IASmanti⁵⁰

ONLINE DATA SHARING SECURITY CHIP

2021-12-08T21:09:00.000+05:30

Topic- upsc GS-3 paper prelims

Basics of Cyber security

challenges to internal security.

ONLINE DATA SHARING SECURITY CHIP

Department of electronics and communication engineering of Indian Institute of information Technology (IIIT) Alahabad, has designed a random number chip, which will be used for data security and encryption.
The chip will be useful in automatically and effectively encrypting and decrypting data being transmitted through e- ways using devices like laptops, mobile phones, desktop on tablets, there by, preventing any unauthorised person from being able to intrude upon it.
This indigenously developed chip is more advanced than ones being used in most smart devices today, will also be cheaper than imported ones being used.
The chip prevents being hacked and data theft.

What are encryption and decryption?

In simple terms, to obtain secure communication, the data ( original information is often called plain text) is converted to an alternative form called encrypted data ( encoded information, often called cipher text) and sent and later decryption. These coding of original data is called encryption and decoding it further is called decryption. This is done to secure privacy of sensitive information.

To design such a system and to carryout encryption and decryption , random numbers play an important role for such design''

What are random number?

Random numbers are critical parts of computer and internet security and inappropriate random number may altogether weaken the security system that are principally strong. A random generator is a computational or physical device designed to generate a sequence of numbers or symbols that cannot be predicted or lacks a pattern. The quality of a random number as a measure of how truly random the number is.

What is Random number generator?

random number generator is a key primitive in many application including monte-carlo simulation, statistical sampling, truly randomised design, gambling, gaming and other areas like crypto-graphic algorithms and applications where producing unpredictable results are desirable.

Normally, there are two type of random generators namely '' Pseudo Random number generator (PRNG) and ' True Random Number generator' (TRNG).

PRNG : Pseudo Random number generators employ certain algorithms to obtain a random stream of bits.

The output of these Random number generator (RNG) can therefore be predicted using a key, known as seed, which raises the need for TRNG.
RNG that use a physical source of random are called true random number generator (TRNG), a task that this chip and if software perform.

Cyber security Index

5th December World soil day(

2021-12-06T21:06:00.001+05:30

It was decided in 2013 by the United Nations General Assembly on the request of Food and Agriculture organizations ( FAO) to focus on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for sustainable management of soil.

Theme for 2021 is

" Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity "

Source link -

https://www.fao.org/world-soil-day/about-wsd/en/

NECA & NEEIA

2021-12-04T21:40:00.009+05:30

Topic energy conservation

Prelims

NATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION AWARD (NECA): it is given to the energy intensive units of various sectors of economy for their exceptional achievements in reducing the specific energy consumption. It is provided by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency ( BEE).

Aim: to encourage and recognize the endeavours of industrial units and institutions in reducing energy consumption by felicitating award every year on 14th December.

NATIOANAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY INNOVATION AWARD (NEEIA): It is a newly announced award in 2021, to recognise the " innovative energy efficient technology and to develop sense competition for energy efficient technology innovation.

Both awards will be felicitated on 14th December, on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day.

FinTech Revolution

2021-12-04T20:53:00.005+05:30

Topic- Indian economy , growth, development.

mains paper - GS 3

FinTech Revolution

To achieve financial empowerment of every single citizen of the country, India has made the significant progress in digital India ecosystem.

Financial inclusion is the driver of fintech revolution that rest on four pillars -

Income
Investment
Insurance
Institutional credits

When income grows , investments becomes possibles,and insurance coverage enables greater risk- taking ability and investment.
Institutional credits gives wings for expansion.
The success of fintech revolution lies in its inclusiveness and common good.
The fintech industry in India is innovating to enhance access to finance and a formal credit system to every person in the country.
Finance is the lifeblood of an economy and technology is its carrier. Both are equally important for Antyodaya and Sarvodaya.
Digital India has opened the door for fintech innovation to be applied in governance.

Examples:

Universalising the banking through Jan Dhan Accounts for financial inclusion.
Launching of Rupay card.
Domestically developed Unified Payment Interface ( UPI)
Launching BHIM mobile app
e- RUPI
PM Svanidhi - enabling access to credit for small vendors across the country.
Direct Benefit transfer
Trinity - JanDhan+ mobile+ Aadhaar

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak

2021-12-03T18:27:00.004+05:30

Topic -Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak freedom fighter

Indian freedom movement

Prelims GS1 mains GS4 main

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born in Maharashtra in 1856and become graduate from the Bombay university. His leadership role started since graduation and devoted his entire life for the freedom of India. He played an important role in the first phase of Indian National Movement some of them are given below-

In 1880s- he helped in founding new English school called Fergusson College.
He published two newspapers in different language

Maharatta in English &
Kesari in Marathi language

In1889, he edited Kesari, to encourage people to become courageous, self- reliant, and selfless fighters for India's freedom.
In 1893, he started using traditional religious Ganapati Festivals to propagate nationalists ideas through songs and speeches.
In 1895, he started Shiva Ji festival to stimulate militant nationalism amongst youths.
During 1896- 97 (No Tax campaign) - he initiated a no- tax campaign in Maharashtra. He asked people to not to give land revenue dung during famine if their crops had failed.
In 1897 Jail- he was arrested in the charge of spreading hatred and disaffection against the government and sentenced with 18 months imprisonment.
He and his leader friends like Bipin Chandra Pal, Aurobindo Ghose and Lala Lajpat Rai planned to achieve Swaraj ( self government) through mass action.
In 1905, Tilak played a leading role in spreading the swadeshi movement to the rest of the country.
In 1908, the great Tilak was arrested again and given the savage sentence of 6 years of imprisonment.

Note-

Tilak has passed away on 1st August 1920 at the age of 64.
TILAK SWARAJ FUND: During the non- cooperation movement to fund the struggle was started in 1921.

AUKUS

2021-12-02T12:19:00.003+05:30

Topic. International Agreement

Prelims GS2

AUKUS

It is trilateral defence alliance/ security cooperation of three countries, namely Australia, UK and the US signed in September 2021, to form AUKUS to confront strategic tensions in the Pacific where China and US rivalry is growing.

Source- Hindustan Times

Challenges:

China muscular assertiveness in South China Sea
Rejection of of United nations Convention on the law of the sea ( UNCLOS) by People's Liberation Army (PLA).
China's interpretation of historical claims over disputed water by advancing navy unilateral flexing.

Aims:

It aimed at advancing the interest of the US, Britain and Australia and upholding international rules based order while promoting peace and stability in the Indopacific.
Ensuring international waters are always international waters and international skies are international skies and that the rules of law applies equally in all of these places.
To counter China, by sharing sensitive technologies such as nuclear powered submarine technology.
It aimed at equipping Australia with technology with the help of the US and UK .

Features:

Australia will obtain 8 stat- of -the -art, nuclear powered but conventionally arm submarine capable of stealthy, long range mission with the help of two countries.
It also provides for sharing cyber, artificial intelligence, quantum and unspecified undersea capabilities.

Agreement: exchange of sensitive " naval nuclear propulsion information" between these nations. The deal will help Australia to complete an 18 months study into the submarine procurement.
To protect Australia's security interest. Canberra will deploy nuclear powered submarine in the Indopacific.

Pochampally Village and Ikat style of Sarees

2021-12-02T01:00:00.003+05:30

Topic Rural Tourism Tourism and Ecotourism

Prelims GS1 paper

Pochampally Village and Ikat style of Sarees

The Pochampally village of Nalgonda district of Telangana state has been selected as "The Best Tourism Village" by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation ( UNWTO) for the year 2021, (in Madrid Spain on 2nd December award was given ) , for its unique style of weaving sarees called Ikat. It is also referred as Silk city of India for its exquisite sarees.

Pochampally is known for its exquisite sarees that are woven through a unique style called Ikat.
This style Pochampally Ikat received Geographical Indication in 2004.
Pochampally is also known as Bhoodan Pochampally to commemorate the Bhoodan Movement that was launched by " Acharya Vinobha Bhave" from this village om April 18th 1951.
Ikat is a Malasian and Indonesian word which means "Tie and Die"
The best tourism village by the UNWTO aims to award those village which are outstanding example of rural destination and showcase good practices. Its aim is also to enhance rural tourism.

CONSTITUTION DAY (26th November)

2021-11-26T21:31:00.001+05:30

Topic. Constitution of India History of India Prelims

Samvidhan Diwas (26th November)

The constitution assembly was setup in 1994 for drafting the constitution of India.
The drafted constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949 by the constituent assembly.
In 2015, on the occasion of 125th birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar, chairman of the drafting committee of constitution, the union government declared November 26th as Samvidhan Diwas or constitution day.
Constitution of India is a sacred document and everyone should be fully committed to its ideals
It imposes sacred duty upon all the organs of the state to be sensitive to the hopes and aspirations of the citizens.
India is a federal democracy. It has 3 organs- the judiciary, legislature and executive.
It establish social, economic democracy and political democracy.
India is a parliamentary democracy where elected representative of people representing into the house of parliament.
Citizenship is -

Right of representation &
Right to hold office of State

Constitutional Government

A responsible government which is representative.
The government is an institution of social reform- to amend the social and economic code of life which dictates the justice.

The principle of liberty equality and fraternity formed the core of Ambedkar constitution.
Ambedkar was a firm believer in the protection of minority rights.

Atal Tinkering Lab ( ATL)

2021-11-23T21:38:00.001+05:30

Topic. Human resources

Prelims GS2 mains

Vision : to cultivate one million children in India as neoteric innovators.

It is India's a flagship scheme initiative of the NITI Aayog. It is a workspace where young minds give shape to their ideas and learn skills through hands-on do-it yourself mode. Young children get chance to work with tools and equipment to understand the concept of STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

Aim: To foster curiosity, imagination and creativity in young minds simultaneously culcating skills such as design mind set,computational thinking, adoptive learning, physical computing etc.

Paramhans Mandali and Prarthana Samaj ( Maharastra Religious Reform)

2021-11-23T14:47:00.000+05:30

Topics - Modern Indian history

religious movement mains paper GS 1

Paramhans Mandali

In Maharastra, in 1940, religious reform was begun by this mandali which aim was to fight against caste system and idolatry.
Lokhit Wadi-

In this respect Lokhit wadi was written by the Gopal Hari Deshmukh in Marathi language to p attack on Hindu orthodoxy, and preached religious and social equality.

Prarthana Samaj

The powerful leaders of this movement was R.G.Bhandarkar and Mahadev Govind Ranade.
It was influenced by Brahmo Samaj.
It preached worship of one God.
It wanted to free religion from caste orthodoxy and priestly dominant.

Digital Media Ethics Code

2021-11-22T09:21:00.004+05:30

Information Technology (intermediary guidelines and digital media ethics code) Rules,2021

Issues: media is gradually losing its credibility and integrity where values and morality are being compromised. Violation of code of ethics by the media in form of paid news, fake news, TRP manipulation, media trials, sensationalism, and biased reporting. Healthy democracy thrives on participation of public, which is only possible through circulation of accurate information by responsible media.

Fake news by media like digital media, television, newspapers, cinema, OTT etc.
Anti-national attitude

Rules for digital media companies: like

WhatsApp
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Amazon prime
Flipkart
Youtube
Pinterest
Telegram etc.

Warning for users: like

Facebook users
WhatsApp users
Twitter users
Instagram users
Amazon prime users etc.

Purposes:

To protect the sovereignty, integrity and fraternity of India.
To protect the women dignity.
To stop abuses like rape, image & vedio sharing, child sexual abuses.
To stop the violence, riots, mob lynching, inflammatory posts, foment trouble etc.
To maintain the law and order situation.
To warn & control the social media users.
To help in investigations.
To stop cross-border terrorism.
To protect the privacy of users and government.
To stop the wrong messaging.
To reduce crime etc.
To decrease corruption.

Provisions of guidelines/ rules for companies and serviceproviders:

Grievance redressal officer: All companies have to appoint Indians as Grievance redressal officer, whose address and phone numbers are known to government.

Grievance redressal period : Received Grievance must be addressed within 15 days.
Monthly report: At the end of the month companies have to give a monthly report, to assure that the Grievances have been addressed.
Compliance officer : Companies have to appoint a compliance officer to deal with the rure and regulations.
Nodal contact: For a nodal contact there must be a nodal officer to contact the government zone wise.
Originator's information : Companies have to give information about the first originator of any message on asking by government.

Remember-

Information technology act (IT Act),2000

Section 69(A) of the IT Act allows the government to act against the social media posts and accounts, that may pose a threat to public order or India's sovereignty and integrity, defence of India, security of state, and friendly relations with foreign states as a reasonable restriction over the fundamental rights conferred in the part third of the constitution of India.

Note: So, please don't create or make and spread or share any message that can harm to others; otherwise, it can harm the users and they may face charges or any other punishment.

Note-

IT Act section 66A : authorised police to arrest to punish people for social media posts, construed " offensive" or "menacing" through imprisonment for a term of upto three years and a fine.
In 2015 Supreme Court said, Section 66A of IT Act is "unconstitutional and void" and directed the union government subordinate courts to make sure cases are not registered under it and quashed the law by saying that " the public's right to know is directly affected by this section during plea hearing filed by NGO people union for civil liberties (PUCL) ON 24 April 2015.

Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, Indian Association Of Calcutta, Madras Mahajan Sabha, Bombay Presidency Sabha

2021-11-21T16:27:00.004+05:30

Poona Sarvajanik Sabha

It was organized by Justice Ranade and others in 1870 in Poona ( Maharastra).

Indian Association Of Calcutta

It was founded by Surendranath Banerjea and Anand Mohan Bose in July 1876 in Calcutta, West Bengal. Many branches of it were opened in villages and many other towns outside Bengal. Low membership fee was to attract poorer classes.

Surendra nath Banerjea was India's first Indian Civil service officer who became political leader.

Madras Mahajan Sabha

It was organized in 1884, in Madras ( now Chennai) Tamilnadu by M. Viraraghavachari, G Subramanyam Iyer, Ananda Charlu and others.

Bombay Presidency Sabha

This Sabha was organised in 1885, Bombay ( now Mumbai,Maharastra) Pherozashah Mehta, K.T. Telang, Badruddin Tyabji and others.

What is National Digital Drug Database?

2021-11-20T18:43:00.003+05:30

Topic pharmaceutical sector industry

prelims GS2 mains

What is National Digital Drug Database?

It is a comprehensive, online, centralised drug databank consolidating real time data,on active pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in country, therapeutic class wise/ formulation wise approved branded/ unbranded products along with their manufacturing and marketing entities, may be created and maintained and made accessible to regulators, industry, physicians and consumers.

Benefits:

It will address information asymmetry
It will provide important inputs in mapping the regulatory needs in different states
Information gaps on grants of licences, inspection and prosecution for non compliance, among others, could be bridged through real time data, that could be published on a central online portal.

Issues: CCI conducted study on pharmaceutical sector:

study found that in market brand competition overrides price competition in domestic markets where generic formulation are marketed with distinct brand names.
generic drugs plays an important role in bringing down drug prices, thereby reducing health costs and improving access.
in India generics dominate pharmaceutical sales, and the generic manufacturing within each molecule/ formulation market is characterised by the presence of multiple manufacturers.

Competition Commission of India ( CCI)

It is a fair trade watchdog, which works on ways to foster competition and curb anti-competitive practices in the market.

Water Pollution

2021-11-20T17:52:00.005+05:30

Topic water pollution contemporary issues related to ecology

prelims G3 mains

Water Pollution

Currently India faces both water quality and water availability challenges surface and groundwater pollution are rampant in the country.

GROUND WATER POLUTION

Ground water is the main source of drinking water. Therefore, any contamination of ground water is a major concern for health security.

There are two major source of ground water contamination/ Pollution.

Geogenic source: this is natural occurrence of under ground rock formation which is responsible for Iron, Arsenic and Fluoride contamination in ground water. When the contamination crosses the permissible limit of these contents becomes hazardous for health.

Permissible limit of :

Arsenic: 0.01 mg per litre
Fluoride: 1.5 mg per litre

Fluoride affected states are, Andhra-pradesh Assam, Bihar
Arsenic affected states are, Assam. Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal,

Anthropogenic source : it compromising human activities that are responsible for ground water contamination with nitrates, phosphates, heavy metals ( metals which has high, weight, atomic number, and high density such as iron, gold, silver, copper etc).

Central Ground Water Board : monitor ground water contamination through the network of about 14000 wells across India to gather data regarding Arsenic, iron, Fluoride, Nitrate, Salinity etc.

SURFACE WATER POLLUTION

Major sources of Surface water are rivers, ponds, lakes.

These are used mainly for agriculture, industrial, drinking, bathing, etc. Therefore, their polluted water posing various health risks to human, animal and water species.

Major causes of river / surface water pollution are-

Disposal of untreated sewage due inadequate sewage treatment facility in urban areas
Disposal of untreated industrial effluents
Disposal of raw sewage from rural areas.
Plastic Pollution
Agricultural inputs like fertilizers, insecticide, pesticide etc.
Solid waste dumping
Raw sewage from unplanned area
Discharge from habitations and Dhobi Ghats
Practices like Idol immersion, Chhatta Puja etc.

For example, Pollution problem in Yamuna: 22 km stretch between Wazirabad to Okhla is the most polluted, where 2% length of total length of the Yamuna is responsible for 70% of total pollution in the river. Causing frothing, dirty, odour, turbidity etc.

Causes of Pollution of the Yamuna-

Disposal of untreated industrial effluents
Solid waste dumping
Raw sewage from unplanned area
Discharge from habitations and Dhobi Ghats
Practices like Idol immersion, Chhatta Puja etc.

Measures for mitigating water pollution in in India

Water ( prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1974.
National water quality monitoring programme
Namami Gange Programme
National river conservation plan

YAMUNA ACTION PLAN

It is "Six- points Yamuna Action Plan".It was launched by the Delhi government on 19 November 2021 to clean the river Yamuna by February 2025. The Yamuna river enters in Delhi near Palla and travels about 48 km through the city.

Six-points Yamuna action plan: these are -

Increasing capacity of sewage treatment plant and improving the quality of treatment: for this there are three ⚟ 3 action that will be taken-

setting up new sewage treatment plants such as in Okhala, Kondli, Rithala and so on.
Increasing the capacity of existing sewage treatment plants
Upgradation of existing sewage plats with new technology because of old technology treated sewage is dirty.

Cleaning of Major drains: the action will include in- situ cleaning of major drains such as Najafgarh, Shahdara, supplementary drains and Ghazipur drain will be cleaned on the spot with new technology without diverting its waste to another plant and the remaining drains will be diverted to STPs.
Taking action against industries:

All the effluent treatment plants that are not operating properly would be repaired and upgraded with new technology.
proper effluents treatment would made by industries and if they do not adheres to norms action against the units would be taken.
the industries which fail to send their waste to effluent treatment plant will be closed.

To develop community toilet:

community toilet will be built in different slums and Jhuggis because waste from there are being released into the storm water drains.
Waste will be diverted and linked to sewage lines so that the waste is treated properly.

To increase household sewage connection in the city
De-silting and rehabilitation of the city`s entire existing network

READ MORE >>

Water conservation mission

What is "6Bio" compound?

2021-11-19T16:26:00.001+05:30

Topic - achievements of Indian scientists and their use in daily lives

Science and technology

Prelims mains GS2 paper

6Bio

It is a drug compound ( 6- BromoIndirubin - 3-Oxime) developed by the Indian scientists to treat the Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)/ intellectual disorder (ID).

Symptoms of intellectual disorder

Short term memory loss
Sleep issues
Difficulty in doing daily activities
Leaning issues

This has been proved to restore memory, learning and neuronal functions.

Source

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1772641

Article 44 (Uniform Civil Code)

2021-11-19T10:35:00.001+05:30

Topic : constitution of India

Part 1V of constitution of India mandates to central government under "Directive Principles of State policy "

Article 44

Mandates that " State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India "

Issues

Interfaith marriage : Allahabad High Court directed the marriage registrar/ officer to register the marriage without awaiting/ insisting approval of district authority. And also directed the central government to consider the constitution of a committee/ commission for implementing mandates of Article 44.
The court said, marriage officers cannot refuse to register a duly solemnized marriage.
And, or insist on a conversation of district authority.

Question hours

2021-11-18T23:43:00.007+05:30

Topic. Indian policy Prelims

Question hours

It is question hours about one and half hour period during which member of house asks questions pertaining to administration and government activities and concern minister answer those questions.

Answer can be given in two ways that are oral answer and written answer.

There is four types of question

Starred question ( green colour)
Unstarred question ( white colour)
Short notice question ( light pink)
Question addressed to private members ( yellow)

Starred question

It is one to which a member desires an oral answer in the house and which distinguished by an asterisk mark. When a question is answered orally, supplementary question can be asked thereon. Only 20 question can be listed for oral answer on a day.

Unstarred question

It is that which is not called for an oral answer in house and on which no supplementary question can consequently be asked. Only 230 question can be listed for written answer on a day.

Short notice question

It is one which relates to a matter of urgent public importance and can be asked with a shorter notice than the period for an ordinary question like a Starred question. It is answered orally followed by supplementary question.

THE INDIAN ANTARCHTIC PROGRAMME

2021-11-16T20:38:00.002+05:30

Topic prelims

THE INDIAN ANTARCHTIC PROGRAMME

It is a programme of scientific research about Antarctic continent. It was began in 1981 and has completed 40 scientific expedition at Antarctic white continent. India has built 3 permanent base station in Antarctica. And Today Maitri and Bharati are fully operated.

Dakshin Gangotri ( 1983)
Maitri ( 1988)
Bharati ( 2012)

National Centre For Polar and Ocean research ( NCPOR), Goa is an autonomous institute under the ministry of earth and science which manage the entire Indian Antarctic Programme.

41st scientific expedition: India has successfully launched 41st scientific expedition to Antarctic with 23 scientists and support staffs which has two major programme :

Geological Exploration: of the Amery ice shelf at Bharati station. It will help explore the link between India and Antarctic in the past.
Reconnaissance survey and predatory works: for drilling of 500metre of ice core near the Maitri station. It will help in improving the understanding of Antarctic climate, westerly winds, sea-ice, Green house gas from a single climate which for past 10,000 years. The ice core drilling will be done in collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey and the Norwegian Polar institute.

source

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1771934

What is integrated ombudsman scheme?

2021-11-13T20:16:00.009+05:30

Topic. Indian Economy

Inclusive Growth investment models

Gs-3 Gs2 paper

It was launched by the Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi on 11th November 2021 to give an online plateform to consumers for filing complaint regarding deficiency in services rendered by the entity regulated by the RBI free of cost.

It is an integrated improved grievance redressal mechanism. It has subsumed all existing redressal mechanism to make a single redressal mechanism all over India as "one nation one ombudsman system".

Integrated ombudsman scheme seeks to merge all other ombudsman schemes making it a one nation one ombudsman system for the entire financial sector

The banking ombudsman scheme 2006, the ombudsman scheme for non banking financial companies 2018, and the ombudsman scheme for the digital transection 2019, have been merged and made integrated ombudsman scheme 2021.

Complaints can be filled if an entity is not redressed within time limit of 30 day or not satisfied consumers through this given link

https://cms.rbi.org.in/

Learn more 》》

Retail direct scheme

Financial inclusion index

Monetary policy

Sources

https://m.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=52549

Retail Direct Scheme?

2021-11-13T16:21:00.009+05:30

Topic. Indian Economy

Inclusive Growth. investment models

Gs-3 paper Gs2 paper

The scheme allows retail investors/individuals to invest in government securities/ bonds of Rs 74 lakh crores directly through bank account With RBI.

It was launched by the Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi on 11th November 2021.

Vision- Financial inclusion for inclusive growth

Aim:

To bring middle class employees, senior citizens, small businesses men and othe common man to invest in government securities directly and securely by easing/ simplifying reach to government bonds.
Promotion of foreign and domestic investments

Salient features

Retail participants can open bank accounts( retail direct gilt account ) with RBI free of cost through on line link https://rbiretaildirect.org.in/
Retail participants are able to maintain their accounts online.
Payment for transaction can be through the saving account, internet banking, or unified Payment interface.
It is free of cost and requires on intermediaries.
Individuals can now purchase, treasury bills, dated securities, sovereign gold bonds and state development loans from primary and secondary markets
Retail investors can invest as little as Rs 10,000 directly through the account with RBI.
In primary market retail investors can place a bid for participating in primary auction of government securities
In secondary market, retail investors can buy and sell government securities.

Learn more 》》

Integrated ombudsman scheme

Financial inclusion index

Monetary policy

Sources -

https://m.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=52548

Afghanistan and India

2021-11-11T14:46:00.008+05:30

Topic - regional security challenges

border security challenges and its management

Terrorism by state actors

Afghanistan and India bilateral and multilateral relationships

Issues : border security challenges

Taliban seized the power of Afghanistan
There's a humanitarian crisis due to hunger and famine
Deterioting security situation
There are five major threats and challenges according to India

Terrorism within Afghanistan and across its borders
Radicalisation
Extremism
Cross border movement
Drug production and trafficking

Measures taken by India:

Delhi Regional security dialogue on Afghanistan : in this dialogue Russia, Iran and all the central Asian nations are participating. India playing a leadership role to sustain Regional cooperation as India is engaged since 2001 with Afghanistan through ties.

Russia remains concerned about the spread of radicalism and extremism to its peripheries in Central Asia
Iran's worry is persecution of Shia minorities and the refugee crisis
Pakistan and China are not participating in the dialogue on 10 November 2021
Central Asian nations like Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tazikistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan are participating in the dialogue.
It is an eight member countries dialogue that consists of :

India
Iran
Russia
Turkmenistan
Kazakhstan
Uzbekistan
Kyrgyzstan
Tazikistan

Declarations/ commitments/ pledges: outcome of dialogue are:

To combat terrorism emanating from Afghanistan- in all its form and manifestations, including its financing, dismantling of terrorist infrastructure and countering radicalism
Open and inclusive government in Kabul with representation from all sections of the society: there is a need to form an open and truly inclusive government.
Not to interfere its internal affairs
Respecting Afghanistan sovereignty, unity, integrity.
Protection of rights of women, child and minorities
To support humanitarian assistance

Note : it is a continuous of Regional dialogue first two in 2018, 2019 were chaired by the Iran.

Cotton Industry

2021-11-10T22:32:00.004+05:30

Topic Cotton Industry Food processing and related Industries in India

Prelims GS 3 mains Geography of India

Significance: Cotton is one of the most important cash crops and play a major role in sustaining livelihood of around 58 lakh cotton farmers and 400 to 500 lakh people engaged in related activities such as cotton processing and trade.

Government of India appoints Cotton Corporation of India as central nodal agency and is mandated to undertake MSP in cotton.
MSP for cotton is Rs. 6025 per quintal. 15.000
Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) procures cotton from farmers at fixed MSP and protect them from distress selling below MSP.
MSP ensures farmer cotton selling security and keep them produce Cotton.
CCI keeps its infrastructure ready in 11 major cotton producing states by opening 474 procurement centres in 143 districts.
India estimated cotton production will be 362.18 lakh bales.

Cotton growing states :

Major producing states

Maharashtra
Gujarat
Haryana
Andhra Pradesh
Telangana

Minor Producing States

Tamil Nadu

Cotton Industries located in India:

Kathua ( J&K)
Kasauli ( Uttarakhand)
Delhi
Faridabad ( Haryana)
Kanpur and Agra ( UP)
Gwalior and Indore ( MP)
Bhilwara and Udaipur ( Rajasthan)
Ahmad Nagar, Bhava Nagar, Rajkot, Surat ( Gujarat)
Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Solapur, Pune, Nanded ( Maharashtra)
Medak and Adilabad ( Telangana)
Kalaburgi, Harihar, Mysuru ( Karnataka)
Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Guntur, Cuddapah, Nellore, Chittoor ( Andhra Pradesh)
Thrissur ( Kerala)
Salem, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tuticorin, Tirunivelly ( Tamil Nadu)

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1770515

Janjatiya Gaurava Diwas ( 15 November)

2021-11-10T21:49:00.015+05:30

Topic Prelims

Freedom fighters and their contribution

Janjatiya Gaurava Diwas

(Tribal Pride Day)

Government of India has been decided to celebrate 15 November, the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Sri Bhagwan Birsa Munda of Freedom struggle, every year as Janjatiya Gaurav Day to honour the contribution of the tribal community to the nation. It was decided by the government of India on 10th November, 2021.

Birthday: 15 November 1875
Death: 9 June 1900.
The day, 15 November, is the birth anniversary of Sri Birsa Munda, who is referred as "Bhagwan" by tribal communities across country.
It was launched in the year of 146 birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.
Birsa Munda fought courageously, bravely, against the exploitative system of British Rule and started a movement/ revolution called "Ulgulan" to fight against colonial rule.
India's freedom struggle was strengthen by several movements by tribal communities such as Santhals, Kols, Bhils, Khasis, Mizos, Tamars, etc.
In the memories of their contribution in freedom struggle it was recognised to celebrate it.

Note - In 2016, Government of India, approved 10 tribal freedom fighter museums across the country.

Note-

Birsa Munda freedom fighter museum at Ranchi was launched by the Indian prime minister Sri Narendra Modi on 13th November 2021.

Birsa Munda:

He was from the Munda community in present day Jharkhand.
He mobilised the tribal community against the British, forcing them to introduce laws projecting the land right of the tribals.
He organised and led the tribal movement giving a call for Ulgulan ( revolt) to the tribals.
The young Birsa also tried to reform the tribal society and urged to shun superstition and witchcraft.
He died at the young age of 25 years in the Ranchi jail.

Tribal Pride week: it organised various festivals, dance program, shop for Tribal arts and crafts, painting exhibition, sports program, song, etc.

Note- various tribes are given below of states

Nagaland:

Naga tribes
Angami tribes
Konyak tribes

Jharkhand :

Oraon tribes

Andhra Pradesh :

Pedana tribes

Uttarakhand :

Bhotiyas tribes
Tahru tribes
Raji tribes
Boksa tribes
Jausari tribes

Assam :

Rabha tribes
Bodo tribes
Missing tribes

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman Island: these belong to Negrito group.

Andamanese
Andamanese
Source: pib.gov.in

Onges
Onges
Source: pib.gov.in
Jarawas
Sentinels

Nicobar Islands : these belong to the mongoloid group

Nicobarese
Shompiens

Tribal dance

Dimsa
Kommu
Savara
Koya
Chenchu

Note-

PANCHAYATI EXTENSION TO SCHEDULE AREAS (PESA) ACT 1996
FOREST RIGHTS ACT

BIRSA munda pib

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT LOCAL AREA DEVELOPMENT SCHEME (MPLADS)

2021-11-10T21:15:00.001+05:30

Topic MPLADS GS 4 mains Prelims

MPLADS

MPLADS is a central sector scheme fully funded by Government of India. The objective of the scheme is to enable MPs to recommend works related to the public assets development local areas with emphasis on creation of durable community in the areas of:

Drinking water
Primary education
Public health
Sanitation
Roads etc primarily in their constituencies.

Features :

Under this scheme, the annual MPLADS fund per member of parliament for his/her constituency Rs 5 crore is allocated.
The amount 5 crores are given in two installment of Rs 2.5 crores each.
The union cabinet has extend the period of continuation further up to 2025, per annum per member of parliament Rs 5 crores in two installments of Rs 2.5 crores each.

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MPLADS pib news

26th Conference Of Parties (COP26) Summit in Glasgow, Scotland

2021-11-08T12:39:00.005+05:30

26 Conference on parties( COP 26) of United nations framework conference on Climate Change ( UNFCCC) was held in Glasgow, Scotland under presidentship of United Kingdom on between October 31 and November 12, 2021. it aims to keep alive paris climate ageeement to limit average temperature well below 2 degree Celsius above from pre industrial level and efforts to limit 1.5 degree if possible.

Theme "The Build Back Better world ( B3W) "

India's commitment at COP26

Intended nationally determined contribution: Indian Prime minister Sri Narendra Modi announced Five pledges an ambitious action to tackle climate change based on the principle of climate justice and equity. These are all:

To increase non-fossil energy capacity 500 GW by 2030
To meet 50 % energy requirements from renewable energy resources by 2030
To reduce total projected carbon emission by one billion tonne from now to 2030
To reduce carbon intensity of the economy by 45% till 2030 ( from the previous target of 35%)
To achieve net zero target by 2070.

Requirements : the target will require financial investments and skilled workers for deployments of renewable energy.

Infrastructure projects for small island countries : Indian prime minister Sri Narendra Modi announced climate resilient infrastructure project from Scotland for small island countries

ISRO will built a special data window for them to provide them timely information about cyclone, coral reef monitoring, coast line monitoring etc through satellite.

issue of small island countries :

Small Island Developing States ( SIDS) are most vulnerable countries facing threat of Climate Change
To save the life of them
To protect the economy of them
Climate change is major challenge for them
countries are mainly dependent on tourism, but due to natural calamities tourists are afraid to visit there
SIDS are lived in harmony with nature and they know howto adapt to the natural cycles of the Nature

Climate Finance : India called for 1 trillion for developing countries to developed countries.

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Global Methane Pledge: The United states of America( US) and European Union ( EU) jointly launched to cut Methane emission 30% from 2020 level and to end deforestation by 2030. Methane is more potent than carbon dioxide but live short time in atmosphere. Methane is 80% more potent than CO2. It is estimated to have accounted for 30% Global warming since pre industrial times. it was first announced in September 2021.

Global Methane Pledge is signed up to limit the Global Warming to 1.8 degree Celsius.
Nearly, 90 countries have signed the agreement including
it includes top 30 emitters of the world, accounting two thirds of the global economy.
Brazil is one of the fifth largest emitters of the world that signed agreement generates Methane from Cows' digestive system, Inland fill wastes, and in oil gas production.

Note - India, china, Australia and Russia not singed the agreement.

To end Deforestation by 2030 : Humanity boosted green house gas emission by cutting down forest that absorbs roughly 30% Carbon dioxide emission according to non profit world Resource Institutes (WRI).

In 2020, the world lost 2,58,000 sq km of forest- an area larger than the United Kingdom.
More than 100 country have pledge to cut the emission and reserve deforestation by the end of decade.
Global forest finance pledge Funds : counties agreed to avail $19.2 billion to invest in restore and protect the forest .

this fund will come from public and private funds.
under this agreement 12 countries pledged to provide $12 billion of public funding between 2021 to 2025 for developing countries to restore degraded land and tackle wild fire..
rest $7.2 billion will come from private sector investors, who pledge to stop investing in activities linked to deforestation such as cattle, palm oil and soybean farming and pulp production.

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Net-Zero emission

Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas production and the amount removed from the atmosphere. The concept of net zero emerged from the newly launched report of IPCC in August.

"Net zero for the later date is on the platter as an option".

It entails reduction in the use of coal, oil and gas.
And corresponding increased in Carbon Sequestration efforts such as Plantation.
Target is 2050.

What is Carbon sequestration?

It is a technique of carbon storage for long time to reduce carbon pollution from atmosphere into the Earth and other Carbon Sinks.

Carbon dioxide and other forms of carbon are stored using subsurface saline Aquifer, reservoirs, ocean water, aging oil fields, Plantation.

What are Carbon sinks ?

All biological resources that can absorb carbon as its own parts are referred as carbon sinks that takes Carbon from atmosphere and reduces its amount. For example, forests, trees, grasslands, oceans these all stores lots of carbon such as a tree stores carbon in its Stem, leaves.

Background

IPCC 6th Report August 2021: has stated that extreme weather, climate action failure and human led environmental damage are going to be risks with the highest likelihood ( of occurrence) and impact in the coming decade.

If global warming is to be limited to +1.5 degree Celsius by 2100, then carbon space available requires global CO2 emissions to decline sharply and reach net zero by 2050.
the developing countries will need additional $600 billion per year.
The report informed that the global warming will pose a danger to each and every one.

COP15, 2009

Climate Finance

In 2009, at COP15, "the developed world pledged to raise $100 billion a year by 2020 to help developing countries cut green house gas emission and cope with the climate crisis through finance from public, private, bilateral and multilateral sources" . However no formal deal was made. Rich countries have so far failed to meet their 2009 promise to transfer %100 billion per year to poor countries by 2020.
Future requirements:

there is experts recommendations to increase climate finance to raise to $5 trillions per year to poor countries by 2030 to meet the needs to take measures against climate change.
IPCC Report suggested for additional $600 billion per year by 2030.

COP19, 2013

Warsaw

INDCs (Intended Nationally Determined Contribution)

India

to reduce emission intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 % of the 2005 levels by 2030;
to adopt climate friendly and cleaner path;
to achieve about 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030 with the help of transfer of technology and low cost international finance such as Green climate Fund;
to create additional carbon sinks of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
India has recently announced to achieve 450 Giga Watt renewal energy generation by 2030, about 60% of installed capacity, well beyond the 40% target.

COP21 , 2015

Paris Agreement

" To hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degree Celsius above pre-industrial level and on driving efforts to limit it even further 1.5 degree Celsius"

Article 6 of Paris agreement talked about Carbon Credit
effort areas:

Mitigation
Adaptation
Loss
Damage
Finance
Technology Development and transfer
Capacity building
Transparency of action and support

History of climate talks

The Stockholm UN conference on environment, 1972, began a new era of international Cooperation on environmental issues and paved the way of evolution of the concept of sustainable development and the creation of United Environment Programme ( UNEP).
In 1979, the first international instrument on Climate- the Convention on long range transboundary Air Pollution - was adopted at the climate world conference in Geneva.
The Vienna convention for the protection of ozone layer followed.
As the talks on global warming and depletion of the ozone layer intensified, UNEP and World meteorological organizations ( WMO) set up the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC).
The Panel makes a comprehensive assessment reports periodically about the state of scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects of the climate crisis and potential response strategies.
After 20 years of Stockholm, in 1992, the UN convention the Earth Summit was held on Rio-Dejenario and 197 nations signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ( UNFCCC), which has become the foundational international binding treaty on the Climate crisis.
In 1997,the Kyoto protocol, which became international law in 2005, sought to stabilize GHG concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with Climate system.

Recognizing the principles of "Polluters Pays" and "Common but differentiated responsibilities" and respective capabilities of countries, the protocol stablished the difference between developed and developing countries in their contributions to emissions and set binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European Union for reducing GHG emissions to an average of 5% against 1990 levels over five years ( 2008- 2012). China and India were exempted from the requirement of the protocol as they were not major polluters and The USA did not ratify it.
The protocol triggered the mechanism of creation such as emission trading, green development and joint implementation aimed at facilitating the achievement of emission targets and adoption fund to finance concrete adaption projects in developing countries.
On the conclusion of first commitment period ( 2008- 2012), a second commitment period was agreed to in 2012 to extend the agreement to 2020 in the Doha Amendment. The Doha amendment strengthened quantified emission limitation commitments for developed countries and economies in transition and set the goal of reducing GHG emissions to 18% of 1990 levels, compared to 5% in the first commitment period.

The Paris Agreement on Climate change came in to force in 2016 and improved upon and replaced the Kyoto Protocol. The core objective 8s strengthening the global response to the threat of climate crisis keeping the rise of global warming this century well below 2degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the rise to 1.5. The agreement also aims at enhancing the ability of countries to deal with the impact of the climate crisis and at making the flow of finance consistent with a low GHG emission pathway. The nationally determined contribution ( NDCs) of countries are at the heart of the Agreement.

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