20th July 2024

Explanation - The "Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes" was adopted under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The Convention's primary objective is to prevent, control, and reduce transboundary impacts on watercourses and international lakes to ensure their sustainable use and protection. India is not a signatory to the Convention. The Convention initially focused on the UNECE region but has been opened for global participation, though India has not joined.

Explanation - The Enemy Property Act, 1968, amended from time to time (latest in 2017), governs the vesting, preservation, management, control, sale, transfer of rights, disposal and other forms of usage of Enemy Property. As per the amended act, enemy property refers to any

property belonging to, held, or managed on behalf of an enemy, an enemy subject, or an enemy firm. The Act provided for the continuous vesting of enemy property (including the rights, title, interest and benefits arising out of such property) in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI).

The Office of the CEPI is a statutory authority under the provisions of the Enemy Property Act,1968 (as amended in 2017) and a subordinate office under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The Custodian is a quasi-judicial authority under the Act and a Civil Court under the Civil Procedure Court,1908. The central government (through the Custodian), is in possession of enemy properties spread across many states in the country. Under this Act, some movable properties are also classified as enemy properties.

Explanation - The Green Revolution in India began in the 1960s with the primary aim of increasing agricultural productivity through the adoption of high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and improved irrigation techniques. Dr. M.S. Swaminathan is indeed known as the father of the Green Revolution in India for his pioneering role in promoting and implementing these agricultural innovations. While the Green Revolution significantly increased food grain production and helped achieve self-sufficiency, its impact on reducing rural poverty was not uniform across all regions. The benefits were mostly concentrated in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh, whereas other regions did not experience the same level of prosperity.

Explanation - The Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) was established under the Ministry of Home Affairs with the primary aim of combating drug trafficking and abuse in India. The NCORD mechanism includes representation from various central agencies, such as the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and state governments to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach towards tackling drug-related issues. One of the primary functions of NCORD is to oversee the implementation of the National Drug Control Strategy, ensuring that policies and actions are effectively carried out to reduce drug abuse and trafficking.

Explanation - India is indeed one of the largest consumers of electronic products in the world due to its large population and increasing adoption of technology. The Government of India has launched the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost domestic manufacturing of electronic components and semiconductors. This scheme aims to reduce dependence on imports and make India a global hub for electronics manufacturing. Bengaluru is known as the electronics  manufacturing hub of India. The city has a well-developed ecosystem for electronics manufacturing and research, with several companies and research institutions based there, contributing significantly to the industry.