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JULY CURRENT AFFAIRS PART 2(2021) GOALTIDE IAS ACADEMY GOALTIDEIAS.COM | INFO@GOALTIDEIAS.COM
JULY CURRENT AFFAIRS PART 2(2021)
Introduction
Hello Everyone,
Every year more than 50 percent of the Prelims Paper is based on Current Affairs. It become
important for us to have very good command on Current Affairs. Hundreds of publications are
available in market. Aspirants are always confused how to prepare Current Affairs and most of
the times they end up choosing wrong publications. We will not let you fall in this trouble. Three
important courses are running simultaneously on our website for Current Affairs from Monday
to Friday- Daily Quiz section, Daily Current Affairs section and Daily News Section.
Daily Quiz will help you do the best preparation to handle any question in UPSC Prelims
Exam, Daily News section contains best opinion based Articles important for your Mains
Exam and Daily Current Affairs section will give you best Current Affairs which is
relevant for you Exam from all important sources (PIB+ all government websites, The
Hindu+ 10 different newspaper, etc. ). Nothing will be missed. This document is related to
Current Affairs section.
You might find it bulky but don’t worry. It contains lot of images to simplify your
understanding.
Hope you enjoy reading.
Thanks,
Abhishek Agarwal
Founder, GoalTide IAS Prelims Academy
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Table of Contents
CA1. Africa Open DEAL initiative............................................................................................................. 4
CA2. 6 ways we can take action on malnutrition, according to the UN ................................................. 5
CA3. Gram Nyayalayas ............................................................................................................................ 6
CA4. Ways & Means Advances (WMA) ................................................................................................... 7
CA6. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) .................................................................................. 10
CA7. Climate change could spark floods in world’s largest desert lake ............................................... 13
CA8. Permanent Court of Arbitration ................................................................................................... 14
CA9. Rainforests Explained ................................................................................................................... 15
CA10. Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Outlook ..................................... 16
CA11. Supreme Court Strikes Down part of 97th Constitutional Amendment .................................... 18
CA12. Contact Group on Economic and Trade issues (CGETI) .............................................................. 19
CA13. Departmentally Related Standing Committee ........................................................................... 19
CA14. Forex Reserves ............................................................................................................................ 22
CA15. High Strength Metastable Beta Titanium developed by DRDO. ................................................ 23
CA16. Eco-Textiles ................................................................................................................................. 24
CA17. Equator Initiative ........................................................................................................................ 25
CA18. National Council for Transgender Persons ................................................................................. 26
CA19. Conditional licensing of proprietary foods ................................................................................. 27
CA20. Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) ............................................................................... 28
CA21. Historic Urban Landscape Project .............................................................................................. 28
CA22. UN tax committee ...................................................................................................................... 29
CA23. Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) ........................................................................................... 29
CA24. Mapping India’s Energy Subsidies 2021 ..................................................................................... 31
CA25. The genome of a Salt-secreting Mangrove Species Decoded .................................................... 32
CA26. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines And Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules
(2021) .................................................................................................................................................... 33
CA27. Behali Reserve Forest ................................................................................................................. 35
CA28. Adaptation fund under united nations framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC) .. 35
CA29. World’s first space sustainability rating launched...................................................................... 36
CA30. Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation. ..................................................... 37
CA31. What is the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework? ............................................................ 38
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CA32. Government launches six tech innovation platforms to enable globally competent
manufacturing....................................................................................................................................... 39
CA33. Rajya Sabha Elections ................................................................................................................. 40
CA34. How composting can reduce our impact on the planet? ........................................................... 42
CA35. Generation Equality Forum ........................................................................................................ 44
CA36. Role of 'freight smart cities' to enhance urban freight systems ................................................ 44
CA37. Polluted river stretches in India.................................................................................................. 45
CA38. Ramappa Temple from Telangana & Dholavira city from Gujarat inscribed on the ‘World
Heritage List .......................................................................................................................................... 46
CA39. Pre-Pack resolution of MSME tabled.......................................................................................... 48
CA40. Capacity Building Initiative on Making Water Sensitive Cities in Ganga Basin .......................... 49
CA41. Cabinet Approves Amendment to DICGC Act............................................................................. 49
CA42. Academic Bank of Credit (ABC)................................................................................................... 50
CA43. Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS)....................................................................... 50
CA44. Red algal blooms on glaciers is a now regular phenomenon all over the world. ....................... 52
CA45. The concept of "Crowding out" and "Crowding in" economics ................................................. 52
CA46. Earth Overshoot Day .................................................................................................................. 54
CA47. Social Audit of Social Sector Schemes ........................................................................................ 55
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CA1. Africa Open DEAL initiative
Link: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/africa/africa-becomes-first-continent-to-
complete-collection-of-digital-land-use-data-77987
Africa has become the first continent in the world to complete the collection of accurate,
comprehensive and harmonised digital land use and land use change data under the Africa
Open DEAL initiative. DEAL stands for Data for the Environment, Agriculture and Land
Initiative.
The data collection and analysis initiative is led by the Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) and the African Union Commission (AUC).
Now,
The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme of India
The National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP), approved in 2008 as a
Centrally Sponsored Scheme, has since been revamped as the Digital India Land Records
Modernization Programme (DILRMP) as a Central Sector Scheme with cent per cent
Central funding with effect from 01st April 2016.
It attempts to build upon the commonalities that exist in the arena of land records in
various States to develop an appropriate Integrated Land Information Management System
(ILIMS) across the country, on which different States can also add State-specific needs as
they may deem relevant and appropriate.
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Current status of Programme:
Currently, Centre is Planning to link Aadhaar with land records. Wait for updates. If
approved, Aadhaar linking could become a part of the Digital India Land Records
Modernization Programme or DILRMP.
CA2. 6 ways we can take action on malnutrition, according to the UN
Link: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/07/un-food-security-malnutrition-mandela/
Nelson Mandela International Day is marked every 18 July. This year, the focus is on
malnutrition. In 2020, around a tenth of the world’s population was undernourished.
UN mentions six pathways for improving global food security:
Fostering peace-building alongside humanitarian aid
Many of the world’s most malnourished people live in war zones. One example of this is
Yemen, where acute malnutrition has reached record levels since the start of a civil war in
2014, affecting half of children under five.
Scaling up climate resilience across food systems
The UN report suggests that we need to move towards a “climate-positive future, in which
people and nature can co-exist and thrive”. From wildfires to locusts, climate change is
already affecting food security.
Strengthening the resilience of the most economically vulnerable
The world’s most vulnerable have been worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While
the social protection programmes implemented by governments were helpful, the report
says, they should be in place in advance of any economic downturn, so that when such
conditions arise, vulnerable populations are not left without a safety net and can still access
nutritious food and a healthy diet.
Reinventing the supply chain to lower the cost of nutritious foods
The report calls for government policies and incentives to help diversify production towards
nutritious foods like fruit, vegetables and legumes. It also recommends the fortification of
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staple foods with vitamins and minerals as a way to supply whole populations with critical
nutrients like iodine and iron.
One effective strategy in tackling this problem is the AGRUPAR programme in Quito,
Ecuador, where more than 4,400 urban gardens have been created, with 43% of produce
sold in local food markets. Because this produce is travelling shorter distances, the cost to
consumers is lowered.
Tackling poverty and structural inequalities
Inequality contributes to hunger, food insecurity and poor nutrition, especially in rural
areas, where poverty rates are three times higher than in urban settings.
Changing consumer behaviour to promote positive dietary habits
Poor nutrition doesn’t just impact health through starvation. It also leads to the kind of
weight problems that trigger diabetes, poor heart health and musculoskeletal disorders.
CA3. Gram Nyayalayas
The Law Commission of India, in its 114th Report, had suggested establishment of Gram
Nyayalayas for providing affordable and quick access to justice to the citizens at their
doorsteps. The Gram Nyayalayas Bill was passed by the Parliament on 22nd December 2008
and the Gram Nyayalayas Act came into force with effect from 02nd October, 2009.
Some of the salient features of the Gram Nyayalayas Act are as follows:
a. Gram Nyayalayas are aimed at providing inexpensive justice to people in rural areas
at their doorsteps
b. Gram Nyayalayas are to be established for every Panchayat at intermediate level or
a group of contiguous Panchayats at intermediate level or for a group of contiguous
Gram Panchayats
c. The seat of the Gram Nyayalayas shall be located at the headquarters of the
intermediate Panchayat.
d. The Nyayadhikari shall periodically visit villages and may hear the parties and dispose
of the cases at the place other than its headquarters
e. The Gram Nyayalayas will try criminal cases, civil suits, claims or disputes which are
specified in the First Schedule and the Second Schedule to the Act. They are to follow
summary procedure in criminal trial
f. Disputes are to be settled as far as possible by bringing about conciliation between
the parties and for this purpose, the Gram Nyayalayas will make use of the conciliators
to be appointed for this purpose
g. The Gram Nyayalayas shall not be bound by the rules of evidence provided in the
Indian Evidence Act, 1872 but shall be guided by the principles of natural justice
subject to any rule made by the High Court.
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CA4. Ways & Means Advances (WMA)
To help the states tide over such shortfalls in revenue and to meet their expenditure, the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) provides financial accommodation to the States. This is done in
the form of Ways & Means Advances (WMA).
Section 17(5) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934 governs the facilitation of WMA
by RBI to the states.
WMA is of two types:
• Normal WMA also referred to as clean advance (started in 1937)
• Special WMA started in 1953, which is now referred to as Special Drawing Facility (SDF)
since 2014.
How WMA is determined?
The extent to which the states can opt for WMA is reviewed periodically. A committee set
up by RBI reviews the criteria that determine the WMA limits. When WMA was introduced
in 1937, the WMA limit was kept equal to the minimum balance of the respective State
governments which was later revised periodically as a multiple of the respective states’
minimum balance. Since 1999, an Informal Advisory Committee (IAC) is constituted by RBI
to work out the criteria for setting WMA limits.
Currently, an Expenditure-based WMA limit is being followed. The current
recommendations were provided by a new committee constituted in August 2019. Before
the committee could come up with its recommendations, the pandemic broke out in 2020
and hence an interim report for 2020-21 was released.
Other tools apart from WMA:
Special Drawing Facility (SDF):
Apart from WMA, the State Governments are further provided the option of Special
Drawing Facility (SDF). This facility was in place since 1953 and is provided against the
collateral of their investments in marketable securities issued by the Government of India.
While a limit was set earlier, the IAC has decided to allow the states to draw freely against
their holdings of GoI securities since 1999.
Overdraft Facility (OD):
The States can borrow money from RBI beyond WMA & SDF, to adjust the fiscal position,
but are required to pay back immediately. When advances to State Governments exceed
their SDF and WMA limits, an OD facility is provided. The regulations and limits on the usage
of ODF have evolved over the period of time. As per the current norms, States governments
are allowed to run on OD for up to 14 consecutive days.
All the advances granted to the State governments i.e., WMA, SDF & OD attract interest
on the outstanding amount.
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Utilization of SDF & WMA increased during 2020-21 compared to earlier
CA5. A Landmark report on extinction in Amazon
Link: https://science.thewire.in/environment/over-10000-species-risk-extinction-in-amazon-
says-landmark-report/
More than 10,000 species of plants and animals are at high risk of extinction due to the
destruction of the Amazon rainforest – 35% of which has already been deforested or
degraded, according to the draft of a landmark scientific report published recently.
Few important points of report:
• According to the report, the soil and vegetation of the Amazon hold about 200 billion
tonnes of carbon, more than five times the whole world’s annual CO2 emissions.
• Furthermore, the continued destruction caused by human interference in the Amazon
puts more than 8,000 endemic plants and 2,300 animals at high risk of extinction.
• Of its original size, 18% of the Amazon basin has already been deforested, according to
the report – mostly for agriculture and illegal timber. Another 17% has been degraded.
About Amazon:
This picture is very important.
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Much of the Amazon could be on the verge of losing its distinct nature and switching from a
closed canopy rainforest to an open savannah with far fewer trees due to the chronic
stresses of deforestation and climate change.
Why they are saying Savannah?
A savanna or savannah is a mixed woodland-grassland ecosystem characterized by the trees
being sufficiently widely spaced so that the canopy does not close. See Savannah biome
below:
CA6. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was registered as a society on 12th August 2011
under the Societies Registration Act 1860. It acted as implementation arm of National
Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) which was constituted under the provisions of the
Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986.
But, NGRBA has since been dissolved, consequent to constitution of National Council for
Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga (referred as National Ganga
Council).
So, from now,
National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga =
National Ganga Council). NO CONFUSION.
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So, now we will study National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of
River Ganga. We go through all provisions of the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and
Management) Authorities Order, 2016. See below. Everything will be clear.
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Function of Empowered Committee: The Empowered Task Force on River Ganga shall co-
ordinate and advise on matters relating to rejuvenation, protection and management of
River Ganga and its tributaries.
There are also provisions of State Ganga Committees and District Ganga Committees in
every specified district.
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CA7. Climate change could spark floods in world’s largest desert lake
Link: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/climate-change-could-spark-floods-
worlds-largest-desert-lake-new-study
The report was released by UNEP.
The report found that over the next 20 years, climate change could likely lead to heavier
rains over Lake Turkana’s River inflows, which would raise water levels in the lake itself
and increase the likelihood of severe flooding.
The study urged officials in Kenya and Ethiopia, which both border Lake Turkana, to prepare
for a future in which once-rare floods, such as those that hit the region in 2019 and 2020,
are regular occurrences.
Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake, is part of the Omo-Turkana basin, which
stretches into four countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda. The basin is
home to many rare plants and animals.
Since 1988, Ethiopia has built a series of hydroelectric dams on its main tributary, the
Omo River, leading to predictions of Lake Turkana’s demise.
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CA8. Permanent Court of Arbitration
The PCA was established by the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International
Disputes, concluded at The Hague in 1899 during the first Hague Peace Conference. The
Conference had been convened at the initiative of Czar Nicolas II of Russia “with the object
of seeking the most objective means of ensuring to all peoples the benefits of a real and
lasting peace, and above all, of limiting the progressive development of existing
armaments.”
It is an intergovernmental organization providing a variety of dispute resolution services to
the international community.
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The PCA provides administrative support in international arbitrations involving various
combinations of states, state entities, international organizations and private parties. The
PCA has experience in administering international arbitrations concerning disputes arising
out of treaties, including bilateral investment treaties and multilateral treaties, and other
instruments. The PCA also plays an important role under the United Nations Commission
on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Rules.
CA9. Rainforests Explained
Found on every continent except Antarctica, rainforests are ecosystems filled with mostly
evergreen trees that typically receive high amounts of rainfall. Tropical rainforests are found
near the equator, with high average temperatures and humidity, while temperate
rainforests lie mostly in coastal, mountainous areas within the mid-latitudes.
A rainforest is typically made up of four key layers: emergent, upper canopy, understory,
and forest floor. In the top emergent layer, trees as tall as 200 feet (60 meters) grow far
apart and tall, their branches reaching above the canopy. The upper canopy, a deep layer
of vegetation roughly 20 feet (6 meters) thick, houses most of the rainforest's animal
species and forms a roof that blocks most light from reaching below.
Below the canopy, the understory is a low-light layer dominated by shorter plants with
broad leaves, such as palms and philodendrons. On the dark forest floor, few plants are
able to grow and decaying matter from the upper layers is prevalent, feeding the roots of
the trees.
Rainforests are often partly self-watering. Plants release water into the atmosphere through
a process called transpiration. The moisture helps create the thick cloud cover that hangs
over most rainforests. Even when it's not raining, these clouds keep the rainforest humid
and warm.
Rainforest benefits
When we lose rainforests, we lose an important natural resource. Tropical rainforests are
centers of biodiversity, holding an estimated half of the world’s plants and animals, many
of which have yet to be catalogued (some scientists estimate that it’s two-thirds of the
world's plants). Rainforests produce, store, and filter water, protecting against soil erosion,
floods, and drought.
Many of the plants found in rainforests are being used to make medicine, including anti-
cancer drugs, along with beauty products and foods. One drug under development for
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treating HIV, Calanolide A, is derived from a tree discovered on Malaysian Borneo.
CA10. Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Marine Protected Areas (MPA)
Outlook
Link: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/western-indian-ocean-region-
has-declared-550000-square-kilometers
The Marine Protected Areas Outlook, released recently, indicates that almost half of the
total area was brought under protection in the seven years since the 2015 adoption of
Sustainable Development Goal 14.5, which committed countries to conserving at least 10
percent of their marine and coastal areas by 2020.
This Outlook examines the current and future status of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in
Comoros, Kenya, France (in its Western Indian Ocean territories), Madagascar, Mauritius,
Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, and Tanzania, emphasizing the increased
commitment of countries to strengthen marine protection.
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The Western Indian Ocean region has declared 143* marine and coastal areas as protected
– an area covering 553,163 square kilometers, representing 7 percent of the total Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ) for the region – according to a new publication by the UN Environment
Programme (UNEP)-Nairobi Convention and the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science
Association.
Though countries in the region have made significant strides in protecting its marine and
coastal areas, the Outlook outlines best practices, challenges, and several opportunities to
build on this progress to ensure the entire region meets future Global Biodiversity
Framework targets on marine protected areas.
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About the Nairobi Convention
The Nairobi Convention, signed by Comoros, France, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius,
Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, and Tanzania, aims to promote a
prosperous Western Indian Ocean region with healthy rivers, coasts, and oceans. It
provides a platform for governments, civil society, and the private sector to work together
for the sustainable management and use of the marine and coastal environment.
CA11. Supreme Court Strikes Down part of 97th Constitutional
Amendment
Link: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/co-operative-societies-supreme-court-
strikes-down-parts-of-a-constitutional-amendment/article35433660.ece
The Supreme Court in a 2:1 majority verdict upheld the validity of the 97th constitutional
amendment that deals with issues related to effective management of cooperative societies
but struck down a part related to their setting up and functioning.
The 97th constitutional amendment, which dealt with issues related to effective
management of cooperative societies in the country, was passed by parliament in December
2011 and had come into effect from February 15, 2012.
The change in the constitution has amended Article 19(1)(c) to give protection to the
cooperatives and inserted Article 43 B and Part IX B, relating to them.
While Article 19(1)(c) guarantees freedom to form association or unions or cooperative
societies subject to certain restrictions, Article 43 B says that states shall endeavour to
promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and
professional management of cooperative societies.
The Part IX B of the constitution inserted by the 97th amendment deals with
incorporation, terms of members of the board and its office bearers and effective
management of cooperative societies. The Centre has contended that the provision does
not denude states of their power to enact laws with regard to cooperatives.
The bench unanimously held that the 97th Constitutional Amendment required ratification
by at least one-half of the state legislatures as per Article 368(2) of the Constitution, since
it dealt with a entry which was an exclusive state subject (co-operative societies). Since such
ratification was not done in the case of the 97th Constitutional amendment, it was liable
to be struck down.
As per Article 368(2), ratification of one-half of state legislatures is required for an
amendment which makes changes to an entry in the state list. Since co-operative societies
was a state subject as per Entry 32 in List II of the Seventh Schedule, the amendment
introducing Part IX B required ratification as per Article 368(2).
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CA12. Contact Group on Economic and Trade issues (CGETI)
Link: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1737075
For the year 2021, India is the Chair of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China & South
Africa). Of the various groups of BRICS, the Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues
(CGETI) is responsible for economic and trade matters. The Department of Commerce is the
national coordinator for the BRICS CGETI.
The Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues (CGETI) is a key platform for BRICS
Members to exchange views on a range of economic, trade and investment related issues.
The exchange of policy perspectives and priorities lays an essential basis for enhanced
coordination and cooperation among the BRICS Members on these issues.
Meeting of the CGETI was held from 12-14 July 2021.During the three-day meeting, the
BRICS Members deliberated on the following proposals circulated by India, for
strengthening and increasing the Intra-BRICS cooperation and trade:
• BRICS Cooperation on Multilateral Trading System;
• BRICS Framework for ensuring Consumer Protection in E-Commerce;
• Non-Tariff Measures (NTM) Resolution Mechanism for SPS/TBT Measures;
• Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Working Mechanism;
• Cooperation framework for protection of Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge
and Traditional Cultural Expressions;
• BRICS Framework on Cooperation in Professional Services.
CA13. Departmentally Related Standing Committee
If you learn about basic about anybody, you will never forget. Read now.
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These DRSCs replaced the earlier three Subject Committees constituted in August 1989.
The 17 Departmentally Related Standing Committees were formally constituted with
effect from April 1993. After experiencing the working of the DRSC system for over a
decade, the system was re-structured in July 2004 wherein the number of DRSCs was
increased from 17 to 24.
Ok, one thing you remember here, that DRSC, are mentioned in the Rules of House of
both Lok Sabha (331C) and Rajya Sabha (268).
Composition:
Till 13th Lok Sabha, each of these Standing Committees used to consist of 45 members—30
nominated by the Speaker from amongst the members of Lok Sabha and 15 members
nominated by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha from amongst the members of Rajya Sabha.
However, with re-structuring of DRSCs in July 2004 each DRSC consists of 31 members—21
from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha.
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Minister not to be a Member of the Committee:
A Minister is not eligible to be nominated as a member of any of the Standing Committees
and if a member, after her/his nomination to any of the Standing Committees, is appointed
a Minister, she/he ceases to be a member of the Committee from the date of such
appointment.
Term of Office:
The term of office of the “members” of the committees shall not exceed one year. Thus, it is
the term of office of the members and not that of the committees per se that is one year.
Remember this small thing
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The Committees do not consider the matters of day-to-day administration of the
concerned Ministries/ Departments. The Committees also do not generally consider the
matters which are under consideration by other Parliamentary Committees.
CA14. Forex Reserves
Link: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1736885
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With India’s forex reserves at $608.99 billion as on June 25, 2021 stood, India has emerged
as the fifth largest foreign exchange reserves holder in the world after China, Japan,
Switzerland and Russia.
RBI takes regular steps for diversification of forex reserves by scaling up operations in forex
swap and repo markets, acquisition of gold and exploring new markets/products, while
adhering to safety and liquidity standards. Variation in India’s forex reserves is primarily
the outcome of RBI’s intervention in the foreign exchange market to smoothen exchange
rate volatility, valuation changes due to movement of US dollar against other international
currencies in the reserve basket, movement in gold prices, interest earnings from
deployment of foreign currency assets and inflow of aid receipts.
CA15. High Strength Metastable Beta Titanium developed by DRDO.
Link: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-develops-high-strength-titanium-
alloy-for-aerospace-forgings/article35421043.ece
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a high
strength titanium alloy on industrial scale for applications in aerospace structural forgings.
The high strength beta titanium alloys are unique due to their higher strength, ductility,
fatigue, and fracture toughness – making them increasingly attractive for aircraft structural
applications.
Something more about Titanium.
Where Does Titanium Come from?
Most of the world's titanium is produced by mining heavy mineral sands. These sands
occur down-gradient from exposed masses of igneous rock such as gabbro, norite, and
anorthosite.
When these rocks are broken down by weathering, the titanium minerals are among the
most resistant. They are concentrated by weathering and transported downstream as grains
of sand and silt. Eventually, they are deposited as sand along the coastline of a continent.
This is where they are usually dredged or mined.
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Titanium is produced commercially by reducing titanium (IV) chloride with magnesium.
Titanium (IV) oxide is produced commercially by either the ‘sulphate process’ or the
‘chloride process’, both of which use the mineral ilmenite as a starting material.
Uses
a. Titanium is as strong as steel but much less dense. It is therefore important as an
alloying agent with many metals including aluminium, molybdenum and iron. These
alloys are mainly used in aircraft, spacecraft and missiles because of their low density
and ability to withstand extremes of temperature. They are also used in golf clubs,
laptops, bicycles and crutches.
b. Power plant condensers use titanium pipes because of their resistance to corrosion.
Because titanium has excellent resistance to corrosion in seawater, it is used in
desalination plants and to protect the hulls of ships, submarines and other structures
exposed to seawater.
c. Titanium metal connects well with bone, so it has found surgical applications such as
in joint replacements (especially hip joints) and tooth implants.
d. The largest use of titanium is in the form of titanium (IV) oxide. It is extensively used
as a pigment in house paint, artists’ paint, plastics, enamels and paper. It is a bright
white pigment with excellent covering power. It is also a good reflector of infrared
radiation and so is used in solar observatories where heat causes poor visibility.
e. Titanium (IV) oxide is used in sunscreens because it prevents UV light from reaching
the skin. Nanoparticles of titanium (IV) oxide appear invisible when applied to the skin.
Biological role
Titanium has no known biological role. It is non-toxic. Fine titanium dioxide dust is a
suspected carcinogen.
CA16. Eco-Textiles
The textile industry is considered as the most ecologically harmful industry in the world. In
the production process like bleaching and then dyeing, the subsequent fabric makes a toxin
that swells into our ecosystem. Therefore, the need for eco-textiles is felt. Green textiles
refer to clothing and other accessories that are designed to use the organic and recycled
material.
Bamboo, corn husk, orange peels, pineapples, soya beans, eucalyptus, lotus stems, betel
nut husks, nettle, hemp, aloe vera, rose petals, sugarcane, milk and even fish scales are no
longer food or agri residues discarded as waste. They are increasingly becoming a favoured
feedstock for the textile industry.
India generates over 500 million tons of agricultural and agro-industrial residues every
year, according to official data of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Across the country, agricultural waste is managed largely by burning, which causes
unintended environmental damage
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Similarly, most aspects of conventional textile manufacturing immensely damage the
environment. “For instance, polyester is plastic. Consumers and manufacturers both want to
shift to better materials, but choosing between environment and economics has been an
either-or choice. This is where agro-waste fabrics come into the picture. When crop waste
becomes feedstock for textile manufacturing, both sectors become planet-friendly.
Why it is beneficial for farmers?
Manufacturing yarns from agri-waste requires one-sixth of water needed for producing
cotton yarns. As we don’t cultivate the raw material and use only waste, we can argue that
these are zero water footprint raw materials.
The work of eco-textile manufacturers is helping reduce fashion’s carbon footprint, it is also
benefiting farmers by improving their livelihood prospects in rural areas. From spending
money to dispose of crop residues, farmers are now earning extra income by selling agri-
waste.
Global fibre production has reached well over 100 million tonne per year in 2019 and is
expected to rise even further. Developing alternative fibre sources is more critical now than
it’s ever been.
CA17. Equator Initiative
The Equator Initiative is a UNDP-led partnership that brings together the UN, governments,
civil society, businesses and grassroots organizations to advance local sustainable
development solutions for people, nature and resilient communities.
The Equator Initiative accomplishes its goals through three action areas:
The Equator Prize is awarded biennially to recognize and advance local sustainable
development solutions for people, nature and resilient communities.
Equator Dialogues provide opportunities for people to share experiences, develop
capacities and influence policy.
Equator Knowledge is a research, documentation and learning program focused on local
best practice in sustainable development.
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CA18. National Council for Transgender Persons
The Centre has constituted the National Council for Transgender Persons to formulate
policies, programmes, legislation and projects regarding members of the community for
achieving equality and full participation by them.
The council was established by the Centre in exercise of the powers conferred by the
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
a. The council has representatives from community members, five states and 10
central departments.
b. Its chairperson will be the Union Minister of the Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment while the vice-chairperson will be the junior minister in the ministry,
according to the gazette notification.
c. The other members will be from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry
Home Affairs, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Minority Affairs ministry and
Rural Development ministry among others, it said.
d. The representatives of the state governments and union territories by rotation, one
each from the north, south, east, west and northeast regions have also been
announced.
e. Also, five representatives of the transgender community (this is important), one
each from the north, south, east, west and northeast regions have also been
announced.
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CA19. Conditional licensing of proprietary foods
Link:
https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Draft_Consultation_Proprietary_Foods_14_07_
2021.pdf
Section 22 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 defines “Proprietary Food” as an
article of food for which standards have not been specified but is not unsafe, provided
that such food does not contain any of the foods and ingredients prohibited under this Act
and regulations made thereunder.
What is the problem:
Many products which have stringent vertical standards (explained below) or have
restrictions or prohibitions attached or specific packaging or labelling requirements tend to
be closely duplicated under Proprietary Foods. There is no mandate for Proprietary foods
to comply with vertical standards and they are tested only for horizontal standards of the
nearest food category. The diversion towards Proprietary Foods is due to lack of explicit
laws/guidelines on the subject and loose compliance requirements, due to which it has the
risk of being put to wrong use by circumventing such stringent provisions under the
standardized food products category by taking license under Proprietary Foods.
Note: Horizontal standards cut across various categories of foods and contain standards
about Contaminants, Toxins, Residues, Packaging, Labelling, etc. Vertical standards
mainly include identity and compositional standards of specific food products which cover
additives, microbiological requirements etc
For instance, Honey with Ashwagandha can be allowed as a Proprietary Food, however,
there is no requirement that the product should comply with the vertical standards of
Honey as such.
At the same time, there is a need to facilitate use of standardized additives to food
products without forcing manufacturers to apply for proprietary food licenses.
In order to resolve the above-mentioned issues, the concept of Conditional Licensing is
proposed:
The concept of Conditional Licensing is intended to check the entry of such products into
the market where composition of the product is diluted/diverted to avoid compliance with
standardised food products and yet allow entry of value-added food products which could
not fit into the description of a standardised food product or are altogether different
products made out of a mix of standardised food products.
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CA20. Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
Principles for Responsible Investment is a United Nations-supported international network
of investors working together to implement its six aspirational principles
There is total six principles:
• Principle 1: We will incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making
processes.
• Principle 2: We will be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership
policies and practices.
• Principle 3: We will seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we
invest.
• Principle 4: We will promote acceptance and implementation of the principles within the
investment industry.
• Principle 5: We will work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the
principles.
• Principle 6: We will each report on our activities and progress towards implementing the
principles.
The Principles for Responsible Investment were developed by an international group of
institutional investors reflecting the increasing relevance of environmental, social and
corporate governance issues to investment practices.
The six Principles for Responsible Investment are a voluntary and aspirational set of
investment principles that offer a menu of possible actions for incorporating ESG issues into
investment practice.
CA21. Historic Urban Landscape Project
In Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior and Orchha cities have been selected by UNESCO under
‘Historic Urban Landscape Project’ for the inclusive and well-planned development of fast-
growing historical cities while preserving the culture and heritage.
Six cities of South Asia, including Ajmer and Varanasi in India are already involved in this
project. Orchha and Gwalior have been included as the 7th and 8th cities. The
development and management plan of these cities will be prepared by UNESCO.
The cities will be jointly developed by UNESCO, Government of India and Madhya Pradesh
by focusing on their historical and cultural improvement.
About the Project.
It was adopted in 2011 at UNESCO’s General Conference.
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• It aims to integrate conservation and management of cultural heritage in cities and
settlements with policies and practices for sustainable urban development.
• The historic urban landscape approach moves beyond the preservation of the physical
environment, and focuses on the entire human environment with all of its tangible and
intangible qualities
• If dealt with properly, urban heritage will act as a catalyst for socio-economic
development through tourism, commercial use, and higher land and property values –
thereby providing the revenues out of which to pay for maintenance, restoration and
rehabilitation.
CA22. UN tax committee
On the basis of the nominations presented by Member States, the Secretary General has
decided to appoint the following persons to the Committee of Experts on International
Cooperation in Tax Matters, for a term ending on 30 June 2025. One member is:
The Committee guides countries’ efforts to advance stronger and more forward-looking
tax policies adapted to the realities of globalised trade and investment, an increasingly
digitalised economy and worsening environmental degradation.
It assists countries in their efforts to prevent double or multiple taxation as well as non-
taxation, broaden their tax base, strengthen their tax administrations, and curb
international tax evasion and avoidance.
The UN Tax Committee fosters international cooperation on domestic and international
tax matters and works closely with observers from government, civil society, business and
academia, to develop guidance and encourage an inclusive setting of norms and policies.
CA23. Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC)
On July 21, 2021, 11th Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) meeting was held.
The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) is an initiative by six countries – India and five
ASEAN countries, namely, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam for
cooperation in tourism, culture, education, as well as transport and communications. It was
launched in 2000 at Vientiane, Lao PDR.
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Both the Ganga and the Mekong are civilizational rivers, and the MGC initiative aims to
facilitate closer contacts among the people inhabiting these two major river basins. The
MGC is also indicative of the cultural and commercial linkages among the member countries
of the MGC down the centuries.
The Mekong is the world’s twelfth-longest river. It rises in China, on the Tibetan Plateau,
before it runs down through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
The Mekong region is very important for India's 'Act East Policy' for strengthening its
economic integration with Southeast and East-Asian countries. India has accorded high
priority to economic engagement with the MGC countries, working towards establishing
seamless physical and digital connectivity, as well as capacity building under the Initiative
for ASEAN Integration and Narrowing the Development Gap.
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CA24. Mapping India’s Energy Subsidies 2021
Now directly to major points of topic:
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Nothing more is needed here. Just see trend.
CA25. The genome of a Salt-secreting Mangrove Species Decoded
Link: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1734363
Scientists at the DBT have reported for the first time a reference-grade whole genome
sequence of a highly salt-tolerant and salt-secreting true-mangrove species, Avicennia
marina.
Significance of Study:
• This study assumes significance as agriculture productivity globally is affected due to
abiotic stress factors such as limited water availability and salinization of soil and
water.
• The genomic resources generated in the study will pave the way for researchers to
study the potential of the identified genes for developing drought and salinity
tolerant varieties of important crop species of the coastal region that is significant for
India with 7,500m of coastline and two major island systems.
About Mangroves:
• Mangroves are salt-tolerant vegetation that grows in intertidal regions of rivers and
estuaries. They are referred to as ‘tidal forests’ and belong to the category of ‘tropical
wetland rainforest ecosystem’.
• Mangroves give protection to the coastline and minimise disasters due to cyclones
and tsunami. Recent studies have shown that mangroves store more carbon dioxide
than most other forests.
• Mangroves are an intermediate vegetation between land and sea that grow in oxygen
deficient water-logged soils which have Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S). They perform
important ecological functions like nutrient cycling, hydrological regime, coastal
protection, fish-fauna production, etc.
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• Mangroves act as shock absorbers. They reduce high tides and waves and help
prevent soil erosion. They also provide livelihood opportunities to coastal
communities.
Latest data on Mangroves:
CA26. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines And
Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules (2021)
The newly notified Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media
Ethics Code) Rules 2021 (IT Rules 2021)1 have replaced the previous decade-old Information
Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules 2011 (IT Rules 2011).
The IT Rules 2021 bring to the forefront several new obligations for social media and digital
streaming platforms to follow. It is important to mention here that these new rules are
mandatory for social media and digital streaming platforms if they want to claim the
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"intermediary safe harbour" status - which is basically protection from being held liable
for any third-party content that they carry on their platform.
Scope
While the IT Rules 2011 regulated all "intermediaries" without any distinction in terms of
their user base or the content hosted on their platform, the IT Rules 2021 are divided into
two parts based on their applicability. Part II regulates intermediaries and Part III is
applicable to digital media including publishers of news and current affairs or publishers of
online content as follows:
• Social Media Intermediary < 50 lakh registered Indian users;
• Significant Social Media Intermediary > 50 lakh registered Indian users-
• Additional due diligence to be observed by these intermediaries include: (i) appointing
a chief compliance officer to ensure compliance with the IT Act and the Rules, (ii)
appointing a grievance officer residing in India, and (iii) publishing a monthly
compliance report.
• Publisher of news and current affairs content including news aggregators;
• Publisher of online curated content which covers all online streaming platforms
including Over-the-Top ('OTT') platforms.
What is safe harbour status?
The very need to expand safe harbour provisions came to light in the year 2008, when the
officer of a website was charged under the Indian Penal Code for an obscene video
uploaded on its website by a third-party entity. Following this incident, the Information
Technology Act 2000 was amended in the year 2008 (2008 Amendment) wherein it was
inserted that the intermediaries which merely acted as platforms for the transmission of
information shall not be held accountable for any liability accrued through an offence
being committed on their platform without their knowledge. Further, the 2008
Amendment widened the definition of 'intermediary' which included online payment sites,
search engines, internet service providers, etc.
Conclusion
In recent times, we are already witnessing the battle between the Indian Central
Government and Twitter - India regarding 'compliance' as mentioned in the IT Rules 2021,
but since the IT Rules 2021 are self-explanatory, non-compliance would automatically
mean that the intermediaries would not be able to claim the safe harbour principle and
therefore would be responsible for any acts committed of the third party even if the same
has been done without the knowledge of the intermediary. The penalties for non-
compliance are very much severe and therefore, the intermediaries ought to comply with
the IT Rules 2021 to secure themselves against penalties and to avoid losing the safe
harbour principle.
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CA27. Behali Reserve Forest
Link: https://india.mongabay.com/2021/07/neglect-shrouds-behali-reserve-forests-
biodiversity-along-assam-arunachal-border/
A neglected and fragmented biodiversity-rich forest patch, Behali Reserve Forest in Assam,
needs urgent protection. Experts say it must be upgraded to a protected area for
conserving the flora and fauna.
Lying on the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, the forest is part of a disputed
territory and has witnessed rampant encroachment over the years.
Behali, in the north of the Brahmaputra River, became a 140-square km reserve forest
(designated under the then British laws) in 1917, during the First World War. The area
straddling a disputed Assam and Arunachal Pradesh border was never upgraded to a
protected forest despite its remarkable flora and fauna.
Watch this small video: https://youtu.be/r8gLO6cXmjw
CA28. Adaptation fund under united nations framework convention
on climate change (UNFCCC)
The Adaptation Fund (AF) was set up under the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It was established in 2001 and
officially launched in 2007 at CoP 7 in Marrakech, Morocco.
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a. It aims to finance concrete projects and programmes that help vulnerable
communities in developing countries that are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol to adapt
to climate change.
b. The Fund is financed in part by government and private donors, and also from a
two percent share of proceeds of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) issued under
the Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects.
c. The Adaptation Fund headquartered in Washington, USA is supervised and managed
by the Adaptation Fund Board (AFB).
d. The AFB is composed of 16 members and 16 alternates and holds periodic meetings
throughout the year. The World Bank serves as trustee of the Adaptation Fund on
an interim basis.
e. Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Govt. of India is the National
Designated Authority (NDA) for Adaptation Fund and proposals are submitted with
endorsement of NDA.
f. NABARD has been accredited as National Implementing Entity (NIE) for Adaptation
Fund in July 2012 and is the only NIE for India.
The NIEs are those national legal entities nominated by Parties (to the Kyoto Protocol) that
are recognized by the Board as meeting the fiduciary standards established by the Board.
The NIEs bear full responsibility for the overall management of the projects and
programmes financed by the Adaptation Fund and have all financial, monitoring, and
reporting responsibilities.
CA29. World’s first space sustainability rating launched
Link: https://www.weforum.org/our-impact/world-s-first-space-sustainability-rating-
launched/
The world’s first Space Sustainability Rating (SSR) has been developed to reduce space
debris and ensure that rapidly increasing space missions launched worldwide are
managed safely and sustainably.
The SSR concept was developed by the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on
Space Technologies.
By voluntarily taking part in the new SSR system, spacecraft operators, launch service
providers and satellite manufacturers will be able to secure one of four levels of
certification which they can share externally to show their mission’s level of sustainability.
This will increase transparency and approach to debris mitigation, without disclosing
mission-sensitive or proprietary information.
Why?
With more satellites being launched each year, the risk of accidents and the creation of
more debris continues to rise. This has created the need for a global system to foster the
long-term sustainability of the space environment.
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