CURRENT AFFAIRS 26 SEPTEMBER 2019

CURRENT AFFAIRS 

26 SEPTEMBER 2019

BY SUMIT BHARDWAJ

1.Impeachment in the United States

Context: Impeachment inquiry against Trump begins(gs-2)

Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives were set on Wednesday to move forward with a formal impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, a move that could dramatically change the 2020 presidential race

What’s the issue?

In a brief, nationally televised statement, Ms. Pelosi accused Mr. Trump of seeking Ukraine’s help to smear Democratic presidential front runner Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 election.

Impeachment in the United States:

Impeachment in the United States is the process by which the lower house of a legislature brings charges against a civil officer of government for crimes alleged to have been committed, analogous to the bringing of an indictment by a grand jury. At the federal level, this is at the discretion of the House of Representatives. Most impeachments have concerned alleged crimes committed while in office, though there have been a few cases in which officials have been impeached and subsequently convicted for crimes committed prior to taking office.The impeached official remains in office until a trial is held. That trial, and their removal from office if convicted, is separate from the act of impeachment itself. Analogous to a trial before a judge and jury, these proceedings are (where the legislature is bicameral) conducted by the upper house of the legislature, which at the federal level is the Senate.

Impeachment may occur at the federal level or the state level. The federal House can impeach federal officials, and each state's legislature can impeach state officials, including the governor, in accordance with their respective federal or state constitution.

2.Understanding  Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

Context:

Modi pitches for India’s NSG entry(gs-2,3)

‘Since we are not a member, we can’t get fuel for producing nuclear energy’ 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a pitch for India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) here on Wednesday, as he addressed a largely business gathering in the Bloomberg Global Business Forum where he delivered the keynote address. The comments were made during a Q&A session with former New York City Mayor and businessman, Michael Bloomberg

The NSG controls most of the world’s nuclear trade. While the U.S. and other countries support India’s entry into the NSG, China has opposed it saying India has not signed the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty. India and the U.S. announced in March that six U.S. companies would set up nuclear power reactors in India

Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG):

What is NSG?

• Brought in 1974– in response to the Indian nuclear test (smiling Buddha).
• It is a Multilateral export control regime.
• It is a Group of nuclear supplier countries that seek to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials, equipment and technology that can be used to manufacture nuclear weapons.
• The NSG first met in November 1975 in London, and is thus popularly referred to as the “London Club”.
• It is Not a formal organization, and its guidelines are not binding. Decisions, including on membership, are made by consensus.
• Membership: 48 supplier states.

Criteria for membership:

The ability to supply items (including items in transit) covered by the annexes to Parts 1 and 2 of the NSG Guidelines;

Adherence to the Guidelines and action in accordance with them;

Enforcement of a legally based domestic export control system which gives effect to the commitment to act in accordance with the Guidelines;

Full compliance with the obligations of one or more of nuclear non-proliferation agreement.

Support of international efforts towards non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and of their delivery vehicle.

Why the membership is important for India?

Membership will increase India’s access to state-of-the-art technology from the other members of the Group.

Access to technology and being allowed to produce nuclear equipment will give a boost to the Make in India program. That will, in turn, boost the economic growth of our country.

As per India’s INDC under the Paris Climate agreement, we have committed to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and ensuring that 40% of its energy is sourced from renewable and clean sources. In order to achieve this target, we need to scale up nuclear power production. This can only happen if India gains access to the NSG.

Namibia is the fourth-largest producer of uranium and it agreed to sell the nuclear fuel to India in 2009. However, that hasn’t happened, as Namibia has signed Pelindaba Treaty, which essentially controls the supply of uranium from Africa to the rest of the world. If India joins the NSG, such reservations from Namibia are expected to melt away.

India will get an opportunity to voice it’s concern if in case of change in the provision of the NSG guidelines.

Other Benefits associated with NSG membership- Once admitted, an NSG member state gets:

Timely information on nuclear matters.

Contributes by way of information.

Has confirmed credentials.

Can act as an instrument of harmonization and coordination.

Is part of a very transparent process.

3.Higher Education Bill :Higher Education Commission of India (HECI):(gs-2)

Context: Higher Education Bill in winter session

Higher Education Commission of India to take over regulatory functions of the University Grants Commission and the All India Council for Technical Education.

A Bill that aims to create a single regulator for higher education, replacing the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), is likely to be introduced in the winter session of Parliament.

It proposes to bring almost all areas of higher education — including technical, architectural and legal courses — under the ambit of a single umbrella body. Medical education, however, will not come under the proposed Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), according to the draft Bill.

Higher Education Commission of India (HECI):

The Draft Higher Education Commission of India (Repeal of University Grants Commission Act, 1956) Bill, 2018

Ministry: 

Human Resource Development:

Key Features

The Bill seeks to establish the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI).  It repeals the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.

Coverage: The Bill will apply to ‘higher educational institutions’ which include universities set up by Acts of Parliament or state legislatures, institutions deemed to be a university, and colleges.  It excludes institutions of national importance. 

In addition to general subjects, the HECI will determine and maintain standards of legal and architecture education, while the Bar Council and the Council of Architecture will limit their role to specifying standards of professional practice.

Functions of the HECI

The HECI will recommend ways to promote autonomy of higher educational institutions and ensure maintenance of academic standards in higher education. It will specify norms for: (i) learning outcomes for courses, (ii) standards of teaching and research, (iii) evaluation procedure to measure yearly academic performance of institutions, (iv) accreditation of institutions, and (v) ordering closure of institutions.

Further, the HECI may specify norms for: (i) granting authorisation to institutions to commence academic operations, (ii) award of degree or diploma, (iii) affiliation of institutions with universities, (iv) grant of autonomy, (v) graded autonomy, (vi) eligibility criteria for appointment of Vice Chancellors, (vii) setting & winding up of institutions, and (viii) fee regulation.

Composition of the HECI

The HECI will consist of 14 members. A Search Committee will recommend names to the central government for the post of Chairperson, and members of the HECI.  The Search Committee will consist of five members including the Cabinet Secretary (Chairperson), Higher Education Secretary, and three eminent academicians.  For the appointment of the Vice Chairperson and the members of the HECI, the Search Committee will include the Chairperson of the HECI as well.

For the post of the Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson, the Search Committee will recommend names of persons who are citizens of India and those who have been: (i) professors for at least ten years, or (ii) eminent administrators with proven capacity for institution building.

Members of the HECI include: (i) the Chairperson, (ii) the Vice Chairperson, (iii) three Secretaries of the central government, (iv) two chairpersons of All India Council of Technical Education and National Council of Teacher Education, (v) two chairpersons of accreditation bodies, (vi) two Vice Chancellors of universities of academic excellence, (vii) two serving professors of universities, and (viii) an experienced person from the industry.

Authorisation to higher educational institutions to grant degrees or diplomas

Every higher educational institution empowered to award degrees or diplomas will have to apply to the HECI to commence its first academic operations. To grant permission, the HECI has to ensure that the application complies with the specified norms of academic quality.  The HECI will notify the institution within a specified time period whether it can proceed with its operations.  All higher educational institutions currently in existence, will have authorisation to grant degrees for a period of three years.

The HECI also has the power to revoke permission in cases where the higher educational institution: (i) has continuously or wilfully defaulted in complying with rules and regulations, (ii) has failed to efficiently discharge its duties and obligations, or (iii) has ceased to exist.

Advisory Council

The Bill sets up an Advisory Council chaired by the Union Minister of Human Resource Development. The Council will render advice on issues concerning: (i) coordination between the central government and state governments, and (ii) determination of standards in higher education.  The HECI will take steps to implement the advice rendered by the Advisory Council.

The Council will include members of the Commission, and Chairpersons or Vice Chairpersons of all existing State Councils for Higher Education.

Penalties

If any university (i) grants affiliation to any higher educational institution in contravention to the regulations laid down by the HECI, or (ii) violates any norm or standard set by the HECI, the HECI may impose a fine, or revoke permission to grant degrees.

If such university does not comply with the penalty, the management of such institutions may be punished with imprisonment for a maximum period of three years. 

4.Super Straw Management System (super SMS)Context: Punjab takes steps to check stubble burning (gs-2)

With paddy harvesting picking up in Punjab, the State government has ordered impounding of combine harvester machines operating without the Super Straw Management System (super SMS) in an attempt to curb stubble burning

Punjab government has made attachment of super straw management system to combine harvester machines mandatory for harvesting paddy (rice) crop  in an attempt to check the dangerous trend of stubble burning. The instructions were issued under section 31 A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

Section 31A in THE AIR (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1981

 [31A. Power to give directions.—Notwithstanding anything con­tained in any other law, but subject to the provisions of this Act and to any directions that the Central Government may give in this behalf, a Board may, in the exercise of its powers and performance of its functions under this Act, issue any directions in writing to any person, officer or authority, and such person, officer or authority shall be bound to comply with such direc­tions. Explanation.—For the avoidance of doubts, it is hereby declared that the power to issue directions under this section includes the power to direct—

(a) the closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry, operation or process; or

(b) the stoppage or regulation of supply of electricity, water or any other service.] COMMENTS The Powers under section 31A are in addition to section 17. Section 17 of the Act is not exhaustive, therefore the general powers to issue directions were also conferred on the Board; Bihar State Pollution Control Board v. Hiranand Stone Works, AIR 2005 Pat 62.

Key Facts These instructions are aimed at saving the environment from air pollution caused by stubble burning. The owners of combine harvesters desirous of undertaking harvesting of paddy in state will now have to attach super straw management system with the harvester combine. Now, no harvester combine without functional super straw management system will be allowed to harvest paddy in Punjab. Super straw management system will be attached to self-propelled combine harvesters, which cuts paddy straw into small pieces and spread same. With this method, farmers are not required to burn paddy straw before sowing the next crop.

5.e­-waste dismantling

Context: No e­waste dismantling on riverbanks’(gs-2,3)

The National Green Tribunal has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure that there is no illegal dismantling of e­waste along the banks of the river Ramganga in Moradabad, while observing that it is an important tributary of the river Ganga.

Manual dismantling is engaged in the initial processes

Sorting of reusable components from e-waste (viz., hard disk, CD-ROM / Writer / DVD ROM / DVD writer, computer mother boards, server parts, SMPS , lap top components , Storage devises like DAT, DLT, LTO’s, Ultrium drives, storage libraries, NAS box, networking products like switches, routers, hubs, modems, etc.)

While dismantling plastic, iron, monitors, light weight metals, batteries, LCD displays, etc., are egregated scientifically and handed to registered recyclers authorised by KSPCB and CPCB. Before dismantling we will collect the dust through a dust collector with a bag filter.

Disposal:

The presence of hazardous elements in e-waste offers the potential of increasing the intensity of their discharge in environment due to land filling and incineration. The potential treatment disposal options based on the composition are given below:

Land filling:

Incineration

Presently landfilling is done in the State after recovering useful components.

6.The zero budget natural farming (ZBNF)

Context:Zero budget natural farming can solve farmers’ issues’(gs-3)

The zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) was highlighted as an alternative method of agriculture, shifting away from big irrigation projects, farm loan waiver and fertilizer subsidy, to address agrarian distress and resolve the plight of peasants at a training camp for farmers organised at Sewar in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district on Wednesday

zero budget natural farming (ZBNF):

“Zero budget natural faming”:

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a set of farming methods, and also a grassroots peasant movement, which has spread to various states in India.

It has attained wide success in southern India, especially the southern Indian state of Karnataka where it first evolved.  The movement in Karnataka state was born out of collaboration between Mr Subhash Palekar, who put together the ZBNF practices, and the state farmers association Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS).

Importance of ZBNF highlighted in Economic Survey 2018-19:

The Economic Survey mentioned Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) along with Vedic Farming, Homa Farming and Cow Farming and how these “climate friendly” agricultural practices can enable “elimination of chemical pesticides” and restoration of soil organic matter and fertility.

But an even bigger push for ZBNF and in the Union Budget speech of Finance Minister, where she talked of the need to “go back to basics” and “replicate this innovative model (that) can help in doubling our farmers’ income in time for our 75th year of Independence”.

Four wheels of ZBNF to be implemented in practically:

The “four wheels” of ZBNF are ‘Jiwamrita’, ‘Bijamrita’, ‘Mulching’ and ‘Waaphasa’, says Palekar, a Padma Shri awardee.

Jiwamrita is a fermented mixture of cow dung and urine (of desi breeds), jaggery, pulses flour, water and soil from the farm bund. This isn’t a fertiliser, but just a source of some 500 crore micro-organisms that can convert all the necessary “non-available” nutrients into “available” form.

Bijamrita is a mix of desi cow dung and urine, water, bund soil and lime that is used as a seed treatment solution prior to sowing.

Mulching, or covering the plants with a layer of dried straw or fallen leaves, is meant to conserve soil moisture and keep the temperature around the roots at 25-32 degrees Celsius, which allows the microorganisms to do their job.

Waaphasa, or providing water to maintain the required moisture-air balance, also achieves the same objective.

Palekar also advocates the use of special ‘Agniastra’, ‘Bramhastra’ and ‘Neemastra’ concoctions again based on desi cow urine and dung, plus pulp from leaves of neem, white datura, papaya, guava and pomegranates for controlling pest and disease attacks.

7.Cash crops in Gujarat(gs-1,3)

Context:Rain­soaked Gujarat expects

bumper peanut, cotton harvest

Gujarat is expecting a bumper production of the cash crops groundnut and cotton, with the State having received more than 125% of the season’s total rainfall. A total of 205 dams in the State are fi??lled to 93.73% of their capacity

Agriculture in Gujarat forms a vital sector of the state's economy. It has to provide the required food grains for the state's population and raw materials for most of the agro-based industries. Unsuitable climatic conditions in some parts and rocky terrain with thin or no soils in others, have limited the area suitable for cultivation. The difficulty of drainage in coastal areas and in the two Ranns has made a large part of the state agriculturally unproductive.

The state's agricultural productivity is low. 

The yields are poor and in most cases do not even approach the low level of average yield for the country. Low yields result from poor soils, inadequate rainfall, frequent droughts and floods, bad drainage and undeveloped irrigation facilities. A characteristic feature of the state's agriculture is its cropping pattern un-proportionately dominated by cash crops. The high yield of cotton in fact the highest in the country, reflects the overall emphasis on cash crops, which have claimed the best agricultural land.

A higher percentage of the land is used for cultivation in central Gujarat. Kaira, Baroda, Broach and Surat districts are the main contributors to the agricultural production of the state. Valsad has become India's first integrated horticulture district.

The state produces a large variety of crops and its cropping pattern reflects the spatial variations in climate and topography. Groundnut (highest production in the country), cotton, Tobacco (second highest production in the country), isabgul, cumin sugarcane, Jawar, Bajra, Rice, Wheat, Pulses, Tur and Gram are the important crops of Gujarat. Another cash crop which has recently entered the field though in a few selected localities is banana. Plenty of mangoes for export as well as home consumption are part of cash crops.

Honey, wax and bamboo are produced in fair quantities in different forests and medicinal herbs and fruits like Jamun and guava are produced in plenty. Forests also yield considerable quantities of teak, Khair, sadad, hadariyo, manual bamboos and such good quality of wood.

8. Ajanta Caves(gs-1)

Context:Road project delay hits tourist footfall at Ajanta 

The number of tourists visiting the Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra has been going down due to poor condition of the key connecting road. The repair and widening work on the road has been delayed due to deficient services of the contractual agency, officials have said

Ajanta Caves:

Ajanta caves are a series of 30 Buddhist caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra. This site is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It encompasses both Theravada (Hinayana) and Mahayana Buddhist traditions. The Ajanta caves preserve some of the best masterpieces of Buddhist art in India.

History of Ajanta Caves

The earliest Ajanta caves were carved in the 2nd Century BC out of horse-shoe shaped cliff along the Waghora River. They were used by Buddhist monks as prayer halls (chaitya grihas) and monasteries (viharas) for about nine centuries.

Out of the 30 excavated caves, five (cave no. 9, 10, 19, 26, and 29) are chaitya grihas (prayer halls) and the rest are viharas (monasteries).

In date and style, these caves can be divided into two broad phases.

Phase I (2nd Century to 1st Century BCE) – The earliest excavations were done by the Satavahanas and belong to the Hinayana (Theravada) phase of Buddhism. The object of worship is a stupa here. Caves 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15A belong to this era.

Phase II (5th Century AD to 6th Century AD) – These excavations are a major contribution of the Vakatakas and Chalukyas and belong to Mahayana phase of Buddhism.

AJANTA CAVE ARCHITECTURE

Study under the two phases

Phase I/ Satavahana Phase Throughout his life Buddha was against the idea of sculpting and painting images of him. Hence, this phase depicts the Lord via symbols.

Of these, caves 9 and 10 are stupa containing worship halls of chaitya-griha form, and caves 12, 13, and 15A are viharas.

Cave 9 : This apsidal chaitya griha is datable to second century B.C. and belongs to the Hinayana phase of Buddhism. It is a large liturgical hall, with monolithic stone stupa carved from a living rock.

CAVE 9 – Worship Hall with a stupa but no idols

Cave 10 –

The cave consists of a central hall and a rock stupa around which a circumambulatory path is provided.

CAVE 10 – Worship Hall with a stupa and circumambulatory path

Phase 2 / Vakataka Phase – The second phase was of greater artistic activity at Ajanta during the rule of the Vakataka dynasty. King Harishena is credited to have been at the forefront of the development cycle.

Major difference from Phase I is the depiction of Buddha as a result of the spread of Mahayana Buddhism which believes in revering the Master through images and idols.

Caves – Caves 19, 26, and 29 are chaitya-grihas, the rest viharas.

CAVE 19 :

This chaitya griha is datable to fifth century A.D. The stupa is carved with a standing image of Buddha. This cave is known for its sculptural grandeur of the facade. The hall has painted depictions of Buddha in various postures. Cave 19 is first example of a chaitya wholly in stone.

The stunning variety of panel and bracket decoration in this cave includes images of Buddha, mounted riders, flying celestials, lion heads in the panels at intervals and vegetation.

Image result for cave 19 ajanta standing buddha

Standing Buddha in the interior cave covered with drapery, topped by a majestic three tiered umbrella in front of a stupa.

Besides the richly carved interior, the exterior walls of the caves of later phase are well sculptured and ornamented.

Image result for naga consort ajanta

LOCAL NAGA DEITY WITH HIS CONSORT – CAVE 19

CAVE 26 –

This chaityagriha is quite similar to Cave 19, but of a larger dimension and more elaborately and exquisitely provided with sculpted figures.

The chaitya griha consists of a hall, side aisles (pradikshana) and a rock-cut stupa front by an image of seated Buddha. The facade, the inner pillars, the triforium (between pillars and roof arch), aisles side walls are extensively carved with images and decorative designs.

CAVE 26 – SEATED BUDDHA STUPA

The most striking and prominent image is that of Mahaparinirvana of Buddha on the right aisle wall and the assault of Mara during Buddha’s penance adorns the same wall.

Temptation by Mara

Mara in Buddhism is a demon who tempted Gautam Buddha by trying to seduce him with the vision of beautiful women who, in various legends, are often said to be Mara’s daughters.

Image result for cave 26 ajanta Parinirvana

MAHAPARINIRVANA

In Buddhism, the term parinirvana is commonly used to refer to nirvana-after-death, which occurs upon the death of the body of someone who has attained nirvana during his or her lifetime.

This sculpture is also known as the reclining Buddha.

The artists of Ajanta have given us an insight into a time we know little about, through the illustrations of these two stories. Through this visual window, we know more about the attire the kings donned at the time, their general facial features (which are strikingly central Asian), the arms they carried and more.

Transition over ages

CAVE 9 CAVE 10 CAVE 19 CAVE 26

The above shows how transition occurred with time and evolution of Mahayana sect which worships Buddha in form of idols and images.

AJANTA PAINTINGS

Ajanta Paintings are finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art. According to UNESCO, these are masterpieces of Buddhist religious art that influenced Indian Art. These masterpieces at Ajanta were executed more or less in two phases. The paintings at Ajanta are not frescoes but murals.

What are murals?

Murals are paintings done on already dried surfaces.

How are murals different from frescoes?

Fresco is a technique of painting executed upon freshly laid lime plaster. The wet plaster binds the paint to the plaster itself hence the color pigments get absorbed in the wall.

In case of Murals color is mixed with some adhesive and is applied on the dry surface.

Vishnodarottar Purana written in the Post Gupta Period describes how the paintings were made in the ancient times. All the painting experiments suggest this book was followed.

Study under the two phases –

Phase I – These paintings belong to the Hinayana era (200 BC- 1 BC). Depiction of Buddha has been done via symbolism. Paintings of this era have mostly been lost.

CAVE 9 –

Of all paintings of this era very few have survived. These are –

Frieze Of Animals And Herdsmen

Naga Worshippers

Giant Horseshoe Window

Phase II – The second phase departs from the earlier one with the introduction of new pattern in layout as well as the centrality of Buddha image due to Mahayana influence, both in sculpture as well as in paintings

The main theme of the paintings is the depiction of various Jataka stories, different incidents associated with the life of Buddha, and the contemporary events of social life.

The ceiling decoration invariably consists of decorative patterns, geometrical as well as floral.

CAVE 1 – This cave has one of the most elaborately carved facades with scenes carved from the life of the Buddha as well as a number of decorative motifs.

It contains the famed paintings of Bodhisvattas Padmapani and Vajrapani along with a seated figure of Buddha in dharma chakra parivartana mudra in the sanctum.

The Buddha in the shrine room is seen through the aisle and vestibule in dharmachakraparivartana mudra with Bodhisvattas Padmapani and Vajrapani on either sides.

Scene from Shibi Jataka

King Shibi who offered his own flesh to save a pigeon.

CAVE 2 –

Mahadevi gives birth to Buddha

CAVE 17 – Cave 17 is a Mahayana Vihara. It is full of the finest paintings.

Few important among these are –

Buddha returns from enlightenment to his own home to beg from his wife Yashodhara, while his son Rahula looks astonished.

Vessantara Jataka

A prince is trying to cheer his distressed wife who is upset over the news of his impending banishment (Vessantara Jataka)

Image result for cave 17 matriposhaka jataka

MATRIPOSHAKA JATAKA STORY – The story of a Bodhisattva elephant who had blind parents. In this story, the Bodhisattva elephant chooses to take care of his blind parents readily giving away palatial comforts.

CAVE 10 – Though this cave majorly belongs to the Hinayana phase, the cave was worked upon in the Mahayana era too. This is explained by presence of Buddha’s images and idols that belong to the later era.

CAVE 10 – MURALS ON THE VAULT

The Dying Princess

The story tells how Nanda who was passionately in love with this girl was tricked away from her by the Buddha and carried up to heaven.

Overwhelmed by the beauty of the Apsaras, Nanda forgot his earthly love and consented to enter the Buddhist order as a shortcut to heaven.

In time, he came to see the vanity of his purely physical aim and became a Buddhist but the Princess, his beloved, was cruelly left to her fate without any such consolation.

Decorative Pictures

Besides religious paintings there is another category of painting. These paintings are decorative and secular. They fill up all the available space on the ceilings, walls and vaults.

9.New IPCC report warns of dire threat to oceans(gs-3)

Context:With representatives from nearly 200 countries at the United Nations Climate Summit underway in the United States, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) — the apex referee for scientific evidence on the impact of global warming — made public a special report on Wednesday that underlined the dire changes taking place in oceans, glaciers and ice-deposits on land and sea.

The report updates scientific literature available since 2015 — when the IPCC released its comprehensive 5th Assessment Report — and summarises the disastrous impacts of warming based on current projections of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The Southern Ocean accounted for 35%–43% of the total heat gain in the upper 2,000 m global ocean between 1970 and 2017, and its share increased to 45%–62% between 2005 and 2017.

The ‘Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate’ was prepared following an IPCC Panel decision in 2016 to prepare three Special Reports and follows the Special Reports on Global Warming of 1.5°C (SR1.5), and on Climate Change and Land (SRCCL).

The 1.5°C report was a key input used in negotiations at Katowice, Poland last year for countries to commit themselves to capping global temperature rise to 1.5°C by the end of the century.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a scientific government body under the United Nations set up at the request of the member governments, dedicated to providing the world with an objective, scientific view of climate change and its political and economic impacts on the nations.

It was first established in 1988 by two United Nations organizations, the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme and later endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly. Membership of the IPCC is open to all members of the WMO and the UNEP. The IPCC produces reports that support the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is the main international treaty on climate change.

The main objective of UNFCCC is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. IPCC reports cover the scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant to understanding the scientific basis of risk of human-induced climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation.

10.Snakes spur Meghalaya experiment on drone delivery of medicines(gs-3)

Context: Venomous snakes have played a role in an experiment to deliver life-saving drugs to remote areas of Meghalaya by drones.

The National Health Profile of the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence published in 2017 said snakebite killed 1,770 people across the eight north-eastern States in 2016. Meghalaya and Tripura recorded the most victims – 404 each – followed by Assam with 265 and Sikkim with 242.

However, research by a team of herpetologists revealed that the availability of anti-snake venom vials for 4 crore people of the region was 0.004% that year.

The NEC, a nodal agency for funding developmental projects in the region, had initiated a pilot project on drone delivery of medicines and blood a week ago. The project is being undertaken in collaboration with the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) and North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC), both in Shillong.

Apart from poor surface communication, many rural areas of Meghalaya do not have proper healthcare facilities. The State is also hamstrung by the shortage of trained manpower.

Meghalaya has several species of snakes such as the monocled cobra, king cobra, coral snake and green pit viper. But anti-venom for two predominantly neurotoxic snakes such as monocled cobra and banded krait is not available in the region.

11.Swachh Bharat helped meet UN goals: PM

Video link…

12.Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation(gs-2,3)

Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a $150­million line of credit to the group of Pacific island nations for solar, renewable energy and climate related projects.

Forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation (FIPIC) is a multinational grouping developed in 2014 for cooperation between India and 14 Pacific Islands nations which include Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. All heads of state or heads of government of the above countries met in Suva, Fiji in November 2014 for the first time where the annual summit was conceptualized