INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY- 22 July 2021 – INSIGHTSIAS

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InstaLinks help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically. 

current affairs, current events, current gk, insights ias current affairs, upsc ias current affairs

 

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 1:

1. Adarsh Smarak Scheme.

2. Historic Urban Landscape Project.

 

GS Paper 2:

1. J&K to grant domicile certificates to non-local spouses.

2. Director of Inquiry for Lokpal.

3. What is H5N1 avian influenza?

4. Centre extends ‘Stand Up India Scheme’ to 2025.

5. SMILE Scheme.

 

Facts for Prelims:

1. WHO-GMP/COPP Certification for Ayurvedic Products.

2. Man-portable anti-tank guided missile.

3. New Generation Akash Missile.

4. Kaman Aman Setu.

GS Paper  :  1

 

Topics Covered: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Adarsh Smarak Scheme:

Context:

Monuments at Nagarjunakonda, Budhhist remains at Salihundam and Veerabhadra Temple at Lepakshi are identified as ‘Adarsh Smarak’ in Andhra Pradesh for providing additional facilities.

 

About the Adarsh Smarak scheme:

  • Launched in 2014 for providing improved visitor amenities, especially for the physically challenged.
  • Implemented by the Ministry of Culture.
  • The civic amenities are being augmented at the protected sites under the scheme.
  • Archaeological Survey of India had identified 100 monuments as “Adarsh Smarak” for upgradation.

 

Objectives of the Scheme:

  1. To make the monument visitor friendly.
  2. To provide interpretation and audio-video centers.
  3. To make the monument accessible to differently-abled people.
  4. To implement Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Have a brief overview of 100 Adarsh Smaraks here: pib.gov.in

 

Insta Curious: 

Do you know about the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the Athens Charter of 1931?Read Briefly

 

 

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

  1. About the scheme.
  2. Objectives.
  3. Implementation.
  4. Sites selected under the scheme.
  5. About ASI.

Mains Link:

Discuss the significance of the scheme.

Sources: the Hindu.

 

Topics Covered: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Historic Urban Landscape Project:

Context:

Madhya Pradesh has launched UNESCO’s ‘Historic Urban Landscape’ project for Gwalior and Orchha cities of State.

  • The development and management plan of these cities will be prepared by UNESCO.
  • All aspects including history, culture, food, lifestyle, economic development, community development will be included in it.

These places will now be jointly developed by UNESCO, Government of India and Madhya Pradesh by focusing on their historical and cultural improvement.

 

Background:

Gwalior and Orchha in Madhya Pradesh were included in the list of UNESCOs world heritage cities under its urban landscape city programme in December 2020.

 

Gwalior:

  • Gwalior was established in the 9th century and ruled by Gurjar Pratihar Rajvansh, Tomar, Baghel Kachvaho and Scindias.
  • The memorabilia left by them are found in abundance in memorials, forts and palaces in the area.

 

Orchha:

  • Orchha is popular for its temples and palaces and was the capital of the Bundela kingdom in the 16th century.
  • The famous spots in the town are Raj Mahal, Jehangir Mahal, Ramraja Temple, Rai Praveen Mahal, and Laxminarayan Mandir.

 

About the ‘Historic Urban Landscape’ Approach:

It was adopted in 2011 at UNESCO’s General Conference.

  • UNESCO defines HUL approach as an integrated approach towards managing heritage resources found within dynamic and evolving environments.
  • HUL acknowledges the interconnections within a city, which occur between the built and natural environments, the tangible and intangible values, as well as within the cultural and social practices of a community.
  • The approach addresses the policy, governance and management concerns involving a variety of stakeholders, including local, national, regional, international, public and private actors in the urban development process.

 

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

  1. About UNESCO’s HUL programme.
  2. Objectives.
  3. Guidelines.
  4. What is a World Heritage site?
  5. Eligibility.

Mains Link:

Discuss the significance of UNESCO’S HUL Program.

Sources: the Hindu.

GS Paper  :  2

 

Topics Covered: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

J&K to grant domicile certificates to non-local spouses:

Context:

In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 309 of the Constitution of India and the J&K Civil Service (Decentralisation and recruitment) Act, 2010, the J&K administration has rolled out the process to issue domicile certificates to the spouses of erstwhile State subjects who have a domicile certificate.

  • This will allow husbands of women married outside to acquire the documents for the first time.

 

Background:

Prior to August 5, 2019, when the Centre ended J&K’s special constitutional position, husbands of local women married outside J&K had no right to buy property or apply for jobs in J&K.

 

Amended domicile certificate rules:

  • The J&K administration, in May 2020, notified the J&K grant of domicile certificate procedure rules 2020.
  • Under the amended rules, eligible non-locals can also apply for the certificate.
  • Also, domicile certificates were made a basic eligibility condition for appointment to any post under the Union Territory of J&K.
  • Any officer not able to issue the certificate would be penalised ₹50,000. The amount would be recovered from his salary.

 

Insta Curious: 

Do you know about RPC(Ranbir Penal Code)? Read Here

 

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

  1. Articles 370 and 35A.
  2. Who are domiciles as per the new definition?
  3. Overflow J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019.
  4. Power to issue domicile certificates.
  5. Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Adaption of state laws) order, 2020.

Mains Link:

Discuss the implications of amended Jammu and Kashmir Domicile rules.

Sources: the Hindu.

 

Topics Covered: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

Director of Inquiry for Lokpal:

Context:

More than two years after the Lokpal came into being, the Centre is yet to appoint a director of inquiry.

 

Who is a director of inquiry?

According to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013:

  • There shall be a director of inquiry, not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
  • He/she shall be appointed by the Central government for conducting preliminary inquiries referred to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) by the Lokpal.

 

What’s the issue?

  • Though Director of Inquiry has not been appointed by Govt. of India, cases are being received in the commission for conducting preliminary inquiries.
  • Forty-one cases have been received for preliminary inquiry as of March 2021.

 

Highlights of the Lokpal Act of 2013:

  1. The Act allows setting up of anti-corruption ombudsman called Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayukta at the State-level.
  2. The Lokpal will consist of a chairperson and a maximum of eight members.
  3. The Lokpal will cover all categories of public servants, including the Prime Minister. But the armed forces do not come under the ambit of Lokpal.
  4. The Act also incorporates provisions for attachment and confiscation of property acquired by corrupt means, even while the prosecution is pending.
  5. The States will have to institute Lokayukta within one year of the commencement of the Act.
  6. The Act also ensures that public servants who act as whistleblowers are protected.

 

Powers:

  1. The Lokpal will have the power of superintendence and direction over any investigation agency including CBI for cases referred to them by the ombudsman.
  2. As per the Act, the Lokpal can summon or question any public servant if there exists a prima facie case against the person, even before an investigation agency (such as vigilance or CBI) has begun the probe. Any officer of the CBI investigating a case referred to it by the Lokpal, shall not be transferred without the approval of the Lokpal.
  3. An investigation must be completed within six months. However, the Lokpal or Lokayukta may allow extensions of six months at a time provided the reasons for the need of such extensions are given in writing.
  4. Special courts will be instituted to conduct trials on cases referred by Lokpal.

 

Insta Curious: 

Read Briefly about the origin of the concept of Ombudsman Click here

 

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

  1. About Lokpal.
  2. Powers.
  3. Functions.
  4. Selection.
  5. Overview of the Lokpal Act of 2013.

Mains Link:

Comment on the changes made to Lokpal Act and its delay in operationalisation.

Sources: the Hindu.

 

Topics Covered: Issues related to Health.

What is H5N1 avian influenza?

Context:

India has recorded first death due to H5N1 avian influenza this year.

 

What is bird flu?

  • Also called avian influenza.
  • It is a disease caused by avian influenza Type A viruses found naturally in wild birds worldwide.
  • The virus can infect domestic poultry and there have been reports of H5N1 infection among pigs, cats, and even tigers in Thailand zoos.
  • Symptoms have ranged from mild to severe influenza-like illness.

 

Classification:

Avian Influenza type A viruses are classified based on two proteins on their surfaces – Hemagglutinin(HA) and Neuraminidase(NA).

  • There are about 18 HA subtypes and 11 NA subtypes.
  • Several combinations of these two proteins are possible e.g., H5N1, H7N2, H9N6, H17N10, etc.

 

Spread:

  • There have been reports of avian and swine influenza infections in humans.
  • The infection is deadly as it has a high mortality rate of about 60%.
  • The most common route of virus transmission is direct contact. They can also be affected if they come in contact with contaminated surfaces or air near the infected poultry.

 

Insta Curious: 

 India was declared free from Avian Influenza (H5N1) in 2019. The status will last only till another outbreak is reported. Know when and how a country is declared free from Avian Influenza? Reference: Click here

 

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

  1. About Bird Flu.
  2. Transmission.
  3. Types.
  4. Symptoms.

Mains Link:

Discuss the impact of Bird Flu outbreak on Indian Economy.

Sources: Indian Express.

 

Topics Covered: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Centre extends ‘Stand Up India Scheme’ to 2025:

Context:

The Government of India has extended the duration of ‘Stand Up India Scheme’ up to the year 2025.

 

Performance of the scheme:

  • Banks have sanctioned Rs 26,204 crore to about 1,16,266 beneficiaries under the Scheme in the last five years.
  • The scheme has benefited more than 93,094 women entrepreneurs.

 

About the ‘Stand Up India Scheme’:

  • Launched in 2016.
  • It seeks to promote entrepreneurship at the grass-root level of economic empowerment and job creation.
  • The offices of SIDBI and NABARD shall be designated Stand-Up Connect Centres (SUCC).
  • Loans under the scheme are available for only Greenfield project.

 

The objective of the scheme is:

To facilitate loans from Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) of value between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore to atleast one SC or ST borrower and one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up green field enterprise in manufacturing, service or trading sector.

 

Insta Curious: 

Do you know about Startup India Seed Fund Scheme? Reference: Click here

 

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

  1. Key features of the scheme.
  2. Eligibility.
  3. Benefits.

Mains Link:

Discuss the significance of the scheme.

Sources: the Hindu.

 

Topics Covered: Schemes for the vulnerable sections of the society.

SMILE Scheme:

Context:

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated this scheme for Support for Marginalized Individuals.

 

About the scheme:

  • “SMILE stands for Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”.
  • Focus of the scheme is on rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counseling, basic documentation, education, skill development, economic linkages etc.
  • It includes sub scheme – ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging’.
  • The scheme would be implemented with the support of State/UT Governments/Local Urban Bodies, Voluntary Organizations, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) , institutions and others.

 

Beggars In India:

  1. According to the Census 2011 total number of beggars in India is 4,13,670 (including 2,21,673 males and 1,91,997 females) and the number has increased from the last census.
  2. West Bengal tops the chart followed by Uttar Pradesh and Bihar at number two and three respectively. Lakshadweep merely has two vagrants according to the 2011 census.
  3. Among the union territories, New Delhi had the largest number of beggars 2,187 followed by 121 in Chandigarh.
  4. Among the northeastern states, Asam topped the chart with 22,116 beggars, while Mizoram ranked low with 53 beggars.

 

Insta Curious: 

Read about The Persons in Destitution (Protection, Care and Rehabilitation) Model Bill, 2016 Read here

 

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

  1. Key Provisions of the Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act, 1959.
  2. About Article 19(1)(a).
  3. Directives Principles of State Policy related key facts.
  4. Rights under Article 21.

Mains Link:

Discuss why begging should be decriminalised.

Sources: the Hindu.

 

Facts for Prelims:

WHO-GMP/COPP Certification for Ayurvedic Products:

Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Ltd. (IMPCL) has applied for WHO-GMP/COPP certification for 18 Ayurvedic products.

  • GMP is a short form of Good Manufacturing Practice.
  • The WHO GMP certificate is mandatory in most global markets for pharmaceutical companies to be able to sell medicines.
  • The certificate of pharmaceutical product (CPP or CoPP) is a certificate issued in the format recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • It is valid for 3 years from the date of issue and companies can apply for renewal after that.

Man-portable anti-tank guided missile:

  • MPATGM is third-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) indigenously developed by DRDO.
  • It has strike range of 2.5 km.
  • It is capable of being fired from shoulder and can be used during day and night. It has minimum lateral centre and gravity offset.
  • It works on fire and forget principle and is known for its top attack capabilities.

 

New Generation Akash Missile:

  • It is a surface-to-air missile system.
  • It has a strike range of 60 km and fly at a speed of up to Mach 2.5.
  • Developed by DRDO.

 

Kaman Aman Setu:

  • India and Pakistan Armies recently held a Flag meeting and exchanged sweets at Kaman Aman Setu.
  • Kaman aman setu is located at Uri in North Kashmir.
  • Kaman Aman Setu – Friendship Bridge between India and Pakistan, is also the last point of the India-Pak border in the Uri district.

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