#MainsFodder #PT2021
India-Vietnam Relationship
In News: Recently discussed collaboration in defence industry,cooperation in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations, etc.
Aim: To enhance their bilateral cooperation in line with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo-Pacific.
Key points:
- Defence Cooperation: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2016) is key pillar.
- UN Peacekeeping
Cooperation in the field of Hydrography
- Regional East Asia Summit, Mekong Ganga Cooperation, Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM).
India-Vietnam Relationship
In News: Recently discussed collaboration in defence industry,cooperation in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations, etc.
Aim: To enhance their bilateral cooperation in line with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo-Pacific.
Key points:
- Defence Cooperation: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2016) is key pillar.
- UN Peacekeeping
Cooperation in the field of Hydrography
- Regional East Asia Summit, Mekong Ganga Cooperation, Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM).
#MainsFodder #PT2021
National Portal for Transgender Persons
Launched by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Inaugurated: Garima Greh, a shelter home for transgender persons.
Key Points about Portal:
1. As per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.
2. Digitally applying for a certificate and identity card
3. Will ensure transparency in the process.
Garima Greh:
1. Opened in Vadodara, Gujarat
2. will be run in association with the Lakshya Trust
3. It includes shelter facility, food, clothing, recreational facilities, skill development etc.
4. It will rehabilitate a minimum of 25 transgender persons in each homes.
National Portal for Transgender Persons
Launched by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Inaugurated: Garima Greh, a shelter home for transgender persons.
Key Points about Portal:
1. As per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.
2. Digitally applying for a certificate and identity card
3. Will ensure transparency in the process.
Garima Greh:
1. Opened in Vadodara, Gujarat
2. will be run in association with the Lakshya Trust
3. It includes shelter facility, food, clothing, recreational facilities, skill development etc.
4. It will rehabilitate a minimum of 25 transgender persons in each homes.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
In News: PTR has won first international award TX2 for doubling the number of tigers in the past four years.
TX2 Award:
- It was set up in 2010 in St. Petersburg Russia
- Sites will receive a small financial grant
- It goes to one site that has achieved increase in its tiger population since 2010.
Conservation Excellence Award for 2020
- Trans-boundary Manas Conservation Area straddling the India-Bhutan border has received it.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
In News: PTR has won first international award TX2 for doubling the number of tigers in the past four years.
TX2 Award:
- It was set up in 2010 in St. Petersburg Russia
- Sites will receive a small financial grant
- It goes to one site that has achieved increase in its tiger population since 2010.
Conservation Excellence Award for 2020
- Trans-boundary Manas Conservation Area straddling the India-Bhutan border has received it.
#2minRead #Pre-cum Mains
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020
Implemented since 10th January 2020
Aim
It seeks to recognize the identity of transgender and prohibit discrimination in various fields.
Background:
In 2014, National Legal Services Authority versus Union of India established the foundation.
Key Features:
- It prohibits the discrimination of transgender persons at educational establishments etc.
- Certificate of Identity
- Equal Opportunity Policy
- Complaint Officer
- Transgender Protection Cell
- Welfare schemes
- Medical Care Facilities
- National Council for Transgender Persons
- Offences and Penalties
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020
Implemented since 10th January 2020
Aim
It seeks to recognize the identity of transgender and prohibit discrimination in various fields.
Background:
In 2014, National Legal Services Authority versus Union of India established the foundation.
Key Features:
- It prohibits the discrimination of transgender persons at educational establishments etc.
- Certificate of Identity
- Equal Opportunity Policy
- Complaint Officer
- Transgender Protection Cell
- Welfare schemes
- Medical Care Facilities
- National Council for Transgender Persons
- Offences and Penalties
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Mission COVID Suraksha
In News: Announced the stimulus packsage of Rs. 900 crore for this Mission
Fund: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for Research and Development
- It is a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Aim:
1. It will help the development process of the vaccine candidates.
2. Accelerating pre-clinical and clinical development
Implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
Grants:
Rs. 900 Crore for a period of 12
months.
Vaccines:
1. Covishield by The Serum Institute of India
2. Covaxin by ICMR
3. ZyCoV-D by Zydus Cadila
4. Sputnik V by Russia
5. BNT162b2 by Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine candidate
Mission COVID Suraksha
In News: Announced the stimulus packsage of Rs. 900 crore for this Mission
Fund: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for Research and Development
- It is a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Aim:
1. It will help the development process of the vaccine candidates.
2. Accelerating pre-clinical and clinical development
Implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
Grants:
Rs. 900 Crore for a period of 12
months.
Vaccines:
1. Covishield by The Serum Institute of India
2. Covaxin by ICMR
3. ZyCoV-D by Zydus Cadila
4. Sputnik V by Russia
5. BNT162b2 by Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine candidate
#MainsFodder #PT2021
China’s hydropower project on Brahmputra
In news: Chinese Hydropower Company to construct the first downstream hydropower project on the lower reaches of the river Brahmaputra.
About the Project
Agreement between POWERCHINA company and Tibet Autonommous Region
- Part of China’s five year plan
Importance of the Project for China:
1. Provide 300 billion kWh of clean, renewable and zero-carbon electricity annually.
2. China’s goal of reaching a carbon emissions peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality till 2060.
Concerns for India:
Border issue
China’s hydropower project on Brahmputra
In news: Chinese Hydropower Company to construct the first downstream hydropower project on the lower reaches of the river Brahmaputra.
About the Project
Agreement between POWERCHINA company and Tibet Autonommous Region
- Part of China’s five year plan
Importance of the Project for China:
1. Provide 300 billion kWh of clean, renewable and zero-carbon electricity annually.
2. China’s goal of reaching a carbon emissions peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality till 2060.
Concerns for India:
Border issue
#2MinRead #Pre-cum Mains
India’s First Train on electrified route
In News: Recently, the Minister of Railways has inaugurated the newly electrified Dhigawdara-Bandikui section of North Western Railway.
Route from Dhigawara station in Alwar District, Rajasthan.
Current Electrification:
- Target till December 2023
More than 66% of the Broad gauge route has already been electrified
- Railways recorded a 371% increase in electrification during 2014-20 period
Benefits:
1. Speed will increase
2. Enhancing line capacity due to higher speed and higher haulage capacity.
3. Safety: Improved signaling system
4. Less Financial Burden: 50% cheaper
5. Seamless Movement due to higher acceleration and braking features
6. Employment Generation
7. Energy bill savings
Sustainability
India’s First Train on electrified route
In News: Recently, the Minister of Railways has inaugurated the newly electrified Dhigawdara-Bandikui section of North Western Railway.
Route from Dhigawara station in Alwar District, Rajasthan.
Current Electrification:
- Target till December 2023
More than 66% of the Broad gauge route has already been electrified
- Railways recorded a 371% increase in electrification during 2014-20 period
Benefits:
1. Speed will increase
2. Enhancing line capacity due to higher speed and higher haulage capacity.
3. Safety: Improved signaling system
4. Less Financial Burden: 50% cheaper
5. Seamless Movement due to higher acceleration and braking features
6. Employment Generation
7. Energy bill savings
Sustainability
#MainsFodder #PT2021
SCO Online Exhibition
In News: Vice President of India has launched the first ever SCO Online Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage.
Venue: 19th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government held in New Delhi
Key points of Exhibition:
1.Developed by : National Museum National Museum, New Delhi
2.Participants: Museums from India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
3. Significance:
- Budhhist Connection a single platform.
- Indian schools knowledge
- Artistic Wealth and Excellence.
SCO Online Exhibition
In News: Vice President of India has launched the first ever SCO Online Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage.
Venue: 19th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government held in New Delhi
Key points of Exhibition:
1.Developed by : National Museum National Museum, New Delhi
2.Participants: Museums from India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
3. Significance:
- Budhhist Connection a single platform.
- Indian schools knowledge
- Artistic Wealth and Excellence.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Indian peacock soft-shell turtle
Founding Institute: Sweden’s Karolinska Institute
Scientific Name: Nilssonia hurum.
Features:
1. Large head, downturned snout
2.The head and limbs are olive green
3. Forehead has dark reticulations and large yellow or orange patches or spots
4. Males possess relatively longer and thicker tails than females.
Habitat: India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Major Threats:
1. exploited for its meat and shell
2. Overfishing, pollution etc.
Conservation Status:
1. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
2.IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
3. CITES: Appendix I
Indian peacock soft-shell turtle
Founding Institute: Sweden’s Karolinska Institute
Scientific Name: Nilssonia hurum.
Features:
1. Large head, downturned snout
2.The head and limbs are olive green
3. Forehead has dark reticulations and large yellow or orange patches or spots
4. Males possess relatively longer and thicker tails than females.
Habitat: India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Major Threats:
1. exploited for its meat and shell
2. Overfishing, pollution etc.
Conservation Status:
1. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
2.IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
3. CITES: Appendix I
#2MinRead #Pre-cum Mains
UP Unlawful Religious Conversion Prohibition Ordinance, 2020
In News: UP government has recently passed this ordinance
Key Points:
- Conversion for marriage a non-bailable offence.
- The notice period to the District Magistrate for conversion is 2 month.
- If the purpose is marriage only then no violation case
- Violation leads to
1. Jail term of not less than one year extendable to five years with a fine of Rs. 15,000.
2. If a minor or SC or ST converts:
- The jail term would be a minimum of 3 years to 10 years with a fine of Rs. 25,000.
3. Cancellation of registration of social organizations conducting mass conversions
- Jail term of not less than 3 years to 10 years and a fine of Rs. 50,000.
UP Unlawful Religious Conversion Prohibition Ordinance, 2020
In News: UP government has recently passed this ordinance
Key Points:
- Conversion for marriage a non-bailable offence.
- The notice period to the District Magistrate for conversion is 2 month.
- If the purpose is marriage only then no violation case
- Violation leads to
1. Jail term of not less than one year extendable to five years with a fine of Rs. 15,000.
2. If a minor or SC or ST converts:
- The jail term would be a minimum of 3 years to 10 years with a fine of Rs. 25,000.
3. Cancellation of registration of social organizations conducting mass conversions
- Jail term of not less than 3 years to 10 years and a fine of Rs. 50,000.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Scheme
In News: A review meeting of UBA was held via videoconferencing.
Launched by Ministry of Education
Launched in 2014
Aim:to enable higher educational institutions to work with the people of rural India
Function: Contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base.
Implemented by IIT Delhi
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0:
- upgraded version of UBA 1
- Aim: to link the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with a set of at least five villages
- Launched in 2018.
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Scheme
In News: A review meeting of UBA was held via videoconferencing.
Launched by Ministry of Education
Launched in 2014
Aim:to enable higher educational institutions to work with the people of rural India
Function: Contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base.
Implemented by IIT Delhi
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0:
- upgraded version of UBA 1
- Aim: to link the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with a set of at least five villages
- Launched in 2018.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Aadi Mahotsav
Launched by Ministry of Tribal Affairs & the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India
- Commenced in 2017
- Held annually.
- 2020 venue - Madhya Pradesh.
- National tribal festival
Key points of Mahotsav
- Will held online
- It will be hosted on the Tribes India E-Marketplace
- It will bring the spotlight on all the major tribes’ one-by one.
- The next focus state would be Gujarat, followed by West Bengal.
Aadi Mahotsav
Launched by Ministry of Tribal Affairs & the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India
- Commenced in 2017
- Held annually.
- 2020 venue - Madhya Pradesh.
- National tribal festival
Key points of Mahotsav
- Will held online
- It will be hosted on the Tribes India E-Marketplace
- It will bring the spotlight on all the major tribes’ one-by one.
- The next focus state would be Gujarat, followed by West Bengal.
#2MinRead #Pre-cum Mains
Information Management and Analysis Centre(IMAC)
In News: The Navy’s IMAC the nodal agency for maritime data fusion will soon become a National Maritime Domain Awareness (NDMA) Centre.
NDMA
- It is defined as all areas and things of, on, under, relating to, adjacent to, or bordering on a sea, ocean.
- It will be a multi-agency centre.
- Provide information on development or movements across the coast.
- This will make sure that any risk, especially transnational can be prevented
IMAC:
- Main center of the Indian Navy for coastal surveillance and monitoring.
- located in Gurugram (Haryana) - Became operational in 2014.
- Joint initiative of Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Bharat Electronics Ltd.
- Functions under the National Security Adviser (NSA).
- It tracks vessels on the high seas and gets data from the coastal radars, white shipping agreements etc.
- Under 'Security and Growth of All in the Region ‘(SAGAR)'.
Information Management and Analysis Centre(IMAC)
In News: The Navy’s IMAC the nodal agency for maritime data fusion will soon become a National Maritime Domain Awareness (NDMA) Centre.
NDMA
- It is defined as all areas and things of, on, under, relating to, adjacent to, or bordering on a sea, ocean.
- It will be a multi-agency centre.
- Provide information on development or movements across the coast.
- This will make sure that any risk, especially transnational can be prevented
IMAC:
- Main center of the Indian Navy for coastal surveillance and monitoring.
- located in Gurugram (Haryana) - Became operational in 2014.
- Joint initiative of Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Bharat Electronics Ltd.
- Functions under the National Security Adviser (NSA).
- It tracks vessels on the high seas and gets data from the coastal radars, white shipping agreements etc.
- Under 'Security and Growth of All in the Region ‘(SAGAR)'.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
UK approves Covid-19 Vaccine
In News: UK becomes first country to approve Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Key points
- This vaccine offers protection of up to 95%
- It is safe to be used for immunisation against Covid-19.
- Immunisation in UK is expected to start within days .
- It will be delivered to high-priority groups first.
UK approves Covid-19 Vaccine
In News: UK becomes first country to approve Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Key points
- This vaccine offers protection of up to 95%
- It is safe to be used for immunisation against Covid-19.
- Immunisation in UK is expected to start within days .
- It will be delivered to high-priority groups first.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
State of the Global Climate Provisional Report
Released by the World Meteorological Organization.
Key findings of report:
- The decade 2011-2020 would
be the warmest ever.
- La Nina condition’s no effect on heat.
- Increasing temperatures are a direct result of human-led global warming and GHGs.
- Slight dip in GHGs this year due to measures taken against COVID-19 pandemic.
- Impact of anthropogenic climate change.
State of the Global Climate Provisional Report
Released by the World Meteorological Organization.
Key findings of report:
- The decade 2011-2020 would
be the warmest ever.
- La Nina condition’s no effect on heat.
- Increasing temperatures are a direct result of human-led global warming and GHGs.
- Slight dip in GHGs this year due to measures taken against COVID-19 pandemic.
- Impact of anthropogenic climate change.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Migratory Bird Festival
In News: Bihar is holding a bird festival for the first time
Aim: To save migratory birds that arrive in the state in large numbers every year.
Location: The three-day festival is being organised in Bhagalpur district of Bihar.
Note: Bihar’s Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary between Sultanganj and Kahalgaon is a hub of migratory birds.
Migratory Bird Festival
In News: Bihar is holding a bird festival for the first time
Aim: To save migratory birds that arrive in the state in large numbers every year.
Location: The three-day festival is being organised in Bhagalpur district of Bihar.
Note: Bihar’s Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary between Sultanganj and Kahalgaon is a hub of migratory birds.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Annapurna idol
In News: Prime Minister told that an 18th-century idol of goddess Annapurna, carved in the Benares style, is being brought back from Canada.
Background: This idol was stolen from a temple of Varanasi and smuggled out of the country somewhere around 1913.
Key points:
- It is part of the University Of Regina, Canada’s collection at the MacKenzie Art Gallery.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the official custodian.
- ASI was tasked with ascertaining the security arrangements at the idol’s original location.
Annapurna idol
In News: Prime Minister told that an 18th-century idol of goddess Annapurna, carved in the Benares style, is being brought back from Canada.
Background: This idol was stolen from a temple of Varanasi and smuggled out of the country somewhere around 1913.
Key points:
- It is part of the University Of Regina, Canada’s collection at the MacKenzie Art Gallery.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the official custodian.
- ASI was tasked with ascertaining the security arrangements at the idol’s original location.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Apex Committee for the Implementation of the Paris Agreements(AIPA)
In News: India has constituted the AIPA recently
Structure: Secretary, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change as the chairperson.
Purpose: To ensure that India is on track towards meeting its climate change obligations under the Paris Agreement.
Function: Regularly communicating and reporting the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to UNFCCC.
- It will act as a national authority for the regulation of carbon markets in India.
Apex Committee for the Implementation of the Paris Agreements(AIPA)
In News: India has constituted the AIPA recently
Structure: Secretary, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change as the chairperson.
Purpose: To ensure that India is on track towards meeting its climate change obligations under the Paris Agreement.
Function: Regularly communicating and reporting the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to UNFCCC.
- It will act as a national authority for the regulation of carbon markets in India.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
World Malaria Report
Released by WHO
Key findings:
- 19 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and India accounted for 85% of the global malaria burden in 2018.
- Africa and India saw the maximum dip in malaria cases between 2017 and 2018.
- India showed a reduction in reported cases of 51% compared to 2017.
Challenges in Asia:
- Decreased funding
- Treatment failures
- Vector resistance to pyrethroids
- The insectides used against the vectors etc.
World Malaria Report
Released by WHO
Key findings:
- 19 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and India accounted for 85% of the global malaria burden in 2018.
- Africa and India saw the maximum dip in malaria cases between 2017 and 2018.
- India showed a reduction in reported cases of 51% compared to 2017.
Challenges in Asia:
- Decreased funding
- Treatment failures
- Vector resistance to pyrethroids
- The insectides used against the vectors etc.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
USCC Report
- The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC)
Key points of report
- Chinese government planned the Galwan Valley clash with ‘fatalities’ on the Indian side in mind.
- Just weeks before the June 15 faceoff, China had signalled its intent to escalate tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control.
- Exact motivations behind the China’s behaviour on the LAC this year remain unclear.
- Chinese forces have secured access and potential naval basing facilities in Pakistan.
USCC Report
- The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC)
Key points of report
- Chinese government planned the Galwan Valley clash with ‘fatalities’ on the Indian side in mind.
- Just weeks before the June 15 faceoff, China had signalled its intent to escalate tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control.
- Exact motivations behind the China’s behaviour on the LAC this year remain unclear.
- Chinese forces have secured access and potential naval basing facilities in Pakistan.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Homes for Transgender Children
In News: India’s first homes for transgender children in need of care and protection will soon be established.
- Will establish in Bengaluru Urban.
- Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development
Structure:
1. Two government-run homes reserved for transgender children.
2. The two homes would have the capacity to house 50 children each.
3. Children include orphans, abandoned children, street children, child labourers and child victims of abuse.
Reason for establishment: Child Welfare Committee (CWC) is not able to place the transgender children in the existing children’s homes for boys and girls.
Homes for Transgender Children
In News: India’s first homes for transgender children in need of care and protection will soon be established.
- Will establish in Bengaluru Urban.
- Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development
Structure:
1. Two government-run homes reserved for transgender children.
2. The two homes would have the capacity to house 50 children each.
3. Children include orphans, abandoned children, street children, child labourers and child victims of abuse.
Reason for establishment: Child Welfare Committee (CWC) is not able to place the transgender children in the existing children’s homes for boys and girls.