1. CENTRALISED PENSION PAYMENT SYSTEM (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Union Labour Ministry has cleared a proposal for Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS) for about 78 lakh pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme.

Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS)

• About: The CPPS represents a significant shift by providing a national-level centralized system that allows pension payout through any bank or branch in India.
• Coverage: The Centralized Pension Payment System is estimated to benefit over 78 lakh EPFO EPS pensioners.
• Simplification of Disbursement: The CPPS replaces the current decentralized system, eliminating the need for each EPFO Zonal/Regional Office to manage arrangements with multiple banks.
• Cost Savings for EPFO: The switch to the CPPS is anticipated to result in substantial cost savings in pension payouts.
• Applicable from: Beginning on January 1st, 2025, this feature will be made available as part of EPFO's Centralized IT Enabled System (CITES 2.01), an ongoing IT modernization initiative.
• No Need PPO: The CPPS will guarantee pension delivery across India without requiring the transfer of Pension Payment Orders (PPO) from one office to another.
• Benefits: CPPS will enable a smooth transition to Aadhaar-based payment system.
• There will be no need for pensioners to visit the branch for any verification at the time of commencement of pension and the pension shall be immediately credited upon release.

Employees' Pension Scheme

• About: It is a social security initiative offered by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). 
• Launched: 1995
• Objective: To help employees in organised sectors save for retirement. All employees eligible for the EPF scheme automatically qualify for EPS.
• This scheme aims to help employees in the organised sector, providing a pension post-retirement at 58.

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2. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) (Syllabus GS Paper 2/3 – Governance/Sci and Tech)

Context: The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MORTH) has developed a Geographic Information System (GIS).

Geographic Information System (GIS)

• About: It is based software for real-time monitoring of wait times at highway toll plazas, which it says will allow commuters to check congestion at the level of specific lanes to ensure smoother traffic flows.
• Developed by: Indian Highways Management Company Ltd (IHMCL), a company pro- moted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
• Monitoring System

oThe software will display the name and location of toll plazas.

oReal-time updates on queue lengths, wait times, and vehicle speeds will be provided.

• Satellite-Based Tolling System:

oGNSS-Based Tolling: The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) will replace the FASTag system, eliminating congestion at toll booths.

üA GNSS constitutes a network of satellites that broadcast timing and orbital data, serving the purpose of navigation and positioning measurements.

oDistance-Based Charges: Users will be charged based on the distance traveled on National Highways.

oSimultaneous Systems: Initially, GNSS-based tolling will operate alongside FASTag for a smooth transition.

oAutomatic Payments: Toll payments will be automatically debited using on-board units, without boom barriers

FASTag Usage Statistics

• About: FASTag, launched in 2015 and mandatory since February 2021, uses RFID technology for toll collection.
• As of March 2024, over 98% of toll payments at National Highway toll plazas are made using FASTag, according to MORTH data.

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3. WILD ORCHIDS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: A local resident from Ambalavayal village in Wayanad district, Kerala, has embarked on a mission to protect wild orchids in the Western Ghats.

Wild Orchids 

• About: These are a diverse group of flowering plants with vibrant and intricate flowers, belonging to the family Orchidaceae.
• Habitat: Orchids thrive in tropical rainforests, mountains, and even deserts.
• Distribution: Northeast India is known for its orchid diversity. Arunachal Pradesh has more than 600 recorded species of orchids and is also home to India’s first orchid sanctuary, the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary.

oThe Western Ghats are known for their high orchid endemism. Of the 388 orchid species that are endemic to India, 123 are found in the Western Ghats, and 41 are endemic specifically to the northern Western Ghats region.

• Types of Orchids:

oEpiphytic Orchids: They grow on other plants or rock surfaces for physical support, drawing moisture and nutrients from the air, not the host.

oTerrestrial Orchids: They grow on land and climbers, and are predominantly found in temperate and alpine regions.

oMycoheterotrophic Orchids: They derive nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi attached to the roots of a vascular plant.

• Protection Status: Orchids are listed under Appendix II of CITES, which bans the global trade of wild orchids.
• IUCN Status: Out of known 1300 species of Indian orchids, 352 are endemic to this country of which 40 are "endangered" and 72 are "vulnerable".
• Threats: The primary threat to orchids is habitat loss due to illegal logging and development, with epiphytic orchids being the most endangered.

Significance: 

• Orchids are natural indicators of air quality, as they do not thrive in polluted environments. They also facilitate cross-pollination and support the survival of insect larvae, such as caterpillars.
• The Oraon and Kharia tribal communities use orchids to treat various ailments, including cuts, fractures, skin diseases, aches, and gastrointestinal issues.

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4. INDOBIS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), an attached office of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, conducted a national-level workshop on the Indian Ocean Biodiversity Information System (IndOBIS) at its Kochi campus.

Indian Ocean Biodiversity Information System (IndOBIS)

• About: Indian Ocean Biodiversity Information System (IndOBIS).
• Global Repository: OBIS is one of the largest global repositories of information on marine species, containing millions of records from thousands of datasets contributed by researchers, governments, and organizations worldwide.
• Developed by: Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE).

oCMLRE is a premier research institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

• Objective: It provides detailed information on species distribution across the world's oceans, including data on their occurrence, habitats, and environmental parameters.
• Support Network: OBIS is supported by a network of nearly 30 regional nodes contributing data while ensuring the data's quality and accessibility.
• Intergovernmental Support: It has been set up by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO for promoting marine science, conservation, and sustainable development.
• Integration with IODE: It is now an integral component of the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) of IOC.

Ocean Eyes Mobile Application

• Aligned with: IndOBIS’s objective to generate awareness of marine biodiversity, CMLRE has developed a mobile application called Ocean Eyes.
• Community Engagement: The Ocean Eyes app is a citizen-centric and community-engagement approach to data collection, sharing, and analysis in marine biodiversity monitoring and research.
• User-Friendly Interface: The app has a user-friendly interface and is available free of cost for both iOS and Android platforms.
• Data Recording and Reporting: Citizens and users can record sightings of marine species, log environmental conditions, and upload geotagged photos directly through the app. Real-time reporting of observations to IndOBIS is also possible.

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5. NATIONAL WILDLIFE DAY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: National Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on September 4, encouraging people to pause, reflect and appreciate the wildlife.

National Wildlife Day

• Objective: This day aims to remind the importance of conservation efforts to improve the natural world. 
• Frequency of Celebration: Twice a year, first on February 22 and then on September 4, 2024.
• History: 

oCreation by: Colleen Paige established National Wildlife Day in 2005 to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.

oHonoring Steve Irwin: The observance was expanded to include February 22 to honor Steve Irwin, a prominent wildlife conservationist.

oIrwin's Contribution: Steve Irwin played a crucial role in wildlife protection, which is commemorated on this additional date.

• Purpose of the Day:

oThe day aims to address the challenges faced by wildlife due to human activities and environmental changes.

oIt encourages people to engage in practices that do not harm the natural environment.

• Significance: 

oNational Wildlife Day emphasizes the urgent need to address the rapid disappearance of species due to human activities and environmental changes.

oThe day encourages individuals to actively participate in conservation efforts, raising awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats.

oIt serves as a reminder of the impact of climate change and illegal activities on wildlife, stressing the need for collective action to safeguard natural ecosystems.

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6. FRAME METHODOLOGY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Each food bank helps cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to removing 900 gasoline-powered cars from the road for a year, according to the new Food Recovery to Avoid Methane Emissions (FRAME) methodology.

Food Recovery to Avoid Methane Emissions (FRAME)

• About: The FRAME methodology measures the avoided emissions and additional benefits of redirecting food loss and waste to direct human consumption through food recovery and redistribution.
• Developed by: The Global Food Banking Network (GFN) in collaboration with the Global Methane Hub and the Carbon Trust.
• Aim: To enhance food recovery efforts.

oThe updated FRAME tool will enable food banks, recovery organizations, private sector companies, and experts to accurately measure and manage emissions from food recovery and redistribution.

• Origin: Initially piloted in Mexico and Ecuador, the FRAME methodology analyzed six community-led food banks, revealing they prevented a total of 816 metric tonnes (MT) of methane emissions over a year.
  • Alignment with UN Target 12.3: The methodology supports the UN’s Target 12.3, which seeks to halve per capita global food waste at retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains by 2030.
  • Food Loss Statistics: The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 14% of global food is lost post-harvest before reaching retailers, with an additional 17% wasted at retail and consumer levels, as reported by UNEP’s Food Waste Index Report.

  Global Food Banking Network (GFN)

  • About: GFN is a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to alleviating world hunger through food banking.
  • Launched: 2006
  • Objective: To nourish the world’s hungry through uniting and advancing food banks.

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7. VEHICLE SCRAPPAGE POLICY (Syllabus: GS Paper 2/3 – Gov policies/Env./Economy)

Context: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched the Voluntary Vehicle Modernization Program, also known as the Vehicle Scrapping Policy

Vehicle Scrappage Policy

• About: It is an initiative aimed at reducing pollution by phasing out older, unfit vehicles.
• Launched: 2021
• Target: The policy specifically targets commercial vehicles more than 15 years old and private vehicles over 20 years old, requiring them to undergo mandatory fitness tests.

oVehicles that fail these tests must be scrapped, with owners offered incentives to encourage the purchase of new vehicles.

• Provision:

oConcession on road tax: State governments may offer a concession on the road tax on the new vehicle. The concession can be up to 25% for non-transport vehicles and 15% for transport vehicles.

oDiscount on a new vehicle: Vehicle manufacturers have been requested to offer a discount of 5% on purchasing a new vehicle against the Certificate of Deposit. This discount is over and above the scrap value.

oAvail a discount: After scrapping the vehicle, the owner may receive a 4 to 6% discount on the new vehicle’s cost.

oDisincentive:  Higher re-registration fees will apply to vehicles that are 15 years or older from their initial registration date.

Significance: Scrapping unfit vehicles will result in less air pollution and better air quality.

oWith old vehicles being scrapped, the demand for new vehicles will rise as the old ones will need to be replaced by new ones. More than 51 lakh light motor vehicles (private and commercial) are more than 20 years old. 

oNew advanced vehicles will be comparatively safer. For example, new cars come with superior safety features.

Impact on the Vehicle Industry

• Lower Emissions: Removal of older vehicles could lead to a 10-12% reduction in vehicular pollution.
• Improved Air Quality: Effective policy implementation could reduce CO2 emissions by 15% annually.

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8. ANIIDCO (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure)

Context: The qualifications of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation are under scrutiny following its approval for a ₹72,000 crore mega infrastructure project in Great Nicobar. 

ANIIDCO

• About: It is the project proponent for the NITI Aayog-promoted mega infrastructure project in Great Nicobar, the southernmost island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
• Development: The project includes the construction of a trans-shipment port, a greenfield airport, a tourism and township project, and a solar and gas-based power plant.
• Permissions and Authority: ANIIDCO is a lesser-known quasi-government agency based in Port Blair, which has been granted permission for the major project.
• Establishment: Incorporated on June 28, 1988, under the Companies Act, with the goal of balanced and environmentally friendly development.
• Core Activities: ANIIDCO trades petroleum products, Indian-made foreign liquor, and milk.

oIt manages tourism resorts and infrastructure development related to tourism and fisheries.

• Island Characteristics: The 910 sq km island is a biodiversity hotspot, home to indigenous communities with special rights, and situated in a tectonically active zone.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• Location: Southeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal.
• Structure: Two groups—Andaman Islands to the north and Nicobar Islands to the south.
• Length: Stretches approximately 1,000 km.
• Great Andaman and Nicobar Groups:

oSeparation: The Ten Degree Channel divides the Great Andaman group from the Nicobar group.

oGreat Nicobar: Largest island of the Nicobar group, located closest to Sumatra, Indonesia.

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9. LOTHAL DOCKYARD (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: A recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology-Gandhinagar has uncovered evidence of the Lothal dockyard from the Harappan Civilization. This finding sheds new light on ancient maritime activities.

Lothal Dockyard

• About: It was one of the southernmost sites of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), situated in the Bhal region of modern-day Gujarat.
• Historical Foundation: The port city is believed to have been established around 2,200 BC.
• Trade Significance: Lothal was a prominent trade center, exporting beads, gems, and ornaments to West Asia and Africa.
• Early Dock: Lothal featured the world's earliest known dock, connecting the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River, part of a trade route linking Harappan cities in Sindh and Saurashtra.
• Key Discovery: Archaeologist SR Rao led the team which discovered a number of Harappan sites at the time, including the port city of Lothal.
• Excavation Timeline: Excavation work was carried out in Lothal between February 1955 and May 1960.

Study Findings

• Hypothesis on Inland Network: Researchers hypothesized that Lothal was connected to an inland network reaching the Rann of Kutch.
• Identification of Water Channel: Researchers traced a water channel to the Sabarmati river, which historically flowed by Lothal.
• Shift in River Course: The Sabarmati river has since shifted its course and now flows 20 km away from Lothal.
• Trade Route: The study indicates that traders accessed Gujarat via the Gulf of Khambhat.
• Traders are believed to have transported materials from Ratanpura to Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq).

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10. BRUNEI (Syllabus: GS Paper 1/2 – Geography/IR)

Context: The Prime Minister arrives in Brunei for visit, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Brunei

• Location: Situated at along the northern coast of Borneo Island in Southeast Asia.

oSituated in both the Northern and Eastern hemispheres.

• Borders: Bordered by the South China Sea to the north and Malaysia on all other sides. 

oThe country is divided into two non-contiguous parts by Malaysia's Sarawak. Maritime borders are shared with China and Malaysia.

• Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
• Highest Point: Bukit Pagon, standing at 6,069 feet, is the highest peak, located along the eastern border with Malaysia.
• Major Rivers: Belait, Pandaruan, and Tutong rivers which drain the land.
• Oil Production: A major oil producer in Southeast Asia.
• Demographics: Brunei citizens make up about 76% of the population, with the rest being permanent or temporary residents. Over 80% of the population is ethnically Malay or Chinese.

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