IMD-UNDP and Japan collaborate for climate action in 10 States and UTs
IMD-UNDP initiates a new project to speed up climate action in 10 States and Union Territories throughout the nation has been unveiled by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the government of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). During the years 2022–2023, the project of IMD-UNDP will be implemented in the following states: Bihar, Delhi–NCR, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. UNDP India has received a $5.16 million climate grant from Japan for the project of IMD-UNDP. This is a component of the worldwide assistance provided by Japan to 23 nations through the UNDP‘s “Climate Promise — From Pledge to Impact” initiative.
IMD-UNDP: Key Points
India made a commitment to reduce its projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030, install 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, reduce its carbon intensity by less than 45% by the end of the decade, and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 at the COP26 summit in Glasgow in November 2021.
The collaborative endeavour of IMD-UNDP will help Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reach net-zero emissions and guarantee development that is climate resilient.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will work with the IMD to implement it (MNRE).
The new NDCs for India were approved by the Cabinet to be communicated to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change one week before to the launch.
IMD-UNDP: Climate Planning
In order to promote both climate reduction and climate resilience, IMD-UNDP will collaborate. In important industries like transportation, health, MSMEs, and agriculture, clean energy infrastructure and emission-reduced technology will be implemented by IMD-UNDP. This involves establishing 85 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and 30 solar cold storage systems throughout the 10 States, as well as solarizing 150 healthcare facilities and 20 microbusinesses by IMD-UNDP.
With the help of climate information flow systems for 30 Gram Panchayats, resilient climate planning will be put on display at the local level. The programme by IMD-UNDP plans to train and skill over 2,000 people in order to create green businesses and jobs in industries like renewable energy. The same objectives of IMD-UNDP of decarbonization and sustainable development would necessitate greater climate partnerships, according to HokugoKyoko, Minister (Economic and Development), Embassy of Japan in India.
SBI to run Indian Visa Centres (IVAC) in Bangladesh
The State Bank of India (SBI) will manage the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Bangladesh for two more years. The agreement to extend the operations for two more years was signed between the officials of the SBI and the High Commission of India in Dhaka. The IVAC will also be starting a few additional services soon which include facilitation for online form filling and submission of forms, slot booking and launching of a mobile app. A priority lounge was also inaugurated at the IVAC centre in Dhaka.
Key points:
Currently, SBI runs a total of 15 IVACs across Bangladesh. The IVAC centre at the Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka was opened in 2018. It is the largest Indian visa application centre. The first IVAC was started by SBI in 2005 in Dhaka.
On average, the IVAC manages more than 5.5 thousand visa applications on a daily basis. In 2019, the Indian High Commission issued over 16 lakh visas in Bangladesh.
After interruptions due to Covid 19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Visa operations of the High Commission of India have been running at full capacity catering to the various categories of visa applicants including those in emergency situations on a priority basis.
Lumpi-ProVac: ICAR creates locally produced vaccine for cattle with lumpy disease
ICAR develops Lumpi-ProVac, a locally made vaccine, for cattle with Lumpy skin disease. For veterinarians and cattle owners battling to stop the spread of lumpy skin disease among cattle in regions like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab, among others, there is encouraging news. Scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) announced that an indigenous vaccine against the Lumpy skin disease (Lumpi-ProVac), which had been developed since 2019 using viral strains obtained from Ranchi, has successfully finished field trials and is now prepared for commercial introduction.
Lumpi-ProVac for Lumpy skin disease: Key Points:
In a significant development, two ICAR institutes have created the Lumpi-ProVac vaccine, which the national government now intends to commercialise as soon as possible in order to contain the outbreak of Lumpy skin disease that has killed thousands of cattle across multiple Indian states over the past several weeks.
The Lumpi-ProVac vaccine’s development during the previous three years was described by Dr. Naveen Kumar, a researcher at the ICAR National Research Centre for Equines in Haryana who oversaw the vaccine trials.
Lumpi-ProVac for Lumpy skin disease: Lumpy Skin Disease:
Lumpy skin disease, which affects both cows and buffaloes and is brought on by the capripox virus, derives its name from the massive, firm nodules that appear on the skin of cattle who have the condition.
Other signs of the Lumpy skin disease in these animals include depression, conjunctivitis, and excessive salivation.
The nodules eventually rupture, resulting in the animals bleeding. The Lumpy skin disease viral illness currently has no known treatment; instead, clinical symptoms are primarily managed.
The goatpox vaccine, which also offers some protection against Lumpy skin disease, is currently being utilised to prevent the disease.
Lumpi-ProVac for Lumpy skin disease: Process:
It comprises weaker strains of the lumpy skin disease virus since Lumpi-ProVac is a live attenuated vaccination. Researchers used genetic engineering techniques called serial passaging to weaken the virus strains. It took an entire 1.5 years to develop the appropriate attenuated strain for Lumpi-ProVac. Before field trials, the Lumpi-ProVac vaccine underwent safety testing on mice and rabbits.
Singapore grants Padang, location of Netaji’s infamous Call “Chalo Dilli”
The National Heritage Board stated that Padang (location of Netaji Subahs Chandra Bose‘s infamous Call “Chalo Dilli”) will now receive the Monument Status of Subas Chandra Bose and the greatest level of protection possible under Singapore’s Preservation of Monuments Act (NHB). On August 9, 2022, the country of Singapore celebrated its 57th National Day, and the Padang iconic green location was designated as the 75th national monument.
Padang is a sizable open field venue in Singapore where, in July 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose delivered the phrase “Delhi Chalo.” One of the oldest open spaces still in use today, Padang has significant national, historical, and social value. It is well-liked for athletic events like lawn bowling, cricket, football, and ice hockey.
Subhas Chandra Bose: About
Indian nationalist Subhas Chandra Bose (23 January 1897 – 18 August 1945) was hailed as a hero by his fellow countrymen for his defiance of British rule in India, but Subhas Chandra Bose‘s wartime ties to Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan left behind a legacy plagued by authoritarianism, anti-Semitism, and military failure. Early in 1942, German and Indian officials in the Special Bureau for India in Berlin and Indian soldiers of the Indische Legion addressed Subhas Chandra Bose as Netaji for the first time. It is presently utilised all throughout India.
Subhas Chandra Bose: Azad Hind
During World War II, an Indian temporary administration known as Azad Hind was created in Japanese-occupied Singapore. It was established in October 1943 and was greatly reliant on the Empire of Japan. It was a component of the political movement that began outside of India in the 1940s with the aim of uniting with the Axis powers to free India from British control. In the latter stages of World War II, Indian nationalists in exile founded it in Singapore with financial, military, and political support from Imperial Japan. The government, which was established on September 1, 1942, was motivated by the ideas of Subhas Chandra Bose, who served as both the head of state and the government.
Mexican President proposes peace commission led by 3 leaders including PM Modi
The Mexican President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador has proposed that the top commission should include Pope Francis, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, and Indian PM Narendra Modi. The aim of the commission would be to present a proposal to stop the wars around the world and reach an agreement to seek a truce for at least five years. The commission aims to stop wars across the world and reach an agreement to seek a truce for at least five years.
The Mexican President is planning to submit a written proposal to the UN to create the commission, made up of three world leaders, including PM Modi, to promote a world truce for a period of five years.
Important Points:
The Mexican President has invited China, Russia, and the US to seek peace and to end warlike actions.
As per the Obrador, the proposed truce will help in reaching an agreement in the case of Taiwan, Israel and Palestine.
Mr Modi and other leaders of the Member States are expected to participate in the session when the global body will discuss the crises in Ukraine, Gaza Strip and the regional tension over Taiwan.
Argentina’s Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios named UNMOGIP’s head
An experienced Argentinean navy officer, Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios has been named Head of Mission and Chief Military Observer for the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres . Major General José Eladio Alcain of Uruguay steps down in favour of Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rio of Argentina as Head of Mission and Chief Military Observer for UNMOGIP, whose task is about to be completed. Major General Alcan was thanked by the Secretary-General for his assistance with UN peacekeeping activities.
Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios: About
Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios has had a long career in the Argentinean Navy since graduating as a middleshipman from the Navy Academy in 1988, according to the announcement.
Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios most recently worked with the Joint Staff as the general director of education, training, and doctrine (2022).
Prior to this, Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios served as the Navy Warfare School’s Education Department Chief (2018), the Marines Infantry Fleet Commander (Brigade Commander) (2020–2021), the Marines Infantry Commander (Corps Commander) (2020–2021), and the Defense, Military, Naval, and Air Attaché in Russia (2018–2019). (2016-2018).
Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios: Previous Endeavors
Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios was a Training Officer in an American Marine Corps Regiment participating in an exchange programme with Argentine Marines (2002-2003).
Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios has participated in two peacekeeping missions, including the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in 2007 and the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in 1993 and 1994.
Additionally, Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios worked for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Angola as a Humanitarian Demining Supervisor (1997-1998).
The language skills of Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios include basic Russian and Portuguese.
Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios has graduate degrees from E-Salud University and the Naval University Institute in Argentina.
UNMOGIP Actions:
UNMOGIP had 111 personnel deployed as of November 2021, including 68 civilians and 43 Experts on Mission. The first party of United Nations military observers entered the mission area in January 1949 to monitor the truce between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir, according to Guterres, who was speaking when visiting UNMOGIP headquarters in Islamabad in February 2020.
About UNMOGIP:
Established in January 1949, UNMOGIP. The duties of UNMOGIP have been to watch, to the degree practicable, developments relevant to the strict enforcement of the ceasefire of December 17, 1971, which followed the 1971 India-Pakistan conflict and a later ceasefire agreement, and to report thereon to the Secretary-General. After the Simla Agreement and the ensuing formation of the Line of Control, India has claimed that UNMOGIP has lost all relevance and is no longer useful (LoC).
International Lefthanders Day observed on 13th August
International Lefthanders Day is observed on August 13 across the world. The day is observed to raise awareness about the lefty people’s experience with living in a right-hand dominant world. The day also spreads awareness on issues faced by left-handers, eg the importance of the special needs for left-handed children and the likelihood for left-handers to develop schizophrenia.
International Lefthanders Day 2022: Significance
The day aims to raise awareness about being left-handed in a predominantly right-handed world. It celebrates left-handed people’s uniqueness and differences, a subset of humanity comprising seven to ten per cent of the world’s population.
International Lefthanders Day: History
International Lefthanders Day was launched by the Club as an annual event on 13th August 1992 when lefthanders everywhere can celebrate their uniqueness and also increase awareness in the public about the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed. The event is now celebrated worldwide. In the UK there have been more than 20 regional events to mark the day including left-v-right sports matches, a left-handed tea party, and nationwide “Lefty Zones” where lefthanders creativity, adaptability, and sporting prowess were celebrated, etc.