UPSC QUIZ 20.09.2023

Explanation:

• Santiniketan, located in West Bengal, India, has achieved the prestigious status of being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The efforts to have Santiniketan recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site have been ongoing since 2010. Santiniketan has been recognized by UNESCO as India's 41st World Heritage Site.

UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites

• A World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by UNESCO for its special cultural or physical significance.
• The list of World Heritage Sites is maintained by the international 'World Heritage Programme', administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
• This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972.

Explanation:

• In the fiscal year 2023, India saw a significant increase in Outward Direct Investment (ODI) by Indian firms, as well as a surge in inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), according to a census conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

• FDI is a type of cross-border investment in which an investor from one country establishes a lasting interest in an enterprise in another country.
• FDI can take various forms, such as acquiring shares, establishing a subsidiary or a joint venture, or providing loans or technology transfers.
• FDI is considered to be a key driver of economic growth, as it can bring in capital, technology, skills, market access and employment opportunities to the host country.

Explanation:

• Rubber Board, in partnership with the Central government and the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association, is spearheading a project to increase the area dedicated to natural rubber in the Northeastern States, excluding Sikkim but including West Bengal.Tyre manufacturers, the primary consumers of rubber, have committed ₹1,000 crore to this five-year project that started in 2021.

Current Rubber Landscape in India

• Natural rubber is a versatile and essential raw material derived from the latex or milky sap of certain plant species, primarily the rubber tree, scientifically known as Hevea brasiliensis.
• This latex contains a complex mixture of organic compounds, with the primary component being a polymer called polyisoprene.

Explanation:

• The Nobel Foundation, responsible for the administration of the Nobel Prizes, has announced that this year's Nobel laureates will receive an additional 1 million Swedish crowns, bringing the total financial award to 11 million Swedish crowns (about $986,000).
• The decision to increase the prize money is aimed at aligning it with the improved financial position of the Foundation.
• In 2012, the prize fund was reduced from 10 million crowns to 8 million due to financial reasons. Subsequently, in 2017 this amount was increased to 9 million and in 2020 it was increased to 10 million.
• The Nobel prizes in various categories including physiology or medicine, physics, chemistry, literature and peace will be announced in the coming days, starting from October 2.

Explanation:

• India has given green signal to nine defense procurement proposals worth about Rs 45,000 crore.
• These proposals approved under the 'Make in India' initiative include the acquisition of 12 Su-30 MKI fighter jets, Dhruvastra air-to-surface missiles and upgrade of Dornier aircraft.
• This decision has come amid the ongoing border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh.
• The Defense Acquisition Council, chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the requirement for these projects.
• The key focus is on sourcing from Indian vendors, aligning with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ goal and enhancing indigenization efforts.