Baseflow
A recent study highlighted that Baseflows have a stronger triggering effect on river floods in Peninsular India
- Streamflows which results from precipitation that infiltrates into the soil and eventually moves through soil to the stream channel.
- Often called as – Groundwater flow or dry-weather flow.
Kalvari Class Submarine
Pakistan launched its first Hangor class submarine which is considered a direct counterpart of India’s Kalvari class of submarines.
- Built by – Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited under Project-75
- Adaptation of – French Scorpene class submarines.
- Have diesel-electric propulsion systems and are primarily attack submarines.
- India operates 6 Kalvari class submarines – Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, Vagir, Vagshir.
FCRA (Foreign Contribution Registration Act), 2010
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has cancelled the registration of at least 5 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for allegedly violating provisions of FCRA.
- Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Enacted during – Emergency in 1976, amid apprehensions that foreign powers were interfering in India’s affairs.
- Amended in – 2010, to consolidate the law on utilisation of foreign funds, and to prohibit their use for any activities detrimental to national interest.
- Again amended in 2020, giving the government tighter control and scrutiny over the receipt and utilisation of foreign funds by NGOs.
Electronic Trading Platform
RBI releases Draft Master Direction – Reserve Bank of India (Electronic Trading Platforms) Directions, 2024.
- Any electronic system, other than a recognised stock exchange, on which transactions in eligible instruments are contracted.
- Prior authorization or registration with RBI is required for operating ETP.
- An entity seeking authorisation as an ETP operator –
- should be incorporated in India
- maintain a minimum net worth of RS 5 crore.
- Eligible instruments – Include securities, money market instruments, foreign exchange instruments, derivatives etc.
Ethylene
Mangoes were seized after being artificially ripened with ethylene.
- Colourless, flammable gas having a sweet taste and odour.
- Gaseous plant growth promoter.
- Highly effective in fruit ripening – enhances respiration rate during ripening of fruits.
- Ethephon – Widely used compound as source of ethylene.
- It is an aqueous solution readily absorbed and transported within plant and releases ethylene slowly.
- FSSAI directions to use Ethylene – Permits Ethylene for artificial ripening provided concentration does not exceed 100 ppm (parts per million).