25 June 2022 – Current Affairs

 

Ayush Wellness Centre in the President’s Estates

Paper 2 – Health

Why Should You Know?

• On June 24, 2022 The upgraded Ayush Wellness Centre in the President’s Estate, New Delhi was inaugurated by President of India Ram Nath Kovind in the presence of Union Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of State for Ayush Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai and other dignitaries. First lady Savita Kovind also graced the inauguration ceremony.
• It is noteworthy that Ayush Wellness Centre (AWC) at President Estate started on 25th July 2015, as a joint initiative of the Ministry of Ayush and the President Secretariat.
• The AWC has treatment facilities in the streams of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha andHomeopathy, and it caters to the medical needs of the President and officials of the President’s Secretariat and residents of the President’s Estate.
• The upgraded infrastructure along with facilities for the Ayush system will follow standard protocols of treatment.
• A book documenting the “establishment, functioning and key milestone” of Ayush Wellness Centre in Rashtrapati Bhavan was also released at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre by Minister of State for Ayush Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai in the presence of Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Minister of Ayush and KD Tripathi, Secretary to the President.

 

BIS formulates performance standards for Electric Vehicle Batteries

Paper 3 – Science and Tech

Why Should You Know?

• Bureau of Indian Standard, National Standard Body of India, has published standards for Test Specifications for Lithium-ion Traction Battery Packs and Systems (Performance Testing) for Electrically Propelled Road Vehicles.
• The standard IS 17855: 2022 for these battery packs and systems is harmonized with ISO 12405-4: 2018.
• This standard incorporates the test procedure for basic characteristic of performance, reliability and electrical functionality for the battery packs and system for either high power or high energy application.
• This standard is formulated considering real life scenarios for an electric vehicle such as vehicle is in parking (battery is not used for extended period of time), battery system is being shipped (stored), operating battery at low and high temperature etc., accordingly various tests are incorporated in this standard.
• Safety and performance are two critical aspects of electronic devices. Requirement of Battery system for use as a power source for propulsion of vehicles are significantly different from battery used for consumer electronics or stationary use.
• Electric vehicles are vehicles that operate on electric motor and rechargeable batteries. Over the past decade, Electric vehicles have grown in terms of visibility and availability in the market. For safety of consumer, reliability and safety, Energy storage systems become critical part of any EV. Most of the EVs use Lithium-ion batteries because of its high power to weight ratio.
• Further, keeping view on safety aspect of batteries for EV, Bureau of Indian Standard is in the process of publishing 2 more standard related to batteries for various passenger and goods carrying vehicles (L, M and N category)

About Bureau of Indian Standard –

• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the National Standards Body of India under Department of Consumer affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.
• The organisation was formerly the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), set up under the Resolution of the Department of Industries and Supplies No. 1 Std.(4)/45, dated 3 September 1946. The ISI was registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• A new Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) Act 2016 which was notified on 22 March 2016, has been brought into force with effect from 12 October 2017. The Act establishes the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as the National Standards Body of India.
• It has been established to oversee the harmonious development of activities like standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and activities related to it.
• The Minister in charge of the Ministry or Department having administrative control of the BIS is the ex-officio President of the BIS.

VL-SRSAM Missile

Paper 3 – Security

Why Should You Know?

• on June 24, 2022,Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) was successfully flight-tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy from an Indian Naval Ship at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
• The VL-SRSAM, a ship borne weapon system, is meant for neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets.
• The launch of the system was conducted against a high speed aerial target mimicking aircraft, which was successfully engaged.
• The flight path of the vehicle along with health parameters were monitored using a number of tracking instruments deployed by ITR, Chandipur. The test launch was monitored by senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Navy.

About the missile –

• The Vertical Launch – Short Range Surface to Air Missile, or VL-SRSAM is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• VL-SRSAM intended to replace older Barak 1 surface to air missile system onboard Indian Navy warships. It will also be used as short range air defence system for Indian Air Force.
• VL-SRSAM is based on Astra Mark 1 air-to-air missile with four short-span long-chord cruciform wings that provide aerodynamic stability.
• It also includes additional jet vane driven thrust vector control to enable quick reaction time on vertical launch and smokeless exhaust.
• During mid-course flight, the missile uses fibre-optic gyroscope based inertial guidance mechanism while in terminal phase uses active radar homing. With lock on before launch (LOBL) and lock on after launch (LOAL) capability, the missile receives mid-course update via datalink.

IAF and Egyptian air force Tactical leadership programme

Paper 2 – International Relations

Why Should You Know?

• Indian Air Force would be participating in Tactical Leadership Programme at Egyptian Air Force Weapon School from 24 Jun – 24 Jul 22 in Egypt (Cairo west Airbase) with three Su-30MKI aircraft, two C-17 aircraft and 57 IAF personnel (including C-17 contingent).
• It is noteworthy that It is a unique exercise with Air assets in a Large Force Engagement environment, simulating various conflict scenarios.
• The exercise is aimed at enhancing defence cooperation between the two countries and exchange of best practices.
• In the present geopolitical scenario, this exercise provides a unique opportunity to showcase reach and capability of the IAF.
• It will also provide an opportunity to showcase the Su-30 MKI manufactured in India by HAL and our country’s expertise for deeper indigenisation of spares and components.

 

 

E-Auction Policy and Portal Launched

Paper 3- Economy

Why Should You Know?

• Indian Railways has taken steps to bring Commercial Earning and Non-Fare Revenue contracts under the ambit of electronic auction through Indian Railway e-Procurement System (IREPS), in line with prevailing e-auction of scrap sale.
• Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw launched e-auction for Commercial earning, Non-Fare Revenue (NFR) contracts in Rail Bhavan recently . This will not only increase Railways earning but also bolster efforts being taken by the Government for ease of doing business.
• This policy is in line with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister to change the experience of common man by the use of technology. With this new policy, tedious process of tendering would get simplified.
• Also, it would give opportunities for youth to join the e-auction process. This policy enhances ease of living, promotes transparency and adds to Digital India initiatives in Railways.

Earning Assets –

• Parcel Van, Pay and Use Toilets, Advertisement rights on station circulating area and coaches, AC waiting rooms, Cloak rooms, Parking lots, Plastic Bottle crushers, ATMs, Station co-branding, Video screens for content on demand etc.
• These assets will be mapped location-wise in the portal once, and the system will remember forever if it is covered for earning or not. This will improve monitoring of assets on real time basis and will minimize asset-idling.

Present System –

• Participation in present e-tendering requires physical registration with the concerned field unit. This makes difficult for potential bidders from the rest of India to compete. It takes time in finalization due to requirement of physical meeting of tender committee members.

E-Auction –

• Bidder located anywhere in India need to self register once for participating in auctions of any field unit of Indian Railways through the portal. Remotely bid can be placed for management rights of an asset after depositing earnest money (EMD) electronically.
• Successful bidder would be able to receive acceptance online and through e-mail in very short span of time. Except requirement of financial turnover, as such all the eligibility criterions have been removed. Further, financial requirement has been relaxed to the great extant. There is no financial turnover requirement for annual contracts upto Rs. 40 lacs
• Pilot was launched in 11 Divisions of 9 Zones: total 80 contracts of total value of 128 Crores were finalised during the pilot launch.

Salient Features of New System –

• The Auction will be conducted online through ‘E-Auction Leasing’ module of IREPS: www.ireps.gov.in
• Policy for e-Auction and Standard Conditions of Auction issued by Railway Board:
• Earlier system of physical registration of contractors Division-wise has been done away with,
• Only financial criteria – based on self-declaration of past turnovers by contractors
• Financial turnover criteria rationalized and standardized – No turnover requirement upto Rs. 40 lacs annual contract estimates
• One time online self-registration of contractors
• No geographical restrictions for participation in any auction of any Division
• All assets will be fed in the system for better monitoring and ensuring issuing contracts in advance – reduce asset idling
• Auction catalogues with all details of the assets will be published online on IREPS portal, minimum 15 days in advance
• Auctions will be conducted online- bidders will be able to participate from anywhere in India
• Minimum 30 minutes will be given for auction so that all interested contractors can submit their bids.
• Auction of consecutive Lots in any catalogue will be closed after gap of 10 minutes
• In case any bid is received within last 2 minutes of auction closing time, then the closing time for the lot will be extended automatically for 2 minutes. 10 such auto extensions will be permitted to ensure adequate time for all bidders to submit their bids.
• Reserve Price of the lots will not be disclosed and the bidders will be free to offer any bid according to true commercial potential of the assets as per their assessment.
• Bids will be auto decided.
• If Highest bid (H1) is equal or above the Reserve Price then the contract will be finalized on the same day after auction closing.
• Bid sheet and contract agreement will be signed digitally.
• Payment schedule for the contract will be generated immediately.
• All payments by the contractor will be made online
• Entire process will be online and paperless

Benefits –

• Online mode makes potential bidders from distant location across country to participate in the bidding process.
• Online payment to Railways post award of contract. Till now provision of daily manual payment in parcel leasing contract is there, which is a tedious process. Now it is made online.
• Better Monitoring: After mapping, portal prompts when an earning contract of a particular asset is nearing completion and compels to start fresh auction, thus making idle time of the asset minimal.
• Standardization of eligibility conditions pan-India.
• Simplification of processes.
• Drastically reduces the time taken in finalization of Tenders and will prevent revenue loss on this account.
• Quick re-award of contract in case of failure of any contractor
• Breaks the cartel among bidders.  Bidders’ identity will be masked from each other and from IR.
• Will increase revenue earning by fetching true commercial potential of assets due to higher competition amongst bidders.
• Will minimize assets’ idling, resulting in maximization of potentials from the assets.
• No eligibility criteria upto 40 lacs will help in promoting start-ups.

 

Central Advisory Board (CAB) on Disability

Paper 2- Social justice

Why Should You Know?

• On June 24 , 2022 Fifth Meeting of the Central Advisory Board on Disability being held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi under the chairmanship of Dr. Virendra Kumar, Minister, Social Justice and Empowerment. 
• MoS of the Ministry Km.  Pratima Bhoumik along with Ministers from 12 States/ UTs have participated in the meeting. Sr. officers from States/UTs, Central Ministries/Departments and other organizations as well as nominated members representing PwDs and their associations have also attended the meeting.
• The Central Advisory Board deliberated on various important issues in the disability sector such as status of implementation of the RPwD Act, 2016, Accessible India Campaign, Unique Disability Identity Card Project, matters relating to implementation of DDRS, DDRC and National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities, Disability Pension, etc.
• The Central Advisory Board urged all the States/UTs to expeditiously notify the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, constitute State Advisory Boards, District level Committees, Designate District level Courts, appoint independent Commissioners for PwDs, if not yet done so.
• The States/UTs were advised to upscale the pace of implementation of UDID project so as to achieve saturation by August, 2022. They were also advised by the Central Advisory Board to enhance the quantum of disability pension so as to enable Divyangjan to live a dignified life.

About Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) –

• Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment was set up in May 2012 with the aims to facilitate empowerment and inclusion of the persons with disabilities and acts as a nodal agency to look after all development agenda of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan).
• Empowerment of persons with disabilities is an inter disciplinary process, covering various aspects namely, prevention, early detection, intervention, education, health, vocational training, rehabilitation and social integration.

Vision –

• To build an inclusive society in which equal opportunities are provided for the growth and development of Persons with Disabilities so that they can lead productive, safe and dignified lives.

Mission –

• To empower Persons with Disabilities, through its various Acts/ Institutions/Organizations and Schemes for rehabilitation and to create an enabling environment that provides such persons with equal opportunities, protection of their rights and enables them to participate as independent and productive members of society.

PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Germany and the United Arab Emirates

Paper 2- International realtions

Why Should You Know?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a three-day visit to Germany and UAE beginning 26th of this month.
• Mr. Modi will visit Schloss Elmau, Germany for the G-7 Summit under the German Presidency on 26th and 27th of this month.
• During the Summit, he is expected to speak in two sessions that include Environment, Energy, Climate, Food Security, Health, Gender Equality and Democracy.
• In an effort to strengthen international collaboration on these important issues, other democracies such as Argentina, Indonesia, Senegal and South Africa have also been invited.
• On the sidelines of the summit, Mr. Modi will hold bilateral meetings with leaders of some of the participating countries. The invitation to the G7 Summit is in keeping with the tradition of strong and close partnership and high-level political contacts between India and Germany.
• After attending the G-7 Summit, Prime Minister Modi will be travelling to United Arab Emirates on 28th of this month to pay his personal condolences on the passing away of former UAE President  Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
• He will also take the opportunity to congratulate Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his election as the new President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The Prime Minister will depart from UAE the same night.

About G-7 –

• The Group of Seven (G-7) is an intergovernmental organization made up of the world’s largest developed economies: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
• The origins of the group date back to the early 1970s, when leaders of the U.S., U.K., France, West Germany, and Japan met informally in Paris to discuss the then recession and oil crisis. That, in turn, inspired French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing to invite the leaders of those countries, plus Italy, to Rambouillet in 1975 for further discussions on global oil, this time with the country’s leaders joining the finance ministers—an attendance roster that has endured. The next year, Canada was invited to join the group
• Government leaders of these countries meet periodically to address international economic and monetary issues, with each member taking over the presidency on a rotating basis.
• The major purpose of the G-7 is to discuss and sometimes act in concert to help resolve global problems, with a special focus on economic issues. Since its inception in the early 1970s, the group has discussed financial crises, monetary systems, and major world crises, such as oil shortages.

 

EU grants candidate status to Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia

Paper 2- International Issues

Why Should You Know?

• On June 24, 2022 The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to grant European Union candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova.
• European Council President Charles Michel made the announcement after discussions among leaders of the EU’s 27 member states.
• The vote was 529-45, with 14 abstentions. The European Parliament also approved EU candidacy for Georgia.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that this was a historic moment in Ukraine-EU relations and Ukraine’s future is within the EU.
• Moldovan President Maia Sandu tweeted that the decision was a strong signal of support for Moldova and our citizens.
• In order to join the 27-member EU bloc, the three countries  will be required to carry out a series of political and economic reforms.
• However, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, she was convinced that Ukraine and Moldova would move as swiftly as possible to implement necessary reforms.
• It is noteworthy that The European Council, which comprises the heads of all 27 EU governments, would have the final vote on Ukraine’s membership.
• The vote came as the U.S. said, it was sending 450 million dollar more in military aid to Ukraine, including some additional medium-range rocket systems.

About European Union (EU)–

• The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 countries. It operates an internal (or single) market which allows free movement of goods, capital, services and people between member states.
• The EU countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
• The European Economic Area (EEA) includes EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It allows them to be part of the EU’s single market.
• Switzerland is not an EU or EEA member but is part of the single market. This means Swiss nationals have the same rights to live and work in the UK as other EEA nationals.
• The union and EU citizenship were established when the Maastricht Treaty came into force in 1993.
• The EU traces its origins to the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Economic Community (EEC), established, respectively, by the 1951 Treaty of Paris and 1957 Treaty of Rome.
• The original member states of what came to be known as the European Communities were the Inner Six: Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany.

 

Promotion of rain based farming in Uttarakhand

Paper 3 – Agriculture

Why Should You Know?

• Recently The World Bank has approved a Rs 1,000 crore project to take rainfed farming to new heights in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand Climate Responsive Rain-fed Farming Project will be implemented by the Watershed Department.
• The state government had proposed the project which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for funding by the World Bank.
• The project will be financed by the World Bank. Additionally, it will encourage eco-friendly agricultural practices so that youth and farmers have an economically viable option.

About World Bank –

• The World Bank is the collective name for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporation and International Development Association (IDA), three of five international organizations owned by the World Bank Group.
• It was established along with the International Monetary Fund at the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference.
• it is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low- and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
• The World Bank is run by a president and 25 executive directors, as well as 29 various vice presidents. IBRD and IDA have 189 and 174 member countries, respectively.
• The bank aims loans at developing countries to help reduce poverty. The bank is engaged in several global partnerships and initiatives, and takes a role in working toward addressing climate change.

 

Snake Island

Paper 2 – International Issues

Why Should You Know?

• Ukraine has inflicted serious damage on Russian forces in air strikes on a land island in the Black Sea, also known as ‘Snake Island’.
• The attack on the island is believed to be the second major military success by the West using missiles delivered to Ukraine.
• Land Island, also known as Snake or Serpent Island, is a small piece of rock less than 700 meters in size, described as X-shaped.
• It is 35 km from the coast in the Black Sea. It is located far east of the mouth of the Danube and approximately south-west of the port city of Odessa.
• The Danube is the second longest river in Europe after the Volga. It rises from the Black Forest mountains of western Germany and covers a distance of about 2,850 km. It flows till its mouth on the Black Sea.

The Black Sea

• The famed water body bound by Ukraine to the north and northwest, Russia and Georgia to the east, Turkey to the south, and Bulgaria and Romania to the west, which links to the Sea of Marmara through the Bosphorus and then to the Aegean through the Dardanelles, has traditionally been Russia’s warm water gateway to Europe.