Daily Current Capsules

Barsingsar Solar Power Project

NLC India Limited, a leading Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Coal, is establishing the 300 MW Solar Power Project in Barsingsar, Bikaner District, Rajasthan, as part of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy’s CPSE Scheme.
The objective is to ensure affordable power supply to Government entities. Notably, NLCIL stands as the first CPSE to reach a 1 GW Solar capacity milestone in the country.
The company has secured a 300 MW solar project capacity in the CPSE Scheme Phase-II Tranche-III floated by Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) through competitive bidding.

Gupteswar Forest

The pristine Gupteswar Forest, adjacent to Gupteswar Shiva temple in Odisha’s Koraput district has been declared as the fourth Biodiversity-Heritage Site (BHS) of the state as per a recent government notification.
The site is spread over 350 hectares of demarcated area.

Know! about Biodiversity-Heritage Sites (BHS)

Under Section 37 of India’s 2002 Biological Diversity Act, State Governments may designate unique and fragile ecosystems as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) in consultation with local governing bodies.
BHS may be terrestrial, coastal, inland water, or marine areas exhibiting rich biodiversity, including: abundance of wild and domesticated species; high endemism; rare and threatened species; keystone or evolutionarily significant species; wild ancestors of cultivated varieties; fossil beds denoting past biological importance; and significant cultural, ethical or aesthetic value.
BHS maintain cultural diversity alongside, in some cases, a long history of human habitation.
Odisha now has four BHSs with earlier declarations of biodiversity rich areas like Mandasaru, Mahendragiri and Gandhamardan.

Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill, 2024

The Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has been proposed in the Karnataka state legislature to further modify the 1994 Act and 2022 Amendment to strengthen promotion of the Kannada language across education and employment.

The key features include making Kannada mandatory for higher education and private-sector jobs.

The Kannada language is natively spoken by around 40 million people mainly in the South Indian state of Karnataka.

To counter the dominance of English language, the Government of Karnataka enacted the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act in 1994.

This made Kannada a compulsory language for education and official correspondence within the state.

The 2022 Amendment extended it to undergraduate college education and state government jobs. However, the dominance of English continued in higher education, IT and private companies.

This threatened the usage of native Kannada among future generations despite over 5 decades of linguistic policy.

Over 90% of Mongolia at High Risk from Dzud

The ongoing “white and iron” dzud in Mongolia has reached a “critical” level, with over 90 per cent of the country facing high levels of risk from the unique weather phenomenon, according to a recent report by UN agencies.

Know! about Dzuds

Dzuds are extreme winters unique to Mongolia characterized by freezing temperatures, heavy snow and frozen ground that prevents animals from reaching pasture. They often follow dry summers when livestock are unable to build up fat reserves.
According to the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the frequency and intensity of dzuds have increased since 2015 due to worsening climate change impacts and poor environmental governance.
This winter’s dual “white” and “iron” dzud involves deep snow cover preventing animal access to grass (white dzud) and a freeze-thaw cycle that turns pastures to ice (iron dzud).
Herding and livestock are integral to Mongolia’s economy, culture and lifestyle, with over 64 million animals affected this winter.

Bima Sugam

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) issued draft regulations on Bima Sugam, which is a one-stop online insurance marketplace.
The one-stop solution is slated to facilitate a range of services related to insurance policies — from purchase, sale, servicing and settlement of claims to grievance redressal

Know! more about Bima Sugam

Bima Sugam, which is part of the Bima trinity, seeks to empower and protect the interest of policyholders.
The other branches are Bima Vistaar and Bima Vahak.
The insurance regulator in its draft regulations said Bima Sugam, which is being pitched as the “UPI moment” for the insurance industry, shall be a one-stop solution for all Insurance stakeholder’s vis-a-vis customers, insurers, intermediaries or insurance intermediaries and insurance agents. Customers will not have to pay any fee to access this platform.
Bima Sugam shall be a one-stop solution for all Insurance stakeholder’s vis-a-vis customers, insurers, intermediaries or insurance intermediaries and insurance agents to promote transparency, efficiency, collaboration across the entire insurance value chain, technological innovation in the insurance sector, universalize and democratise insurance and to achieve the vision of “Insurance for all by 2047

Key Features

As per the 2024 Regulations, Bima Sugam is incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act as a non-profit with focus on public service over profits or shareholder returns.
Bima Sugam cannot charge consumers any fees for availing services on its platform. Revenue would come from other sources ensuring affordability.
It cannot store customer data, preventing misuse. The board must have data privacy protection policies, ensuring security.
Bima Sugam integrates the entire insurance ecosystem onto a single portal. This online platform would make discovering, comparing and purchasing insurance simpler through greater transparency.

Open Network Digital Commerce

As a part of the Digital India initiative, the Government of India has launched a pilot program to onboard the Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in Una and Hamirpur districts of Himachal Pradesh onto the Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC).
The pilot project was launched in 11 FPSs, with 5 FPSs located in Una district and 6 FPSs in Hamirpur district.
This marks the first time that Fair Price Shops have been integrated into the ONDC platform.
The initiative aims to provide more opportunities for Fair Price Shops dealers to increase their income while also improving beneficiary satisfaction.
A Fair Price Shop is a licensed shop that distributes essential commodities to ration card holders under the Targeted Public Distribution System.

High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS)

Scientists at the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) have successfully tested an unmanned aerial vehicle, called High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) at Challakere, Karnataka
This 5-meter-long drone with 11-meter wingspan flew at an altitude of 3 kilometers for 8 hours. It represents a milestone in India’s development of HAPS platforms for strategic communication and observation roles.

Know! about HAPs

HAPs are like drones, except that they are expected to be in the stratosphere – well above where commercial planes fly – and can be powered enough by solar cells and a battery-system to be able to hover for days on end.
A fully working HAPS can be used for a variety of applications, from surveillance to beaming 5G waves.
They can double up as “towers in the sky” and have more flexibility than satellites, in being able to map a piece of land from above.
HAPS allow coverage of very large areas (around 500 km diameter) from a single platform.
The stratospheric vantage gives HAPS more powerful line-of-sight signals than ground-based towers.

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)

The Shimoga district of Karnataka state in India reported two deaths in 2024 due to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) – a viral hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. With origins traced to Kyasanur forest, it is a re-emerging health risk.

Know! about KFD

Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) is caused by Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV), a member of the virus family Flaviviridae. KFDV was identified in 1957 when it was isolated from a sick monkey from the Kyasanur Forest in Karnataka (formerly Mysore) State, India. Since then, between 400-500 humans cases per year have been reported.
Hard ticks (Hemaphysalis spinigera) are the reservoir of KFD virus and once infected, remain so for life.
Rodents, shrews, and monkeys are common hosts for KFDV after being bitten by an infected tick. KFDV can cause epizootics with high fatality in primates.

Transmission

Transmission to humans may occur after a tick bite or contact with an infected animal, most importantly a sick or recently dead monkey. No person-to-person transmission has been described.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be made in the early stage of illness by molecular detection by PCR or virus isolation from blood. Later, serologic testing using enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA) can be performed.

Signs and Symptoms

After an incubation period of 3-8 days, the symptoms of KFD begin suddenly with chills, fever, and headache. Severe muscle pain with vomiting, gastrointestinal symptoms and bleeding problems may occur 3-4 days after initial symptom onset. Patients may experience abnormally low blood pressure, and low platelet, red blood cell, and white blood cell counts.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for KFD, but early hospitalization and supportive therapy is important. Supportive therapy includes the maintenance of hydration and the usual precautions for patients with bleeding disorders.

Risk of Exposure

KFD has historically been limited to the western and central districts of Karnataka State, India. However, in November 2012, samples from humans and monkeys tested positive for KFDV in the southernmost district of the State which neighbors Tamil Nadu State and Kerala State, indicating the possibility of wider distribution of KFDV. Additionally, a virus very similar to KFD virus (Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus) has been described in Saudi Arabia.

Prevention

A vaccine does exist for KFD and is used in endemic areas of India. Additional preventative measures include insect repellents and wearing protective clothing in areas where ticks are endemic.

State of the World’s Migratory Species – 2024 report

The State of the World’s Migratory Species – 2024 report was launched by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a UN biodiversity treaty on February 12, 2024.
It provides the first comprehensive global assessment on the conservation status and threats facing migratory animals.
The report finds that while some species are improving, nearly half of CMS-listed migratory species are declining and more than one-fifth are threatened with extinction.

Key Findings

The report reveals several concerning trends for migratory species:
Nearly half of CMS-listed species are showing population declines
More than one in five are threatened with extinction
97% of CMS-listed fish are threatened
Extinction risk is growing globally even for non-CMS listed migratory species
Overexploitation and habitat loss are the top threats facing migratory species
While many migratory species face severe threats, the report also shows recovery is possible through coordinated conservation efforts. Examples include: Illegal bird netting reduced 91% in Cyprus
The Saiga Antelope brought back from brink of extinction in Kazakhstan
The report issues an urgent call to action for stronger policies and conservation efforts worldwide to protect migratory species.
Key priorities include reducing unsustainable use, protecting key sites, addressing endangered species, and tackling climate change and pollution. International cooperation is critical, as migratory species cross borders and depend on multiple countries working together.

Know! about the Convention

The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) is an environmental treaty focused on conserving migratory animals globally. It provides a platform for countries to coordinate conservation efforts for terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species. Since 1979, CMS membership has grown to 133 countries working together to sustainably manage migratory wildlife.

Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2023-24 – Series IV.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the opening of the next tranche of Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2023-24 – Series IV.
The bonds will be open for subscription from February 12 to February 16, 2023.
The issue price has been fixed at ₹6,263 per gram.

Know! about the Scheme

Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme is a financial instrument used by the Government of India to mobilize money for the infrastructure and social sector.
These taxable bonds are denominated in grams of gold and issued by the Reserve Bank of India on behalf of the Government.
The objective is to shift investment in physical gold into financial savings.
The bonds offer an annual return of 2.5% along with capital appreciation linked to gold prices.
They have a tenure of 8 years with exit options after the 5th year.
The bonds can also be used as collateral for loans.
The Sovereign Gold Bonds have a tenure of 8 years with an exit option after 5 years.
The bonds offer an annual interest rate of 2.50% to investors which is fully taxable.
The bonds are being sold through commercial banks, post offices, stock exchanges and the RBI.
Investors applying online and making payment through digital modes will get a discount of ₹50 per gram on the issue price.
The issue price for such investors will be ₹6,213 per gram.
The interest earned on the bonds every year is fully taxable as per the investor’s tax slab. However, the capital gains made on redemption of the bonds is exempted from tax if held until maturity. This tax exemption is applicable even if bonds are redeemed after 5 years.
If the bonds are sold before maturity, capital gains tax has to be paid. Long term capital gains tax with indexation benefits applies if bonds are held for more than 12 months. Short term capital gains tax is applicable if held for less than 12 months.

NASA Discovers Habitable ‘Super-Earth’

Scientists at NASA have discovered a planet called TOI-715 b, located 137 light-years away from Earth.
The planet is one and a half times wider than Earth and has the potential to support life.
TOI-715 b revolves around its parent star within the conservative habitable zone.
This means that the planet is situated at a distance from its star that could provide the right temperature for liquid water to form on its surface.
With a size one and a half times that of Earth, the planet is potentially conducive to liquid water, which is crucial for life as we understand it.
The discovery of TOI-715 b coincides with recent advancements in space technology, such as the James Webb Space Telescope developed by NASA, which can detect and analyze the atmospheric compositions of distant exoplanets.
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) identified TOI-715 by using this method.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a telescope that observes infrared light
Its advanced instruments allow it to see objects that are too old, far away, or faint to be seen by the Hubble Space Telescope.

World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index Report 2023

India’s Rank Improves in World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index Report 2023.
According to the World Bank’s ‘Logistics Performance Index Report (2023), India ranks 38 out of 139 countries.
India has improved Logistics performance across all six LPI parameters i.e. Customs, Infrastructure, Quality of logistics services, Ease of arranging shipments, Tracking and Tracing, and Timeliness.
The National Committee for Trade Facilitation (NCTF) has been constituted.
The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for multimodal connectivity launched of on 13 October 2021 and National Logistics Policy 2022, for improving logistics efficiency and reducing logistics costs.
Digital reforms such as Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) initiated for ease of doing business and Logistics Data Bank.
It has digitized track and trace of 100% containerized EXIM cargo.

Know! about Logistics Performance Index

Logistics Performance Index is an interactive benchmarking tool that helps countries identify the challenges and opportunities faced in their performance on trade logistics.
The Logistics Performance Index 2023 was released for comparisons among 139 countries.
For the first time the 2023 Logistics Performance Index measured the speed of trade with indicators derived from big datasets tracking shipments.

World Bank Important Reports

Commodity Markets Outlook
Doing Business
Global Economic Prospects
Global Financial Development Report
International Debt Statistics
Policy Research Reports (PRRs)
Poverty and Shared Prosperity
World Development Indicators

Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill

Recently, the Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill, 2024 by voice vote.
The House also approved the Appropriation Bill authorising the government to meet expenses for four months in the next financial year.

Know! about Appropriation Bill

An Appropriation Bill is a crucial piece of legislation, which authorizes the government to spend public money approved in the annual budget.
It helps to ensure accountability and transparency by requiring parliamentary approval for spending and prevents unauthorized withdrawals from the Consolidated fund of India.
The lower house also approved the Rs 1.8 lakh crore budget of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Know! about the Finance Bill

A Finance Bill is a Money Bill as defined in Article 110 of the Constitution.
It is introduced annually in the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) after the Union Budget presentation.
It embodies the government’s budgetary proposals for taxation, spending, and other financial matters.
The proposals of the government for levy of new taxes, modification of the existing tax structure or continuance of the existing tax structure beyond the period approved by Parliament are submitted to Parliament through this bill.
The Finance Bill is accompanied by a Memorandum containing explanations of the provisions included in it.
The Finance Bill can be introduced only in Lok Sabha.
However, the Rajya Sabha can recommend amendments in the Bill.
It requires approval from both houses of parliament before becoming law.
The bill has to be passed by the Parliament within 75 days of its introduction.

Key Features of the 2024 Finance Bill

No change in Income Tax: Due to the upcoming general elections in April-May 2024, the bill focuses on maintaining the existing tax structure for the financial year 2024-2025.
Focus on certain reliefs: Some minor tax reliefs are included for specific sectors or categories of taxpayers.
Measures to boost economic growth: Include provisions for infrastructure development, investment promotion, and ease of doing business reforms.
Fiscal consolidation: The government aims to reduce the fiscal deficit by proposing measures to control spending or increase revenue.

NITI Aayog and the Netherlands Report on LNG

NITI Aayog and the Kingdom of the Netherlands release the ‘LNG as a Transportation Fuel in Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle’ Report.
NITI Aayog and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands released a report titled ‘LNG as a Transportation Fuel in Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles’
NITI Aayog and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands have been actively collaborating in the field of energy transition under the Statement of Intent (SoI) partnership since 2020.
The report was released as the first outcome of the cooperation.

Know! about NITI Aayog

National Institution for Transforming India, is a policy think tank of the Government of India.
It was established on January 1, 2015, to replace the Planning Commission.
The institution serves as a platform for the Government of India to engage with state governments, experts, and other stakeholders to formulate policies and strategies for sustainable and inclusive development.
NITI Aayog’s primary objectives include fostering cooperative federalism by involving states in the economic policy-making process, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global market.
It also focuses on addressing specific challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and economic inequality through evidence-based policy formulation and implementation.
The organization is led by a Governing Council chaired by the Prime Minister of India, with Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories, along with experts and special invitees, as its members.
NITI Aayog operates through various verticals, including research, policy advocacy, and program implementation, to achieve its goals and contribute to India’s socio-economic development.

World Pulses Day

‘World Pulses Day’ is celebrated every year on 10 February.
Pulses refer to the edible seeds of leguminous plants grown for food. Common pulses: beans, gram, pigeon pea, peas.
The theme of ‘World Pulses Day’ for this year 2024 is “Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People”.
Its objective is to integrate pulses into our diet and agricultural practices.
The UNGA adopted a resolution related to pulses on 20 December 2013, declaring 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP).

150th Birth Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada

The program commemorating the 150th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada ji at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, was attended by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Acharya Srila Prabhupada by laying a wreath at his statue and unveiling a commemorative stamp and coin.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, also known as Srila Prabhupada, was a spiritual leader who founded the Gaudiya Matha, a Vaishnava religious organization.
He was born on February 6, 1874, in Puri, India, and is considered one of the most influential spiritual masters of the 20th century.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura is renowned for his dedication to spreading Gaudiya Vaishnavism’s teachings.
Srila Prabhupada was an Indian spiritual teacher who founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the “Hare Krishna movement”.
ISKCON is a monotheistic tradition within the Vedic or Hindu culture, belonging to the Gaudiya- Vaishnava sampradāya.

PRITHviVIgyan (PRITHVI)

The Union Cabinet has approved Rs 4,797 crore research scheme The PRITHviVIgyan (PRITHVI) to enhance the understanding of the Earth.
It encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), namely: Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS);Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O- SMART); Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER); Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE); and, Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT).

Deepasthambham

390-year-old lamp post throws light on Telangana's medieval trade

Recently, 390-year-old Deepastambham (lamp post) was found on the edge of River Krishna.
The 20-foot tall pillar with hollows for lamps and a multilingual inscription was found in Mudimanikyam village, Nalgonda district, Telangana
The inscription, engraved in Telugu mixed with Tamil language, dates back to June 1635 and is dedicated to Kasi Viswanatha.

Standing Committee Report

Law Ministry Accepts Parliamentary Standing Committee’s Recommendation to Establish Regional Benches of Supreme Court.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice presented the 144th Report outlining the response of the Union Law Ministry to the recommendations made for judicial reforms in the 133rd Report of the Committee.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee recommended legislation mandating judges of the higher judiciary (Supreme Court and High Courts) to submit property returns annually.
The committee recommended that while considering an increase in the retirement age, judges’ performance should be reassessed based on health conditions, quality of judgments, and other criteria.
Focus should be on diversity, it will enhance the representation of women, minorities, etc in the higher Judiciary.
The Committee noted that the entire court going on vacation at once leads to the higher judiciary shutting down for a couple of months per year.
It observed that the demand to eliminate vacations in Courts stems from (i) the pendency of cases, and (ii) theinconvenience faced by litigants.
The Committee stated that the demand for establishing regional benches of the Supreme Court is based on the fundamental right of access to justice.

International Energy Agency (IEA)

Recently, The International Energy Agency (IEA)’s Renewables 2023 report was released.
Renewables 2023 is the IEA’s primary analysis of the sector, based on current policies and market developments.
It forecasts the deployment of renewable energy technologies in electricity, transport, and heat to 2028 while also exploring key challenges to the industry and identifying barriers to faster growth.

Know! about the International Energy Agency (IEA)

It is an intergovernmental organization established in 1974.
Its Headquarters is situated in Paris.
The International Energy Agency is made up of 31 member countries.
Its objective is to promote reliable, affordable, and clean energy for its member countries and the rest of the world.
The Agreement on an International Energy Program (IEP Agreement) established the mandates and structure of the IEA under the umbrella of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Eligibility Criteria for membership

A candidate country to the International Energy Agency must have crude oil and/or product reserves equivalent to 90 days of the previous year’s net imports, to which the government has immediate access and could be used to address disruptions to global oil supply.
India became an Associate member of the International Energy Agency in 2017.
India inked a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the International Energy Agency to strengthen cooperation in global energy security, stability, and sustainability in 2021.
India’s current strategic oil reserves equal 9.5 days of its requirement.
India is not a member of the OECD but a key economic partner.
The International Energy Agency invited India to deepen its cooperation with the International Energy Agency by becoming a full Member.

Important Report of International Energy Agency

World Energy Outlook (WEO)
Net Zero by 2050: a roadmap for the global energy sector
Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP)
Global EV Outlook (GEVO)
Oil Market Report
World Energy Investment
Clean Energy Transitions Programme

ISRO to launch weather satellite INSAT-3DS

ISRO will launch INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite on Feb 17, with the aim to improve weather forecasting and disaster warning capabilities.
It will be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota. on board a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle F14 (GSLV F14).
Fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), the INSAT-3DS satellite is a follow-on mission of a third-generation meteorological satellite to be placed in the geostationary orbit.
Through INSAT-3DS we will be able to get all the smallest information about the weather.
With the help of INSAT-3DS satellite, better weather forecasts will be available and will also help in disaster warning.

Know! about INSAT-3DS mission

The space agency said that in its 16th mission, GSLV aims to deploy the satellite in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
The subsequent orbit-raising process will ensure that the satellite is positioned in a geostationary orbit.
The satellite is designed to monitor land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning.
The satellite will also enhance meteorological services along with the currently operating INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites.
Indian industries have made significant contributions to the manufacturing of satellites.

Aadi Mahotsav

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated National Tribal Festival Aadi Mahotsav 2024, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

Know! about Aadi Mahotsav

Every year TRIFED under the aegis of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs organizes the National Tribal Festival Aadi Mahotsav.
Aadi Mahotsav is an attempt to represent tribal culture on the national stage.
It celebrates the spirit of tribal culture, cuisine, commerce, crafts, and traditional art.
The festival features over 300 stalls, offering a varied display of Tribal art, natural products, handicrafts, and delectable tribal cuisine.
Along with this, one thousand artisans from across the country will also participate and showcase their performances in Aadi Mahotsav 2024.
A separate Food Court representing Tribal cuisines from different parts of the country has also been set up.

Know! about TRIFED

TRIFED stands for the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited.
It is a national-level organization established in 1987 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
TRIFED’s primary objective is to promote the economic development of tribal communities in India by providing them with a platform for marketing their products and handicrafts.
TRIFED has launched the e-Tribes initiative, which aims to promote tribal products through online

Lokpal new chairperson

A committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has selected Supreme Court judge Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar as the new chairperson of Lokpal.
Aeratu S. Rajeev, managing director of Bank of Maharashtra, as the Vigilance Commissioner.
Lokpal is an anti-corruption authority or body of ombudsman that represents the public interest.
The Lokpal Act was passed in 2013 and came into force on January 16, 2014.
The Lokpal’s purpose is to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries.

Payment aggregators

Several startups, including Decentro, Juspay, and Zoho, have recently obtained regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as payment aggregators (PAs).
Other notable companies that received licenses earlier include Zomato, Stripe, and Tata Pay.
A payment aggregator is a service provider that allows businesses to process card payments and mobile transactions.
They act as an intermediary between businesses and financial institutions, simplifying the process of accepting electronic payments.

MERA GAON MERI DHAROHAR

Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India decided to map and document all villages under the Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar (MGMD) Programme.
The main objective of the project is to culturally map India’s 6.5 lakh villages, spanning 29 States and 7 Union Territories, on a comprehensive virtual platform.
It is a pan-India initiative under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping.

e-NAM

Recently, Farm-gate, inter-mandi e-NAM sales show a surge in FY2024
eNAM platform is an online trading platform for agricultural commodities in India.
It was launched in 2016 as a pan-India electronic trade portal linking agricultural produce marketcommittees (APMCs) across all states.
It was launched with the objective of integrating the existing Mandis into a “One Nation One Market” for agricultural commodities in India.
It facilitates farmers, traders, and buyers with online trading in commodities.
It provides for contactless remote bidding and mobile-based anytime payment for which traders do not need to either visit mandis or banks for the same.
Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is the lead agency for implementing e-NAM.
It functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

Reykjanes peninsula

A volcano erupted recently in southwest Iceland for the second time this year, making it the sixth outbreak on the Reykjanes peninsula since 2021.
Iceland’s status as a volcanic hotspot is attributed to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge—a vast underwater mountain range created by the interaction of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
The constant divergence of these plates enables magma from the Earth’s mantle to emerge, contributing to the formation and elevation of the Icelandic mountains.
Iceland stands out for its seismic activity not just because it’s situated on a tectonic ridge, but also due to the presence of a mantle plume beneath it.
Unlike other locations with mantle plumes, such as Hawaii, Iceland uniquely experiences volcanic activity at the intersection of both a mantle plume and a tectonic boundary.
A volcano is an opening in the earth’s crust through which lava, volcanic ash, and gases escape.

India to fence entire 1,643-kilometre stretch of border with Myanmar

In a major development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday announced that the government has planned to construct a fence along the entire 1,643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. The primary aim is to enhance surveillance capabilities and establish a patrol track along the border for effective monitoring.
Manipur shares a 398-kilometer border with Myanmar. Arunachal Pradesh shares a 520-kilometer border. Nagaland’s border with Myanmar spans 215 kilometers.
India has the third-largest international border in the world.
9 countries in total share the international borders with India out of which 7 countries ((Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan) share land borders whereas 2 countries share sea borders (Sri Lanka).
The length of the land border is 15,106.7 km and the coastline border is 7,516.6 km

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Current Affairs 11-15 Feb 2024