#Transmission_of_Monetary_Policy
It describes how changes made by the RBI to the policy rate flow through to economic activity (like lending) and inflation.
According to a recent RBI report on ‘Monetary transmission in India’, the share of outstanding loans linked to External Benchmarks Lending Rate (EBLR - like repo rate), increased from as low as 2.4% during September 2019 to 28.5% during March 2021
This increase in EBLR linked lending will contribute to significant improvement in monetary policy transmission.
#Internal_Benchmark_Lending_Rate (IBLR)
The IBLR are a set of reference lending rates which are calculated after considering factors like the bank's current financial overview, deposits and NPAs etc. BPLR, Base rate, MCLR are the examples of Internal Benchmark Lending Rate.
#Marginal_Cost_of_Lending_Rate (MCLR)
It came into effect in April 2016. It is a benchmark lending rate for floating-rate loans. This is the minimum interest rate at which commercial banks can lend.
This rate is based on four components—the marginal cost of funds, negative carry on account of cash reserve ratio, operating costs and tenor premium.
MCLR is linked to the actual deposit rates. Hence, when deposit rates rise, it indicates the banks are likely to hike MCLR and lending rates are set to go up.
#Issues Related to IBLR Linked Loans:
The problem with the IBLR regime was that when RBI cut the repo and reverse repo rates, banks did not pass the full benefits to borrowers.
In the IBLR Linked Loans, the interest rate has many variables including bank’s spread, their current financial overview, deposits and non performing assets (NPAs) etc.
#External_Benchmarks_Lending_Rate
To ensure complete transparency and standardization, RBI mandated the banks to adopt a uniform external benchmark within a loan category, effective 1st October, 2019.
Unlike MCLR which was internal system for each bank, RBI has offered banks the options to choose from 4 external benchmarking mechanisms:
•The RBI repo rate
•The 91-day T-bill yield
•The 182-day T-bill yield
•Any other benchmark market interest rate as developed by the Financial Benchmarks India Pvt. Ltd.
Benefits
Banks are free to decide the spread over the external benchmark.
Being an external system, this means any policy rate cut decision will reach borrowers faster
The adoption of external benchmarking will make the interest rates transparent.
√√•Financial Benchmarks India Pvt. Ltd was recognised by RBI as an independent Benchmark administrator on 2nd July 2015.
#Repo_Rate: It is also known as the benchmark interest rate and is the rate at which the RBI lends money to the banks for a short term. Here, the central bank purchases security
#Pre_Revision
It describes how changes made by the RBI to the policy rate flow through to economic activity (like lending) and inflation.
According to a recent RBI report on ‘Monetary transmission in India’, the share of outstanding loans linked to External Benchmarks Lending Rate (EBLR - like repo rate), increased from as low as 2.4% during September 2019 to 28.5% during March 2021
This increase in EBLR linked lending will contribute to significant improvement in monetary policy transmission.
#Internal_Benchmark_Lending_Rate (IBLR)
The IBLR are a set of reference lending rates which are calculated after considering factors like the bank's current financial overview, deposits and NPAs etc. BPLR, Base rate, MCLR are the examples of Internal Benchmark Lending Rate.
#Marginal_Cost_of_Lending_Rate (MCLR)
It came into effect in April 2016. It is a benchmark lending rate for floating-rate loans. This is the minimum interest rate at which commercial banks can lend.
This rate is based on four components—the marginal cost of funds, negative carry on account of cash reserve ratio, operating costs and tenor premium.
MCLR is linked to the actual deposit rates. Hence, when deposit rates rise, it indicates the banks are likely to hike MCLR and lending rates are set to go up.
#Issues Related to IBLR Linked Loans:
The problem with the IBLR regime was that when RBI cut the repo and reverse repo rates, banks did not pass the full benefits to borrowers.
In the IBLR Linked Loans, the interest rate has many variables including bank’s spread, their current financial overview, deposits and non performing assets (NPAs) etc.
#External_Benchmarks_Lending_Rate
To ensure complete transparency and standardization, RBI mandated the banks to adopt a uniform external benchmark within a loan category, effective 1st October, 2019.
Unlike MCLR which was internal system for each bank, RBI has offered banks the options to choose from 4 external benchmarking mechanisms:
•The RBI repo rate
•The 91-day T-bill yield
•The 182-day T-bill yield
•Any other benchmark market interest rate as developed by the Financial Benchmarks India Pvt. Ltd.
Benefits
Banks are free to decide the spread over the external benchmark.
Being an external system, this means any policy rate cut decision will reach borrowers faster
The adoption of external benchmarking will make the interest rates transparent.
√√•Financial Benchmarks India Pvt. Ltd was recognised by RBI as an independent Benchmark administrator on 2nd July 2015.
#Repo_Rate: It is also known as the benchmark interest rate and is the rate at which the RBI lends money to the banks for a short term. Here, the central bank purchases security
#Pre_Revision
#High_Altitude_Balloons_for_Internet
They are commonly known as Loon Balloons as the first High Altitude Balloon for providing internet was used under Project Loon.
They are made of the commonplace plastic polyethylene and are the size of a tennis court.
They are powered by solar panels and controlled by software on the ground.
While up in the air, they act as floating cell towers, transmitting internet signals to ground stations and personal devices.
They float 60,000 to 75,000 feet, above the Earth, well above commercial jetliner routes.
They last for well over 100 days in the stratosphere before being returned to earth.
But they had to be replaced every five months or so because of the harsh conditions in the stratosphere. And the balloons can be difficult to control.
Challenges:
It would need an unused band of spectrum, or radio frequencies, to transmit a connection, and spectrum use is typically controlled by national governments.
Balloon- or drone-powered networks aren’t likely to be economical over the long term.
Developing algorithms to appropriately map balloon positions, determining a good strategy to deal with unpleasant weather and addressing the concern of relying on the non-renewable resources are among other challenges
#Project_Loon
It was started in 2011 by Alphabet, the parent company of Google. It was a network of stratospheric balloons designed to bring Internet connectivity to rural and remote areas.
It shut down that project in January 2020 as it wasn’t commercially viable.
Prior to the shutdown, Loon balloons had been providing service in mountainous areas in Kenya through a partnership with a local telecom.
The service also helped provide wireless communications in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
#Alps
The Alps emerged during the Alpine orogeny (mountain-building event), an event that began about 65 million years ago as the Mesozoic Era was drawing to a close.
Alps are young fold mountains with rugged relief and high conical peaks.
The Alps extend north from the subtropical Mediterranean coast near Nice, France, to Lake Geneva before trending east-northeast to Vienna, Austria. There they touch the Danube River and meld with the adjacent plain.
Because of their arclike shape, the Alps separate the marine west-coast climates of Europe from the Mediterranean areas of France, Italy, and the Balkan region.
The Alps form part of France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Albania.
Only Switzerland and Austria can be considered true Alpine countries.
#Mont_Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps and in Europe.
#Pre_Revision
They are commonly known as Loon Balloons as the first High Altitude Balloon for providing internet was used under Project Loon.
They are made of the commonplace plastic polyethylene and are the size of a tennis court.
They are powered by solar panels and controlled by software on the ground.
While up in the air, they act as floating cell towers, transmitting internet signals to ground stations and personal devices.
They float 60,000 to 75,000 feet, above the Earth, well above commercial jetliner routes.
They last for well over 100 days in the stratosphere before being returned to earth.
But they had to be replaced every five months or so because of the harsh conditions in the stratosphere. And the balloons can be difficult to control.
Challenges:
It would need an unused band of spectrum, or radio frequencies, to transmit a connection, and spectrum use is typically controlled by national governments.
Balloon- or drone-powered networks aren’t likely to be economical over the long term.
Developing algorithms to appropriately map balloon positions, determining a good strategy to deal with unpleasant weather and addressing the concern of relying on the non-renewable resources are among other challenges
#Project_Loon
It was started in 2011 by Alphabet, the parent company of Google. It was a network of stratospheric balloons designed to bring Internet connectivity to rural and remote areas.
It shut down that project in January 2020 as it wasn’t commercially viable.
Prior to the shutdown, Loon balloons had been providing service in mountainous areas in Kenya through a partnership with a local telecom.
The service also helped provide wireless communications in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
#Alps
The Alps emerged during the Alpine orogeny (mountain-building event), an event that began about 65 million years ago as the Mesozoic Era was drawing to a close.
Alps are young fold mountains with rugged relief and high conical peaks.
The Alps extend north from the subtropical Mediterranean coast near Nice, France, to Lake Geneva before trending east-northeast to Vienna, Austria. There they touch the Danube River and meld with the adjacent plain.
Because of their arclike shape, the Alps separate the marine west-coast climates of Europe from the Mediterranean areas of France, Italy, and the Balkan region.
The Alps form part of France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Albania.
Only Switzerland and Austria can be considered true Alpine countries.
#Mont_Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps and in Europe.
#Pre_Revision
#Convention_No_144_of_the_ILO
Convention 144 of the year 1976 which is also known as the Convention on Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards), promotes application of an essential principle on which the International Labour Organization (ILO) was founded which is:
Tripartite social dialogue in the development and implementation of international labour standards.
#Indian_Labour_Conference (ILC)
ILC is the apex level tripartite consultative committee in the Ministry of Labour & Employment to advise the Government on the issues concerning working class of the country.
All the 12 Central Trade Union Organisations, Central Organisations of employers, all State Governments and Union Territories and Central Ministries/Departments concerned with the agenda items, are the members of the ILC.
The first meeting of the Indian Labour Conference (then called Tripartite National Labour Conference) was held in 1942 and so far a total of 46 Sessions have been held.
#International_Labour_Organisation
It is the only tripartite United Nation (UN) agency. It brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 member States (India is a member), to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.
Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.
Established in 1919 by the Treaty of Versailles as an affiliated agency of the League of Nations.
Became the first affiliated specialized agency of the UN in 1946.
Hq: Geneva, Switzerland
Reports:
World Employment and Social Outlook
Global Wage Report
Recently, India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Governing Body of the ILO.
#Man_portable_anti_tank_guided_missile
MPATGM is third-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) indigenously developed by DRDO.
It has strike range of 2.5 km.
It is capable of being fired from shoulder and can be used during day and night. It has minimum lateral centre and gravity offset.
It works on fire and forget principle and is known for its top attack capabilities
The missile is incorporated with state-of-the-art Miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker along with advanced avionics.
#New_Generation_Akash_Missile
It is a surface-to-air missile system.
It has a strike range of 60 km and fly at a speed of up to Mach 2.5.
Developed by DRDO.
#Pre_Revision
Convention 144 of the year 1976 which is also known as the Convention on Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards), promotes application of an essential principle on which the International Labour Organization (ILO) was founded which is:
Tripartite social dialogue in the development and implementation of international labour standards.
#Indian_Labour_Conference (ILC)
ILC is the apex level tripartite consultative committee in the Ministry of Labour & Employment to advise the Government on the issues concerning working class of the country.
All the 12 Central Trade Union Organisations, Central Organisations of employers, all State Governments and Union Territories and Central Ministries/Departments concerned with the agenda items, are the members of the ILC.
The first meeting of the Indian Labour Conference (then called Tripartite National Labour Conference) was held in 1942 and so far a total of 46 Sessions have been held.
#International_Labour_Organisation
It is the only tripartite United Nation (UN) agency. It brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 member States (India is a member), to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.
Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.
Established in 1919 by the Treaty of Versailles as an affiliated agency of the League of Nations.
Became the first affiliated specialized agency of the UN in 1946.
Hq: Geneva, Switzerland
Reports:
World Employment and Social Outlook
Global Wage Report
Recently, India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Governing Body of the ILO.
#Man_portable_anti_tank_guided_missile
MPATGM is third-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) indigenously developed by DRDO.
It has strike range of 2.5 km.
It is capable of being fired from shoulder and can be used during day and night. It has minimum lateral centre and gravity offset.
It works on fire and forget principle and is known for its top attack capabilities
The missile is incorporated with state-of-the-art Miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker along with advanced avionics.
#New_Generation_Akash_Missile
It is a surface-to-air missile system.
It has a strike range of 60 km and fly at a speed of up to Mach 2.5.
Developed by DRDO.
#Pre_Revision
#Protection_of_Plant_Varieties_and_Farmers’_Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001
PPVFR Act, 2001 has been enacted in India for giving effect to the TRIPS Agreement viz., IPRs as an incentive for technological innovation
However, the Act also had strong provisions to protect farmers’ rights.
The act allows farmers to plant, grow, exchange & sell patent-protected crops, including seeds, & only bars them from selling it as “branded seed”.
It recognised three roles for the farmer: cultivator, breeder & conserver.
As cultivators, farmers were entitled to plant-back rights.
As breeders, farmers were held equivalent to plant breeders.
As conservers, farmers were entitled to rewards from a National Gene Fund.
#International_Union_for_Protection_of_New_Plant_Varieties (UPOV Convention)
It is an intergovernmental organization with headquarters in Geneva (Switzerland).
The Convention was adopted in Paris in 1961 and it was revised in 1972, 1978 and 1991.
UPOV's mission is to provide and promote an effective system of plant variety protection, with the aim of encouraging the development of new varieties of plants, for the benefit of society.
The UPOV Convention provides the basis for members to encourage plant breeding by granting breeders of new plant varieties an intellectual property right: the breeder's right.
In the case of a variety protected by a breeder's right, the authorization of the breeder is required to propagate the variety for commercial purposes. The breeder's right is granted by the individual UPOV members.
Only the breeder of a new plant variety can protect that new plant variety. It is not permitted for someone other than the breeder to obtain protection of a variety.
There are no restrictions on who can be considered to be a breeder under the UPOV system: a breeder might be an individual, a farmer, a researcher, a public institute, a private company etc.
India is not a member.
#Gaon_Buras
The institution of Gaon Bura in Assam dates back to the colonial era, when the British appointed the oldest person in the village as the head, who would oversee matters relating to land and revenue in a particular area.
The position would usually go to the oldest, most knowledgeable man who had good personal ties with everyone in a village, or a cluster of small villages.
In Arunachal Pradesh, too, the Gaon Buras (and Buris) are the most important village-level functionaries.
Recently, the Assam Cabinet announced that Gaon Buras will henceforth be called ‘Gaon Pradhans’.
#Nord_Stream_2_Pipeline (NS2P) project
This is a 1,200-km pipeline that runs from Ust-Luga in Russia to Greifswald in Germany through the Baltic Sea. It will carry 55 billion cubic metres of gas per year.
It was decided to build this pipeline in 2015.
Nord stream 1 system is already completed and together with NS2P, it will supply 110 billion cubic metre of gas a year to Germany
It would bypass Ukraine and deprive it of a significant transit fee of around $ 3 billion per year.
#Baltic_states, the northeastern region of Europe, includes the countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea
The Baltic states are bounded on the west and north by the Baltic Sea, which gives the region its name, on the east by Russia, on the southeast by Belarus, and on the southwest by Poland and an exclave of Russia
In 1991, their then popularly elected governments declared independece from USSR.
The Baltic region is not rich in natural resources. Though Estonia is an important producer of oil shale, a large share of mineral and energy resources is imported.
India and Baltic countries have historical connect and common linguistic roots
#Pre_Revision
PPVFR Act, 2001 has been enacted in India for giving effect to the TRIPS Agreement viz., IPRs as an incentive for technological innovation
However, the Act also had strong provisions to protect farmers’ rights.
The act allows farmers to plant, grow, exchange & sell patent-protected crops, including seeds, & only bars them from selling it as “branded seed”.
It recognised three roles for the farmer: cultivator, breeder & conserver.
As cultivators, farmers were entitled to plant-back rights.
As breeders, farmers were held equivalent to plant breeders.
As conservers, farmers were entitled to rewards from a National Gene Fund.
#International_Union_for_Protection_of_New_Plant_Varieties (UPOV Convention)
It is an intergovernmental organization with headquarters in Geneva (Switzerland).
The Convention was adopted in Paris in 1961 and it was revised in 1972, 1978 and 1991.
UPOV's mission is to provide and promote an effective system of plant variety protection, with the aim of encouraging the development of new varieties of plants, for the benefit of society.
The UPOV Convention provides the basis for members to encourage plant breeding by granting breeders of new plant varieties an intellectual property right: the breeder's right.
In the case of a variety protected by a breeder's right, the authorization of the breeder is required to propagate the variety for commercial purposes. The breeder's right is granted by the individual UPOV members.
Only the breeder of a new plant variety can protect that new plant variety. It is not permitted for someone other than the breeder to obtain protection of a variety.
There are no restrictions on who can be considered to be a breeder under the UPOV system: a breeder might be an individual, a farmer, a researcher, a public institute, a private company etc.
India is not a member.
#Gaon_Buras
The institution of Gaon Bura in Assam dates back to the colonial era, when the British appointed the oldest person in the village as the head, who would oversee matters relating to land and revenue in a particular area.
The position would usually go to the oldest, most knowledgeable man who had good personal ties with everyone in a village, or a cluster of small villages.
In Arunachal Pradesh, too, the Gaon Buras (and Buris) are the most important village-level functionaries.
Recently, the Assam Cabinet announced that Gaon Buras will henceforth be called ‘Gaon Pradhans’.
#Nord_Stream_2_Pipeline (NS2P) project
This is a 1,200-km pipeline that runs from Ust-Luga in Russia to Greifswald in Germany through the Baltic Sea. It will carry 55 billion cubic metres of gas per year.
It was decided to build this pipeline in 2015.
Nord stream 1 system is already completed and together with NS2P, it will supply 110 billion cubic metre of gas a year to Germany
It would bypass Ukraine and deprive it of a significant transit fee of around $ 3 billion per year.
#Baltic_states, the northeastern region of Europe, includes the countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea
The Baltic states are bounded on the west and north by the Baltic Sea, which gives the region its name, on the east by Russia, on the southeast by Belarus, and on the southwest by Poland and an exclave of Russia
In 1991, their then popularly elected governments declared independece from USSR.
The Baltic region is not rich in natural resources. Though Estonia is an important producer of oil shale, a large share of mineral and energy resources is imported.
India and Baltic countries have historical connect and common linguistic roots
#Pre_Revision
#Bhartiya_Prakritik_Krishi_Padhati (BPKP)
Government is implementing Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP) as a sub scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) since 2020-21.
It aims for the promotion of traditional indigenous practices.
The scheme mainly emphasizes on exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs and promotes on-farm biomass recycling with major stress on:
biomass mulching
use of cow dung-urine formulations
plant-based preparations
time to time working of soil for aeration
Under BPKP, financial assistance of Rs 12200/ha for 3 years is provided for cluster formation, capacity building and continuous handholding by trained personnel, certification and residue analysis
#Paramparagat_Krishi_Vikas_Yojana (PKVY):
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana is an elaborated component of Soil Health Management (SHM) of major project National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
Implementation:
Under PKVY Organic farming is promoted through the adoption of the organic village by cluster approach and PGS certification.
Fifty or more farmers will form a cluster having 50-acre land to take up the organic farming under the scheme.
The produce will be pesticide residue free and will contribute to improving the health of the consumer.
#Organic_Farming_in_India
According to FSSAI,’organic farming’ is a system of farm design and management to create an ecosystem of agriculture production without the use of synthetic external inputs such as chemical fertilisers, pesticides and synthetic hormones or genetically modified organisms.
India ranks 1st in number of organic farmers and 9th in terms of area under organic farming.
Sikkim became the first State in the world to become fully organic in 2016.
#Mission_Organic_Value_Chain_Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER)
MOVCD-NER is a Central Sector Scheme, a sub-mission under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in 2015.
The scheme aims to develop certified organic production in a value chain mode to link growers with consumers and to support the development of the entire value chain.
#Certification_Schemes
#FSSAI is the food regulator in the country and is also responsible for regulating organic food in the domestic market and imports.
#Participatory_Guarantee_System (PGS): It is a process of certifying organic products, which ensures that their production takes place in accordance with laid-down quality standards. PGS Green is given to chemical free produce under transition to ‘organic’ which takes 3 years. It is mainly for domestic purpose.
#National_Program_for_Organic_Production(NPOP): It grants organic farming certification through a process of third party certification for export purposes.
#Zero_Budget_Natural_Farming
It is a method of chemical-free agriculture drawing from traditional Indian practices.
The “four wheels” of ZBNF are ‘Jiwamrita’, ‘Bijamrita’, ‘Mulching’ and ‘Waaphasa’, says Palekar, a Padma Shri awardee.
#Jiwamritais a fermented mixture of cow dung and urine (of desi breeds), jaggery, pulses flour, water and soil from the farm bund. This isn’t a fertiliser, but just a source of some 500 crore micro-organisms that can convert all the necessary “non-available” nutrients into “available” form.
#Bijamritais a mix of desi cow dung and urine, water, bund soil and lime that is used as a seed treatment solution prior to sowing.
#Mulching, or covering the plants with a layer of dried straw or fallen leaves, is meant to conserve soil moisture and keep the temperature around the roots at 25-32 degrees Celsius, which allows the microorganisms to do their job.
#Waaphasa, or providing water to maintain the required moisture-air balance, also achieves the same objective.
#Pre_Revision
Government is implementing Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP) as a sub scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) since 2020-21.
It aims for the promotion of traditional indigenous practices.
The scheme mainly emphasizes on exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs and promotes on-farm biomass recycling with major stress on:
biomass mulching
use of cow dung-urine formulations
plant-based preparations
time to time working of soil for aeration
Under BPKP, financial assistance of Rs 12200/ha for 3 years is provided for cluster formation, capacity building and continuous handholding by trained personnel, certification and residue analysis
#Paramparagat_Krishi_Vikas_Yojana (PKVY):
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana is an elaborated component of Soil Health Management (SHM) of major project National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
Implementation:
Under PKVY Organic farming is promoted through the adoption of the organic village by cluster approach and PGS certification.
Fifty or more farmers will form a cluster having 50-acre land to take up the organic farming under the scheme.
The produce will be pesticide residue free and will contribute to improving the health of the consumer.
#Organic_Farming_in_India
According to FSSAI,’organic farming’ is a system of farm design and management to create an ecosystem of agriculture production without the use of synthetic external inputs such as chemical fertilisers, pesticides and synthetic hormones or genetically modified organisms.
India ranks 1st in number of organic farmers and 9th in terms of area under organic farming.
Sikkim became the first State in the world to become fully organic in 2016.
#Mission_Organic_Value_Chain_Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER)
MOVCD-NER is a Central Sector Scheme, a sub-mission under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in 2015.
The scheme aims to develop certified organic production in a value chain mode to link growers with consumers and to support the development of the entire value chain.
#Certification_Schemes
#FSSAI is the food regulator in the country and is also responsible for regulating organic food in the domestic market and imports.
#Participatory_Guarantee_System (PGS): It is a process of certifying organic products, which ensures that their production takes place in accordance with laid-down quality standards. PGS Green is given to chemical free produce under transition to ‘organic’ which takes 3 years. It is mainly for domestic purpose.
#National_Program_for_Organic_Production(NPOP): It grants organic farming certification through a process of third party certification for export purposes.
#Zero_Budget_Natural_Farming
It is a method of chemical-free agriculture drawing from traditional Indian practices.
The “four wheels” of ZBNF are ‘Jiwamrita’, ‘Bijamrita’, ‘Mulching’ and ‘Waaphasa’, says Palekar, a Padma Shri awardee.
#Jiwamritais a fermented mixture of cow dung and urine (of desi breeds), jaggery, pulses flour, water and soil from the farm bund. This isn’t a fertiliser, but just a source of some 500 crore micro-organisms that can convert all the necessary “non-available” nutrients into “available” form.
#Bijamritais a mix of desi cow dung and urine, water, bund soil and lime that is used as a seed treatment solution prior to sowing.
#Mulching, or covering the plants with a layer of dried straw or fallen leaves, is meant to conserve soil moisture and keep the temperature around the roots at 25-32 degrees Celsius, which allows the microorganisms to do their job.
#Waaphasa, or providing water to maintain the required moisture-air balance, also achieves the same objective.
#Pre_Revision
#NB_Driver
Researchers at IIT Madras have recently developed an AI tool called NB Driver (neighbourhood driver) for use in analysing cancer-causing mutations in cells.
By looking at the neighbourhood, or context, of a mutation in the genome, it can look at harmful “driver” mutations and distinguish them from neutral “passenger” mutations.
This technique of looking at the genomic neighbourhood to make out the nature of the mutation is a novel and largely unexplored one.
The major challenge faced by cancer researchers involves the differentiation between driver and Passenger mutations.
Driver & Passenger Mutations
Driver mutations are relatively in smaller number than passenger mutations.
Driver Mutations enable the cancer cells to grow but Passenger Mutations does not have any effect on the progression of the disease.
This AI tool explains that the nature of mutation depends on the neighbourhood and there is a line between driver and passenger mutations.
#Cancer
It is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs. The latter process is called metastasizing and is a major cause of death from cancer.
A neoplasm and malignant tumor are other common names for cancer.
Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are the most common among women.
#International_Agency_for_Research_on_Cancer
IARC was created in 1965 by a resolution of the World Health Assembly, as the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization.
The objective of the IARC is to promote international collaboration in cancer research.
It comprises 27 member countries. India is a member of it.
It is Headquartered at Lyon in France.
#National_Programme_for_Prevention_and_Control_of_Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) is being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) for up-to the district level activities.
#National_Cancer_Grid (NCG) is a network of major cancer centers, research institutes, patient groups and charitable institutions across India with the mandate of establishing uniform standards of patient care for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, providing specialized training and education in oncology (study of cancer) and facilitating collaborative basic, translational and clinical research in cancer. It was formed in August 2012.
National Cancer Awareness Day--7th November
World Cancer Day-- 4th February
#Pan_Cancer_Project
Pan-Cancer Project is also called Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG).
It is an international collaboration of the International Cancer Genome Consortium and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to identify and define similarities and differences between cancer types.
#International_Cancer_Genome_Consortium
The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) was launched in 2007.
It is a voluntary scientific organization that provides a forum for collaboration among the world's leading cancer and genomic researchers.
The ICGC solved numerous data governance, ethical and logistical challenges to make global genomic data sharing for cancer possible, providing the international community with comprehensive genomic data for many cancer types.
#The_Cancer_Genome_Atlas (TCGA) is a landmark cancer genomics program of the US, which has molecularly characterized over 20,000 primary cancer and matched normal samples spanning 33 cancer types
#Pre_Revision
Researchers at IIT Madras have recently developed an AI tool called NB Driver (neighbourhood driver) for use in analysing cancer-causing mutations in cells.
By looking at the neighbourhood, or context, of a mutation in the genome, it can look at harmful “driver” mutations and distinguish them from neutral “passenger” mutations.
This technique of looking at the genomic neighbourhood to make out the nature of the mutation is a novel and largely unexplored one.
The major challenge faced by cancer researchers involves the differentiation between driver and Passenger mutations.
Driver & Passenger Mutations
Driver mutations are relatively in smaller number than passenger mutations.
Driver Mutations enable the cancer cells to grow but Passenger Mutations does not have any effect on the progression of the disease.
This AI tool explains that the nature of mutation depends on the neighbourhood and there is a line between driver and passenger mutations.
#Cancer
It is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs. The latter process is called metastasizing and is a major cause of death from cancer.
A neoplasm and malignant tumor are other common names for cancer.
Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are the most common among women.
#International_Agency_for_Research_on_Cancer
IARC was created in 1965 by a resolution of the World Health Assembly, as the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization.
The objective of the IARC is to promote international collaboration in cancer research.
It comprises 27 member countries. India is a member of it.
It is Headquartered at Lyon in France.
#National_Programme_for_Prevention_and_Control_of_Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) is being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) for up-to the district level activities.
#National_Cancer_Grid (NCG) is a network of major cancer centers, research institutes, patient groups and charitable institutions across India with the mandate of establishing uniform standards of patient care for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, providing specialized training and education in oncology (study of cancer) and facilitating collaborative basic, translational and clinical research in cancer. It was formed in August 2012.
National Cancer Awareness Day--7th November
World Cancer Day-- 4th February
#Pan_Cancer_Project
Pan-Cancer Project is also called Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG).
It is an international collaboration of the International Cancer Genome Consortium and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to identify and define similarities and differences between cancer types.
#International_Cancer_Genome_Consortium
The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) was launched in 2007.
It is a voluntary scientific organization that provides a forum for collaboration among the world's leading cancer and genomic researchers.
The ICGC solved numerous data governance, ethical and logistical challenges to make global genomic data sharing for cancer possible, providing the international community with comprehensive genomic data for many cancer types.
#The_Cancer_Genome_Atlas (TCGA) is a landmark cancer genomics program of the US, which has molecularly characterized over 20,000 primary cancer and matched normal samples spanning 33 cancer types
#Pre_Revision
Forwarded from Daily Current Affairs and MCQs for UPSC by Santosh Kumar
YouTube
Environment and Biodiversity | Lecture -21 | Miscellaneous Pollution | By Santosh Kumar | CSE 2021
#Environment #Biodiversity #MiscellaneousPollution #SantoshKumar #levelupias
This video is part of our Target Prelims Current Affairs Program:
https://www.levelupias.com/course/target-prelims-2021-current-affairs-program/
Environment Biodiversity and…
This video is part of our Target Prelims Current Affairs Program:
https://www.levelupias.com/course/target-prelims-2021-current-affairs-program/
Environment Biodiversity and…
Forwarded from Daily Current Affairs and MCQs for UPSC by Santosh Kumar
With this class, we have completed our environmental pollution section also. Now we are only left with the last topic: Climate Change
#Historic_Urban_Landscape_Project
It was adopted in 2011 by UNESCO’s General Conference.
The project aims for the inclusive and well-planned development of fast-growing historical cities while preserving the culture and heritage.
Gwalior & Orchha Cities under HULP
As part of the project, these places will be jointly developed by UNESCO, the Government of India, and Madhya Pradesh.
The development and management plan of these cities will be prepared by UNESCO.
All aspects including history, culture, lifestyle, economic development, community development will be included in it.
Earlier six cities of South Asia, including Ajmer and Varanasi are already involved in this project.
#Alexander_Dalrymple_award
Chief Hydrographer to the Govt. of India has received the Alexander Dalrymple award from the British High Commissioner. He was rewarded in recognition of his leadership in the disciplines of hydrography and nautical cartography.
The Alexander Dalrymple award has been named after the first hydrographer of the Admiralty and was instituted in 2006.
Recipients are selected for their efforts in raising the standards of hydrography, cartography and navigation around the world.
#ARMEX_21
It is the Indian Army Skiing Expedition.
It was conducted in the mountain ranges of the Himalayan region to promote the adventure activity in the country and the Indian Army.
#Kanal_Project
It is an initiative of Kerala’s Department of Women and Child Development.
The project has been formulated with an aim to end all domestic and dowry abuse, to empower women and to create awareness among the entire population.
As part of the launching of ‘Kanal’, Integrated Child Development Services supervisors and anganwadi workers have been provided training.
Awareness campaigns are being organised in colleges.
#Sahi_Fasal_Campaign
Launched by National Water Mission in 2019 to nudge farmers in the water stressed areas to grow crops which are not water intensive, but use water very efficiently; and are economically remunerative; are healthy and nutritious; suited to the agro-climatic-hydro characteristics of the area; and are environmentally friendly.
Creating awareness among farmers on appropriate crops, micro-irrigation, soil moisture conservation etc; weaning them away from water intensive crops like paddy, sugarcane etc to crops like corn, maize etc which require less water;etc ultimately leading to increase in the income of farmers are the key elements of “Sahi Fasal Campaign "
#Pre_Revision
It was adopted in 2011 by UNESCO’s General Conference.
The project aims for the inclusive and well-planned development of fast-growing historical cities while preserving the culture and heritage.
Gwalior & Orchha Cities under HULP
As part of the project, these places will be jointly developed by UNESCO, the Government of India, and Madhya Pradesh.
The development and management plan of these cities will be prepared by UNESCO.
All aspects including history, culture, lifestyle, economic development, community development will be included in it.
Earlier six cities of South Asia, including Ajmer and Varanasi are already involved in this project.
#Alexander_Dalrymple_award
Chief Hydrographer to the Govt. of India has received the Alexander Dalrymple award from the British High Commissioner. He was rewarded in recognition of his leadership in the disciplines of hydrography and nautical cartography.
The Alexander Dalrymple award has been named after the first hydrographer of the Admiralty and was instituted in 2006.
Recipients are selected for their efforts in raising the standards of hydrography, cartography and navigation around the world.
#ARMEX_21
It is the Indian Army Skiing Expedition.
It was conducted in the mountain ranges of the Himalayan region to promote the adventure activity in the country and the Indian Army.
#Kanal_Project
It is an initiative of Kerala’s Department of Women and Child Development.
The project has been formulated with an aim to end all domestic and dowry abuse, to empower women and to create awareness among the entire population.
As part of the launching of ‘Kanal’, Integrated Child Development Services supervisors and anganwadi workers have been provided training.
Awareness campaigns are being organised in colleges.
#Sahi_Fasal_Campaign
Launched by National Water Mission in 2019 to nudge farmers in the water stressed areas to grow crops which are not water intensive, but use water very efficiently; and are economically remunerative; are healthy and nutritious; suited to the agro-climatic-hydro characteristics of the area; and are environmentally friendly.
Creating awareness among farmers on appropriate crops, micro-irrigation, soil moisture conservation etc; weaning them away from water intensive crops like paddy, sugarcane etc to crops like corn, maize etc which require less water;etc ultimately leading to increase in the income of farmers are the key elements of “Sahi Fasal Campaign "
#Pre_Revision
#Global_Survey_on_Digital_and_Sustainable_Trade_Facilitation
It a survey conducted every two years by United Nation’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (UNESCAP).
India has scored 90.32% in the latest Survey for the year 2021,jump from 78.49% in 2019.
After evaluation of 143 economies, the 2021 Survey has highlighted
India's significant improvement in the scores on all 5 key indicators, as follows:
Transparency:100% in 2021 (from 93.33% in 2019)
Formalities: 95.83% in 2021 (from 87.5% in 2019)
Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 88.89% in 2021 (from 66.67% in 2019)
Paperless Trade: 96.3% in 2021 (from 81.48% in 2019)
Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 66.67% in 2021 (from 556% in 2019)
The Survey notes that India is the best performing country when compared to South and South West Asia region (63.12%) and Asia Pacific region (65.85%).
The overall score of India has also been found to be greater than many OECD countries including France, UK, Canada, Norway, Finland etc. and the overall score is greater than the average score of EU.
#UNESCAP
It is the regional development arm of the United Nations for the Asia-Pacific region.
It has 53 Member States and 9 Associate Members from Asia-Pacific Region including India.
Established: 1947
Hq: Bangkok, Thailand
Objective: ESCAP works to overcome some of the region’s greatest challenges by providing results-oriented projects, technical assistance and capacity building to member States.
Earlier published report Survey 2019: Ambitions Beyond Growth
The aim of the report is to find out what will it take to realize the ambitious 2030 Agenda of sustainable development goals.
A report ‘Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2021: Towards post-Covid-19 resilient economies’
Revise--#Organisation_for_Economic_Cooperation_and_Development
#Services_Trade_Restrictiveness_Index (STRI)
Launched by OECD in 2014,provides information on regulations affecting trade in services in 22 sectors across all OECD member countries and Brazil, the People’s Republic of China, Costa Rica, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Russian Federation, and South Africa.
#Composite_STRI indices quantify restrictions on foreign entry and the movement of people, barriers to competition, regulatory transparency and other discriminatory measures that impact the ease of doing business, are released.
There is also a #Digital_STRI that identifies, catalogues, and quantifies cross-cutting barriers that affect services traded digitally
#Great_Indian_Bustards
IUCN: Critically Endangered
CITES: Appendix I
CMS: Appendix I
WPA, 1972: Schedule I
State bird of Rajasthan (Desert National Park, where the GIB’s last remnant wild population is found)
Great Indian Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds (weighing up to 15kgs)
It is considered the flagship grassland species, representing the health of the grassland ecology.
Habitat-Arid and semi-arid grasslands with scattered short scrub, bushes and low intensity cultivation in flat or gently undulating terrain. It avoids irrigated areas
It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent
These birds are often found associated in the same habitat as blackbuck.
Its population is confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat. Small populations occur in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
It is kept under the species recovery programme under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of the MoEFCC.
The MoEFCC has also launched a program called ‘Habitat Improvement and Conservation Breeding of Great Indian Bustard-An Integrated Approach’.
The objective of the programme is to build up a captive population of Great Indian Bustards and to release the chicks in the wild for increasing the population.
Rajasthan government has launched ‘Project Great Indian Bustard’ with an aim of constructing breeding enclosures for the species and developing infrastructure to reduce human pressure on its habitats
It a survey conducted every two years by United Nation’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (UNESCAP).
India has scored 90.32% in the latest Survey for the year 2021,jump from 78.49% in 2019.
After evaluation of 143 economies, the 2021 Survey has highlighted
India's significant improvement in the scores on all 5 key indicators, as follows:
Transparency:100% in 2021 (from 93.33% in 2019)
Formalities: 95.83% in 2021 (from 87.5% in 2019)
Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 88.89% in 2021 (from 66.67% in 2019)
Paperless Trade: 96.3% in 2021 (from 81.48% in 2019)
Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 66.67% in 2021 (from 556% in 2019)
The Survey notes that India is the best performing country when compared to South and South West Asia region (63.12%) and Asia Pacific region (65.85%).
The overall score of India has also been found to be greater than many OECD countries including France, UK, Canada, Norway, Finland etc. and the overall score is greater than the average score of EU.
#UNESCAP
It is the regional development arm of the United Nations for the Asia-Pacific region.
It has 53 Member States and 9 Associate Members from Asia-Pacific Region including India.
Established: 1947
Hq: Bangkok, Thailand
Objective: ESCAP works to overcome some of the region’s greatest challenges by providing results-oriented projects, technical assistance and capacity building to member States.
Earlier published report Survey 2019: Ambitions Beyond Growth
The aim of the report is to find out what will it take to realize the ambitious 2030 Agenda of sustainable development goals.
A report ‘Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2021: Towards post-Covid-19 resilient economies’
Revise--#Organisation_for_Economic_Cooperation_and_Development
#Services_Trade_Restrictiveness_Index (STRI)
Launched by OECD in 2014,provides information on regulations affecting trade in services in 22 sectors across all OECD member countries and Brazil, the People’s Republic of China, Costa Rica, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Russian Federation, and South Africa.
#Composite_STRI indices quantify restrictions on foreign entry and the movement of people, barriers to competition, regulatory transparency and other discriminatory measures that impact the ease of doing business, are released.
There is also a #Digital_STRI that identifies, catalogues, and quantifies cross-cutting barriers that affect services traded digitally
#Great_Indian_Bustards
IUCN: Critically Endangered
CITES: Appendix I
CMS: Appendix I
WPA, 1972: Schedule I
State bird of Rajasthan (Desert National Park, where the GIB’s last remnant wild population is found)
Great Indian Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds (weighing up to 15kgs)
It is considered the flagship grassland species, representing the health of the grassland ecology.
Habitat-Arid and semi-arid grasslands with scattered short scrub, bushes and low intensity cultivation in flat or gently undulating terrain. It avoids irrigated areas
It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent
These birds are often found associated in the same habitat as blackbuck.
Its population is confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat. Small populations occur in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
It is kept under the species recovery programme under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of the MoEFCC.
The MoEFCC has also launched a program called ‘Habitat Improvement and Conservation Breeding of Great Indian Bustard-An Integrated Approach’.
The objective of the programme is to build up a captive population of Great Indian Bustards and to release the chicks in the wild for increasing the population.
Rajasthan government has launched ‘Project Great Indian Bustard’ with an aim of constructing breeding enclosures for the species and developing infrastructure to reduce human pressure on its habitats
The Ministry of Power, in an affidavit, has said: “The Great Indian Bustard (“GIB”) lacks frontal vision. Due to this, they cannot detect powerlines ahead of them, from far. As they are heavy birds, they are unable to manoeuvre across power lines within close distances. Thus, they are vulnerable to collision with power lines.”
Protected areas
Desert National Park Sanctuary — Rajasthan
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary – Andhra Pradesh
Karera Wildlife Sanctuary– Madhya Pradesh
Revise- #Blackbuck
Revise- #Asian_Houbara_Bustard
#Pre_Revision
Protected areas
Desert National Park Sanctuary — Rajasthan
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary – Andhra Pradesh
Karera Wildlife Sanctuary– Madhya Pradesh
Revise- #Blackbuck
Revise- #Asian_Houbara_Bustard
#Pre_Revision
#Yarn_Supply_Scheme (YSS)
It is being implemented throughout the country through National Handloom Development Corporation, Ministry of Textiles.
It aims to make available all types of yarn at Mill Gate Price
Under the Scheme, freight charges are reimbursed for all types of yarn and component of 10% price subsidy also exists on hank yarn, which is available for cotton, domestic silk, wool & linen yarn with quantity caps
It reduces cost of good quality raw material and transport subsidies have helped the weavers to a large extent to sell their product at a competitive price & hence increase and regularise their net income
#National_Handloom_Day--The date, 7th August, as the Swadeshi Movement was launched on the same date in the year 1905
#Samarth_Scheme
aka Scheme for Capacity Building in the Textile Sector (SCBTS), was approved in 2017 in order to ensure steady supply of skilled manpower.
Provide demand driven, placement oriented National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant skilling programmes to create jobs in the organized and related sectors, covering the entire value chain, excluding Spinning & Weaving
Promote skilling and skill upgradation in the traditional sectors of handlooms, handicrafts, sericulture & jute
Enable provision of sustainable livelihood either by wage or self employment
#Technical_Textiles
Technical textiles are functional fabrics that have applications across various industries
There are 12 TT segments; Agrotech, Meditech, Buildtech, Mobiltech, Clothtech, Oekotech, Geotech, Packtech, Hometech, Protech, Indutech & Sportech
#Scheme_for_Integrated_Textile_Parks(2005)
To provide the industry with world-class state of the art infrastructure facilities for setting up their textile units.(PPP model)
To attract foreign investor
The GoI grants upto 40% of the project cost(upto ₹40crore)
However, it grants upto 90% of the project cost for the first two projects(each)in the NE &hilly states
Each park under the scheme would normally have 50 units.The number of entrepreneurs & the resultant investments could vary from project to project
#Amended_Technology_Upgradation_Fund_Scheme (ATUFS)
The Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme was introduced in 1999 to facilitate new & appropriate technology for making the industry globally competitive & to reduce the capital cost
In 2015, the government approved "Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS)" for technology upgradation.
#Cotton
Kharif Crop which requires 6 to 8 months to mature
Droughtbresistant crop ideal for arid climates.
Occupies 2.1% of the world’s arable land, meets 27% of the world’s textiles need
Temp: Between 21-30°C
Rainfall: Around 50-100cm
Soil Type: Well-drained black cotton soil (Regur Soil) (E.g. Soil of Deccan Plateau)
Products: fibre, oil and animal feed
Top Producing Countries: India > China > USA
Top Producing States in India: Gujarat > Maharashtra > Telangana > Andhra Pradesh > Rajasthan
Four cultivated species of cotton:
Gossypium arboreum & G.herbaceum are known as old-world cotton or Asiatic cotton
G.hirsutum is also known as American cotton or upland cotton & G.barbadense as Egyptian cotton.Both are new species
India is the only country that grows cotton in the form of hybrids. Also, India was the first to develop hybrid cotton back in 1970.
However, India’s productivity (yield per unit area) is much lower (around one-third) than other major cotton-producing countries.
#Hybrid_Cotton: Cotton made by crossing two parent strains that have different genetic characters. Hybrids are often spontaneously and randomly created in nature when open-pollinated plants naturally cross-pollinate with other related varieties.
#Varieties_Cotton: Cotton produced by process of self-fertilization/autogamy (fusion of two gametes that come from one individual)
#Kasturi_Cotton
It is the first-ever Brand and Logo for Indian Cotton on Second World Cotton Day(7th oct)
The Kasturi Cotton brand will represent Whiteness, Brightness, Softness, Purity, Luster, Uniqueness and Indianness
#Pre_Revision
It is being implemented throughout the country through National Handloom Development Corporation, Ministry of Textiles.
It aims to make available all types of yarn at Mill Gate Price
Under the Scheme, freight charges are reimbursed for all types of yarn and component of 10% price subsidy also exists on hank yarn, which is available for cotton, domestic silk, wool & linen yarn with quantity caps
It reduces cost of good quality raw material and transport subsidies have helped the weavers to a large extent to sell their product at a competitive price & hence increase and regularise their net income
#National_Handloom_Day--The date, 7th August, as the Swadeshi Movement was launched on the same date in the year 1905
#Samarth_Scheme
aka Scheme for Capacity Building in the Textile Sector (SCBTS), was approved in 2017 in order to ensure steady supply of skilled manpower.
Provide demand driven, placement oriented National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant skilling programmes to create jobs in the organized and related sectors, covering the entire value chain, excluding Spinning & Weaving
Promote skilling and skill upgradation in the traditional sectors of handlooms, handicrafts, sericulture & jute
Enable provision of sustainable livelihood either by wage or self employment
#Technical_Textiles
Technical textiles are functional fabrics that have applications across various industries
There are 12 TT segments; Agrotech, Meditech, Buildtech, Mobiltech, Clothtech, Oekotech, Geotech, Packtech, Hometech, Protech, Indutech & Sportech
#Scheme_for_Integrated_Textile_Parks(2005)
To provide the industry with world-class state of the art infrastructure facilities for setting up their textile units.(PPP model)
To attract foreign investor
The GoI grants upto 40% of the project cost(upto ₹40crore)
However, it grants upto 90% of the project cost for the first two projects(each)in the NE &hilly states
Each park under the scheme would normally have 50 units.The number of entrepreneurs & the resultant investments could vary from project to project
#Amended_Technology_Upgradation_Fund_Scheme (ATUFS)
The Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme was introduced in 1999 to facilitate new & appropriate technology for making the industry globally competitive & to reduce the capital cost
In 2015, the government approved "Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS)" for technology upgradation.
#Cotton
Kharif Crop which requires 6 to 8 months to mature
Droughtbresistant crop ideal for arid climates.
Occupies 2.1% of the world’s arable land, meets 27% of the world’s textiles need
Temp: Between 21-30°C
Rainfall: Around 50-100cm
Soil Type: Well-drained black cotton soil (Regur Soil) (E.g. Soil of Deccan Plateau)
Products: fibre, oil and animal feed
Top Producing Countries: India > China > USA
Top Producing States in India: Gujarat > Maharashtra > Telangana > Andhra Pradesh > Rajasthan
Four cultivated species of cotton:
Gossypium arboreum & G.herbaceum are known as old-world cotton or Asiatic cotton
G.hirsutum is also known as American cotton or upland cotton & G.barbadense as Egyptian cotton.Both are new species
India is the only country that grows cotton in the form of hybrids. Also, India was the first to develop hybrid cotton back in 1970.
However, India’s productivity (yield per unit area) is much lower (around one-third) than other major cotton-producing countries.
#Hybrid_Cotton: Cotton made by crossing two parent strains that have different genetic characters. Hybrids are often spontaneously and randomly created in nature when open-pollinated plants naturally cross-pollinate with other related varieties.
#Varieties_Cotton: Cotton produced by process of self-fertilization/autogamy (fusion of two gametes that come from one individual)
#Kasturi_Cotton
It is the first-ever Brand and Logo for Indian Cotton on Second World Cotton Day(7th oct)
The Kasturi Cotton brand will represent Whiteness, Brightness, Softness, Purity, Luster, Uniqueness and Indianness
#Pre_Revision
#Dibru_Saikhowa_National_Park
Dibru-Saikhowa is a National Park as well as a Biosphere Reserve situated in the south bank of the river Brahmaputra in Assam.
The park is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit Rivers in the north and the Dibru river in the south.
The forest type of Dibru-Saikhowa comprises semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests, littoral and swamp forests and patches of wet evergreen forests.
It is the largest swamp forest in north-eastern India,with a tropical monsoon climate with a hot and wet summer and cool and usually dry winter
It is an identified Important Bird Area (IBA), notified by the Birdlife International. It is most famous for the rare white-winged wood ducks as well as feral horses.
Mammals found in the Park include Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Bears, Small Indian Civet, Squirrels, Gangetic Dolphin, Hoolock Gibbon, etc.
Maguri Motapung wetland is a part of the Reserve.
The wetland derives its name from ‘Magur’, local word for the catfish Clarius batrachus, once found here in abundance. Motapung is a village nearby, and Beel is the Assamese word for wetland.
It was declared an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) in 1996.
This reserve connects the national park in Assam to Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh, creating a big wildlife corridor of immense importance in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.
#EV100_campaign
The EV100 campaign is an initiative of Climate Group, an international non-profit organization.
The campaign aims to make electric transport the new normal by 2030. For that, it will encourage companies to switch from vehicles running on fossil fuels to EVs and install charging infrastructure.
Climate Group through its EV100 campaign will act as a bridge between private companies and the State government to ease the process of shifting their fleets to Electric Vehicles(EVs).
Maharashtra has become the first State in the country to join hands with Climate Group’s EV100 campaign.
#Biocentrism
The philosophy of biocentrism or ecocentrism holds that the natural environment has its own set of rights, which is independent of its ability to be exploited by or to be useful to humans.
Isa Upanishad elaborates on the ancient Indian roots of ecocentrism. It clearly says that all the living and non-living organisms in this universe belong to God alone.
The Constitution of India declares that it is applicable to the territory of India. While making such a declaration, it very obviously refers to humans within that territory and its predominant aim was to give them rights, impose obligations and regulate human affairs.
But, the Constitution is significantly silent on any explicitly stated, binding legal obligationswe owe to our fellow species and to the environment that sustains us.
The Indian judiciary earlier was inclined towards anthropocentrism. But gradually, it has shifted more towards ecocentrism. For example,
T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad case, 2012: In this case, the court explained the ecocentric approach and elaborated on the necessary application of the same.
Centre for Environment Law, WWFI v. Union of India case, 2013: The court threw light on the intrinsic value of all living beings, irrespective of the fact that they were instrumental for human survival or not.
In the M.K. Ranjitsinh & Others vs Union of India & Others case, the supreme court issued an important judgment towards the protection of Great Indian Bustard.
In 2008, Ecuador became the first country in the world to recognise “Rights of Nature” in its Constitution. Soon after, Bolivia has also joined that list.
In 2010, the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania became the first major municipality in the United States to recognise the Rights of Nature.
#Anthropocentrism: This argues that of all the species on earth, humans are the most significant and that all other resources on earth may be justifiably exploited for the benefit of human beings.
#Pre_Revision
Dibru-Saikhowa is a National Park as well as a Biosphere Reserve situated in the south bank of the river Brahmaputra in Assam.
The park is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit Rivers in the north and the Dibru river in the south.
The forest type of Dibru-Saikhowa comprises semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests, littoral and swamp forests and patches of wet evergreen forests.
It is the largest swamp forest in north-eastern India,with a tropical monsoon climate with a hot and wet summer and cool and usually dry winter
It is an identified Important Bird Area (IBA), notified by the Birdlife International. It is most famous for the rare white-winged wood ducks as well as feral horses.
Mammals found in the Park include Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Bears, Small Indian Civet, Squirrels, Gangetic Dolphin, Hoolock Gibbon, etc.
Maguri Motapung wetland is a part of the Reserve.
The wetland derives its name from ‘Magur’, local word for the catfish Clarius batrachus, once found here in abundance. Motapung is a village nearby, and Beel is the Assamese word for wetland.
It was declared an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) in 1996.
This reserve connects the national park in Assam to Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh, creating a big wildlife corridor of immense importance in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.
#EV100_campaign
The EV100 campaign is an initiative of Climate Group, an international non-profit organization.
The campaign aims to make electric transport the new normal by 2030. For that, it will encourage companies to switch from vehicles running on fossil fuels to EVs and install charging infrastructure.
Climate Group through its EV100 campaign will act as a bridge between private companies and the State government to ease the process of shifting their fleets to Electric Vehicles(EVs).
Maharashtra has become the first State in the country to join hands with Climate Group’s EV100 campaign.
#Biocentrism
The philosophy of biocentrism or ecocentrism holds that the natural environment has its own set of rights, which is independent of its ability to be exploited by or to be useful to humans.
Isa Upanishad elaborates on the ancient Indian roots of ecocentrism. It clearly says that all the living and non-living organisms in this universe belong to God alone.
The Constitution of India declares that it is applicable to the territory of India. While making such a declaration, it very obviously refers to humans within that territory and its predominant aim was to give them rights, impose obligations and regulate human affairs.
But, the Constitution is significantly silent on any explicitly stated, binding legal obligationswe owe to our fellow species and to the environment that sustains us.
The Indian judiciary earlier was inclined towards anthropocentrism. But gradually, it has shifted more towards ecocentrism. For example,
T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad case, 2012: In this case, the court explained the ecocentric approach and elaborated on the necessary application of the same.
Centre for Environment Law, WWFI v. Union of India case, 2013: The court threw light on the intrinsic value of all living beings, irrespective of the fact that they were instrumental for human survival or not.
In the M.K. Ranjitsinh & Others vs Union of India & Others case, the supreme court issued an important judgment towards the protection of Great Indian Bustard.
In 2008, Ecuador became the first country in the world to recognise “Rights of Nature” in its Constitution. Soon after, Bolivia has also joined that list.
In 2010, the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania became the first major municipality in the United States to recognise the Rights of Nature.
#Anthropocentrism: This argues that of all the species on earth, humans are the most significant and that all other resources on earth may be justifiably exploited for the benefit of human beings.
#Pre_Revision
#Chandra_Shekhar_Azad
Chandra Shekhar, then a 15-year-old student, joined a Non-Cooperation Movement in December 1921. As a result, he was arrested.
On being presented before a magistrate, he gave his name as "Azad" (The Free), his father's name as "Swatantrata" (Independence) and his residence as "Jail".
Therefore, he came to be known as Chandra Shekhar Azad.
After the suspension of the non-cooperation movement in 1922 by Gandhi, Azad joined Hindustan Republican Association (HRA).
HRA was later reorganised as the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA) in 1928.
Azad was involved in the 1925 Kakori Conspiracy.
He was involved in include the 1926 attempt to blow up the viceroy’s train, and the shooting of J P Saunders in 1928. Saunders was assassinated to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai
He died at Azad Park in Allahabad on 27th February 1931.
#Sandbox_technique
The technique involves filling the pit — dug up for laying foundation — with a mixture of sand lime, jaggery (for binding) and karakkaya (black myrobalan fruit), before the buildings were constructed on these ‘sandboxes’.
The sandbox in the foundation acts as a cushion in case of earthquakes.
The foundation of Ramappa temple ('brightest star in the galaxies of medieval temples of the Deccan') is built with the “sandbox technique”, the flooring is granite and the pillars are basalt.
The lower part of the temple is red sandstone while the white gopuram is built with light bricks that reportedly float on water.
Revise--#Ramappa_temple
#World_Heritage_Committee
It meets once a year, and consists of representatives from 21 of the States Parties to the Convention elected for terms up to six years.
The Committee is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, allocates financial assistance from the World Heritage Fund and has the final say on whether a site is inscribed on the World Heritage List.
It examines reports on the state of conservation of inscribed sites and decides on the inscription or removal of sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
UNESCO seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972.
Nomination process:
A country must first list its significant cultural and natural sites into a document known as the Tentative List.
Next, it can place sites selected from that list into a Nomination File, which is evaluated by the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the World Conservation Union.
A country may not nominate sites that have not been first included on its Tentative List.
These bodies then make their recommendations to the World Heritage Committee.
Revise- #UNESCO
#Dying_Declaration
The Dying Declaration is the statement of a person who had died explaining the circumstances of his death.
A dying declaration is consideredcredible and trustworthy evidence, based upon the general belief that most people who know that they are about to die, do not lie.
Section 32 of the Indian Evidence Act deals with the cases related to that person who is dead or who cannot be found.
Anyone can recordthe dying declaration of the deceased as per law. The law does not compulsorily require the presence of a Judicial or Executive Magistrate to record a dying declaration.
A dying declaration can form the sole basis of conviction. The rule requiring corroboration is merely a rule of prudence.
Several judgments have noted that it is neither rule of law nor prudence that a dying declaration cannot be acted upon without corroboration
#Pre_Revision
Chandra Shekhar, then a 15-year-old student, joined a Non-Cooperation Movement in December 1921. As a result, he was arrested.
On being presented before a magistrate, he gave his name as "Azad" (The Free), his father's name as "Swatantrata" (Independence) and his residence as "Jail".
Therefore, he came to be known as Chandra Shekhar Azad.
After the suspension of the non-cooperation movement in 1922 by Gandhi, Azad joined Hindustan Republican Association (HRA).
HRA was later reorganised as the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA) in 1928.
Azad was involved in the 1925 Kakori Conspiracy.
He was involved in include the 1926 attempt to blow up the viceroy’s train, and the shooting of J P Saunders in 1928. Saunders was assassinated to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai
He died at Azad Park in Allahabad on 27th February 1931.
#Sandbox_technique
The technique involves filling the pit — dug up for laying foundation — with a mixture of sand lime, jaggery (for binding) and karakkaya (black myrobalan fruit), before the buildings were constructed on these ‘sandboxes’.
The sandbox in the foundation acts as a cushion in case of earthquakes.
The foundation of Ramappa temple ('brightest star in the galaxies of medieval temples of the Deccan') is built with the “sandbox technique”, the flooring is granite and the pillars are basalt.
The lower part of the temple is red sandstone while the white gopuram is built with light bricks that reportedly float on water.
Revise--#Ramappa_temple
#World_Heritage_Committee
It meets once a year, and consists of representatives from 21 of the States Parties to the Convention elected for terms up to six years.
The Committee is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, allocates financial assistance from the World Heritage Fund and has the final say on whether a site is inscribed on the World Heritage List.
It examines reports on the state of conservation of inscribed sites and decides on the inscription or removal of sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
UNESCO seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972.
Nomination process:
A country must first list its significant cultural and natural sites into a document known as the Tentative List.
Next, it can place sites selected from that list into a Nomination File, which is evaluated by the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the World Conservation Union.
A country may not nominate sites that have not been first included on its Tentative List.
These bodies then make their recommendations to the World Heritage Committee.
Revise- #UNESCO
#Dying_Declaration
The Dying Declaration is the statement of a person who had died explaining the circumstances of his death.
A dying declaration is consideredcredible and trustworthy evidence, based upon the general belief that most people who know that they are about to die, do not lie.
Section 32 of the Indian Evidence Act deals with the cases related to that person who is dead or who cannot be found.
Anyone can recordthe dying declaration of the deceased as per law. The law does not compulsorily require the presence of a Judicial or Executive Magistrate to record a dying declaration.
A dying declaration can form the sole basis of conviction. The rule requiring corroboration is merely a rule of prudence.
Several judgments have noted that it is neither rule of law nor prudence that a dying declaration cannot be acted upon without corroboration
#Pre_Revision
#HAM_Radio
Amateur radio, aka ham radio, is a non-commercial two-way radio communications. They use many frequency bands across the radio spectrum.
HAM radio is a real-time communication network. This is much like wireless communication which is quick and transparent.
Amateur Radio operators set up and operate organized communication networks locally for governmental and emergency officials, as well as non-commercial communication for private citizens affected by the disaster.
Amateur Radio operators are most likely to be active after disasters that damage regular lines of communications due to power outages and destruction of telephone, cellular and other infrastructure-dependent systems.
According to the Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Service) Amendment Rules, 1984, ‘Amateur service’ means a service of self training intercommunications and technical investigation carried on by Amateurs that is, by persons duly authorized under these rules interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.
Any citizen of India who is above 12 years of age can become a ham by qualifying in the Amateurs Station Operators’ examination (ASO) and obtaining a valid Amateur wireless telegraph station license.
The term “Ham radio” is used to describe the hobby of Amateur radio and not the equipment.
#Radio_Waves
Radio waves have the longest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum.
These were discovered by Heinrich Hertz in the late 1880s.
These are produced by the accelerated motion of charges in conducting wires. They are used in radio and television communication systems.
They are generally in the frequency range from 500 kHz to about 1000 MHz.
The AM (Amplitude Modulated) band is from 530 kHz to 1710 kHz. The FM (Frequency Modulated) radio band extends from 88 MHz to 108 MHz.
Higher frequencies up to 54 MHz are used for short wave bands. TV waves range from 54 MHz to 890 MHz.
Cellular phones use radio waves to transmit voice communication in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band.
Radio-wave communications signals travel through the air in a straight line, reflect off of clouds or layers of the ionosphere, or are relayed by satellites in space.
#Bureau_of_Police_Research_and_Development
The Government of India established it under the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1970.
It replaced the Police Research and Advisory Council (1966), with the primary objective of modernization of the police force.
In 1995, the Government decided to entrust issues relating to Correctional Administration Work to the BPR&D.
Thereby BPRD has to ensure the implementation of prison reforms as well.
The Government of India decided to create a National Police Mission under the administrative control of BPR&D to transform the police forces in the country.
In August 2020, it observed its 50th foundation day.
It has been publishing the data on police organisations since 1986.
It latest data highlights that Backward Classes, Dalits and Tribals constitute almost 67% of India’s population, but their representation in police forces in the country is only at 51%.
Only STs have better representation --12% in police forces in comparison to their share in population--8. 6% while all other backward classes fare poorly.
Dalits-14% representation(16.6% share in population)
OBCs-25%representation(41%share)
Women-10%representation
However, their situation has improved considerably over the past years as the actual strength of women in police forces has almost doubled since 2014.
#Adjusted_Gross_Revenue
AGR is the annual license fee (LF) and spectrum usage charges (SUC) that telecom operators are charged by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
As per DoT, the charges are calculated based on all revenues earned by a telco – including non-telecom-related sources such as deposit interests and asset sales. On the other hand, telecoms insist that AGR should comprise only the revenues generated from telecom services
#Pre_Revision
Amateur radio, aka ham radio, is a non-commercial two-way radio communications. They use many frequency bands across the radio spectrum.
HAM radio is a real-time communication network. This is much like wireless communication which is quick and transparent.
Amateur Radio operators set up and operate organized communication networks locally for governmental and emergency officials, as well as non-commercial communication for private citizens affected by the disaster.
Amateur Radio operators are most likely to be active after disasters that damage regular lines of communications due to power outages and destruction of telephone, cellular and other infrastructure-dependent systems.
According to the Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Service) Amendment Rules, 1984, ‘Amateur service’ means a service of self training intercommunications and technical investigation carried on by Amateurs that is, by persons duly authorized under these rules interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.
Any citizen of India who is above 12 years of age can become a ham by qualifying in the Amateurs Station Operators’ examination (ASO) and obtaining a valid Amateur wireless telegraph station license.
The term “Ham radio” is used to describe the hobby of Amateur radio and not the equipment.
#Radio_Waves
Radio waves have the longest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum.
These were discovered by Heinrich Hertz in the late 1880s.
These are produced by the accelerated motion of charges in conducting wires. They are used in radio and television communication systems.
They are generally in the frequency range from 500 kHz to about 1000 MHz.
The AM (Amplitude Modulated) band is from 530 kHz to 1710 kHz. The FM (Frequency Modulated) radio band extends from 88 MHz to 108 MHz.
Higher frequencies up to 54 MHz are used for short wave bands. TV waves range from 54 MHz to 890 MHz.
Cellular phones use radio waves to transmit voice communication in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band.
Radio-wave communications signals travel through the air in a straight line, reflect off of clouds or layers of the ionosphere, or are relayed by satellites in space.
#Bureau_of_Police_Research_and_Development
The Government of India established it under the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1970.
It replaced the Police Research and Advisory Council (1966), with the primary objective of modernization of the police force.
In 1995, the Government decided to entrust issues relating to Correctional Administration Work to the BPR&D.
Thereby BPRD has to ensure the implementation of prison reforms as well.
The Government of India decided to create a National Police Mission under the administrative control of BPR&D to transform the police forces in the country.
In August 2020, it observed its 50th foundation day.
It has been publishing the data on police organisations since 1986.
It latest data highlights that Backward Classes, Dalits and Tribals constitute almost 67% of India’s population, but their representation in police forces in the country is only at 51%.
Only STs have better representation --12% in police forces in comparison to their share in population--8. 6% while all other backward classes fare poorly.
Dalits-14% representation(16.6% share in population)
OBCs-25%representation(41%share)
Women-10%representation
However, their situation has improved considerably over the past years as the actual strength of women in police forces has almost doubled since 2014.
#Adjusted_Gross_Revenue
AGR is the annual license fee (LF) and spectrum usage charges (SUC) that telecom operators are charged by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
As per DoT, the charges are calculated based on all revenues earned by a telco – including non-telecom-related sources such as deposit interests and asset sales. On the other hand, telecoms insist that AGR should comprise only the revenues generated from telecom services
#Pre_Revision
#National_Aquifer_Mapping_and_Management_program (NAQUIM)
It envisages mapping of aquifers (water bearing formations), their characterization and development of Aquifer Management Plans to facilitate sustainable management of Ground Water Resources.
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is implementing National Aquifer Mapping and Management program (NAQUIM) in the country
Further, CGWB also takes up various studies with respect to palaeochannels as part of the same program as per requirement.
Water being a State subject, initiatives on water management including study and recharge of Palaeo-channels in the Country is primarily States’ responsibility.
#Aquifers
The rocks in which groundwater is stored are called aquifers. They are typically made up of gravel, sand, sandstone or limestone.
#Central_Ground_Water_Board
It is a subordinate office of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and is the National Apex Agency entrusted with the responsibilities of providing scientific inputs for management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation and regulation of groundwater resources of the country.
It was established in 1970 by renaming the Exploratory Tubewells Organization under the Ministry of Agriculture and later on merged with the Groundwater Wing of the Geological Survey of India during 1972.
#Geological_Survey_of_India
It was set up in 1851 primarily to find coal deposits for the Railways.
Over the years, it has not only grown into a repository of geo-science information required in various fields in the country but has also attained the status of a geo-scientific organisation of international repute.
The main functions of the GSI relate to creation and updation of national geo-scientific information and mineral resource assessment.
It is headquartered in Kolkata and has six regional offices located at Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong and Kolkata. Every state has a state unit.
Presently, GSI is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines.
#84_kos_parikrama_marg
The central government has decided to declare the “84 kos parikrama marg” around Ayodhya a national highway.
All three parikramas in Ayodhya — the 5 kos (around 15 km), 14 kos (42 km), and 84 kos (about 275 km) parikramas — are linked to Lord Ram.
The Baal Kand of the Valmiki Ramayana mentions that Ayodhya was earlier known as Koshaldesh, initially spread over 48 kos, and was later expanded to 84 kos.
The 84 kos parikrama is a circumambulation of Koshaldesh, touching all important places associated with the kingdom of Ram.
As per Hindu belief, the 84 kos parikrama frees a person from the obligation of completing 84 lakh yoni (lives). Hindus believe the parikrama of Ayodhya started from Treta Yug, the yug of Lord Ram, which was over 1 lakh years ago.
#Pre_Revision
It envisages mapping of aquifers (water bearing formations), their characterization and development of Aquifer Management Plans to facilitate sustainable management of Ground Water Resources.
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is implementing National Aquifer Mapping and Management program (NAQUIM) in the country
Further, CGWB also takes up various studies with respect to palaeochannels as part of the same program as per requirement.
Water being a State subject, initiatives on water management including study and recharge of Palaeo-channels in the Country is primarily States’ responsibility.
#Aquifers
The rocks in which groundwater is stored are called aquifers. They are typically made up of gravel, sand, sandstone or limestone.
#Central_Ground_Water_Board
It is a subordinate office of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and is the National Apex Agency entrusted with the responsibilities of providing scientific inputs for management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation and regulation of groundwater resources of the country.
It was established in 1970 by renaming the Exploratory Tubewells Organization under the Ministry of Agriculture and later on merged with the Groundwater Wing of the Geological Survey of India during 1972.
#Geological_Survey_of_India
It was set up in 1851 primarily to find coal deposits for the Railways.
Over the years, it has not only grown into a repository of geo-science information required in various fields in the country but has also attained the status of a geo-scientific organisation of international repute.
The main functions of the GSI relate to creation and updation of national geo-scientific information and mineral resource assessment.
It is headquartered in Kolkata and has six regional offices located at Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong and Kolkata. Every state has a state unit.
Presently, GSI is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines.
#84_kos_parikrama_marg
The central government has decided to declare the “84 kos parikrama marg” around Ayodhya a national highway.
All three parikramas in Ayodhya — the 5 kos (around 15 km), 14 kos (42 km), and 84 kos (about 275 km) parikramas — are linked to Lord Ram.
The Baal Kand of the Valmiki Ramayana mentions that Ayodhya was earlier known as Koshaldesh, initially spread over 48 kos, and was later expanded to 84 kos.
The 84 kos parikrama is a circumambulation of Koshaldesh, touching all important places associated with the kingdom of Ram.
As per Hindu belief, the 84 kos parikrama frees a person from the obligation of completing 84 lakh yoni (lives). Hindus believe the parikrama of Ayodhya started from Treta Yug, the yug of Lord Ram, which was over 1 lakh years ago.
#Pre_Revision