1. NPCI (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, Google India Digital Services and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand the transformative impact of UPI to countries beyond India.

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)

• About: It is an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India.
• Established:  As an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), the NPCI operates under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, to create a robust Payment & Settlement Infrastructure in India.
• Not-for-Profit Company: Incorporated as a “Not for Profit” Company under Section 25 of the Companies Act 1956, the NPCI focuses on bringing innovations in retail payment systems through technology for greater operational efficiency and wider payment reach.
• Innovation in Retail Payment Systems: The company is dedicated to bringing innovation to retail payment systems by leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and expand the reach of payments.
• Promoted by Major Banks: NPCI is promoted by ten major banks, including the State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Citibank, Bank of Baroda, and HSBC.
• Regulatory Board Composition: The regulatory board of the NPCI, headquartered in Mumbai, includes nominees from the RBI and ten core promoter banks.
• Payment Systems: NPCI operates various payment systems, including National Financial Switch (NFS), Immediate Payment System (IMPS), Aadhaar-enabled Payments System (AEPS), and National Automated Clearing House (NACH).

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2. CERT-IN Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management)

Context: A critical vulnerability that exposed the personal details of top industrialists, celebrities, sports personalities and others in the country has been fixed by the Corporate Affairs Ministry months after a cybersecurity expert flagged the issue.

Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)

• About: CERT-In is the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents as and when they occur.
• Formed: 19 January 2004.
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
• Motto: Handling Cyber Security Incidents.
• Objective: Securing Indian cyberspace.
• Functions:

oCollection, analysis and dissemination of information on cyber incidents.

oForecast and alerts of cyber security incidents

oEmergency measures for handling cyber security incidents

oCoordination of cyber incident response activities.

oIssue guidelines, advisories, vulnerability notes and whitepapers relating to information security practices, procedures, prevention, response and reporting of cyber incidents.

oSuch other functions relating to cyber security as may be prescribed.

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3. FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION REGULATING ACT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Centre for Policy Research recently faced a significant setback as it received a final order cancelling its licence under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), resulting in "choked" funding, a "skeletal" staff strength, and programming reduced to a bare "minimum."

Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)

• About: Enacted during the Emergency in 1976, FCRA emerged amid concerns that foreign powers were meddling in India’s affairs by channeling funds through independent organizations.
• Regulating Foreign Donations: The law aimed to regulate foreign donations to individuals and associations, ensuring they operated in a manner consistent with the values of a sovereign democratic republic.
• 2010 Amendment: In 2010, FCRA underwent an amendment to "consolidate the law" on utilizing foreign funds and "prohibit" their use for "any activities detrimental to national interest."
• 2020 Amendment: Further amendments in 2020 granted the government increased control and scrutiny over the receipt and utilization of foreign funds by NGOs.
• Criteria: To receive foreign donations, individuals or NGOs must be registered under the FCRA, open a designated bank account in the State Bank of India, Delhi, and utilize the funds only for the specified purpose outlined in the Act.
• Granting Registrations: FCRA registrations are awarded to individuals or associations with specific cultural, economic, educational, religious, and social programs.

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4. GM CROPS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, the government assured the Supreme Court that it remains steadfast in its commitment to the safe use of genetically-modified (GM) crops, emphasizing that robust evaluation systems are currently in place.

oBt cotton was approved in 2002 after an elaborate safety-assessment exercise spanning over seven years.

Genetically Modified Crops

• About: It can be defined as organisms (i.e., plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. 
• Technology called:  Modern biotechnology” or “gene technology”.
• Aim: To overcome the boundaries of plant species by incorporating a foreign gene into seeds to achieve specific effects; this foreign gene may originate from a plant, an animal, or even a soil bacterium.
• GM crops in India: BT cotton, BT Brinjal, DMH 11 Mustard.

oBT cotton is the only genetically modified (GM) crop that has been approved for commercial cultivation in India.

• Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC): It is the apex body that allows for the commercial release of GM crops.

Advantages Of GM Crops

• Climate change resistant: GM crops are disease and drought resistant plants that require fewer environmental resources (such as water and fertilizer).
• Faster Growth & Less resources: Less use of pesticides aided with faster growing plants and animals.
• Higher Production: Increased supply of food with reduced cost and longer shelf life. DMH-11 has an average of 20-25% more yield than the currently used mustard seeds.

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5. SANATAN KHADI VASTRA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has introduced a fresh collection of 'Sanatan Khadi Vastra,' offering a 20% discount on the new line.

Sanatan Khadi Vastra

• Design: The design concept for 'Sanatan Vastra' originated at the Khadi Center of Excellence (COEK) situated within the premises of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
• Manufacturing Process: The creation of Khadi involves no mechanical or chemical processes, distinguishing Sanatan textiles for adhering to traditional Indian methods.
• Significance
• Cultural Relevance: 'Sanatan Vastra' embodies a fusion of India's rich heritage and contemporary fashion trends, with a specific goal of captivating the interest of the youth towards Swadeshi products.
• Economic Impact: Beyond its fashion aspect, the launch holds a broader significance in enhancing the livelihoods of countless rural artisans. This initiative contributes significantly to the economic empowerment of these communities.

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)

• About: It is a statutory body established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
• Objective: The KVIC is responsible for strategizing, advocating, and overseeing programs aimed at the growth of Khadi and rural industries in rural areas. 
• This includes planning and implementation, working in collaboration with other relevant agencies involved in rural development when required.

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6. FDCs & CDSCO (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – SCI & TECH)

Context: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has allowed companies to manufacture and market five fixed dose combinations (FDCs) that were banned last year.

Fixed Dose Combinations

• About: FDC refer to products containing one or more active ingredients used for a particular indication(s). 
• FDCs can be divided into the two groups

oFirst group of FDCs: Includes those in which one or more of the active ingredients is a new drug.

oSecond group FDCs: Includes those in which active ingredients already approved/marketed individually are combined for the first time, for a particular claim and where the ingredients are likely to have significant interaction of a pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic nature.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)

• About: CDSCO establishes standards and measures to ensure the safety, effectiveness, and quality of drugs, cosmetics, diagnostics, and medical devices within the country.
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• 6 Zonal Offices of CDSCO: Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ghaziabad, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad
• Ministry: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act: CDSCO is tasked with the approval of drugs, conduct of clinical trials, and establishment of standards for drugs.

oThis coordination aims to ensure uniform enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, contributing to a standardized and regulated pharmaceutical landscape in the country.

• Export Regulation: CDSCO plays a role in regulating the export of drugs from India.

oManufacturers with CDSCO certification can export drugs to other countries, expanding India's pharmaceutical presence internationally.

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7. E-SAKSHI APPLICATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Scheme)

Context: Recently, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application.

e-SAKSHI Application

• Launch: Under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) Scheme.
• Aim: To recommend works of developmental nature with emphasis on the creation of durable community assets based on the locally felt needs.
• Development Projects: The new procedure is poised to bring forth a myriad of benefits, revolutionizing the way Members of Parliament engage with and manage development projects in their constituencies.
• Convenience and Accessibility: Offering convenience and accessibility, the system allows MPs to propose, track, and oversee projects at their fingertips.
• Real-time Access: It enhances decision-making processes, enabling swift responses to emerging needs or issues that may arise during the course of project implementation.
• Transparency: One of the key features is the promotion of transparency, providing MPs with instant updates on the status and progress of their proposed projects.
• Features: The system comes equipped with features for budget management, ensuring MPs can effectively monitor expenditures related to the development projects in their constituencies.

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8. ASER REPORT ON EDUCATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Social Issues)

Context: Recently, the ASER 2023 report sheds light on the persistent challenge as it discloses that children in India still grapple with fundamental reading and arithmetic skills, even in their teenage years, despite having advanced to senior classes like standard 10 and the higher secondary levels of education (Classes 11 and 12).

Key Findings of Report

• The report highlights a continued challenge in India, where children face difficulties in mastering fundamental reading and arithmetic skills, even after progressing to higher educational levels.
• Among individuals aged 14-18, the report reveals that a significant proportion (26.5%) cannot read a Class 2-level textbook in their regional language, and nearly half (42.7%) struggle with reading sentences in English. 
• Basic mathematics poses a substantial challenge, with more than half of surveyed students (56.7%) unable to solve a simple 3-digit by 1-digit division problem..
• The ASER 2023 assessment extends to evaluating the practical application of basic arithmetic and reading skills in daily activities. Alarmingly, less than half of the surveyed individuals (approximately 45%) can calculate the number of hours a child slept based on bedtime and waking time.
• Across various tasks assessing basic numeracy and reading skills, boys consistently outperformed girls. 

Annual Status of Education Report (ASER)

• About: The ASER, an annual citizen-led household survey, strives to assess the enrollment and learning status of children in rural India.
• Annual Conduct: ASER has been consistently conducted each year since 2005, covering all rural districts of India, making it the largest citizen-led survey in the country.
• Scope: ASER surveys offer representative estimates regarding the enrollment status of children aged 3-16 and the fundamental reading and arithmetic levels of children aged 5-16 at the national, state, and district levels.

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9. OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Env and Eco)

Context: Wildlife experts expect a higher number of Olive Ridley turtles, an endangered species, to lay eggs this year in the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha’s Ganjam district.

Olive Ridley Turtles

• Size and Abundance: The Olive ridley turtles hold the title of being the smallest and most abundant among all sea turtles worldwide.
• Characterized by:  Olive-colored carapace, are carnivores, deriving their name from this distinctive feature.
• Arribada Mass Nesting: Renowned for their remarkable behavior, Olive ridley turtles engage in Arribada, a unique mass nesting phenomenon where thousands of females converge on the same beach to lay eggs.
• Habitat: Warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans.

oGahirmatha Marine Sanctuary: Odisha's Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary stands out as the world's largest rookery, serving as a crucial breeding ground for these sea turtles.

• Protection Status

oWildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1.

oIUCN Red List: Vulnerable.

oCITES: Appendix I.

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10. JALLIKATTU (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: Recently, two individuals, including a minor boy, were tragically gored to death in a jallikattu event.

Jallikattu

• About: The term Jallikattu is derived from the combination of two words - ‘Calli’ (coins) and ‘Kattu’ (tie), signifying a bundle of coins tied to the bull’s horns.
• Ancient Tradition: Jallikattu, a competitive bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu, boasts a history of 2,000 years. Participants aim to tame a bull for a prize, and failure results in the bull owner claiming the reward.
• Cattle Breeds for Jallikattu: Kangayam, Pulikulam, Umbalachery, Bargur, and Malai Maadu are among the native cattle breeds specifically raised for Jallikattu, showcasing the diversity in the sport's participants.
• Historical References to Jallikattu: The origins of Jallikattu can be traced back to a seal discovered at Mohenjodaro, dating between 2,500 BC and 1,800 BC. In ancient times, it was known as Eru Thazuval, meaning "embracing the bull."
• Jallikattu in Tamil Epics: Jallikattu finds mention in Silappadikaram, one of the great Tamil epics from the Sangam age, further emphasizing its deep-rooted cultural significance.

Controversy over Jallikattu

• HC Verdict: In 2006, a Madras High Court ruling prohibited the conduct of events such as rekla race and jallikattu, including safety concerns.
• Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act (2009): The Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act was enacted in 2009 to introduce regulations and safety measures for the conduct of jallikattu.
• Jallikattu and Mass Agitations in Tamil Nadu: In Tamil Nadu was the Supreme Court's ban on jallikattu and similar sports involving animals, citing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, in the landmark Welfare Board of India vs A. Nagaraja (2014) case.

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