24 Feb 2023: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Borthekera have cardioprotective potential
2. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Yatra tour package
3. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Report
4. First meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors under 
India's G20 Presidency
5. First MCA Barge Yard 75 (LSAM 7)

1. Borthekera have cardioprotective potential

Syllabus: GS 3, Environment and Ecology.

Prelims: Borthekera or Garcinia pedunculata.

Details:

• Garcinia pedunculata is a medicinal plant commonly referred to as ‘Borthekera’ ( Assamese language).
• It has been found that its consumption offers protection from heart diseases. The dried pulp of the ripe fruit reduces cardiac hypertrophy indicators and oxidative stress and heart inflammation. 
• The fruit is traditionally forbidden for raw consumption.
• The sun-dried slices of the fruit are known to have therapeutic properties like antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, hypolipidemic, nephroprotective, and even neuroprotective activity.
• Multiple researchers have shown that G. pedunculata is a rich source of antioxidants.
• However, its cardioprotective potential is yet to be explored.
• Notably, the fruit is abundantly found in Northeast India.

Garcinia pedunculata (Fruit)

Source: pib

2. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Yatra tour package

Syllabus: GS 3, Indian Economy.

Mains: Indian Railways – Baba Saheb Ambedkar Yatra tour package.

Prelims: Baba Saheb Ambedkar Yatra tour package.

Context: IRCTC to operate Baba Saheb Ambedkar Yatra tour package under the “Dekho Apna Desh” initiative

Details:

• Baba Saheb Ambedkar Yatra tour package under the “Dekho Apna Desh” initiative will be operated by IRCTC. It will cover some of the prominent sites associated with the life of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar. 
• The Ministry of Railways and the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) are together operating  Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains on various theme-based circuits under the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative.
• The Bharat Gaurav tourist train will begin its journey in Delhi and will cover the following places in a period of 7 to 8 days:
  • Mhow (Madhya Pradesh): Bhim Janam Bhoomi – The birthplace of Baba Saheb.
  • Nagpur – Tourists can visit the Deeksha Bhoomi.
  • The train will then cover other associated places like Sanchi, Varanasi, Kashi, Gaya, etc.
• The tour aims to highlight the places connected with the life of the architect of the Indian Constitution and eminent social activist, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

Also read: Indian Railways: Establishment and Brief Facts for UPSC Exam

3. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Report

Syllabus: GS 2, Education.

Mains: Issues related to education.

Prelims: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Report.

Context: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy report released.

Details:

• The second edition of the foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) report was released by Dr. Bibek Debroy, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).
• The report was released by the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC) and the US-Asia Technology Management Center, Stanford University.
• The report focuses on language as a critical foundational skill and its importance in acquiring early literacy.
• The report also highlights numerous initiatives taken at the state and central levels to achieve foundational learning goals as outlined in NIPUN.
• The report further sets a benchmark for states and UTs to track their progress in comparison to each other.
• The report covers the role of nutrition, digital technology, and instructional approaches in assessment.

4. First meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors under India’s G20 Presidency

Syllabus: GS 2, International Relations.

Mains: Global groupings – G20.

Prelims: G20 presidency.

Context: First meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors under India’s G20 Presidency was held in Bengaluru.

Details:

• Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the first meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors under India’s G20 Presidency.
• The meeting took place in Bengaluru and the Prime Minister attended it virtually.
• It was the first Minister-level dialogue under India’s G20 Presidency.
• Prime Minister urged the members to focus their discussion on the most vulnerable citizens of the world. 
• It was highlighted that it is important to strengthen Multilateral Development Banks for meeting global challenges such as climate change and high debt levels.
• The growing dominance of technology in the finance world was also highlighted during the meeting.

5. First MCA Barge Yard 75 (LSAM 7)

Syllabus: GS 3, Security.

Prelims: MCA Barge.

Details:

• First Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, Yard 75 (LSAM 7) was launched at Visakhapatnam.
• It is built with a service life of thirty years.
• It has all major and auxiliary equipment sourced from indigenous manufacturers and is a true “Make in India” initiative.
• MCA Barges will provide impetus to the operational commitments of the Indian Navy by providing Transportation, Embarkation, and Disembarkation of articles/ammunition to ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.

Source: pib

Read the previous PIB articles here.

February 24th, 2023, PIB:- Download PDF Here