About Earth System Model

• It is open-source software that is designed to integrate the interactions of atmosphere, ocean, land, ice, and biosphere to estimate the state of regional and global climate under a wide variety of conditions.
• Since it is based on numerical weather prediction and data assimilation, it can be used for accurate climate change predictions.
• The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology along with the Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR), is developing this first-for-India Earth System Model.
• Purpose: To improve its forecasts, facilitate long-term climate studies, and predict climate impacts in the coming years.
• IITM-ESM incorporates earth system components in the Climate Forecast System (CFS) from National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP, USA), and transforms the CFS seasonal prediction model to a long-term climate mode,
• Funding: An amount of ₹192.28 crores has been sanctioned under the Monsoon Convection, Clouds and Climate Change (MC4) sub scheme to develop the climate forecasting system.
• The work on the model is currently underway and is expected to be completed by 2025.

Monsoon Convection, Clouds and Climate Change (MC4) sub scheme

• It was envisioned to improve the observational database and climate models for enhanced predictive understanding of monsoonal precipitation changes and their impacts in a warming environment.
• The overarching goal of MC4 is to describe better and quantify interactions among monsoon dynamics, clouds, aerosols, precipitation, and the water cycle in a changing climate.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)

Q1) What is Open source software?

It is software that is distributed with its source code, making it available for use, modification, and distribution with its original rights.

Source: India developing a new Earth system model to improve forecasts, track climate crisis impacts

About Airports Authority of India (AAI)

• It is a statutory body under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
• It was constituted by an Act of Parliament and came into being on 1st April, 1995, by merging the erstwhile National Airports Authority and the International Airports Authority of India.
• The merger brought into existence a single Organization entrusted with the responsibility of creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure both on the ground and air space in the country.
• AAI manages 137 airports, which include 24 International Airports (including 3 International Civil Enclaves), 10 Customs Airports (including 4 Customs Civil Enclaves), 80 Domestic Airports, and 23 Domestic Civil Enclaves at Defence airfields.
• AAI also provides Air Traffic Management Services (ATMS) over the entire Indian Air Space and adjoining oceanic areas, with ground installations at all airports, and 25 other locations to ensure the safety of aircraft operations.
• The functions of AAI are as follows:
  • Design, development, operation and maintenance of international and domestic airports and civil enclaves.
  • Control and management of the Indian airspace extending beyond the territorial limits of the country, as accepted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
  • Construction, modification and management of passenger terminals.
  • Development and Management of cargo terminals at international and domestic airports.
  • Provision of passenger facilities and an information system at the passenger terminals at airports.
  • Expansion and strengthening of the operation area, viz. Runways, Aprons, Taxiway etc.
  • Provision of visual aids.
  • Provision of communication and navigation aids, viz. ILS, DVOR, DME, Radar etc.

Q1) What is the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)?

ICAO is an intergovernmental specialized agency associated with the United Nations (UN). It was established in 1947 by the Convention on International Civil Aviation (1944) known as Chicago Convention.CAO is dedicated to developing safe and efficient international air transport for peaceful purposes and ensuring a reasonable opportunity for every state to operate international airlines. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security and facilitation, efficiency, and economic development of air transport as well as to improve the environmental performance of aviation. It also serves as a clearinghouse for cooperation and discussion on civil aviation issues among its 193 member states.

Source: Supreme Court Agrees To Hear Airports Authority's Curative Petition Against Judgment Upholding GMR's Rights Over Nagpur Airport

About Preamble of the Indian Constitution

• The preamble of the Indian Constitution serves as a brief introductory statement of the Constitution that sets out the guiding purpose, principles, and philosophy of the Indian Constitution.
• The Preamble is based on the Objectives Resolution’, drafted and moved by Jawaharlal Nehru and adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947.
• The Preamble reveals four ingredients or components:
  • Source of authority of the Constitution: It is indicated by the Preamble that the source of authority of the Constitution lies with the people of India.
  • Nature of the Indian State: It declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
  • Objectives of the Constitution: The objectives stated by the Preamble are to secure justice, liberty, and equality to all citizens and promote fraternity to maintain unity and integrity of the nation.
  • Date of adoption of the Constitution: It stipulates November 26, 1949, as the date.
• Amendments: By the 42nd Amendment of 1976, the words “Socialist” and “Secular” were inserted; the Preamble now reads “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic”.
• Interpretation by the Supreme Court:
  • Berubari Union case: In this case, it was held by the Supreme Court that the Preamble is part of the Constitution. However, it recognised that the Preamble could be used as a guiding principle if a term in any article of the Constitution is ambiguous or has more than one meaning.
  • Keshvananda Bharti v. State of Kerala: In this case, the Supreme Court overturned its earlier decision and held that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution and can be amended under Article 368 of the Constitution.
• Again, in the LIC of India case, the Supreme Court held that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution.

Q1) What is the Constituent Assembly of India?

The Indian Constitution was made by the Constituent Assembly, which came into existence as per the provisions of the Cabinet Mission of May 1946. Its task was to formulate a Constitution for facilitating the appropriate transfer of sovereign power from British authorities to Indian hands. It comprised members who were partly elected and partly nominated. The elected members were indirectly elected by members of the provincial legislative Assembly, who were elected on the limited franchise. 

Source: Could Preamble have been amended without altering Constitution’s adoption date, SC asks

About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana

• The Central Sector Scheme - SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) was approved by the cabinet in May 2017.
• The scheme has now been renamed as the "Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)".
• It is a comprehensive package of component schemes, which is aimed at creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet.
• It provides a boost to the growth of food processing sector in the country, helps in providing better prices to farmers, creates employment opportunities especially in the rural areas, reduces wastage of agricultural produce, increases the processing level and enhances the export of the processed foods. 
• Objective: The objective of PMKSY is to supplement agriculture, modernize processing and decrease Agri-Waste.
• Components
  • Mega Food Parks,
  • Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure
  • Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters,
  • Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages,
  • Creation/Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities,
  • Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure and
  • Human Resources and Institutions
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Food Processing Industries

Q1) What is Agro-processing?

It refers to the sub-sector of manufacturing that beneficiates primary materials and intermediate goods from agricultural, fisheries and forestry based sectors.

Source: Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana

About Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme

• SGBs are government securities denominated in grams of gold.
• The SGB Scheme was first launched by the Government of India (GOI) on October 30, 2015. 
• They are substitutes for holding physical gold. Investors have to pay the issue price, and the bonds will be redeemed upon maturity.
• The bond is issued by Reserve Bank on behalf of the GOI.
• Who is eligible to invest in the SGBs? The bonds will be restricted for sale to resident Indian entities, including individuals (in their capacity as individuals, or on behalf of minor child, or jointly with any other individual), Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), Trusts, Universities and Charitable Institutions.
• What are the minimum and maximum limits for investment?
  • The bonds are issued in denominations of one gram of gold and in multiples thereof.
  • The minimum investment in the bond shall be one gram, with a maximum subscription limit of 4 kg for individuals, 4 kg for HUFs, and 20 kg for trusts and similar entities notified by the government from time to time per fiscal year.
  • In case of joint holding, the investment limit of 4 KG will be applied to the first applicant only.
• Tenor: The tenor of the bond will be for a period of 8 years, with an exit option in the 5th, 6th, and 7th years, to be exercised on the interest payment dates.
• Who are the authorized agencies selling the SGBs? Bonds are sold through offices or branches of Nationalised Banks, Scheduled Private Banks, Scheduled Foreign Banks, designated Post Offices, Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd. (SHCIL), and the authorised stock exchanges either directly or through their agents.
• Other Features:
  • Payment for the Bonds will be through cash payment (up to a maximum of Rs. 20,000/-), or demand draft, or cheque, or electronic banking.
  • Investors are assured of the market value of gold at the time of maturity and periodical interest.
  • These securities are eligible to be used as collateral for loans from banks, financial Institutions, and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).
  • Bonds will be tradable on stock exchanges within a fortnight of the issuance on a date as notified by the RBI.
  • The bonds can also be sold and transferred as per the provisions of Government Securities Act, 2006.
  • Interest on the bonds will be taxable as per the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
  • The capital gains tax arising on the redemption of SGB to an individual has been exempted. 

Q1) What is a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)?

An NBFC is a company registered under the Companies Act 1956 engaged in the business of loans and advances, acquisition of shares/stocks/bonds/debentures/securities issued by the Government or local authority or other marketable securities of a like nature. They offer various banking services but do not have a banking license. They provide banking services like loans, credit facilities, TFCs, retirement planning, investing and stocking in the money market. Generally, these institutions are not allowed to take traditional demand deposits—readily available funds, such as those in checking or savings accounts—from the public. NBFCs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Source: Sovereign Gold Bond price fixed at Rs 6,263/gm; issues opens Monday 

About Papikonda National Park

• It is located in East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh.
• The area plays a key role in high precipitation and the consequent origin of various small streams and rivulets which drain and enrich the perennial River Godavari.
• A unique dwarf breed of goat known locally as the “kanchu mekha” originates in this region.
• It was declared as a national park only recently in 2008.
• The national park has been recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area by BirdLife International.
• Vegetation:
  • Dry Mixed Teak Forests, Southern dry mixed deciduous forests and Southern moist mixed deciduous forests.
  • The predominant and most extensive forest type found in the park is Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous type and the species found in this type are mainly dry deciduous species.
• Flora: Some species of flora include Albizia Amara, Latifolia, Albizia Lebbeck, Terminalias, Tectona Grandis, Lagerstroemia Lanceolata, Tomentosa, Arundinacea, Bambusa, Albizzia Amara, Dendrocalamus Strictus, Pterocarpus among others.
• Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Hyena and vulnerable bovidae the Indian gaur area. It has species like sambar, barking deer, chowsinga, spotted deer etc.

Q1) What is a Deciduous forest? 

A deciduous forest is a biome dominated by deciduous trees which lose their leaves seasonally. The Earth has temperate deciduous forests, and tropical and subtropical deciduous forests, also known as dry forests. Another name for these forests is broad-leaf forests because of the wide, flat leaves on the trees. Trees in tropical deciduous forests lose their leaves in the dry season and regrow them in the rainy season. In temperate deciduous forests, trees lose their leaves in the fall and regrow them in the spring.

Source: Lone tiger walks back to its natural habitat of Papikonda National Park with good health

About Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: It is located in the Nuapada district of Odisha, adjoining Chhattisgarh.
• It is spread over a sprawling area of 600 sq kms. It was declared a sanctuary in the year 1983.
• It adjoins the Sitanadi and Udanti sanctuaries of Chhattisgarh. 
• The sanctuary harbors a great diversity of wildlife habitats, with a vast plateau, canyons, and 11 waterfalls.
• It also forms the catchment area of the Jonk River (tributary of Mahanadi River), over which a dam has been constructed to facilitate irrigation.
• Vegetation: The important vegetation of this sanctuary comprises dry deciduous tropical forests.
• Flora: Bija, Teak, Sisoo, Asan, Dharua, Mahul, Char, Sandal wood, Sidha, etc.
• Fauna:
  • It is an ideal habitat for the Barasingha (swamp deer).
  • Other important animals found are tigers, Leopards, hyenas, Barking Deer, Chital, Gaur, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Hill Myna, etc.
  • It also works as a migration link for rare wild Buffaloes between the states of Orissa and Chhattisgarh.

Q1) Which are the main tributaries of Mahanadi River?

Mahanadi river rises from Raipur district of Chhattisgarh and flows for about 851 km before its outfall into the Bay of Bengal . Its main tributaries are Seonath, Jonk, Hasdeo, Mand, Ib, Ong, and Tel.

Source: Maoists, security forces exchange fire in Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary 

About High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite vehicle

• It is a new age unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can significantly increase India’s surveillance and monitoring capabilities in the border areas.
• It is a still-developing technology, and the successful test flight last week puts India among a very small group of countries currently experimenting with this technology.
• Features
  • It can fly at altitudes of 18-20 km from the ground, almost double the heights attained by commercial airplanes.
  • It has the ability to generate solar power.
  • It can remain in air for months, even years, offering it advantages of a satellite.
  • It does not require a rocket to get into space.
  • The cost of operating HAPS is several times lower than that of a satellite that is usually placed at least 200 km from the earth.
• Applications of HAPS
  • It can be very useful in disaster situations.
  • It can even be used to provide mobile communications networks in remote areas
  • Even it can be used in continuous surveillance of border areas to detect changes or movements.

Q1) How does Solar Energy create?

Solar energy is any type of energy generated by the sun. Solar energy is created by nuclear fusion that takes place in the sun. Fusion occurs when protons of hydrogen atoms violently collide in the sun’s core and fuse to create a helium atom.

Source: Meet HAPS: India’s very own UAV that can fly 20 km high and float for months

About National Judicial Academy (NJA)

• NJA, established in 1993 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, is an independent society, fully funded by the Government of India, and works under the directions of the Supreme Court of India.
• Mandate: Strengthening the Administration of Justice through Judicial Education, Research, and Policy Development.
• It organizes trainings to aid the judges in their judging roles and in the performance of court administration work.
• Its 63-acre campus is located in the outskirts of Bhopal. It also has a registered office in Delhi.
• The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the Chairman of the General Body of NJA as well as the Chairman of the Governing Council, the Executive Committee, and the Academic Council of NJA.
• Management:
  • The Director, NJA is the Principal Executive Officer of NJA. The Director is appointed by the Chairman, the Hon'ble Chief Justice of India.
  • NJA academic staff positions include, in addition to the Director, one position of Additional Director (Research), three positions of Professor, six positions of Assistant Professor, six positions of Research Fellow, and six positions of Law Associates. 

Q1) What is the Supreme Court of India?

The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial body under the Constitution of India. The Supreme Court came into existence on January 26, 1950, with the coming into force of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction.It serves both as the final court of appeals and the final interpreter of the Constitution.As the highest court in India, the Supreme Court’s judgments are binding on all other courts in the country. 

Source: If judges can go to National Judicial Academy for training, why not lawyers: Supreme Court