July 16, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill | Explained
Unlocking the potential of India's mining sector, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2021 brings forth significant reforms. Explore the salient features and implications of the amendment, from removing end-use restrictions to promoting optimal mining practices. Discover how these changes contribute to economic growth, employment opportunities, and sustainable resource utilization. Stay updated for your UPSC exam preparation and gain insights into the evolving landscape of the mining industry.
Highlights of the Day
1. India and UAE Strengthen Financial Cooperation: MoUs Signed to Boost Cross-Border Transactions and Payment Systems.
India and the UAE signed two MoUs to boost the circulation of the rupee in the Gulf region. The agreements aim to promote local currency use in cross-border transactions and interlink payment systems. This move strengthens cooperation and enhances access to payment services. It reflects the trend of conducting business in local currencies. The UAE is India's third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $85 billion in 2022 [1].
2. AI Unveils Fraud in India's AB-PMJAY Insurance Scheme: Penalties Imposed, Cards Disabled, and Hospitals Removed.
Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), India's largest government insurance scheme, has successfully employed artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect fraud. The initiative has resulted in the recovery of ₹9.5 crore in penalties, deactivation of 5.3 lakh Ayushman cards, and the removal of 210 hospitals from the program. Since its inception, approximately 0.18% of authorized hospital admissions have been confirmed as fraudulent. The Health Ministry has implemented robust fraud analytics, utilizing AI algorithms to identify suspicious transactions and entities. In addition, 188 hospitals have been suspended, and a penalty of ₹20.17 crore has been imposed as part of the anti-fraud campaign. The government maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards fraud, with stringent measures such as mandatory documentation and patient photos for claim approval. The scheme has also addressed 99% of registered grievances, highlighting its effective grievance redressal system. As the government continues to expand AB-PMJAY and strengthen the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, the focus remains on improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring the security of health-related personal information [2].
3. AMRUT 2.0 Pilot Project to Revive Defunct Borewells and Stepwells in 10 Indian Cities for Groundwater Recharge and Flood Mitigation.
Under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, a pilot project is set to revive defunct borewells, neglected stepwells, and shallow aquifers in 10 Indian cities. The aim is to recharge groundwater and mitigate flooding. The selected cities, including Jaipur, Kolkata, Pune, and Chennai, were chosen based on their historical reliance on shallow aquifers and their interest in the project. With groundwater depleting rapidly, recharging it is crucial for addressing water scarcity and flooding. The project will involve measuring groundwater levels before and after interventions, using sensors. Each city will receive Rs 20 lakh for the project, with multiple locations identified for implementation. The initiatives include restoring heritage wells, repairing stepwells, and constructing rainwater harvesting systems and recharge pits. The project is an effort to revive forgotten water resources and heritage structures in urban areas [3].
4. Report Reveals Uneven Progress in Implementing Maputo Protocol for Women's Rights in Africa.
A new report on the Maputo Protocol, a legal framework for women's rights adopted by the African Union (AU) in 2003, reveals uneven progress across African countries. While 44 out of 55 member states have ratified or acceded to the Protocol, domestication of its provisions into national legislation has been slow and ineffective in many cases. Twelve countries have yet to ratify the Protocol, denying women and girls in those nations equal rights. The report calls for renewed commitments and ratification from these countries to ensure the fulfillment of promises made to women and girls. Despite challenges, progress has been made in areas such as women's political representation, while economic rights and opportunities still lag behind. The COVID-19 pandemic and external factors like conflict and climate change have further exacerbated gender inequalities. The report emphasizes the need to accelerate efforts for gender parity and address persistent challenges in order to achieve gender equality in Africa [4].
5. Indian Army Contingent Departs for Mongolia to Participate in Joint Military Exercise
An Indian Army contingent has departed for Mongolia to participate in the 15th edition of the bilateral joint military exercise "NOMADIC ELEPHANT-23." The exercise, scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar from 17 to 31 July 2023, aims to strengthen military relations, promote interoperability, and enhance camaraderie between the Indian and Mongolian armies. The focus of the exercise will be on counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, aligned with the United Nations mandate. The training activities include field exercises, endurance training, reflex firing, room intervention, small team tactics, and rock craft training. The exercise signifies the shared commitment of India and Mongolia to regional security and cooperation, and it is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Statement: The concept of "zero-hour" is associated with the functioning of the Indian Parliament.
Which of the following statements regarding zero-hour is/are correct?
a) It allows members of Parliament to raise matters of urgent public importance.
b) It is a time slot immediately after the question hour.
c) It is an opportunity for the opposition to question the ruling party.
Choose the correct option:
i) a) and b) only
ii) a) and c) only
iii) b) and c) only
iv) a), b), and c)
Q2: Statement: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established in India for effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection.
Which of the following statements regarding the NGT is/are correct?
a) It has the power to hear appeals against any order passed by the central or state government in environmental matters.
b) It is a constitutional body with powers equal to that of the Supreme Court of India.
c) It has the authority to impose penalties and grant compensation for environmental damage.
Choose the correct option:
i) a) only
ii) b) only
iii) a) and c) only
iv) a), b), and c)
Q3: Statement: The Doctrine of Basic Structure is a judicial principle in India.
Which of the following statements regarding the Doctrine of Basic Structure is/are correct?
a) It states that certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be amended by the Parliament.
b) It was established by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case.
c) It safeguards the democratic, secular, and republican nature of the Indian Constitution.
Choose the correct option:
i) a) and b) only
ii) a) and c) only
iii) b) and c) only
iv) a), b), and c)
Q4: Statement: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is composed of 15 member states, including 5 permanent members.
Which of the following statements regarding the UNSC is/are correct?
a) The permanent members of the UNSC have the power to veto resolutions.
b) The permanent members of the UNSC are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
c) The non-permanent members of the UNSC are elected for a term of 5 years.
Choose the correct option(s):
i) a) only
ii) b) only
iii) a) and b) only
iv) a), b), and c)
Q5: Statement: The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) is a health insurance scheme implemented by the Government of India.
Which of the following statements regarding the RSBY is/are correct?
a) It provides health insurance coverage to below-poverty-line families and certain categories of unorganized workers.
b) It is administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
c) It covers both hospitalization expenses and outpatient treatment.
Choose the correct option(s):
i) a) only
ii) b) only
iii) a) and b) only
iv) a), b), and c)
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Evaluate the role of monetary policy in India's economic growth. Discuss the key tools used by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to regulate money supply and interest rates. Analyse the impact of recent monetary policy measures on inflation and overall economic stability. (Word limit: 250 words).
Need help in writing or evaluation?
What we see matters
Some insightful observations from past UPSC papers:
In the context of the Indian Economy, Steps taken by the government and RBI to control inflation have been asked repeatedly in UPSC Prelims. Aspirants are advised to have a clear understanding of inflation, deficits, and money supply.
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions, join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
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