Why in the News?

Reliance General Insurance Company (RGIC), a subsidiary of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Capital, has received multiple show-cause notices worth Rs 922.58 crore from the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI).

About Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI):

• Formerly known as the Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) stands as a premier intelligence organization operating under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, within the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
• Its primary focus is on collecting, collating, and disseminating intelligence pertaining to Goods and Services Tax (GST) evasion and duties related to Central Excise and Service Tax on a pan-India basis.
• Evolution: Originally designated as the Directorate General of Anti-Evasion (DGAE), it was established in 1979 as an independent wing under the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, New Delhi.
• Became a full-fledged Directorate in 1983, headed by a Director.
• In 1988, attained the status of Directorate General under a Director General.
• Currently comprises 04 offices of the Director General (East, West, North, and South), 26 Zonal Units, and 40 Regional Units.

Key Responsibilities:

• Intelligence Gathering: Collects information from various sources, including GST returns, financial statements, and other documents, to identify potential GST law violations.
• Investigation: Empowered to conduct investigations into suspected cases of GST evasion or non-compliance, involving summoning individuals, examining records, and executing searches and seizures.
• Enforcement: Enforces provisions of the GST law, taking legal action against offenders, imposing penalties, and recovering taxes or duties owed.
• Additional Functions: Collaborates with agencies like the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and State GST authorities for effective GST law implementation.
• Plays a crucial role in raising awareness about GST compliance and educating taxpayers on their legal obligations.
• Provides technical and legal assistance to field officers and other government entities involved in GST administration.

Why in the News?

Recently the Territorial Army (TA) has inducted its first batch of Mandarin-trained officers to support the regular Army's efforts to enhance expertise in the Chinese language.

What is the Territorial Army (TA)?

• The Indian Territorial Army (TA) acts as the second line of defence, complementing the regular Indian Army.
• It is distinct in its role, being neither a profession, occupation, nor a source of employment.
• Reserved for individuals engaged in mainstay civilian professions, gainful employment or self-employment in a civil field is a prerequisite for joining the TA.

Key Roles:

• Relieving Regular Army: Primarily tasked with relieving the Regular Army from static duties.
• Assistance in Emergencies: Provides crucial assistance to civil authorities during natural calamities and tragedies.
• Essential Services: Aids civil administration in delivering essential services, particularly in areas facing stretched state machinery or security threats.

Service Commitment:

• Part-Time Service: TA volunteers typically serve in uniform for a few days annually, ensuring their readiness to bear arms for national defence during emergencies.

Historical Background:

• Established by the British in 1920 through the Indian Territorial Act, organized into 'The Auxiliary Force' for Europeans & Anglo-Indians and 'The Indian Territorial Force' for Indian Volunteers.
• The Territorial Army Act of 1948 formalized the TA, inaugurated by the first Indian Governor General, Shri C Rajagopalachari, on 9th October 1949.
• Motto: Savdhani Va Shoorta (Vigilance and Valour).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Nationality: Open to Indian citizens (Men & Women).
• Age: 18 to 42 years.
• Education: Graduate from any recognized university.
• Physical Standards: Must be physically and medically fit.
• Employment: Gainful employment in civilian professions.
• Exclusions: Serving members of the Regular Army/Navy/Air Force/Police/GREF/Para Military and similar forces are ineligible.

Why in the News?

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Vivek Ram Chaudhari on Sunday unveiled a new Ensign for the force, as it marked its 91st anniversary, by the inclusion of the Air Force Crest in the top right corner of the Ensign, towards the fly side.

About the Indian Air Force (IAF) Ensign:

• The new IAF Ensign exclusively incorporates the IAF Crest, featuring distinctive elements that symbolize the spirit and ethos of the Indian Air Force.

Key Elements:

• IAF Crest: The crest prominently showcases the national symbol, the Ashoka Lion, atop, with "Satyamev Jayate" in the Devanagari script beneath.
• Himalayan Eagle: Positioned below the Ashoka Lion, a Himalayan eagle with outstretched wings symbolizes the formidable fighting spirit of the IAF.
• Light Blue Ring: Encircling the Himalayan eagle, a light blue ring bears the words "Indian Air Force."
• IAF Motto: Derived from the Bhagavad Gita, the motto "Nabha Sparsham Deeptam" (touching the sky with glory) is inscribed in golden Devanagari below the eagle.
• The IAF crest serves as a powerful symbol of inspiration and encouragement.

Variations:

• IAF has adopted various crests for commands, squadrons, and other establishments, all adhering to a standard frame featuring the formation sign and a motto at the foot.

Historical Evolution:

• British Era: During the British era, the IAF was known as the Royal Indian Air Force, and its ensign featured the Union Jack and the RIAF roundel.
• Post-Independence: The current IAF Ensign, created post-independence, replaces the Union Jack with the Indian tricolour and the RAF roundels with the IAF tri-colour roundel in the lower right canton.

Why in the News?

The government is planning to give incentives to ASHA health activists for mobilising eligible individuals for sickle cell disease screening and distribution of sickle cell cards for prevention and early detection of the disease.

About Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA):

• ASHA serves as a trained female community health activist integral to the National Rural Health Mission initiated by the Government of India.
• Selected from the community and accountable to it, ASHA is trained to bridge the gap between the community and the public health system.

Key Functions:

• Acts as a care provider at the community level.
• Facilitates access to healthcare, medicine, and sanitation services.
• Health Awareness: Raises awareness of health issues among marginalized sections within the community.
• Advocate for Women's Health: Champions female health and hygiene standards.
• Advocates for a health-conscious approach to livelihood.

Implementation:

• The ASHA scheme is operational in all States/UTs, except Goa.
• States are mandated to employ at least one ASHA worker per every 1000 people.
• Inclusive Selection Process: The selection process involves various community groups, self-help groups, Anganwadi Institutions, and local committees.

Selection Criteria:

• Rural ASHA: Preferably a literate woman resident, married/widowed/divorced, aged 25 to 45 years, and preferably educated up to the 10th standard.
• Urban ASHA: Identified from vulnerable clusters, belonging to specific vulnerable groups, with good communication and leadership skills.

Compensation:

• Primarily an honorary volunteer compensated for specific situations.
• Ranges from Rs 2,000 to Rs 7,000, depending on the state.
• Incentives: Eligible for incentives under various national health programs.

Why in the News?

Mundra Port in Gujarat has completed 25 years of its operations, highlighting its expansion and evolution as one of the largest ports globally.

About Mundra Port:

• Mundra Port stands as India's largest private and container port, situated on the north shores of the Gulf of Kutch near Mundra in the Kutch district of Gujarat.
• As a deep-draft, all-weather port, it holds the distinction of being a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
• Managed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), the port is a pivotal player in India's cargo movement, accounting for nearly one-fourth of the nation's total.
• Mundra Port plays a crucial role in managing 33% of the country's container traffic.
• Key Features: Strategic Location: Positioned on the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat.
• Handling Capacity: With an impressive capacity of 260 MMT, the port efficiently manages over 155 MMT (FY 2022-23), contributing to almost 11% of India's maritime cargo.
• Infrastructure: Boasting 26 berths and two single-point moorings, the port accommodates diverse vessels and handles various cargo types, including containers, dry bulk, break bulk, liquid cargo, and automobiles.
• Coal Import Terminal: Home to the nation's largest coal import terminal, Mundra facilitates swift cargo evacuation with minimal turnaround time.
• Rail Connectivity: The port's rail network is seamlessly integrated into the national rail network, ensuring efficient cargo handling for destinations across India.