1. Government initiates work on consumer spending survey
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
The Centre has started the process of conducting the five-year Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) this month.
Important facts
The questionnaire for the survey has been modified to capture data on items received free of cost from welfare programs of the government.
Field work for the survey, which for the first time will involve three visits in a year to assess spending patterns in selected households, will begin soon.
The survey was last conducted in 2017-18, but its findings were not published, citing data quality concerns.
Therefore, the last official publicly available estimates on consumer spending are from the 2011-12 survey.
What is the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES)?
CES is traditionally a quinquennial survey conducted by the government’s National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
It is designed to collect information about consumption expenditure patterns of urban and rural households across the country.
The data collected in this survey reveals the average expenditure on goods (food and non-food) and services and helps in estimating the household Monthly per Capita Consumer Expenditure (MPCE).
The survey is conducted between July and June and this year's exercise is expected to be completed by June 2023.
Need of CES
There is no official estimate of India's per capita household expenditure.
It provides separate data sets for rural and urban areas, and different spending patterns for each state and union territory, as well as for different socio-economic groups.
It also helps to calculate the demand dynamics of the economy.
2. Rs 1.64 lakh crore revival package for BSNL gets Cabinet nod
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
In a bid to revive state-owned telecom company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the Union Cabinet on July 27 approved a ₹1.64 lakh crore package for its revival.
Important facts
The package has a cash component of ₹43,964 crore and a non-cash component of ₹1.2 lakh crore for over four years.
The package will include administrative allotment of 4G spectrum worth ₹44,993 crore.
Bharat Broadband Network Ltd (BBNL), was set up to implement the ambitious BharatNet project, which will be merged with BSNL.
The revival package will enable BSNL to improve services and generate net profit in 3-4 years.
BSNL 5G services launch will happen in the next 1.5-2 years.
Its 4G telecom services will reach the people in 1-1.5 years.
Other key components of the package
Capex support of ₹22,471 crore
Viability gap funding of ₹13,789 crore for rural wireline operations
Debt structuring by raising of bonds with sovereign guarantee worth ₹40,399 crore
Financial support for Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues worth ₹33,404 crore.
Capex support
The Cabinet had approved the allocation of 900/1800 MHz band spectrum worth ₹ 44,993 crore to support 4G services of BSNL.
This will allow BSNL to compete in the market and provide high speed data.
The government will make a capital expenditure of ₹22,471 crore over the next four years to "promote development and deployment of self-reliant 4G stacks".
About BSNL
BSNL was incorporated on 15th september 2000.
It is a 100% Govt of India owned Public Sector Undertaking.
It is a technology-oriented integrated telecom service providing company.
It provides Wire line Services, GSM Mobile Services including 2G, 3G, 4G & Value added Services (VAS), Internet and Broadband services, Wi-Fi services, Data Centre services etc.
3. India achieved replacement level fertility
Tags: National News
According to Health Ministry data India has achieved replacement level fertility, with as many as 31 States/Union Territories reaching a Total Fertility Rate of 2.1 or less.
Important facts
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar informed about the data during National Family Planning Summit 2022.
Between 2012 and 2020, India added more than 1.5 crore additional users for modern contraceptives thereby increasing their use substantially.
Between 2012 and 2020, the number of additional people using modern contraceptives in India increased by more than 15 million, leading to a significant increase in contraceptive use.
India quickly understood the importance of family planning and became the first country to start a national program in this regard in 1952.
What is Replacement Level Fertility?
It is the level of fertility at which a population exactly replaces itself from one generation to the next.
The rate is around 2.1 children per woman in most countries, although it can vary with mortality.
Government initiative
Mission Parivar Vikas (MPV) launched in 2016 has given further impetus to the National Family Planning Programme.
Under this scheme, innovative strategies like distribution of new initiative kits, Saas Bahu Sammelan and Sarathi Vans are helping in family planning.
Over 17 lakh Naya Pahal kits have been distributed to newlyweds, over 7 lakh Saas Bahu Sammelans have been organised, and over 32 lakh customers have been mentored through Sarathi Vans since inception.
India Family Planning 2030 vision document unveiled
During the event, the Minister also unveiled the India Family Planning 2030 vision document.
She also launched the Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC) Wheel Application, E-Module of Family Planning Logistics Management System (FPLMIS), and Digital Archive on Family Planning under the category of Digital Intervention.
He also launched the National Family Planning Helpline Manual, Community Health Officer (CHO) Handbook, and ASHA brochures and leaflets (Family Planning).
4. India contributes $2.5 million to UN RWA for Palestine refugees
Tags: International News
India contributed US $ 2.5 million for the United Nations Relief for Palestine Refugees and Working Agency (UNRWA).
Important facts
India is a dedicated donor for UNRWA. Since 2018, it has contributed 20 million USD to support the UNRWA core services to Palestine refugees in the Middle East.
Importance of contribution
This contribution highlights India's strong performance and unbreakable support for UNRWA's work.
It also highlights India's commitment to the good of Palestine.
It supports Palestinian refugees in the Middle East.
Palestinian refugee
He is a citizen of compulsory Palestine, who was expelled from his country during the 1947–49 Palestine War.
This phenomenon is known as 1948 Palestinian migration.
They mostly live in Palestinian refugee camps at Lebanon, Jordan, Gaza Strip, Syria and West Bank.
About the United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine refugees
UNRWA was established as a human agency.
It is funded completely through voluntary contribution and grant from donor countries.
Establishment- 8 December 1949
Headquarters- Amman and Gaza
Commissioner General- Philip Lazarini
5. Survey on Snow Leopard under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies
Tags: National News
Recently, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) conducted a survey on Snow Leopard, which gives some interesting information about the Snow Leopard and its prey species.
Main features of the study
The ZSI study highlights a strong link between habitat use by the snow leopard and its prey species such as the blue sheep and Siberian ibex.
According to this study, snow leopards are more likely to be detected if the site is used by its prey species.
According to the study, habitat variables such as barren areas, grasslands, slopes and distance from water were major drivers of habitat use for both the snow leopard and its prey species.
Predators such as the snow leopard control populations of herbivores such as the blue sheep and Siberian ibex, thereby protecting the health of grasslands.
About Snow Leopard
Scientific name- Panthera uncia
It is a Schedule-I species of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
It can be found in alpine and subalpine regions at altitudes of 3,000–4,500 m in Afghanistan, the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, Mongolia, Siberia and western China.
In India, it is found in Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.
The snow leopard is listed on the IUCN Red List of World Conservation Species.
India has been a part of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Conservation (GSLEP) program since 2013.
Snow Leopard Project: This project was launched in the year 2009 to promote an inclusive and participatory approach to the conservation of snow leopards and their habitat.
Snow Leopard Conservation Breeding Program has been started at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, West Bengal.
About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established on July 1, 1916 in the then 'British Indian Empire' with the objective of promoting pioneering survey, exploration and research to provide information on various aspects of prosperous life.
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), is an organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
It originated in 1875 with the establishment of the Zoology Section at the Indian Museum in Calcutta.
It is headquartered in Kolkata and presently its 16 regional stations are located in different geographical locations of the country.
6. Russia to quit International Space Station 'after 2024'
Tags: International News
Russia has decided to leave the International Space Centre after 2024.
Important facts
The decision was announced by Yuri Bori Sof, the newly appointed President of Russia's space agency Roscosmos.
The decision comes at a time when the Kremlin's war with Ukraine has isolated Russia both commercially and economically.
Russia will focus on building its own space station after 2024.
Russia will fulfill its obligations to other partners in the International Space Station before leaving the project.
Why does Russia want to leave the International Space Station?
Russia focuses on building its own space outpost.
Russian cosmonauts were criticized for using the space station to flag Russian occupation of Ukraine's territory.
NASA strongly condemned Russia's political use of the ISS.
The US alleges that Russia has used the station for support in the Ukraine war while the station's original purpose is to use it for scientific and technological development in a peaceful manner.
Space relations between Russia and the US began to deteriorate even before the Russia-Ukraine war, when NASA announced its Artemis Agreement.
Russia had disagreed with this agreement and it was clear that Russia and America would not be able to cooperate in space matters for long.
About International Space Station (ISS)
The ISS was commissioned in the year 1998 and has been operating at its full capacity since 2011.
The first astronauts were sent to this space station in the year 2000.
The ISS is being operated by 16 countries led by the NASA space agency of America.
These countries include America, Russia, Japan, Brazil, Canada and 11 countries in Europe.
The ISS is the most complex international scientific and engineering project in history and the largest manned spaceflight structure.
The space station flies at an average altitude of 400 kilometres from Earth, orbiting the globe every 90 minutes at a speed of about 28,000 kilometres per hour.
The space station appears as a bright moving light in the night sky, similar to the bright planet Venus.
ISS program joint project of five space agencies
NASA (United States)
Roscosmos (Russia)
JAXA (Japan)
ESA (Europe)
CSA (Canada)
7. Supreme Court upholds ED's power to arrest in money laundering cases
Tags: National News
The Supreme Court on 27 July upheld the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Important facts
A bench headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar delivered the verdict on petitions challenging the process of arrest, seizure and investigation conducted by the ED.
The Supreme Court upheld the Enforcement Directorate's power to make inquiries, arrests and attachments in relation to assets under the Prevention of Money Laundering (PMLA) Act.
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the provisions of sections 5, 8 (4), 15, 17 and 19 of the PMLA, which deal with the ED's powers of arrest, attachment and search and seizure.
The Supreme Court clearly said that the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) which is considered as a copy of FIR in a way, it is not necessary to give this copy to the accused. It will be enough for the ED to give reasons at the time of arrest.
What is the Prevention of Money Laundering Act?
The Act was enacted in 2002 and came into force in 2005.
The main objective of this law is to fight the process of converting black money into white (money laundering).
The authority responsible for investigating crimes under PMLA is the Enforcement Directorate-ED.
Persons found guilty of money laundering shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment of not less than 3 years, which may extend to 7 years, with fine.
Objectives of PMLA
To prevent the use of black money in illegal activities and economic crimes
Seizing property involved in or derived from money laundering
Attempts to prevent other forms of money laundering offences
Enforcement Directorate (ED)
It was established in the year 1956 and its headquarter is in New Delhi.
It is responsible for implementing certain provisions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
It works under the administrative control of the Revenue Department for operational purposes.
8. Spending on 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign declared CSR activity under Companies Act
Tags: National News
The Corporate Affairs Ministry has said that companies can spend their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for activities related to the 'Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan'.
Important facts
The circular issued by the ministry states that 'the expenditure of CSR funds for activities related to this campaign such as mass production and supply of the national flag, outreach and promotion efforts and other related activities are CSR activities.
The circular also states that companies can carry out these activities under the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014.
It aims to encourage people to bring home the national flag and hoist it to mark the 75th year of India's independence.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Under CSR, companies integrate social and environmental concerns with their business partners with their stakeholders.
It is regulated under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
India is the first country in the world to make CSR mandatory.
The provision of CSR is applicable to companies whose net worth is more than ₹ 500 crores or turnover is more than ₹ 1000 crores or net profit is more than ₹ 5 crores.
Certain categories of profitable companies are required to spend at least two per cent of their annual average net profit for three years on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.
CSR Activities
Promotion of education
Gender equality and women empowerment
Eradication of poverty and hunger
Preparing to fight HIV and other diseases
Ensuring environmental balance
Improvement in infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate in the country.
Contribution to Prime Minister's National Relief Fund
Promoting sports, Slum area development etc.
9. Zimbabwe launches gold coins as legal tender to tackle inflation
Tags: International News
Zimbabwe has launched new gold coins to be sold to the public to combat extreme hyperinflation.
Important facts
The country's central bank, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, announced this unprecedented move on July 25 to boost confidence in the local currency.
According to the IMF, confidence in Zimbabwe's currency is low after people's savings from hyperinflation reached 5 billion in 2008.
Confidence in Zimbabwean currency is already so low that many retailers do not accept it.
The central bank has distributed 2,000 coins to commercial banks.
Coins can be used for purchases in stores, depending on whether there is substantial change in the store.
Any individual or company can buy coins from authorized banks outlets.
About Gold Coins
The gold coins are called Mosi-oa-Tunya.
In the local Tonga language it refers to Victoria Falls.
The coins would have liquid asset status, meaning they would be able to be easily converted into cash and would be tradable both locally and internationally.
The coin may also be used for transactional purposes.
People can trade for cash only after holding the coins for at least 180 days.
About Zimbabwe
President - Emmerson Mnangagwa
Capital - Harare
Official Name - Republic of Zimbabwe
10. India Designates 5 New Ramsar Sites
Tags: National News
India has designated 5 other Indian wetlands of international importance as Ramsar sites. Ramsar sites in India have increased from 49 to 54.
Names of five Indian wetlands that have been designated as Ramsar sites
Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
Pichavaram is a Village in the Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu, Near Chidambaram.
Pichavaram Mangrove Forests is the second largest Mangrove forest in the world.
It is spread over 1,100 hectares and joins the Bay of Bengal, where it's separated by a lengthy sand bank.
Sakhya Sagar Lake
Sakhya Sagar Lake is a beautiful lake located in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh.
This lake is built on the Maniyar river.
Indian pythons, marsh crocodiles, monitor lizards, and reptiles can be seen here.
Pallikarnai Marsh
It is one of the last remaining natural wetlands of Chennai city.
It is known locally by the common Tamil name 'Kazuveli', which means flood plain or waterlogged area.
Pallikaranai Marsh covers 65 wetlands in an area of 250 sq km south of Chennai.
Pala wetland
Pala wetland is situated in Mizoram.
Karikili Bird Sanctuary
It is located in Kanchipuram district 86 kms from Chennai.
It is spread over an area of 61.21 hectares and is just 10 km from the well-know Vedanthagal Bird Sanctuary.
What are Ramsar sites?
A Ramsar site is a wetland site specifically designated for international importance as a waterfowl habitat under the Ramsar Convention.
Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental environment treaty established in 1975 by UNESCO.
Ramsar refers to wetlands of international importance in terms of site ecology, botany, zoology or hydrology.
