Monday, July 19,2021

A ‘tolerant’ Follow us
India can be
majoritarian
Page
No. 03

SPACE TRANSPORTATION POLICY(GS PAPER-3 SCIENCE TECH

SOURCE- THE HINDU)
Context:
India is working to come with a technological & regulatory framework. The Department
of Space has released the draft National Space Transportation Policy. Private players
eager to leverage national facilities and the new policy trying to manifest to unlock the
potential in the space sector.
Policy:
Space transportation systems, consists of multiple classes of launch vehicles, provide
assured and reliable access to space for making space
infrastructure that allows the country to explore
opportunities to tackle challenges, not only for the
country’s needs but also for participation and exploration
in global opportunities.
In addition to sustaining & augmenting the national space
infrastructure consisting and containing of earth
observation satellites, communication satellites,
navigational satellites and satellites for space science &
exploration, Indian space transportation systems also
enable and multiply the commercial exploitation of
growing opportunities for launch services as well as
human spaceflight to near earth orbit & robotic space
exploration.
The recent reforms made by the Government of the
country towards unlocking the potential of the space
sector in the country are expected to attract and ask the
entrepreneurs to invest in cost-effective & quick
turn-around space transportation systems added with the
important global commercial launch
services market being projected for small satellites.
The Indian space transportation sector is watching the emergence
and commencement of new players in the private sector who in
order to unlock the commercial potential of small satellite launch
services, are eager to leverage the national facilities already
established by the Government of India.
Sustaining independent access to space and the continuous evolution of space
transportation capabilities towards human as well as robotic space exploration along with
the commercial exploitation of world level opportunities require a robust national space
transportation policy aimed at promoting, progressing & fostering national capabilities in
the development of end-to-end space transportation systems and strengthening of Public
Private Partnerships.
National Space Transportation Policy 2020:
The National Space Transportation Policy authorizes independent and reliable access to
space towards tapping space technology in the interest of national development, security
& sovereignty and also to instigate an environment for Indian bodies to develop
capabilities in the space transportation body and thereby gain a significant Read More
Khya� khare
Khya� Khare
 Monday, July 19,2021
National Space Transportation Policy 2020
The National Space Transportation Policy authorizes
independent and reliable access to space towards tapping space technology in the
interest of national development, security & sovereignty and also to instigate an
environment for Indian bodies to develop capabilities in the space transportation body
and thereby gain a significant position in the global space economy.
Promote and enhance an environment within the country for Indian bodies to enhance
the capability & capacity in-space transportation systems of the country.
Enable the commercial exertion of the launch capacity and space transportation
technologies made by the Department through its
commercial arm.
Focus on advanced research & technology development
concerning improving access to space and helping
human/robotic space exploration.
Engage in interchangeably beneficial partnerships with
international space agencies/technology providers towards
the joint or co-development of advanced space
transportation capabilities.
Need for the policy:
Sustaining independent engagement to space and the
continuous evolution of space transportation capabilities
towards human and robotic space exploration aligned with
the commercial exploitation of global opportunities need a
robust national space transportation systems policy.
The increasing number of startups in the country in recent
years, who are looking for to develop independent space
launch systems to apprehend the global launch services
market, require a easy technological & regulatory pathway
in the country so that the private environment can prosper
in the area while also bringing in innovative and adaptive technologies including itsRahul
spin-offs benefiting the country’s economy.
Considering the increasing number of private enterprises in the country who are
involved in space activities including launch vehicle development and in order to
promote research & development and strengthen the capabilities and potential of Indian
entities to capture a significant and important share of the space economy, it is necessary
to make available and facilitate the relevant technologies developed by the Department
along with the test facilities & installations including the launch sites through a suitable
concurrence mechanism.
It is important to ensure that the independent launch activities and trials were undertaken
by Indian entities are in accordance with applicable treaties & other international
agreements due to the impact of such activities on public safety, domestic & global
transport, logistics, and in-orbit satellites. Therefore, a legalization mechanism needs to
be in place to ensure compliance to the relevant regulations and safety requirements.
While promoting space industry in the country, sustaining launch capabilities for societal
needs & national requirements and necessities is to be ensured.

Read More
Khya� Khare

Khya� Khare
 Monday, July 19,2021
A ‘tolerant’ India can be majoritarian(The Hindu,
GS-1, Art and Culture)
Context:-Pew Research Center report which was based on 30,000 people mainly on
religious identity, nationalism and tolerance in Indian society. This survey was conducted
in 17 languages.
Findings of Survey:-
“it is very important to be Hindu to be ‘truly’
Indian”, 64% of Hindus think.
“it is very important to speak Hindi to be truly
Indian”,80% among them say.
80% of surveyed people think that respecting
other religions is a very important part of their
own religious identity.
91% of surveyed people assert that they are free to
practice their religion.
77% of Muslims believe in the Hindus way of life
of karma.
when it comes to interreligious marriages the
table turns and which assert that 67% of Hindus
and 80% of Muslims believe it is important to
stop women of their communities from marrying
outside;
The survey depicts that 86% of Hindus have their
close friends come mainly or entirely from their
religion
95% of Muslims (and Sikhs) said that they “are
very proud to be Indian”
What is Culture?
Culture is a way of life which includes from food to dance from literature to architecture.
What is Multiculturalism and Pluralism:-
On one hand Multiculturalism refers to the coexistence of diverse religious, ethnic or
cultural groups within a society and on the other cultural pluralism refers to a phenomenon
where minority groups participate fully in the dominant society, but while maintaining
their cultural differences.
What are the feature of Multiculturalism:-
Composite culture
Culture beyond compartments
Constant dialogue
Mutual change of Ideas
Interrogation of settled belief.
Why compartmentalization in Indian society?
Absence of solid state civil society engagements in pedagogy.
Segregation at the workplace based on caste, religion etc.
Lack of interpersonal relationships in society.
Lack of intercultural relations.
Politics based on religion.
There is a stark difference between south India and north India according to Pew
Research:-
In several aspects south differs from the north not by a small, but a substantial margin to
the rest of India but huge in which are like superiority of one’s own religion, having friends
and neighbors from other religions, preventing inter-religious marriages, the Read More
Swarn Singh
 Monday, July 19,2021
There is a stark difference between south India and
north India according to Pew Research:-
In several aspects south differs from the north not by a small, but a substantial margin
to the rest of India but huge in which are like superiority of one’s own religion, having
friends and neighbors from other religions,
preventing inter-religious marriages, the
importance of being a Hindu and speaking Hindi
to be a true Indian, prohibition of beef.
Success of multiculturalism in
India some argue that it is there but some
confront. We have communities of Muslims,
Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists,
Parsis etc. that have melted well and enhanced
the progress of India. India is one of the most
diverse countries in the world in terms of
cultural, religious and linguistic diversity etc.
This diversity follows mainly from length and
breath across the country. There is always a
challenge for a nation to strike a balance
between unity and diversity or managing unity
in such diverse socio-cultural situations. In India
pluralism describes the reality of cultural
diversity and It is an attempt to create a society
in which the best of all inputs continue to
integrate. It also allows for many different
groupings but does not try to impose a uniform
status on all of them. But at the same time
multiculturalism means showing respect and tolerance to other cultures and faith. It
also says that all minority values must have equal status to those of the majority. Our
constitution also provides fundamental rights for the preservation of diversity.
What is Skyboxification of American life:-
According to The American philosopher Michael J. Sandel, There is a “skyboxification
of American life” because of rising extreme inequalities of capitalism in which the
affluent classes and people of poor means have no connection at all and they “live and
work and shop and play in different places” and their “children go to different schools.
But this is not true for India as compartmentalization is mainly based on Caste, religion,
language and which further manifest into rich and poor.
What is the way forward:-
The way forward for the fear of other social groups, especially minorities is the
increased interaction among them in a variety of public and private settings.
For examples:- Despite anti-Muslim sentiments ,there is a big difference in positive
attitudes towards other social/religious groups when members of those groups are
personally known in United States and West Europe. Even there this much higher
Anti-Muslim sentiments much higher numbers than India are willing to accept
Muslims as neighbors.
Majoritarianism accompanied by mere acceptance of minority communities as
non-interacting enclaves is the death of democracy so interaction is to the core of the
society.
Extra:-
What are the salient features of Indian society:-
Caste System:-
It can be defined as hereditary endogamous group with a common name, a common
Read More
Swarn Singh
 Monday, July 19,2021
Adjournment Motion
Context:- Recently, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Political Party) has decided to move an
Adjournment Motion in the Lok Sabha against the government on the three
controversial farm laws.
Motions and resolutions are procedural devices to raise a discussion in the House on a
matter of general public interest.
About:
Adjournment Motion
Adjournment motion is introduced only in the
Lok Sabha to draw the attention of the House to
a definite matter of urgent public importance.
It involves an element of censure against the
government; therefore Rajya Sabha is not
permitted to make use of this device.
It is regarded as an extraordinary device as it
interrupts the normal business of the House. It
needs the support of 50 members to be
admitted.
The discussion on this motion should last for
not less than two hours and thirty minutes.
However, the right to move a motion for an
adjournment of the business of the House is
subject to the following restrictions. i.e. it
should:
Raise a matter which is definite, factual, urgent
and of public importance.
Not cover more than one matter.
Be restricted to a specific matter of recent
occurrence.
Not raise a question of privilege.
Not revive discussion on a matter that has been discussed in the same session.
Not deal with any matter that is under adjudication of court.
Not raise any question that can be raised on a distinct motion.
Types of Motions in Indian Parliament
Censure Motion:
It should state the reasons for its adoption in the Lok Sabha. It can be moved against
an individual minister or a group of ministers or the entire council of ministers.
It is moved to censure the council of ministers for specific policies and actions. It
can be moved only in Lok Sabha.
Call-Attention Motion
It is introduced in the Parliament by a member to call the attention of a minister to a
matter of urgent public importance, and to seek an authoritative statement from him
on that matter.
It can be moved in Rajya Sabha as well as Lok Sabha.
Adjournment Motion
It is introduced in the Lok Sabha to draw the attention of the House to a definite
matter of urgent public importance. It involves an element of censure against the
government.
It can be moved only in Lok Sabha.
No-Day-Yet-Named Motion
It is a motion that has been admitted by the Speaker but no date has been Read More
fixed for its discussion. Rahul
 Monday, July 19,2021
Foreign Card Payment Network Companies
Barred: RBI
Context:
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred three foreign card payment
network firms – Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club — from taking new
customers on board over the issue of storing data in India.
As many as five private sector banks, including Axis Bank, Yes Bank, and IndusInd
Bank, are to be impacted by the RBI’s decision.
The Personal Data Protection Bill also has provisions pertaining to ‘data localisation’.
About:
RBI’s Circular on Data Storage-April 2018:
All system providers were directed to ensure that within six months the entire data (full
end-to-end transaction details, information collected or carried or processed as part of
the message or payment instruction) relating to payment systems operated by them is
stored in a system only in India.
They were also required to report compliance to the RBI and submit a board-approved
system audit report conducted by a Computer Emergency Response Team – India
(CERT-IN) empanelled auditor within the timelines specified.
Reason of Non- Compliance given by Payment Firms:
High Cost:
Payment firms like Visa and Mastercard, which currently store and process Indian
transactions outside the country, have said their systems are centralised and expressed
the fear that transferring the data storage to India will cost them millions of dollars.
Localization Demands from Other Countries:
Once it happens in India, there could be similar demands from other countries, upsetting
their plans.
Lack of Clarity:
While the Finance Ministry had suggested some easing of norms in transferring the data,
the RBI has refused to change, stating that the payment systems need closer monitoring
in the wake of the rising use of digital transactions.
Significance of RBI’s Move:
The RBI’s decision to restrict entities from onboarding new customers is a crucial
development in their endeavour to ensure that all payment system operators store or
localise their end-to-end transaction data only in India.
The motivation behind such a move is to carry out effective law enforcement
requirements as data access for law enforcement purposes has been a challenge.
Regulation of Payment Firms:
Firms such as Mastercard, Visa and National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) are
Payment System Operators authorized to operate a card network in
India under the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007.
Under the Act, the RBI is the authority for the regulation and
supervision of payment systems in India. The RBI’s payment system
enables payments to be effected between a payer and a beneficiary
and involves the process of clearing, payment or settlement, or all of
them.
It includes both, paper-based such as cheque, demand draft and
digital such as National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT), BHIM app, settlement
systems.
The RBI has decided to allow non-bank entities — Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI)
issuers, card networks, White Label ATM operators, Trade Receivables Discounting
System (TReDS) platforms – to become members of the centralised
payment system and effect fund transfer through Real Time Gross Read More
Rahul
 Monday, July 19,2021

BANK SSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

Driverless pod taxis to connect Greater Noida with
Jewar International Airport
● The first-ever pod taxi service in India is soon to start running between the
upcoming Noida International Greenfield Airport (or Jewar Airport) and Noida Film
City in Greater Noida, having a distance of around 14 km.
● The driverless Pod taxis can accommodate four to six passengers per car, and will
give a hassle-free travel experience to the commuters in addition to reducing the
travel time.
● The estimated cost of the pod taxi project is about Rs 50-60 crore per kilometer.
● It will start running on the tracks as soon as flights start
operating from the upcoming Noida Airport.
● The pod taxi service will be developed by the Delhi Metro
Rail Corporation (DMRC).

BANK SSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

Zurich airport signs shareholder agreement with
NIAL for Noida airport development
● Zurich Airport International has signed a shareholder agreement with the Noida
International Airport Limited (NIAL) in Lucknow for the development of the Noida
International Airport at Jewar.
● As per the shareholder agreement, NIAL will hold one golden share in Yamuna
International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL) and the right to nominate two directors to the
board.
● YIAPL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG,
incorporated as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to develop the greenfield Noida
International Airport.
● The two directors who will be part of the board
are Arun Vir Singh, chief
executive of NIAL, and Vishak Iyer, Director Civil
Aviation, Government
of Uttar Pradesh.
● Zurich Airport will design, develop and operate
the new greenfield
airport in Jewar under a 40-year concession.
Read More
Sohil Singh
 Monday, July 19,2021

BANK SSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

Kisan Sarathi: Government launched a new facility to
help farmers,
● The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Narendra Singh
Tomar and Union Minister of Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini
Vaishnav jointly launched a digital platform ‘Kisan Sarathi’ to help farmers in
getting ‘right information at right time’ in their desired language.
● The platform was launched on July 16, 2021 during the foundation day
celebration of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research
(ICAR).
● Through the digital platform Kisan Saarathi, the farmers
can interact and avail personalised advisories on
agriculture and allied areas directly from the respective

BANK SSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

CBSE ties up with IBM to integrate AI curriculum

● The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has integrated a

new Artificial Intelligence (AI) course for class XI and XII in the current
academic year (2020-2021).
● The curriculum was developed in collaboration with IBM (International
Business Machines Corporation).
● The IBM AI curriculum is a part of CBSE’s Social Empowerment
through Work Education and Action (SEWA) program.
● The IBM AI curriculum is structured around a course framework for
students consisting of base strands of knowledge (basics, history,
applications), skills (design thinking, computational thinking, data
fluency, critical thinking) and values (ethical decision making,
bias) in
AI.
● CBSE Chairman: Manoj Ahuja.
● CBSE Head Office: Delhi.
● IBM Executive Chairman : Virginia M. Rometty.
● IBM Chief Executive Officer: Arvind Krishna.
● IBM Headquarters: New York, United States of America. Read More
Sohil Singh
 Monday, July 19,2021

Q1. Global Alliance to eliminate lead paint has been

launched by?
a. World Health Organisation
b.United Nation Environment Programme
c.Both a and b
d.World Food Organization
ANSWER- C
EXPLANATION
WHO has joined with the United Nations Environment Programme to form the Global Alliance to
Eliminate Lead Paint. Lead is a potent neurotoxin that causes irreparable harm to children’s brains.
It is particularly destructive to babies and children under the age of 5 as it damages their brain
before they have had the opportunity to fully develop, causing them lifelong neurological, cognitive
and physical impairment. Childhood lead exposure has also been linked to mental health and
behavioural problems and an increase in crime and violence. Hence option c is correct

Q2. Which one of the following is the highest civilian award

conferred by an independent organisation?
a.Young Scientist Award
b.Maria Moors Award
c.Mirror Awards
d.Skoch Gold Award
ANSWER- D
EXPLANATION-
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has received SKOCH Gold Award for its “Empowerment
of Tribals through IT enabled Scholarship Schemes” project. It is the highest civilian honour in
the country conferred by an independent organisation.It recognises people, projects and
institutions that go the extra mile to make India a better nation. It is given in the areas of digital,
financial and social inclusion; governance; inclusive growth; excellence in technology and
applications; change management; corporate leadership; corporate governance; citizen service
delivery; capacity building; empowerment and other such softer issues. Hence option d is
correct.

Q3. What is the objective of the National Transit Pass System?

a. It is a document that allows an Indian citizen to visit North east state
b. It is a document to enter in the National Parks of Western Ghat
c. It is an online transit pass for timber, bamboo and other forest produce.
d. It is an online pass to do business from one state to another

ANSWER- C
EXPLANATION
 Monday, July 19,2021
It is an online transit pass generation system for timber, bamboo and other forest produce. It was
launched recently by the Union Environment Ministry. An applicant has to register in the system,
thereafter the applicant can apply for a transit pass.Application will move to concerned range
forest office. After following state specific procedure of verification, transit pass will be issued.
The applicant will receive a message of issuance and transit pass can be downloaded and viewed.
It expedites issuance of the transit pass system. A transit pass issued will be valid across India.
This will enhance seamless movement of forest produce. Hence option c is correct
Q4. Consider the following statements about cynobacteria:
1. They are divisions of microorganisms that are capable of photosynthesis.
2. They are small and unicellular and often grow in large colonies.
3. They are the oldest known fossil fuel.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: A
EXPLANATION:
Cyanobacteria are aquatic and photosynthetic, that is, they live in the water, and can manufacture their
own food. Cynobacteria a division of microorganisms that are related to the bacteria but they are
capable of photosynthesis. They are prokaryotic and represent the earliest known form of life on the
earth. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
Because they are bacteria, they are quite small and usually unicellular, though they often grow in
colonies large enough to see. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
They have the distinction of being the oldest known fossils, more than 3.5 billion years old. The first
known use of fuel was the combustion of wood or sticks by Homo erectus nearly two million years
ago. Throughout most of human history only fuels derived from plants or animal fat were used by
humans. Charcoal, a wood derivative, has been used since at least 6,000 BCE for melting metals.
Thus, statement 3 is incorrect.

Q5. What is the objective of the National Transit Pass System?

a. It is a document that allows an Indian citizen to visit North east state
It is a document to enter in the National Parks of Western Ghat
It is an online transit pass for timber, bamboo and other forest produce.
It is an online pass to do business from one state to another
ANSWER- C
EXPLANATION
It is an online transit pass generation system for timber, bamboo and other forest produce. It was
launched recently by the Union Environment Ministry. An applicant has to register in the system,
thereafter the applicant can apply for a transit pass.Application will move to concerned range
forest office. After following state specific procedure of verification, transit pass will be issued.
The applicant will receive a message of issuance and transit pass can be downloaded and viewed.
It expedites issuance of the transit pass system. A transit pass issued will be valid across India.
This will enhance seamless movement of forest produce. Hence option c is correct