DAY 43Quick read

Gravitational waves are disturbances in the curvature of space-time (invisible), generated by accelerated masses, that propagate as waves outward from their source at the speed of light.
The announcement by the LIGO and VIRGO collaborations of direct detection of gravitational waves confirms one of Einstein’s major predictions, nearly one hundred years since it was made. Einstein submitted his paper with the correct equations of general relativity on November 25th 1915, and by June of 1916 he had already submitted a paper exploring the possible existence of gravitational waves. Something that is impossible in Newtonian theory.

• Amylase breaks down starches and carbohydrates into sugars.
• Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids.
• Lipase breaks down lipids, which are fats and oils, into glycerol and fatty acids.
• Salivary amylase (also known as ptyalin) breaks down starches into smaller, simpler sugars.

The ELISA test, also called the EIA for enzyme immunoassay, is used to detect the HIV antibody. It checks for certain proteins that the body makes in response to HIV.

The Widal test is one method that may be used to help make a presumptive diagnosis of enteric fever, also known as typhoid fever.

1. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)- Commonly known as the world bank. It is the single largest provider of development loans
2. International Development Association (IDA) – assists the poorest countries
3. International Finance Corporation (IFC) – supports private enterprise in developing countries.
4. Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) – offers investors insurance against non-commercial risk and help developing country governments attract foreign investment <non commercial risks such as political instability, govt deciding to nationalise a private business etc.>
5. International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) – encourages the flow of foreign investment to developing countries through arbitration and conciliation facilities

Except for ICSID, India is member of other four groups

South Asia Regional Training and Technical Assistance Center (SARTTAC) is a collaborative venture between the IMF, the member countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka), and development partners. The Center’s strategic goal is to help its member countries strengthen their institutional and human capacity to design and implement macroeconomic and financial policies that promote growth and reduce poverty.

The Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR) is a semiannual report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that assesses the stability of global financial markets and emerging-market financing.

The Global Economic Prospects (GEP) is the World Bank’s semi-annual flagship publication on the state of the world economy

The World Development Report is an annual report published since 1978 by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or World Bank.

Ease of Doing Business– World bank. Economies are ranked on their ease of doing business, from 1–190. A high ease of doing business ranking means the regulatory environment is more conducive to the starting and operation of a local firm. The rankings are determined by sorting the aggregate scores on 10 topics, each consisting of several indicators, giving equal weight to each topic. 

The Geographical Indication (GI) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has recently registered 4 new GIs. Palani Panchamirtham from Palani Town in Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu State, Tawlhlohpuan and Mizo Puancheifrom the state of Mizoram and Tirur Betel leaf from Kerala are the latest additions to the list of registered GIs.

Ujjawala Programme: It is a Comprehensive Scheme for Prevention of Trafficking and Rescue, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Victims of Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Exploitation. Objective of the scheme • To prevent trafficking of women and children for commercial sexual exploitation through social mobilization and involvement of local communities.

Ujjwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana is the financial turnaround and revival package for electricity distribution companies of India initiated by the Government of India with the intent to find a permanent solution to the financial mess.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 1 May 2016 to distribute 50 million LPG connections to women of BPL families. 

India signed the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements (UNISA) also known as the Singapore Convention on Mediation, Forty-six countries signed the treaty named Singapore Convention on Mediation. With at least three signatory countries ratifying the treaty, the convention is expected to come into force from the middle of next year at the earliest.

Adopted in December 2018, the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements resulting from Mediation, also known as the “Singapore Convention on Mediation” (the “Convention”) applies to international settlement agreements resulting from mediation (“settlement agreement”).