17 Jan 2024: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
2. CO2-based AC Plant
3. MeitY launches two programs
4. Indian Stamp Bill, 2023
5. Prelims Facts

1. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Syllabus: GS-2, History

Prelims: Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Sikhism

Context:

Prime Minister pays homage to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on his Parkash Utsav.

Learn more about Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the link.

2. CO2-based AC Plant

Syllabus: GS-3, Environment

Prelims: HFC (Hydro Fluro Carbons) and HCFC (Hydro Chloro Fluro Carbons), AC Plants based on CO2, Kigali Agreement

Context:

The Chief of the Naval Staff inaugurated a CO2-based Air Conditioning plant at INS Shivaji.

Details:

• The AC Plant is the first of its kind and is set to replace HFC (Hydro Fluro Carbons) and HCFC (Hydro Chloro Fluro Carbons) based air conditioning systems onboard ships. 
• This step aligns with India’s commitment to the Kigali Agreement 2016 to phase down HFC and HCFC-based synthetic refrigerants from 2028 onwards. 
• This technology aligns with the global efforts to combat climate change and supports the Indian Navy’s initiative towards sustainable green alternatives. 
• The system has been developed in collaboration with IISc, Bangalore.

3. MeitY launches two programs

Syllabus: GS-2, Govt Progammes, GS-3, Science & Technology

Prelims: IoT, Graphene

Context:

The Secretary, MeitY launched the “Centre of Excellence in Intelligent Internet of Things Sensors” and the “India Innovation Centre for Graphene” in Kerala.

Details:

• Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Intelligent Internet of Things (IIoT) Sensors:The CoE in IIoT Sensors is a unique facility established at Makers Village, Kochi by MeitY, GoI and Govt. of Kerala to catalyze the development of sensors within the realm of Intelligent IoT systems covering a broad spectrum of applications of intelligent sensors in networks, devices and sensor systems. 

• India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG):India’s first Graphene Centre IICG also has been established at Makers Village Kochi by MeitY, GoI and Govt. of Kerala along with Tata Steel Limited to foster R&D, product innovation and capacity building in the area of Graphene and 2D material systems. 

About Graphene:

• Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms organised in a honeycomb structure. It makes a good material for biomedical applications.
• Graphene is highly malleable, biocompatible, transparent, highly conductive, and mechanically robust.

What is Graphene Technology?

• Graphene is one layer of carbon atoms organised in a honeycomb structure.
• Graphene is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to expand markets and possibly displace current methods of production.
• Because it is strong, adaptable, light, and has a high resistance, graphene stands out. 
• The production of rechargeable batteries using graphene could represent a significant advance in energy efficiency.

4. Indian Stamp Bill, 2023

Syllabus: GS-2, Polity

Prelims/Mains: Indian Stamp Bill, 2023

Context:

Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, invites suggestions on the draft ‘Indian Stamp Bill, 2023’ from the public within 30 days.

Background:

• The Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has prepared a draft ‘Indian Stamp Bill, 2023’ to align it with a modern stamp duty regime. 
• Once enacted, the Bill shall replace the Indian Stamp Act, 1899.
  • The Indian Stamp Act, 1899 (2 of 1899) is a fiscal statute laying down the law relating to the tax levied in the form of stamps on instruments recording transactions. 
  • Several provisions of this legislation have become redundant/inoperative and hence, there is a need to re-orient it.
  • Accordingly, the new bill was drafted.

Details:

• The draft law defines an electronic stamp or e-stamp as an electronically generated impression denoting the payment of stamp duty by electronic means or otherwise.
• Stamp duties are levied by the central government, but within the states are collected and appropriated by the concerned states in terms of provisions of Article 268 of the Constitution.

5. Prelims Facts

Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace

• The ABCP is a voluntary movement of followers of Buddhism with both monastic (monks) and lay members. 
• It was jointly established, with its headquarters based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in 1970 by Nomch Mergen Khamba Lama Gabju S. Gombojav, Abbot of Gandan Tegchenling Monastery, the Centre of Mongolian Buddhists, Bandida Khamba Lama Gomboev from Buryatia, Russia and Kushok Bakula Rinpoche from India, and religious leaders from Sri Lanka and Nepal.
• It carries out its activities based on the teachings of the Buddha and works for global peace and security.
• The UN has registered it under the ECOSOC.
• Its aims are:
  • Bring together efforts of Buddhists in support of consolidating universal peace, harmony and cooperation among peoples of Asia,
  • Furthering their economic and social advancement and promoting respect for justice and human dignity, and,
  • Disseminating the Buddhist culture, tradition and heritage.

Read previous PIB articles here.