UPSC QUIZ 13.11.2023

Explanation:

• A new report titled ‘The State of Food and Agriculture 2023’, by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals the staggering hidden costs of unhealthy diets and ultra-processed foods, impacting both our health and the environment.
• These costs reach over USD 7 trillion annually and have far-reaching consequences.
• Hidden costs in the context of agrifood systems include environmental expenses from emissions and land use, health costs related to dietary patterns, undernourishment and social costs associated with poverty among agrifood workers.

Explanation:

• 4th edition of ‘ISA Steel Conclave 2023’ was held, nudging Steel Firms to ramp up their capacities so that India’s output of the critical infrastructure input doubles to 300 million tonnes a year by 2030.
• The event was marked by discussions on the theme, ‘Steel Shaping The Sustainable Future,’ underscoring the multifaceted role of the steel industry in India’s growth and development.

State of Steel Sector in India

Present Scenario

• India is the world's second-largest producer of crude steel, with an output of 125.32 million tonnes (MT) of crude steel and 121.29 MT of finished steel production in FY23.
• The steel industry in India has experienced substantial growth in the past decade, with a 75% increase in production since 2008.
• The per-capita consumption of steel in India stood at 86.7 kilograms in FY23.
• The Indian steel industry has been driven by the availability of raw materials, such as iron ore, and cost-effective labor.
• As per the National Steel policy, launched in 2017, India projects crude steel capacity of 300 million tonnes (MT), production of 255 MT and a robust finished steel per capita consumption of 158 Kgs by 2030-31.

Explanation:

• PFRDA will allow National Pension Scheme (NPS) account holders to withdraw up to 60% pension fund.
• Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) issued a circulation on 27 October 2023 to alter Rule 3 and Rule 4.
• PFRDA will start Systematic Lump Sum Withdrawal (SLW) for withdrawal of money after the stipulated time.
• The SLW allows the user to withdraw the deposited money on a monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or even yearly basis till the age of 75 years according to their convenience.
• With this, pensioners will be allowed to continuously receive money.
• As a result, NPS account holder will not be burdened with expenses and will receive a fixed income post-retirement.
• The account holder will get the opportunity to choose the option once.
• The government had launched National Pension System (NPS) on 1st January 2004.
• In February 2009, NPS was made available to all citizens and unorganized sector workers were included in it.

Explanation:

• Union Minister Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey launched the ‘Annual Capacity Building Plan (ACBP)’ of the Ministry of Heavy Industries for 2023-24.
• The ‘Annual Capacity Building Plan (ACBP)’ outlined key strategic areas for capacity-building initiatives within the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
• Its main aim is to enhance capability across all levels to achieve maximum governance.
• It will support the PM’s vision of Mission Karmayogi (National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) Plan).
• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) successfully organized “BHEL SAMVAAD 3.0”.
• Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey said that the five pillars of Aatmanirbhar Bharat have not only strengthened our manufacturing capabilities but also helped in reducing dependence on foreign goods.
• He lauded the indigenization efforts of BHEL and expressed happiness for the initiative taken by BHEL under the BHEL SAMVAAD.
• The star performers (suppliers/vendors) among BHEL success partners were also felicitated.

Explanation:

• Government released the draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023.
• The Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2023, provides a framework to regulate broadcasting services.
• It will replace the existing Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and other policy guidelines.
• The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995 has been in effect for the last 30 years.
• The Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2023 will streamline regulatory processes and will cover the Over-the-Top (OTT) content and digital news.
• It will also provide contemporary definitions and provisions for emerging technologies.
• This bill will also enhance self-regulation with the introduction of Content evaluation committees and will evolve the existing Inter-Departmental Committee into a more participative and broader Broadcast Advisory Council.
• It will also introduce advisory, warning, censure and monetary penalties for operators and broadcasters.
• As per the bill, monetary penalties and fines will be linked to the financial capacity of the entity.
• It will also provide different programs and advertising codes for different broadcast network operators.