29th JUNE, 2023

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CABINET APPROVES INTRODUCTION OF NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION (NRF)
BILL, 2023 IN PARLIAMENT

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Bill will establish NRF to promote R&D and foster a culture
of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, ABOUT SERB

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colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
Other Key Features It is a statutory body, Department of Science and Technology,
established through SERB Act 2008.
NRF, an apex body to provide strategic direction of
scientific research as per recommendations of National Its main function is to promote basic research in Science and
Education Policy (NEP), will be set up at an estimated cost Engineering and to provide financial assistance for the same.

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of Rs. 50,000 crore during five years (2023-28). A regular faculty / researcher in an academic / research institution
Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be the can seek research support.
administrative department of NRF.
Board also gives special attention to young scientists below the
NRF will be governed by a Governing Board consisting of age of 35 years (relaxable ).
eminent researchers and professionals across disciplines.

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Board offers JC Bose National Fellowship and RAMANUJAN
PM will be the ex-officio President of Board and Union
Fellowship.
Minister of Science & Technology & Union Minister of

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Education will be ex-officio Vice-Presidents.
NRF’s functioning will be governed by an Executive Council chaired by Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India.
NRF will forge collaborations among industry, academia, and government departments and research institutions, and create an
interface mechanism for participation and contribution of industries and State governments.

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NRF will encourage collaboration and increased spending by industry on R&D.
Bill will also repeal Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and subsume it into NRF.

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CABINET COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AFFAIRS (CCEA) APPROVED A UNIQUE PACKAGE OF
SCHEMES FOR FARMERS

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Initiatives, with a total outlay of Rs.3.7 lakh crore, will boost farmers’ income, strengthen natural / organic farming, rejuvenate soil
productivity, and ensure food security.
Announcement includes:
PM Programme for Restoration, • PM-PRANAM, announced in the 2023-24 Budget, aims to incentivize States/ UTs to promote alternate
Awareness Generation, fertilizers and balanced use of chemical fertilizers.
Nourishment and Amelioration of • States/UTs which will adopt alternative fertilisers will be incentivised with subsidy that is saved by
Mother – Earth (PM-PRANAM) reducing the use of chemical fertilisers
• No separate financial support will be required.
Market Development Assistance • To support marketing of organic fertilizers, viz., Fermented Organic Manures (FOM)/Liquid
(MDA) for promoting Organic FOM/Phosphate Rich Organic Manures (PROM) produced as by-product from bio-gas plants/Compressed
Fertilizers from GOBAR- Biogas (CBG) plants set up under umbrella GOBAR-Dhan initiative will be promoted.
Dhan(Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro GOBAR-Dhan was launched in 2018 under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) (SMB-G) to positively
Resources- Dhan) Plants impact village cleanliness and generate wealth and energy from cattle and organic waste.
• Such organic fertilizers would be branded in the names of Bharat Brand FOM, LFOM and PROM.
• It will facilitate implementation of Budget announcement of establishing 500 new waste to wealth
plants under GOBAR-Dhan scheme.

For Urea • Introduction of Sulphur coated Urea (Urea Gold), for the first time, to address sulphur deficiency of soil
and save input costs for the farmers.
It is more economical and efficient than Neem coated urea.
• Continuation of Urea Subsidy Scheme to maximize indigenous production of Urea to reach self-
sufficiency levels.
• By 2025-26, eight Nano urea plants will be commissioned.
 8468022022 www.visionias.in

RBI RELEASED THE FINANCIAL STABILITY REPORT (FSR)

FSR is a bi-annual report that reflects risks to financial stability and resilience of
Indian financial system (Global FSR is released by IMF).
Key Highlights
Indian banking system is well capitalised and capable of absorbing
macroeconomic shocks over a one-year horizon even in the absence of any
further capital infusion.
Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio of Scheduled commercial banks

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(SCBs) continued its downtrend and fell to a 10-year low of 3.9% in March 2023.
Net non-performing assets (NNPA) ratio declined to 1.0%.
Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of SCBs rose to historical highs of 17.1% in March 2023.
Creating a framework for global regulation, including possibility of prohibition, of unbacked crypto assets, stablecoins etc. would be a priority.

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Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies whose value is pegged to that of another currency, commodity, or financial instrument.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has rescued 72% of the distressed assets since it came into being in 2016.

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Average time for concluding corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRPs) that yielded resolution plans was 512 days (330 days
provided in IBC).

CABINET APPROVES RATIFICATION OF THE NATIONAL SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA

HEADQUARTERS AGREEMENT (HQA) BETWEEN ELIMINATION MISSION

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INDIA AND COALITION FOR DISASTER RESILIENT Objective of the mission is to provide affordable and

INFRASTRUCTURE (CDRI)
accessible care to all Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patient, ensure
quality of care and to lower prevalence of the disease.
In 2022, Cabinet had approved recognition of CDRI as an Vision of the mission is to eliminate SCD as a public

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International Organization and for signing of HQA for granting health problem in India before 2047.
CDRI exemptions, immunities and privileges as contemplated under

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It will be carried out in a mission mode and will
Section- 3 of United Nations (Privileges & Immunities) Act, 1947.
emphasizes on a three-pillar strategy:
Act was enacted to give effect to Convention on the Privileges
and Immunities of the United Nations, adopted by UN General Health promotion: Awareness generation &
Assembly in 1946. pre-marital genetic counselling.
UN Charter allows UN, and also its officials, to enjoy in the Prevention: Universal screening and early detection.

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territory of each of its Members such legal capacity, privileges Holistic Management & continuum of care.
and immunities which are necessary for the exercise of its

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Beneficiaries: Covering the entire population from zero
functions and the fulfilment of its purposes. to 18 years of age and shall incrementally include the
Section 3 of the act states that premises of UN shall be entire population up to 40 years as a part of National
inviolable. Act was also extended to several other international Health Mission (NHM).
organisations.
Initially, focus shall be on 17 states with higher

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Signing of HQA will provide CDRI an independent and prevalence of SCD including Gujarat, Maharashtra,
international legal persona, so that it can carry out its functions Rajasthan, MP, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal,
internationally, more efficiently. Karnataka, Assam, UP, Kerala, Bihar, Uttarakhand etc.
It will allow CDRI to Mission aims to cover 7 crore people with screening,
Deputing experts and also bringing in experts from member counselling for prevention and care for people with SCD
countries to India. in three and half years.
Deploying funds globally and receiving contributions from Programme would be in integration with existing
member countries. mechanism and strategies (such as Pradhan Mantri
Providing technical expertise to assist countries to develop Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan) under NHM.
resilient infrastructure.
SICKLE CELL DISEASE
Leveraging international engagement to foster disaster
resilient infrastructure at home. SCD is a type of haemoglobin disorders, inherited blood diseases that
affect how oxygen is carried in the body.
ABOUT CDRI SCD is characterized by a modification in the shape of the red blood
It was launched in 2019, by the Indian PM (supported by UNDRR) as a global cell from a smooth, donut-shape into a crescent or half-moon shape.
partnership of National Governments, UN agencies and programmes,
Misshapen cells lack plasticity and can block small blood vessels,
multilateral development banks, private sector, academic and knowledge
impairing blood flow.
institutions etc.
This condition leads to shortened red blood cell survival, and
Aims to promote resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster
subsequent anaemia, often called sickle-cell anaemia.
risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development.
Presently, CDRI has 31 nations (including India), 6 International and 2 Private In India, It is more common in the tribal population of India, but
organisations as its members. occurs in non-tribals too.
 8468022022 www.visionias.in

MINISTRY OF MINES RELEASED FIRST EVER REPORT OF THE COUNTRY ON “CRITICAL

MINERALS FOR INDIA”
Report identifies a set of 30 critical minerals.
Critical minerals for which India is 100% import-dependent
Critical minerals are those minerals that are essential for
Mineral Major application
economic development and national security. Criticality is
judged mainly by two parameters, economic importance Lithium Rechargeable batteries, ceramics
and supply risk.

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Cobalt Rechargeable batteries and superalloy
Lack of availability of these minerals or concentration of Nickel Stainless steel, superalloys, rechargeable batteries
extraction or processing in a few geographical locations
Vanadium Alloying agent for iron and steel, batteries
may lead to supply chain disruption or vulnerabilities.
Niobium Steel and superalloys, construction, transportation
Indian critical minerals identification process addresses five

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core objectives of: Supporting economic growth, Driving Germanium Fiber optics and night vision applications
research, Enhancing Global security, Raw material security and
Rhenium Superalloys, aerospace and machinery use

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Promoting climate action.
Beryllium Alloying agent in aerospace and defense industries
Report identifies five pillars of critical minerals value chain:
Tantalum Electronic components, mostly capacitors and in superalloys
Upstream exploration,
Stronium Aluminium pigments and fillers, glass, magnets
Upstream Mining & extraction,
Midstream- Processing, refining & metallurgy,

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Downstream- Component Manufacturing and Clean, Digital, and Advanced Technology Production,
Material Recovery and Recycling.
Recommendations
Establish a National Institute or Centre of Excellence on critical minerals.

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Create a separate wing in the Ministry of Mines and established a Centre of Excellence for Critical Minerals.

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Collaborate with international agencies/KABIL for strategic acquisition of foreign assets.
An innovation funding mechanism to focus on processing and refining technologies.
Update the list of critical minerals periodically , preferably every three years.

ALSO IN NEWS

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Manipur is witnessing a surge in Zero FIRs.
When a police station receives a complaint regarding an alleged offence that has been
committed in jurisdiction of another police station, it registers an FIR, and then transfers it to
concerned police station for further investigation.

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This is called a Zero FIR.
Zero FIR No regular FIR number is given. After receiving Zero FIR, concerned police station registers a
fresh FIR.

Senegal has become the fourth country, following South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam, to sign
the JETP deal.
JETP is emerging as the key mechanism for multilateral financing by developed countries to
support an energy transition in developing countries.
It was first announced at UNFCCC COP26 in Glasgow, where France, Germany, UK, USA, and EU
announced JETP to support South Africa’s decarbonization effort.
Just Energy Transition
Partnership (JETP) Goal of JETP is to support countries’ transition from coal to cleaner energy sources while
addressing social consequences, such as job creation and economics impact.

In view of the measures taken by the Government to better protect children, India has been
removed from the report in 2023.
India was mentioned in the report since 2010 for alleged recruitment and use of boys by
armed groups in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), detainment of boys by Indian security forces in
J&K on national security grounds etc.
UNGA Secretary-General
Report includes trends regarding impact of armed conflict on children and information on
Children and Armed violations committed, as requested by Council in its resolution 1612 (2005) and subsequent
Conflict Report resolutions.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 3/4

 8468022022 www.visionias.in

India’s National Security Advisor visited port of Duqm in Oman recently.

Facing the Arabian Sea and located outside Strait of Hormuz, Port of Duqm is perfectly positioned
to serve the main Eastern and Western trade corridors.
It also overlooks the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean.
India in 2018 secured access Duqm for military use and logistical support.
Duqm Port
Port can also provide India an easy access to Red Sea via the Gulf of Aden.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved FRP of sugarcane for 2023-24 sugar season.

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FRP is minimum price at which sugarcane is to be purchased by sugar mills from farmers.
It is determined under Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966.
There is dual pricing mechanism for sugarcane:
Fair and Remunerative FRP is announced by central government at recommendations of Commission for Agricultural
Costs and Prices (CACP).

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Price (FRP)
States can announce State Advised Prices, usually higher than FRP.

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India is ranked 67th out of 120 countries, in World Economic Forum (WEF) ETI.
Sweden topped the list and was followed by Denmark and Norway.
Key findings related to India
Only 55 countries, including India, have improved their scores by more than 10% points.
India is the only major economy with energy transition momentum accelerating across all the
Energy Transition

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Index’s dimensions namely equitable, secure and sustainable transitions.
Index (ETI)
Requirements for India’s energy transition: skilled workforce, public-private collaboration in
innovation, and investment in research and development in low-carbon technologies.
West Bengal’s CID department have organised a campaign aims in sensitising parents on the perils of
Sharenting.

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Sharenting refers to the act of parents posting too many details about their children on social media.
It could be detrimental for child's psychological growth and also increases risk of details being

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used by Cyber criminals.
Sharenting
It also requested that information about the child are to be posted with extreme caution.

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Indian Air Force will host the first ever multilateral air force exercise “Tarang Shakti” later this
year.

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Exercise Tarang Shakti
Certification was launched by British Standards Institute (BSI) and AMR Industry Alliance to
ensure responsible antibiotic manufacturing.
Certification, with a third-party validation process, will help to monitor environmental concerns in

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the antibiotic manufacturing process.
Antibiotic concentration at the release point must be less than the predicted no-effect
New Certification concentration to meet the certification standard.
Scheme for Antibiotic Certificate, once issued, is valid for three years.
manufacturing It will ensure implementation of Antibiotic Manufacturing Standards launched in 2022.
GreedFlation
Greedflation, in basic terms, is the inflation and hike in prices not driven by economic flow, but by
corporate greed.
It can be understood as a condition where corporate desire for excessive profit (greed) is leading
to inflation.
Companies artificially inflate their prices not just to cover the input cost but to increase their profit
margins.
Emotional Labour
It is defined as editing work of emotions that someone would do in order to have an effect on the
Terms in News emotions of someone else.
American sociologist Arlie Hochschild first introduced the concept in 1983 to mean that
emotions have a market and exchange value in capitalist society.
People are required to regulate their emotions to fit in with the emotional norm, and to
ensure the smooth flow of business necessary to get a wage.
Emotional labour falls disproportionately on women and other disadvantaged groups.

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