UPSC QUIZ 20.10.2023

Explanation:

• Sri Lanka, Bangladesh are considering joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
• Four years after India walked out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement, neighboring Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are now considering their prospects for membership in the 15-nation trade bloc.

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

• The RCEP is a significant economic agreement between ASEAN members and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners.
• RCEP is the world's largest trading bloc. It is designed to promote economic integration, trade liberalization, and cooperation among member nations.
• The RCEP negotiations began in 2012. It was officially signed in November 2020, marking a major milestone in regional trade. It was entered into force on January 1, 2022.

Explanation:

• International team of scientists has released a Brain Atlas, mapping the Human Brain in much finer resolution than ever before.The brain atlas has identified more than 3,300 types of brain cells.
• The researchers utilized cutting-edge technologies to examine millions of human brain cells obtained from biopsied tissue or cadavers.
• Many new types of neurons were found, but neurons make up only about half the cells in the brain. The other half are far more mysterious.
• Neuron cells use electric signals and chemicals to process information.
• Astrocytes, for example, appear to nurture neurons so that they can keep working properly.

Explanation:

• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has launched IndiaSkills 2023-24 and commended the World Skills Competition (WSC) 2022 winners.
• IndiaSkills 2023-24 is a skill development competition which aims to foster and enhance the skills of individuals in various domains, preparing them for national and international skill competitions.
• IndiaSkills is the precursor to the WorldSkills competition. Participants who will excel in IndiaSkills at the national level will take part in the global event WorldSkills.

Explanation:

• Government has increased the MSP of Rabi crops for the marketing season 2024-25, to ensure remunerative prices to producers for their produce.
• The highest increase of Rs 425 per quintal has been approved for lentils, followed by Rs 200 per quintal for mustard.
• An increase of Rs 150 per quintal each for wheat and safflower has been approved.
• An increase of Rs 115 per quintal and Rs 105 per quintal has been approved for barley and gram, respectively.
• The increase in MSP of mandatory Rabi crops for the marketing season 2024-25 is in line with the announcement in the Union Budget 2018-19.
• It was announced for setting the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production.
• This increased MSP of Rabi crops will ensure remunerative prices for farmers and encourage crop diversification.
• Additionally, to extend the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card scheme to every farmer across the country, the Government has launched the Kisan Loan Portal (KRP), KCC door-to-door campaign, and Weather Information Network Data System (WINDS).

Explanation:

• Arunachal Pradesh government approved the formation of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in three Tiger Reserves of the State.
• Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) will be formed in three Tiger Reserves of the State namely- Namdapha, Pakke and Kamlang.
• Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve is located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Pakke Tiger Reserve is in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It was known as Pakhui Tiger Reserve.
• The Kamlang tiger reserve is located in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The state cabinet said it would help in the protection of tigers and their habitats. It will control other illegal activities in these tiger reserves.
• The Cabinet also approved the Amendment in the Arunachal Pradesh State Industrial and Investment Policy 2020.