Weekly Current Affairs Test : 1st to 7th June 2024

• The WIPO treaty indeed aims to harmonize the rights of biodiverse countries and traditional wisdom with global Intellectual Property Rights.
• India 's biodiversity and traditional knowledge gain recognition and protection under the treaty.
• The treaty includes a disclosure requirement for patent applicants to disclose the origin of genetic resources in their inventions.

• TKDL aims to preserve medicinal formulations to prevent erroneous patents.
• The Patents (Amendment) Act, 2005, does require disclosure of the origin of biological resources in patent applications.
• The NBPGR preserves and utilizes plant genetic diversity, not animal genetic diversity. The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) deals with animal genetic diversity.

• Cyclone Remal did trigger landslides in Northeast India, emphasizing the need for multi-hazard disaster resilience.
• States like Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Assam are highly vulnerable to landslides.
• The Landslide Atlas of India focuses on assessing risks and monitoring landslides.

• The Neem case involved a controversy over a patent for neem 's properties, not turmeric.
• The Basmati rice case led to the narrowing of patent claims, not a full revocation, but it highlighted the misuse of traditional knowledge.
• The Wheat varieties case resulted in the revocation of a European patent due to evidence from India.

• The National Gene Bank safeguards genetic diversity for future use.
• The PPV &FR Act, 2001 ensures fair benefits for breeders and farmers sharing Plant Genetic Resources.
• The Trademark Act, 1999 does not mandate the disclosure of biological resource origins in patent applications; this is covered by the Patents (Amendment) Act, 2005.

• Statement-I is correct because the WIPO treaty mandates disclosure of the origin of genetic resources in patent applications.
• Statement-II is correct and explains that this requirement helps prevent the misappropriation of traditional knowledge and genetic resources.

Statement-I is correct because TKDL documents traditional knowledge in digital form.
Statement-II is correct, but the primary objective of TKDL is to prevent erroneous patents by providing accessible documentation of traditional knowledge.

Statement-I is correct as deforestation and construction are primary causes of landslides.
Statement-II correctly explains that human activities significantly contribute to landslide vulnerability.

Statement-I is correct; the National Gene Bank preserves both plant and animal genetic resources.
Statement-II is correct; NBPGR focuses on preserving plant genetic diversity. However, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

Statement-I is correct; the WIPO treaty does establish global benchmarks.
Statement-II is incorrect because the benchmarks aim to harmonize protection levels, but actual protection may vary by country based on their implementation.

• Bhopal is indeed a major city covered under the AMRUT Scheme.
• Ahmedabad participates in the Pey Jal Survekshan under AMRUT 2.0.
• Patna is not specifically noted as a model city for the Technology Sub-Mission for Water.

• City Water Balance Plan (CWBP) is a component of AMRUT 2.0.
• The National Clean Air Programme is not a part of AMRUT 1.0 but a separate initiative.
• Innovation and Research Hubs are promoted under AMRUT 2.0.

• The Patents (Amendment) Act, 2005 mandates disclosure of the origins of biological resources.
• The Trademark Act, 1999 provides protection for geographical indications.
• The Plant Varieties and Farmers ’Rights Act, 2001 ensures farmers 'rights over plant genetic resources.

• Gujarat has the SAUNI Yojana for water resource management.
• Tamil Nadu 's Kudimaramathu Scheme focuses on water conservation and tank management.
• Maharashtra implements the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan to make villages water-sufficient.

• Brazil is a signatory to the Paris Agreement.
• India has ratified the Kigali Amendment.
• China is a party to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer.

• AMRUT 2.0 indeed aims to achieve universal water supply coverage.
• This objective is part of the mission to enhance basic urban infrastructure, making Statement-II the correct explanation for Statement-I.

• AMRUT 2.0 promotes a circular water economy.
• The development of City Water Balance Plans (CWBP) is a key component in achieving this goal, making Statement-II the correct explanation for Statement-I.

Statement-I is correct as the NCAP was launched due to worsening air quality.
Statement-II is incorrect because AMRUT 1.0 did not sufficiently address air quality issues, necessitating the NCAP.

AMRUT 2.0 does include initiatives like Pey Jal Survekshan and a Technology Sub-Mission for Water.
These initiatives aim to improve urban water management and leverage advanced technologies, making Statement-II the correct explanation for Statement-I.

The AMRUT scheme has indeed positively impacted women 's lives by improving water access.
As a result, women can now allocate their time to more productive activities, making Statement-II the correct explanation for Statement-I.

• Context: India has assumed the chair of the Colombo Process for 2024-26, the first time since the forum ’s inception in 2003.
• About Colombo Process
  • The Colombo Process is a Regional Consultative Process focused on managing overseas employment and contractual labour. It comprises 12 Asian member states, including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, with India as a founding member. Priority areas include skills and qualification recognition and fostering ethical recruitment practices. The UN ’s International Organization for Migration provides technical and administrative support.

• Context: In Koraput district, Odisha, 4,000 tribal farmers are facing a critical delay as they await approval from the forest department to sell kendu leaves worth Rs 34 lakh.
• About Kendu Leaf:
  • Kendu leaf, known as the green gold of Odisha, is a nationalized product like bamboo and sal seed. It is a vital non-wood forest product, also referred to as tendu leaf, used for rolling bidis (local cigarettes). Major producing states include Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, with Odisha being the third-largest producer.

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched three major initiatives.

• G-Sec Mobile App: Enables retail investors to transact in government securities (G-Secs) using smartphones.
• PRAVAAH Portal: A centralized web-based platform for individuals or entities to apply for authorizations, licenses, or regulatory approvals from the RBI, enhancing efficiency in processing applications.
• Fintech Repository: A data storehouse for Indian FinTech firms to help understand the sector better and design appropriate policies. Additionally, the EmTech Repository for RBI-regulated entities will track the adoption of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain.

About Ahilyabai Holkar (1725-1795):

• She was a prominent ruler of the Holkar dynasty in the Maratha Empire. Married to Khanderao Holkar at age 8, she became a widow in 1754 when he died in battle. Renowned for her philanthropy, she built forts, roads, temples, ghats, wells, tanks, and rest houses across India. Ahilyabai welcomed notable figures like poet Moropant and scholar Khushali Ram to her court. British historian John Keay called her ‘The Philosopher Queen ’for her insightful political observations.

• S1 is Correct –The NSE is the largest stock exchange in India in terms of total market capitalization, often surpassing the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
• S2 is Correct –The NSE was established in 1992 and started its trading operations in 1994.
• S3 is Correct –The NSE introduced electronic screen-based trading in India, which was a significant shift from the traditional open outcry system.