In News:

The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) stated in a latest update that in the short span of three years since its launch, eShram has registered more than 30 crore unorganised workers, showcasing its rapid and widespread adoption among the unorganised workers.

Key Highlights:

• The Government envisages to establishing the eShram portal as a "One-Stop-Solution" for Country’s unorganised workers.
• During Budget speech 2024-25 it has been announced that, A comprehensive integration of eShram portal with other portals will facilitate such One-Stop-Solution.
• This initiative aims to facilitate access of various social security schemes being implemented by different Ministries/ Departments to unorganised workers through the eShram portal.
• As part of the eShram - One Stop Solution project, Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) has been working to integrate major schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G), Ration Card scheme etc. for the benefit of the unorganised workers.

What is e-Shram and its purpose?

• e-Shram is a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
• Its primary purpose is to facilitate delivery of welfare benefits and social security measures to unorganised sector workers across the country.
• The platform aims to register and provide identity cards to unorganised workers, enabling them to access various government schemes, benefits, and services more efficiently.

Who are unorganised workers?

Any worker who is a home-based worker, self-employed worker or a wage worker working in the unorganised sector and not a member of ESIC or EPFO, is called an unorganised worker.

What is unorganised sector?

Unorganised sector comprises of establishment/ units which are engaged in the production/ sale of goods/ services and employs less than 10 workers. These units are not covered under ESIC & EPFO.

What is UAN?

UAN or Universal Account Number is a 12 digit number uniquely assigned to each unorganised worker after registration on e-Shram portal. UAN is a permanent number i.e., once assigned, it will remain unchanged for any worker.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, the government has launched the 'myCGHS' app for iOS to provide Central Government Health Scheme beneficiaries access to electronic health records, information, and resources.

About myCGHS app:

• The Union Health Ministry launched the myCGHS app for iOS (Apple Users) to provide easy access for the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries to their Electronic Health Records, information, and other resources.
• The myCGHS iOS app is developed by the technical teams of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Himachal Pradesh and the NIC Health Team.
• It is a convenient mobile application offering features aimed at enhancing information and accessibility for CGHS beneficiaries.
• The app is said to offer a range of services including:
  • Online appointment booking and cancellation
  • Downloading CGHS card and index card
  • Accessing lab reports from CGHS labs
  • Checking medicine history
  • Monitoring medical reimbursement claim status
  • Accessing referral details
  • Locating nearby wellness centers
  • Staying updated with news and highlights, and
  • Finding nearby impaneled hospitals, labs, and dental units.
• Additionally, users can access the contact details of wellness centers and offices conveniently.
• To ensure data security, the app also features security measures such as two-factor authentication and mPIN function to be able to access the app once they are logged in.
• Users on the Apple ecosystem can find the app on the App Store and download it free of charge.
• The myCGHS app has been available for Android users since February 2022.

Key Highlights of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS):

• CGHS provides healthcare services to registered employees and pensioners of the Central Government of India.
• Enrolled members receive reimbursement and cashless healthcare facilities through this scheme.
• It encompasses healthcare services from various systems of medicine including Allopathy, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, and Unani.
• CGHS beneficiaries have the flexibility to undergo treatment at any impaneled private hospital of their preference.

Why is it in the News?

On March 21, 2024, people around the world celebrate World Forest Day. It's a day to remind everyone about how important forests are and all the good things they do for us.

About World Forest Day:

• World Forestry Day, also known as International Day of Forests, is celebrated on March 21 each year.
• The day aims to promote the sustainable management, conservation, and development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations.

The theme for International Day of Forests 2024:

• This year's theme, "Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World" highlights the critical role of innovation and technology in protecting our forests.
  • From advanced monitoring systems that track deforestation to sustainable forestry practices, innovation is key to overcoming the challenges threatening our forests.

History of International Day of Forests:

• The United Nations General Assembly announced March 21 to be the International Day of Forests in 2012.
  • The day aims to respect and promote the value of a wide range of forests. Countries are encouraged to take part in regional, global, and local drives to set up a scope of forest and tree-related campaigns, like planting campaigns.
• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Forum on Forests are the coordinators of the International Day of Forests.

Importance of International Day of Forests:

• As per the UNGA, "The United Nations Forum on Forests and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Governments, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and other relevant organizations in the field are responsible for organizing the events and campaigns related to the World Forestry Day."
• The importance of the International Day of Forests is to spread awareness and give instruction at all levels to guarantee feasible forest management and biodiversity preservation.

The Enduring Significance of Forests:

• Forests are often referred to as the "lungs of the planet" for a reason.

They play a vital role in:

• Combating Climate Change: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.
• Protecting Biodiversity: Forests provide habitats for countless species of plants and animals, ensuring the health and balance of ecosystems.
• Providing Clean Air and Water: Forests filter air and water, regulating our climate and providing us with essential resources.
• Supporting Livelihoods: Millions of people around the world depend on forests for food, medicine, and income generation.

Celebrating and Taking Action:

• World Forestry Day is a springboard for action and we can get involved by:
• Support Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations working towards forest conservation and sustainable forestry practices.
• Reduce Consumption: Make conscious choices to reduce consumption of paper and wood products, minimizing environmental footprint.
• Plant a Tree: Plant a tree in our community or support tree-planting initiatives.
• Spread Awareness: Educate ourselves and others about the importance of forests and the threats they face.
• By taking action, big or small, we can all contribute to a future where our forests continue to thrive, ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.

Why is it in the News?

Every year, International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is celebrated on March 14 to spread awareness about its role in solving real-world problems.

About International Day of Mathematics:

• Every year, International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is celebrated on March 14 to spread awareness about its role in solving real-world problems.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared the International Day of Mathematics at the 40th General Conference on November 19, 2019.
• This day also sheds light on Mathematics' importance in different areas like climate change, energy, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.
• International Day of Mathematics coincides with International Pi Day.
  • Pi is one of the most widely known mathematical constants and it is rounded to 3.14, which is why it is observed on March 14.
• IDM is an opportunity to educate students about the role and importance of mathematics in improving quality of life.
• It also empowers women and girls to contribute to achieving sustainable development goals for the 2030 agenda.

History:

• The 205th session of UNESCO’s Executive Council adopted the International Day of Mathematics.
• The 40th session of UNESCO's General Conference adopted March 14 as the International Day of Mathematics, which was the first official celebration with the theme 'Mathematics is Everywhere'.
• It is an opportunity to understand the importance of mathematics in daily life promoting mathematics use for the advancement of society.

Significance:

• International Day of Mathematics is celebrated to promote Mathematics in different fields highlighting the role of mathematics in solving the real-life world and addressing social concerns.
• IDM shows the application of mathematics in different fields of life including science, technology, engineering, and economics.
• IDM promotes mathematics at different levels encouraging educators, policymakers, parents and to stress the importance of mathematics and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields.
  • STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is an opportunity to share research, discoveries, and insights with the general public and demystify the subject to make it more accessible.
• International Day of Mathematics is a global initiative to foster collaboration and exchange ideas across borders, cultures, and disciplines.
• The day aims to promote mathematics and help address global challenges through it.

The theme for International Day of Mathematics 2024:

The theme for International Day of Mathematics 2024 is 'Playing With Math.'

Why is it in the News?

The government has notified a new legal code to curb the unethical marketing of drugs and banning medical representatives from using “inducement” to access healthcare professionals

About the Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024:

• The UCPMP 2024 has been implemented to regulate unethical practices within the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on promoting transparency and ethical conduct.
  • The updated guidelines encompass various aspects, including drug endorsement, promotion, ethical behavior for medical representatives, and the maintenance of professional relationships with healthcare professionals.

Key provisions of the UCPMP 2024 include:

• Prohibiting the offering of gifts and travel facilities to healthcare professionals or their family members by pharmaceutical companies.
• Mandating that medical representatives should not use any form of inducement or subterfuge to gain interviews with healthcare professionals, nor should they provide payment for access under any guise.
• Holding pharmaceutical companies responsible for the actions of their medical representatives.
• Banning the supply of free drug samples to individuals who are not qualified to prescribe such products.
• Requiring each pharmaceutical company to maintain detailed records of free samples provided to healthcare practitioners, with the total value of distributed samples not exceeding two percent of the company's domestic sales per year.
• Compulsory constitution of an Ethics Committee for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (ECPMP) by all pharmaceutical associations, along with the establishment of a dedicated UCPMP portal on their websites for implementation and monitoring purposes.
• Detailed guidelines on how drugs should be promoted in textual and audio-visual marketing materials, ensuring that information is balanced, up-to-date, verifiable, and non-misleading.
• Restrictions on making unverified claims and comparisons about a drug's usefulness, as well as using terms like "safe" and "new" without proper qualification.
• Assigning responsibility for adherence to the UCPMP 2024 to the Chief Executive Officers of pharmaceutical companies.
• Outlining penalties for violating the code and establishing a clear process for handling complaints, ensuring accountability and effective oversight.
• The UCPMP 2024 serves as a comprehensive framework for promoting ethical practices within the pharmaceutical industry, aiming to protect the interests of patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders while fostering an environment of transparency and integrity.

Why is it in the News?

The New Education Policy (NEP), established in 2020, proposed redesigning the assessment system of school students in India recently.

About the Holistic Progress Card (HPC):

• It Is Developed by Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH), a standard-setting body under the NCERT.
• The Holistic Progress Card (HPC) marks a significant departure from traditional assessment methods for students in the foundational stage (Classes 1 and 2), preparatory stage (Classes 3 to 5), and middle stage (Classes 6 to 8), aligning with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Key Features:

• Incorporates feedback from parents, classmates, and self-evaluation by students.
• Aims to provide a comprehensive view of students' academic performance, cognitive abilities, socio-emotional skills, and creativity during class activities.
• Aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) to prioritize learner-centric evaluation.
• Emphasizes a shift from numerical grades to a 360-degree evaluation, focusing on students' active engagement in class activities and the demonstration of diverse skills and competencies.
• Enables teachers to identify students' strengths and weaknesses, fostering personalized support and intervention.
• Encourages students to reflect on their progress and set academic and personal goals, fostering self-awareness and accountability.
• Involves parents in the learning process, integrating their insights on homework, classroom engagement, and extracurricular activities.
• Includes peer evaluation, allowing students to assess their classmates' contributions to activities.

Benefits:

• Goes beyond numerical grades, providing descriptive and analytical evaluations that encompass academic achievements and critical skill development.
• Promotes a shift from summative to formative assessment, fostering competency-based evaluation and holistic growth.

Why is it in the News?

The per capita monthly household expenditure more than doubled in 2022-23 as compared to 2011-12, according to the latest study by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).

Context:

• As per the 2022-23 report, rising inequality between the top and bottom of the pyramid.
• Urban and rural households register higher expenditure, spending less on food items.
• New methodology and questionnaire used in Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23.

About the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO):

• The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) comes under the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation headed by a Director General.
• It is responsible for the conduct of large-scale sample surveys in diverse fields on an All-India basis.
• Primarily data are collected through nationwide household surveys on various socio-economic subjects, Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), etc.
• Besides these surveys, NSSO collects data on rural and urban prices and plays a significant role in the improvement of crop statistics through supervision of the area enumeration and crop estimation surveys of the State agencies.
• It also maintains a frame of urban area units for use in sample surveys in urban areas.

The NSSO has four Divisions:

• Survey Design and Research Division (SDRD): This Division, located at Kolkata, is responsible for the technical planning of surveys, formulation of concepts and definitions, sampling design, designing of inquiry schedules, drawing up of tabulation plans, and analysis and presentation of survey results.
• Field Operations Division (FOD): The Division, with its headquarters at Delhi/Faridabad, is responsible for the collection of primary data for the surveys undertaken by NSS.
• Data Processing Division (DPD): The Division, with its headquarters at Kolkata is responsible for sample selection, software development, processing, validation and tabulation of the data collected through surveys.
• Survey Coordination Division (SCD): This Division, located in New Delhi, coordinates all the activities of different Divisions of NSS.
  • It also brings out the bi-annual journal of NSS, titled “Sarvekshana”, and organizes National Seminars on the results of various Socio-economic surveys undertaken by NSS.

Key Insights From the 2022-23 Survey:

• Evolution of Food Expenditure: Over the past two decades, there has been a notable shift in spending patterns on food in India.
  • Between 1999-2000 and 2022-23, both urban and rural households witnessed a gradual decline in the share of expenditure allocated to food.
  • This period marks the first instance where food expenditure has dropped to below 50% in rural India and below 40% in urban India.
• Changing Dietary Preferences: The composition of food consumption has also undergone significant changes.
  • Cereals and pulses have seen a reduction in their share of overall food consumption expenditure, while spending on milk has surged, surpassing that on cereals and pulses combined.
  • In a noteworthy shift, the average Indian now spends more on fruits and vegetables than on food grains.
  • Furthermore, expenditure on animal proteins like eggs, fish, and meat has shown a growing trend, indicating a preference for animal-based proteins over plant-based ones.
• Rise in Processed Food Consumption: There has been an observed increase in the share of expenditure allocated to processed foods, beverages, and purchased cooked meals.
  • This trend aligns with the Engel Curve hypothesis, suggesting that as incomes rise, households allocate a smaller proportion of their spending to food and tend to prefer superior items over inferior ones.
• Closing Rural-Urban Consumption Gap: Consumption growth in rural areas has outpaced that in urban areas, leading to a narrowing of the rural-urban consumption divide.
  • If this trend continues, it could potentially lead to parity in urban and rural incomes and consumption patterns in the future.
• Challenges in Inflation Calculation: The findings of the latest Household Consumption Expenditure (HCE) Survey underscore the need to review the inflation basket.
  • The current Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation calculation, established in 2012, may not accurately reflect contemporary consumption patterns.
  • For instance, the disparity between the weightage assigned to cereals in the CPI basket and actual expenditure on cereals by rural households highlights the need for recalibration.
• Insights on Poverty Reduction: According to NITI Aayog CEO B V R Subrahmanyam, the latest survey indicates a reduction in poverty to five per cent nationwide.
  • Both rural and urban areas are witnessing increased prosperity, as evidenced by rising per capita monthly expenditure.
• Demand for Legal Guarantee to MSP: While there is a demand for a legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 23 crops, including food grains and sugarcane, the survey data suggests that the growth in the farm sector is being primarily driven by livestock, fisheries, and horticulture crops.
  • This poses a pertinent question regarding the promotion of production: should the focus be on crops outside the MSP purview, such as milk, fish, poultry products, fruits, and vegetables, given their growing consumption trends?

Why is it in the News?

Recently, India has contributed 1 million US Dollars to the Poverty and Hunger Alleviation Fund established by India, Brazil, and South Africa, IBSA.

What is the IBSA Fund?

• Established in 2004 and operational since 2006, the IBSA Fund embodies the collaborative efforts of India, Brazil, and South Africa.
• Contributing one million dollars annually each, the IBSA countries unite in a spirit of partnership to champion Southern-led, demand-driven projects in developing nations.
• With a focus on identifying replicable and scalable initiatives, the fund aims to address pressing development challenges in recipient countries.
• Supported projects align with partner countries' national priorities and international development agendas, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The fund's objectives encompass diverse areas such as promoting food security, combating HIV/AIDS, and expanding access to safe drinking water, among others, to advance sustainable development.
• To date, the IBSA Fund has allocated USD 50.6 million, funding 45 projects across 37 countries in the Global South.
• The United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) fulfils the roles of Fund Manager and Secretariat for the IBSA Fund.

What is IBSA?

• IBSA stands for the India, Brazil, and South Africa Dialogue Forum, a unique platform that unites three major democracies and significant economies from diverse continents, collectively addressing common challenges.
• Formally established as the IBSA Dialogue Forum during a historic meeting of the Foreign Ministers from India, Brazil, and South Africa in Brasilia on June 6, 2003, the forum's inception was marked by the issuance of the Brasilia Declaration.
• To date, five IBSA Leadership Summits have been convened, with the 5th Summit held in Pretoria on October 18, 2011.
• In 2021, India held the chairmanship of IBSA under the theme "Democracy for Demography and Development."
• On March 2, 2023, Brazil assumed the rotating presidency of the India, Brazil, South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA), further advancing the forum's collaborative agenda.

Why is it in the News?

BSNL, the state-owned telecommunications company, has initiated a tender process amounting to approximately Rs 65,000 crore for the implementation of the phase-III BharatNet project.

What is the BharatNet Phase III Project?

• The BharatNet phase-III project adopts a three-level architecture:
  • Internet leased line bandwidth
  • Middle-mile connectivity, and
  • Last-mile connectivity
• It aims to involve village-level entrepreneurs or Udyamis in providing last-mile connectivity to households on a revenue-sharing basis.
• BSNL aims to provide 15 million home fibre connections over five years using the BharatNet Udyami model.

About BharatNet Project:

• The BharatNet Project is one of the largest rural telecom projects in the world.
• It aimed at providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats across India in a phased manner.
• Its core objective is to ensure equitable access to broadband services for all telecom service providers, fostering the deployment of services like e-health, e-education, and e-governance in rural and remote areas.
• Initiated in 2011 and executed by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a Special Purpose Vehicle established in 2012, the project operates in three phases.
• Phase I launched in 2011, focused on creating the National Optical Fibre Network, leveraging existing infrastructure and laying additional fibre to bridge connectivity gaps up to the Gram Panchayat level.
• Phase II, approved in 2017, builds upon Phase I’s experiences, aligning with the Digital India vision.
  • It adopts a flexible approach, integrating various media such as Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), Radio, and satellite to connect Gram Panchayats, utilizing models like State-led, Private Sector, and CPSU Models for implementation.
• Phase III, spanning from 2019 to 2023, aims to establish a robust, future-ready network with district-to-block fibre connectivity, featuring ring topology for redundancy.
  • This comprehensive approach ensures the creation of a resilient and inclusive telecom infrastructure, facilitating socio-economic development in rural India.

Why is it in the News?

To bolster the representation of women in the workforce and advance gender equality, various ministries of the central government issued a series of advisories and surveys on Tuesday, aimed at industries and employers.

About the Survey:

• This survey aims to evaluate the prevalence of women-friendly practices across the nation's workplaces.
• The government is collecting information on several key aspects, including the establishment of internal complaints committees (ICC) for preventing sexual harassment, the provision of childcare facilities, ensuring pay equity, offering flexible or remote work options for women, and providing safe transportation during late hours.
• Additionally, various ministries of the Central government have issued advisories to enhance women's representation in the workforce.

Factors Affecting Low Women Workforce Participation:

• Cultural and Social Norms: Traditional gender roles and societal expectations often discourage women from pursuing full-time employment due to responsibilities for caregiving and homemaking, limiting their participation in the workforce.
• Educational Barriers: Limited access to quality education can hinder women from acquiring the necessary skills and qualifications for certain jobs, further reducing their workforce participation.
• Gender Pay Gap: Disparities in wages between men and women discourage women from entering or remaining in the workforce, contributing to lower participation rates.
• Structural Constraints: India's manufacturing and service sectors often have rigid structures that limit employment opportunities, particularly in the informal sector where many women work.
• Security Concerns: Instances of sexual harassment in the workplace create safety concerns for women, acting as a barrier to their participation in the labour force.

Government Initiatives Supporting Women's Empowerment:

• Code on Wages, 2019: Ensures equal pay for equal work without discrimination based on gender, fostering fairness in wage practices across establishments.
• Code on Occupational Safety, Health And Working Conditions (OSH), 2020: Proposes amendments to improve employment conditions for women workers, particularly in above-ground mines, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Maternity Benefit Act, 2017: Enhances maternity benefits and fosters a healthier work environment for pregnant and nursing women, promoting their well-being and work-life balance.
• Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK): A national organization offering microfinance services to empower economically disadvantaged women, supporting their livelihood projects and economic independence.
• National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM): Focuses on creating sustainable self-employment opportunities for rural women through skill training, capacity building, and financial assistance, enabling them to engage in income-generating activities.
• MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act): Guarantees 100 days of wage employment annually to rural households, actively encouraging women's participation and ensuring equitable employment opportunities.

Way Forward

Continued government initiatives aimed at empowering women in the workforce through skill development and expanded employment opportunities have yielded positive results, as evidenced by the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the Labour Bureau in 2023. This survey indicated a notable increase in women's participation, rising from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 37% in 2022-23.

Why is it in the News?

Ahead of the interim Budget 2024, exporters have urged the government to allocate funds worth $3.88 billion for the Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme to promote Indian exports and help them hit the ambitious $2 trillion target by 2030.

What is the Market Access Initiatives (MAI) Scheme?

• The Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme is an Export Promotion Scheme envisaged to act as a catalyst to promote India’s exports on a sustained basis.
• The scheme is formulated on a focus product-focus country approach to evolve specific markets and specific products through market studies/surveys.
• Assistance would be provided to Export Promotion Organizations/Trade Promotion Organizations/National Level Institutions/ Research Institutions/Universities/Laboratories, Exporters etc., for enhancement of exports through accessing new markets or through increasing the share in the existing markets.
• Under the Scheme, the level of assistance for each eligible activity has been fixed.
• The following activities will be eligible for financial assistance under the Scheme:
  • Marketing Projects Abroad
  • Capacity Building
  • Support for Statutory Compliances
  • Studies
  • Project Development
  • Developing Foreign Trade Facilitation Web Portal
  • To support Cottage and handicraft units

How does the MAI Scheme work?

• The scheme’s primary goal is to facilitate export growth by enabling entities to enter new markets or enhance their presence in existing markets.
• To accomplish this, the scheme provides predetermined levels of assistance for each eligible activity.
• By directing attention to key products and specific markets, the MAI Scheme serves as a catalyst for driving India’s export expansion in a sustainable and strategic manner.

Who is eligible to receive assistance under the MAI Scheme?

• Various entities are eligible to receive financial assistance under the MAI Scheme, including:
  • Export promotion organizations
  • Trade promotion organizations
  • National level institutions
  • Research institutions
  • Universities
  • Laboratories
  • Individual exporters
  • Start-ups

Who administers the MAI Scheme?

• The MAI Scheme is administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Why is it in the News?

Recently the Indian govt. signed an agreement to acquire five lithium brine blocks for exploration and development in Argentina.

Context:

• The Mines Ministry, operating through KhanijBidesh India Limited (KABIL), has entered into an agreement with Argentina's state-owned CAMYEN for the development of five lithium blocks.
  • CAMYEN, officially known as Catamarca Minera Y Energetica Sociedad Del Estado, is headquartered in the Catamarca province of the Latin American nation.
• Key Points: KABIL, a government-owned entity, will initiate the exploration and development activities for five lithium brine blocks—Cortadera-I, Cortadera-VII, Cortadera-VIII, Cateo-2022-01810132, and Cortadera-VI, collectively spanning an area of approximately 15,703 hectares.
• As part of its expansion, KABIL is planning to establish a branch office in Catamarca, Argentina.
• This marks a significant milestone as it represents the first lithium exploration and mining project undertaken by a government company in India.
• Argentina, situated within the global "Lithium Triangle" alongside Chile and Bolivia, collectively possesses more than half of the world's total lithium resources.

Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL):

• It is a Joint Venture Company among National Aluminium Company (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) and Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL).
• It has been formed in August 2019.
• KABIL is focusing on identifying and sourcing battery minerals like Lithium and Cobalt.
• KABIL is a joint venture company focused on identifying, acquiring, developing, processing and making commercial use of strategic minerals in overseas locations for supply in India.

Current Statistics About Lithium in India:

• India has recently discovered 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves in Jammu & Kashmir and ranks seventh globally.
• The primary lithium reserve in India has been discovered in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District in Jammu and Kashmir, with additional smaller reserves identified in Karnataka.
• Presently, India fulfils its entire lithium demand through imports.
• In the fiscal year 2023, there was a notable increase in lithium imports in India, reaching approximately $3 billion (around ?24,900 crore), indicating a 58% growth compared to the figures in FY22.
• More than 95% of India's lithium imports are sourced from China and Hong Kong.

Global Reserves of Lithium:

• Approximately half of the world's lithium resources are concentrated in Latin America, primarily in countries such as Bolivia, Argentina and Chile along with significant deposits in USA, Australia and China.
  • Bolivia has the highest identified lithium resources in the world with 20 million tonnes, as per the US Geological Survey data.
  • Argentina has the second-largest lithium reserve estimated to be close to 20 million tonnes.
  • The United States follows Argentina with 12 million tonnes of lithium reserves.
  • Chile ranks fourth globally with 11 million tonnes of lithium reserves.
  • Australia occupies the fifth spot with 7.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves, according to the available data.
  • China, the largest country in Asia, ranks sixth globally with 6.8 million tonnes of lithium reserve. China, without having the largest lithium reserves, continues to dominate lithium mining and processing in the world.
• Argentina holds a substantial portion, accounting for 20% of the world's total lithium resources, making it the second-largest contributor after Bolivia.
• Argentina is a key participant in the 'Lithium Triangle,' alongside Chile and Bolivia.
  • Collectively, these three nations possess over two-thirds of the global lithium resources.
  • The Lithium Triangle is a region in the Andes known for its rich lithium reserves.
• Notably, Argentina ranks second globally in terms of lithium resources, third in lithium reserves, and fourth in lithium production.

Importance of the Agreement:

• This agreement holds strategic value as it enables India to enhance its lithium supply, fostering the growth of both countries' lithium mining and downstream sectors.
• It contributes to the diversification of the supply chain for essential materials, aligning with the pursuit of Global Net Zero objectives.
• Given that a significant portion, approximately 54%, of India's lithium imports are currently sourced from China, which dominates 80% of the global supply, this deal helps reduce dependence on a single supplier.
• The initiative aligns with the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP), of which India is an active participant.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, the Ministry of Heavy Industries announced the extension of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components by one year with "partial amendments".

PLI Scheme for Automobile Sector:

• The Union Cabinet approved the PLI-Auto Scheme in 2021, allocating a budgetary outlay of Rs. 25,938 crore for five years (FY2022-23 to FY2026-27).
• Aimed at enhancing the production of Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) Products, the PLI-AUTO Scheme is designed to promote extensive localisation for AAT products and facilitate the development of both domestic and global supply chains.
• This scheme primarily targets Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), specifically Battery Electric Vehicles and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles.
• In a recent amendment, the incentive period was extended to cover five consecutive financial years, commencing from the financial year 2023-24, with disbursement scheduled for the subsequent financial year, 2024-25.
• The amended scheme stipulates that approved applicants can avail benefits for five consecutive financial years, but the eligibility period will not extend beyond the financial year ending on March 31, 2028.
• Additionally, the amendments specify that if an approved company fails to meet the determined threshold for an increase in Determined Sales Value over the initial year's threshold, it will not receive any incentives for that particular year.

What is the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Programme?

• Around 5 years ago, the Indian government aimed to stimulate domestic manufacturing by encouraging more companies to produce goods.
• Recognizing manufacturing as a crucial driver of economic growth with a multiplier effect, wherein each job and investment in manufacturing positively influences other sectors, the government introduced the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
• Under the PLI scheme, both foreign and domestic companies engaged in manufacturing receive financial incentives from the government.
• The annual incentive payout is determined as a percentage of the revenue generated by these companies and is applicable for a period of up to five years.

Why in the News?

Aviation regulator DGCA has issued amended norms for operating powered hang gliders in the country.

About Hang Gliders:

• A hang glider is a distinctive type of aircraft that relies on air currents to remain airborne, setting it apart from conventional aircraft with engines and propellers.
• These aerodynamic marvels depend on wind dynamics for lift rather than propulsion.
• Operational Mechanics: Due to their unpowered nature, hang gliders necessitate launching from elevated points such as hills or mountains.
• Gravity, acting as the primary force, encompasses the weight of both the pilot and the wing.
• This weight generates thrust, propelling the aerofoil through the air.
• The aerofoil's distinctive shape prevents the hang glider from descending rapidly and facilitates lift.
• The aerofoil's design manipulates airflow, compelling the air above the wing to move faster, creating a low-pressure area.
• Simultaneously, the wing's downward and forward motion compresses the air beneath, fostering lift as the aerofoil is drawn into the low-pressure zone.
• Pilots maintain control during flight by manipulating the trapeze and adjusting direction and speed.
• Powered Hang Gliders: In a departure from traditional hang gliders, powered hang gliders integrate features of both hang gliders and powered aircraft.
• Equipped with a small engine, these variants enable pilots to take off and sustain flight without relying on natural elements like thermals or wind conditions, making them accessible to less-experienced aviators.

DGCA Regulations for Powered Hang Gliders:

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates strict regulations governing powered hang gliders:

• Operation Authorization: Individuals must obtain prior authorization from a DGCA-approved examiner or instructor before operating a powered hang glider.
• Examiner Qualifications: Approved examiners must possess a minimum of 50 hours of experience on powered hang gliders, including at least 10 hours on a dual machine.
• Test Flight Criteria: Individuals conducting test flights must meet specific criteria, holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with at least 25 hours of flying experience on a powered hang glider or authorization with 50 hours of flying experience.
• Transaction Certification: The sale or transfer of a powered hang glider requires a DGCA-issued certificate following a background check conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Lease and Operation Restrictions: Owners or operators are prohibited from leasing, renting, or lending powered hang gliders.
• The use of certain equipment and devices is strictly regulated, with explicit permissions required.
• Safety Protocols: Security measures endorsed by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) are obligatory at parking and operational locations, ensuring compliance with established guidelines for safe flight operations.

Why in the News?

The Broadcasting Content Complaint Council (BCCC) on Tuesday asked entertainment channels to exercise "extreme caution" while portraying the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in television programmes to avoid hurting the sentiments of the members of the two communities.

About the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC):

• The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) established the BCCC in June 2011 as an independent self-regulatory body.
• Regulatory Role: The primary function of the BCCC is to enforce self-regulatory guidelines for non-news channels, covering general entertainment, kids, and special interest channels.
• Formulation of Guidelines: Guidelines address crucial areas, including national interest, racial and religious harmony, treatment of children, social values, explicit content (sex and nudity), violence, crime, gambling, drugs, smoking, tobacco, alcohol, defamation, harm, and offence.
• Complaint Lodging Process: Any viewer can file a complaint regarding television programs, non-news channels, and digital content of IBDF India members.
• Composition of BCCC:
• The council comprises 13 members, including a chairperson, four non-broadcast members, four representatives from national-level statutory commissions, and four members from the broadcast industry.
• Functioning Mechanism: Upon receiving a valid complaint, the concerned channel is required to present its viewpoint on the contested content within one working week.
• If the BCCC committee finds the channel's response unsatisfactory, it holds the authority to issue directives, mandating modifications or withdrawal of the content.
• Reporting to Authorities: In case of non-compliance with directives, the BCCC promptly submits a detailed report to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting within 24 hours.

Key Details about the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF):

• Founded in 1999, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation initially served as the apex body for broadcasters.
• Recently rebranded as the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) to encompass digital platforms, consolidating oversight over all digital over-the-top streaming firms.
• Representative Role: Recognized as the official spokesperson for the Indian broadcasting industry, IBDF plays a crucial role in articulating industry perspectives.
• IBDF's membership includes a diverse range of channels, covering both news and non-news categories such as General Entertainment Channels (GEC), sports, music, movies, and infotainment.
• Actively involved in providing research-based legislative inputs to the government, IBDF engages in advocacy efforts on various fronts, including fiscal, regulatory, and business issues.
• The organization plays a pivotal role in facilitating the formulation of favourable policies, addressing industry challenges, and advocating for essential changes in the overall system.

Why in the News?

The Amazon River fell to its lowest level in over a century on Monday at the heart of the Brazilian rainforest as a record drought upended the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and damaged the jungle ecosystem.

About the Amazon River:

• The Amazon River holds the distinction of being the world's largest river in terms of both water volume and width.
• Length and Course: Spanning an impressive 6,400 kilometres, it is the second-longest river globally, surpassed only by the Nile.
• Originating high in the Andes Mountains, the river courses its way eastward through vast rainforests and lowlands before reaching its culmination at the northeastern coast of Brazil, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
• Dynamic Width: During the dry season, the Amazon River exhibits a width ranging from 4 to 5 kilometres, expanding significantly to 50 kilometres in certain areas during the wet season.
• Unparalleled Drainage Area: The Amazon boasts the largest drainage area globally, with its watershed spanning across Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia.
• Approximately two-thirds of the Amazon's mainstream and the majority of its basin lie within the borders of Brazil.
• Water Discharge and Global Impact: With a staggering water discharge of 300,000 cubic meters per second into the Atlantic Ocean, the Amazon contributes one-fifth of the total freshwater volume entering the world's oceans.
• This immense water flow plays a pivotal role in regulating global oxygen and carbon cycles.
• Extensive Tributaries: Featuring over 1,100 tributaries, including seventeen exceeding 1,500 kilometres in length, notable contributors include the Rio Negro, the Madeira River, and the Xingu River.
• Environmental Significance: The Amazon Rainforest, constituting approximately half of the Earth's remaining rainforest, stands as the largest repository of biological resources.
• Often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," the Amazon plays a crucial role in maintaining the planet's oxygen and carbon balance.

Why is it in the News?

The resilient urban revitalisation of Rambagh Gate and Ramparts in Punjab, and heritage conservation projects related to Haryana's Church of Epiphany and Delhi's Bikaner House won Unescoawards on Thursday.

About Rambagh Gate & Ramparts:

• A three-story architectural marvel, the Rambagh Gate underwent meticulous restoration employing traditional building techniques.
• Locally sourced materials, including Nanak Shahi bricks set in lime mortar, were integral to the restoration process.

About Pipal Haveli, Gurdaspur:

• Pipal Haveli in Gurdaspur stands as a testament to ecological and traditional building methods, incorporating locally sourced materials and embracing vernacular architectural language.
• Notably, it actively promotes women's empowerment through initiatives like the BaRi Collective, offering programs that enhance women's livelihoods through environmentally conscious craft practices.

What is the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation?

• UNESCO aims to promote private sector engagement and foster collaborations between the public and private sectors to preserve the cultural heritage of the Asia-Pacific region for the benefit of present and future generations.
• Since the year 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation have been acknowledging the accomplishments of private sector entities and public-private initiatives in effectively conserving or restoring structures, places, and properties of significant heritage value in the region.
• Noteworthy, among the recognized sites, five are located in China, six in India, and one in Nepal.
• Highlights of Award-Winning Sites in India:
  • Rambagh Gate in Amritsar: Received the prestigious "Award of Excellence," the highest recognition across all categories.
  • Pipal Haveli in Punjab: Honored for its sustainable development as a heritage rural homestay.
  • Karnikara Mandapam at Kunnamangalam Bhagawati Temple in Kerala: Earned the esteemed "Award of Distinction."
  • Epiphany in Haryana, David Sassoon Library and Reading Room in Mumbai, and Bikaner House in New Delhi: Recognized with the "Award of Merit" for their outstanding contributions to cultural heritage conservation.

Why in the News?

The central government has introduced changes to the rules governing the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for white goods, specifically air conditioners and light-emitting diode lights, with the goal of ‘simplifying the scheme’s operations’ and promoting the ease of doing business, according to an official statement on Wednesday.

What are White Goods?

• Major home appliances, commonly known as white goods, encompass substantial household devices like stoves, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, and air conditioners.
• While these durable consumer durables were initially available only in white, contemporary options offer a variety of colours, yet they persistently retain the term "white goods."
• Renowned for their robustness and extended lifespan, white goods are engineered to endure the rigours of daily use.
• Additionally, the term "white goods" may extend to white fabrics, particularly linen or cotton, including items like curtains, towels, or sheets, which historically were crafted from white cloth.
• In the beverage industry, the term "white goods" refers to colourless spirits such as vodka or gin.

What is Brown Goods?

• Brown goods refer to relatively lightweight electronic consumer durables, including computers, digital media players, TVs, and radios.
• In contrast to large household appliances (white goods), brown goods are primarily geared towards entertainment, communication, and convenience.
• Typically featuring electronic components, these devices are designed to deliver audio, video, or data-related services as their primary functions.

What is Grey Goods?

• When a commodity is traded through distribution channels, which are unofficial but legal are known as the grey goods.
• They are goods that are traded in a specific area, where the manufacturer does not intend to sell the product, but with different specifications.
• Grey goods are sold without the knowledge of the original manufacturer.
• They are typically less costly than the ones that are available by the authorised distributor.
• Also, they might be made to pertain to some jurisdiction.
• Example: A factory-unlocked version of the iPhone. It is made to suit US standards but is sold in India for a lesser price than the iPhone made for Indian standards.
• When it comes to such Grey goods, the manufacturer does not provide any warranty for the product.

Why is it in the News?

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently unveiled the crest of the Indian Navy's stealth-guided missile destroyer Imphal.

About INS Imphal:

• INS Imphal is the third ship in the Visakhapatnam-class stealth-guided missile destroyers.
• INS Imphal is the third of the four Project 15B stealth-guided missile destroyers.
• It's one of the biggest destroyers made in India, measuring 164 meters long and weighing over 7500 tonnes.
• Powered by Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion, the ship is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/hour).
• It's equipped to handle various tasks in maritime warfare.
• The ship boasts a high indigenous content of approximately 75 percent that includes BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine indigenous rocket launchers, and 76mm super rapid gun mount.
• "Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Imphal is a hallmark of indigenous shipbuilding and is amongst the most technologically advanced warships in the world.
• The crest design on the ship represents the Kangla Palace and 'Kangla-Sa.'
• The Kangla Palace is a historical and archaeological site in Manipur, serving as the traditional seat of the past kingdom.
• On the right side of the crest, 'Kangla-Sa' is depicted—a mythical being with a dragon's head and lion's body from Manipur's history, symbolizing the guardian of its people.
• ‘Kangla-Sa' is also the state emblem of Manipur.
• Interestingly, INS Imphal is the first capital warship named after a city in the northeast—Imphal, the capital of Manipur.

Why in the News?

Recently, Visa has highlighted that the primary advantage of tokenization is a decreased risk of data breaches.

What is Card-on-File Tokenisation?

• Tokenisation is a process where the cardholder’s original card number, one which is written on the card and is extensively used for transactions and card identification, is replaced with a surrogate term called ‘token.’
• This process allows enhanced card protection by converting the customers’ card numbers into tokens.
• The exchange of tokens happens between the token requestor and the network, which empowers customers to receive a secure and reliable online payment experience.
• All relationship evidence of such exchange between token and crucial card information is securely saved in a vault that is only accessible to the card networks.
• Resultantly, the customers’ card details will be highly protected from online fraud and hackers.

How Does Card-on-File Tokenisation Work?

• When a customer makes a transaction by using their card at a tokenisation-based-authentication server:
• A credit/debit card is used for transactions at a POS device or an e-commerce website
• The tokenisation system receives and interprets the credit card number
• The tokenisation system goes on to replace the original credit card number with a 16-digit random character token for security
• The tokenisation system then provides the converted 16-digit random token number to the e-commerce marketplace and replaces the user’s credit card number with the same in their system
• For instance, card number (example): 4018 2255 6984 7854 will be replaced with token number: 4325 5214 8574 6658.
• The tokenisation system is an important tool for separating crucial data in ecosystems and databases while also offering enhanced card protection to cardholders.

Why in the News?

Among 1.39 million cyber security cases last year, vulnerable services made up 875,892 of the total incidents tackled by Cert-In

What is CERT-In?

• CERT-In stands for the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team.
• It is a government agency that functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• It was established in January 2004 with the objective of securing Indian cyberspace.
• It is the national nodal agency for dealing with cyber security threats like hacking and phishing.
• It strengthens the security-related defence of the Indian Internet domain.
• The Information Technology Act of 2000 designated CERT-In to serve as the national agency to perform the following functions in the area of cyber security:
• Prevention of cyber attacks: CERT-In works to prevent cyber attacks by issuing advisories and guidelines to organizations and users.
• It also conducts vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate security weaknesses.
• Incident response: It provides technical assistance to organizations that have been affected by cyber-attacks.
• It helps them to contain and recover from the incident, and to minimize the damage.
• Cyber security awareness: It raises cyber security awareness among the Indian public through various initiatives, such as workshops, seminars, and online resources.
• Coordination with other agencies: CERT-In coordinates with other cyber security agencies in India and around the world to share information and best practices.
• The constituency of CERT-In is the Indian cyber community and Indian cyberspace.
• CERT-In provides services to organisations in the Government, Public, and Private sectors.
• In addition, CERT-In provides services to individuals and home users as well.
• Disclosure of information will be followed in accordance with Indian Constitutional laws.

Why is it in the News?

Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre has said his India visit aims to enhance collaboration between European free trade partners and India and improve framework conditions for job creation, value creation, and investments.

About the European Free Trade Association (EFTA):

• The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1960 by the Stockholm Convention.
• Its core objective is to foster free trade and economic integration among its member countries, both within Europe and on a global scale.
• Member Countries: EFTA comprises four member countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
  • These nations are characterized by open, competitive economies, demonstrating a shared commitment to progressively liberalize trade both within multinational forums and through individual free trade agreements.
• Customs Distinction: Unlike the European Union (EU), EFTA operates differently as it is not a customs union.
  • This key distinction allows each EFTA State the autonomy to establish its own customs tariffs and formulate foreign trade measures independently concerning non-EFTA States.
• Association Responsibilities:
  • EFTA manages various aspects crucial to its objectives, including:
  • Facilitating free trade among EFTA countries.
  • Overseeing EFTA's engagement in the European Economic Area (EEA), encompassing the European Union and three EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, excluding Switzerland).
  • Managing EFTA's extensive network of free trade agreements globally.
• Free Trade Agreement Network: EFTA member countries boast one of the largest networks of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) globally.
  • This comprehensive network spans over 60 countries and territories, incorporating the European Union among others.

EFTA plays a pivotal role in promoting economic collaboration, free trade, and global engagement, distinguishing itself from the EU through its approach to customs and foreign trade measures.

What is a Free Trade Agreement?

• A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is an agreement between two or more nations aimed at lowering barriers to imports and exports among them.
• In a free trade scenario, goods and services can move across international borders with minimal government tariffs, quotas, subsidies, or restrictions hindering their exchange.
• The principle of free trade stands in contrast to trade protectionism or economic isolationism.
• FTAs come in various forms, including Preferential Trade Agreements, Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements, and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA).

Why is it in the News?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the 26th meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council in Bihar's capital on Sunday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Saturday.

What are Zonal Councils?

• The conceptualization of Zonal Councils can be attributed to the visionary initiative of India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, in 1956.
• These councils are statutory bodies established by an Act of Parliament, namely the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.
• The act delineated the country into five zones (Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern), assigning a Zonal Council to each.

Present Composition of Zonal Councils:

• Northern Zonal Council: Includes Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, National Capital Territory of Delhi, and Union Territory of Chandigarh.
• Central Zonal Council: Encompasses Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Eastern Zonal Council: Comprises Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, and West Bengal.
• Western Zonal Council: Involves Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
• Southern Zonal Council: Consists of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
• Exclusion and Special Council: The North Eastern States (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Nagaland) are not part of Zonal Councils.
  • Instead, their unique challenges are addressed by the North Eastern Council, established under the North Eastern Council Act of 1972.
  • Sikkim was included in the North Eastern Council in 2002.

Organizational Structure:

• Chairman: The Union Home Minister serves as the Chairman for each Zonal Council.
• Vice Chairman: Chief Ministers of the states in each zone act as Vice-Chairman, rotating annually.
• Members: Chief Minister and two nominated Ministers from each state, along with two members from Union Territories in the zone.
• Advisers: Planning Commission nominees, Chief Secretaries, and another officer/Development Commissioner from each state in the zone.

Objectives:

• The primary objectives of Zonal Councils include promoting national integration and curbing acute State consciousness, regionalism, linguism, and particularistic tendencies.
• Additionally, they aim to facilitate cooperation, idea exchange, and a climate of collaboration among states for the successful execution of development projects.

Functions:

• Zonal Councils function as advisory bodies, empowered to discuss common interests between the Union and represented states.
• They can recommend courses of action to the Central Government and individual state governments.
• Specific areas of discussion may include economic and social planning, border disputes, linguistic minorities, inter-state transport, and matters arising from the reorganization of states under the States Reorganisation Act.

Why in the News?

The government is actively developing a proposal to introduce a new Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) dedicated to national highways. This initiative aims to enable domestic retail investors to own units of the trust, expanding opportunities for individual investors to participate in highway infrastructure projects.

What is Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT)?

• An Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) functions as a Collective Investment Scheme, offering a pathway for both individual and institutional investors to directly invest in diverse infrastructure projects.
• Operating akin to mutual funds, InvITs are established as trusts and undergo registration with Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India).
• InvITs involve four key parties:
• the Trustee, Sponsor(s), Investment Manager, and Project Manager. The Sebi-certified Trustee assumes the crucial role of overseeing the InvIT's performance. Meanwhile, the Sponsor(s) act as the company's promoters responsible for creating and setting up the InvIT.
• Overall, InvITs present an attractive investment option, as they allow investors to participate in the development of vital infrastructure projects while enjoying the benefits of a collective investment structure similar to mutual funds.

What is NHAI InvIT?

• NHAI InvIT is an infrastructure investment trust proudly sponsored by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to bolster the government's National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) initiative.
• This Trust has been established by NHAI in accordance with the Indian Trusts Act, of 1882, and adheres to the regulations set forth by SEBI (Security and Exchange Board of India).
• The NHAI InvIT plays a vital role in supporting the nation's infrastructure development by providing a platform for investors to participate in highway projects' growth and monetization.
• Through this innovative investment vehicle, NHAI aims to tap into private and institutional investments to enhance the funding and execution of critical infrastructure projects across the country, ultimately contributing to India's overall economic progress.

Why is it in the News?

India is keeping a watchful eye on its neighbour countries’ recent deliberations to join the China-backed Asian trade bloc, Regional Comprehensive Economic Part­nership (RCEP), although the government is yet to “re-evaluate” the position it took four years ago. 

What is Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)?

• RCEP, or the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, is a proposed agreement involving ASEAN member states and their free trade agreement partners.
• Introduced in 2011, negotiations started in 2012, aiming to finalize the deal by November 2019.
• After the withdrawal of India, there are 15 members of RCEP, which includes 10 ASEAN countries and 5 other countries, namely:
  • Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• RCEP's objective is to establish an integrated market, facilitating the availability of products and services across the region.
  • The negotiations cover trade, investment, intellectual property, dispute settlement, e-commerce, SMEs, and economic cooperation.
• Initially proposed by Beijing in 2012 to counter the Trans-Pacific Partnership, RCEP became a key tool for China after the U.S. withdrew from the TPP in 2016.
• India chose not to sign the RCEP in 2019 due to concerns about its industries competing with China and potential flooding of Indian markets.
• Despite some sectors anticipating gains, India emphasized the need for a deal favorable to all countries and sectors.

What is the News ?

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter-governmental body that sets anti-money laundering standards, has removed the offshore tax haven Cayman Islands from its ‘grey list’.

Facts About:

• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental organization that was founded in 1989 as part of the G7's effort to develop laws to combat money laundering.
• Its directive was extended to cover financing of terrorism in 2001.
• Only a few nations are listed in the grey and black lists that the FATF releases.
• To monitor the country's progress in combating money laundering and terrorism financing, a grey list is established.
• Non-cooperative nations are included on a blacklist in an effort to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism.

About the Cayman Islands:

• The Cayman Islands are situated in the Western Caribbean Sea and are a British Overseas Territory.
• Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman are the three islands that make up the territory; they are situated northwest of Jamaica and south of Cuba.
• Its topography is low-lying, with coral reefs.
• Economy: The islands are a thriving offshore financial hub, with a mixed economic system.

What is the News ?

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed by the Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC) and Magic Bus India Foundation, a prominent non-profit in the education and skilling sector.

Facts About:

MEPSC is a horizontal Sector Skill Council (SSC) that was established using a unique Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in 2013 and registered as a Section-8 (Not for Profit Company) under the Companies Act.

The Ministry of Skill Development has been providing guidance to the Council during its operations.

The only organization promoting it is the All India Management Association (AIMA), which is the highest authority for the management profession in India.

MEPSC receives support from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and is acknowledged as an awarding body by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), the skills regulator.

Over the next ten years, MEPSC aims to train and certify about 4.75 lakh trainees, create and develop 50 Qualifications Packs (QPs)/National Occupational Standards (NOS), and train over 550 trainers.

It will take the lead on skill development programs in five major areas, including:

• Assessment and training
• Professional skills (including Security)
• Non-Teaching job roles in the education sector
• Entrepreneurship

The MEPSC Board of Directors is made up of several well-known and experienced business leaders, academics, NSDC, AIMA, and Ministry officials.

What is the News ?

India and Saudi Arabia have recently decided to accelerate the progress of the $50 billion West Coast refinery project.

Facts About:

• The West Coast refinery project, also known as Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. (RRPCL), was initially conceived in 2014.

          It is intended to be India's largest greenfield refinery, boasting a massive capacity of 60 million tonnes per annum.

          This project is set to become the world's largest integrated refinery and petrochemical facility.

• Location-wise, the project is planned to be situated on India's western coast, specifically in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
• Upon completion, the refinery is anticipated to produce approximately 1.2 million barrels of oil daily, in addition to various petroleum products generated by the attached petrochemical facilities.
• Three prominent government-owned enterprises in the Indian oil and gas sector came together to establish a joint venture named RRPCL.
• RRPCL is a joint venture in which India's three national oil companies, namely Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), hold stakes of 50%, 25%, and 25%, respectively.
• In 2019, Saudi Aramco and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) also joined the project by acquiring a collective 50 percent stake.

           This investment is estimated to be valued at around Rs 3 lakh crore, covering the setup costs.

What is the News ?

Recently, Indian overnight index swap (OIS) rates have surged to their highest levels in a span of 10 months. This increase has been attributed to offshore payments and the triggering of stop-loss orders.

Facts About:

• An Overnight Index Swap (OIS) is a financial tool that involves exchanging returns from a fixed-rate asset for a predetermined daily overnight reference rate index for an agreed-upon duration.
• The primary goal of OIS is to mitigate interest rate risk, specifically the risk linked to changes in the overnight lending rate.
• An OIS rate is computed daily, and it is based on the average interest rate that institutions with loans tied to the overnight rate have paid for that particular day.

How does an OIS Operate:

• OIS instruments enable financial institutions to exchange the interest rates they are currently paying, all without the need to refinance or alter the terms of their existing loans.
• In a typical overnight index swap arrangement, one financial institution swaps an overnight (floating) interest rate, while the other swaps a fixed short-term interest rate.
• To initiate the swap, both institutions agree to maintain their loan obligations as usual.
• However, at the end of an agreed-upon timeframe, the institution that ends up paying less interest will compensate the other institution for the difference.

What is the News ?

The Indian shipping Minister recently mentioned that India and Russia want to start working on the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC).

Facts About:

• The EMC is like a new sea road that connects the Indian port of Chennai with the Russian port of Vladivostok.
• This new road is expected to make it much faster to move things between Indian and Russian ports in the Far East. It could be up to 40 percent faster, which means instead of taking 40 days, it might only take 24 days.
• Right now, when things are shipped from Mumbai, India, to St. Petersburg, Russia, it's a really long trip of 8,675 nautical miles.
• The EMC, on the other hand, is a shorter route, only about 5,600 nautical miles, which is way quicker than the current path through the Suez Canal.
• So, when the EMC is ready, it will be a faster way to send stuff from India to Far East Russia.
• It's great for India, because it's a quicker and better route to reach places in the Far East like China and Japan.