Which is the shortest war ever fought?
The war between Zanzibar (presently part of Tanzania) and the imperial British is the shortest war ever fought. It lasted for about 40 minutes. The immediate cause was the ascension of new sultan who was not ready to cooperate with the imperial power, thus British gave him an ultimatum to surrender which he rejected. In the ensuing battle their defense failed pathetically before the mighty royal navy.
The war between Zanzibar (presently part of Tanzania) and the imperial British is the shortest war ever fought. It lasted for about 40 minutes. The immediate cause was the ascension of new sultan who was not ready to cooperate with the imperial power, thus British gave him an ultimatum to surrender which he rejected. In the ensuing battle their defense failed pathetically before the mighty royal navy.
QUESTION OF THE DAY 07/30/2017
==============================
Ques. : 1 The FRBM committee recommendations are under consideration by the Union Finance Ministry. The term FRBM stands for
1) Fiscal Reporting and Budget Management
2) Fiscal Restructuring and Budget Management
3) Fiscal Reorientation and Budget Management
4) Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management
5) None of these
Answer:- 4) Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management
Ques. : 2 Who among the following won the women’s singles title of the US Open Grand Prix Gold badminton recently?
1) Michelle Li
2) Aya Ohori
3) Nozomi Okuhara
4) Li Xuerui
5) Yu Yang
Answer:- 2) Aya Ohori
Ques. : 3 The 18th Anniversary of ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ was observed recently on
1) 12 Jul
2) 16 Jul
3) 19 Jul
4) 22 Jul
5) 26 Jul
Answer:- 5) 26 Jul
Ques. : 4 The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has started full-fledged merchant banking operations to benefit MSMEs. The SIDBI is headquartered at
1) Lucknow
2) Chennai
3) Hyderabad
4) Mumbai
5) New Delhi
Answer:- 1) Lucknow
Ques. : 5 The Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (RDEL) launched ‘Shachi’ and ‘Shruti’ recently which the two naval
1) Anti-submarine Vessel
2) Minesweeper
3) Offshore Patrol Vessels
4) Fast Attack Craft
5) None of these
Answer:- 3) Offshore Patrol Vessels
Ques. : 6 Ajay Kanwal has been appointment as the new CEO of which of the following Payments/Small Finance Banks?
1) Janalakshmi
2) Paytm
3) Airtel
4) M-Pesa
5) Disha Microfin
Answer:- 1) Janalakshmi
Ques. : 7 As announced by the International Boxing Association (AIBA), which country will host the first Men’s World Championship in 2021?
1) Russia
2) Japan
3) China
4) Malaysia
5) India
Answer:- 5) India
Ques. : 8 The Jasper InfoTech has sold Freecharge to which of the following banks in about $60 mn?
1) ICICI Bank
2) HDFC Bank
3) Axis Bank
4) YES Bank
5) Kotak Mahindra Bank
Answer:- 3) Axis Bank
Ques. : 9 Which of the following countries has announced to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2040 in an attempt to reduce air pollution?
1) India
2) UK
3) US
4) China
5) Japan
Answer:- 2) UK
Ques. : 10 PM Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the former President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s memorial at Pei Karumbu in Rameswaram in
1) Kerala
2) Karnataka
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Telangana
Answer:- 4) Tamil Nadu
==============================
Ques. : 1 The FRBM committee recommendations are under consideration by the Union Finance Ministry. The term FRBM stands for
1) Fiscal Reporting and Budget Management
2) Fiscal Restructuring and Budget Management
3) Fiscal Reorientation and Budget Management
4) Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management
5) None of these
Answer:- 4) Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management
Ques. : 2 Who among the following won the women’s singles title of the US Open Grand Prix Gold badminton recently?
1) Michelle Li
2) Aya Ohori
3) Nozomi Okuhara
4) Li Xuerui
5) Yu Yang
Answer:- 2) Aya Ohori
Ques. : 3 The 18th Anniversary of ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ was observed recently on
1) 12 Jul
2) 16 Jul
3) 19 Jul
4) 22 Jul
5) 26 Jul
Answer:- 5) 26 Jul
Ques. : 4 The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has started full-fledged merchant banking operations to benefit MSMEs. The SIDBI is headquartered at
1) Lucknow
2) Chennai
3) Hyderabad
4) Mumbai
5) New Delhi
Answer:- 1) Lucknow
Ques. : 5 The Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (RDEL) launched ‘Shachi’ and ‘Shruti’ recently which the two naval
1) Anti-submarine Vessel
2) Minesweeper
3) Offshore Patrol Vessels
4) Fast Attack Craft
5) None of these
Answer:- 3) Offshore Patrol Vessels
Ques. : 6 Ajay Kanwal has been appointment as the new CEO of which of the following Payments/Small Finance Banks?
1) Janalakshmi
2) Paytm
3) Airtel
4) M-Pesa
5) Disha Microfin
Answer:- 1) Janalakshmi
Ques. : 7 As announced by the International Boxing Association (AIBA), which country will host the first Men’s World Championship in 2021?
1) Russia
2) Japan
3) China
4) Malaysia
5) India
Answer:- 5) India
Ques. : 8 The Jasper InfoTech has sold Freecharge to which of the following banks in about $60 mn?
1) ICICI Bank
2) HDFC Bank
3) Axis Bank
4) YES Bank
5) Kotak Mahindra Bank
Answer:- 3) Axis Bank
Ques. : 9 Which of the following countries has announced to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2040 in an attempt to reduce air pollution?
1) India
2) UK
3) US
4) China
5) Japan
Answer:- 2) UK
Ques. : 10 PM Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the former President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s memorial at Pei Karumbu in Rameswaram in
1) Kerala
2) Karnataka
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Telangana
Answer:- 4) Tamil Nadu
What is the fastest fighter jet in the world?
The MiG-25 was also the fastest plane ever offered for fun flights by MiGFlug – it was mainly used for Edge of Space flights. Number 3: Lockheed YF-12. This jet was an American interceptor prototype with a top speed of mach 3.35. It looked almost like the SR-71 Blackbird and featured three Air-to-Air missiles.
The MiG-25 was also the fastest plane ever offered for fun flights by MiGFlug – it was mainly used for Edge of Space flights. Number 3: Lockheed YF-12. This jet was an American interceptor prototype with a top speed of mach 3.35. It looked almost like the SR-71 Blackbird and featured three Air-to-Air missiles.
Income Tax Returns Update
CBDT has started accepting the ITR without Linking of PAN & Aadhaar. Due to many issues in Linking of Aadhaar with PAN because of Name, D.O.B., Gender etc. Mismatch; people are facing issue to Link Aadhar & PAN. Considering the Last days to file ITR for non-Tax Audit Returns; Now Income Tax Department is Accepting those Returns where Aadhaar Number is not Linked However you have to Mentioned Aadhaar Number
CBDT has started accepting the ITR without Linking of PAN & Aadhaar. Due to many issues in Linking of Aadhaar with PAN because of Name, D.O.B., Gender etc. Mismatch; people are facing issue to Link Aadhar & PAN. Considering the Last days to file ITR for non-Tax Audit Returns; Now Income Tax Department is Accepting those Returns where Aadhaar Number is not Linked However you have to Mentioned Aadhaar Number
What is Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) 2016?
Bilateral investment Treaties (BITs) or Bilateral Investment Protection Agreements (BIPAs) are agreements between two countries for the reciprocal promotion and protection of investments in each other's territories by individuals and companies situated in either State. They provide treaty based protection to foreign investment. The BITs are thus bilateral agreements by countries to protect the investment by each country’s investors in the other country. Though they are signed by governments, their beneficiaries are business entities.
New Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)
The government had brought a new Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) in 2016 (often 2015 is also mentioned) and it became effective from April 2017 onwards, replacing the earlier framework. As a result of this change, new investment into the country has to be treated under the revised guidelines and negotiations should be started with partner countries.
Why the new Model BIT?
Main reason for bringing the Model BIT was the constant suing of the country by foreign firms. India was one of the most sued country during 2015 and 2016. According to UNCTAD- the international institution that tracks global investment trends, around 17 investor-state arbitrations are filed against the country launched by foreign investors by the end of 2015. Of these, nine are settled and seven are six are pending and in two cases the country has lost the arbitration. In these two cases, the entities –White Industries and Devas Multimedia have won arbitration against the country. The flooding of arbitrations including that of the Sistema, Vodafone, Children Investment Fund etc. tempted the policy makers to reframe the BITs.
The government thus has modified the existing 1993 BIT framework and brought out the 2015 Model BIT. The move is important as it will help the country to make its treaty more specific in international arbitrations. The textual consistency of a countries’ BIT determines its success in BIT negotiations and disputes.
Features of the new Model BIT
The Model Treaty brings several provisions either new or modifications of the existing one. Important features are mentioned below.
1. Enterprise based definition of investment instead of asset based definition
The Model has adopted an ‘enterprise-based’ definition of investment that under which investment is treated as the one made by an enterprise incorporated in the host state. Under the earlier ‘asset based definition’ of investment included intellectual property and other assets that whereas these assets are not considered as assets under the new definition.
The objective of adopting enterprise-based approach is to narrow the scope of protected investments and reduce the potential liability of the state under Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) claims. Asset based definition considers every kind of asset - both movable and immovable as investment and gives protection under treaties, though their contribution to national economic development is meagre.
2. Exclusion of MFN treatment
The most important feature of the amended model is that it droped the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status previously included. Purpose of the MFN clause for the investors angel is to ensure that a say, a US investor is not discriminated compared to say, a Japanese investor.
In recent years, complaining foreign investors sued India arguing that they have to get the same beneficial treatment given to companies from other countries. This was happened in the case of White Industries. The Australian firm has highlighted the MFN status provided under the India-Kuwait BIT to claim compensation from the government and won an international arbitration. The White Industries case is pointed as the main factor that produced the deletion of the MFN clause.
3. Full Protection and Security (FPS): In the context of the Model, FPS means obligations only relating to physical security of investors and to investments.
4. State government as stake holders: Actions of the state..
Bilateral investment Treaties (BITs) or Bilateral Investment Protection Agreements (BIPAs) are agreements between two countries for the reciprocal promotion and protection of investments in each other's territories by individuals and companies situated in either State. They provide treaty based protection to foreign investment. The BITs are thus bilateral agreements by countries to protect the investment by each country’s investors in the other country. Though they are signed by governments, their beneficiaries are business entities.
New Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)
The government had brought a new Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) in 2016 (often 2015 is also mentioned) and it became effective from April 2017 onwards, replacing the earlier framework. As a result of this change, new investment into the country has to be treated under the revised guidelines and negotiations should be started with partner countries.
Why the new Model BIT?
Main reason for bringing the Model BIT was the constant suing of the country by foreign firms. India was one of the most sued country during 2015 and 2016. According to UNCTAD- the international institution that tracks global investment trends, around 17 investor-state arbitrations are filed against the country launched by foreign investors by the end of 2015. Of these, nine are settled and seven are six are pending and in two cases the country has lost the arbitration. In these two cases, the entities –White Industries and Devas Multimedia have won arbitration against the country. The flooding of arbitrations including that of the Sistema, Vodafone, Children Investment Fund etc. tempted the policy makers to reframe the BITs.
The government thus has modified the existing 1993 BIT framework and brought out the 2015 Model BIT. The move is important as it will help the country to make its treaty more specific in international arbitrations. The textual consistency of a countries’ BIT determines its success in BIT negotiations and disputes.
Features of the new Model BIT
The Model Treaty brings several provisions either new or modifications of the existing one. Important features are mentioned below.
1. Enterprise based definition of investment instead of asset based definition
The Model has adopted an ‘enterprise-based’ definition of investment that under which investment is treated as the one made by an enterprise incorporated in the host state. Under the earlier ‘asset based definition’ of investment included intellectual property and other assets that whereas these assets are not considered as assets under the new definition.
The objective of adopting enterprise-based approach is to narrow the scope of protected investments and reduce the potential liability of the state under Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) claims. Asset based definition considers every kind of asset - both movable and immovable as investment and gives protection under treaties, though their contribution to national economic development is meagre.
2. Exclusion of MFN treatment
The most important feature of the amended model is that it droped the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status previously included. Purpose of the MFN clause for the investors angel is to ensure that a say, a US investor is not discriminated compared to say, a Japanese investor.
In recent years, complaining foreign investors sued India arguing that they have to get the same beneficial treatment given to companies from other countries. This was happened in the case of White Industries. The Australian firm has highlighted the MFN status provided under the India-Kuwait BIT to claim compensation from the government and won an international arbitration. The White Industries case is pointed as the main factor that produced the deletion of the MFN clause.
3. Full Protection and Security (FPS): In the context of the Model, FPS means obligations only relating to physical security of investors and to investments.
4. State government as stake holders: Actions of the state..
... Governments are included under the Model BIT.
5. Fair and equitable treatment (FET)
The Model BIT links Fair and Equitable Treatment to international laws. This is aimed to counter a broad interpretation and risk misuse. Here, customary international law, which is built in state practice, gives a minimum standard of protection to investors. Any potential violation listed in the provisions of denial of justice, breach of due process etc, requires a violation of customary international law for a claim to be justified.
When the Model BIT linked FET to international law, it gives more scope for government and regulators.
6. Expropriation
Expropriation means nationalization of assets of foreign companies. As in other BITs, the Model BIT provides that the State cannot nationalise or expropriate an Investment or take measures equivalent to expropriation, except “for reasons of public purpose” in accordance with the procedure established by law and on payment of adequate compensation. But it gives certain exemptions. Here, the Model BIT says that, any measure by a judicial body aiming to protect public interest will be outside the purview of expropriation. Similarly, non-discriminatory regulatory measures were also excluded.
7. Non-Discriminatory treatment
The Model BIT includes a new clause on non-discriminatory treatment for compensation of losses. As peer the clause, investors can avail non-discriminatory just compensation in circumstances like armed conflict, natural disasters and in the state of national emergency.
8. Provision for transparency
The Model BIT incorporates a clause for transparency, requiring the Parties (government and regulators) to ensure that all the laws, regulations, procedures and administrative rulings regarding matters covered in the BIT are published or are available for interested persons to get acquainted with them. The clause thus ensures clarity of laws and policies for the investors.
9. Corporate Social Responsibility
The Model BIT mandates foreign investors to voluntarily adopt internationally recognized standards of corporate social responsibility.
10. Conditions for initiating arbitrations at international arbitrations
The Model BIT stipulate that the aggrieved investor should use all local remedies as well as negotiations and consultations initiating arbitrations against the host State. Investor can use outside remedies only five years after resorting to all domestic arrangements.
11. The model BIT approved by the cabinet excludes matters relating to taxation.
The model Bill thus tries to balance protection to the investor with state regulations. More importantly it was configured in the context of excess legal arbitration against the state. What is more important is to renegotiate with the partner countries and attract foreign investment in the context of the change.
What is Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) 2016?
Bilateral investment Treaties (BITs) or Bilateral Investment Protection Agreements (BIPAs) are agreements between two countries for the reciprocal promotion and protection of investments in each other's territories by individuals and companies situated in either State. They provide treaty based protection to foreign investment. The BITs are thus bilateral agreements by countries to protect the investment by each country’s investors in the other country. Though they are signed by governments, their beneficiaries are business entities.
New Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)
The government had brought a new Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) in 2016 (often 2015 is also mentioned) and it became effective from April 2017 onwards, replacing the earlier framework. As a result of this change, new investment into the country has to be treated under the revised guidelines and negotiations should be started with partner countries.
Why the new Model BIT?
Main reason for bringing the Model BIT was the constant suing of the country by foreign firms. India was one of the most sued country during 2015 and 2016. According to UNCTAD- the international
5. Fair and equitable treatment (FET)
The Model BIT links Fair and Equitable Treatment to international laws. This is aimed to counter a broad interpretation and risk misuse. Here, customary international law, which is built in state practice, gives a minimum standard of protection to investors. Any potential violation listed in the provisions of denial of justice, breach of due process etc, requires a violation of customary international law for a claim to be justified.
When the Model BIT linked FET to international law, it gives more scope for government and regulators.
6. Expropriation
Expropriation means nationalization of assets of foreign companies. As in other BITs, the Model BIT provides that the State cannot nationalise or expropriate an Investment or take measures equivalent to expropriation, except “for reasons of public purpose” in accordance with the procedure established by law and on payment of adequate compensation. But it gives certain exemptions. Here, the Model BIT says that, any measure by a judicial body aiming to protect public interest will be outside the purview of expropriation. Similarly, non-discriminatory regulatory measures were also excluded.
7. Non-Discriminatory treatment
The Model BIT includes a new clause on non-discriminatory treatment for compensation of losses. As peer the clause, investors can avail non-discriminatory just compensation in circumstances like armed conflict, natural disasters and in the state of national emergency.
8. Provision for transparency
The Model BIT incorporates a clause for transparency, requiring the Parties (government and regulators) to ensure that all the laws, regulations, procedures and administrative rulings regarding matters covered in the BIT are published or are available for interested persons to get acquainted with them. The clause thus ensures clarity of laws and policies for the investors.
9. Corporate Social Responsibility
The Model BIT mandates foreign investors to voluntarily adopt internationally recognized standards of corporate social responsibility.
10. Conditions for initiating arbitrations at international arbitrations
The Model BIT stipulate that the aggrieved investor should use all local remedies as well as negotiations and consultations initiating arbitrations against the host State. Investor can use outside remedies only five years after resorting to all domestic arrangements.
11. The model BIT approved by the cabinet excludes matters relating to taxation.
The model Bill thus tries to balance protection to the investor with state regulations. More importantly it was configured in the context of excess legal arbitration against the state. What is more important is to renegotiate with the partner countries and attract foreign investment in the context of the change.
What is Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) 2016?
Bilateral investment Treaties (BITs) or Bilateral Investment Protection Agreements (BIPAs) are agreements between two countries for the reciprocal promotion and protection of investments in each other's territories by individuals and companies situated in either State. They provide treaty based protection to foreign investment. The BITs are thus bilateral agreements by countries to protect the investment by each country’s investors in the other country. Though they are signed by governments, their beneficiaries are business entities.
New Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)
The government had brought a new Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) in 2016 (often 2015 is also mentioned) and it became effective from April 2017 onwards, replacing the earlier framework. As a result of this change, new investment into the country has to be treated under the revised guidelines and negotiations should be started with partner countries.
Why the new Model BIT?
Main reason for bringing the Model BIT was the constant suing of the country by foreign firms. India was one of the most sued country during 2015 and 2016. According to UNCTAD- the international
Important days of August
🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅
✍August 6 Anti Nuclear Day
✍August 6 Hiroshima Day
✍August 8 World Senior Citizen's Day
✍August 9 Quit India Day
✍August 9 Nagasaki Day
✍August 12 International Youth Day
✍August 14 Pakistan's Independence Day
✍August 15 Indian Independence Day
✍August 18 IntI. Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
✍August 19 World Humanitarian Day
✍August 19 World Photography Day
✍August 20 Sadbhavna Divas
✍August 29 National Sports Day
✍August 30 Small Industry Day
🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆
🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅
✍August 6 Anti Nuclear Day
✍August 6 Hiroshima Day
✍August 8 World Senior Citizen's Day
✍August 9 Quit India Day
✍August 9 Nagasaki Day
✍August 12 International Youth Day
✍August 14 Pakistan's Independence Day
✍August 15 Indian Independence Day
✍August 18 IntI. Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
✍August 19 World Humanitarian Day
✍August 19 World Photography Day
✍August 20 Sadbhavna Divas
✍August 29 National Sports Day
✍August 30 Small Industry Day
🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆
MUNTRA: India's first unmanned tank rolled out by DRDO
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
◆The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has rolled out Muntra, India’s first unmanned, remotely operated tank at its Chennai lab.
◆It has been launched in three variants Muntra-S, Muntra-M and Muntra-N for surveillance, mine detection and reconnaissance in areas with nuclear and biological threats. It is also likely to be used in Naxal-hit areas.
★Key Facts
◆Muntra-S is the country’s first tracked unmanned ground vehicle (tank) developed for unmanned surveillance missions. Muntra-M is for detecting mines and Muntra-N is for operation in areas where there is nuclear radiation or biological weapon risk.
◆The Muntra variants have surveillance radar, an integrated camera along with laser range finder which can be used to spy on ground target 15km away – heavy vehicles or crawling men. This unmanned, remotely tele-operated tank has been successfully tested and validated at Mahajan field firing range in Rajasthan under dusty desert conditions.
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
◆The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has rolled out Muntra, India’s first unmanned, remotely operated tank at its Chennai lab.
◆It has been launched in three variants Muntra-S, Muntra-M and Muntra-N for surveillance, mine detection and reconnaissance in areas with nuclear and biological threats. It is also likely to be used in Naxal-hit areas.
★Key Facts
◆Muntra-S is the country’s first tracked unmanned ground vehicle (tank) developed for unmanned surveillance missions. Muntra-M is for detecting mines and Muntra-N is for operation in areas where there is nuclear radiation or biological weapon risk.
◆The Muntra variants have surveillance radar, an integrated camera along with laser range finder which can be used to spy on ground target 15km away – heavy vehicles or crawling men. This unmanned, remotely tele-operated tank has been successfully tested and validated at Mahajan field firing range in Rajasthan under dusty desert conditions.
National Mission for clean Ganga (7 Projects Approved)
🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅
♀The Executive Committee of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in its 4th meeting has approved seven projects in the sector of sewage infrastructure, ghat development and research.
♀Three projects each were approved in sewage sector in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Central Government will provide operation and maintenance cost for 15 years to all these six projects along with 100% central assistance
♀Besides, a research study to understand the non-putrefying properties of river Ganga in both water and sediment was also approved. The study will be an extension of a research carried out by National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to identify the special properties of river’s waters.
★About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
♀NMCG is the implementation wing of National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga (referred as National Ganga Council). It was established in 2011 as a registered society under Societies Registration Act, 1860.
♀It has a two tier management structure and comprises of Governing Council and Executive Committee. Both of them are headed by Director General (DG), NMCG. Executive Committee is authorized to approve projects under mission up to Rs.1000 crore.
♀ Similar to structure at national level, State Programme Management Groups (SPMGs) acts as implementing arm of State Ganga Committees. This structure attempts to bring all stakeholders on one platform to take a holistic approach towards the task of Ganga cleaning and rejuvenation.
★Note: In October 2016, National Ganga Council has replaced National Ganga River Basin Authority(NGRBA) which was constituted under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA), 1986.
~~~~~~~~~~
🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅
♀The Executive Committee of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in its 4th meeting has approved seven projects in the sector of sewage infrastructure, ghat development and research.
♀Three projects each were approved in sewage sector in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Central Government will provide operation and maintenance cost for 15 years to all these six projects along with 100% central assistance
♀Besides, a research study to understand the non-putrefying properties of river Ganga in both water and sediment was also approved. The study will be an extension of a research carried out by National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to identify the special properties of river’s waters.
★About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
♀NMCG is the implementation wing of National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga (referred as National Ganga Council). It was established in 2011 as a registered society under Societies Registration Act, 1860.
♀It has a two tier management structure and comprises of Governing Council and Executive Committee. Both of them are headed by Director General (DG), NMCG. Executive Committee is authorized to approve projects under mission up to Rs.1000 crore.
♀ Similar to structure at national level, State Programme Management Groups (SPMGs) acts as implementing arm of State Ganga Committees. This structure attempts to bring all stakeholders on one platform to take a holistic approach towards the task of Ganga cleaning and rejuvenation.
★Note: In October 2016, National Ganga Council has replaced National Ganga River Basin Authority(NGRBA) which was constituted under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA), 1986.
~~~~~~~~~~
IISER Scientists has developed Blue Geletor for Oil-Spills
🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅
◆Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram have developed gelator that can suck up oil and congeal it.
◆The gelator is hydrophobic material that has property of oleilophilic (oil-loving) and takes up oil when it comes in contact with it. It can be used to recover marine oil spills with a simple, efficient and cost-effective method.
★Key Facts
◆The gelator is developed using a cheap raw material mannitol and cellulose pulp through a one-step process. In this process the mannitol gets adsorbed on the cellulose fibre through hydrogen bonding. The adsorption process changes the cellulose matrix from being very hydrophilic (water-loving) to hydrophobic (water repelling).
◆The property of gelator to self-assemble to form micro fibres makes congealing of oil possible and the oil loses its fluidity and gets trapped within the entangled fibrous network to form a rigid gel. Gelation essentially turns the liquid oil into semi-solid and this allows congealed oil to be simply scooped out using a scoop or a sieve.
◆During the studies, it was found that the gelator was able to absorb and congeal 16 times its own weight of oil. Even, the absorbed oil can be recovered by applying pressure or fractionated by a simple distillation process.
◆Applications: Gelator can also serve as a more efficient, quick and cost-effective way for absorption of crude oil from the sea following marine spill. Unlike other alternatives, the gelator can be easily applied over oil-water mixture and no solvent is needed for spraying it thus making it environment friendly.
🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆
🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅
◆Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram have developed gelator that can suck up oil and congeal it.
◆The gelator is hydrophobic material that has property of oleilophilic (oil-loving) and takes up oil when it comes in contact with it. It can be used to recover marine oil spills with a simple, efficient and cost-effective method.
★Key Facts
◆The gelator is developed using a cheap raw material mannitol and cellulose pulp through a one-step process. In this process the mannitol gets adsorbed on the cellulose fibre through hydrogen bonding. The adsorption process changes the cellulose matrix from being very hydrophilic (water-loving) to hydrophobic (water repelling).
◆The property of gelator to self-assemble to form micro fibres makes congealing of oil possible and the oil loses its fluidity and gets trapped within the entangled fibrous network to form a rigid gel. Gelation essentially turns the liquid oil into semi-solid and this allows congealed oil to be simply scooped out using a scoop or a sieve.
◆During the studies, it was found that the gelator was able to absorb and congeal 16 times its own weight of oil. Even, the absorbed oil can be recovered by applying pressure or fractionated by a simple distillation process.
◆Applications: Gelator can also serve as a more efficient, quick and cost-effective way for absorption of crude oil from the sea following marine spill. Unlike other alternatives, the gelator can be easily applied over oil-water mixture and no solvent is needed for spraying it thus making it environment friendly.
🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆
💣 SC Bans use of 5 Heavy Metals in firecracker
⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
◆The Supreme Court has imposed ban on use of five harmful heavy metals likelithium, antimony, mercury, arsenic and lead in the manufacturing of firecrackers as they cause air pollution.
◆The SC order came on a 2015 petition filed by three Delhi children who had requested the apex court to intervene to regulate the use of crackers and fireworks during festivals like Diwali.
★SC order
●The apex court held that it is the responsibility of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to ensure compliance of ban order particularly in Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu where there are large number of firecracker manufacturers. It also asked CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) and PESO to make collaborative efforts for setting up of standards with regard to air pollution caused by the bursting of fire-crackers.
★Heavy metals in firecrackers
●Lithium is a metal used to impart red colour to fireworks. Antimony is used to create glitter effects. Lead oxide provides a special crackling effect which, if inhaled, in high concentration can cause damage to the nervous system.
★About Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)
●PESO is the apex department to control and administer manufacture, storage, transport and handling of explosives, petroleum, compressed gases and other hazardous substances in India. It functions under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is headed by Chief Controller of Explosives and is headquartered at Nagpur, Maharashtra.
⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
◆The Supreme Court has imposed ban on use of five harmful heavy metals likelithium, antimony, mercury, arsenic and lead in the manufacturing of firecrackers as they cause air pollution.
◆The SC order came on a 2015 petition filed by three Delhi children who had requested the apex court to intervene to regulate the use of crackers and fireworks during festivals like Diwali.
★SC order
●The apex court held that it is the responsibility of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to ensure compliance of ban order particularly in Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu where there are large number of firecracker manufacturers. It also asked CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) and PESO to make collaborative efforts for setting up of standards with regard to air pollution caused by the bursting of fire-crackers.
★Heavy metals in firecrackers
●Lithium is a metal used to impart red colour to fireworks. Antimony is used to create glitter effects. Lead oxide provides a special crackling effect which, if inhaled, in high concentration can cause damage to the nervous system.
★About Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)
●PESO is the apex department to control and administer manufacture, storage, transport and handling of explosives, petroleum, compressed gases and other hazardous substances in India. It functions under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is headed by Chief Controller of Explosives and is headquartered at Nagpur, Maharashtra.
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Water bodies: A good and effective solution to water problem. The solution can be used all over India for solving water problems and to counter effects of climate change on water bodies.
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Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan (JSA)
It is a programme of Rajasthan Government
It has turned out to be a success in Pratapgarh district
In the district
(1) the groundwater table has increased
(2) green agricultural fields have expanded and
(3) no tankers with drinking water had to be sent to as many as 94 villages this year
NGT hails efforts
The National Green Tribunal lauded the efforts made under the programme.
The NGT’s Bhopal declaration has described the JSA as a massive climate change adaptation programme
The JSA is praised as an initiative which would make every village of the State self-reliant in water by using scientific tools for rejuvenating traditional water bodies.
News
Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan (JSA)
It is a programme of Rajasthan Government
It has turned out to be a success in Pratapgarh district
In the district
(1) the groundwater table has increased
(2) green agricultural fields have expanded and
(3) no tankers with drinking water had to be sent to as many as 94 villages this year
NGT hails efforts
The National Green Tribunal lauded the efforts made under the programme.
The NGT’s Bhopal declaration has described the JSA as a massive climate change adaptation programme
The JSA is praised as an initiative which would make every village of the State self-reliant in water by using scientific tools for rejuvenating traditional water bodies.
Mains Paper 2: Governance | Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
Issues with Manufacturing sector
According to NITI Aayog’s report, the sector’s growth rate has remained constant for the past 25 years
Whereas countries such as Taiwan and China recorded more than double the rate of expansion in India
Example of other countries
In Taiwan and South Korea in the 1960s and 1970s and in China in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, manufacturing grew at rates approaching or exceeding 15 per cent
It lead to transformation of these economies from primarily agrarian and rural character to modern urban ones in around three decades
India’s situation
The fast-growing sectors in India have been automobile and its parts, two-wheelers, machinery, chemicals, petroleum refining, telecommunications, software and pharmaceuticals
None of these sectors employs low-skilled workers in large numbers
As a result, the vast majority of Indian workers remain concentrated in agriculture, unorganised industry or low-paying services
Challenges in front of India
To achieve rapid growth in manufacturing sector
Ensuring healthy growth in labour-intensive sectors such as clothing, leather manufactures, food processing and electronic assembly
Growth in these sectors would help create good jobs for workers with limited skills
Suggestions by the Niti Aayog in its three-year action plan
Suggestions include
Easing entry barriers and reducing duties on synthetic fibres to make India’s apparel industry competitive in global market
Reducing custom duty on gold
Increasing investment in skill training
Expediting creation of integrated mega food parks and lower duties on key inputs of final electronics products.
Issues with Manufacturing sector
According to NITI Aayog’s report, the sector’s growth rate has remained constant for the past 25 years
Whereas countries such as Taiwan and China recorded more than double the rate of expansion in India
Example of other countries
In Taiwan and South Korea in the 1960s and 1970s and in China in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, manufacturing grew at rates approaching or exceeding 15 per cent
It lead to transformation of these economies from primarily agrarian and rural character to modern urban ones in around three decades
India’s situation
The fast-growing sectors in India have been automobile and its parts, two-wheelers, machinery, chemicals, petroleum refining, telecommunications, software and pharmaceuticals
None of these sectors employs low-skilled workers in large numbers
As a result, the vast majority of Indian workers remain concentrated in agriculture, unorganised industry or low-paying services
Challenges in front of India
To achieve rapid growth in manufacturing sector
Ensuring healthy growth in labour-intensive sectors such as clothing, leather manufactures, food processing and electronic assembly
Growth in these sectors would help create good jobs for workers with limited skills
Suggestions by the Niti Aayog in its three-year action plan
Suggestions include
Easing entry barriers and reducing duties on synthetic fibres to make India’s apparel industry competitive in global market
Reducing custom duty on gold
Increasing investment in skill training
Expediting creation of integrated mega food parks and lower duties on key inputs of final electronics products.