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JANUARY 2019

Monthly Current Affairs for ESE 2020

&

Practice Questions

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Current affairs – ESE 2020 January 2019

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Contents 1.1 Social development ............................................................................................................................................... 5

Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) .............................................................. 5

Mohan Reddy Committee........................................................................................................................................ 6

National Girl Child Day ............................................................................................................................................ 6

Universal Basic Income (UBI) ................................................................................................................................... 6

Draft National Policy on Domestic Workers ............................................................................................................ 7

The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill – 2019 ......................................................................... 7

One Hundred And Twenty-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019 ...................................................................................... 7

Global Housing Technology Challenge ..................................................................................................................... 8

1.2 Industrial development ......................................................................................................................................... 9



Promotion of GI products ........................................................................................................................................ 9

Centre relaxes environmental clearance for sugar mills .........................................................................................10

WTO e-commerce negotiations ..............................................................................................................................10

1.3 Economic Development ........................................................................................................................................12

Banks to review MUDRA loans ...............................................................................................................................12

Recapitalisation of Export-Import Bank of India .....................................................................................................12

The India Post Payments Bank ................................................................................................................................13

Angel Tax ................................................................................................................................................................13

Amalgamation of Vijaya, Dena and Bank of Baroda ...............................................................................................14

U K Sinha Committee ..............................................................................................................................................14

Green – Ag project ..................................................................................................................................................15

National Anti-Profiteering Authority ......................................................................................................................15

RBI panel on digital payment ..................................................................................................................................15

Bilateral Swap Arrangement ...................................................................................................................................16

Tokenization ...........................................................................................................................................................16

2. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT .......................................................................................................................................17

2.1 Environment .........................................................................................................................................................17

Conference of the Parties (COP24) - Katowice, Poland ...........................................................................................17

Loktak lake .............................................................................................................................................................18

International Whaling Commission ........................................................................................................................18

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) ...................................................................................................................19

Oceans warming .....................................................................................................................................................19

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) ...............................................................................................................20

Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2018 .............................................................................................................21

Nitrogen pollution ..................................................................................................................................................21

CORSIA ...................................................................................................................................................................22

Microplastic fibres found in groundwater ..............................................................................................................22

Waste-to-Energy plants’ environmental threats .....................................................................................................22

2.2 Energy ...................................................................................................................................................................23

Use of Compressed Bio Gas as Alternative Green Transport Fuel ...........................................................................23

Proposals for New Atomic Power Plants ................................................................................................................24

ECO Niwas Samhita 2018 ........................................................................................................................................25



Advanced Motor Fuels Technology Collaboration Programme ...............................................................................25

Saksham 2019 .........................................................................................................................................................25

Methanol Blending .................................................................................................................................................26

India's largest public sector refinery .......................................................................................................................26

3. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY .................................................................................................27

Bhoomi Rashi Portal ...............................................................................................................................................27

The National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018 .....................................................................................27

Channels for science communication .....................................................................................................................28

UNNATI programme ...............................................................................................................................................28

New web-based platform to help with micro irrigation .........................................................................................28

eCourts Services through Common Service Centres ...............................................................................................29

PSLV-C44 .................................................................................................................................................................30

National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence .............................................................................................................31

Digital assets...........................................................................................................................................................31

Julia programming language ...................................................................................................................................32

The black eye bug ...................................................................................................................................................32

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) .................................................................................................................................32

4 .GENERAL KNOWLEGE .............................................................................................................................................33

National Rail & Transport Institute (NRTI) ..............................................................................................................33

China’s Chang’e-4 lunar rover .................................................................................................................................34

Renaming of Allahabad as Prayagraj ......................................................................................................................34

Arunachal govt declares Pakke Hornbill Fest as ‘state festival’...............................................................................34

PRACTICE QUESTIONS .....................................................................................................................................................35

1.Social development .................................................................................................................................................35

2.Industrial development ...........................................................................................................................................36

3.Economic development ...........................................................................................................................................36

4.Environment ............................................................................................................................................................37

5. Energy.....................................................................................................................................................................39

6. Information and Communication Technology ........................................................................................................39

7. General Knowledge ................................................................................................................................................40



1. NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1.1 Social development

Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC)

The Ministry of Human Resource Development has introduced the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC). The Scheme: It facilitates academic and research collaborations

between Indian Institutions and top leading Universities of the world.

The scheme aims to support around 600 joint research proposals and will have a major impact in providing the best international expertise to address major national problems.

Expose Indian academicians to the best collaborators abroad, provide Indian students an opportunity to work in the world class laboratories, develop strong bilateral relationships in research, and improve the international ranking of Indian Institutions.



Mohan Reddy Committee

The Mohan Reddy committee was appointed to come up with a medium and short-term perspective plan for expansion in engineering education. The Important recommendations: Stop setting up new colleges from 2020 and review the creation of new capacity every two years

after that. No additional seats should be approved in traditional engineering areas such as mechanical,

electrical, civil and electronics. Institutes should be encouraged to convert current capacity in traditional disciplines to emerging new technologies.

Introduce undergraduate engineering programmes exclusively for artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics, quantum computing, data sciences, cybersecurity and 3D printing and design.

National Girl Child Day

The Women & Child Development Ministry celebrated National Girl Child Day (NGCD) on 24th January.

The theme of this NGCD is “Empowering Girls for a Brighter Tomorrow”. The objective is to generating awareness on the issue of declining Child Sex Ratio Create a positive environment around valuing the girl child.

Universal Basic Income (UBI)

Universal Basic Income is a periodic, unconditional cash transfer to every citizen in the country. Main features

UBI is universal in nature. Here, social or economic positions of the individual are not taken into consideration. It means UBI is not targeted.

The second feature of UBI is cash transfer instead of in-kind transfer. The third feature is that UBI is unconditional. That means one need not prove his or her

unemployment status or socio-economic identity to be eligible for UBI. How UBI works?

For those, who earn additional income over the basic income, the net benefits will taper off through taxation.

So even though the basic income is universal, only the poor will receive the full benefits. What UBI means to the Government?

There would be drastic changes in the way government spends its revenue generated from taxation and other sources.

Currently, Government spends its revenue on various services as well as on subsidies. UBI would mean that government may move away from service delivery and empower its

citizens to access services through cash transfer. Advantages of UBI:



UBI strengthens economic liberty at an individual level. It would be a sort of an insurance against unemployment and hence helps in reducing poverty. UBI will result in equitable distribution of wealth. UBI is easy to implement, there is no need to identify the beneficiaries. It promotes efficiency by reducing wastages in government transfers. Considerable gains could be achieved in terms of bureaucratic costs and time by replacing

many of the social sector schemes with UBI.

Draft National Policy on Domestic Workers

The salient features: Inclusion of domestic workers in the existing legislations. Domestic workers will have the right to

register as unorganized workers. Such registration will facilitate their access to rights & benefits. Right to form their own associations/unions Right to minimum wages, access to social security Right to enhance their skills Protection of domestic workers from abuse and exploitation Domestic workers to have access to courts, tribunals for grievance redressal Establishment of a mechanism for regulation of private placement agencies. Establishment of a grievance redressal system for domestic workers.

The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill – 2019

The Bill has been formulated recognizing the need for regulation of the use and application of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) technology. The Bill: The purpose of this Bill is to expand the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to

support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country. The utility of DNA based technologies for solving crimes, and to identify missing persons, is well

recognized across the world. To ensure that with the proposed expanded use of this technology in this country, there is also

the assurance that the DNA test results are reliable, and furthermore that the data remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of our citizens.

The key components: Establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board; Accreditation of DNA laboratories undertaking DNA testing, analysing, etc. Establishment of the national and regional DNA data banks

One Hundred And Twenty-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019

The Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by the parliament to amend the

reservation policy. The Bill amends Article 15 of the Constitution, by adding a clause which allows

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states to make "special provision for the advancement of any economically weaker sections of

citizens".

Highlights: To provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions to economically

backward section in the general category

The higher education institutions include private aided or unaided institutions

Reservation in jobs is only in initial appointment

It will be in addition to the existing reservation

‘Economically weaker sections’ to be defined by the State from time to time on the basis of

family income and other indicators of economic disadvantage.

Eligibility criteria: Those with annual family income below Rs 8 lakhs Owning less than five acres of land People having a residential plot of more than 1,000 square feet Those owning a residential plot of over 100 square yards in a notified municipality People owning a residential plot more than 200 yards in non-notified areas will also not be

eligible Those who are already benefiting from education and job reservations under the social

backwardness criteria

Global Housing Technology Challenge

The move aimed at introducing best technologies that seek to construct houses in a shorter period of

time with lower cost. It is undertaken under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban (PMAY-U).

Objectives: To enable adoption of construction techniques for housing that are affordable and take time as

less as three.




It focuses on identifying and mainstreaming proven demonstrable technologies for lighthouse projects and spotting potential future technologies for incubation and acceleration support through ASHA (Affordable Sustainable Housing Accelerators) — India.

About Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban (PMAY-U): The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Mission seeks to address the housing requirement of

urban poor including slum dwellers through following programme components: 1. In-situ Rehabilitation of existing slum dwellers using land as a resource through private

participation. 2. Credit Linked Subsidy (Implemented as a Central Sector Scheme). 3. Affordable Housing in Partnership. 4. Subsidy for Beneficiary-led individual house construction/enhancement. It is being implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA).

1.2 Industrial development

Promotion of GI products

Geographical Indications (GIs) are registered as per the provisions of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. As on 24.12.2018, 330 GIs have been registered.

The promotion:

Participation in trade fairs and other events to promote and create awareness on GIs and increase the sales of GI products.

Promotion of GIs through social media, involving State governments and Union Territory administration and other relevant organizations for facilitation of GI producers. Importance of GI tag: 1. When a product is given GI status, its price increases in

international market. 2. It boosts exports. 3. It can boost tourism. 4. The farmers/artisans get legal protection from bogus

products. 5. It indirectly leads to sustainable development in the

region. GI Tag V/S Trademark

GI Tag Trademark

Product comes from a particular place/region. Product comes from a particular

enterprise/company.



Right is enjoyed by a community / association of

producers (community right)

Right enjoyed by only one person/company

(individual right)

Given for goods Can be for goods or service

Centre relaxes environmental clearance for sugar mills

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) notified a special provision that relaxes norms for getting prior environmental clearance (EC) to sugar manufacturing and distillery projects. Background:

The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification of 2006 makes it mandatory to get an EC for all new projects, their expansion and modernisation as well as change in product mix.

Aims to boost the Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) The latest notification:

The latest notification allows all sugar manufacturing and distillery expansion projects to be treated as B2 category under the EIA notification 2006.

The Environment Impact Assessment: It is the assessment of the environmental consequences (positive and negative) of a plan,

policy, program, or actual projects prior to the decision to move forward with the proposed action.

The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that decision makers consider the environmental impacts when deciding whether or not to proceed with a project.

The EIA notification in India has three categories; A, B1 and B2. 1. The projects under category A require EC from MoEF&CC. 2. Category B1 projects can get the EC from the state/union territory Environment Impact

Assessment Authority (SEIAA). 3. Category B2 can get EC from the SEIAA, the requirements for getting clearance for such

projects is easier than category A or B1 projects.

WTO e-commerce negotiations

India decided to stay out of the WTO e-commerce negotiations. The negotiation agendas:

Permanent moratorium on customs duties. Free flow of data located on computer servers without data localization requirements. Non-disclosure of source code. Prohibition of forced technology transfer.

Problems with E-commerce Highly asymmetrical space with a few dominant players having the potential to distort a level

playing field.



Meaning of e-commerce varies from one country to the other E-commerce rules are yet at nascent stage.

India’s stand: India’s huge data reserve and its impact on real economy and management of data without

compromising privacy and security considerations are still in progress. RBI’s recent policy mandating data localization. Unsettled E-commerce regulations especially those related to foreign direct investment:

marketplace and inventory model.

UDAN 3

The union Minister for Civil Aviation and Commerce announced the results of Phase 3 bidders under Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) Scheme. Key Features: Inclusion of Tourism Routes under UDAN 3 in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism. Inclusion of Seaplanes for connecting Water Aerodromes, and Bringing in a number of routes in the North-East Region under the ambit of UDAN.

About UDAN: It is an innovative scheme to develop the regional aviation market. It is a market-based mechanism in which airlines bid for seat subsidies. It envisages providing connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the country through

revival of existing air-strips and airports. The operators could seek a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) apart from getting various concessions. The scheme also provides for various benefits including no airport charges and three-year

exclusivity on the routes. The States have a key role under the scheme. The UDAN is likely to a give a major fillip to tourism and employment generation in the

hinterland.

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a business model where the seller doesn’t keep any inventory of goods nor process the orders. Rather, it contacts a manufacturer, retailer, or a wholesaler and transfers the customer orders and shipment details to get the order delivered directly to the buyer. Significance: Easy product sourcing directly from manufacturers. Cut down the promotional cost on photography and catalogue No need to take care of packaging and shipping. Upcoming domain in e-commerce



1.3 Economic Development

Banks to review MUDRA loans

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised a red flag over spike in non—peforming assets (NPAs) under the government’s flagship scheme to support micro enterprises in the country — the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.

Context: The NPAs under PMMY had risen

to ₹11,000 crore. The RBI has already flagged its

concerns regarding the bad loans to the government. About MUDRA Yojana: The scheme’s objective is to

refinance collateral-free loans given by the lenders to small borrowers. Mudra Loans are available for non-

agricultural activities upto Rs. 10 lakh and activities allied to agriculture such as Dairy, Poultry, Beekeeping etc.

Mudra’s unique features include a Mudra Card which permits access to Working Capital through ATMs and Card Machines.

Recapitalisation of Export-Import Bank of India

The Union Cabinet has approved the recapitalization of EXIM Bank. EXIM Bank is the principal export credit agency for India. Recapitalisation:

Recapitalisation is described as a strategy of enhancing the financial base of an entity. Capital is the money put by the owners for the running of the enterprise. Hence,

recapitalization is the venture of the owner/shareholders to make the firm financially strong. Effects

The infusion of capital into Exim Bank will enable it to augment capital adequacy and support Indian exports with enhanced ability.

About EXIM Bank Exim Bank of India (Exim Bank) was established in 1982 under an Act of Parliament as the apex

financial institution for financing, facilitating and promoting India’s international trade. The Bank primarily lends for exports from India. It is regulated by RBI.



The India Post Payments Bank

The India Post Payments Bank is a public sector company under the department of posts and ministry of communication where the Indian government holds 100 per cent equity. Payments Bank

A payments bank is a differentiated bank, offering a limited range of products. It can accept deposits of up to ₹ 1 lakh per customer. Unlike traditional banks, it cannot issue loans and credit cards. It offer a range of products such as savings and current accounts, money transfer, direct

benefit transfers, bill and utility payments, and enterprise and merchant payments. These products, and related services, will be offered across multiple channels (counter

services, micro-ATM, mobile banking app, SMS and IVR), using the bank's state-of-the-art technology platform.

The IPPB will not offer any ATM debit card. Instead, it will provide its customers a QR Code-based biometric card.

The payments bank will also provide access to third-party financial services such as insurance, mutual funds, pension, credit products and forex.

Angel Tax

The government has eased the norms under which start-ups can apply for exemption from the angel tax.

The angel tax applies to unlisted companies that have raised capital through an issue of shares at a price deemed to be in excess of the fair market value of those shares.

The excess capital over and above the fair market value is then treated as income and taxed accordingly.

As this largely affects angel investments in start-ups, it has been dubbed angel tax.



Angel Investors: Angel investors invest in small startups or entrepreneurs. Often, angel investors are among an entrepreneur's family and friends. The capital angel investors provide may be a one-time investment to help the business propel

or an ongoing injection of money to support and carry the company through its difficult early stages.

Amalgamation of Vijaya, Dena and Bank of Baroda

The Union Cabinet has approved the scheme of amalgamation for amalgamating Bank of Baroda, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank, with Bank of Baroda as the transferee bank and Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank as transferor banks. Highlights The amalgamation will be the first-ever three-way consolidation of banks in India. The amalgamation will help create a strong globally competitive bank with economies of scale

and enable realisation of wide-ranging synergies. Leveraging of networks, low-cost deposits and subsidiaries of the three banks will help the

consolidated entity for substantial rise in customer base, market reach, operational efficiency, wider bouquet of products and services, and improved access for customers.

Advantages: To meet the credit needs of a growing economy, absorb shocks and capacity to raise resources. It would also enable creation of a bank with scale comparable to global banks and capable of

competing effectively in India and globally. Market reach, operational efficiencies and the ability to support a wider offering of product and

services will be higher. The amalgamated banks will have access to a wider talent pool, and a large database that may be

leveraged through analytics. Wider reach and distribution network and reduction in distribution costs for the products and

services through subsidiaries Public at large shall benefit in terms of enhanced access to banking services through a stronger

network, the ability to support a wider offering of product and services, and easy access to credit.

U K Sinha Committee

RBI has set up an expert committee under U K Sinha to suggest long-term solutions for the economic and financial sustainability of the MSME sector. Highlights: They will identify the ‘structural problems’ affecting the growth of the small-scale sector. The eight-member committee will also examine the factors impacting credit flow to MSMEs and

propose measures for leveraging technology in accelerating the growth of the sector. MSMEs contribute about 40% to India’s export and 45% in the manufacturing sector.



Green – Ag project

The Government has launched the “Green – Ag: Transforming Indian Agriculture for global environmental benefits and the conservation of critical biodiversity and forest landscapes” in association with Global Environment Facility (GEF). About the project: The project would be implemented in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation. It is implemented in (i) Madhya Pradesh: Chambal Landscape, (ii) Mizoram: Dampa Landscape,

(iii) Odisha: Similipal Landscape, (iv) Rajasthan: Desert National Park Landscape and v) Uttarakhand: Corbett-Rajaji Landscape.

The project envisages integrate biodiversity, climate change and sustainable land management objectives and practices into Indian agriculture.

The project aims to catalyze a transformative change of India’s agricultural sector to support the achievement of national and global environmental benefits and conservation of critical biodiversity and forest landscapes.

About GEF: It is an international partnership of 183 countries, international institutions, civil society

organizations and the private sector that addresses global environmental issues. The Global Environment Facility was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit It aims to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems. GEF funds are available to developing countries and countries with economies in transition to

meet the objectives of the international environmental conventions and agreements.

National Anti-Profiteering Authority

The National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) has been constituted under Section 171 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act. It is the institutional mechanism under GST law to check the unfair profit-making activities by the

trading community. The Authority’s core function is to ensure that the benefits of the reduction is GST rates on goods

and services made by GST Council and proportional change in the input tax credit passed on to the ultimate consumers and recipient respectively by way of reduction in the prices by the suppliers.

The authority’s main function is to ensure that traders are not realizing unfair profit by charging high price from consumers in the name of GST.

The responsibility of NAA is to examine and check such profiteering activities and recommend punitive actions including cancellation of Registration.

RBI panel on digital payment

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up a five-member committee headed by Nandan Nilekani to suggest a strategy for deepening of digital payments in the country. The panel will review the existing status of digitisation of payments in the country, identify the

current gaps in the ecosystem, and suggest ways to bridge them.



The panel will assess the current levels of digital payments in financial inclusion, undertake cross country analyses to identify the best practices that can be adopted in to accelerate digitisation and financial inclusion through greater use of digital payments.

The panel will also suggest measures to strengthen the safety and security of digital payments and

Provide a roadmap for increasing customer confidence while accessing financial services through digital modes.

Bilateral Swap Arrangement

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for entering into an agreement for Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) between India and Japan. About Bilateral Swap Arrangement: It is an agreement to exchange currency between two foreign parties without intermediary

conversion to dollars. The agreement consists of swapping principal and interest payments on a loan made in one

currency for principal and interest payments of a loan of equal value in another currency. Benefits: Assisting each other in times of difficulty and for restoring international confidence. The prospects of Indian companies would improve in tapping foreign capital as there would be

greater confidence in stability of country’s exchange rate. Availability of such swap line to tide over difficulties arising out of Balance of Payment (BOP)

would deter speculative attacks on the domestic currency. It greatly enhance the RBI’s ability to manage exchange rate volatility.

BOP: The balance of payments(BOP) is a statement of all transactions made between entities in one country and the rest of the world over a defined period of time, such as a quarter or a year.

Tokenization

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) decided to allow card payment providers to offer tokenization services.



Highlights: Tokenization involves a process in which a unique token masks sensitive card details like card and

CVV number. The token is used to perform card transactions in contactless mode at Point Of Sale (POS)

terminals, Quick Response (QR) code payments, etc. Tokenization is the foundational aspect of taking payment security and safety to the next level by

devaluing data and replacing payment credentials with tokens. Tokenization is expected to increase digital transactions in India. This will ensure the safety of digital transactions and reduce chances of fraud.

How it works? The debit or credit card holder will create a code for a particular amount, say Rs. 1000, through

an app in the form of a number. That number will have the amount that can be spent, the merchant type where it can be spent as

well as time within which the transaction needs to be completed. Then the number can be shared with the merchant who will enter it in the mobile, to get the

payment for the items sold.

2. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

2.1 Environment

Conference of the Parties (COP24) - Katowice, Poland

COP24 is the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). UNFCCC The UNFCCC is one of three conventions adopted at the “Rio Earth Summit” in 1992. The countries that have ratified the Convention are called Parties to the Convention. The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme body of the UNFCCC Convention. It holds its

sessions every year. Preventing “dangerous” human interference with the climate system is the ultimate aim of the

UNFCCC. The COP takes decisions which are necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the

provisions of the Convention and regularly reviews the implementation of these provisions. COP24 conference took place from 2-15 December 2018 in Katowice, Poland.

The key INITIATIVES of COP24: 1. The Driving Change Together Partnership for Electromobility and Zero Emission Transport 2. Declaration on fair transformation:

Silesia Declaration is dedicated to ensuring a fair and solidarity-based transformation that will

help to protect the climate while maintaining economic development and jobs.

Development should be economically, socially, environmentally and climatically responsible.



Emphasis on modernisation, technological change and the implementation of innovations

enabling a more efficient and environmentally friendly use of resources.

3. The Silesian Ministerial Declaration “Forests for Climate”

On the conservation and increase of carbon stocks in greenhouse gas sinks and reservoirs until

2050

Three key topics of COP24: Technology – to show that there are climate-friendly modern solutions, such as electro mobility

allowing for sustainable urban development, clean air and an opportunity for modern jobs. Human – emphasizing the need to lead change together with people through the solidarity and

fair transformation of regions and industrial sectors. Nature – including multifunctional and sustainable forest management as part of climate

neutrality and the role of forests as greenhouse gas sinks, and support for a synergic view of the three UN key conventions: on climate, on biodiversity and on desertification.

Loktak lake

The Manipur government plans to set up a bird sanctuary at the Loktak lake in Bishnupur district. It is the largest freshwater lake in north-eastern India. It is also called the only floating lake in the world due to

the floating phumdis Thousands of migratory birds flock to the Loktak lake

every year. The Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is the last

natural refuge of the endangered sangai or Manipur brow-antlered deer is situated in the southeastern shores of this lake Threats:

Human intrusion Bird poaching Hydroelectric power project near the lake Fishing

International Whaling Commission

Japan announced to quit from the International Whaling Commission and resume commercial whaling. IWC: The International Whaling Commission is an Inter-governmental organization whose purpose is

the conservation of whales and the management of whaling. The legal framework of the IWC is the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. The IWC allows non-zero whaling quotas for aboriginal subsistence and also member nations may

issue ‘Scientific Permits’ to their citizens. The IWC has a current membership of 89 Governments from countries all over the world. India joined as a member of International Whaling Commission in 1981.



National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

National Clean Air Programme(NCAP) is a time bound national level strategy for pan India implementation to tackle the increasing air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner.

Highlights: The objective of the NCAP is comprehensive mitigation actions for prevention, control and

abatement of air pollution Augmenting the air quality monitoring network across the country Strengthening the awareness and capacity building activities. It takes into account the available international experiences and national studies, The tentative national level target of 20%–30% reduction of PM2.5 and PM10 concentration by

2024 is proposed. The NCAP is envisaged to be dynamic and will continue to evolve based on the additional

scientific and technical information as they emerge. The NCAP will be institutionalized by respective ministries. The program will partner with multilateral and bilateral international organizations, and

philanthropic foundations and leading technical institutions to achieve its outcomes.

Oceans warming

Heat trapped by greenhouse gases is raising ocean temperatures faster than previously thought, according to a new research.

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Highlights: An estimated 93 per cent of the excess solar energy trapped by greenhouse gases accumulates in

the world’s oceans. The coupled model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) models predict that the thermal expansion

would raise sea levels 30 centimeters on top of the already significant sea level rise caused by melting glaciers and ice sheets.

Warmer oceans also contribute to stronger storms, hurricanes and extreme precipitation. About CMIP5: CMIP5 is meant to provide a framework for coordinated climate change experiments for the next

five years and thus includes simulations for assessment in the AR5 as well as others that extend beyond the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report (IPCC AR5).

CMIP5 promotes a standard set of model simulations to, 1. Provide projections of future climate change on two time scales, near term (out to about

2035) and long term (out to 2100 and beyond) 2. Understand some of the factors responsible for differences in model projections, including

quantifying some key feedbacks such as those involving clouds and the carbon cycle.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

India recently submitted its Sixth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Highlights: The report provides an update of progress in achievement of 12 National Biodiversity Targets

(NBT) developed under the convention process in line with the 20 global Aichi biodiversity targets.

India has exceeded/ overachieved two NBTs, it is on track to achieve eight NBTs and with respect to two remaining NBTs aginst the stipulated time of 2020.

About CBD: The Convention on Biological Diversity is the

international legal instrument for “the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources” that has been ratified by 196 nations.

It was adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro About Aichi Targets: The ‘Aichi Targets’ were adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at its Nagoya

conference. It is a short term plan provides a set of 20 ambitious yet achievable targets, collectively known as the Aichi Targets. They can be divided into:

1. Strategic Goal A: Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society.

2. Strategic Goal B: Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use.



3. Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity.

4. Strategic Goal D: Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services. 5. Strategic Goal E: Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge

management and capacity building.

Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2018

The Union Cabinet has approved the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2018 which seeks to replace the existing CRZ Notification of 2011. Salient Features: 1. No Development Zone reduced for densely populated areas - CRZ-III. Such areas shall have a No

Development Zone (NDZ) of 50 meters from the HTL as against 200 meters from the High Tide Line in the CRZ Notification, 2011.

Temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilet blocks, change rooms, drinking water facilities etc. have now been permitted in Beaches.

The procedure for CRZ clearances has been streamlined. 1. Only such projects/activities, which are located in the CRZ-I (Ecologically Sensitive Areas) and CRZ

IV (area covered between Low Tide Line and 12 Nautical Miles sea ward), shall be dealt with for CRZ clearance by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

2. The powers for clearances with respect to CRZ-II and III have been delegated at the State level with necessary guidance.

No Development Zone (NDZ) of 20 meters has been stipulated for all Islands To address pollution in Coastal areas treatment facilities have been made permissible activities in

CRZ-I B area subject to necessary safeguards.

Nitrogen pollution

Nitrogen is the dominant gas in the atmosphere, it is inert and doesn’t react. However, when it is released as part of compounds from agriculture, sewage and biological

waste, nitrogen is considered “reactive”, It may be polluting and even exert a potent greenhouse gas (heat trapping) effect. It is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide but isn’t as prevalent in the atmosphere

however it is poised to grow. India’s nitrogen emissions grew at 52% from 1991 to 2001 and 69% from 2001 to 2011.

Sources of nitrogen pollution: Agriculture Sewage and fossil-fuel burning Emissions from chemical and fertilizers Emissions from livestock manure

Effects: Loss of biodiversity The pollution of rivers and seas Ozone depletion



Affects Health Economy Livelihoods.

CORSIA

Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, or CORSIA, is an emission mitigation approach for the global airline industry, developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Highlights:

It addresses emissions from international air travel. Through CORSIA, the aviation industry is aiming for a carbon neutral growth from 2020. It has three implementation phases, beginning 2021. Participation of countries till 2026 is

voluntary. CORSIA is expected to complement other planned measures such as:

1. Aircraft technology evolution 2. Operational improvements 3. The greater use of sustainable aviation fuels.

The International Civil Aviation Organization adopted the international Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for CORSIA in 2018.

About ICAO: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a UN specialized agency to manage the

administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).

Microplastic fibres found in groundwater

Scientists have found micro plastics contaminating groundwater source that accounts for 25% of the global drinking water supply. Highlights:

Plastic in the environment breaks down into microscopic particles that can end up in the guts and gills of marine life, exposing the animals to chemicals in the plastic.

As the plastics break down, they act like sponges that soak up contaminants and microbes and can ultimately work their way into food supply.

Effects: Affects health Biodiversity Food supply

Waste-to-Energy plants’ environmental threats

WtE plants process municipal solid waste to generate electricity through incineration. 5 municipal WtE plants are operational in India with a total capacity of 66.4 MW electricity per

day. The problem:



WtE plants in India burn mixed waste. The presence of chlorinated hydrocarbons like PVC results in the release of dioxins and furans

when the waste is burnt at less than 850 degree C. Dioxins and furans are known to be carcinogenic and can lead to impairment of immune,

endocrine, nervous and reproductive systems. It is extremely difficult and costly to measure the pollutants. The large amounts of flue gases, mercury vapors and lead compounds are released. About 30 per cent residue from incineration in the form of slag (bottom ash) and fly ash

(particulate matter), which are also known to be serious pollutants of air and water. Measures taken:

Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 require that PVC be phased out in incinerators by April 2018.

The wet and dry wastes should not be mixed so that only non-compostable and non-recyclable wastes having at least 1500 kcal/kg should only reach WtE plants.

What needs to be done? Wet and dry wastes segregation at source Awareness about the harmful effects of WtE technologies Use of activated charcoal to filter out dioxins, furans and mercury from the emissions in plants. Exploration of low cost options such as composting and bio-methanation

2.2 Energy

Use of Compressed Bio Gas as Alternative Green Transport Fuel

Government is promoting the use of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) as an alternative green transport fuel, which is purified and compressed biogas, produced through a process of anaerobic decomposition from various waste/ biomass sources including municipal solid waste. Steps Taken: Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation i.e. ‘SATAT’ initiative

Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and GAIL have invited Expression of interest (EOI) to procure CBG from potential entrepreneurs

Establishment of 5000 CBG plants across the country. Re-introduction of administered price mechanism Opening of alternate route for ethanol production Interest subvention scheme namely – “Scheme for augmenting and enhancing ethanol

production capacity”. The first 2G ethanol bio-refinery to be set up by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited in

Bathinda, Punjab The Government has notified National Policy on Biofuels-2018 under Advantages of CBG:

It causes lesser corrosion and wear to the body of engine



It is environmentally benign due to lower emissions of carbon and particulate matter per equivalent distance travelled

Being lighter than air, it is safer in case there is a spill.

Proposals for New Atomic Power Plants

At present, there are nine (9) nuclear power reactors at various stages of construction, targeted for completion by 2024-25.

State Site Capacity

(MW) In Cooperation with

Maharashtra Jaitapur 6 X 1650 France

Andhra Pradesh Kovvada 6 X 1208 United States of America

Gujarat Chhaya Mithi Virdi 6 X 1000*

West Bengal Haripur 6 X 1000* Russian Federation

Madhya Pradesh Bhimpur 4 X 700 Indigenous PHWR

Steps Taken: The Government has taken several measures to enable setting up of nuclear power reactors in the country. These include: Resolution of issues related to Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act & Creation of Indian

Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP). Amendment of the Atomic Energy Act-1962 to enable joint ventures of public sector companies

to set up nuclear power projects in the country. Enabling agreements with the foreign countries for nuclear power cooperation including supply

of fuel. Five sites, as given below, have been accorded ‘in principle’ approval by the Government for

setting up more reactors in future. Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage: The Act aims to provide a civil liability for nuclear damage and prompt compensation to the

victims of a nuclear incident No fault liability to the operator, appointment of claims commissioner, establishment of Nuclear

Damage Claims Commission. The Act effectively caps the maximum amount of liability in case of each nuclear accident at ₹5

billion (US$70 million) to be paid by the operator of the nuclear plant, and if the cost of the damages exceeds this amount, special drawing rights up to 300 million will be paid by the Central Government.



ECO Niwas Samhita 2018

Highlights: Ministry of Power has launched the ECO Niwas Samhita 2018, an Energy Conservation Building

Code for Residential Buildings (ECBC-R). About ECBC-R: It aims to promote design and construction of homes including apartments and townships to give

benefits of energy efficiency to the occupants. The parameters listed in the Code have been developed based on large number of parameters

using climate and energy related data. The Code is expected to assist large number of architects and builders who are involved in design

and construction of new residential complexes in different parts of the country. Implementation of this Code will have potential for energy savings to the tune of 125 Billion Units

of electricity by 2030, which is equivalent to about 100 million ton of Co2 emission.

Advanced Motor Fuels Technology Collaboration Programme

It is an international platform for cooperation among countries to promote cleaner and more energy efficient fuels & vehicle technologies. Highlights: The programme is under the International Energy Agency. The programme provides an opportunity for fuel analysis, identifying new/ alternate fuels for

deployment in transport sector and allied R&D activities for reduction in emissions in fuel intensive sectors.

Union Cabinet has recently approved India’s membership in this programme under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Reasons are

1. To facilitate the market introduction of Advanced motor fuels/ Alternative fuels

2. To bring down emissions and achieve higher fuel efficiency in transport sector.

3. Allied R&D activities for reduction in emissions in fuel intensive sectors.

Saksham 2019

Saksham is an annual high intensity one-month long people-centric mega campaign of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Highlights: It actively involves the Oil & Gas PSUs along with other stakeholders like State Governments. To create focused attention on fuel conservation through people centric activities and To sensitize the masses about the conservation and efficient use of petroleum products leading

to better health and environment. About PCRA: It is a registered society set up in 1978 under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas,

Government of India. It is a national government agency engaged in promoting energy efficiency in various sectors of

economy.



It aims at making oil conservation a national movement It sponsors R&D activities for the development of fuel-efficient equipment / devices and

organizes multi-media campaigns for creating mass awareness for the conservation of petroleum products.

It functions as a Think Tank to the Govt. of India for proposing policies and strategies on petroleum conservation and environment protection aimed at reducing excessive dependence on oil.

Methanol Blending

A study conducted by Pune-based Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has shown that methanol (M-15) blended with petrol and used in the existing BS-IV standard cars reduces carbon dioxide emission. Highlights:

NITI Aayog has drawn up a comprehensive plan to replace 20 per cent of crude imports from methanol alone.

It will support further research on methanol blending as the government aims to increase fuel blending to 20 per cent by 2030.

By adopting methanol, India can have its own indigenous fuel at the cost of approximately ₹19 per litre, at least 30 per cent cheaper than any available fuel.

Methanol blending with petrol will further reduce the fuel bill by at least ₹5,000 crore annually in the next three years.

Significance of Methanol: It can be used as an energy producing fuel, transportation fuel and cooking fuel. It is a clean-burning fuel that produces fewer smog-causing emissions. It is most commonly produced on a commercial scale from natural gas. It can also be produced from renewable sources such as biomass and recycled carbon dioxide. It offers excellent acceleration and power. It also improves vehicle efficiency.

Benefits of Methanol blending: Lesser emissions Environment friendly Readily available Reduces oil imports Enhances vehicle efficiency

India's largest public sector refinery

An integrated refinery expansion complex of the public sector Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited at the Kochi Refinery is the India's largest public sector refinery. Highlights:

The integrated refinery is a modern expansion complex and would transform the Kochi Refinery as the largest PSU refinery in the country with world class standards.

It is equipped for production of cleaner fuels.



It will double the production of LPG and diesel and commence production of feedstock for petrochemical projects in the plant.

Storage capacity at the plant was enhanced to meet the LPG requirement of nearly six days bottling capacity of the plant.

It is considered the safest storage vessel ensuring highest level of safety for plant and adjacent areas.

LPG receipt through pipeline will bring down movement of LPG tankers on roads.

3. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Bhoomi Rashi Portal

The Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA), Ministry of Road Transport & Highway has developed a web based Utility –Bhoomi Rashi to fully digitize and automate the entire process of land acquisition. Highlights: The system helps in expediting the process by providing simultaneous Hindi translation and has

been linked to the e-gazette for expeditious publication. Error-free and more transparent and the notifications at every stage are being processed. User friendly by adding the feature of SMS services to the beneficiaries so as to enhance

timeliness in dissemination of information. Real time tracking of activities and generation of reports, relating to land acquisition

The National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018

Missions – NDCP 2018 Connect India – Universal broadband coverage at 50 Mbps Propel India – Attracting investments worth USD 100 Billion Secure India – A strong, flexible, and robust communications infrastructure and data protection

regime Objectives – NDCP 2018 Providing Broadband to all by 2022 Adding 4 million jobs in the sector Digital Communications sector to grow to 8% of India’s GDP by 2022 (present 6%) To bring India to the top 50 rank(from present 134) in the ICT Development Index of the

International Telecom Union Net positive international trade in the sector – through increased local manufacturing and

exports, and lower imports Ensuring Digital Sovereignty of the country

Highlights: Increase in overall teledensity in the country – from 75% in June 2014 to 93% in March 2018 Mobile Internet subscriptions more than Over 107% increase in internet coverage



Number of mobile Base Transceiver Stations (BTS)more than doubled Country-wide OFC coverage doubled Average mobile data usage per subscriber grew 51 times Cheapest data tariff globally Highest mobile data consumption globally Seven times growth in broadband access Digital payment transactions through mobile grew four times

Five times jump in FDI inflows in Telecom Sector

Channels for science communication

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) along with Doordarshan (DD), Prasar Bharati launched two science communication initiatives, DD Science and India Science . DD Science: An one-hour slot on Doordarshan National channel

India Science: An internet-based channel. It will offer live, scheduled play and video-on-demand services.

Significance of the initiatives: The channels have been conceived and supported by the DST and are being implemented and

managed by Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous organisation of DST. They are the first step in creating a national science channel for the country. The two channels will have science-based documentaries, studio-based discussions, and virtual

walkthroughs of scientific institutions, interviews and short films and will be completely free to access.

UNNATI programme

Key Facts: A capacity building programme on Nanosatellite development An initiative by ISRO to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first United Nations

conference on the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space (UNISPACE-50). The programme provides opportunities to the participating developing countries to strengthen in

assembling, integrating and testing of Nanosatellite.

New web-based platform to help with micro irrigation

Researchers have come up with a web-based application that helps design customised micro-irrigation systems for individual agricultural fields. Highlights: DOMIS (short form for Design of Micro-irrigation System), it is a web-based application and helps

design customised micro-irrigation systems for individual agricultural fields under different agro-climatic conditions and circumstances for any crop.

It has an interactive graphical interface, works through three major steps. 1. It first partitions the entire field into blocks of specific dimensions.



2. It then determines the most appropriate layout plan for the pipes.

3. Finally, it estimates the water requirements of the field and crops, based on local agro-climatic

and conditions.

It does its calculations based on a variety of factors including agro-climatic data of the region, type and density of crops and soil type, besides the field size.

The design offers solutions with regards to several aspects including size of the pipes as well as type and number of sprinklers that are needed.

It can also come out with an estimate of the largest fraction of the field which can be irrigated in one go.

It can give an estimate of expenditure which a farmer or grower would need to install this whole system in his field.

It is designed to provide information about various government schemes in agricultural sector, agencies promoting and implementing micro-irrigation in different states of India.

Its database has information with regards to aspects like agro-climatic conditions, major crops grown, crop characteristics, ground water availability, soil types for about 642 districts of 29 states and 7 union territories of the country.

eCourts Services through Common Service Centres

To provide efficient and time-bound access to the Courts services to people, who are on the other side of the digital divide and don’t have access to internet, the Department of Justice has decided to deliver eCourts services to them through around 2 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs). Highlights:

The rural reach of the CSC's is extensive, envisaging a minimum of one CSC in each Gram Panchayat.

The litigants can access easily, and readily case status information available on eCourts database from any CSC.

To ensure affordability, Department of Justice has decided not to charge any fee from the customers for eCourts related services delivered through CSC's.

eCourts The Government of India had initiated second phase of the eCourts project as one of the

National e-Governance projects. Computerizing district and subordinate courts of the country through installation of case

information software, hardware and local area network in courts. They are also being connected on Wide Area Network through a dedicated network offering

bandwidth upto 100 Mbps. eCourts services have now been successfully rolled out through SMS, email, web, mobile app

etc. benefiting millions of litigants and advocates. Common Service Centres:

Common Services Centre (CSC) programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), Government of India.



CSCs are the access points for delivery of various electronic services to villages in India, thereby contributing to a digitally and financially inclusive society.

They are positioned as change agents, promoting rural entrepreneurship and building rural capacities and livelihoods.

Services offered at CSC’s: Agriculture Services Education & Training Services Health Services Rural Banking & Insurance Services Entertainment Services Utility Services Commercial Services Ecourts

PSLV-C44

India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C44) successfully injected Microsat-R and Kalamsat-V2 satellites into their designated orbits.



Highlights: PSLV-C44 placed the 740-kg primary satellite Microsat-R in a 274-km polar sun synchronous

orbit Kalamsat is said to be the lightest satellite of India Military satellite Microsat-R for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

launched for strategic purpose.

National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence

NITI Aayog published the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence. The report:

Opportunities and economic impact of Artificial Intelligence for India India specific key challenges and focus areas of AI implementation Different initiatives identified for AI implementation in India and the role of different parties

and the role of our government to make those successful. Focus areas:

Healthcare-Application of AI in Healthcare can help address issues of high barriers of access to healthcare facilities.

Agriculture-Artificial Intelligence will have significant global impact on agricultural productivity at all levels of the value chain.

Education-AI tools can be used to overcome the difficulties and challenges faced by Indian Education system.

Smart Cities and Infrastructure: AI helps in improving public safety and eliminate most of the issues with Smart City and Intelligent City concepts.

Smart Mobility and Transportation-AI aided smart technologies like Assisted Vehicle, Greenfield Infrastructure, Autonomous Trucking, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Travel Route & Flow Optimization and Community Based Parking can be used to address many of the challenging areas faced by cities.

Digital assets

Digital assets offer multiple positives over existing financial systems. There are three ways digital assets are redefining the state of the global financial and economic systems. 1.Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC)

CBDC is similar to the fiat issued by governments today It is a digital instrument, which is approved for use as a means of payment, a unit of account

and a store of value by the government. It is also considered a legal tender, which means it can be used to buy and sell anything that

fiat money can. It can potentially provide a highly technologically efficient way to control the flow of money in

a country. 2. Optimized International Settlements

It can change the way that Governments interchange value with each other.



3. Tokenizing Real-World Assets By utilizing the blockchain, one can tokenize what is effectively real, such as a house, gold, or

even stocks. Anything that can imply the transfer of ownership through a contract. The blockchains are able

to utilize smart contracts for the secure storage and management of tokenized assets. Tokenization will also allow for the fractional ownership of a single unit of real estate.

Julia programming language

The Julia programming language ranked #37 in the TIOBE index ranking of programming languages. Highlights of Julia:

The programming language is known for its speed, high performance, and versatile nature to run on several platforms.

It allows researchers to write high-level code in an easy syntax It produce code with the speed of production programming languages It has been widely adopted by the scientific computing community for application areas that

include astronomy, economics, deep learning, energy optimization, and medicine. A programming language:

A programming language is a vocabulary and set of grammatical rules for instructing a computer or computing device to perform specific tasks.

The term programming language usually refers to high-level languages, such as BASIC, C, C++, COBOL, Java, FORTRAN, Ada, and Pascal.

The black eye bug

The black eye bug affected the iPhones across the world. Highlights:

The bug transmitted audio to a caller despite the recipient not having accepted the call. It was triggered when the initial caller added a third person to a FaceTime call.

Bug It is an error, fault or flaw in any computer program or a hardware system. A bug produces unexpected results or causes a system to behave unexpectedly.

Patch A patch is a set of changes to a computer program or its supporting data designed to update,

fix, or improve it. This includes fixing security vulnerabilities and other bugs, with such patches usually being

called bug fixes or bug fixes and improving the usability or performance.

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)

The cabinet approved the launching of National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS) which is to be implemented by Department of Science & Technology for a period of five years. About Cyber-physical system (CPS):



It deals with the deployment of computer-based systems that do things in the physical world. It integrates sensing, computation, control and networking into physical objects and infrastructure, connecting them to the Internet and to each other.

Examples of cyber physical systems are Smart Grid Networks, Smart Transportation System, Enterprise Cloud Infrastructure, Utility Service Infrastructure for Smart Cities, etc.

CPS and its associated technologies, like Artificial Intelligence (Al), Internet of Things (loT), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DP), Big Data Analytics, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum encryption (Quantum Key Distribution), Data Science & Predictive analytics, Cyber Security for physical infrastructure and other infrastructure plays a transformative role in almost every field of human endeavor in all sectors.

Difference between CPS and Internet of Things (IoT) CPS is physical and engineered system, whose operations are monitored, coordinated,

controlled and integrated by a computing and communication core. Whereas IoT is the network of devices such as vehicles, and home appliances that contain electronics, software, actuators, and connectivity which allows these things to connect, interact and exchange data.

CPS engineering has a strong emphasis on the relationship between computation and the physical world. IoT has a strong emphasis on uniquely identifiable and internet-connected devices and embedded systems.

CPS not necessarily connects with internet. It may be individual system which integrates the physical and cyber technology like smart electricity meters.

In IoT all appliances are connected to each other through internet. About National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems

It is a comprehensive mission which would address technology development, application development, human resource development, skill enhancement, entrepreneurship and start-up development in CPS and associated technologies.

It aims at establishment of 15 numbers of Technology Innovation Hubs, six numbers of Application Innovation Hubs and four numbers of Technology Translation Research Parks (TTRP).

These Hubs & TTRPs will connect to Academics, Industry, Central Ministries and State Government in developing solutions at reputed academic, R&D and other organizations across the country in a hub and spoke model.

4 .GENERAL KNOWLEGE

National Rail & Transport Institute (NRTI)

India’s first rail and Transportation University, National Rail & Transport Institute (NRTI) set up in Vadodara, Gujarat. Key Facts: NRTI is focused on transport-related education, multidisciplinary research and training. NRTI seeks to forge collaboration with leading international institutions in the areas of Joint

research and faculty and student exchange.



It is planning to offer two fully-residential undergraduate courses – BSc. in Transportation Technology and DBA in Transportation Management.

China’s Chang’e-4 lunar rover

China recently launched Chang’e-4 spacecraft, which has landed on the dark side of the moon. The Lunar rover: The lunar rover is named as ‘Yutu 2’. Rover carries out low-frequency radio astronomical observations and probing of structure and

mineral composition of the terrain. With its Chang’e 4 mission, China has possibly become the first country to make a soft landing (a

landing of a spacecraft during with no serious damage). Significance of the mission: It could reveal formation and early evolution of moon, which could guide astronomers in

planetary studies and help in understanding exoplanets. The probe is the first mini-greenhouse to reveal whether plants can grow on the moon, which is a

crucial step toward long-term human missions beyond Earth.

Renaming of Allahabad as Prayagraj

Union Home Ministry has approved the Uttar Pradesh government’s proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj. The procedure for changing the name: For changing the name of a village or town or a city, an executive order is needed. The renaming of a state requires amendment of the Constitution with a simple majority in

Parliament. According to the existing guidelines for the renaming of railway stations, villages, towns and

cities, 1. It is mandatory to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Union Home Ministry by the

respective state government. 2. The Union Home Ministry considers the proposals of name change in consultations with the

Ministry of Railways, Department of Posts and Survey of India. 3. These organisations have to confirm that there is no such city, town or village in their records

with a name similar to the proposed one

Arunachal govt declares Pakke Hornbill Fest as ‘state festival’

The government of Arunachal Pradesh declared the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF)–the state’s only conservation festival, as a “state festival”. To recognise the role played by the resident Nyishi tribe in

conserving hornbills in the Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR). To devise alternative sources of income for a region that relies on hunting and logging. To tell the rest of the country about the wonders of the PTR and its surrounding areas. The festival had helped in creating awareness on nature conservation.



PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1.Social development

Q.1 Consider the below statements with reference to SPARC scheme: 1. It facilitates academic and research collaborations between Indian institutions and top leading

universities of the world. 2. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Human Resource Development

Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 Only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2 The following are the vertical programs under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana(Urban): 1. Slum rehabilitation of slum dwellers 2. Promotion of affordable housing for weaker section 3. Affordable housing construction exclusively by public sector companies 4. Subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction

Select the correct statements: A. 1,2 and 3 B. All of the above C. 2,3 and 4 D. 1,2 and 4



Q.3 The features of Universal Basic Income are: 1. It is a pension savings scheme for all 2. It is targeted to selected beneficiaries 3. It offers cash transfer 4. It is unconditional

Select the correct answer code: A. 2 and 3 B. 3 and 4 C. 2 and 4 D. 1 and 2

2.Industrial development

Q.4 The following are the key features of UDAN 3: 1. Inclusion of tourism routes 2. Inclusion of seaplanes for connecting water aerodromes 3. Connecting to North-West border region under the project

Select the correct answer code: A. 1,2 and 3 B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 3 D. 1 and 2

Q.5 The following are the benefits of getting GI tag for the products: 1. It ensures the entry to International Markets 2. It can boost tourism 3. Protects the indigenous specification of the products

Select the correct answer code: A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 3 D. All of the above

Answer: D Q.6 ‘Dropshipping ‘ is related to

A. Aviation industry B. E-commerce C. Green logistics D. Space explorations

3.Economic development

Q.7 Consider the below statements with reference to Amalgamation of Vijaya, Dena and Bank of Baroda:

1. The scheme will help Bank of Baroda bank to compete globally



2. It will help in providing wider variety of services to the customers 3. It will help in reduction in distribution costs for the products and services

Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 3 D. All of the above

Q.8 Consider the below statements with reference to National Anti-Profiteering Authority: 1. It is the institutional mechanism under consumer protection Council. 2. It ensure that the reduction in rate of tax or the benefit of input tax credit is passed on to the

recipient by way of commensurate reduction in prices 3. Its main function is to ensure that traders are not realizing unfair profit by charging high price

from consumers in the name of GST Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 3 D. All of the above

Q.9 Consider the below statements with reference to bilateral currency swapping between two countries:

1. The purpose is to maintain an appropriate level of balance of payments for meeting short-term deficiency in foreign exchange.

2. It helps to manage international trade volatility. 3. The agreement is to invest in the development projects.

Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 3 D. 1 only

Q.10 Angel Investors are: A. Those investors who invest in multinational companies B. Those investors who invest in startups C. Those unidentified investors who invest in small startups. D. None of the above

4.Environment

Q.11 The following are the environmental threats of Waste-to-Energy plants: 1. They release flue gases, mercury vapour and lead into the environment 2. The pollutants can be eliminated by complete combustion 3. The release of dioxins and furans can lead to impairment of immune, endocrine, nervous and

reproductive systems.



Select the correct answer code: A. 1 and 2 B. 1,2 and 3 C. 2 and 3 D. 1 and 3

Q.12 Consider the following statements with reference to Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): 1. India is a party to Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). 2. All countries rich in Biological Diversity should be a member of the CBD 3. Its principle ‘fair and equitable sharing of the benefits’ arising out of the utilization of genetic

resources to local communities also Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 3 D. All of the above

Q.13 Consider the below statements with reference to National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): 1. It is envisages augmenting the air quality monitoring network across the country and

strengthening the awareness and capacity building activities. 2. The apex committee is headed the prime minister.

Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 Only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.14 With reference to Loktak lake, which of the below statements is/are correct? 1. It is the largest freshwater lake in India. 2. It is the world only ‘floating lake’ in the world

Select the correct answer code: A. 1 Only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.15 Following are the sources of nitrogen pollution: 1. Agricultural residue burning 2. Emissions from chemical and fertilizers 3. Livestock manure

Which of above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 3



D. All of the above Q.16 Consider the following statements with reference to Environment Impact Assessment:

1. It aims to ensure that decision makers consider the environmental impacts when deciding whether or not to proceed with a project.

2. It should conducted by only Government agencies Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. 1 Only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2

5. Energy

Q.17 Consider the below statements with reference to Open Acreage Licensing Programme: 1. To increase India’s indigenous oil and gas production by maximising the potential 2. It offers multiple license to explore conventional and unconventional oil and gas resources 3. It provides operational flexibility to the investors

Which of the above statements is/are INCORRECT? A. 1 Only B. 1 and 3 C. 2 and 3 D. 2 Only

Q.18 Consider the below statements with reference to ECO Niwas Samhita 2018: A. It is launched by Ministry of Power B. It aims to benefit the occupants and the environment by promoting energy efficiency in design

and construction of homes, apartments and townships. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. 1 Only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.19 With reference to Methanol blending, which of the following can be derived? 1. It reduces carbon dioxide emission 2. It makes India more import dependent for gas 3. It enhances vehicle efficiency

Select the correct answer code: A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 3 C. All of the above D. 1 and 3

6. Information and Communication Technology

Q.20 The objectives of the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018 are:



1. Providing Broadband to all by 2022 2. Net positive international trade in the sector – through increased local manufacturing and

exports, and lower imports 3. Ensuring Digital Sovereignty of the country

Select the correct answer code: A. 1 and 2 B. 1,2 and 3 C. 2 and 3 D. 1 and 3

Q.21 A patch in computer programme is a: A. A fault or flaw in any computer program or a hardware system. B. A set of changes to a computer program to fix the security vulnerabilities and other bugs C. A malware D. None of the above

Q.22 Consider the below statements with reference to Cyber-physical system: 1. They deal with the deployment of computer-based systems that work in the physical world. 2. They have a strong emphasis on uniquely identifiable and internet-connected devices and

embedded systems. 3. They are not necessarily connected with internet


Q.23 With reference to eCourts, consider the following statements: 1. The project is initiated under National e-Governance project 2. Government has initiated ecourts through Common Service Centres in the villages 3. It will ensure efficient delivery of justice to rural areas also


7. General Knowledge

Q.24 India’s largest public sector refinery is coming up in: A. Visakhapatnam B. Kochi C. Mangaluru D. Porbandar

Q.25 The Reserve Bank of India panel on digital payment is headed by:



A. Bimal Jalan B. B N Srikrishna C. S. K. Singh D. Nandan Nilekani

Key Q.1 Answer: C Q.2 Answer: D Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana(Urban) offers affordable Housing in Partnership with Public & Private sectors. Q.3 Answer: B Universal Basic Income (UBI) is universal in nature. It means UBI is not targeted Q.4 Answer: D Explanation: Bringing in a number of routes in the North-East Region is aimed under UDAN 3. Q.5 Answer: D Q.6 Answer: B Q.7 Answer: D Q.8 Answer: B Explanation: The National Anti-profiteering Authority is the institutional mechanism under GST law to check the unfair profit-making activities by the trading community. Q.9 Answer: D It is to help in times of deficiency of foreign exchange (dollars) so that the countries could transact each other in their own currency. Q.10 Answer: B Q.11 Answer: D Pollutants can be controlled through segregation of waste before combustion. PVC wastes should not be combusted. Q.12 Answer: C Q.13 Answer: A Explanation: The apex committee is headed by environment, minister. Q.14 Answer: B Explanation: Loktak lake is the largest freshwater lake in north-eastern India. Q.15 Answer: D Q.16 Answer: A Explanation: The Environment Impact Assessment can conducted by any projects, including Government projects Q.17 Answer: D Explanation: Open Acreage Licensing Programme offers single license to explore conventional and unconventional oil and gas resources to propel investment in and provide operational flexibility to the investors.



Q.18 Answer: C Q.19 Answer: D Q.20 Answer: B Q.21 Answer: B Q.22 Answer: B Explanation: Cyber-physical system engineering has a strong emphasis on the relationship between computation and the physical world. The Internet of Things has a strong emphasis on uniquely identifiable and internet-connected devices and embedded systems. Q.23 Answer: D Q.24 Answer: D Q.25 Answer: D

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