Explanation :

“Countries of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act 1998 is released by the United States Secretary of State (under authority delegated by the President) to the countries engaged in systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of Religious Freedom.

Designated countries and organizations- Saudi Arabia, Russia, Eritrea, ISIS, Boko Haram, Pakistan, China etc.

Source Name : IE

Explanation :

What is “Partner’s Forum”?

Partners’ Forum is a global health partnership launched in September 2005 to accelerate efforts to reduce child and maternal mortality, improve adolescent, child, newborn and maternal health. This partnership is an alliance of more than 1,000 plus members, across 10 constituencies in 92 countries: academic, research and teaching institutions; donors and foundations; health care professionals; multilateral agencies; non-governmental organizations; partner countries; global financing mechanisms and the private sector.

It was the second time that Partners’ Forum Meet was held in India (Delhi). It was organized by the Government of India in collaboration with PMNCH.

What is PMNCH?

PMNCH is a global partnership of 92 countries and over 1000 organisations which aims to achieve the SDG targets 2030.

Source Name : PIB

Explanation :

World Bank has released its report- Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE) 2018 at Katowice , Poland (COP24)- charting global progress on sustainable energy policies.

What is the Report all about?

• RISE is the first global policy scorecard of its kind, grading 111 countries in three areas: energy access, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
• The report is aimed at helping governments assess if they have a policy and regulatory framework in place to drive progress on sustainable energy and pinpoints where more can be done to attract private investments.

Report vis-à-vis India

India has been lauded in the report for its great success in renewable energy auctions that delivered record-setting low prices for solar power.

Source Name : worldbank.org

Explanation :

The charter of GCC was signed in 1981 with its headquarters at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Members of GCC- Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain

Notable Absentee- Iraq, Iran, Yemen

Note: Saudi Arabia and Oman are Absolute Monarchies, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain are Constitutional Monarchies and UAE is a Federal Monarchy.

Purpose of the Question:

Since, Qatar is the member of GCC and is in news because of its exit from OPEC, hence, this grouping becomes important from the prelims point of view.

Source Name : IDSA

Explanation :

• FAME stands for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles which is being implemented by the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises.
• FAME India Scheme seeks to provide fiscal and monetary incentives for adoption and market creation of both hybrid and electric technologies vehicles in the country. The Scheme incentivizes all vehicle segments i.e. 2 Wheeler, 3 Wheeler Auto, Passenger 4 Wheeler Vehicle, Light Commercial Vehicles and Buses.
• It is a part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), which was launched in 2013. Under the NEMMP scheme, the government aimed to invest Rs. 14,000 crore in creating infrastructures and promoting the use of electric vehicles.

Purpose of the Question:

Recently the FAME India Scheme has been in news as the total outlay of Phase-I of the Scheme have been enhanced from Rs. 795 crore to Rs. 895 crore.

Source Name : PIB

Explanation :

An internet bot or simply a bot, is a software application that runs automated tasks (scripts) over the Internet. Typically, bots perform tasks that are both simple and structurally repetitive, at a much higher rate than would be possible for a human alone.

Source Name : IE

Explanation :

The Emission Gap Report is released by the UNEP.

‘Emissions gap’, is the gap between where we are likely to be and where we need to be, in terms of greenhouse gas emission levels. It takes into account the latest scientific information, including the IPCC special report on 1.5°C. It basically tells us what all steps are to be taken to limit the global temperature to 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

Source Name : www.unenvironment.org

Explanation :

The Ministry of Culture has appointed Sangeet Natak Akademi as a nodal office for matters relating to the intangible cultural heritage related to UNESCO. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Nawroz/ Navruz, Kumbh Mela,Yoga, Brass Metals made by Tatheras etc. are listed in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list from India.

Purpose of the Question:

In a meeting of UNESCO in November, Reggae, a music originating from marginalised groups from Jamaica has been listed in UNESCO Intangible Heritage List. Besides, Pakistan’s Kalash Culture has been also included in the Intangible List.

Source Name : en.unesco.org

Explanation :

Kalam (Kalamezhuthu) is a unique form of art found in Kerala. It is essentially a ritualistic art practiced in temples and sacred groves of Kerala where the representation of deities like Kali and Lord Ayyappa are made on the floor. This art form is a harmonious blend of Aryan, Dravidian and Tribal traditions.

The drawing is done with bare hands without the use of tools and natural colors are used for the paintings. The pigments are extracted from plants- rice flour (white), charcoal powder (black), turmeric powder (yellow), powdered green leaves (green), and a mixture of turmeric powder and lime (red).

Explanation :

KONKAN is a series of naval exercises commenced in 2004 between India and UK that was recently held (KONKAN-18) in Goa from November 28 to December 6. The KONKAN exercise provides a platform for the two Navies to periodically exercise at sea and in harbour, so as to build interoperability and share best practices.

Cope India 2019 is a bilateral joint air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the US Air Force which also started in 2004. This year, it was held from 3^rd– 14^th December at two Indian air bases in Kalaikunda and Panagarh in West Bengal.

Purpose of the Question:

Both the exercises- KONKAN-18 and Cope India 2019 took place very recently in the months of November and December, 2018 and hence make up for a relevant topic for prelims.

Source Name : PIB

Explanation :

Pakal Dul Dam is a project which is being constructed on Marusadar River which is biggest right bank tributary of Chenab River. The proposed Hydro Electric Project is of 1000Mw.

It is important to note here that Pakistan has control over the usage of water from Chenab, Jhelum and Indus as per Indus Water Treaty.

Purpose of the Question:

Pakal Dul Dam is the biggest Hydro Electric project under construction in J&K. The project achieved its first milestone in December 2018 by completing the construction of the main access tunnel of the powerhouse ahead of schedule.

Source Name : TH

Explanation :

Kishanganga River is a tributary of Jhelum and is called Neelum in Pakistan. Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project is located in Gurez Valley in Srinagar and lies to the north of Wular Lake. The proposed power generation of Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project is 330Mw.

The Rattle Dam Project is located on Chenab River.

Source Name : PIB

Explanation :

Coral Reefs are very sensitive to the conditions like temperature, salinity, sunlight etc. They need the temperature of 20-21 degrees to survive, salinity of 27-40 ppm (parts per million) and depth of 60-70 metres of water. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Statement 3 is also incorrect as near to the mouth of the river the salinity will be very less, hence corals can’t exist. Coral needs the shallow continental shelf as they need sunlight for the photosynthesis.

Source Name : Livemint

Explanation :

• Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has established Centralized Scrutiny & Prosecution Mechanism (CSPM) for enforcement of CSR provisions in April 2018.
• A high level committee under the chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs has been constituted to look into the review of existing framework of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Hence, both the statements are incorrect.

Source Name : IE

Explanation :

Sangiang, Sebuku, Panaitan and Krakatau are the islands which are volcanic in origin and are present near the Sunda Strait. Anak Krakatau had erupted in December last year which led to the formation of deadly tsunami that struck Indonesia.

Explanation :

• River Barak originates from Patkari Range of Manipur at an elevation of 2440 mts. The river flows through Manipur, Manipur­Mizoram and Manipur-Assam border along with some parts of Nagaland.
• Declaration of Barak River from Bhanga to Lakhipur (121 km) in the State of Assam as National Waterway Number 6 is in final state.
  
• Purpose of the Question : IW6 is in news as environmentalists have objected to the dredging process which can have catastrophic impact on the marine ecosystem.

Source Name : india-wris.nrsc.gov.in

Explanation :

• Mercury is a heavy silvery white metal that is predominant in the environment. It mixes with the environment due to both natural (eg. volcanic activity) and anthropogenic (eg. electrical appliances such as mercury lamps) activities.
• Minamata disease- a disease of the central nervous system is caused by consumption of fish captured from water contaminated with methyl mercury compounds.

Explanation :

As compared to other states, Article 356 is not imposed directly in J&K because of its own constitution. Due to failure of state machinery Governor’s rule is imposed for 6 months, if it fails to restore the state Machinary “Article 356” is invoked(I:E-President’s Rule)

How Governor’s Rule id different from President’s Rule?

• In Governor’s rule law making power, Budgetary allocation, Financial powervests with the Governor but in President’s Rule it vests with the Parliament of India.
• In both Governor’s Rule & President Rule Governor of the state administers the state as per centre’s advice.

Note-In 1977 First time Governor’s Rule was Invoked in J&K

Purpose of the Question:

At present J&K is under Governor’s Rule and Centre is likely to invoke Article 356.so students must be aware with the provisions.

Source Name : IE

Explanation :

• An area is declared as “Eco-sensitive” as per the provisions of Environmental protection Act 1986(The word “Eco-sensitive” is not clearly mentioned in the act, but still the Eco-sensitive zone provisions are deduced from this act itself). so, statement 1 is wrong.
• Industrial activities like mining, setting up of Plants etc are regulated or banned but activities like Tourism are not restricted. so,statement 2 is also wrong.

Purpose of the Question:

Recently, 10Km area around 21 national park/Wildlife sanctuary has been declared as “Eco-sensitive” zone by the Supreme court. Hence, students shall have fair idea about “Eco-sensitive” Zones.

Source Name : IE