Professional Documents
Culture Documents
PRELIMS SPECIAL
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Part - I Part - II
Government Schemes (1) Science and Technology (3)
Government Schemes (2) History & Culture (1)
Government Schemes (3) History & Culture (2)
Government Schemes (4) History & Culture (3)
Government Schemes (5) History & Culture (4)
Indian Polity and Governance (1) Economy (1)
Indian Polity and Governance (2) Economy (2)
Indian Polity and Governance (3) Economy (3)
Indian Polity and Governance (4) Environment (1)
Indian Polity and Governance (5) Environment (2)
Science and Technology (1) International Relation (1)
Science and Technology (2) International Relation (2)
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ISRO has launched many earth observation satellites since IRS-1A, first launched
in 1988.
They provide data for mapping and monitoring of land, forest and resources like
water, minerals, and for weather and climate observations.
GISAT-1 has a 4 metre diameter Ogive shaped payload fairing (OPLF) being
flown for the first time in GSLV flight to accommodate a larger spacecraft.
A payload fairing is a nose cone used by a spacecraft for protection against
dynamic pressure and aerodynamic heating during launch.
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It weighs around 2268 kg and has a lifespan of 7 years.
AGNI-P (PRIME )
Agni-P is an advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles indigenously
developed by the DRDO.
The Agni series of missiles is one of the five strategic missiles planned under
the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
Agni - P is - the New Generation Nuclear capable Ballistic Missile with range
capability between 1,000 and 2,000 km.
It is the lightest and smallest of the Agni series, can be launched from rail or
road or easily transported.
Gyroscope is a device used for the location and trajectory of the missile.
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PLANET VENUS
NASA is expected to launch two missions between 2028-2030, to rediscover the
planet Venus -
NASA’s Magellan Mission (1990-1994) was the last US probe to visit the planet.
The first spacecraft that visited Venus was the Soviet Union’s Venera series.
Shukrayaan-1 is the proposed Indian mission to Venus.
No humans have visited Venus because of its high temperature and dense
atmosphere.
About Planet ‘Venus’
Venus is the second closest planet to the Sun in our solar system.
There are eight planets in the solar system moving around the Sun.
Venus is the second planet from the sun and the hottest in the solar system.
Surface temperature on Venus is higher than 470°C - hot enough to melt lead.
Venus is one of two planets that rotate from ‘East to West’, another is Uranus.
Venus moves forward on its orbit around the Sun but spins backwards around
its axis.
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It completes one rotation in 243 Earth days - the longest day of any planet in
the solar system.
Russia plans to withdraw from the ISS to launch its own space station by 2030.
Salient Features
An unprecedented scientific and engineering international collaboration in
human history.
Involving five space agencies representing more than 15 countries -
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European countries (ESA)
Timeline
the United States (NASA)
Jan 25, 1984 - President Ronald Reagan
Japan (JAXA) directs NASA to build the ISS.
Canada (CSA) Nov 20, 1998 - First ISS Segment launches a
Russia (Roscosmos) Russian proton rocket ‘Zarya’ (sunrise).
The largest single structure Dec 4, 1998 - First U.S.- built component
humans ever put into space. Unity, launches the first Space Shuttle
mission.
Continues to be assembled in
orbit, gradually built by more 2000 - First Crew to reside on Station.
than 40 missions. At Present - 240 individuals from 19
Weighs almost 400 tonnes. countries have visited the ISS.
Orbits 420km above the Spacewalks - More than 227 since 1998, the
Earth's surface. first all-woman spacewalk in 2019.
PRELIMS SPECIAL
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It launched the civil disobedience movement (CDM) all over the country -
boycott of Foreign clothes, liquor, courts, government posts etc; refusal to pay
taxes etc.
Resulted in The Gandhi-Irwin Pact i.e. to put an end to CDM and Indians would
be allowed to make salt for domestic use.
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CHAURI CHAURA INCIDENT
(Feb 5, 1922)
Chauri Chaura is a small village in Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh (then
United Provinces).
Historically, the place is known for an incident of mob violence occured on feb
5, 1922 that changed the course of the Indian Independence Movement.
Boycott of civil services, council elections, army, police, courts and legislative
councils, schools, and foreign goods took place.
The movement involving students, urban, poor, women, traders, peasants and
tribals from every corner, almost shook the British authorities.
Due to the Chauri Chaura incident which broke the non-violent character of the
movement, Gandhi ji unilaterally announced the withdrawal of the movement.
Most of the Nationalist leaders including C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru, Subhas Bose,
Jawaharlal Nehru, however, expressed their bewilderment at Gandhi's decision
to withdraw the movement.
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JALLIANWALA BAGH MASSACRE
(April 13, 1919)
The renovated complex of Jallianwala Bagh Smarak at Amritsar was dedicated
to the nation.
The Smarak commemorates the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre that occurred on
April 13, 1919.
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CONSEQUENCES
Widespread demonstrations, government’s brutal repression, Mahatma Gandhi
called off the Satyagraha, Rabindranath Tagore renounced his Knighthood,
appointed Hunter Commission to inquire about the massacre, led to the
non-cooperation movement of 1920-22.
MALABAR/MOPLAH REBELLION
Malabar rebellion, also known as the Moplah riots, was an armed uprising of
Muslim tenants against British rulers and local Hindu landlords in 1921.
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Described as a peasant revolt, it was one of the first nationalist uprisings in
southern India.
Occurred within the broader spectrum of the Khilafat/Non-cooperation
movement (1920-1922) led by Mahatma Gandhi.
LINGARAJ TEMPLE
The 11th century AD Lingaraj Temple was built by King Jajati Keshari of
Somvanshi dynasty (later additions by the Ganga dynasty rulers).
The exquisite carvings depicting chores of daily life, the activity centres, apart
from being a place of worship, makes the temple a place for social and cultural
gathering.
CAVE PAINTINGS
Recently, World’s oldest known cave painting (painted at least 45,500 years ago)
was found in the limestone cave of Leang Tedongnge, South Sulawesi,
Indonesia.
This cave painting consists of a life-sized depiction of a warty pig.
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Ajanta Caves is the only surviving example of painting of the 1st century BCE
Ellora Caves centered mainly on three religions Hindu, Buddhist and Jain
temples, are an uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to
1000.
Elephanta Caves constructed about the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD, are
dedicated to Hindu and Buddhist temples.
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NATIONAL MARITIME HERITAGE COMPLEX (NMHC) AT LOTHAL, GUJRAT
NMHC will be the first-of-its-kind tourist destination in the country showcasing
the legacy of maritime heritage of India from ancient to modern times.
A thriving trade centre in ancient times with its trade of beads, gems and
valuable ornaments in West Asia and Africa; the world’s oldest known artificial
massive dockyard, the acropolis, the lower town, the warehouses, and the
drainage system, etc.
It is one of the well preserved urban settlements in South Asia dating from
the 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE.
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ABOUT BUDDHISM
Buddhism, one of the major religions of the
world, was a reaction against the inequality on
the basis of the Varna System.
Buddhism has its origin in Gautama Buddha's
Spiritual Journey to Enlightenment.
Philosophy of Buddhism
Four Major Noble Truths - dukkha, samudaya, nirodhu, magga/mārga
RECLINING BUDDHA
India’s largest statue of the Reclining Buddha is being installed at the Buddha
International Welfare Mission temple in Bodh Gaya.
lying on his right side, his head resting on a cushion or on his right elbow.
about to enter Parinirvana - the stage of great salvation after death that can only
be attained by enlightened souls.
Gives message - all beings have the potential to be awakened and be released
from the cycle of death and rebirth.
The Reclining Buddha was first depicted in Gandhara art - which began in
between 50 BC and 75 AD, and peaked during the Kushana period from the 1st
– 5th centuries AD.
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RECLINING BUDDHA IN INDIA
Cave No. 26 of Ajanta contains a 24-foot-long and nine-foot-tall sculpture of
the Reclining Buddha.
It derives its name from its location in the valley of the Indus River.
A new study has shown that dairy products were being produced by the
Harappans as far back as 2500 BCE.
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AHOM KINGDOM
(1228–1826)
The Ahom kingdom was founded by the first Ahom king Chao Lung Sui-Kha-Pah
in the 13th-century (1228 CE) in Assam.
Sivasagar (formerly known as Rangpur) was the seat of the powerful Ahom
dynasty.
Before his arrival the region was thickly inhabited by local kings Sootias,
Boharis, Kacharis etc.
During the 16th century, they annexed the kingdoms of the Chhutiyas (1523)
and of Koch-Hajo (1581) and subjugated many other tribes.
Ahom style of architecture presents a unique blend of distinct architectural
styles ranging from domes and arches inspired by Mughal architecture to great
shikhara and mandapas of Hindu architecture.
Kingdom laid the foundation for present day Assamese culture, tradition, art
and architecture.
Ahom Dynasty governed the region for six centuries from 1228 CE till it was
annexed by the British in 1826 CE, and coexisted with Delhi Sultanate
(1206-1526 CE) and Mughals (1526-1857 CE).
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GURJARA-PRATIHARAS DYNASTY
Natesa, a rare sandstone idol from the Pratihara Style of architecture, smuggled
out of country in 1998 returned to India.
It is a 9th century’s rare sandstone idol from the Ghateswar Temple at Baroli,
Rajasthan.
A depiction of Nandi (sacred bull calf) is shown behind the right leg of the
Natesa icon.
Pratihara Style of architecture is associated with Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty
around 800-900 AD.
Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty ruled much of Northern India from the mid-8th to the
11th century.
They were one of the first four patrilineal clans of the caste group referred to as
the Rajputs.
The Pratiharas, derived their name from the Sanskrit meaning doorkeeper, are
seen as a tribal group or a clan of the Gurjaras.
Popular Rulers:
Nagabhata I contained Arab armies moving east of the Indus River and rose to
fame in the late 8th century CE.
Nagabhata Il, Mhir Bhoj (Bhoja) and Mahendrapala I were the other important
rulers of dynasty.
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GURUDWARA REFORM MOVEMENT
Gurudwara Reform movement/Akali Movement was Sikhs’ long-drawn
campaign between 1920 to 1925 for the liberation of their gurudwaras or holy
shrines from the priests (Mahants) who had asserted property rights over
Gurudwaras.
The properties of places of worship of Sikhs were transferred and given over to
the Udasi Mahants by Britishers.
People, who agitated against such persons, were suppressed by the Government
and the result was the Gurudwara Reform movement in which Sikhs had to face
imprisonment, atrocity and death.
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C.R. Das, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose also served as AITUC
presidents.
Gaya session of the Congress (1922) welcomed formation of the AITUC and a
committee was formed to assist it.
Later, AITUC was split to form National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) in 1929
and Red Trade Union Congress (RTUC) in 1931.
In the aftermath of Second World War, AITUC played significant role in the
foundation of World Federation of Trade Unions (international federation of
trade unions).
The movement was led by Abdul Ghaffar Khan, known locally as Bacha Khan or
Badshah Khan or also Frontier Gandhi for his devotion to non-violent resistance
composing all Pashtun territories of British India, instead of being made to join
Pakistan.
Later, a plebiscite resulted in the Frontier Province becoming part of the newly
independent Pakistan.
He strongly opposed the proposal for the partition of India, siding with the
Indian National Congress and All India Azad Muslim Conference.
He founded the Pashto language monthly political journal ‘Pashtun’ in 1928.
His autobiography My Life and Struggle, was made public in 1969.
In 1987 he was awarded the Bharat Ratna Prize, and was the first non-Indian to
receive this honour.
KARTARPUR CORRIDOR
(First Anniversary)
Kartarpur corridor was opened in November 2019 on the eve of the 550th birth
anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
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It is about 4 km long, 2 km on either side of the international border and runs
cross over Ravi River.
It connects the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur (Punjab) with the
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartapur (in Narowal, Pakistan's Punjab province).
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib was ordered by Maharaja of Patiala between 1921-1929
and is believed to be place where Nanak ji spent about last 18 years of his life.
Guru Nanak Dev ji was the founder of Sikhism (the first of the ten Sikh Gurus).
He formalised the 3 pillars of Sikhism - Naam Japna, Kirat karni and Vand
Chakna.
He was born in 1469 in Nanakana Sahib, Punjab, Pakistan and died in Kartarpur,
Pakistan.
He was influenced by the nirguni (formless God) tradition of Bhakti movement
in medieval India.
GI Tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and
possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
These are regulated under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and
Protection) Act,1999 and given by Controller General of Patents, Designs and
Trade Marks who is Registrar of Geographical Indications.
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GI is covered under Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)
Agreement.
A GI Tag is valid for a decade, after which it can be renewed for another 10 years.
GI Tags, recently, granted to the following products -
EVENTS RELATED TO WW II
Holocaust and Nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
United Nations was established in 1945 for maintenance of world peace, etc.
PRELIMS SPECIAL
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Economy (1)
Economic Survey 2020-21
HIGHLIGHTS Union Budget 2021-22 R
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ECONOMIC SURVEY 2020-21
Major Highlights
2. Global Economic Output estimated to fall by 3.5% in 2020 (IMF Jan 2021).
7. National Health Mission mitigating inequity; Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
(PM-JAY) providing healthcare access to the most vulnerable during pandemic.
8. COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the importance of the healthcare sector and its
inter-linkages with other sectors as a health crisis transformed into an economic
and social crisis.
11. V-shaped recovery in India - visible in 7.5% decline in GDP in Q2 and recovery across
all key economic indicators viz rail freight traffic, e-way bills, GST collection, etc.
12. India’s Real GDP (current fiscal year) expected to contract 7.7%, given the impact of
the covid-19 pandemic on the economy.
13. The Estimated Real GDP (2021-22) to grow at 11 % and the nominal GDP to climb
by 15.4 %, the highest since independence.
14. Estimated trend Growth Rate of 6.5% in 2022-23 and 7% in 2023-24 aided by
structural reforms.
15. Agriculture to clock 3.4 % Growth, Industry contract by 9.6 %, Services to 8.8 %
during FY21.
16. Exports expected to decline by 5.8% and Imports by 11.3% in the second half of
FY21
17. Estimated Current Account Surplus of 2% of GDP in FY21, a historic high after 17 years.
18. Trade balance with China and the US improved as Imports slowed down.
19. India to become the Fastest Growing Economy in next two years : IMF
20. India was the only country among emerging markets to receive equity FII inflows in
2020.
21. Net FPI Inflows recorded an all-time monthly high of 9.8 Billion Dollars in Nov 2020
04/13
22. Negative IRGD in India, ‘Interest Rate Growth Rate Differential’ is the difference
between the interest rate and the growth rate.
23. India entered the top 50 innovating countries for the first time in 2020, however
India’s gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) is lowest amongst other largest
economies.
24. The combined social sector expenditure by Centre and States as percent of GDP
increased in 2020-21.
25. Low level of female LFPR (Labor Force Participation Rate) in India because of
females spending disproportionately more time on unpaid domestic services and
prevelance of non discriminatory practices at the workplace.
26. Access to the bare necessities is improved, highest in Kerala, Punjab, Haryana and
Gujarat while lowest in Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Tripura.
27. A Bare Necessities Index (BNI) needs to be prepared at district level to assess the
progress.
28. The increase in public healthcare spending from 1 % to 2.5-3 % of GDP can
decrease out of pocket expenditure (OOPE) on health as envisaged in the National
Health Policy 2017.
29. Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan with a stimulus package worth 15 % of India’s GDP.
30. To mainstream the SDGs into the policies and programmes, India’s proactive steps -
localisation of SDGs, Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the UN, World Solar Bank,
One Sun One World One Grid Initiative etc.
31. Rationalization and simplification of existing labour codes into 4 codes.
05/13
32. India’s rank improved to 63 in 2020 from 77 in 2018 in the Ease of Doing Business
Index.
33. India has attained a literacy level of almost 96% at the elementary school level.
34. Enrollment increased from 36.5 % in 2018 to 61.8 % in 2020 in government and
private rural schools owning a smartphone, reducing inequalities in the digital
divide. (ASER 2020 Wave-1 (Rural))
38. Continuation of the revamped Infrastructure Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme
till 2024-25 to attract more PPP projects.
39. Health outcomes of States that adopted Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
(PM-JAY) improved, compared to those who didn't.
TAX PROPOSALS
Exemption from filing income tax returns for senior citizens (75 years and above)
who only have pension and interest income.
No change in Personal income tax slabs.
New rules for removal of double taxation for NRIs.
Reducing time limit for reopening of income tax assessment from 6 to 3 years.
Serious tax evasion cases (Rs. 50 lakh or more) can be reopened after 10 years.
HEALTH
₹35000 cr for Covid-19 vaccine in 2021-22.
Pneumococcal vaccine presently limited to only 5 states, to be rolled across the
country.
Aimed at averting 50,000 child deaths annually.
PM Atma Nirbhar Swasthya Bharat Yojana, a new scheme to develop primary,
secondary and tertiary healthcare.
Introduction of National Commission for Allied Healthcare Professionals Bill.
To ensure transparent regulation of the 56 allied healthcare professions.
Mission POSHAN 2.0 - Supplementary Nutrition Programme and Poshan Abhiyan to
be merged.
INDUSTRY
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme to create manufacturing global
champions across 13 sectors in the next 5 years.
MITRA (Mega Investment Textiles Parks) Scheme for world class infrastructure in
the textile sector.
08/13
Seven Textile Parks will be established over 3 year.
INFRASTRUCTURE
NIP Project Pipeline expanded to 7400 projects.
NIP - National Infrastructure Pipeline has launched 6835 projects.
National Rail Plan 2030 for developing adequate rail infrastructure by 2030.
Flagship Corridors/Expressways -
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway
09/13
Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway
Delhi-Dehradun economic corridor
Raipur-Vishakhapatnam
Chennai-Salem corridor
Amritsar-Jamnagar
Delhi-Katra
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) across all urban local bodies for better water supply
nationwide.
Urban Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 over 5 years from 2021.
A New Voluntary Vehicle Scrapping policy to phase out old and unfit vehicles
Vehicles to undergo fitness tests -
After 15 years for commercial vehicles.
After 20 years for passenger vehicles.
10/13
‘Metro Lite’ and ‘Metro Neo’, two new technologies to provide metro rail systems at
reduced cost.
INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT
SWAMITVA Scheme to be extended to all States/UTs.
Operation Green scheme to be expanded to 22 perishable products.
Presently applicable to tomatoes, onions, and potatoes only.
One Nation One Ration Card Scheme across 32 states and UTs, to cover the
remaining 4 States.
First time social security benefits to be extended to gig, building and construction
workers, a portal to be launched.
11/13
HUMAN CAPITAL
Education
Set up the Higher Education Commission of India, as an umbrella body.
A Central University in Ladakh for Higher Education.
100 new Sainik Schools.
Revamped Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for welfare of SCs.
750 Eklavya Residential Schools in tribal areas.
Skills
Realigning National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) towards
post-education apprenticeship for graduates and diploma holders in
Engineering.
Partnership with UAE and Japan in the area of skill development and recognition.
RELEVANT FACTS
(for Prelims)
ENHANCED BUDGET ALLOCATION (2020-21) - Rs. 1,34,399.77 crore i.e. more than 6
times to 2013-14 (Rs. 21933.50).
AGRI INFRASTRUCTURE FUND to provide medium to long term debt financing for
investment in viable projects for post-harvest management Infrastructure and
community farming assets through interest subvention and financial support.
NATIONAL BEE AND HONEY MISSION (NBHM) launched as part of the Atma Nirbhar
Bharat Abhiyan for overall promotion and development of scientific beekeeping in
mission mode to achieve the goal of “Sweet
Revolution” in the country.
13/13
10,000 FARMER PRODUCER ORGANIZATIONS (FPOS) all over the country for
mobilization of farmers for the sustainable business model and augmented incomes.
FIRST KISAN RAIL of our Country started between Deolali (Maharashtra) and
Danapur (Bihar) station. Total 84 trips have been made carrying 23,219 tonnes
earning a revenue of Rs. 901.3 lakhs for the Government.
A FARMER FRIENDLY 'KISAN RATH' APP to facilitate the farmers and traders in
search of transportation vehicles for the movement of agricultural and horticultural
products.
E-NAM EXTENSION - 1000 markets and FPOs were integrated with e-NAM Platform
in 18 states and 03 UTs. 1.68 crore farmers as well as 1.52 lakh traders are
registered. National Agriculture Market (eNAM) is a pan-India level online
Agriculture Trading Portal that interconnects the existing APMC mandis across the
country to bring uniformity.
INCREASE IN MSPS for all mandated Kharif, Rabi and other commercial crops with
a return of at least 50 per cent over all India. MSP for Wheat increased from Rs. 1400
per quintal in 2013-14 to Rs. 1975 per quintal in 2020-21.
PM KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) - Rs. 6,000 per year income
support to farmers, 10.59 crore farmer families have been benefited.
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Economy (2)
Four Years of GST, National “Faceless” Income
Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Centre, R
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FOUR YEARS OF GST
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a destination based single indirect tax for the
entire country.
In the last four years, the tax base has almost doubled from 66.25 lakh to 1.28 crore.
It is the biggest tax reform in India introduced on the 1st July 2017 by 101st
Amendment 2016.
It has replaced double taxation (indirect taxes - excise, VAT, etc) in India that
increases the cost of goods.
GST is a “value added tax” levied on goods & services from the manufacturing
stage until its delivery to the final consumer.
Ex - goods manufactured in Rajasthan, sold to the final consumer in Punjab, the
entire tax revenue will go to Punjab.
It is a dual GST with the Centre and the States simultaneously levying tax on a
common base.
CGST
CGST (Central GST) collected by the Central
Government on an intra-state sale.
GST is levied at four
rates viz. 5%, 12%, 18% SGST (State GST) collected by the State
and 28%. SGST Government on an intra-state sale within a state.
Need for GST Tribunals to reduce litigation arising due to lack of clarity on rules.
Facts decided by ITAT can not be reversed even during appeal to the High Court.
Oral hearing will take place only at the stage of third-tier appeal before the High
Court.
Contrary to the safeguards guaranteed by the Constitution of India in Article 14 to
21 i.e. Right of being heard.
PN Eswara Iyer vs The Registrar, Supreme Court (1980) - “Normal rule of the judicial
process is oral hearing and its elimination of an unusual exception”.
MP Industries vs. Union of India, Supreme Court (1966) - “a quasi-judicial tribunal
cannot make any decision adverse to a party without giving him an effective opportunity
of meeting any relevant allegations against him”.
Such companies generate huge revenues but pay very little tax because they set up
offices for tax purposes in low-tax jurisdictions (tax havens).
From 2000-2018, US companies booked half of all foreign profits in just seven
low-tax jurisdictions:
Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Singapore
and Switzerland
Recently, Finance Ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations reached a
landmark accord on backing a global minimum corporate tax rate of at least 15%.
RETROSPECTIVE TAXATION
Retrospective taxation is a ‘backward looking’ tax, allowing a country to pass a rule
on taxing certain products or services and charge companies from a time behind
the date on which the law is passed.
Recently, parliament enacted the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021 to amend
the Income-tax (IT) Act, 1961 and the Finance Act, 2012, scrapping the 2012
retrospective tax law.
Amends Section-9 of IT Act, 1961 to nullify the demands raised for indirect transfer
of Indian assets made before 28th May 2012 on fulfillment of specified conditions
like withdrawal of appeal, petition, arbitration etc. in this regard.
Refund of any amount paid in these cases without any interest under Section-244A.
However, offshore transactions involving Indian assets executed after 28th May
2012 are still taxable as there is no retrospective application of the law.
GREEN TAX
“Green Tax” is proposed for old vehicles which are polluting the environment.
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Economy (3)
SEZ in India, Startup India Seed Fund
Scheme (SISFS), Shaphari Scheme, IL
Seaweed Farming/Multipurpose
R
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Seaweed Park, Ethereum X
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SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES (SEZ) IN INDIA
SEZs have largely met their objectives and performed well in terms of Exports,
Investment and Employment this year.
A SEZ is a geographically demarcated region that has more liberal economic laws
comparatively from the rest of the country.
It enjoys specific privileges like tax incentives, lower tariffs, duty free import, single
window clearances for all state and federal government approvals, etc.
Objective - To enhance foreign and domestic investment, increase exports, promote
regional development, etc.
Key Facts
In India, the first such zone was set up in Kandla, Gujarat as Export Processing
Zone (EPZ) in 1965.
Kandla was also Asia’s first EPZ.
In 2000, SEZs were developed under the Foreign Trade Policy with similar
structures as that of EPZs.
In 2005, the Special Economic Zones Act was passed along with the SEZ Rules.
Currently, 265 are operational out of total 379 notified SEZs.
Notable zones are in Noida (UP), Falta (West Bengal), Visakhapatnam (Andhra
Pradesh), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Cochin (Kerala), Santa Cruz (Maharashtra), Indore
(Madhya Pradesh), as well as Kandla and Surat (Gujarat).
A three tier administrative set up for functioning of SEZs with the Board of
Approval as the apex body.
In 2018, the Government constituted a “Committee under the Chairmanship of
Baba Kalyani” to evaluate the existing SEZ policy to make it globally competitive.
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STARTUP INDIA SEED FUND SCHEME
(SISFS)
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry formally launched the Startup India Seed
Fund Scheme (SISFS).
What is Startup India - an initiative of the GoI, launched on 16th January 2016, to
build a robust Start-up ecosystem in the country.
SISFS is one such scheme that provides financial assistance to early-stage startups.
The scheme was notified on 21st January, 2021.
The Indian startup ecosystem suffers from capital inadequacy in the seed and ‘Proof
of Concept’ development stage.
SISFS provides seed funding to startups to conduct ‘Proof of Concept’ trials,
prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization,
That will help startups to raise investments from angel investors or venture
capitalists, or seek loans from banks or financial institutions.
Key Features
PAN-India startup programme.
Startups can apply to 3 incubators simultaneously.
The incubator must be a legal entity:
- A society registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 or
- A Trust registered u/ the Indian Trusts Act 1882 or
- A Pvt ltd company registered u/ the Companies Act 1956 or 2013 or
- A statutory body created through an Act
of the legislature
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Preference to Startups creating innovative solutions in sectors - social impact,
waste/water management, education, agriculture,healthcare, etc.
Incubators will apply for funds through an online portal created by DPIIT.
MPEDA functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), GOI.
MPEDA is the nodal agency for the holistic development of the seafood industry in
India and for promotion of exports of “all varieties of fishery products”.
These products are commercially known as shrimp, prawn, lobster, crab, fish,
shell-fish, other aquatic animals or plants.
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Shaphari is a certification scheme
for export oriented aquaculture India is the second largest fish producer in
production systems that include the world.
both hatcheries and farms. Frozen shrimp is the largest exported
‘Shaphari’ or "शफ़री“ means superior seafood item (50.58%).
quality of fishery products India exported 6.52 lakh MT of frozen shrimp
suitable for human consumption. worth almost $5 billion in 2019-20.
Objective - To encourage the
India’s major shrimp producing States -
production of quality
Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha,
antibiotic-free shrimp products. Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Two components — 1. Certifying
hatcheries for the quality of their Largest market for Indian frozen shrimp -
seeds 2. Approving shrimp farms USA followed by South East Asia, European
that adopt the requisite good Union, China, Japan and Middle East
practices. countries.
Certificate for a period of two years shall be granted once they clear multiple audits
of their operations.
The scheme is based on the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization’s
technical guidelines on aquaculture certification.
Significance - To free Indian aquaculture from the use of antibiotics.
Highly useful plants - new renewable sources of food, energy and medicines.
Rich in minerals, vitamins, trace elements and bioactive substances, and are
called medical food of the 21st century.
A valuable source of raw material for industries
Reduce coastal pollution in the sea and CO2 in global warming.
Proposed Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu will boost agar industries in southern Tamil
Nadu.
Agar, also known as agar agar, is a jelly-like edible substance used in dairy products,
biotechnology and dentistry.
ETHEREUM
Ethereum is an open-source, blockchain-based operating system, providing access
to digital money and also data-friendly services for everyone.
Launched in 2015, it is World's second largest virtual currency platform after Bitcoin
that was the first cryptocurrency.
A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual
It's a community-built technology currency, based on decentralised
behind the cryptocurrency Ether (ETH). networks on blockchain technology.
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It's a community-built technology behind the cryptocurrency Ether (ETH).
ETH is a cryptocurrency, a digital & global money that one can use on the internet.
Ethereum 2.0 - An upgrade on Ethereum is set for launch, it is faster, cheaper and
more environmentally friendly, than bitcoin.
Both come under the category of cryptocurrency, yet have big differences.
Ethereum took the technology behind Bitcoin and substantially expanded its
capabilities. It is a whole network, with its own Internet browser, coding language
and payment system.
Ethereum is much faster to acquire ether currency than bitcoin (about 14 or 15
seconds to bitcoin's near-uniform 10 minutes).
Currently it has a market cap of 70 billion USD compared to Bitcoin's 360 billion
USD.
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Environment (1)
Tigers in India - India’s first inter-state Tiger Translocation Project
Indian Rhinos - IRV 2020
Marine Turtles in India - National Marine Turtle Action Plan 2021-26
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TIGERS IN INDIA
(INDIA’S FIRST INTER-STATE TIGER TRANSLOCATION PROJECT)
Tigers are the top predators in an ecosystem, vital in regulating ecological
processes.
India is home to 51 tiger reserves spread across 18 states.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) conducts -
A national assessment for the "Status of Tigers, Co-predators, Prey and their
Habitat" every four years since 2006.
It is the largest biodiversity survey being carried out anywhere in the world.
The last tiger census of 2018 showed a rise in the tiger population.
India is now home to over 2,967 tigers, 70% of the entire world's tiger
population.
India’s first Inter-State Tiger Translocation Project
Under the project, two big cats, a male (Mahavir) from Kanha Tiger Reserve and
a tigress (Sundari) from Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh were relocated to
Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha in 2018.
Recently, that tigress, shifted as part of the project, returned home in Madhya
Pradesh from Odisha.
Purpose of the relocation was :
Reducing tiger population in areas with excess tigers.
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To reintroduce tigers in areas where the population has considerably
reduced.
Project Tiger
A flagship conservation initiative started in 1973 by the Government of
India, provides central assistance for tiger conservation in designated
tiger reserves in India.
14 Tiger Reserves have received the accreditation of the Global
Conservation Assured|Tiger Standards (CA|TS).
Manas, Kaziranga, Orang (Assam); Satpura, Kanha, Panna (Madhya
Pradesh);
Sunderbans (WestBengal); Parambikulam (Kerala); Bandipur
(Karnataka);
Pench (Maharashtra); Valmiki (Bihar); Dudhwa (Uttar Pradesh);
Mudumalai, Anamalai (Tamil Nadu) Tiger Reserves.
Leatherbacks, the largest of the seven species of sea turtles, are found in all
oceans except the Arctic and Antarctic.
Within the Indian Ocean, they nest only in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and A&N
Islands.
Except Loggerhead turtles, the remaining four species nest along the Indian
coastline and islands of India.
PRELIMS SPECIAL
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Environment (2)
Pangolin
Black-Browed Babbler
African Elephants
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PANGOLIN
The most poached mammal globally.
Pangolins are sometimes mistaken as
reptiles, but they are actually mammals.
The only mammals wholly-covered in scales
and use those scales to protect themselves
from predators in the wild.
Efforts
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), an international non-governmental
organization in alliance with TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, is
working in Asia and Africa to protect pangolins and other species from wildlife
crime;
Strengthening CITES - (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora) to regulate the international trade in species;
China prohibited the use of pangolin scales in traditional medicine.
BLACK-BROWED BABBLER
The rediscovery of Black-Browed Babbler after more than 170 years in
South-East Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia in October 2020.
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It has a stout appearance, with a relatively short tail and a robust bill similar to
the holotype.
The species holotype is now at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden,
Netherlands.
The facial appearance of the bird is very distinct, with
The crown being chestnut brown.
Irides being deep red unlike the holotype, which has artificial yellowish eyes.
Its upper part is rich brown, while the under parts up to the breast is greyish
with fine white streaking.
The legs are dark slate-grey.
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Listed in the “Data Deficient” category in the IUCN red list, nothing substantial
is known of the size of this population.
AFRICAN ELEPHANTS
IUCN has categorised, savanna elephant as “endangered” and the much smaller,
lighter forest elephant as “critically endangered”.
Both species are facing threat from poaching for ivory and human
encroachment.
Forest elephants occur in the tropical forests of Central Africa and in a range of
habitats in West Africa.
Asian elephants (found in India) are smaller than African elephants, and
their ears are smaller compared to the large fan-shaped ears of the
African species.
Only some male Asian elephants have tusks, while both male and female
African elephants grow tusks.
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Recently, ISA’s membership has been extended to all member states of the
United Nations beyond the Tropics.
The ISA is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana.
Italy is currently the sixth country in the world for installed solar capacity and
second in the EU.
OBJECTIVES
To collectively respond to the key common obstacles to the massive deployment
of solar energy in terms of technology, finance and capacity.
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To contribute in implementing the Paris Climate
Agreement. *The Paris Agreement is a
legally binding international
A key to achieve 2030 Sustainable Development treaty on climate change.
Goals Adopted in 2015 by 196 Parties
at COP 21 in Paris. Aim to limit
India targets installing 175 GW of renewable global warming below 2°C,
energy capacity by 2022, which includes 100 GW preferably to 1.5 Celsius.
from solar.
SUEZ CANAL
Suez Canal is 193-kilometers long
artificial waterway in Egypt, to connect
the Mediterranean Sea and the Red
Sea.
Around 10% of all global trade, amounting nearly $10 billion worth of goods
every day flows through the Suez Canal.
One of the world’s largest container ships, named Ever Given, was wedged across
the Suez Canal, blocking one of the busiest maritime trade corridors in the
world.
1/6 reVISI N
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Recently, UK court paved way for Fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi to be extradited
to India.
India-UK Extradition Treaty was signed in 1992.
India is able to make an extradition request to any country (1962 provides for
the process of extradition with non-Treaty foreign States also).
Indian nationals who return to India after committing offences in West Asia/Gulf
countries are not extradited to those countries and are prosecuted in India in
accordance with Indian Law.
Extradition of Indian Nationals barred to countries - France, Germany, Spain,
UAE, Bulgaria, Kuwait, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan,Vietnam.
India may not extradite nationals to countries: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Belarus,
Hong Kong, South Korea, Mongolia, Nepal, and Tunisia.
Bars to Extradition - Absence of a treaty, No treaty crime, Military and Political
Offences, Want of Dual Criminality, Procedural considerations.
RAISINA DIALOGUE
The Ministry of External Affairs, GoI jointly with ORF organised the 6th edition
of the Raisina Dialogue.
ORF - Observer Research Foundation is an independent think tank.
India’s premier conference on Geopolitics and Geoeconomics.
Started in 2016, it is organized every year in New Delhi.
A multilateral conference of cross-sectoral discussions to address the most
challenging global issues.
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Raisina Dialogue 2021
First time, the dialogue was held virtually from 13-16 April due to Covid 19
outbreak.
Theme of the year -"#ViralWorld: Outbreaks, Outliers and Out of Control”.
Five Core Areas of Discussion
WHOse Multilateralism? Reconstructing the UN and Beyond.
Securing and Diversifying Supply Chains.
Global ‘Public Bads’: Holding Actors and Nations to Account.
Infodemic: Navigating a ‘No-Truth’ World in the Age of Big Brother.
Green Stimulus: Investing in Gender, Growth and Development.