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Type: PIB

  • [pib] Sub-Committee for GRAP reviews the Air Quality scenario in New Delhi

    Why in the News?

    • Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) registered at 243, falling under the ‘Poor’ category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
      • In response to this, the Sub-Committee under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) convened to assess the situation and strategize under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

    About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

    • The GRAP was conceived as a response to the alarming findings of a WHO study in 2014, which ranked Delhi as the most polluted city globally.
    • It is a framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
    • The Supreme Court (M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India Case, 2016) approved GRAP after multiple expert consultations.
    • First GRAP was notified in January 2017 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

    Implementation of GRAP:

    • The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) took over the responsibility of implementing GRAP in 2021.
    • Before 2021, the SC appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) would instruct states to enforce GRAP measures.
    • The CAQM recommendations depend on the Air Quality Index (AQI) and meteorological predictions provided by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

    Revised measures to implement:

    Air Quality Stage AQI Range Measures to be implemented
    Stage I (Poor) 201-300 Enforce NGT/Supreme Court’s order on over-aged diesel/petrol vehicles.
    Stage II (Very Poor) 301-400 Implement rigorous actions to combat air pollution at identified hotspots.
    Stage III (Severe) 401-450 Impose strict restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles. Suspend physical classes in schools for primary grade children up to Class 5 in certain areas.
    Stage IV (Severe Plus) >450 Prohibit the entry of four-wheelers registered outside Delhi, except for electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel vehicles.

     

    Current Air Quality Scenario: Factors Contributing 

    • The GRAP sub-committee noted the following natural causes exacerbating dust suspension across the National Capital Region (NCR):
    1. Fluctuating wind patterns,
    2. Higher convection rates, and
    3. Arid weather conditions.
    • Additionally, increased instances of agricultural residue burning and forest fires in neighboring states were identified as potential contributors to deteriorating air quality.

    Action Plan suggested by GRAP Sub-Committee

    • Intensive Drives at Pollution Hotspots: The concerned Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) and NCR committees were tasked with conducting rigorous inspections at major pollution hotspots, prioritizing dust abatement measures.
    • Enhanced Dust Control Measures: Measures such as increased deployment of water sprinklers and mechanical road sweeping equipment were recommended to mitigate dust levels.
    • Preventing Open Burning: Vigilance against instances of open burning, including municipal solid waste (MSW) and agricultural residue, was emphasized to curb further pollution.
    • Strict Enforcement: Dust Control & Management Cells (DCMCs) and enforcement teams were instructed to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts at construction sites and road projects.
    • Inspections and Compliance: Flying Squads of CPCB were directed to conduct thorough inspections and take appropriate action against violators of environmental regulations.

    PYQ:

    [2016] In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

    1. Carbon dioxide

    2. Carbon monoxide

    3. Nitrogen dioxide

    4. Sulphur dioxide

    5. Methane

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • [pib] IMEX 2024, Frankfurt 

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Tourism is actively engaging in IMEX, Frankfurt to position India as a premier MICE destination on the International stage.

    Back2Basics: IMEX

    • IMEX is an international trade show for the meetings, events, and incentive travel industry.
    • It stands for “International Meeting Exchange” and is held annually in Frankfurt, Germany.
    • It was established in the year 2001.
    • IMEX provides a platform for professionals in the global events industry to network, conduct business, and gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in event planning and management.
    • IMEX hosts two major annual events:
    1. IMEX America in Las Vegas and
    2. IMEX in Frankfurt, Germany.
    • These events are significant for facilitating connections within the industry, offering extensive educational opportunities, and showcasing industry innovations.

    What is MICE Tourism?

    • MICE Tourism refers to “Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions,” representing a sector of the travel industry specializing in the planning and booking of logistics for large and small-scale corporate events.
      • Meetings: Involves small to large gatherings where business topics and are organized to discuss and exchange information.
      • Incentives: Involves company-organized trips as rewards or incentives to employees or partners to motivate them or reward them for their performance.
      • Conferences: These are large gatherings focused on particular topics, where participants discuss issues of mutual interest.
      • Exhibitions: Also known as expos, these events are where businesses showcase and demonstrate their new products and services.
    • This sector is highly valued for its contribution to the economic development of a region by bringing in significant numbers of visitors, who then utilize various services such as hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.

    India’s Focus on MICE Tourism:

    • Addressing Seasonality: The Ministry of Tourism has identified MICE tourism as a niche sector to mitigate the issue of seasonality and promote India as a year-round destination for international travelers.
    • Meet in India Initiative: Under the umbrella of the ‘Incredible India’ campaign, the Ministry has launched the ‘Meet in India’ sub-brand, aimed at showcasing India’s robust MICE infrastructure, connectivity, and diverse tourist attractions to a global audience.

    Success Stories and Global Recognition:

    • G20 Presidency Impact: India’s G20 Presidency witnessed over 200 meetings in 56 cities nationwide, showcasing the country’s strong MICE infrastructure and cultural heritage to the world.
    • Enhanced Global Visibility: Through these initiatives, India has gained prominence as a premier global hub for MICE activities, attracting increased tourism and business opportunities both domestically and internationally.
    • ICCA Ranking: India’s efforts have been recognized internationally, positioning the country at the 9th rank in the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) ranking of countries in the Asia Pacific region in 2022.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] The term ‘Digital Single Market Strategy’ seen in the news refers to-

    (a) ASEAN

    (b) BRICS

    (c) EU

    (d) G20

  • [pib] Critical Minerals Summit

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of Mines has organized a pivotal summit in New Delhi aimed at fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and driving innovation in Critical Mineral beneficiation and processing.

    What are Critical Minerals?

    • Critical Minerals are indispensable for economic development and national security, with their scarcity or concentration in specific regions posing potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
    • The declaration and identification of Critical Minerals is an ongoing process, influenced by technological advancements, market dynamics, and geopolitical factors.

    Critical Minerals in India:

    • India has identified 30 Critical Minerals (July 2023) based on factors like disruption potential, import reliance, and cross-sectoral usage.
      • Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, Rare Earth Elements, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium and Cadmium.

    Critical Minerals

    Global Perspective:

    Various nations have outlined their lists of Critical Minerals based on unique circumstances:

    • The US recognizes 50 minerals critical for national security and economic development.
    • Japan has identified 31 minerals crucial for its economy.
    • The UK, EU, and Canada have their respective lists, reflecting their strategic priorities.

    India became the 14th member of the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) in June 2023. 

    • MSP seeks to bolster critical minerals supply chains to support economic prosperity and climate objectives.
    • It seeks to ensure that critical minerals are produced, processed and recycled by catalyzing investments from governments and private sector across the full value chain.
    • Members: The other member countries are United States, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the European Commission.

    Note: Copper, gold and silver are not on the list of minerals under MSP (Wiki).

    Various Government Initiatives:

    • MMDR Act Amendment (2023):   24 minerals were designated as critical and strategic under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
    • National Mineral Policy (2019): The updated policy emphasizes the exploration and exploitation of Critical Minerals to harness India’s mineral potential effectively.
    • Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL): A joint venture comprising National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL), and Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd (MECL), KABIL aims to secure a consistent supply of Critical Minerals by acquiring and developing assets overseas.
    • Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL): It is a PSU that plays a significant role in the research and production of rare earth minerals.

    India’s Critical Mineral Imports:

    • Lithium Imports: In FY23, India imported 2,145 tonnes of lithium carbonate and lithium oxide, costing Rs 732 crore.
    • Nickel and Copper Imports: The country imported 32,000 tonnes of unwrought nickel and 1.2 million tonnes of copper ore, costing Rs 6,549 crore and Rs 27,374 crore, respectively.
    • Import Dependence: India relies entirely on imports for lithium and nickel, and 93% for copper.

    Country-wise dependence:

    1. China: India heavily relies on China for the import of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite.
    2. Australia: India is actively engaged with Australia for acquiring mineral assets, particularly lithium and cobalt, to secure its supply chain for critical minerals.
    3. Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile: India is engaging with these countries, known for their reserves of battery metals like lithium and cobalt, to diversify its sources for critical minerals.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:

    1. Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
    2. State governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
    3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • [pib] Launching of LSAM 20 (Yard 130)  

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Navy has inducted the ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20 (Yard 130) into its fleet.

    What is LSAM 20?

    • LSAM 20 (Yard 130) is the Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge (Storage) inducted by the Indian Navy.  (built by MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane).
    • LSAM 20 facilitates transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles/ammunition to IN Ships.
    • These Barges are indigenously designed and built under relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping.

    Objective 

    • A Torpedo Cum Missile Barge is a specialized vessel used by the Indian Navy to transport various types of ammunition, torpedoes, and missiles to operational areas.
    • These barges play a crucial role in providing logistical support to naval vessels by ensuring the uninterrupted transportation of essential military supplies. 

    PYQ:

    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship

    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine

    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel

    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

  • [pib] Net Direct Tax collections exceed 2023-24 target

    Why in the news?

    • India’s net direct tax collections witnessed a remarkable growth of 17.7% in the fiscal year 2023-24, reaching ₹19.58 lakh crore.
      • This performance indicates a strong revenue stream for the government.

    Direct Tax Collections Trends in this Fiscal

    • Notably, Personal Income Taxes (PIT) played a pivotal role in driving the surge, accounting for 53.3% of the total tax kitty, up from 50.06% in the previous year.
    • Conversely, the contribution of corporate taxes dipped to 46.5% from 49.6% in the preceding fiscal.
    • While gross corporate tax collections increased, net tax receipts from Corporates, adjusted for refunds, experienced a slight decline.

    What Is Net of Tax?

    The term net of tax refers to the amount left after adjusting for the effects of taxes. Net of tax can be a consideration in any situation where taxation is involved. In the financial industry, ‘gross’ and ‘net’ are two key terms that refer to before and after paying certain expenses.

    It’s Significance:

    • Individuals and businesses often analyze before and after-tax values to make investment and purchasing decisions.
    • Net tax is also an important part of expense analysis when reviewing annual tax filings and the net income of businesses.

    Types of Direct Taxes:

    • Income Tax: Depending on an individual’s age and earnings, income tax must be paid. Various tax slabs are determined by the Government of India which determines the amount of Income Tax that must be paid.
      • The taxpayer must file Income Tax Returns (ITR) on a yearly basis. Individuals may receive a refund or might have to pay a tax depending on their ITR. Huge penalties are levied in case individuals do not file ITR.
    • Wealth Tax: The tax must be paid on a yearly basis and depends on the ownership of properties and the market value of the property. In case an individual owns a property, wealth tax must be paid and does not depend on whether the property generates an income or not.
      • Corporate taxpayers, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and individuals must pay wealth tax depending on their residential status.
      • Payment of wealth tax is exempt for assets like gold deposit bonds, stock holdings, house property, commercial property that have been rented for more than 300 days, and if the house property is owned for business and professional use.
    • Estate Tax: It is also called an Inheritance Tax and is paid based on the value of the estate or the money that an individual has left after his/her death.
    • Corporate Tax: Domestic companies, apart from shareholders, will have to pay corporate tax. Foreign corporations who make an income in India will also have to pay corporate tax. Income earned via selling assets, technical service fees, dividends, royalties, or interest that is based in India are taxable. The below-mentioned taxes are also included under Corporate Tax:
      • Securities Transaction Tax (STT): The tax must be paid for any income that is earned via taxable security transactions.
      • Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT): In case any domestic companies declare, distribute, or are paid any amounts as dividends by shareholders, DDT is levied on them. However, DDT is not levied on foreign companies.
      • Fringe Benefits Tax: Companies that provide fringe benefits for maids, drivers, etc., Fringe Benefits Tax is levied on them.
      • Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT): For zero-tax companies that have accounts prepared according to the Companies Act, MAT is levied on them.
    • Capital Gains Tax: It is a form of direct tax that is paid due to the income that is earned from the sale of assets or investments. Investments in farms, bonds, shares, businesses, art, and home come under capital assets.
      • Based on its holding period, tax can be classified into long-term and short-term. Any assets, apart from securities, that are sold within 36 months from the time they were acquired come under short-term gains.
      • Long-term assets are levied if any income is generated from the sale of properties that have been held for a duration of more than 36 months.

    PYQ:

    [2014] The sales tax you pay while purchasing a toothpaste is a

    (a) Tax imposed by the Central Government

    (b) Tax imposed by the Central Government but collected by the State Government

    (c) Tax imposed by the State Government but collected by the Central Government

    (d) Tax imposed and collected by the State Government

  • [pib] Project ANAGRANINF

    What is the news?

    • The Technology Development Board (TDB) has allocated a grant of ₹75 Lakhs for the project “ANAGRANINF – Development of a Novel Class of Antibiotics against Gram-Negative Bacterial-Infections,” totalling ₹1.5 crores.

    What is Project ANAGRANINF?

    • Project ANAGRANINF is titled “Development of a Novel Class of Antibiotics Against Gram-Negative Bacterial-Infections.”
    • It is a collaborative initiative involving M/s Peptris Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and the Foundation for Neglected Disease Research (FNDR) in India, along with ABAC THERAPEUTICS SL from Spain.
    • The primary objective of the project is-
    1. To develop a novel antibiotic capable of inhibiting the FabI enzyme and
    2. Combating critical gram-negative pathogens.
    • Project ANAGRANINF aims to produce a series of compounds with enhanced efficacy against gram-negative bacterial infections.
    • The project aims to identify a candidate molecule that meets WHO’s innovation criteria, ensuring a new chemical structure, no cross-resistance with existing antibiotic classes, and a novel mechanism of action.

    About the Candidate Molecule ‘MMV1578564’

    The selected hit molecule from the project, MMV1578564, has exhibited promising activity against gram-negative pathogens, providing a foundation for further research and development efforts.

    Back2Basics:

    1. Gram-Negative Bacteria:
      • Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which is located between the outer and inner membranes.
      • They stain pink or red when subjected to the Gram staining technique.
      • Gram-negative bacteria are generally more resistant to antibiotics due to the presence of an outer membrane that acts as a barrier against certain antibiotics.
      • Examples of gram-negative bacteria include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
      • They are known to cause infections like pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound infections, and meningitis in healthcare settings
    2. Gram-Positive Bacteria:
      • Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell wall, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining technique.
      • They appear purple or blue under a microscope after staining.
      • Gram-positive bacteria are generally more susceptible to antibiotics because their thick peptidoglycan layer allows antibiotics to penetrate more easily.
      • Examples of gram-positive bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, and Clostridium difficile.
      • Some examples of diseases caused by Gram-positive bacteria include anthrax, diphtheria, enterococcal infections, erysipelothricosis, and listeriosis.These bacteria can cause a range of infections from food poisoning to serious respiratory diseases and may require specific antibiotics for treatment.

     

    PYQ:

    2021: Consider the following:​

    1. Bacteria​
    2. Fungi​
    3. Virus​

    Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?​

    1. 1 and 2 only ​
    2. 2 and 3 only​
    3. 1 and 3 only ​
    4. 1, 2 and 3​

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The recently launched Project ‘ANAGRANINF’ deals with:

    1. Agricultural Grant
    2. Artificial Intelligence
    3. Antibiotics Development
    4. None of these

  • [pib] NIXI and MeitY to unveil BhashaNet Portal  

    What is the news-

    • The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is proud to announce the launch of the BhashaNet portal for the upcoming Universal Acceptance (UA) Day.
    Universal Acceptance is the principle that all domain names and email addresses should be treated equally, regardless of the characters used in them.

     What is BhashaNet Portal?

    • The Bhasha-Net Portal is a digital platform launched by NIXI, aimed at promoting Universal Acceptance (UA).
    • The portal specifically focuses on ensuring that individuals, regardless of the language or script they use, can fully participate in the digital world.
    • The portal is designed to provide resources, tools, and information to support the integration of diverse languages and scripts into online platforms, websites, and applications.

    Objectives:

    1. To provide a truly multilingual internet, where local language website name and local language email id, work everywhere seamlessly.
    2. To foster digital inclusivity by addressing linguistic barriers and promoting the use of local languages and scripts in digital communication.

    About National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)

     

    • Established on June 19, 2003, the NIXI is a not-for-profit organization under the auspices of MeitY.
    • NIXI is dedicated to enhancing internet penetration and adoption in India by facilitating essential infrastructure and services.
    • It plays a crucial role in enabling the internet ecosystem to be accessible and utilized by the masses, thereby promoting digital empowerment and inclusion nationwide.

    Four key services include-

    1.    Setting up Internet Exchange Points,

    2.    Managing the .IN Registry,

    3.    Promoting IPv4 and IPv6 address adoption through IRINN, and

    4.    Offering data center services under NIXI-CSC.

    Back2Basics:

    IPv4 IPv6
    Address Format 32-bit address format (e.g., 192.0.2.1) 128-bit address format (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334)
    Address Representation Decimal dotted notation (e.g., 192.0.2.1) Hexadecimal colon-hex notation (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334)
    Address Space Limited address space (~4.3 billion addresses) Vast address space (approximately 3.4×10^38 addresses)
    Header Length Fixed-length header (20 bytes) Variable-length header (40 bytes or more)
    Header Options Limited options Expanded options for quality of service, security, and mobility
    Broadcast Uses broadcast addresses for network discovery and ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) Uses multicast addressing for efficient communication
    Security Limited built-in security features Built-in IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) support for end-to-end encryption and authentication
    Adoption Status Widely deployed and used Increasing adoption but not yet fully ubiquitous

     

    PYQ:

    2011: What is “Virtual Private Network”?

    1. It is a private computer network of an organization where the remote users can transmit encrypted information through the server of the organization
    2. It is a computer network across a public internet that provides users access to their organization’s network while maintaining the security of the information transmitted
    3. It is a computer network in which users can access a shared pool of computing resources through a service provider
    4. None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above is a correct description of Virtual Private Network

  • [pib] GRID-INDIA is now a Miniratna Company

    What is the news-

    • Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA) reached a significant milestone as it was honored with the prestigious status of Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) by the Ministry of Power.

    About Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA)

    • Founding: Established in 2009, GRID-INDIA plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Indian Power System.
    • Mandate: GRID-INDIA is tasked with overseeing the seamless transfer of electric power within and across regions, facilitating transnational power exchanges, and ensuring reliability, economy, and sustainability in the power sector.
    • Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs) and NLDC: GRID-INDIA comprises five RLDCs and the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC), collectively managing the All India synchronous grid.
    • Functions: Managing one of the world’s largest and most intricate power systems, GRID-INDIA handles diverse challenges arising from the integration of power systems, rising energy demands, and the proliferation of Renewable Energy (RE) sources.

    What are Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?

    • CPSEs are companies in which the central government holds a majority stake (usually more than 51%).
    • These enterprises operate across various sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and financial services.
    • CPSEs are governed by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.

    Within the CPSEs, there are further classifications based on their financial performance, operational autonomy, and strategic importance:

    Maharatna Companies Navratna Companies Miniratna Companies
    Categories Single category Single category Two categories (Category-I and Category-II) based on the Autonomy
    Eligibility Criteria Annual turnover of ₹25,000 crore, net worth of ₹15,000 crore, and net profit of ₹5,000 crore over the last three years A composite score of at least 60% based on various parameters such as net profit, net worth, total manpower cost, cost of production, PBDIT (Profit Before Depreciation, Interest, and Taxes) to turnover ratio, and other operational and financial parameters. Satisfactory operational and financial performance, as per government guidelines
    Operational Autonomy High degree of operational autonomy and financial powers Moderate degree of operational autonomy and financial powers Limited operational autonomy and financial powers
    Investment Authority Authority to make strategic investments, undertake mergers and acquisitions, and form joint ventures or collaborations without seeking government approval Authority to undertake investment decisions, execute projects, and form joint ventures or subsidiaries within prescribed limits without seeking government approval Authority to make certain investment decisions, incur capital expenditure and undertake expansion projects within prescribed limits without seeking government approval
    Number of Companies Limited number of companies (currently 10 Maharatna companies) Limited number of companies (currently 14 Navratna companies) Larger number of companies (over 70 Miniratna companies)
    Examples Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), NTPC Limited Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID)

     

    PYQ:

    2011: Why is the Government of India disinvesting its equity in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?

    1. The Government intends to use the revenue earned from the disinvestment mainly to pay back the external debt.
    2. The Government no longer intends to retain the management control of the CPSEs.

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2

  • PIB’s Fact Check Unit: Combating Misinformation in India

    Why in the news?

    • Weeks ahead of the election, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Wednesday notified the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit (FCU) as the designated body to flag misinformation about Central government departments to social media platforms.

    Why PIB?

    • Under the GoI (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is entrusted with the responsibility of disseminating information about government policies, schemes, and programs through various mediums of communication.
    • In fulfilling its role, the Ministry publicizes the policies, initiatives, schemes, and programs of the Government of India through press releases, press conferences, webinars, publication of books, etc.
    • To carry out this crucial function, the Ministry has several attached and subordinate offices, including the Press Information Bureau (PIB).

    What is Fact Check Unit (FCU)?

    • The Fact Check Unit’s mandate arises from the IT Rules, 2021, which stipulate that social media platforms risk losing legal liability protections if they fail to address notified misinformation promptly.
    • The unit verifies claims about government policies, regulations, announcements and measures.
    • Through an established rigorous fact-checking procedure, the PIB Fact Check Unit helps in dispelling myths, rumours and false claims, and provides accurate and reliable information to the public.

    Operational Framework

    • The FCU, led by senior DG/ADG level officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), operates under the supervision of the Principal Director General of PIB.
    • Its mandate includes verifying claims related to government policies, regulations, and announcements through a rigorous fact-checking process.
    • The Unit reports to the Principal Director General, PIB who functions as the Principal Spokesperson of the Government of India.

    Fact-Check Mechanism

    • Query Handling: Users submit requests via WhatsApp, email, or a web portal, which are processed as ‘Queries’ by the Unit.
    • Verification Process: Actionable Queries relevant to the Government of India undergo thorough verification using official sources and technological tools.
    • Publication of Fact Checks: Verified information is categorized as Fake, Misleading, or True, and published on the Unit’s social media platforms for public awareness.

    Categories of Fact-Checked Content

    1. Fake: Factually incorrect information intentionally or unintentionally disseminated to deceive or manipulate the audience.
    2. Misleading: Information presented with partial truths, selective facts, or distortion to mislead recipients.
    3. True: Information verified to be factually accurate after rigorous investigation.

    PYQ:

    2017: Democracy’s superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into activity-

    1. The intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.
    2. The methods for strengthening executive leadership.
    3. A superior individual with dynamism and vision.
    4. A band of dedicated party workers.

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The centre has recently established the Fact Check Unit (FCU) as a designated body to flag misinformation in India. In this regard, consider the following statements:

    1. Establishment of FCU is mandated under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
    2. The FCU is led by an officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS).

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. Only 1
    2. Only 2
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • [pib] NCW-RPF Collaboration to prevent Women Trafficking

    What is the news-

    NCW-RPF MoU: Key Objectives

     

    1. Prevention and Rescue: The MoU aims to prevent human trafficking and facilitate the rescue of trafficked women through joint efforts.
    2. Role of RPF Personnel: RPF personnel stationed at railway stations are crucial in preventing trafficking and addressing crimes against women.
    3. Expanding Collaboration: NCW, which established an Anti-Human Trafficking Cell on April 2, 2022, has already been working with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to combat the trafficking of women.

     

    About National Commission for Women (NCW)

    • The NCW is the Statutory Body generally concerned with advising the government on all policy matters affecting women.
    • It was established on 31 January 1992 under the provisions of the Indian Constitution as defined in the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
    • The first head of the commission was Jayanti Patnaik.
    • The Indian Constitution doesn’t contain any provision specifically made to favor women intrinsically.
    • Article 15 (3), Article 14 and Article 21 protect and safeguard women. They are more gender-neutral.

    Objectives

    • The objective of the NCW is to represent the rights of women in India and to provide a voice for their issues and concerns.
    • The subjects of their campaigns have included dowry, politics, religion, equal representation for women in jobs, and the exploitation of women for labor.
    • They have also discussed police abuses against women.

    Composition of the NCW

    The Commission shall consist of:

    • Chairperson: To be nominated by the Central Government.
    • Five Members: To be nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing who have had experience in law or legislation, trade unionism, management of an industry potential of women, women’s voluntary organizations (including women activists), administration, economic development, health, education or social welfare;
    • Special Representations: At least one Member each shall be from amongst persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes respectively;

    Powers of NCW

    • Provide consultation on all major policy matters that affect women.
    • Issuing summons for the examination of documents and the witnesses.
    • Requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office.
    • Receiving evidence on affidavits
    • Discovery and production of documents
    • Summoning and enforcement

    Functions of the NCW

    • Submission of Annual Reports: Table reports should be submitted to the Central Government every year, when deemed appropriate by the commission. These reports focus on the functioning and working of the safeguards.
    • Investigation and Examination: Proper investigation and examination are conducted under the Constitution and other laws, primarily aimed at protecting the rights of women.
    • Review and Scrutiny of Laws: Constant review and scrutiny of all laws are undertaken, with necessary amendments and alterations made to meet the needs of the current world.
    • Prevention of Violations: Ensuring there is no violation against women and taking due care of such cases to protect their rights.
    • Handling Complaints and Suo Motu Matters: Handling complaints and addressing suo motu matters about the deprivation of rights of women, with a focus on implementing laws favoring women’s welfare.
    • Assessment of Development and Progress: Assessing the development and progress of the women community at both the Center and State levels.
    • Identification and Mitigation of Systemic Limitations: Understanding the limitations in the system and devising strategic plans and mechanisms to address them effectively.

    Issues faced by NCW

    • Limited Enforcement Power: The NCW is only recommendatory and lacks the power to enforce its decisions, often taking action only when issues are brought to light.
    • Lack of Constitutional Status: The Commission lacks constitutional status, resulting in no legal powers to summon police officers or witnesses.
    • Dependency on Grants: NCW’s functions are heavily dependent on grants offered by the central government, with insufficient financial assistance to cater to its needs.
    • Limited Autonomy in Member Selection: The Commission does not have the power to choose its own members, impacting its autonomy and effectiveness.

    PYQ:

    Q.Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (2017)

     

    Q.According to the Constitution of India, it is the duty of the President of India to cause to be laid before the Parliament which of the following?

    1. The Recommendations of the Union Finance Commission
    2. The Report of the Public Accounts Committee
    3. The Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General
    4. The Report of the National Commission for the Scheduled Castes

    Select the correct answer the using the codes given below:

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 4 only
    3. 1, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Practice MCQ:

    Which of the following does not constitute to the powers of National Commission for Women (NCW)?

    1. Issuing summons
    2. To make any record public
    3. Receiving evidence on affidavits
    4. Enforcing legal action against individuals