Pigouvian tax is a government cost on any activity that creates socially harmful externalities.
An externality is an activity that creates a negative effect on others in a society but not necessarily the person who does that activity.
Pollution is an externality, for example. Drivers of non-compliant vehicles don't suffer immediately from their exhaust, but everyone behind them does. Their exhaust also increases pollution for everyone in the community.
The government imposes Pigouvian taxes on non-compliant vehicles to impose a higher cost on the drivers to compensate for the suffering they cause. The revenue from the tax is often used to ameliorate the external cost.
Ideally, a Pigouvian tax will cost the producer the amount equivalent to the harm it causes others.
British economist Arthur Pigou developed the concept of externalities.
He argued that the government should intervene to correct them by taxing activities that harm the economy as a whole and subsidizing activities that help society as a whole.
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An externality is an activity that creates a negative effect on others in a society but not necessarily the person who does that activity.
Pollution is an externality, for example. Drivers of non-compliant vehicles don't suffer immediately from their exhaust, but everyone behind them does. Their exhaust also increases pollution for everyone in the community.
The government imposes Pigouvian taxes on non-compliant vehicles to impose a higher cost on the drivers to compensate for the suffering they cause. The revenue from the tax is often used to ameliorate the external cost.
Ideally, a Pigouvian tax will cost the producer the amount equivalent to the harm it causes others.
British economist Arthur Pigou developed the concept of externalities.
He argued that the government should intervene to correct them by taxing activities that harm the economy as a whole and subsidizing activities that help society as a whole.
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The CRYOSPHERE is an all-encompassing term for those portions of Earth's surface where water is in solid form, including sea ice, lake ice, river ice, snow cover, glaciers, ice caps, ice sheets, and frozen ground (which includes permafrost)
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CORSIA
Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORISA) is a global scheme to address the increase in total CO2 emissions from international aviation above 2020 levels.
The aviation industry is committed to technology, operational and infrastructure advances to continue to reduce the sector's carbon emissions.
On average (2021-2035), flights subject to CORSIA's offsetting requirements will account for over 600 million tons of CO2 per year.
This makes CORSIA one of the largest carbon pricing instruments in the world in terms of greenhouse gas emissions coverage.
CORISA is expected to complement other planned measures such as:
aircraft technology evolution
operational improvements
the greater use of sustainable aviation fuels.
On 2018, International Civil Aviation Organization adopted the international Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for CORSIA.
The adoption of global standards for CORSIA will ensure the necessary level of uniformity in regulations which our industry needs
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Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORISA) is a global scheme to address the increase in total CO2 emissions from international aviation above 2020 levels.
The aviation industry is committed to technology, operational and infrastructure advances to continue to reduce the sector's carbon emissions.
On average (2021-2035), flights subject to CORSIA's offsetting requirements will account for over 600 million tons of CO2 per year.
This makes CORSIA one of the largest carbon pricing instruments in the world in terms of greenhouse gas emissions coverage.
CORISA is expected to complement other planned measures such as:
aircraft technology evolution
operational improvements
the greater use of sustainable aviation fuels.
On 2018, International Civil Aviation Organization adopted the international Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for CORSIA.
The adoption of global standards for CORSIA will ensure the necessary level of uniformity in regulations which our industry needs
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MOSAIC EXPEDITION
Dr. Vishnu nandan a remote sensing scientist from kerala is the only indiann among 300 researchers to join the largest Arctic expedition in history.
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Dr. Vishnu nandan a remote sensing scientist from kerala is the only indiann among 300 researchers to join the largest Arctic expedition in history.
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Son Meta preference
Parents may choose to keep having children until they get the desired number of sons. This is called son “meta” preference.
Parents may choose to keep having children until they get the desired number of sons. This is called son “meta” preference.
Super Blood Blue Moon
“Super Blood Blue Moon” is a rare cosmic event that combines an extra big Super moon, a Blue moon and a total lunar eclipse.
Super moon – It occur when the full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest orbit point (perigee) to Earth.
During a super moon, the moon appears 14% larger and 30% brighter.
The farthest distance between the moon and the Earth is termed ‘apogee’, while the perigee is the nearest point.
Lunar Eclipse – It occurs when the Sun, the Earth and the Moon are so aligned that the full moon passes through the shadow of Earth.
The moon gliding into Earth’s shadow will gradually turn in to orange or red.
This is because the sunlight passing through the Earth’s atmosphere break down and red part gets scattered by the atmosphere and falls on the Moon’s surface.
For this reason, a totally eclipsed moon is called a “Blood Moon”.
Blue Moon – It refers to the second full moon (or second lunar eclipse) in a month.
The Moon does not turn blue but historically the second full Moon of an English calendar month is termed as a Blue Moon.
Typically, it happens every two years and eight months.
The world is going to witness this event on Jan 31st in parts of western North America, Asia, the Middle East, Russia and Australia
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“Super Blood Blue Moon” is a rare cosmic event that combines an extra big Super moon, a Blue moon and a total lunar eclipse.
Super moon – It occur when the full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest orbit point (perigee) to Earth.
During a super moon, the moon appears 14% larger and 30% brighter.
The farthest distance between the moon and the Earth is termed ‘apogee’, while the perigee is the nearest point.
Lunar Eclipse – It occurs when the Sun, the Earth and the Moon are so aligned that the full moon passes through the shadow of Earth.
The moon gliding into Earth’s shadow will gradually turn in to orange or red.
This is because the sunlight passing through the Earth’s atmosphere break down and red part gets scattered by the atmosphere and falls on the Moon’s surface.
For this reason, a totally eclipsed moon is called a “Blood Moon”.
Blue Moon – It refers to the second full moon (or second lunar eclipse) in a month.
The Moon does not turn blue but historically the second full Moon of an English calendar month is termed as a Blue Moon.
Typically, it happens every two years and eight months.
The world is going to witness this event on Jan 31st in parts of western North America, Asia, the Middle East, Russia and Australia
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Please note
Neutrinos are the second-most abundant particle in the universe after light particles (photons) .
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Neutrinos are the second-most abundant particle in the universe after light particles (photons) .
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What is TReDS?
Ans. TReDS is an electronic platform for facilitating the financing / discounting of trade receivables of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through multiple financiers. These receivables can be due from corporates and other buyers, including Government Departments and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
2. Who are the participants in TReDS?
Ans. Sellers, buyers and financiers are the participants on a TReDS platform.
3. Who can participate as a seller in TReDS?
Ans. Only MSMEs can participate as sellers in TReDS.
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Ans. TReDS is an electronic platform for facilitating the financing / discounting of trade receivables of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through multiple financiers. These receivables can be due from corporates and other buyers, including Government Departments and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
2. Who are the participants in TReDS?
Ans. Sellers, buyers and financiers are the participants on a TReDS platform.
3. Who can participate as a seller in TReDS?
Ans. Only MSMEs can participate as sellers in TReDS.
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Please note:
All Central PSU/ Central gov.department are required to procure 20%( now 25%) of their annual procurement from MSMEs.
Now 25%
Out of 25%, 3% of procurement must be reserved for women entrepreneurs.
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All Central PSU/ Central gov.department are required to procure 20%( now 25%) of their annual procurement from MSMEs.
Now 25%
Out of 25%, 3% of procurement must be reserved for women entrepreneurs.
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Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB)
Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches are the new generation passenger type coaches in the Indian Railways that has been developed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch in Germany. The others being ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches and Hybrid coaches. These coaches are manufactured at Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Punjab.
LHB Coach advantages over ICF Coaches:
The LHB coaches can travel at higher speeds. The maximum permissible speed for LHB coaches is 160 kmph. These coaches have been tested at speeds upto 200 kmph. ICF coaches are permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 110 kmph.
The LHB coaches are anti-telescopic. These coaches do not penetrate into the adjacent coaches in case of accidents.
During collision or derailment, the LHB coaches do not climb onto adjacent coaches, due to the use of Center Buffer Coupling (CBC), instead of the Dual Buffer System used in ICF coaches.
The LHB coaches are 1.7 meters longer than the conventional ICF coaches. This enhances the seating capacity of the LHB coaches.
The coaches are equipped with FIAT bogie, which has lesser moving parts than the ICF bogie. This results in higher durability of the bogie and requires lesser maintenance.
The weight per meter of the LHB coach is less than the ICF coach and is easier to haul.
Being newly designed, the materials used for manufacturing the LHB coaches are of superior quality and requires less maintenance.
Ride Index of the LHB coaches is 2.5–2.75, less than the ICF Ride Index of 3.25.
LHB coaches are equipped with "Controlled Discharge Toilet System" (CDTS) and Bio-toilets, which are environmentally friendly.
The LHB coaches use "Advanced Pneumatic Disc Brake System" for efficient braking at higher speeds.
LHB coaches have Modular interiors.
Noise generated by LHB coaches is 40% less than the ICF coaches.
The Air Conditioning in theses coaches is of higher capacity and is controlled by a micro-processor.
Overall manufacturing cost of LHB coaches is lesser than ICF coaches. Even the maintenance cost is lesser than that of ICF coaches.
ICF coaches require a Periodic Overhaul (POH) once in 18 months. LHB coaches on the other hand require POH once in 24 months.
Demerits:
The LHB coaches experience more jerks due to the CBC coupling.
The LHB coaches are not self-power generating like ICF coaches. A separate generator car has to used for its power supply.
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Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches are the new generation passenger type coaches in the Indian Railways that has been developed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch in Germany. The others being ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches and Hybrid coaches. These coaches are manufactured at Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Punjab.
LHB Coach advantages over ICF Coaches:
The LHB coaches can travel at higher speeds. The maximum permissible speed for LHB coaches is 160 kmph. These coaches have been tested at speeds upto 200 kmph. ICF coaches are permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 110 kmph.
The LHB coaches are anti-telescopic. These coaches do not penetrate into the adjacent coaches in case of accidents.
During collision or derailment, the LHB coaches do not climb onto adjacent coaches, due to the use of Center Buffer Coupling (CBC), instead of the Dual Buffer System used in ICF coaches.
The LHB coaches are 1.7 meters longer than the conventional ICF coaches. This enhances the seating capacity of the LHB coaches.
The coaches are equipped with FIAT bogie, which has lesser moving parts than the ICF bogie. This results in higher durability of the bogie and requires lesser maintenance.
The weight per meter of the LHB coach is less than the ICF coach and is easier to haul.
Being newly designed, the materials used for manufacturing the LHB coaches are of superior quality and requires less maintenance.
Ride Index of the LHB coaches is 2.5–2.75, less than the ICF Ride Index of 3.25.
LHB coaches are equipped with "Controlled Discharge Toilet System" (CDTS) and Bio-toilets, which are environmentally friendly.
The LHB coaches use "Advanced Pneumatic Disc Brake System" for efficient braking at higher speeds.
LHB coaches have Modular interiors.
Noise generated by LHB coaches is 40% less than the ICF coaches.
The Air Conditioning in theses coaches is of higher capacity and is controlled by a micro-processor.
Overall manufacturing cost of LHB coaches is lesser than ICF coaches. Even the maintenance cost is lesser than that of ICF coaches.
ICF coaches require a Periodic Overhaul (POH) once in 18 months. LHB coaches on the other hand require POH once in 24 months.
Demerits:
The LHB coaches experience more jerks due to the CBC coupling.
The LHB coaches are not self-power generating like ICF coaches. A separate generator car has to used for its power supply.
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The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is considering replacing the Multimodal Transportation of Goods Act, 1993 (MMTG) with a National Logistics Efficiency and Advancement Predictability and Safety Act (NLEAPS).
MMTG provides for the regulation of multimodal transportation of goods from any place in India to any place outside India.
Multimodal transportation refers to a combination of more than one mode of movement, such as rail, road or sea, for end-to-end delivery of goods.
It was introduced to facilitate the exporters and give them a sense of security in transporting their goods.
Key Points
Aim:
NLEAPS aims to streamline the logistics ecosystem in the country, with a view to promote growth of the sector.
Modernise and formalise the logistics services and promote digitisation in the sector, which is key for the smooth movement of goods.
To reduce the logistics cost from the present 14% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to less than 10% of GDP.
Reason Behind New Law:
The new law tends to define various participants of the logistics sector and create a light regulatory ecosystem.
There is no clear definition of the logistics sector in the MMTG.
The logistics sector with a market size of USD 160 billion is complex, with more than 20 government agencies, 40 partnering agencies, 37 export promotion councils, 500 certifications and 10,000 commodities.
Benefit:
Effective implementation of the Act would help provide an impetus to trade, enhance export competitiveness, and improve India’s ranking in the Logistics Performance Index and Ease of Doing Business.
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MMTG provides for the regulation of multimodal transportation of goods from any place in India to any place outside India.
Multimodal transportation refers to a combination of more than one mode of movement, such as rail, road or sea, for end-to-end delivery of goods.
It was introduced to facilitate the exporters and give them a sense of security in transporting their goods.
Key Points
Aim:
NLEAPS aims to streamline the logistics ecosystem in the country, with a view to promote growth of the sector.
Modernise and formalise the logistics services and promote digitisation in the sector, which is key for the smooth movement of goods.
To reduce the logistics cost from the present 14% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to less than 10% of GDP.
Reason Behind New Law:
The new law tends to define various participants of the logistics sector and create a light regulatory ecosystem.
There is no clear definition of the logistics sector in the MMTG.
The logistics sector with a market size of USD 160 billion is complex, with more than 20 government agencies, 40 partnering agencies, 37 export promotion councils, 500 certifications and 10,000 commodities.
Benefit:
Effective implementation of the Act would help provide an impetus to trade, enhance export competitiveness, and improve India’s ranking in the Logistics Performance Index and Ease of Doing Business.
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Male child preference lowest in Meghalaya
The male child preference is highest in Punjab and Haryana and lowest in Meghalaya.
More than 2 million women go missing across age groups every year either due to sex-selective abortion, disease, neglect, or inadequate nutrition, according to the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS).
While more women are educated, employed and earning than 10 years ago, they still do not have control over their earnings and childbirth. Quoting the NFHS, the Survey pointed out that more women tend to quit their employment after marriage or childbirth.
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The male child preference is highest in Punjab and Haryana and lowest in Meghalaya.
More than 2 million women go missing across age groups every year either due to sex-selective abortion, disease, neglect, or inadequate nutrition, according to the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS).
While more women are educated, employed and earning than 10 years ago, they still do not have control over their earnings and childbirth. Quoting the NFHS, the Survey pointed out that more women tend to quit their employment after marriage or childbirth.
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Two Defence Industrial Corridors to be set-up
States of Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to have these corridors.
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States of Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to have these corridors.
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Andhra Pradesh for the third time in a row has topped in the ease of doing annual business ranking of states and Union Territories (UTs)
by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
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by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
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