UPSC QUIZ 11.08.2023

Explanation:

• Lok Sabha recently passed the Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which brings about significant changes in the Pharmacy Act, 1948. The objective of this amendment is to streamline the practice and profession of pharmacy in India.
• The Pharmacy Act, 1948, serves as the regulatory framework for the practice and profession of pharmacy in India. This act sets guidelines and requirements for persons aspiring to work as a pharmacist.

Introduction of new section 32C

• The Amendment Bill introduces a new section in the Pharmacy Act, known as Section 32C.
• This section focuses on a special provision for persons who are registered or qualified under the Jammu and Kashmir Pharmacy Act, 2011.

Explanation:

• Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, shed light on the pivotal initiatives taken by India to combat land degradation and promote afforestation.
• The Nagar Van Yojana (Urban Forest Scheme), a progressive initiative the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has gained significant traction as its progress continues to illuminate India's commitment to creating vibrant urban green spaces.

Nagar Van Yojana( NVY)

• The NVY was introduced in the year 2020 with a visionary objective – the creation of 1000 Nagar Vans (urban forests) in cities equipped with Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Municipalities, and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• This ambitious initiative is designed to foster not only a holistic and healthy living environment for city residents but also to contribute significantly to the growth of cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban centres.

Explanation:

• Foreign Secretary recently told a Parliament committee that the Raisina Dialogue is now among the most significant global level think tank events in the world.

Raisina Dialogue

• It is India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community.
• It is modeled on the lines of the Munich Security Conference and Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue
• It is held annually since 2016 in New Delhi.
• The Dialogue is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion involving heads of state, cabinet ministers, and local government officials, who are joined by thought leaders from the private sector, media, and academia.
• It is organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Explanation:

• A three-and-a-half-foot monitor lizard was rescued from a residential area in Thane city.
• Monitor lizards are a group of large reptiles belonging to the Varanidae family.
• Monitor lizards are known for their distinctive appearance with long bodies, powerful limbs and well-developed tails.
• Monitor lizards are considered the most intelligent of all lizards and the most intelligent reptiles in general.

Distribution

• Monitor lizards are mainly native to Asia, Africa, and Australia.
• India is home to four Monitor lizards– the Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis), the Asian Water monitor (Varanus salvator), the Yellow monitor (Varanus flavescens) and the Desert monitor (Varanus griseus).

Explanation:

• Recognising the pivotal role of its sales force, the Postal Life Insurance (PLI) introduced the pilot program for “Direct Incentive Disbursement” in the Delhi and Uttarakhand Circles.

Direct Incentive Disbursement Program

• This programme will recognize the role of PLI’s sales force which is the driving force behind the department’s accomplishments.
• It will impact around two lakh sales force members across the nation, including Gramin Dak Sevaks, Direct Agents, Field Officers, and Departmental Employees.