National Current Affairs – UPSC/KAS Exams- 14th December 2018
India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC)
Topic: International Relations
IN NEWS: India and Russia have agreed on way to simplify export clearances to take forward joint manufacturing in defence. This was among various issues discussed during the 18th meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) chaired by Defence Minister and Russian counterpart.
More on the Topic:
- The two focus areas of the discussions were on further expanding military to military and defence industrial engagement between the two countries.
- India is keen on moving from license manufacturing of defence equipment to joint production under Make in India.
- This includes allowing Indian companies, both Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSU) and private sector, manufacturing spares for Russian systems in India.
- Eventually India is keen that its companies supply components and spares to export to third world countries.
- To enhance military to military engagement and rationalise the functioning of the joint commission, a revised Inter-Governmental Agreement on restructuring the existing IRIGC-MTC was also signed by the two ministers.
- India and Russia signed a large package of documents and landmark contracts for supply of S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile systems and construction of Project 11356 frigates despite of pressure from US.
- The defence minister Stated that India is ready to “deepen military and technical cooperation” with Russia.
Source: The Hindu
SAARC
Topic: International Relations
IN NEWS: Taking its protest over the presence of a minister from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) at a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) meeting, India demanded that the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) be “derecognised” by the South Asian grouping.
More on the Topic:
- In a letter addressed to the SAARC secretariat, which is based in Kathmandu, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) accused the SCCI of having “violated” the SAARC charter and principles by inviting the Minister from PoK to its event in Islamabad recently. An Indian diplomat attending the event had walked out in protest against Mr. Saeed’s presence.
- In its letter dated December 10, two days after the event, the MEA referred to the minister as a “renegade entity” from Jammu and Kashmir “which is under illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan”, and said his presence at the event constituted a contravention of SAARC principles to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states.
- It also said the SCCI had taken a “political” position, which breached guidelines for SAARC Apex bodies.
About SAARC:
- The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is the regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of nations in South Asia.
- Its member states include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. SAARC comprises 3% of the world’s area, 21% of the world’s population and 3.8% (US$2.9 trillion)of the global economy, as of 2015.
- SAARC was founded in Dhaka on 8 December 1985.Its secretariat is based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
About SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI):
- SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recognized as a regional apex trade body by South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is a constellation of the eight national Federation Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the member states of SAARC.
- The rationale behind creation of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the SAARC countries was to promote trade and industry in the region and to develop and achieve common objectives in the areas of trade and industry, moreover the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry is also accepted as the voice of the private sector across the region.
Source:The Hindu
India, China join hands to promote tea globally
Topic: Economy
In news: Two apex industry organisations, Indian Tea Association (ITA) and China Tea Marketing Association (CTMA), have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote green and black tea consumption in major tea markets in Europe , the U.S., Russia and West Asia, besides India and China. The pact could also involve organisation of joint events.
More on the Topic:
- The China imported 30 million kg of black tea annually amid its rising popularity in the country where green tea had earlier held sway.
- Indian exports stood at about 8.7 million kg in 2017 with the market being dominated by Sri Lanka and Kenya.
- An export of 15 million kg was being targeted next year. It may be mentioned that Tea Board and ITA had organised a tea delegation to China in October to boost trade between the two countries.
Significance:
- This alliance would promote sustainable development of the tea industry in the two countries, including that of the small tea sector.
- The MoU covers the areas of trade promotion, intellectual property protection and technology exchange.
Source: The Hindu
The Punganur cow
Topic: Science and Technology
In news: The Punganur cow, considered one of the world’s smallest breeds of cattle, is said to be on the verge of extinction due to cross-breeding being conducted by farmers, according to livestock journals.
More on the Topic:
- Animal genetics and breeding scientists from the NTR University of Veterinary Sciences are now engaged in efforts to save the unique breed from extinction.
- The team will also analyse mitochondrial DNA to study genetic traits of the Punganur cow as compared to other breeds. The Punganur cow is diminutive, with a height of 70 cm to 90 cm and weighing around 115 to 200 kg. In comparison, the famous Ongole bull stands tall at 1.70 metres and weighs 500 kg. Both breeds trace their origins to Andhra Pradesh.
- The Livestock Research Station (LRS) in Chittoor district is said to be the last bastion of the breed. LRS has instituted a programme to conserve the breed.
Source: The Hindu
Chilika face avian flu threat
Topic: Environment and Ecology
In news: Lakhs of migratory birds which have congregated at the Chilika lake are facing a threat to their lives following the detection of avian influenza virus barely a few kilometres away from the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary.
More on the Topic:
- Bar-headed goose birds are most susceptible to H5N1 virus, which is very contagious.
- No preventive action can be taken as it is difficult to sanitise such a large area of the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary.
- More than seven lakh migratory birds have arrived at the Chilika lake this year.
About Chilika Lake:
- Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon, spread over Odisha state on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest coastal lagoon in the world after The New Caledonian barrier reef in New Caledonia.
- It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent. The lake is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals.
- In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
About Avian Influenza:
- The bird flu (also known as influenza A or the avian flu) H5N1 primarily infects birds, but can pose health risks to people.
Source: The Hindu
FAME-India Scheme
Topic: Government Schemes
In news: The scheme was initially up to 31st April 2017, has been extended up to 31st March 2019 or till Notification of FAME-II, whichever is earlier.
More on the Topic:
- To promote manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicle technology and to ensure sustainable growth of the same, Department of Heavy Industry is implementing FAME-India Scheme Phase – I [Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India] from 1st April 2015.
- The scheme proposes to give a push to electric vehicles (EVs) in public transport and
- It seeks to encourage adoption of EVs by way of market creation and demand aggregation.
- 100% FDI by automatic route is permitted in the automobile sector.
- Further, the sector is deregulated, both private sector and public sector are free to carry out investment in the automobile sector, including for manufacturing of Electric Vehicles and E-Buses.
- FAME India is a part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. Main thrust of the scheme is to encourage electric vehicles by providing subsidies.
Source: The Hindu
Online portal “ENSURE”
Topic: e Governance
IN NEWS: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare launched a portal ENSURE – National Livestock Mission-EDEG developed by NABARD and operated under the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries.
More on the Topic:
- Under the Mission’s component EDEG, subsidy payment for activities related to poultry, small ruminants, pigs, through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) goes directly to the beneficiary’s account.
- To make it better, simpler and transparent, the NABARD has developed an online portal “ENSURE” which makes the information related to beneficiary and processing of application readily available.
- The portal will help to:
- The flow of information/funds will be quicker and more accountable.
- The burden of extra interest due to delay in the disbursal of the subsidy would now be reduced.
- Accessing the portal will be on real-time basis and list of beneficiaries can be easily prepared.
Source: The Hindu
