UPSC EXAM QUIZ 25.07.2024

Explanation:

• Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released the progress of sowing area coverage under Kharif crops till 19 July 2024.
• According to data released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in June 2024, the area under paddy cultivation has been reported to be only 2.27 million hectares (mha) so far.
• June 2024 saw the smallest area sown with paddy, India's primary Kharif crop, in the past decade, except for the drought-affected year of 2015.

Reasons for the Decline in Paddy Sown Area

Historical Comparison

• According to data from the Crop Weather Watch Group in 2016 and 2017, the area under paddy was 3.90 mha and 3.89 mha respectively, and has since fluctuated between 3.60 mha and 2.69 mha, with 2023 figures of June being slightly higher than 2024

Explanation:

• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed the introduction of a new asset class or product category.
• This move is aimed at providing investors with a regulated investment product that features higher risk-taking capabilities, while also curbing the proliferation of unregistered and unauthorised investment products.
• PMS allows investors to rely on professionals to manage their investment portfolio and earn competitive returns from various asset classes. The service is tailored to meet the specific needs of each investor, ensuring that it meets their expectations and requirements.

Proposed New Asset Class

• Minimum Investment Threshold: The minimum investment threshold under the new asset class has been proposed at Rs 10 lakh per investor.
• Distinct Nomenclature: SEBI proposes distinct naming for this new asset class to differentiate it from traditional MFs, PMS, Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (INVITs).

Explanation:

• A recent publication by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) documents the flora and landscapes of the ‘Silk Route’, one of South Asia’s oldest trade routes, in a book titled ‘A Southern Silk Route: Sikkim and Kalimpong Wild Flowers and Landscapes’. The book is authored by Rajib Gogoi.

Some of the topics covered in the book

• Various species: The book documents 1,137 flowering plants, many butterflies, insects, birds and mammals.
• Apart from this, details are also given about the historical significance of the Silk Route and the relationship between botany and politics of the region.
• Windamere Palm: It is the main flowering plant found along the Silk Route. It is a wild palm species. Its scientific name is ‘Trachycarpus latisectus’.
• This species is facing the threat of extinction and only a few trees are left in the Kalimpong area.

Explanation:

• Global CSR & ESG Award 2024 presented to Sobha Group's Sri Kurumba Trust for Child & Women Development.
• The "Best Child and Women Development Initiatives of the Year 2024" award has been given to Sri Kurumba Educational and Charitable Trust, the CSR wing of the Sobha Group.
• On behalf of the organization, Mr. Nagarajan S, Project Vice President, Sobha Limited received the award.
• This prestigious honour was presented at the Global CSR, Sustainability and ESG Awards 2024 held at Hyatt Regency, Gurgaon.
• Marketing and brand honchos organized the event and brought together industry leaders and champions of social responsibility.
• This honour highlights the pioneering initiatives of Sri Kurumba Educational and Charitable Trust in empowering children and women through world-class education and community development programmes.
• The aim of the Global CSR & ESG Awards 2024 is to recognize and honour social and visionary leaders, organisations and individuals involved in humanitarian or social welfare work that brings about positive change or impact in society.

Explanation:

• Eurosport India appointed Star India opener Shikhar Dhawan as its brand ambassador for MotoGP in India.
• Dhawan will play the lead role in Eurosport India's latest campaign 'Face Kar Race Kar'.
• The 'Face Kar Race Kar' campaign reflects the indomitable spirit of MotoGP, celebrates resilience and inspires fans to overcome challenges with determination.
• The 2024 MotoGP™ season has already featured nine races, with a further 11 to go across Europe, Asia and Australia, culminating with the BritishGP at Silverstone on 2 August.
• Eurosport is an Indian pay television sports channel owned by Warner Bros.The changing nature of warfare, including the increased use of drones for various purposes, is increasing the demand for anti-drone systems.