About Survey of India (SoI)

• It is the National Survey and Mapping Organization of the country, under the Department of Science and Technology.
• It is the oldest scientific department of the Govt. of India.
• It was set up in 1767 (India under British Rule) and has evolved rich traditions over the years.
• In its assigned role as the nation's principal mapping agency, SoI bears a special responsibility to ensure that the country's domain is explored and mapped suitably to provide base maps for expeditious and integrated development.
• Organized into only 5 Directorates in 1950, mainly to look after the mapping needs of Defence Forces in the North West and North East, the Department has now grown into 18 Directorates spread in all parts of the country to provide the basic map coverage required for the development of the country.
• Its technology, latest in the world, has been oriented to meet the needs of defense forces, planners, and scientists in the fields of geo-sciences, land and resource management.
• Its expert advice is being utilized by various ministries and undertakings of the Govt. of India in many sensitive areas, including the settlement of international borders, state boundaries and in assisting planned development of hitherto under developed areas.
• The department is also assisting in many scientific programmes of the nation related to the field of geo-physics, remote sensing, and digital data transfers.
• It acts as an adviser to the Govt. of Indiaon all survey matters, viz Geodesy, Photogrammetry, Mapping, and Map Reproduction.
• However, the main duties and responsibilities of the SoI are enumerated below:
  • All Geodetic Control, and Geodetic and Geophysical surveys.
  • All Topographical Control, Surveys, and Mapping within India.
  • Mapping and Production of Geographical Maps and Aeronautical Charts.
  • Surveys for developmental projects.
  • Survey of forests, cantonments, large scale city surveys, guide maps, cadastral surveys, etc.
  • Survey and Mapping of special maps.
  • Spellings of Geographical names.
  • Demarcation of the External Boundaries of India, their depiction on maps published in the country, and also advice on the demarcation of inter-state boundaries.
  • Research and Development in Cartography, Printing, Geodesy, Photogrammetry, Topographical Surveys, and Indigenisation.
  • Prediction of tides at 44 ports, including 14 foreign ports and publication of Tide Tables one year in advance to support navigational activities.
  • Scrutiny and certification of the external boundaries of India and the coastline on maps published by other agencies including private publishers.

Q1: What is Cartography?

The International Cartographic Association defines cartography as the discipline dealing with the conception, production, dissemination and study of maps. Cartography is also about representation – the map. This means that cartography is the whole process of mapping.

Source: Mullaperiyar dam case: T.N. rejects Survey of India report on mega parking project, SC fixes July 10 to finalise legal issues

About Biomarkers

• Biomarkers, short for ‘Biological Markers’ are a physical, chemical, or biological characteristic that is present in the human body, and measurable too.
• The WHO defines a biomarker as “any measurement reflecting an interaction between a biological system and a potential hazard, which may be chemical, physical, or biological. The measured response may be functional and physiological, biochemical at the cellular level, or a molecular interaction”.
• Experts also call them molecular markers and signature molecules.
• They are indispensable in diagnosing disease, prescribing the right medication, right dosage, and even while designing new drugs.
• Biomarkers include biomolecules like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, genes, DNA, RNA, platelets, enzymes, hormones, etc.
• Classification of Biomarkers:
  • Based on their source or location:
  • Molecular – have biophysical properties, which allow their measurements in biological samples such as blood plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage, biopsy, urinalysis, and faecal analysis
  • Radiographic – obtained from imaging studies, for example, bone mineral density
  • Histologic – reflect biochemical or molecular alteration in cells, tissues, or fluids; for example, the staging and grading of cancers
  • Physiologic – measures of body processes, for example, blood pressure, pulse rate, and heart rate
• Based on roles/functions:
  • Susceptibility/Risk Biomarkers: Indicate the person’s likelihood of developing a particular disease or condition in the near or distant future. 
  • Diagnostic Biomarkers: These are used to detect or confirm a particular disease or condition.
  • Prognostic Biomarkers: In people who already are confirmed to have a disease, prognostic biomarkers can predict the likelihood of disease progression or relapse.
  • Monitoring Biomarkers: These biomarkers are used for one or all of these reasons: to assess the stage or condition of the disease, to measure the exposure to a particular drug, and to measure exposure to an environmental agent. 
  • Predictive Biomarkers: These are used to identify individuals who have a higher likelihood of experiencing a strong outcome when exposed to a particular drug. This will help decide the treatment options.

Pharmacodynamic/Response Biomarkers: These reveal that a biological response has happened in patients exposed to a particular drug or environmental agent.

Q1: What are lipids?

Lipids are fatty compounds that perform a variety of functions in your body. They’re part of your cell membranes and help control what goes in and out of your cells. They help with moving and storing energy, absorbing vitamins and making hormones. Having too much of some lipids is harmful.

Source: Detecting cancer in minutes possible with just a drop of dried blood and new test, study hints

About National Service Scheme

• It was launched during 1969, the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi.
• It is a Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India.
• It provides an opportunity to the student youth of the 11th & 12th Class of schools at +2 Board level and student youth of Technical Institution, Graduate & Post Graduate at colleges and University level of India to take part in various Government led community service activities & programmes.
• The NSS symbol
  • It is based on the "Rath" wheel of the Konark Sun Temple situated in Odisha.
  • The navy blue colour indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of mankind.
  • The Red colour in the badge indicates that the NSS volunteers are full of blood i.e. lively, active, energetic and full of high spirit.
  • The giant wheels of the Sun Temple portray the cycle of creation, preservation and release, and signify the movement in life across time and space.
• Activities undertaken by NSS: National Integration Camp, Shramdaan. Blood donation, Immunisation, Plantation, Disaster Management and Adventure programs etc.
• Motto: The motto of National Service Scheme is NOT ME BUT YOU

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

Q1) What is Community service?

It is work done by a person or group of people that benefits others. It is often done near the area where you live, so your own community reaps the benefits of your work. You do not get paid to perform community service, though sometimes food and small gifts, like a t-shirt, are given to volunteers.

Source: NSS volunteers to offer help to differently abled people, senior citizens during polls in Kozhikode

About Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act)

• It was enacted in the year 2016 and came into force on 19th April, 2017.
• It replaced the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights, and Full Participation) Act, 1995.
• The objective of the RPwD Act is to ensure that all persons with disabilities can lead their lives with dignity, without discrimination, and with equal opportunities.
• The Act lays down specific provisions to uphold such rights.
• It incorporates the rights of persons with disabilities covered under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which India is a signatory.
• Under the Act, disability has been defined as an evolving and dynamic concept.
• The types of disabilities have been increased from existing 7 to 21, and the Central Government will have the power to add more types of disabilities.
  • The types of disabilities include Leprosy Cured Person, Cerebral Palsy, Acid Attack Victims, Blindness, Deaf, Specific Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Parkinson’s Disease, Haemophilia, etc.
• Persons with "benchmark disabilities" are defined as those certified to have at least40 percent of the disabilities specified. 
• Rights and entitlements:
  • Responsibility has been cast upon the appropriate governments to take effective measures to ensure that persons with disabilities (PwDs) enjoy their rights equally with others.
  • Additional benefits have been provided for persons with benchmark disabilities and those with high support needs.
  • Every childwith a benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years shall have the right to free education.
  • 5% reservation in seats in Government and Government aided higher educational institutions for persons with benchmark disabilities.
  • Stress has been given to ensure accessibility in public buildings (both Government and private) in a prescribed time-frame.
  • 4% reservation in Government jobs for certain persons or class of persons with benchmark disability.
  • Guardianship: The Act provides for the grant of guardianship by the District Courtor any authoritydesignated by the State Government under which there will be joint decision–making between the guardianandthe PwDs.
  • Broad-based Central and State Advisory Boards on Disability to be set up as policy-making bodies.
  • The Act provides for the strengthening of the Office of Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities and the State Commissioners of Disabilities, which will act as regulatory bodies and Grievance Redressal agencies and also monitor the implementation of the Act.
• These Offices will be assisted by an Advisory Committee comprising of experts in various disabilities.
  • Creation of National and State Fund to provide financial support to the PwDs.
• Penalties for offences:
  • The Act provides for penalties for offences committed against PwDs and also for violations of the provisions of the new law.
  • Any person who violates provisions of the Act, or any rule or regulation made under it, shall be punishable with imprisonment up to six months and/ or a fine of Rs 10,000, or both.
  • For any subsequent violation, imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs five lakh can be awarded.
  • Whoever intentionally insults or intimidates a PwD or sexually exploits a woman or child with a disability, shall be punishable with imprisonment between six months to five years and fine.
  • Special Courts will be designated in each district to handle cases concerning violations of the rights of PwDs.

Q1: What is Leprosy?

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae. The disease predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Left untreated, the disease may cause progressive and permanent disabilities. It is more common in tropical and subtropical areas.

Source: Supreme Court aghast by dismal implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act

About Safeguard Measures

• Safeguard measures are measures introduced by a country that qualify as “emergency” actions under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards.
• A WTO member may take a “safeguard” action (i.e., restrict imports of a product temporarily) under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards to protect a specific domestic industry from an increase in imports of any product which is causing, or which is threatening to cause, serious injury to the industry.
• These actions are intended to prevent or mitigate serious injury to the member state’s domestic industry.
• Such measures, which in broad terms take the form of suspension of concessions or obligations, can consist of quantitative import restrictions or duty increases to higher than bound rates.
• They are one of three types of contingent trade protection measures, along with anti-dumping and countervailing measures, available to WTO members.
• The guiding principles of the agreement with respect to safeguard measures are that such measures
  • Must be temporary;
  • That they may be imposed only when imports are found to cause or threaten serious injuryto a competing domestic industry;
  • That they (generally) beapplied on a non-selective (i.e., most-favoured-nation, or “MFN”) basis;
  • That they be progressively liberalized while in effect;
  • And that the member imposing them (generally) must pay compensation to the members whose trade is affected.
• Thus, safeguard measures, unlike anti-dumping and countervailing measures, do not require a finding of an “unfair” practice.
• The agreement defines “serious injury” as a significant overall impairment in the position of a domestic industry.

In determining whether serious injury is present, investigating authorities are to evaluate all relevant factors having a bearing on the condition of the industry.

Q1: What is Anti-Dumping Duty?

Anti-dumping duty is a tariff imposed on imports manufactured in foreign countries that are priced below the fair market value of similar goods in the domestic market. The government imposes anti-dumping duty on foreign imports when it believes that the goods are being “dumped” – through the low pricing – in the domestic market. Anti-dumping duty is imposed to protect local businesses and markets from unfair competition by foreign imports. The use of anti-dumping measures as an instrument of fair competition is permitted by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Source: India, other WTO members criticise EU, UK on steel safeguard measures

About Tundra Ecosystem

• Tundra ecosystems are treeless regions found in the Arctic and on the tops of mountains, where the climate is cold and windy, and rainfall is scant.
• Characteristics of Tundra Regions
  • Low temperatures: The average temperature is -34 to -6 degrees Celsius (-30 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit) in tundra region.
  • Short growing seasons: The summer growing season is just 50 to 60 days, when the sun shines up to 24 hours a day.
  • Permafrost: A layer of permanently frozen soil lies beneath the surface, which can be a few inches to several feet thick.
  • Minimal precipitation: Despite often being compared to deserts in terms of moisture, the tundra receives low levels of precipitation, often as snow.
  • Limited biodiversity: The harsh conditions of the tundra result in fewer plant and animal species compared to other biomes.
  • Carbon sink: The tundra acts as a significant carbon storage area due to slow decomposition rates in the cold environment.
• The world has three types of tundra:
  • Arctic Tundra which occurs north of the taiga belt in the far Northern Hemisphere (It encompasses the land between the North Pole and the boreal forest, including parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.)
  • Alpine tundra which prevails above the tree line in mountains worldwide (in various mountain ranges such as the Rockies, the Andes, the Himalayas, and the Alps).
  • Antarctic tundra which includes several sub-Antarctic islands and parts of the continent of Antarctica
• Flora: Mosses, lichens, sedges, cotton grass, birches etc.

Fauna: Arctic foxes, snow geese, polar bears etc.

Q1) What is the Arctic Council?

The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum for discussing and addressing issues concerning the Arctic region. These include scientific research and peaceful and sustainable use of resources in the region. The Council was established by the 8 Arctic States through the Ottawa Declaration of 1996.

Source: Warming planet may transform tundra ecosystems from carbon sinks to sources

About Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi Scheme

• It was set up in 1997 and it is a central sector scheme.
• It provides one-time financial assistance to poor patients living below State/UT wise threshold poverty line and suffering from life threatening diseases relating to heart, kidney, liver, cancer, etc. for treatment at any of Super Specialty Government hospitals/institutes.
• The Umbrella Scheme of RAN has three components as under:
  • Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) - Financial assistance for treatment of life-threatening diseases relating to heart, kidney, liver, etc. at Government hospitals/institutes having Super Specialty facilities; (Maximum financial assistance is Rs. 15 lakhs)
  • Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) - Financial assistance for treatment of cancer at Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs)/ Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs) and State Cancer Institutes (SCIs); (Maximum financial assistance is Rs. 15 lakhs)
  • Financial assistance for poor patients suffering from rare diseases - for specified rare diseases for treatment at Government hospitals/institutes having Super Specialty facilities; (Maximum financial assistance is Rs. 20 lakhs).

Q1) What is a rare disease?

It is a health condition of low prevalence that affects a small number of people compared with other prevalent diseases in the general population.

Source: Income threshold for Arogya Nidhi aid ‘extremely low’, says Delhi High Court

About Schengen Visa

• It is an official document mandatory for some non-Europeans to travel to all the 27 countries which are part of the Schengen area.
• Once granted, this visa allows the traveller to cross the borders of the other member-states without going through identity checks at the border.
• The Schengen visas allow visitors to travel freely in the Schengen area for short stays of a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
• The visas do not give the right to work.

What is the Schengen Area?

• It is a group of 27 European nations that have abolished their internal borders, for the free and unrestricted movement of people.
• Members of this area include 23 of the 27 EU member states (except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania) and all members of the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
• Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway are not in the EU but are inside of the Schengen Area.
• Being part of this area means that countries:
  • Do not carry out checks at their internal borders, except in cases of specific threats;
  • Carry out harmonized controls at their external borders, based on clearly defined criteria.

Q1: What is the European Free Trade Association?

It is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1960 by the Stockholm Convention. Its objective is to promote free trade and economic integration between its members within Europe and globally.

Source: Indian nationals can now apply for multiple-entry Schengen visa with longer validity

About Candidates Chess Tournament

• It is the final event in the World Championship cycle before the World Championship match itself.
• The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has organized the World Championship cycle since 1948 and the Candidates Tournament since 1950.
• Since 2013, the Candidates Tournament has occurred every two years.
• The number of players in the tournament varied over the years, between eight and fifteen players. Currently, it is an eight-player, double round-robinevent (that is all-play-all with both colours).
• Why is the Candidates Tournament Important?
  • It is the second most important tournament in the World Championship cycle, as the winner of the Candidates Tournament plays the reigning world championin the championship match.
  • Multiple tournaments are part of the World Championship cycle, but the real point of all of them is to qualify for the Candidates Tournament. 
• How to qualify for the Candidates Tournament? The methods used to qualify each of the players for the Candidates Tournament most recently were:
  • The runner-up in the previous World Championship match,
  • The top three finishers of the FIDE World Cup,
  • The top two finishers of the FIDE Grand Swiss tournament,
  • The winner of the FIDE Circuit, which tracks tournament results from January to December of the year before the Candidates Tournament,
  • And the player with the highest FIDE ratingon January of the year of the Candidates Tournament.

Q1: What is the International Chess Federation (FIDE)?

The International Chess Federation is the translated name of Federation International des Echecs (where the abbreviation FIDE comes from). FIDE was founded in Paris on July 20, 1924, which was the last day of the first unofficial Chess Olympiad. The founding day of July 20 is also the annual celebration of International Chess Day. FIDE is now based in Switzerland and is the governing body of international chess competitions. They work with almost 200 national federations (as of 2020), and FIDE's motto is "Gens una sumus," which is Latin for "We are one family."

Sources: How much prize money did D Gukesh earn by winning Candidates Chess tournament?