#PT2021 #2MinRead
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
- established in 1999
- to facilitate the implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR).
- HQ - Geneva, Switzerland.
- Aims at coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities.
- It is an organisational unit of the UN Secretariat
- acts as the custodian of the Sendai Framework (India is a signatory).
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
- established in 1999
- to facilitate the implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR).
- HQ - Geneva, Switzerland.
- Aims at coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities.
- It is an organisational unit of the UN Secretariat
- acts as the custodian of the Sendai Framework (India is a signatory).
#PT2021 #Mains2020
Aquaponics
- It is a system that combines hydroponics and aquaculture.
Hydroponics - a method of growing plants in a water-based(Soil-less), nutrient-rich solution.
Hydroponics does not use soil, instead, the root system is supported using an inert medium such as clay pellets.
Aquaculture: Breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, and aquatic plants.
Benefits
- Extremely water efficient.
- Does not require soil.
- Does not use fertilizers or chemical pesticides.
- Prevents aquaculture waste from polluting nearby watersheds.
- Higher control on production leading to lower losses.
Aquaponics
- It is a system that combines hydroponics and aquaculture.
Hydroponics - a method of growing plants in a water-based(Soil-less), nutrient-rich solution.
Hydroponics does not use soil, instead, the root system is supported using an inert medium such as clay pellets.
Aquaculture: Breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, and aquatic plants.
Benefits
- Extremely water efficient.
- Does not require soil.
- Does not use fertilizers or chemical pesticides.
- Prevents aquaculture waste from polluting nearby watersheds.
- Higher control on production leading to lower losses.
#SchemesInNews #PT2021 #MAINS2020
National Supercomputing Mission
- Launched in 2015
- aims to connect national academic and R&D institutions with a grid of more than 70 high-performance computing facilities.
- Budget Rs 4,500 crores over a period of seven years.
It supports 'Digital India' and 'Make in India' initiatives.
- implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) through C-DAC and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.
Objectives
- To improve the number of supercomputers owned by India.
- To build a strong base of 20,000 skilled persons equipped to handle the complexities of supercomputers.
National Supercomputing Mission
- Launched in 2015
- aims to connect national academic and R&D institutions with a grid of more than 70 high-performance computing facilities.
- Budget Rs 4,500 crores over a period of seven years.
It supports 'Digital India' and 'Make in India' initiatives.
- implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) through C-DAC and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.
Objectives
- To improve the number of supercomputers owned by India.
- To build a strong base of 20,000 skilled persons equipped to handle the complexities of supercomputers.
#5MinRead #Mains2020 #Topic03 #GS2
ONLINE JUSTICE DELIVERY
(Part 01/02)
News:
The Supreme Court recently passed directions(under Art 142) for all courts across the country to extensively use videoconferencing for delivering justice during COVID-19.
Advantages of Online Justice Delivery
1. Reduce pendency of cases: 2006 -2019 → 22% increase in pendency
2. Enhanced efficiency of courts:
3. Tackling infrastructural constraints: saves huge investment cost of
building, staff, security, etc.
4. Justice for All - Accessibility, availability and affordability of justice from home.
5. Transparency and accountability of Judiciary increased.
(Through audio- video recordings of court proceedings)
6. Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) increased, thus boost to investments in India.
ONLINE JUSTICE DELIVERY
(Part 01/02)
News:
The Supreme Court recently passed directions(under Art 142) for all courts across the country to extensively use videoconferencing for delivering justice during COVID-19.
Advantages of Online Justice Delivery
1. Reduce pendency of cases: 2006 -2019 → 22% increase in pendency
2. Enhanced efficiency of courts:
3. Tackling infrastructural constraints: saves huge investment cost of
building, staff, security, etc.
4. Justice for All - Accessibility, availability and affordability of justice from home.
5. Transparency and accountability of Judiciary increased.
(Through audio- video recordings of court proceedings)
6. Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) increased, thus boost to investments in India.
#5MinRead #Mains2020 #Topic03 #GS2
ONLINE JUSTICE DELIVERY
(Part 02/02)
Challenges
1. Technological challenges:
a. Technical glitches during proceedings
b. Internet connectivity issue especially in rural areas.
2. Lack of technical knowledge amongst the Judicial staff and the judges.
3. Loss of personal connect: cyber threats and privacy issues may make Victims uncomfortable.
4. Digital Divide - Justice may become distant for digitally excluded people.
5. Cyber security threats
6. Threat to Right to Privacy: If there is absence of any data protection
Recommendations
1. Blockchain powered platform: To ensure transparency and reduce cyber security threats.
2. Tapping Artificial Intelligence: for fast tracking of pending cases.
3. Data privacy laws and rules: making more Clear and stringent laws.
Concluding Remarks
Online justice can be a complimentary option for Speedy justice for all. It will help to protect the fundamental human right of Justice, as enshrined in our constitution.
ONLINE JUSTICE DELIVERY
(Part 02/02)
Challenges
1. Technological challenges:
a. Technical glitches during proceedings
b. Internet connectivity issue especially in rural areas.
2. Lack of technical knowledge amongst the Judicial staff and the judges.
3. Loss of personal connect: cyber threats and privacy issues may make Victims uncomfortable.
4. Digital Divide - Justice may become distant for digitally excluded people.
5. Cyber security threats
6. Threat to Right to Privacy: If there is absence of any data protection
Recommendations
1. Blockchain powered platform: To ensure transparency and reduce cyber security threats.
2. Tapping Artificial Intelligence: for fast tracking of pending cases.
3. Data privacy laws and rules: making more Clear and stringent laws.
Concluding Remarks
Online justice can be a complimentary option for Speedy justice for all. It will help to protect the fundamental human right of Justice, as enshrined in our constitution.
#2MinRead #PT2021 #Facts4Mains
National Authority for Recycling of Ships.
News:
Recently, Centre has notified the Directorate General of Shipping as the National authority for recycling of ships.
- Under Recycling of Ships Act, 2019.
Roles and functions
- An apex body to administer, supervise and monitor all activities relating to ship recycling in the country.
- It will be a final authority for the various approvals required by the ship-recycling yard owners and state governments.
Hong Kong Convention for Ship Recycling:
- under International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2009
- for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships
- India is a signatory.
National Authority for Recycling of Ships.
News:
Recently, Centre has notified the Directorate General of Shipping as the National authority for recycling of ships.
- Under Recycling of Ships Act, 2019.
Roles and functions
- An apex body to administer, supervise and monitor all activities relating to ship recycling in the country.
- It will be a final authority for the various approvals required by the ship-recycling yard owners and state governments.
Hong Kong Convention for Ship Recycling:
- under International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2009
- for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships
- India is a signatory.
#PT2021
Broadcast Audience Research Council:
- Created in 2010.
- It is an industry body jointly owned by advertisers, ad agencies, and broadcasting companies.
- It also has representations from the Indian Society of Advertisers, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation and the Advertising Agencies Association of India.
- BARC carry out television ratings under the Guidelines issued by I&B Ministry.
News
BARC has suspended the audience estimates and ratings for all news channels for the next 3 months.
Broadcast Audience Research Council:
- Created in 2010.
- It is an industry body jointly owned by advertisers, ad agencies, and broadcasting companies.
- It also has representations from the Indian Society of Advertisers, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation and the Advertising Agencies Association of India.
- BARC carry out television ratings under the Guidelines issued by I&B Ministry.
News
BARC has suspended the audience estimates and ratings for all news channels for the next 3 months.
#IR_InNews #PT2021 #Mains2020
New START treaty
News:
Recently, Putin has proposed a 1-year extension of the treaty unconditionally.
it's a nuclear arms reduction treaty between Russia and the U.S.
- formal name of 'Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms'.
- Signed in 2010
- Replaced the Treaty of Moscow (SORT).
Terms of the treaty
- Number of strategic nuclear missile launchers will be reduced by half.
- A new inspection and verification regime will be established, replacing the SORT mechanism.
- The number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads is limited to 1,550.
- Number of deployed and non-deployed inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) launchers, submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) launchers, and heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments to 800 will be limited.
- These obligations must be met within seven years from the date the treaty enters into force.
- The treaty will last ten years, with an option to renew it for up to five years upon agreement of both parties
New START treaty
News:
Recently, Putin has proposed a 1-year extension of the treaty unconditionally.
it's a nuclear arms reduction treaty between Russia and the U.S.
- formal name of 'Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms'.
- Signed in 2010
- Replaced the Treaty of Moscow (SORT).
Terms of the treaty
- Number of strategic nuclear missile launchers will be reduced by half.
- A new inspection and verification regime will be established, replacing the SORT mechanism.
- The number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads is limited to 1,550.
- Number of deployed and non-deployed inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) launchers, submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) launchers, and heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments to 800 will be limited.
- These obligations must be met within seven years from the date the treaty enters into force.
- The treaty will last ten years, with an option to renew it for up to five years upon agreement of both parties
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Schemes related to Food Security
1. Eat Right India Movement:
by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for citizens to nudge them towards eating right.
2. POSHAN Abhiyaan:
- Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2018, it targets to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls).
3. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana:
A centrally sponsored scheme executed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, is a maternity benefit programme being implemented in all districts of the country with effect from 1st January, 2017.
4. National Food Security Act, 2013:
Around 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population is to receive subsidized food grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System.
5. Mission Indradhanush:
It targets children under 2 years of age and pregnant women for immunization against 12 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD).
6. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme:
Launched on 2nd October, 1975, offers a package of six services (Supplementary Nutrition, Pre-school non-formal education, Nutrition & health education, Immunization, Health check-up and Referral services) to children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers
Schemes related to Food Security
1. Eat Right India Movement:
by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for citizens to nudge them towards eating right.
2. POSHAN Abhiyaan:
- Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2018, it targets to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls).
3. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana:
A centrally sponsored scheme executed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, is a maternity benefit programme being implemented in all districts of the country with effect from 1st January, 2017.
4. National Food Security Act, 2013:
Around 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population is to receive subsidized food grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System.
5. Mission Indradhanush:
It targets children under 2 years of age and pregnant women for immunization against 12 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD).
6. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme:
Launched on 2nd October, 1975, offers a package of six services (Supplementary Nutrition, Pre-school non-formal education, Nutrition & health education, Immunization, Health check-up and Referral services) to children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers
#5MinRead #Mains2020 #Topic04
Compulsory Voting (Part 01/02)
Context
It's been widely debated in Indian media since last 2 years and a private members Compulsory Voting Bill, 2019, was introduced in Lok sabha in July 2019.
What is it?
It requires eligible citizens to register and vote in elections, and may impose penalties on those who fail to do so.
Pro-Arguments
1.Higher voter turnout leads to greater political legitimacy.
2. civil education and political stimulation will result in a better informed citizenry.
3. No disenfranchisement of marginalized people
4. Reduction in outside influences like muscle power, money power etc
Compulsory Voting (Part 01/02)
Context
It's been widely debated in Indian media since last 2 years and a private members Compulsory Voting Bill, 2019, was introduced in Lok sabha in July 2019.
What is it?
It requires eligible citizens to register and vote in elections, and may impose penalties on those who fail to do so.
Pro-Arguments
1.Higher voter turnout leads to greater political legitimacy.
2. civil education and political stimulation will result in a better informed citizenry.
3. No disenfranchisement of marginalized people
4. Reduction in outside influences like muscle power, money power etc
#5MinRead #Mains2020 #Topic04
Compulsory Voting (Part 02/02)
Against-Arguments
1.Its against Right to freedom and Voice of dissent guaranteed in a democracy.
2.may lead to state oppressions, and give rise to separatism and regionalism.
3. Poors - basic needs priority and not Voting
4. Not feasible to implement, as state machinery is inadequate for imposing punishments.
5. It violates freedom of speech because the freedom to speak necessarily includes the freedom not to speak.
6. International experiences as in Australia, reflects, increased in Voterturn out does not ensure Quality of voting. People votes without even looking at whom they are voting(Donkey Voting).
Concluding Remarks
Not practical in India, which has also been highlighted by the 255th Law commission report.
India should work on increasing voter turnout through encouraging Political education and mass sensitization about Civic duty of voting.
Compulsory Voting (Part 02/02)
Against-Arguments
1.Its against Right to freedom and Voice of dissent guaranteed in a democracy.
2.may lead to state oppressions, and give rise to separatism and regionalism.
3. Poors - basic needs priority and not Voting
4. Not feasible to implement, as state machinery is inadequate for imposing punishments.
5. It violates freedom of speech because the freedom to speak necessarily includes the freedom not to speak.
6. International experiences as in Australia, reflects, increased in Voterturn out does not ensure Quality of voting. People votes without even looking at whom they are voting(Donkey Voting).
Concluding Remarks
Not practical in India, which has also been highlighted by the 255th Law commission report.
India should work on increasing voter turnout through encouraging Political education and mass sensitization about Civic duty of voting.
#PT2021 #MainsFodder #MainsGS2 #IR_InNews
United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
- established in 2005.
- Promoted by Mr. Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General
- Based in New York.
- Aim - to promote international action against extremism through the forging of international, intercultural and interreligious dialogue and cooperation.
United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
- established in 2005.
- Promoted by Mr. Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General
- Based in New York.
- Aim - to promote international action against extremism through the forging of international, intercultural and interreligious dialogue and cooperation.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Buldhana Pattern
News:
NITI Aayog is formulating National Policy on water conversation based on it.
It is water conservation model for national highway construction, developed in Buldhana Dist of Maharashtra.
- its achieved by using soil from the water bodies, nallas and rivers.
Buldhana Pattern
News:
NITI Aayog is formulating National Policy on water conversation based on it.
It is water conservation model for national highway construction, developed in Buldhana Dist of Maharashtra.
- its achieved by using soil from the water bodies, nallas and rivers.
#PT2021 #MAINS2020
Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana
- Its an umbrella scheme
- under Ministry of Culture for the promotion of art and culture in the country.
- financial assistance is provided to cultural organizations
sub-schemes
1. Scheme of Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture.
2. Scheme of Financial Assistance for Creation of Cultural Infrastructure.
3. Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
News
Recently Culture Ministry has issued guidelines - artists to avail benefits in virtual mode also and continue financial assistance to tide over the present crisis.
Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana
- Its an umbrella scheme
- under Ministry of Culture for the promotion of art and culture in the country.
- financial assistance is provided to cultural organizations
sub-schemes
1. Scheme of Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture.
2. Scheme of Financial Assistance for Creation of Cultural Infrastructure.
3. Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
News
Recently Culture Ministry has issued guidelines - artists to avail benefits in virtual mode also and continue financial assistance to tide over the present crisis.
#PT2021 #ENVIRONMENT
Basel Convention
- It is for the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal.
- It was designed to reduce the movements of hazardous waste between nations, and specifically to prevent transfer of hazardous waste from developed to less developed countries (LDCs).
- It does not, however, address the movement of radioactive waste.
The Minamata Convention on Mercury - It is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds.
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
- It is an international environmental treaty that aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
Basel Convention
- It is for the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal.
- It was designed to reduce the movements of hazardous waste between nations, and specifically to prevent transfer of hazardous waste from developed to less developed countries (LDCs).
- It does not, however, address the movement of radioactive waste.
The Minamata Convention on Mercury - It is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds.
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
- It is an international environmental treaty that aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
#5MinRead #Mains2020 #Topic05
Fourth Industrial Revolution
(Part 01/02)
- Term coined by Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum.
- It refers to how technologies like artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and the internet of things are merging with humans' physical lives.
- It includes
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
2. Blockchain
3. Quantum computing
4. Nanotechnology
5. Robotics
6. The Internet of Things (IoT)
7. 3-D printing
8. Self-driving cars, and materials storage
Benefits
- It helps relieve poverty and improve people’s standard of living.
- With Artificial Intelligence, there will be better diagnosis, cheaper and better medical services.
- better security, surveillance and search and rescue operations.
- It will help connect every last village in the country to ensure better government services and improved infrastructure for all.
- Potential can be tapped for dealing with Climate change and achieve Sustainable Development.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
(Part 01/02)
- Term coined by Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum.
- It refers to how technologies like artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and the internet of things are merging with humans' physical lives.
- It includes
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
2. Blockchain
3. Quantum computing
4. Nanotechnology
5. Robotics
6. The Internet of Things (IoT)
7. 3-D printing
8. Self-driving cars, and materials storage
Benefits
- It helps relieve poverty and improve people’s standard of living.
- With Artificial Intelligence, there will be better diagnosis, cheaper and better medical services.
- better security, surveillance and search and rescue operations.
- It will help connect every last village in the country to ensure better government services and improved infrastructure for all.
- Potential can be tapped for dealing with Climate change and achieve Sustainable Development.
#5MinRead #Mains2020 #Topic05
Fourth Industrial Revolution
(Part 02/02)
Challenges:
Economic
- High economic costs
- Business model adaptation
- Unclear economic benefits/excessive investment
Social
- It could yield greater inequality
- disrupt labor markets
- Cause Social tension
- Can increase middle classes dissatisfaction and unfairness.
- Privacy concerns
- Surveillance and distrust
Political
- Lack of regulation, standards and forms of certifications
- Unclear legal issues and data security
Conclusion
It can take India to new heights of development, and improve the quality of life of its citizens, and bring a significant social transformation.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
(Part 02/02)
Challenges:
Economic
- High economic costs
- Business model adaptation
- Unclear economic benefits/excessive investment
Social
- It could yield greater inequality
- disrupt labor markets
- Cause Social tension
- Can increase middle classes dissatisfaction and unfairness.
- Privacy concerns
- Surveillance and distrust
Political
- Lack of regulation, standards and forms of certifications
- Unclear legal issues and data security
Conclusion
It can take India to new heights of development, and improve the quality of life of its citizens, and bring a significant social transformation.
#PT2021 #MainsFodder
Seaplane Service
- India’s first seaplane service in Gujarat is set to begin
- It will connect Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia.
- The service will be operated by Spicejet Airlines.
Seaplane Service
- India’s first seaplane service in Gujarat is set to begin
- It will connect Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia.
- The service will be operated by Spicejet Airlines.
#PT2021 #MainsFodder
INS Kavaratti
- It is an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ship to be commissioned into the Indian Navy.
- It has up to 90% indigenous content.
- It is the last of four indigenously-built ASW under ‘Project 28’ or Kamorta-class corvettes of the Navy.
- ‘Project 28’ was approved in 2003. The other three warships under this project are INS Kamorta (commissioned in 2014), INS Kadmatt (2016) and INS Kiltan (2017).
INS Kavaratti
- It is an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ship to be commissioned into the Indian Navy.
- It has up to 90% indigenous content.
- It is the last of four indigenously-built ASW under ‘Project 28’ or Kamorta-class corvettes of the Navy.
- ‘Project 28’ was approved in 2003. The other three warships under this project are INS Kamorta (commissioned in 2014), INS Kadmatt (2016) and INS Kiltan (2017).
#PT2021 #Mains2020
Asteroid Bennu
- discovered by a team from the NASA-funded Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research team in 1999.
- Scientists believe that it was formed in the first 10 million years of the solar system’s formation.
Because of Bennu’s age, it is likely to contain material that contains molecules that were present when life first formed on Earth, where life forms are based on carbon atom chains.
It classified as a Near Earth Object (NEO), might strike the Earth in the next century, between the years 2175 and 2199.
Asteroid Bennu
- discovered by a team from the NASA-funded Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research team in 1999.
- Scientists believe that it was formed in the first 10 million years of the solar system’s formation.
Because of Bennu’s age, it is likely to contain material that contains molecules that were present when life first formed on Earth, where life forms are based on carbon atom chains.
It classified as a Near Earth Object (NEO), might strike the Earth in the next century, between the years 2175 and 2199.