Kartarpur corridor
Kartarpur corridor The Kartarpur corridor connects the Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Narowal district of Pakistan with the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district in India’s Punjab province. The corridor was built to commemorate 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, founder of Sikhism on 12th November 2019. It is hoped that the corridor would pave the way for peace and greater progress of all people. The corridor will drastically cut down the journey pilgrims have to make from more than 200 km to just 6 km. The agreement will facilitate : The highlights of the Agreement are: Indian pilgrims of all faiths and persons of Indian origin can use the corridor; The travel will be Visa-Free; Pilgrims need to carry only a valid passport; Persons of Indian Origin need to carry an OCI card along with the passport of their country; The Corridor is open from dawn to dusk. Pilgrims traveling in the morning will have to return on the same day; The Corridor will be operational throughout the year, except on notified days, to be informed in advance; Pilgrims will have a choice to visit as individuals or in groups, and also to travel on foot; India will send the list of pilgrims to Pakistan 10 days ahead of travel date. Confirmation will be sent to pilgrims 4 days before the travel date; The Pakistan side has assured India to make sufficient provision for ‘Langar’ and distribution of ‘Prasad’. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Join Now
Need for MSP Reforms
Need for MSP Reforms Based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices, the Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Government of India, declares Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 22 crops before their sowing seasons. The idea behind MSP is to give a guaranteed prices and assured market to the farmers and protect them from price fluctuations and market imperfections. The guaranteed price and assured market are expected to encourage higher investment and in the adoption of modern farming practices. Evaluation Objectives To explore and analyze the effectiveness of price policy in India in the context of nationwide price support objectives set forth by the government. Impact of MSP on creating a predictable and equitable crop price regime. To identify regional and intercrop variations in the implementation of MSP and reasons for the same. d. To study and evaluate the impact of MSP on cropping patterns To evaluate the impact of MSP on long-term agricultural competitiveness. To evaluate the impact of MSP on optimal land and water use and sustainability on a nationwide basis across crops. To evaluate whether adoption of improved technology, appropriate investment and rural infrastructure has been aided by operation of MSP. To suggest policy measures related to MSP for the future. Significance: The government has increased the MSP of Kharif crops for marketing season 2020-21, to ensure remunerative prices to the growers for their produce. The highest increase in MSP is proposed for nigerseed (Rs 755 per quintal) followed by sesamum (Rs 370 per quintal), urad (Rs 300 per quintal) and cotton (long staple) (Rs 275 per quintal). The differential remuneration is aimed at encouraging crop diversification. The government’s strategy is one of promoting sustainable agriculture with diversified cropping pattern matching with the country’s agro-climatic conditions, towards higher productivity without jeopardizing the nation’s bio-diversity. Support is in the form of MSP as well as procurement. Besides, with the intention of giving enough policy thrust to income security of the farmers. The government’s production-centric approach has been replaced by an income-centric approach. The government is taking holistic approach towards supporting the farmers and facilitate farming-related activities in the lockdown situation due to Covid 19. Efforts are being made to facilitate the marketing of agricultural produce by the farmers Challenges: Awareness of Farmers about MSP Medium of Awareness about MSP Production, Consumption and Sale of Major Crops Mode of Payments Received by the Farmers Delays in Receiving MSP Payments Mediums adopted by farmers to sell their Produce Government initiatives: Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanraks Han Abhiyan” Price Support Scheme (PSS) Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPSS) on a pilot basis. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PM-GKY). Read Also Fasal Rahat Yojana Way forward: The Minimum Support Price is an important policy of the Union Government to determine floor price of major agricultural produces every year for protecting the farmers from the middlemen and fluctuating market conditions as it provides them an assured market in addition to a minimum assured return. First and foremost the awareness among the farmers needs to be increased and the information disseminated at the lowest level so that the knowledge would increase the bargaining power of the farmers. More godowns should be set up and maintained properly for better storage and reduction of wastage. The small and marginal farmers can be provided with some exemption in FAQ norms to provide them with a source of income. The Procurement Centres should be in the village itself to avoid transportation costs. The farmers should receive their MSP rate in case on the spot and in the same day, so that they will be encouraged to improve their production and create more marketable surplus. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Join Now
New Commission for air quality management
New Commission for air quality management President promulgates the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2020 for better co-ordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems surrounding the air quality index and matter connected. Under the said Ordinance, a Commission for Air Quality Management In National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas will be constituted under Section 3. Section 11 lays down that the Commission shall have at least the following three sub-committees: Sub-Committee on Monitoring and Identification Sub-Committee on Safeguarding and Enforcement Sub-Committee on Research and Development Powers and Functions of the Commission: Shall issue directions and entertain complaints for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the air in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas and shall also have the duty to take all such measures for protecting and improving the air quality. The commission can take measures to abate air pollution and to regulate or prohibit activities that are likely to cause or increase pollution in NCR and adjoining areas. Commission or any officer authorized by it shall for the purpose of analysis have the power to take samples of air from any factory, premises or other place in such manner as may be prescribed. In regard to the discharge of functions and exercising of its authority, the Commission and the sub-committees mentioned in Section 11 will be bound by the directions and orders of the Central Government. The commission can take up matters suo motu or on the basis of complaints made by any individual, representative body or organization functioning in the field of environment. The commission shall provide the mechanism and the means to implement in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas Provide an effective framework and platform in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas. Significance: Participatory Democracy Consolidated Approach Establishing a Statutory Body Empowered Body Removal of Ad-hocism Challenges: Dilution of Judicial Oversight Unrealistic Punitive Measures Federal Issue Non-Inclusive Conclusion: India has been going through a phase of accelerated industrial activities for the past three decades. The associated growth in terms of industrialization and urbanization has led to manifold increase in pollution issues, in recent years. Air pollution impacts health, restrictions imposed to control air pollution impacts laborers, and dealing with stubble-burning requires incentives in the domain of rural development. Check All Prelims Mock Questions Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Join Now
Alimony in India
Alimony in India Women deserted by husbands were left in dire straits, often reduced to destitution, for lack of means to sustain themselves and their children. Women can make a claim for alimony under different laws, including the protection of women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 and Section 125 of the CrPC or under the Hindu marriage act,1955. it would be inequitable to direct the husband to pay maintenance under each of the proceedings. Supreme court guidelines: Deserted wives and children are entitled to alimony/maintenance from their husbands from the date they apply for it in a court of law. A violation would lead to punishment, such as civil detention and even attachment of the property of the latter. The plea of the husband that he does not possess any source of income ipso facto does not absolve him of his moral duty to maintain his wife, if he is able-bodied and has educational qualifications. Both the applicant’s wife and the respondent-husband have to disclose their assets and liabilities in a maintenance case. Any earlier case filed or pending under any other law should also be revealed in court. The expenses of the children, including their education, basic needs and other vocational activities, should be factored in by courts while calculating the alimony. Other factors such as “spiraling inflation rates and high costs of living” should be considered, but the wife should receive alimony which fits the standard of life she was used to in the matrimonial home. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Join Now
Promoting tourism in South Asia
Promoting tourism in South Asia South Asia is highly dependent on travel and tourism, especially as a generator of jobs (estimated at 47.7 million in 2019) COVID-19 is affecting nearly 47.7 million travel and tourism jobs across South Asia, many held by women and vulnerable communities working in the informal sector. Losses of over US$50 billion in the gross domestic product in the region are expected in the travel and tourism sector alone as a result of the crisis. Challenges for regional tourism: Informal Tourism Sector Disruption Caused by Covid-19 Geo-Political Tensions Opportunities For the Regional Tourism: Niche Tourism Opportunity for India: Job, entrepreneurships, etc High Tourism Potential Job Three Types of Regional Integration Activities Relevant to Intraregional COVID-19 Response and Competitiveness Facilitating access Removing visa restrictions. Improving access infrastructure (roads, port, and rail and air, border crossings). Aviation deregulation. Easing border crossing formalities. Improving quality Attracting investment. Service and quality standards. Nature and wildlife conservation. Codes of conduct. Workforce development. Labor mobility. Communicating to consumers and policymakers Branding, marketing and promotion. Crisis management. Statistics and research. Advocacy. Stakeholder coordination. Increased awareness of destination communities (Domestic Tourism Spending Percentage of Whole Economy GDP) Way forward: SME Survival Crisis Communication Jobs, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Destination Upgrades Regional Collaboration (Intra-regional Trips by Destination) Conclusion: Despite this crisis, South Asia has a strong competitive position in the global tourism industry. The region’s enormous natural and cultural assets combined with strong pre-COVID domestic and intra-regional travel demand is indicative of future growth. The opportunity now is to seize this moment of calm to envision and build a more productive, resilient tourism sector that effectively addresses poverty and gender gaps and is based on strong regional collaboration and dialogue. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Join Now
Central Vista Project
Central Vista Project Central Vista project seeks to build a new parliament and other central government offices in Lutyens’ zone in central Delhi. The Central government wants to redevelop the Central Vista, the 3-km long stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate. These will be built along with new residences for the Prime Minister and the Vice President near South and North Blocks, which will be repurposed as museums. There will be a new building for the Prime Minister’s Office. The new complex is likely to have a triangular shape. The plan is to be completed by 2022. Significance of Central Vista Project: The present building, an 85-year-old structure suffers from inadequacy of space to house members and their staff and is thought to suffer from structural issues and the building also needs to be protected because of its heritage. Central Vista is an essential ingredient of sovereignty and pride, and also where recreational spaces are available for enjoyment by the citizens. It is a major attraction for the tourists who visit the country. A draft master plan by a private firm contracted by the government has proposed a Parliament building next to the existing heritage structure, and office buildings all along Rajpath. These buildings will be built after demolishing existing buildings. According to the CPWD application for environmental clearance for the project, the construction of the new Parliament building is estimated to cost Rs. 922 crore. Challenges: Lack of transparency Lack of studies to ascertain the need for the project Impact on the environment Traffic Pollution. North and South Block or to be converted into museums. The Rashtrapati Bhawan area to the ridge is to be turned into biodiversity arboretum. It will showcase India’s biological diversity. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Join Now
Disaster Management Act in India
Disaster Management Act in India
EOS-01 Satellite
EOS-01 Satellite It is an earth observation satellite. EOS-01 is nothing but another Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT) that will work together with RISAT-2B and RISAT-2BR1 launched last year. This is the first launch by the Indian Space Research Organisation since the COVID-19-induced lockdown came into force in March This will be the 51st mission of ISRO’s workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. EOS-01 is intended for applications in agriculture, forestry and disaster management support. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle: India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is the third generation launch vehicle. PSLV is the first launch vehicle which is equipped with liquid stages. PSLV’s first successful launch was in October 1994. PSLV was used for two of the most important missions. These are Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in 2013. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark II and GSLV MkIII are other two launch vehicles Earth Observation Satellite: An Earth Observation Satellite or Earth Remote Sensing Satellite is a satellite used or designed for Earth Observance (EO) from orbit, including spy satellites and similar ones intended for non-military uses such as environmental monitoring, meteorology, cartography and others. The most common type are Earth imaging satellites, that take satellite images, analogous to aerial photographs; some EOS satellites may perform remote sensing without forming pictures, such as in GNSS radio occultation. The first occurrence of satellite remote sensing can be dated to the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, by the Soviet Union in 1957. Uses: Land and forest mapping and monitoring Mapping of resources like water or minerals or fishes Weather and climate observations, Soil assessment, Geospatial contour mapping Advantages of radar imaging over optical instruments: Radar imaging is unaffected by weather, cloud or fog, or the lack of sunlight. It can produce high-quality images in all conditions and at all times. New Space India Limited: One of the mandates of NSIL is to mass-produce and manufacture the SSLV and the more powerful PSLV in partnership with the private sector in India through technology transfers. Its aim is to use research and development carried out by ISRO over the years for commercial purposes through Indian industry partners. It differs from ISRO’s existing commercial arm Antrix Corporation: Antrix will handle ISRO’s commercial deals for satellites and launch vehicles with foreign customers. NSIL will deal with capacity building of local industry for space manufacturing. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Myopia Causes, Symptoms
Myopia Myopia or shortsightedness is turning out to be an epidemic across india, and indeed even more in Southeast Asia. At this rate, by 2050, 64 million children in urban India may have myopia The inability to see the distant objects clearly and distinctly is called short-sightedness. This defect arises when the image is formed infront of the retina. A short-sighted person can see near objects clearly. This may arise due to either excessive curvature of the cornea or elongation of the eyeball. This defect is corrected by wearing glasses with a concave lens. Myopia first occurs in school-age children. Because the eye continues to grow during childhood, it typically progresses until about age 20. However, myopia may also develop in adults due to visual stress or health conditions such as diabetes. Some people may experience blurred distance vision only at night. With “night myopia,” low light makes it difficult for the eyes to focus properly. Or the increased pupil size during dark conditions allows more peripheral, unfocused light rays to enter the eye. People who do an excessive amount of near-vision work may experience a false or “pseudo” myopia. Their blurred distance vision is caused by overuse of the eyes’ focusing mechanism. After long periods of near work, their eyes are unable to refocus to see clearly in the distance. Clear distance vision usually returns after resting the eyes. However, constant visual stress may lead to a permanent reduction in distance vision over time. Read AntiMicrobial Resistance Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
The Road to Zero Hunger by 2030
The Road to Zero Hunger by 2030 The Zero Hunger Challenge was launched by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2012. The Zero Hunger vision reflects five elements from within the SDGs, which taken together, can end hunger, eliminate all forms of malnutrition, and build inclusive and sustainable food systems. Zero Hunger Food system: It is a framework that includes every aspect of feeding and nourishing people: from growing, harvesting and processing to packaging, transporting, marketing and consuming food. To be sustainable, a food system must provide enough nutritious food for all without compromising feeding future generations. India’s food system working during a pandemic: The Covid-19 containment measures have brought out the multi-dimensionality of India’s food challenges. Prevalent Malnutrition The threat to Food Security Government Initiatives: Public distribution system Agricultural growth Agricultural productivity Dealing with climate change The Integrated Child Development Services The mid-day meal programme Read UPSC 2021 Mains Complete Questions The World Food Programme: It is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations. It is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, the largest one focused on hunger and food security, and the largest provider of school meals. This year’s Nobel Peace Prize to the World Food Programme (WFP) is a recognition of its role in combating hunger and malnutrition across the developing world. According to the WFP, 132 million more people could become malnourished as a consequence of the pandemic. Challenges: Threat of Climate Change Retreat of Multiculturalism Global hunger Malnutrition, Anemia Intensified food production systems Fragmentation of landholdings Way forward: Sustainable agriculture Curbing wastage Adopt innovative solutions The way we produce food must change Need For Global Cooperation Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
