UPSC QUIZ 25.08.2023

Explanation:

• Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE), designed to bolster North-East India's development, has undergone crucial revisions to align with the region's needs and aspirations.
• These new guidelines govern all PM-DevINE projects effective from 12th October 2022 onwards.
• Additionally, the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region(MDoNER) releases new Scheme Guidelines for implementing Cabinet-approved North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) during the 15th Finance Commission's balance period (2022-2026).

Explanation:

• The UK plans to conduct more fossil fuel drilling in the North Sea, raising concerns about its alignment with climate targets.
• The North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA) is administering offshore oil and gas licensing, with over 100 licenses expected to be awarded.
• The move aims to enhance energy independence. The North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA), responsible for regulating the industry for drilling, is overseeing the 33rd offshore oil and gas licensing round.

North Sea

• The North Sea is located in northwest Europe. It is bordered by several countries, including Norway to the east and north, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, France and the United Kingdom.
• It is connected to the Atlantic by the Strait of Dover and the English Channel and opens directly onto the ocean between the Orkney and Shetland islands and between the Shetland Islands and Norway.

Explanation:

• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) on 22 August 2023 approved the proposal to create tiger reserves in Karauli and Dholpur districts of Rajasthan.
• With this, the Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve has become the 54th sanctuary in the country dedicated to tigers.
• It is the fifth tiger reserve in Rajasthan after Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundra Hills and Ramgarh Vishdhari.
• Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Singh wrote on the social media website 'X' that the NTCA has given final approval to the Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.

Explanation:

• The government will launch the 'Mera Bill Mera Adhikar' incentive scheme in six states and union territories from September 1.
• Under the scheme, people can win cash prizes ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 crore by 'uploading' the bill on the mobile app.
• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) said the scheme aims to motivate people to ask for bills every time they make a purchase.
• It will be launched in Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Puducherry, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. CBIC gave this information on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
• He said that people can get cash rewards by 'uploading' a GST bill. The 'Mera Bill Mera Adhikar' app will be available on both iOS and Android platforms.
• The 'invoice' uploaded on the app should contain the seller's GSTIN, invoice number, amount paid and tax amount. A person can 'upload' a maximum of 25 bills in a month, with a minimum value of Rs 200 .

Explanation:

• India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas LSP-7 on August 23 successfully test-fired air-to-air stealth missile 'Astra' off the coast of Goa.
• The Astra missile was launched from the aircraft at an altitude of about 20,000 feet, officials said.
• The launch will significantly enhance the combat capability of Tejas and reduce dependence on imported weapons.
• This test will increase the combat capacity of Tejas and will not have to import weapons.
• Tejas is a single engine multipurpose fighter plane.
• It can also work in risky atmospheres. It is designed to perform air defense, maritime reconnaissance and attack roles.