#IR_OrgInNews #PT2020 #2MinRead
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
News - Recently, USA has accused China and Russia of conducting nuclear tests with low yields, in violation CTBT.
- It is a multilateral treaty that bans all nuclear explosions, for both civilian and military purposes, in all environments.
- adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996.
- 168 states have ratified the CTBT and another 17 states have signed but not ratified it
- will enter into force 180 days after the Treaty has been ratified by 44 States, listed in Annex 2 of the Treaty.
- Eight States that needs to ratify - China, North Korea, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the United States.
- States NOT Signed - India, North Korea and Pakistan
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
founded - 1996
headquartered - Vienna.
It promotes the Treaty so that it can enter into force.
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
News - Recently, USA has accused China and Russia of conducting nuclear tests with low yields, in violation CTBT.
- It is a multilateral treaty that bans all nuclear explosions, for both civilian and military purposes, in all environments.
- adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996.
- 168 states have ratified the CTBT and another 17 states have signed but not ratified it
- will enter into force 180 days after the Treaty has been ratified by 44 States, listed in Annex 2 of the Treaty.
- Eight States that needs to ratify - China, North Korea, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the United States.
- States NOT Signed - India, North Korea and Pakistan
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
founded - 1996
headquartered - Vienna.
It promotes the Treaty so that it can enter into force.
#SnT_Currents #PT2020 #2MinRead
Spike LR Missiles
- Recently, Indian Army successfully test fired these missiles at Mhow(MP)
- 4th generation Anti-Tank missiles
with Fire and forget capability
Target Range up to 4 km.
- India - 33rd country in the world to have Spike missile.
- developed by Israel. India acquired them through transfer of technology.
It is man-portable and has its own vehicle-launch and helicopter-launch variants.
Spike LR Missiles
- Recently, Indian Army successfully test fired these missiles at Mhow(MP)
- 4th generation Anti-Tank missiles
with Fire and forget capability
Target Range up to 4 km.
- India - 33rd country in the world to have Spike missile.
- developed by Israel. India acquired them through transfer of technology.
It is man-portable and has its own vehicle-launch and helicopter-launch variants.
#SnT_Currents #PT2020 #2MinRead
ASTRA Missiles
News - India to increase the range of ASTRA missiles.
- It is Beyond-visual-range all-weather air-to-air missile developed by DRDO.
- first air-to-air missile developed by India.
- Current Target Range up to 110 km
Planned Range would be 160km
- Speed - Mach 4.7
- They are integrated with Sukhoi Su-30 MKI aircrafts.
There are also plans to integrate the missiles with other aircrafts like Dassault, MiG-29, HAL Tejas.
ASTRA Missiles
News - India to increase the range of ASTRA missiles.
- It is Beyond-visual-range all-weather air-to-air missile developed by DRDO.
- first air-to-air missile developed by India.
- Current Target Range up to 110 km
Planned Range would be 160km
- Speed - Mach 4.7
- They are integrated with Sukhoi Su-30 MKI aircrafts.
There are also plans to integrate the missiles with other aircrafts like Dassault, MiG-29, HAL Tejas.
#IR_OrgInNews #PT2020 #2MinRead
Export Control Regimes Part 2/4
Australia Group
- an informal group - estbd in 1985 (after the use of chemical weapons by Iraq in 1984)
- to help member countries to contain the spread of chemical and biological weapons, through regulation of exports.
- Members - 43
- Mexico, all OECD members, the European Commission, European Union, Ukraine, and Argentina.
India joined in 2018
-It maintains export controls on a uniform list of 54 compounds, that can be used in the manufacture of chemical weapons.
- Delegations representing the members meet every year in Paris, France.
Export Control Regimes Part 2/4
Australia Group
- an informal group - estbd in 1985 (after the use of chemical weapons by Iraq in 1984)
- to help member countries to contain the spread of chemical and biological weapons, through regulation of exports.
- Members - 43
- Mexico, all OECD members, the European Commission, European Union, Ukraine, and Argentina.
India joined in 2018
-It maintains export controls on a uniform list of 54 compounds, that can be used in the manufacture of chemical weapons.
- Delegations representing the members meet every year in Paris, France.
#Environment_Current #PT2020
Ozone Layer Hole Over Arctic Closed
- Reason is the recent polar vortex. ( and Not reduced pollution levels amidst Covid-19 lockdowns)
Ozone Hole
It refers to a region in the stratosphere where the concentration of ozone becomes extremely low in certain months.
Polar vortex
- It is a large area of low pressure and cold air that surrounds both of Earth's poles.
- They always exist, but weakens during the summer and strengthen in the winter.
Ozone Layer Hole Over Arctic Closed
- Reason is the recent polar vortex. ( and Not reduced pollution levels amidst Covid-19 lockdowns)
Ozone Hole
It refers to a region in the stratosphere where the concentration of ozone becomes extremely low in certain months.
Polar vortex
- It is a large area of low pressure and cold air that surrounds both of Earth's poles.
- They always exist, but weakens during the summer and strengthen in the winter.
#Environment_Current #PT2020
REducing PLAstic in Nature (REPLAN) project
- By Khadi and Village Industries Commission’s (KVIC)
- launched in September 2018
- To remove existing waste plastic material from nature and use it in semi-permanent manner.
- Under the project, KVIC manufactures plastic-mixed handmade paper.
- the waste plastic is collected, chopped, cleaned, beaten and treated for softness.
REducing PLAstic in Nature (REPLAN) project
- By Khadi and Village Industries Commission’s (KVIC)
- launched in September 2018
- To remove existing waste plastic material from nature and use it in semi-permanent manner.
- Under the project, KVIC manufactures plastic-mixed handmade paper.
- the waste plastic is collected, chopped, cleaned, beaten and treated for softness.
#Environment_Current #PT2020
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
- It is a statutory body established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956.
- works under Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
-Objective - to plan, promote, facilitate, organise and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
- It is a statutory body established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956.
- works under Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
-Objective - to plan, promote, facilitate, organise and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas
#IR_OrgInNews #PT2020 #2MinRead
Export Control Regimes Part 3/4
Wassenaar Arrangement
- The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies
- established 1996, Wassenaar( Netherlands)
- Secretariat - Vienna, Austria.
- Members - 41
- Objective - to contribute to regional and international security and stability
- Means - by promoting transparency and greater responsibility, in transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies such as
battle tanks, armored combat vehicles (ACVs), large-caliber artillery, etc
- not a treaty, hence is not legally binding
Export Control Regimes Part 3/4
Wassenaar Arrangement
- The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies
- established 1996, Wassenaar( Netherlands)
- Secretariat - Vienna, Austria.
- Members - 41
- Objective - to contribute to regional and international security and stability
- Means - by promoting transparency and greater responsibility, in transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies such as
battle tanks, armored combat vehicles (ACVs), large-caliber artillery, etc
- not a treaty, hence is not legally binding
#Polity_Constitutional_Evolution #2MinRevise #PT2020
Indian Council Act 1892
- Introduced Limited and indirect election
- Increased non-official members in Central and provincial legislative councils but official majority retained
-Increased functions of Legislative councils such as discussing budget and asking questions to executive
- provided for nomination of some non-official members to Indian Legislative Council and provincial legislative councils.
Indian Council Act 1892
- Introduced Limited and indirect election
- Increased non-official members in Central and provincial legislative councils but official majority retained
-Increased functions of Legislative councils such as discussing budget and asking questions to executive
- provided for nomination of some non-official members to Indian Legislative Council and provincial legislative councils.
#Geography_Current #PT2020 #2MinRead
New Names for Trppical Cyclones
- 169 names released by IMD(Indian Meteorological Department) for Indian Ocean Region.
- contributed by 13 countries - India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Thailand, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Iran.
Regional Specialize Meteorological Centre(RSMC)
-works under WMD - 6 centres worldwide
- responsible for the distribution of information, advisories, warnings and Naming of the Tropical Cyclones.
- RSMC - New Delhi works under IMD and is responsible to name the cyclones in the region of Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
The suggestion of names of cyclones is given by India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Oman, Sri Lanka and Thailand
News - The decision was taken during the 45th session of Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) held by World Meteorological Organization(WMO).
New Names for Trppical Cyclones
- 169 names released by IMD(Indian Meteorological Department) for Indian Ocean Region.
- contributed by 13 countries - India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Thailand, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Iran.
Regional Specialize Meteorological Centre(RSMC)
-works under WMD - 6 centres worldwide
- responsible for the distribution of information, advisories, warnings and Naming of the Tropical Cyclones.
- RSMC - New Delhi works under IMD and is responsible to name the cyclones in the region of Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
The suggestion of names of cyclones is given by India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Oman, Sri Lanka and Thailand
News - The decision was taken during the 45th session of Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) held by World Meteorological Organization(WMO).
#IR_OrgInNews #PT2020 #2MinRead
Export Control Regimes Part 4/4
Nuclear Suppliers Group
Formed - 1974 ( as a response to Indian Nuclear Test of 1974)
Members- 48
Objective - to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials, equipment and technology that can be used to manufacture nuclear weapons.
India has not been able to secure membership due to opposition from China.
Trigger List - maintained by IAEA.
These items could only be exported to non-nuclear states if certain International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards were agreed to or if exceptional circumstances relating to safety existed.
Export Control Regimes Part 4/4
Nuclear Suppliers Group
Formed - 1974 ( as a response to Indian Nuclear Test of 1974)
Members- 48
Objective - to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials, equipment and technology that can be used to manufacture nuclear weapons.
India has not been able to secure membership due to opposition from China.
Trigger List - maintained by IAEA.
These items could only be exported to non-nuclear states if certain International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards were agreed to or if exceptional circumstances relating to safety existed.
#Environment_Current #2MinRead
Petersberg Climate Dialogue
News - 11th meeting(through Video Conferencing) was held on April 28th 2020.
- Participated by 30 countries including India.
- Initiative and Hosted by Germany since 2010
Objective: To provide a forum for informal high-level political discussions, focusing both on international climate negotiations and the advancement of climate action
Petersberg Climate Dialogue
News - 11th meeting(through Video Conferencing) was held on April 28th 2020.
- Participated by 30 countries including India.
- Initiative and Hosted by Germany since 2010
Objective: To provide a forum for informal high-level political discussions, focusing both on international climate negotiations and the advancement of climate action
#Mains_Fodder #PT_ReportsInNews #PT2020
GRID Report 2020
- Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID)
- released by Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre( IDMC), Genava.
- India - 5 million people have been displaced. World - 33 Million
- Reasons - social and economic vulnerability, hazard intensity and high population.
GRID Report 2020
- Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID)
- released by Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre( IDMC), Genava.
- India - 5 million people have been displaced. World - 33 Million
- Reasons - social and economic vulnerability, hazard intensity and high population.
#Economy_Current #PT2020 #2MinRead
NIP part 1/2
National Infrastructure Pipeline Project(NIP)
Announced in 2019
is a group of social and economic infrastructure projects over a period of 5 years(2019 - 2025)
The emphasis would be on ease of living: safe drinking water, access to clean and affordable energy, healthcare for all, modern railway stations, airports, bus terminals and world-class educational institutes etc.
Budget - 102 lakh crore (US$1.4 trillion)
78% projects - by centre and states,
22% projects - by the private sector.
The NIP is a pillar of GoI's aim to become a $5 trillion economy by 2025.
News- The task force on NIP has submitted its final report to the Finance Minister.
NIP part 1/2
National Infrastructure Pipeline Project(NIP)
Announced in 2019
is a group of social and economic infrastructure projects over a period of 5 years(2019 - 2025)
The emphasis would be on ease of living: safe drinking water, access to clean and affordable energy, healthcare for all, modern railway stations, airports, bus terminals and world-class educational institutes etc.
Budget - 102 lakh crore (US$1.4 trillion)
78% projects - by centre and states,
22% projects - by the private sector.
The NIP is a pillar of GoI's aim to become a $5 trillion economy by 2025.
News- The task force on NIP has submitted its final report to the Finance Minister.
#Economy_Current #PT2020
NIP part 2/2
Infrastructure Vision 2025
- To provide affordable and clean energy
- To provide 100% digital coverage to all
- To provide world class quality education.
- To provide housing and water supply
- To double farmers’ income by 2022
NIP part 2/2
Infrastructure Vision 2025
- To provide affordable and clean energy
- To provide 100% digital coverage to all
- To provide world class quality education.
- To provide housing and water supply
- To double farmers’ income by 2022
#Polity_current #PT_MAINS2020
SC Judgement - Rights of Minority Institutes are not Absolute
- SC held that the fundamental and religious rights of minorities and rights available under Article 30 are not violated by provisions carved out in Section 10D of the MCI and Dentists Act(Provisions regarding NEET Exam).
- The right to freedom of trade or business is not absolute, but subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of the students’ community to promote merit, recognition of excellence, and to curb the malpractices.
- The constitutionality of the NEET examination has been upheld.
- Providing admission to non-minority students will also not interfere with the right of a Minority Educational Institution to manage its affairs for the benefit of the Minority Community.
SC Judgement - Rights of Minority Institutes are not Absolute
- SC held that the fundamental and religious rights of minorities and rights available under Article 30 are not violated by provisions carved out in Section 10D of the MCI and Dentists Act(Provisions regarding NEET Exam).
- The right to freedom of trade or business is not absolute, but subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of the students’ community to promote merit, recognition of excellence, and to curb the malpractices.
- The constitutionality of the NEET examination has been upheld.
- Providing admission to non-minority students will also not interfere with the right of a Minority Educational Institution to manage its affairs for the benefit of the Minority Community.
#Polity_BasicsInNews #PT2020
Article 30 of the Constitution
Article 30 (1) promises to all linguistic and religious minorities the ‘right to establish’ and the ‘right to administer’ educational institutions of their own choice.
Article 30 (2) restricts the State from making discrimination in the matter of providing help to any educational institution on the ground that it is managed by a religious minority or linguistic minority.
Article 30 of the Constitution
Article 30 (1) promises to all linguistic and religious minorities the ‘right to establish’ and the ‘right to administer’ educational institutions of their own choice.
Article 30 (2) restricts the State from making discrimination in the matter of providing help to any educational institution on the ground that it is managed by a religious minority or linguistic minority.
#IR_InNews #ReportsInNews #PT2020
Annual Special 301 report - 2020
- By United States Trade Representative (USTR)
- It identifies trade barriers to United States companies and products due to the intellectual property laws, such as copyright, patents and trademarks, in other countries.
- 'Priority Foreign Countries' List - countries with inadequate intellectual property laws; these countries may be subject to sanctions.
- “Priority Watch List” and “Watch List” ,
countries whose intellectual property regimes are deemed of concern.
India has been placed on Priority Watch List
Annual Special 301 report - 2020
- By United States Trade Representative (USTR)
- It identifies trade barriers to United States companies and products due to the intellectual property laws, such as copyright, patents and trademarks, in other countries.
- 'Priority Foreign Countries' List - countries with inadequate intellectual property laws; these countries may be subject to sanctions.
- “Priority Watch List” and “Watch List” ,
countries whose intellectual property regimes are deemed of concern.
India has been placed on Priority Watch List
#IR_OrgInNews #PT2020
News - APEC has been expected to post an economic decline by 2.7 percent in 2020 because of the CoVID-19 pandemic.
News - APEC has been expected to post an economic decline by 2.7 percent in 2020 because of the CoVID-19 pandemic.