Daily Current Affairs : 04-Feb-2020
Major Topics Covered :
MAHARASHTRA RECORDS HIGHEST NUMBER OF MISSING WOMEN: NCRB
MALDIVES REJOINS COMMONWEALTH
IN KERALA, 2,130 ISLANDS BROUGHT UNDER CRZ REGIME
BULBUL
GRAM NYAYALAYAS
NEW NATURAL GAS FIELD: JEBEL ALI GAS FIELD
INDIA, MALDIVES SIGN FIVE MoUS FOR ESTABLISHING ADDU TOURISM ZONE
PORTAL SANTUSHT
SOPHISTICATED ANALYTICAL & TECHNICAL HELP INSTITUTES (SATHI)
APEDA-CFTRI SIGN MOU FOR LIASON OFFICE IN GUWAHATI
LIVE ATTENUATED CLASSICAL SWINE FEVER VACCINE (IVRI-CSF-BS)
MAHARASHTRA RECORDS HIGHEST NUMBER OF MISSING WOMEN: NCRB
Part of GS- 3 Internal Security
Why in news?
The highest number of women and children who go missing in the country are from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh respectively, according to a study by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
Highlights:
The NCRB study was based on the annual Crime in India Report compiled by the agency for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The highest number of women and children who go missing in the country are from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh respectively, according to a study by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
The two States recorded the maximum number of cases of missing children and women among all other States in the years 2016, 2017 and 2018.
According to the report, the States where the highest number of women went missing in the three years are Maharashtra, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. In 2016, as many as 28,316 women went missing in Maharashtra, followed by 29,279 in 2017, and 33,964 in 2018.
In 2016-18, a total of 63,407, 63,349 and 67,134 children were reported missing across the country. The study said that in Madhya Pradesh, Indore reported the highest number of missing children, with 596 in 2017 and 823 in 2018.
Source: The Hindu
MALDIVES REJOINS COMMONWEALTH
Part of GS- 2 IR
Why in news?
The Maldives on 1st February, 2020, re-joined the Commonwealth, more than three years after the Indian Ocean island nation quit the association amid mounting criticism of its human rights record then.
Highlights:
In 2016, the Maldives pulled out of the Commonwealth terming “unjust” the grouping’s decision to penalise the country over former President Mohamed Nasheed’s controversial ouster in 2012.
It followed the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG)’s warning to Maldives of suspension from the bloc, voicing “deep disappointment” over the country’s lack of progress in resolving the political crisis during former President Abdulla Yameen’s presidency, whose authoritarian slant sparked concern domestically and internationally.
India lauds inclusion
The Government of India congratulated the Government of Maldives on its readmission to the Commonwealth of Nations as its 54th member.
COMMONWEALTH
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal countries. Our member governments have shared goals like development, democracy and peace.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal countries.
It is home to 2.4 billion people, and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 31 of our members are small states, including many island nations.
Our member governments have agreed to share goals like development, democracy and peace. Our values and principles are expressed in the Commonwealth Charter.
The Commonwealth's roots go back to the British Empire. But today any country can join the modern Commonwealth.
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
CHOGM:
It is a biennial summit meeting of the de facto leaders from all Commonwealth nations.
The next CHOGM will be in Kigali in Rwanda in June 2020.
The theme for CHOGM 2020 is ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming.’ Leaders will discuss how to deliver the things which were discussed at CHOGM 2018 in London, which was on the theme ‘Towards a Common Future’.
Ahead of the meeting, members of parliament, youth and gender activists, and representatives from society and business will meet at special forums to make sure the voices of women, young people, businesses and other organisations are heard at CHOGM.
ORGANISATIONS:
The Commonwealth is often described as a 'family' of nations. At the heart of this family are 3 intergovernmental organisations:
The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to achieve the Commonwealth's aims. This website is run by the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The Commonwealth Foundation supports people's participation in democracy and development.
The Commonwealth of Learning promotes open learning and distance education.
Source: The Hindu
IN KERALA, 2,130 ISLANDS BROUGHT UNDER CRZ REGIME
Why in news?
As many as 2,130 backwater islands of Kerala, including Maradu, have been brought under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regime thereby imposing curbs on development activities.
Highlights:
No new development activity will be permitted in these islands in an area between High Tide Line (HTL) and 50 metres towards the landward side, which is the CRZ area of these islands. The HTL is the line on the land up to which the highest water line reaches during the spring tide.
The islands of Mulavukad, Chendamangalam, Kothad, Pizhala and Kadamakudy of Ernakulam where some major CRZ violations have been reported are there in the list of 1,068 islands of the district.
The 474 islands of Alappuzha and the 184 of Kollam are also in the list. Thiruvananthapuram has the least number of islands, 43.
Going by the rules, for the land owners of Maradu apartments, which were razed for violating the CRZ notification, construction will be possible in an area beyond the 50 metres from the High Tide Line.
COASTAL REGULATION ZONE (CRZ) NOTIFICATION 2018
Benefits
The proposed CRZ Notification, 2018 will lead to enhanced activities in the coastal regions thereby promoting economic growth while also respecting the conservation principles of coastal regions.
It will not only result in significant employment generation but also to better life and add value to the economy of India.
The new notification is expected to rejuvenate the coastal areas while reducing their vulnerabilities.
Salient Features:
Allowing FSI as per current norms in CRZ areas: As per CRZ, 2011 Notification, for CRZ-II (Urban) areas, Floor Space Index (FSI) or the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) had been frozen as per 1991 Development Control Regulation (DCR) levels. In the CRZ, 2018 Notification, it has been decided to de-freeze the same and permit FSI for construction projects, as prevailing on the date of the new Notification. This will enable redevelopment of these areas to meet the emerging needs.
Densely populated rural areas to be afforded greater opportunity for development: For CRZ-III (Rural) areas, two separate categories have now been stipulated as below:
CRZ-III A - These are densely populated rural areas with a population density of 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011 Census. Such areas shall have a No Development Zone (NDZ) of 50 meters from the HTL as against 200 meters from the High Tide Line stipulated in the CRZ Notification, 2011 since such areas have similar characteristics as urban areas.
CRZ-III B - Rural areas with population density of below 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011 Census. Such areas shall continue to have an NDZ of 200 meters from the HTL.
Tourism infrastructure for basic amenities to be promoted: Temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilet blocks, change rooms, drinking water facilities etc. have now been permitted in Beaches. Such temporary tourism facilities are also now permissible in the "No Development Zone" (NDZ) of the CRZ-III areas as per the Notification. However, a minimum distance of 10 m from HTL should be maintained for setting up of such facilities.
CRZ Clearances streamlined: The procedure for CRZ clearances has been streamlined. Only such projects/activities, which are located in the CRZ-I (Ecologically Sensitive Areas) and CRZ IV (area covered between Low Tide Line and 12 Nautical Miles seaward) shall be dealt with for CRZ clearance by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The powers for clearances with respect to CRZ-II and III have been delegated at the State level with necessary guidance.
A No Development Zone (NDZ) of 20 meters has been stipulated for all Islands: For islands close to the main land coast and for all Backwater Islands in the main land, in wake of space limitations and unique geography of such regions, bringing uniformity in treatment of such regions, NDZ of 20 m has been stipulated.
All Ecologically Sensitive Areas have been accorded special importance: Specific guidelines related to their conservation and management plans have been drawn up as a part of the CRZ Notification.
Pollution abatement has been accorded special focus: In order to address pollution in Coastal areas treatment facilities have been made permissible activities in CRZ-I B area subject to necessary safeguards.
Defence and strategic projects have been accorded necessary dispensation.
Source: The Hindu
BULBUL
Why in news?
The flame-throated bulbul, also called the Rubigula, was chosen as the mascot of the 36th National Games to be held in Goa because it is the state bird, a senior sports department official said on 1st February, 2020.
Highlights:
The mascot, which was unveiled by Union Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Kiren Rijiju, has been designed by Goa-based artist Sharmila Coutinho, he said.
The 36th National Games will be held between October 20 and November 4 this year, and 12,000 athletes from 36 states and union territories are expected to participate in 37 disciplines across 24 venues in Goa.
BULBUL
They occur in the lowlands and foothills of the Ghats up to 900m, rarely to1200m. Flame-throated Bulbuls usually shy and hidden within scrub.
They are usually seen singly or in pairs. The calls of this species include hurried, subdued, upslurred churring “prririt” notes like initial notes of song phrase, or clear short rising “prit” notes.
Protection:
Flame-throated Bulbul is a Schedule – IV bird, according to wildlife (Protection) act, 1972. The Flame-throated Bulbul is a beautiful bird, with short and slender neck.
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Size between 17 cm to 20 cm. The weight of adult is between 25 g to 35 g. Both Sexes alike. The tail is long and the wings short and rounded and the mouth is yellowish pink in color.
The Flame-throated Bulbul prefer habitats like rocky, scrub covered hills mostly in the Eastern Ghats and central peninsular India but also in some places in the Western Ghats.
Source: The Hindu
GRAM NYAYALAYAS
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has directed the states, which are yet come out with notifications for establishing Gram Nyayalayas, to do so within four weeks.
Highlights:
The Supreme Court also took into account the fact that several states have issued notifications for establishing Gram Nyayalayas but all of them were not functioning except in Kerala, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 is an Act of Parliament enacted for establishment of Gram Nyayalayas or village courts for speedy and easy access to justice system in the rural areas of India.
Sections 5 and 6 of the 2008 Act provide that state government in consultation with the high court will appoint a ‘Nyayadhikari’ for each ‘Gram Nyayalaya’, who will be a person eligible to be appointed as a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class.
The Gram Nyayalayas have both civil and criminal jurisdiction over the offences and nature of suits specified in the First, Second and Third schedule of the Act.
Source: AIR
NEW NATURAL GAS FIELD: JEBEL ALI GAS FIELD
Why in news?
The United Arab Emirates today announced the discovery of a new natural gas field containing 80 trillion standard cubic feet of gas in the cross-border area of the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Highlights:
This new gas field, spanning an area of 5,000 square kilometres in the cross-border area of the two emirates, represents one of the largest natural gas discoveries in the UAE.
The discovery strengthens the UAE’s position among countries with the world’s largest natural gas reserves. This discovery will help UAE in transiting the gulf nation from a net importer of gas to a potential net exporter of gas in coming times.
Source: AIR
INDIA, MALDIVES SIGN FIVE MoUS FOR ESTABLISHING ADDU TOURISM ZONE
Why in news?
India and Maldives today signed five MoUs for establishing the Addu Tourism zone in five islands of Addu atoll at a cost of 2.49 million dollars.
Highlights:
The MOUs were signed between the High Commissioner of India Sunjay Sudhir, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Addu City Council.
A 6th MoU to set up a bottled water plant in Hoarafushi was also signed today.
All six projects are grant projects falling under India’s High Impact Community Development Scheme (HICDP). These projects are driven by the needs of communities on the islands.
Source: AIR
PORTAL SANTUSHT
Why in news?
‘Santusht’ - Implementation Monitoring Cell (IMC) has been constituted in the Office of Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employment in January 2020.
Highlights:
The objective of ‘Santusht’ is to promote transparency, accountability, effective delivery of public services and implementation of policies, schemes of Ministry of Labour and Employment at grassroot level through constant monitoring.
For public grievances, Centralized Public Grievance Redresal and Monitoring System (CPGRAM) portal is already functional.
Besides, written grievances as received from stakeholders are also disposed by the Ministry. Further, online portal under ‘Santusht’ for public grievances has not been started so far.
Source: PIB
SOPHISTICATED ANALYTICAL & TECHNICAL HELP INSTITUTES (SATHI)
Why in news?
The Department of Science & Technology has launched a unique scheme called Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institutes (SATHI) to address the need for building shared, professionally managed and strong Science and Technology infrastructure in the country.
Highlights:
These Centres are expected to house major analytical instruments to provide common services of high-end analytical testing, thus avoiding duplication and reduced dependency on foreign sources.
These would be operated with a transparent, open access policy.
DST has already set up three such centres in the country, one each at IIT Kharagpur, IIT Delhi and BHU at a total cost of Rs 375 Cores.
It is planned to set up five SATHI Centres every year for the next four years.
SATHI will address the problems of accessibility, maintenance, redundancy and duplication of expensive equipment in our Institutions, while reaching out to the less endowed organizations in need, e.g., industry, MSMEs, startups and State Universities.
Source: PIB
APEDA-CFTRI SIGN MOU FOR LIASON OFFICE IN GUWAHATI
Why in news?
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by CSIR-CFTRI with APEDA to set up a Liaison Office in Guwahati, Assam today to provide technical support to the food industries in the North East region. It will benefit the farmers, producers and entrepreneurs.
Highlights:
Central Food Technological Research Institute, CSIR−CFTRI, Mysuru, (a constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi) is a pioneering Institute working in the area of Food Science and Technology and Human Resource Development started during 1950.
Capacity building is another such area where APEDA is keenly focusing to hand-hold the new exporters from the North East region.
Recently, APEDA organised an exposure visitto Maharashtra, considered as one of the major export hubs, to acquaint the exporters and state officials from Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland on export oriented farming, pack house and modern food processing units.
APEDA is an organization under Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. It is responsible for promoting exports of Agriculture and Processed Food Products from India.
Source: PIB
LIVE ATTENUATED CLASSICAL SWINE FEVER VACCINE (IVRI-CSF-BS)
Why in news?
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) released the Live attenuated Classical Swine Fever Vaccine (IVRI-CSF-BS) Technology developed by ICAR -Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar.
Highlights:
Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is one of the most important diseases of pigs causing high mortality with annual loss of approx. Rs.4.299 billion.
A lapinized CSF vaccine (Weybridge strain, UK) is being used in India since 1964 for controlling the disease. The vaccine is produced by sacrificing large numbers of rabbits for each batch.
In order to do away sacrificing of rabbits and increase the productivity, IVRI has developed a new CSF Cell Culture Vaccine by attenuating an indigenous virulent CSF virus in cell culture.
The vaccine is safe, potent, does not revert to virulence and provide protective immunity from day 14 of the vaccination till 24 months studied so far. The vaccine has been tested on around 500 pigs at multiple locations.
The new vaccine will be part of the Government’s One Health Initiative.
Source: PIB