access Network is provided
in integrated form of hardware and software. O-RAN is based on interoperability and
standardization of RAN elements.
What is significance of finding of first case of polio in US in a decade?
Recently, the first case of Polio was reported in United States, nearly after a decade. An
unvaccinated young adult from New York contracted polio and has developed paralysis.
He developed symptoms around June 2022, even though he did not travel outside the
country. Thus, it is likely that, he got contracted to vaccine-derived strain of the polio virus,
perhaps from someone who received live vaccine.
History of Polio in US:
In Past, Polio was one the most feared diseases in US. It caused thousands of cases
of paralysis annually, many being children. Vaccination against polio was started in
1955.
The national vaccination campaign reduced the number of cases in US to below 100
in 1960s and to below 10 in 1970s.
Polio was declared eliminated from US, in 1979. It meant that, there was no routine
spread of the virus.
However, some travellers brought polio infection in the country in 2013.
Types of polio vaccines:
There exist two types of polio vaccines. U.S. uses vaccines made of inactivated version of
the virus. But some countries use weakened live virus given to children as drops in mouth.
In such countries, polio has become a more recent threat. In some cases, the weakened
virus can mutate and become capable of triggering new outbreaks. In US, children are still
administered the inactivated vaccine against polio. Four doses are recommended by
officials-
First to be given at age of 2 months
Second at 4 months
Third during 6 to 18 months
Fourth during 4 to 6 years.
Spread of Polio:
Polio usually spreads from person to person or via contaminated water. It infects the
spinal cord of person, causing paralysis, permanent disability or death. It mostly affects
children. The disease is endemic to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Countries in Africa, Middle
East and Asia have reported some cases in recent years.
What are some lesser-known facts about Draupadi Murmu, 15th President of India?
Droupadi Murmu recently elected as the 15th President of India. She is scheduled to take
oath in July 25, 2022. There was the contest between Droupadi Murmu (BJP-led NDA
candidate) and Yashwant Sinha (Joint Opposition Candidate), for the President’s position.
Lesser-known facts about Draupadi Murmu:
Droupadi Murmu, aged 64, has become the first tribal President and second female
President of India.
She is also the first President, belong to Odisha. She was born in Mayurbhanj district
in Odisha, in the Santhal tribal community.
She was born on June 20, 1958 and has become the youngest President of India. She
was born to Biranchi Narayan Tudu, who was a farmer in Baldaposi village of Odisha.
In 1997, she became the vice-chairperson of Rairangpur NAC and vice-president of
state ST Morcha of BJP.
After completing her graduation from Ramadevi Women’s College, Bhubaneswar,
she got a chance to work as honorary assistant professor in Shri Aurobindo Integral
Education and Research, Rairangpur.
During 1979 to 1983, she worked as a junior assistant in irrigation department of
Odisha.
She was married to Shyam Charan Murmu. They had two sons and a daughter.
However, she lost her husband and two sons.
She is also India’s first president to be born after Independence.
Her political career started in 1997, after she joined the BJP. In 1997, she got elected as
councillor of Rairangpur district in Odisha. Later in 1998, she became the vice-chairperson
of Rairangpur NAC. Between 2000-2002, she was the transport and commerce minister in
Odisha government. In 2007, she received the ‘Nilakantha Award’ for best MLA of the
year. She became the 9th and 1st tribal governor of Jharkhand in 2015 and served till 2021.
How India has performed in the Henley Passport Index 2022?
Henley Passport Index 2022 was recently published by immigration consultancy Henley &
partners. In the index, India has been ranked at 87th position, among 199 world’s most
powerful passports in 2022. Ranking was based on the number of destinations the
passport holders could access without prior visa.
Performance of the countries in index:
Among the 199 countries, Japan was ranked first. It is followed by Singapore and
South Korea.
These three countries have reversed the pre-covid-19 pandemic rankings, in which
European nations were dominating.
Japan’s passport provides entry to 193 countries without prior visa. On the other
hand, Singapore and South Korea allows hassle-free entry to 192 countries.
Top 10 countries in World’s most powerful passports list include-Japan, Singapore,
South Korea, Germany, Spain, Finland, Italy, Luxemburg, Austria and Denmark (in the
order).
European nations, US and UK are among other top-ranked countries.
Passport holders from Afghanistan have access to just 27 countries. On the other
hand, Iraqi passport provide hassle free entry to 29 countries. These two countries
have been ranked at lowest position.
Performance of India and its neighbour:
Among Asian countries; India, Mauritius and Tajikistan share the 87th position, with
hassle-free entry to 67 countries, without prior visa.
China and Bolivia are ranked at 69th Their passports allow access to 80 destinations.
Bangladesh is at 104th position.
Pakistan has the fourth worst passport worldwide, with access to 32 destinations.
The ranking was given to countries on the basis of data from International Air Transport
Association. It maintains the largest database of travel information of the world.
July 23, 2022
What is the key agenda of 13th Petersburg Climate Dialogue’ 2022?
The 13th Petersburg Climate Dialogue was held on July 19th and 20th, 2022 in Berlin,
Germany. It was chaired by Germany and Egypt, which are also hosting the 2022 annual
climate meet (COP-27). During the informal ministerial meeting, countries agreed on
consensus and provide political direction in a bid to resolve divergences, with the objective
of improving implementation of climate action, in line with the goal of COP-27.
Key agenda of the ministerial meeting include:
Ministers and delegations called back the need of moving towards implementation
of all previous resolutions, which were made during the last meeting, with the goal
of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
In the previous resolution, countries had agreed to preserve the Congo Basin forests,
in order to fight against climate change. This resolution as made because, Congo
Basin forests alone absorb 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon per year.
The 13th Petersburg Climate Dialogue’ 2022 will open way for a successful global climate
conference, which is scheduled to be held in Egypt in November 2022. Petersburg
Dialogue was started in 2010 by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Since then, it is
serving as a forum for ministers for building political consensus to resolve differences on
issues in negotiations. The forum brings the selected countries together annually, to bring
about successful negotiations at the UNFCCC climate change conferences.
What are current trends in India’s GDP growth forecast?
Recently, India’s GDP Growth Forecast for current financial year was lowered to 7.2
percent by Morgan Stanley. It marked a reduction by 40 basis points, as compared to last
forecast. Growth forecast was lowered in light of a slowdown in global growth.
Trends in India’s GDP Growth:
Morgan Stanley has also reduced the Growth Forecast for 2023-24 by 30 basis points
to 6.4%. India’s overall exports to GDP is at 21 percent.
India is witnessing a slower-than-expected global growth trend, which is likely to
delay full-fledged growth recovery.
It would also weaken the external demand.
The downside risks are emerging due to weaker-than-expected global growth trend,
faster tightening of financial conditions and supply-side-driven commodity price
increase.
According to Morgan Stanley, Consumer Price Index inflation is likely to be about 6%,
starting from November 21, 2022. Risks for the same could be due to unexpected
changes in food price trajectory.
CPI inflation on an average be at 6.5 percent, as opposed to 7 percent earlier in the
fiscal year 2022-23. For the next fiscal, CPI will remain at 5.3 percent.
The terminal policy repo rate is likely to reach at 6.5 percent by April 2023, against
the current level of 4.9 percent.
However, Morgan Stanley remained constructive on medium-term growth path of India,
despite the slower global growth trend. It expects supportive supply-side policy reforms,
which would help the Indian economy to grow above pre-covid-19 pandemic rates in 2022
and 2023.
What are the key schemes for strengthening Pharmaceuticals Industry of India?
On July 21, 2022, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers unveiled three schemes in order to
strengthen Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in pharmaceutical sector.
Schemes were launched under the banner of ‘Strengthening Pharmaceuticals Industry’
(SPI). SIDBI will act as project management consultant to implement the scheme.
Three schemes are:
1. Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS)– PTUAS
would will provide pharmaceutical MSMEs with proven track record, in a bid to
upgrade their technology. It will provide a capital subsidy of 10% on loans up to Rs 10
crore. Minimum repayment period has been fixed at three months.
2. Assistance to Pharma Industries for Common Facilities Scheme (API-CF)- API-CF
will help in strengthening existing pharmaceutical clusters’ capacity to attain a
sustained growth. Under it, assistance of up to 70 per cent of project cost or Rs 20
crore (Whichever is less) will be provided.
3. Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Promotion and Development Scheme
(PMPDS)- PMPDS scheme would help in preparing study reports on important topics
related to Indian pharma and medical device industry. It aims to create a database of
pharma and medical device sectors.
These schemes anticipate technology upgradation, liquid waste treatment plants in
clusters and setting up of common research centres for pharma MSMEs. Schemes would
help the small companies in upgrading their facilities to international manufacturing
standards. They would also increase investment, boost research and innovation and help
industry to develop futuristic products and ideas.
What is outcome of the NITI Aayog Study on India’s R&D expenditures?
As per NITI Aayog’s India Innovation Index 2021, gross expenditure on research and
development (R&D) in India is lowest in the world. India spends USD 43 per capita on R&D.
India Innovation Index was recently released by NITI Aayog, providing ranks to states and
union territories based on their innovation performance.
NITI Aayog says,
India needs to increase this expenditure, in order to be on a par with the BRICS or
ASEAN countries.
Russia spends USD 285 per capita, Brazil spends USD 173 while Malaysia spends USD
293, on the R&D.
Gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) in India, as a percentage of GDP has remained
consistent on 0.7% for about a decade.
India’s expenditure is lower as compared to Brazil (1.16%) and South Africa (0.83%).
Only Mexico (0.31%) had a lower share of GERD as percentage of GDP, than India.
Despite low expenditure on R&D, India has published more research papers as
compared to countries like Russia, Brazil, and South Korea.
According to Government’s think tank, government spends more than 55% on R&D which
needs to be changed. It needs to find an inflexion point after which private sector can to
the task. Though, businesses or private sector led R&D has been increasing rapidly from
2005-06. But it is not fast enough to overtake government led R&D. In order for India to be
on a par with developed countries; it needs to encourage R&D by businesses, so that, it
could intersect the government led R&D and rise.
What is Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) technology?
A Desalination Plant has been developed by National Institute of Ocean Technology
(NIOT), that will convert the saline or saltish seawater into drinking water. This technology
has been successfully demonstrated in Lakshadweep islands.
Salient Features of the Desalination Plant include:
The Desalination Plant is based on Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD)
technology.
The LTTD technology converts the salt or saline water into potable drinking water.
LTTD technology was suitable for Lakshadweep islands, because there is a
temperature difference of 15 degree Celsius between sea surface water and deepsea
water, as required by the technology.
Three desalination plants developed:
NIOT has developed three plants, on the basis of LTTD technology. Plants have been
installed and demonstrated at Kavaratti, Agati and Minicoy Islands of Lakshadweep. Each
plant has the capacity of 1 Lakh litre of potable water per day. Lakshadweep has target to
establishing 6 more LTTD plants at Amini, Chetlet, Kadmat, Androth , Kiltan and Kalpeni
islands, each having a capacity of 1.5 lakhs litres per day.
This technology was developed considering that; water is available in plenty across the
coastal regions and towns & villages located along the sea shore. However, it is not
suitable and cannot be used for drinking because sea water is rich in salt and other
minerals content.
About LTTD Technology:
Low-temperature thermal desalination (LTTD) is a technique for desalination. It works on
the notion that; water evaporates at lower temperatures, at low pressures. It utilizes
vacuum pumps for creating a low pressure and low-temperature environment, resulting
into evaporation of water at a temperature gradient of 8 °C. Cooling water is supplied
from deep sea depths, which is pumped up to condense evaporated water vapor. We get
purified water from the resulting condensate.
India- Bangladesh Agreement on Trans-Border Crimes
At 52nd Director General-Level coordination conference, India and Bangladesh agreed to
curb trans-border crimes and launch necessary measures for ensuring peace and
tranquillity across the border. The conference was held from July 17 to July 21, 2022 in
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Highlights of the conference include:
During the five-day conference, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guards
Bangladesh (BGB) highlighted the need of building mutual trust and harmony
between them.
Indian side was represented by Director General of BSF General Pankaj Kumar Singh
while Bangladesh was represented by DG BGB Major General Shakil Ahmed.
Both the sides appreciated mutual concerns and committed to settle down different
border issues by means of continued, constructive and positive engagements across
all the levels.
They also accepted to implement decision of this conference at ground level in spirit.
They further agreed to make joint efforts for lowering down the number of incidents
of assault and border crime by launching public awareness programmes and
developmental programmes across vulnerable areas.
Countries also agreed on facilitating river bank protection works across the common
bordering rivers, in line with approval given by Joint River Commission.
Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP):
Countries noted the significance of Coordinated Border Management Plan in curbing the
instances of smuggling contrabands including narcotics, gold, firearms etc. They also
agreed to be cautious and steadfast in curbing smuggling by sharing information in realtime.
A Joint Record of Discussions was signed, which includes joint efforts for curbing
trans-border crimes by taking extra precautionary measures such as- increased
coordinated patrols and enhanced vigilance.
Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022 – Update (July, 2022)
Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022 was passed in Lok Sabha on July 22, 2022. The bill is aimed at
broadening the application of domestic laws to research stations that has been
established by India in Antarctic region. It is applicable to both Indian citizens and foreign
citizens.
Important provisions of the bill include:
It forbids Indian expedition to Antarctica without any permit or written authorisation
of another party to Antarctic Treaty.
It also includes provisions of inspection by an officer appointed by the government.
It prohibits the introduction of plants, animals, birds, or microscopic organisms
which are not native to Antarctica. In case of breach of this provision, violators would
face imprisonment and penalties.
Finally, it aims to set up a fund for the welfare of Antarctic research work as well as
for the protection of environment there.
Committee on Antarctic governance and environmental protection will be set to
monitor, implement and ensure compliance with available international laws,
standards of emissions and protection rules.
It prohibits drilling, excavation or collection of mineral resources, except for the
purpose of “scientific research with a permit”.
India’s research stations in Antarctic:
India has two active research stations in the Antarctic viz., Maitri at Schirmacher Hills and
Bharti at Larsemann Hills. Maitri was commissioned in 1989 while Bharti was
commissioned in 2012. Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth. It comprises
the geographic South Pole. By area, it is the fifth-largest continent and is located in
Antarctic region of Southern Hemisphere.
National Film Awards 2022- Winners
Soorarai Pottru won the best feature film award at the 68th National Film Awards. Overall,
Soorarai Pottru won three out of four biggest awards while Tanhaji also won major
trophies.
National Film Awards 2022 Winner List:
Best Actor Award was shared by actors Suriya for Soorarai Pottru and Ajay Devgan
for Tanjaji.
Best Actress award was given to Aparna Balamurali for Soorarai Pottru.
Best Director award given to Sachidanandan KR for Ayyappanum Koshiyum
Best Choreography award given to Natyam (Telugu)
Best Male Playback Singer award was shared by Anish Mangesh Gosavi for Taktak
and Rahul Deshpande for Mi Vasantrao.
Best Feature Film award in Hindi won by Toolsidas Junior.
Best Film on Family Values award given to Kumkumarchan, Abhijeet Arvind Dalvi.
No winner was announced in Best Film Critic category.
Madhya Pradesh won the award for ‘Most Film Friendly State’. On the other hand,
Uttarakhand (Certificate) and Uttar Pradesh (Certificate) received Special Mention.
The National Film Awards were established in 1954. It is the most prominent film award
ceremony in country. Directorate of Film Festivals (India) presents the award, along with
International Film Festival of India and Indian Panorama. Awards are presented at Vigyan
Bhavan in New Delhi. Directorate of Film Festival (Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting) organised the National Film Awards 2022 in New Delhi on July 22. This year,
films from 2020 were awarded because of covid-19 induced delays and lockdown.
