UniFocus IAS ( UNIFOCUS UNIVERSAL )

The Sixth Assembly of  the International Solar Alliance (ISA )  was hosted at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi today, October 31, 2023 and was presided over by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, Shri R. K. Singh in his capacity as the President of the ISA Assembly. Ministers from 20 countries and delegates from across 116 Member and Signatory countries participated in the Assembly. The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of ISA, in which each Member Country is represented. This body makes decisions concerning the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement and coordinated actions to be taken to achieve its objective. The Assembly meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat. It assesses the aggregate effect of the programmes and other activities in terms of deployment of solar energy, performance, reliability, cost, and scale of finance. The Sixth Assembly of the ISA is deliberating on the key initiatives of IS...

A Global Solar Facility (GSF) is needed for both ‘quality’ (deepen the reach to low-income countries) and ‘quantity’ (multiply the global investments) of solar investments. Development of solar energy over the past decade has eliminated technology risk for solar energy. It has also achieved grid parity which is critical to provide affordable power. Solar industry is now capable of producing power at GW scale. This Global Solar Facility (GSF) aims to help alleviate the remaining constraints of contractual and financial uncertainty for solar energy.  The solar facility will stimulate high potential solar technologies by attracting private capital to flow into underserved markets in Africa while ensuring a payment and insurance mechanism as a first loss guarantee as approved by the Fifth Session of the ISA Assembly. The Solar Facility would be operationalised to crowd in investments from various donors across the globe. The solar facility will consist of three funds (the payment guara...

  About Reference Fuels: IndianOil has successfully commenced the production of Reference Gasoline and Diesel Fuels for the first time in India. These fuels are used for calibration and testing of vehicle by Automobile manufacturers and testing agencies like ICAT (International Centre for Automotive Technology) and ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India). The indigenous development of this product is in-line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision for “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. IndianOil’s teams of Refineries and R&D have strived hard to achieve this feat in the shortest possible time. To meet the International standards, these products had passed through three layer of certification viz., Refinery lab, IOCL R&D Centre and an internationally reputed third party lab.   India is dependent on imports to cater to the demand for this specialized fuel. These indigenously developed products will lead to import substitution at better price and minimum lead time for the Ve...

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and the Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD) at IICA Campus in Manesar, Gurugram, today. The purpose of MoU is to synergise the expertise of the SCPwD and the IICA with the aim of equipping the corporates in terms of knowledge, skills and competencies for building and managing a diverse workforce through the various entities created under the aegis of SCPwD and IICA. SCPwD, in collaboration with the IICA, will take the initiative through skill courses on “Qualification – Job Coach for Inclusivity (JCI)” programmes or otherwise in diverse areas. About Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD) Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD) is a ‘not for profit’ organisation, registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. In compliance with a specific provision of the National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015, Skill Council for Perso...

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has delivered the Third Stealth Destroyer of Project 15B Class Guided Missile Destroyer i.e. Yard 12706 (IMPHAL) to the Indian Navy.   The ship is constructed using Indigenous Steel DMR 249A and is amongst the largest Destroyers constructed in India, with an overall length of 164 meters and a displacement of over 7500 Tons. The ship is a potent platform capable of undertaking a variety of tasks and missions, spanning the full spectrum of maritime warfare. It is armed with supersonic Surface-to-Surface ‘Brahmos’ missiles and ‘Barak-8’ Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles. Towards undersea warfare capability the Destroyer is fitted with indigenously developed anti-submarine weapons and sensors, prominently the Hull mounted Sonar Humsa NG, Heavy weight Torpedo Tube Launchers and ASW Rocket Launchers. PIB

Relevance:  Indian Gaur found dead in Nilgiris  - The Hindu Indian Gaur ( Indian Bison ) ( Bull & Cow and Calf ) Taxonomy: Phylum: Chordata  Class: Mammalia  Order: Cetartiodactyla  Family: Bovidae  Sub-family: Bovinae  Genus: Bos  Species: Bos gaurus (H. Smith 1824)  Common name: Gaur  The Indian bison is a large sized animal belonging to a phylogenitically young group of mammals, the Bovinae. There has been an inconsistency in the nomenclatural treatment of the wild and domestic Gaur with several nomenclatural systems being proposed by different authors (Gentry et al. 2004). The ruling by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (2003), validating the usage of the first available specific name for wild progenitor species has resolved this confusion. Accordingly, the wild species of Gaur is recognized as Bos gaurus, while the domestic form (Mithun, Mithan or Gayal) is referred to as Bos frontalis.  The genus Bos ...

Relevance:  Russia revokes ratification of nuclear test ban treaty (CTBT) - ICAN But it affirmed that it will  retain its cooperation with the treaty’s verification system and implementing organisation.  Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty: The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which opened for signature in 1996, was intended to prohibit all nuclear weapon test explosions. Over 2,000 nuclear tests occurred between 1945 and 1996: the United States (1,000+), the Soviet Union (700+), France (200+), the United Kingdom and China (45 each). As at January 2013, 183 countries had signed the Treaty, of which 158 have also ratified it, including three of the nuclear weapon states (France, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom). However, 44 specific nuclear technology holder countries must sign and ratify before the CTBT can enter into force. Of these, eight are still missing: China, Egypt, India , Iran, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan and the US. India , North Korea and Pakista...

Ethics Committee ( Rajya Sabha & Lok Sabha ) United States further Tightens export controls on Advanced AI Chips to China Muthuvan, Nilgiri Tahr & Eravikulam National Park The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative Amendment to Aircraft Rules, 1937 IndiaSkills 2023-24 & World Skills 2022 NHAI Upgrades ATMS Standards for Enhanced Road Safety and Digital Enforcement Secretary, MeitY inaugurated Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Lab in NIELIT Gorakhpur Nationwide Campaign “Meri Maati Mera Desh” to Honor the 'Veers' Who Sacrificed Their Lives For the Nation Reaching Last Phase PM inaugurates Global Maritime India Summit 2023 in Mumbai

The genesis of formation of Ethics Committee in Parliament can be traced to a resolution adopted at the Presiding Officers Conference held in New Delhi in October, 1996 which desired the legislatures to explore the possibility of constituting Ethics Committee. It is in pursuance of this resolution that endeavour for setting up of Ethics Committee in Indian Legislatures began in right earnest.  The Ethics Committee, Rajya Sabha, the first such Committee by any legislature in India was constituted by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha on 4 March 1997, to oversee the moral and ethical conduct of the Members and to examine the cases referred to it with reference to ethical and other misconduct of Members. It was provided that in all respects of procedure and other matters, the rules applicable to the Committee of Privileges shall apply to the Ethics Committee with such variations and modifications as the Chairman, Rajya Sabha may, from time to time, make. The Committee was inaugurated by the t...

United States on Tuesday announced further export controls on Advanced Artificial Intelligence chips to China.  In the Year 2019, USA successfully lobbied Dutch Government to block ASML from shipping EUV Photolithography Machines to China.  As of 2023, ASML Holding is the only company who produces and sells EUV systems for chip production, targeting 5 nm and 3 nm process nodes.  Experts believe that it takes more than 10 years to China to independently Develop extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) photolithography technology. Since 2019, China is negotiating with Dutch Government to lift export restrictions of ASML Holdings to China. Bout both USA and Dutch have shown no signs of reversing their stance.  Under current export controls, chip will be restricted if it exceeds certain bandwidth threshold. Under proposed export controls, chip will be restricted only if it  exceeds a certain performance speed and performance density.  Bandwidth threshold indicates...

Relevance:  Forest Department banks on native wisdom of Muthuvan tribe for Nilgiri Tahr conservation - The Hindu Muthuvan:  In Malayalam, the word Muthuvan means those who carry something on their back. It is said that they carried their children and belongings on their back during their migration to the Western Ghats, hence they were called Muthuvan. The Muthuvan are distributed in Idukki districts and in the adjoining Western Ghats of the Palakkad and Thrissur districts. They speak a dialect of their own. The patois is a debased form of Tamil. They speak to others either in Malayalam or Tamil. The Muthuvan have six matrilineal clans (Koottams), viz. Melae koottam, Kana koottam, Thushani koottam, Kanya koottam, Elli koottam and Puthani koottam with hierarchical order. Each koottam is again divided into six lineages. The functions of these divisions are mainly for marriage alliance, to keep up the social status and to indicate descent and ancestry. The Muthuvan are mainly a la...

The Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change. The Initiative prioritizes countries and territories where poverty and hunger are highest, national capacities are limited, or operational difficulties are greatest due to natural or man-made crises. Areas of intervention have included developing value chains for priority commodities, building agro-industries and efficient water management systems, introducing digital services and precision agriculture, reducing food losses and...

  Amendment to Aircraft Rules, 1937, officially notified in the Gazette on October 10, 2023, mark a crucial shift in promoting ease of doing business and ensuring safety and security within the aviation sector. This is a Significant Step towards Strengthening Aviation Safety and Ease of Doing Businessin aviation regulation with the amendment to the Aircraft Rules, 1937. The Amendment to the aircraft rules, 1937 is a result of substantial consultations with stakeholders in the industry, aimed at providing the necessary reform measures to strengthen the existing regulatory safety and security framework. These amendments align India’s aviation regulations with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and international best practices. A portion of these reforms have been already notified vide Gazette Notification dated 13.04.2023 with Amendment to the Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions caused by Building and Trees, etc.) Rules...

  WorldSkills Competition is the largest skill competition in the world, held once every two years. It is conducted by WorldSkills International, which has 86 member countries. These competitions provide both a benchmark for high performance and an objective way to assess vocational excellence. The duration of the competition duration is 4 days spanning 16 to 22 hours. WorldSkills competition 2022 was conducted from September to November 2022 across Europe, North America, and East Asia comprising over 1,000 competitors from 58 countries in 61 skills. The competition was hosted by 15 countries in more than 20 cities. India participated in 50 skills and secured 11th position with 2 Silver Medals, 3 Bronze Medals and 13 Medallions for Excellence at the WSC 2022, its best ranking so far at the WorldSkills Competition. Indian Competitors, who represented the country at WorldSkills Competition 2022, were selected via IndiaSkills Competition 2021. A total of 165 IndiaSkills National Compe...

With an aim to improve road safety and reduce incident response time, National Highways Authority of India, NHAI has released its updated policy to implement upgraded and forward-looking Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) Standards and Specifications 2023.  The enhancements include replacing previous VIDS cameras with the newly introduced Video Incident Detection and Enforcement System (VIDES) to emphasize the digital enforcement of traffic rules. VIDES has capability to identify 14 distinct incidents including triple riding, helmet and seatbelt violations, wrong lane or direction driving, presence of animals on the highway, and pedestrian crossings. Depending on the detected incident, VIDES will alert route patrol vehicles or ambulances, generate e-challans, relay alerts to nearby Variable Messaging Boards, or send notifications through ‘Rajmargyatra’ mobile app to nearby travellers. For comprehensive coverage, these cameras are slated for installation every 10 km along Nat...

  Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Shri S Krishnan (IAS) inaugurated Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Lab in NIELIT Gorakhpur on 16 th  October 2023 during 26 th  All India Director’s Meet of NIELIT. The state-of-art RPA lab has been built under the Future Skill PRIME Project funded by MeitY with an objective to upskill/reskill manpower in emerging technology of RPA. This is the First-of-its-kind lab in Uttar Pradesh under FutureSkill PRIME Project, which has been established to bridge the gap between Industry and Academia. The Secretary, MeitY said that this state-of the-art RPA lab is going to play a pivotal role in transforming India into a global technology powerhouse. He also emphasized the role of RPA in improving services to citizens by automating repetitive, manual processes such as data entry and verification, thereby reducing clerical errors and response time. PIB

  The nationwide campaign "Meri Maati Mera Desh" was launched on August 9, 2023 to honor the courageous individuals, known as 'Veers,' who sacrificed their lives for the nation. This initiative marks the conclusion of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,' which commenced on March 12, 2021, and witnessed extensive public engagement (Jan Bhagidari) through the organization of over 200,000 programs across India. The initial phase of the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign has achieved remarkable success, with widespread outreach and significant public involvement. To date, more than 233,000 Shilaphalakams have been constructed across 36 States/UTs. Additionally, nearly 40 million selfies with the Panch Pran pledge have been uploaded on the website. The campaign has organized over 200,000 felicitation programs honoring Bravehearts nationwide. Under the Vasudha Vandan theme, over 236 million indigenous saplings have been planted, and 263,000 Amrit Vatikas have been created. The...

  During the programme, the Prime Minister unveiled 'Amrit Kaal Vision 2047', the long-term blueprint for the Indian maritime blue economy. The blueprint outlines strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing port facilities, promoting sustainable practices, and facilitating international collaboration. In line with this futuristic plan, the Prime Minister inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone of projects worth more than Rs 23,000 crores that are aligned with the 'Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’ for the Indian maritime blue economy. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Tuna Tekra all-weather deep draft terminal, to be built at a cost of more than Rs 4,500 crores at Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat. This state-of-the-art greenfield terminal will be developed in PPP mode. The terminal, which is likely to emerge as an international trade hub, will handle next-gen vessels exceeding 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and will act as a gatewa...

National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal which networks the existing Agricultural Produce Market Committee(APMC) mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.  Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14, 2016, e-NAM is completely funded by the Central Governmentand is implemented by Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), under the aegis of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.  e-NAM platform promotes better marketing opportunities for the farmers to sell their produce through online competitive and transparent price discovery system and online payment facility. The e-NAM portal provides single window services for all APMC related information and services. This includes commodity arrivals, quality & prices, buy & sell offers and e-payment settlement directly into farmers’ account, among other services. It aims to promote uniformity in agriculture marketing by streamlining of procedu...

Cabinet approves royalty rates for mining of three critical and strategic minerals- Lithium, Niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) ICRISAT Signs Agreement to Join One CGIAR Partnership Resilient and Inclusive Supply-chain Enhancement ( RISE ) initiative India and Sri Lanka resume ferry service after forty years World Organisation for Animal Health ( WOAH ) World Organisation for Animal Health Approves Self Declaration of Freedom from Avian Influenza in Indian Poultry Compartments

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved amendment of Second Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (‘MMDR Act’) for specifying rate of royalty in respect of 3 critical and strategic minerals, namely, Lithium, Niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REEs). Recently, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment act, 22023 was passed by the Parliament, which has come into force from 17th August, 2023. The Amendment, among other things, delisted six minerals, including Lithium and Niobium, from the list of atomic minerals, thereby allowing grant of concessions for these minerals to private sector through auction. Further, the amendment provided that mining lease and composite license of 24 critical and strategic minerals (which are listed in Part D of the First Schedule of the Act), including Lithium, Niobium and REEs (not containing Uranium and Thorium), shall be auctioned by the Central Government. Today’s a...

 The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT),  the leader in tropical dryland agrifood system innovation , has joined the One CGIAR integrated partnership, comprising the CGIAR System Organization and 12 One CGIAR research centers. The expansion of the One CGIAR integrated partnership supports a united approach to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. ICRISAT has signed the  CGIAR Integration Framework Agreement (IFA) , which was developed by the research center boards and CGIAR leadership to confirm and clarify the path to a united One CGIAR. All existing parties to the IFA have welcomed ICRISAT into the integrated partnership. About CGIAR CGIAR, the world’s largest publicly-funded network of agrifood systems research centers, is a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. It has more than 8,000 staff working in over 8...