ED & FATF 

 Syllabus: GS Paper-2-Important Organizations

Why in News?

· Supreme Court will hear a plea moved by the centre to allow the current Enforcement Directorate Director to continue in office till October 15. 

 · The government appealed that the presence of current ED Director is necessary for the ongoing evaluation of the FATF. 

 Enforcement Directorate: 

 Origin:

· It was originated in the year 1956 with the name Enforcement Unit with its headquarters in Delhi.

 · It had two other branches in Bombay and Calcutta.

· It was renamed as Enforcement Directorate in the year 1957.

 Functions:

 · It is mandated with investigation of offences of money laundering. 

 · It deals with the violation of foreign exchange laws. 

 Ministry:

 · It works under the Department of Revenue of the Ministry of Finance. 

 Headquarters:

 · The headquarters of ED is located in New Delhi.

 · It even has 5 regional offices at Mumbai, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kolkata and Delhi.

 Structure:

 · It is headed by the Director of Enforcement. 

 · It has 10 zonal offices and 11 sub-Zonal Offices.

 · Each zonal office is headed by the Deputy Director. 

 · Whereas the sub-Zonal offices are headed by an Assistant Director. 

 Tenure:

 · Two years

 · The tenure of Director can be extended from 2 years up to 5 years. 

 Financial Action Task Force:

 · It is a global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog.

 · It was set up in the year 1989 during the G-7 meeting in Paris. 

 · Initially it used to focus on money laundering. 

 · After the 9/11 attacks of the US, it started focusing on combating the terrorist financing. 

 · In the year 2012 it had expanded its powers to counter the financing of the proliferation of the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). 

 Members:

 · 39 countries along with two regional organisations. 

They are: 

 a) The European Commission b) Gulf Cooperation Council 

 · India had joined the FATF in the year 2006 as an observer.

 · It became the full time member in the year 2010. 

 · The only observer country of FATF is Indonesia and there are some important organizations that have observer status.

 · Some of them are: 

 1. Asian Development Bank

 2. Interpol 

 3. International Monetary Fund etc.

MPLAD 

 Syllabus: GS Paper-2-Polity 

 Why in News? 

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation receives and examines the new suggestions from stakeholders, including the revision of entitlement of funds under the MPLAD. 

 Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme:

 · It was established in the year 2013. 

 · It is a Central Sector scheme. 

 · Its main objective is to enable the MPs to recommend works of development nature.

 · It includes providing drinking water, sanitation, roads etc. 

 · MPLAD funds can also be used for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Accessible India campaign, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana etc. · Ministry-Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. 

 Functioning: 

 · MP receives 5 crores every year in two instalments i.e., 2.5 crores in each instalments. 

 · These funds are non-lapsable i.e., if the funds are not utilised then it cannot be carried to next fiscal year.

 · The MPs of Lok Sabha have to recommend their works in their constituencies.

 · Whereas the MPs of Rajya Sabha have to spend the funds in the state that has elected them to the house.

 · The nominated members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can recommend the work anywhere in our country.

 · The MPs have to recommend the works which costs at least 15% of the MPLADS for the areas which are inhabited by SC population. 

 · At the same time 7.5% of funds should be utilised for areas with ST population.

UNESCO

Syllabus: GS Paper-2-Important Organizations 

 Why in News? 

 · UNESCO has warned against the uncritical rush towards the digital products in educational institutions. 

 · Global Education Monitoring Report, 2023 titled Technology in education: a tool on whose terms? has endorsed banning smartphones in schools.

 · The report mentioned that technology integration does not improve learning or if it worsen students well-being. 

 · The report has mentioned that there is a negative impact of digital learning in 14 countries. 

 · But only one in four countries has banned smartphones in schools. 

 UNESCO: 

 · It is a specialized agency of UN which helps in building peace through international cooperation in Education, Science and Culture.

 · It was founded on 16^th November in the year 1945. 

 · The first session UNESCO was held in Paris in 1946.

· There are 193 member countries and also 11 associate members in UNESCO whose headquarters is located in Paris. 

 · There are 3 countries which are part of UNESCO but not of UN. They are: · Cook Islands · Niue and · Palestine 

 · Whereas 3 UN members are not UNESCO members. They are: · Israel · Liechtenstein · United States

 Objectives:

 · To provide quality education for all

 · To address the emerging social and ethical challenges

 · To build inclusive knowledge societies through information Reports released by UNESCO: 

 1) Global Education Monitoring Report 2) UN world water development report. 3) UNESCO Science Report etc.

National Company Law Tribunal 

 Syllabus: GS Paper-3-Economy

Why in News?

NCLT has rejected six pleas which included demands for barring Go First from using their aircraft as well as allowing leasing firms to appoint an inspector to examine the aircraft, engines and other parts. 

 National Company Law Tribunal: 

 · It was established on 1^st June, 2016.

 · It was established under the Companies Act, 2013.

 · It was formed based on the recommendation of Balakrishna Eradi committee.

 · It is a quasi-judicial body which have the same powers and procedures as a court of law.

 Composition: 

 · It is chaired by a Judicial member.

 · He is supposed to be a retired or a serving High Court Judge. 

 · NCLT consists of technical members.

 · He/she is must be from Indian Corporate Law Service, ICLS Cadre. 

 Term:

 · The term of office of chairperson and members of NCLT is five years or 65 years whichever is earlier. 

 Powers:

 · NCLT was given powers to adjudicate:

 1. Cases which are initiated before the Company Law Board under the previous Act.

 2. Cases which are pending in any District or High court under the old act.

 3. Cases that are pending before the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction. 

 4. Cases related to insolvency under the insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of 2016.

 Important Points:

· NCLT deals with the companies that are registered in India

 · It helps to reduce the time taken to wind up a company. 

 · It can appoint Amicus Curiae for an opinion on various specialized legal issues.

POEM 

 Syllabus: GS Paper-3-Science & Technology 

Why in News?

IN-SPACe is offering a chance to the industry and the academia to launch a payload on the upcoming POEM. 

 PSLV Orbital Experiment Module: 

· It is an experimental mission by ISRO. 

 · It performs in-orbit scientific experiments during the fourth stage of the PSLV. 

 · Polar Satellite Launching Vehicle is a four-stage rocket. 

 · The first three spent stages of PSLV fall back into the ocean.

 · After launching the satellite, the fourth stage remains as a space junk. 

 · But it is the first time when the PS4 stage would orbit the earth as a stabilized platform.

 · POEM has standard interfaces for the power generation, telecommand, orbit keeping etc. 

 · It can be used to develop and validate the experimental payloads. 

 Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre: 

 · It is a single window, independent, nodal agency which functions as an autonomous agency in the Department of Science. 

 · It promotes the private sector for their participation in the space sector.

 · At present more than 500 private companies partner with ISRO.

 · It establishes new space infrastructure and facilities.

 · The decision made by IN-SPACe is final.

 · Its decision is binding on all stakeholders including ISRO.

· The private companies need not take separate permission from ISRO.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 

 Syllabus: Prelims-Important Institutions

 Why in News? 

 James Skea of the U.K has elected as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change:

 · It is the United Nations body which was formed in the year 1988. 

 · It was established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1988. 

 Members:

 · There are 195 member countries for IPCC. 

 Objective: 

 · Its main objective is to assess the scientific, technical and socio-economic information which is relevant to the understanding of human-induced climate change.

 · It deals with the potential impact of the climate change and also options for mitigation and adaptation. 

 Functions: 

 · It prepares reports by assessing the state of knowledge of climate change. 

 · These reports include assessment reports, special reports and methodology reports. 

 · These reports are important input for the international negotiations to tackle the climate change. 

 · IPCC asks the scientists around the world to go through all the scientific proofs related to the climate change. 

 Working Groups of IPCC:

 · IPCC consists of three working groups. They are:

 · Working Group-I which deals with the physics of climate change

 · Working Group-II which examines the climate change impact and adaptation. 

 · Working Group-III which deals with the climate change mitigation.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary 

 Syllabus: Prelims-Important Sancturies 

Why in News? 

 · The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court has directed the government of Goa to notify the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as Tiger reserve within 3 months.

 · It is because of the presence of Bengal Tigers. 

 Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary: 

 · It is located in the village of Valpoi, Goa. 

 · It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1999. 

 · It is situated in the Sahyadri Mountain Range. 

 · River Mhdei also known as Mandovi river flows through this sanctuary. 

 · River Mhdei is considered as the lifeline of the state of Goa. 

 · This river originates in the state of Karnataka.

 · This sanctuary acts as a catchment for the river. 

 · It is declared as an International Bird Area due to the presence of birds like:

a) Nilgiri wood pigeon b) Malabar parakeet c) Malabar grey hornbill etc. 

 · Three highest peaks in the state of Goa are present in these sanctuaries. They are: 

a. Sonsogod b. Talavche Sada c. Vageri etc. 

 · This sanctuary is known for its sacred groves. 

 Important Waterfalls:

 · Vazra Sakla Falls which acts as the nesting grounds of the critically endangered Long-billed vultures. 

 · Virdi Falls is also present in this sanctuary. 

 Fauna: 

 · Tigers

 · Barking deer 

 · Wild boar etc.

PM-WANI 

 Syllabus: Prelims-Important schemes 

Why in News? 

 · The Digital India programme has three main visions. They are: Digital connectivity, software and services on demand, digital empowerment of citizens.

 · Wi-fi hotspot pouches are distributed through PM WANI scheme which will be game changer in digital connectivity. 

 PM-WANI:

 · It was first recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority in 2017. 

 · It was approved by the Union Cabinet in the year 2020. 

 · It works under the Department of Telecom, Ministry of communication.

 · PM WANI stands for PM Wi-fi Access Network Interface.

 · It was introduced to increase the Wi-fi access through-out the country.

 · The Wi-fi services are provided through the Public Data Offices (PDO).

· The PDOs establish, maintain and operate only WANI compliant Wi-Fi Access Points.

 · They will deliver the broadband and services to the subscribers

 · Public Data Office Aggregator performs the functions related to the Authorization and Accounting. 

 Advantages: 

 · It connects the users not just to commercial and entertainment options but also to education, agriculture, health etc. 

 · It will strengthen digital India

 · Wi-fi will reach to the rural areas 

 Challenges: 

 · Security attacks 

 · Lack of Infrastructure 

 · Speed is low

Questions

1.Consider the following statements regarding FATF: 

 1. It was set up in the year 1989 during the G-20 meeting in Paris.

 2. Initially it used to focus on money laundering rather than combating terrorist financing.

 Which of the above statements are correct?

 a) Only 1 

 b) Only 2 

 c) Both 1&2 

 d) Neither 1 nor 2

2.Consider the following statements regarding MPLADS:

 Statement-I: It is a centrally sponsored scheme. 

 Statement-II: MP receives 5 crores every year in two instalments i.e., 2.5 crores in each instalments.

 Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

 a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. 

 b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. 

 c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect 

 d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

3.Consider the following statements regarding UNESCO: 

 1. It was formed in the year 1944. 

 2. There are 3 countries which are part of UNESCO but not of UN

 3. US is part of UN but it is not a part of UNESCO 

 How many of the above statements are correct? 

 a) Only One

 b) Only two 

 c) Only three 

 d) None

4.Consider the following statements regarding NCLT: 

 Statement-I: It is a quasi-Judicial body which was established under the Companies Act, 2013. 

 Statement-II: It was formed based on the recommendation of Balakrishna Eradi committee. 

 Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 

 a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. 

 b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. 

 c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

5.Consider the following statements regarding POEM:

 Statement-I: It performs in-orbit scientific experiments during the third stage of the PSLV.

 Statement-II: It is the first time when the PS4 stage would orbit the earth as a stabilized platform. 

 Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

 a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. 

 b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. 

 c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect 

 d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

6.Consider the following statements regarding IPCC: 

 1. It is the United Nations body which was formed in the year 1977. 

 2. It was established by International Monetary Fund (IMF).

 3. It consists of four working groups 

 Which of the above statements are incorrect? 

 a. Only 1&2 

 b. Only 2&3 

 c. Only 1&3 

 d. All of the above

7.Consider the following statements regarding Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary: 

 1. It is located in Tamil Nadu 

 2. It is recently recognised as Tiger reserve 

 Which of the above statements are incorrect?

 a. Only 1 

 b. Only 2

 c. Both 1&2

 d. Neither 1 nor 2

8.Consider the following statements regarding PM-WANI Scheme

 Statement-I: It was started in the year 2020. 

 Statement-II: Under this scheme, Wi-fi will be provided to the rural areas also. 

 Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

 a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. 

 b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. 

 c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect 

 d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Comment the answers below.