Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)
PMI
What is PMI?
- PMI is a survey-based economic indicator designed to provide accurate and timely data for understanding industry conditions.
- It serves as an indicator of business and investor sentiment.
- PMI tracks the perception of responders through periodic surveys on specific variables.
- It is compiled and released by S & P Global.
Features of PMI
- PMI is released on a monthly basis and is not revised after publication.
- Two PMIs are released for India:
- Manufacturing sector, covering output, new orders, stock levels, employment, and prices.
- Service sector, covering business activity, new business, backlogs of work, prices charged, input prices, employment, and expectations for activity.
Scoring of PMI
- PMI scores range from 0 to 100.
- 0 to 50 indicates business contraction.
- 50 to 100 indicates business expansion.
- 50 signifies no change.
Practice Question – Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements with reference to the Purchasing Managers’ Index, often seen in news?
1. It is released only for the manufacturing sector.
2. It is a survey-based measure that asks the respondents about changes in their perception of some key business variables from the month before.
3. PMI covers the broader industrial sector compared to IIP.
How many statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
NCB
Establishment and Mandate
- NCB was created in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
- It serves as the apex coordinating agency responsible for combating drug trafficking and the abuse of illegal substances.
- NCB operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and functions as India's drug law enforcement and intelligence agency.
- The creation of NCB aligns with Article 47 of the Indian Constitution.
Functions of NCB
- Coordinates with various offices under any act in connection with the enforcement provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.
- Executes India's commitments under numerous international conventions and protocols related to drug control.
- Provides assistance to concerned authorities in foreign countries and relevant international organizations.
- Coordinates actions taken by other concerned authorities in matters related to drug abuse.
Practice Question – Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements with reference to Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB):
1. It is the nodal drug law enforcement and intelligence agency of India responsible for fighting drug trafficking.
2. It is a statutory body.
3. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
How many statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
National Air Quality Index (AQI)
AQI
Overview
- The National Air Quality Index is a measure of air quality in India.
- It was launched in 2014 and is released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- The index covers eight pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
- The CPCB sets standards prescribing the maximum permissible emission of pollutants.
- These standards cover 12 pollutants, including the eight pollutants used in the AQI, and Benzene, Benzopyrene, Arsenic, and Nickel.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
- GRAP consists of emergency measures taken when the air quality in Delhi breaches certain limits.
- It was notified in 2017 and has four stages:
- Poor - AQI between 201-300.
- Very Poor - AQI between 301-400.
- Severe - AQI between 401-450.
- Severe Plus - AQI > 450.
Actions Taken to Improve Air Quality
- Stopping the entry of trucks into Delhi.
- Closing down industries.
- Banning construction and demolition activities.
Practice Question – Prelims
Q. Consider the following:
1. Particulate Matter 2.5
2. Ammonia
3. Ozone
4. Lead
5. Carbon Monoxide
How many of the above-mentioned pollutants are covered under the National Air Quality Index of India?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five
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