1. NGT slaps ₹10 crore penalty on Kerala government for failure to protect Ramsar sites
Tags: National News
The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi has imposed a fine of Rs 10 crore on the Kerala government for failing to protect the Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes, listed as Ramsar sites.
An overview of the news
A principal bench headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said that as per the 'polluter pays principle', the fines imposed should be deposited in the ring-fenced account.
The tribunal said that the amount to be utilized under the authority of the chief secretary should be employed for conservation or restoration measures.
These wetlands have become polluted due to the accumulation of pharmaceutical waste, plastic waste, domestic waste and slaughterhouse waste.
Vembanad, the largest wetland ecosystem in Kerala was designated as a Ramsar site in the year 2002.
According to a study by the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, the water holding capacity and ecology of Vembanad Lake has decreased by 85% in the last 120 years due to encroachment and destruction.
Ashtamudi Lake is home to many plant and bird species, which was included in the Ramsar list in August 2002.
Presently there is a problem of waste accumulation at this site.
What are Wetlands?
Wetlands are vital not only for the ecosystems but our climate, providing essential services such as water regulation, flood control, and water purification.
Wetlands are also capable of absorbing carbon dioxide.
Wetlands are called “Kidneys of the Earth”.
What are Ramsar sites?
A Ramsar site is a wetland site specifically designated for international importance as a waterfowl habitat under the Ramsar Convention.
Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental environment treaty established in 1975 by UNESCO.
Ramsar refers to wetlands of international importance in terms of site ecology, botany, zoology or hydrology.
National Green Tribunal
It deals with cases relating to the environment protection and conservation of forest.
It was set up in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
The Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but is guided by principles of natural justice.
New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are other four places of sitting of the Tribunal.\
Chairperson : Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel
2. Unified rate approved for natural gas pipeline, new rate applicable from April 1
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
With the ambitious objective of One Nation,One Grid and One Tariff, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has decided to change the Unified Tariff which will be applicable from 1st April 2023.
An overview of the news
PNGRB has notified a levelized Unified tariff of 73.93 rupees per MBTU (Metric Million British Thermal Unit).
The rates will be implemented as per three tariff zones in the entire gas network of the country.
This decision will give a boost to the economic development of all regions of the country.
This will facilitate the government's vision for the development of gas markets and increase the utilization of gas in the country.
Three different Tariff Zones
The rate will be different for a distance of 300 km from the gas source.
The rate will be different for the distance of 300-1200 km from the gas source.
The area of more than 1200 km distance will come in the third zone.
National Gas Grid
It covers Indian Oil Corporation, ONGC, Gail India, Pipeline Infrastructure Limited, Gujarat State Petronet, Gujarat Gas Limited, Reliance Gas Pipeline, GSPL India Gasnet Limited and GSPL India Trans Limited.
3. Spouses of H-1B visa holders allowed to work in US
Tags: International News
In a major relief to foreign workers in the US technology sector, a court there has ruled that the spouses of H-1B visa holders can now work in the United States.
An overview of the news
The petition by 'Save Jobs USA' sought to quash the employment authorization cards given to the spouses of H-1B visa holders.
Save Jobs USA is an organisation of IT workers who claim they lost their jobs because of H-1B workers.
Tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Google and Microsoft opposed this petition.
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan rejected the plea.
The US has so far issued work rights to the spouses of nearly 100,000 H-1B workers, a sizable number of whom are Indians.
About H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
It is designed to allow skilled foreign workers to come to the United States and work for American companies.
This requires theoretical or technical expertise.
Other Visa Categories
L-1B - for specialised workers
L-1A - for managers and executives
E-2 - Treaty Investor visa
E-1 - Treaty Trader visa
E-3 - for Australians etc.
4. Defence Ministry signs contract for 11 next generation OPVs
Tags: Defence National News
The Defense Ministry on 30 March signed contracts with Indian shipyards worth Rs 19,600 crore for the acquisition of 11 next-generation offshore patrol vessels
(OPVs) and six next-generation missile vessels.
An overview of the news
The contract for the acquisition of 11 OPVs under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category was signed with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) of Kolkata for a total of Rs 9,781 crore.
Out of 11 next generation offshore patrol vessels, 7 vessels will be built by GSL and 4 vessels by GRSE.
These ships will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured. Delivery of the vessels will begin in September 2026.
The acquisition of these ships will enable the Indian Navy to maintain its combat capability and meet various operational requirements.
Indian Navy's anti-piracy, counter-infiltration, anti-poaching, anti-trafficking, non-combatant evacuation operations, search and rescue (SAR), security of offshore assets etc. will be strengthened.
A contract was signed with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the acquisition of six Next Generation Missile Ships (NGMVs) at a cost of Rs 9,805 crore. The deliveries of these ships will commence from March 2027.
5. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan appointed as Vice-President of UAE
Tags: Person in news International News
The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has appointed Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, his brother, as the Vice President of the country.
An overview of the news
The appointment is approved by the UAE Federal Supreme Council.
The incumbent Vice president Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will also continue in the same role.
Sheikh Mansour has been active in UAE politics since 2004, when he was appointed as Minister of Presidential Affairs.
He has overseen the Presidential Court and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, as well as presiding over several government institutions, including the Ministerial Development Council and the Emirates Investment Authority.
He is also the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and a member of the Abu Dhabi Supreme Petroleum Council.
He has served on the boards of several investment institutions, including the National Archives, the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority Board, and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
About UAE
Official Language : Arabic
Capital of UAE : Abu Dhabi
Currency : Emirati Dirham
President of UAE : Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Prime Minister: Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al Maktoum
6. Japan to provide USD 1.24 billion line of credit to Bangladesh for road, railway and port projects
Tags: Economy/Finance International News
Japan will provide an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of USD 1.24 billion to Bangladesh for infrastructure and connectivity projects and the second tranche of the 43rd Japanese Yen loan package was signed at the exchange of notes between the two countries.
An Overview of the News
The loan package includes three projects: Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Highway Improvement Project, construction of a dual gauge rail line between Joydebpur-Eshwardi section, and Matarbari Port Development Project, Phase 2.
The first tranche of loan was almost the same amount, making the total package around US$ 2.48 billion.
Japan has been the largest bilateral donor to Bangladesh since 2012, assisting various mega-infrastructure projects.
About Official Development Assistance (ODA)
It is financial aid provided by developed countries to developing countries to support economic growth and reduce poverty.
It can be given in the form of grants or loans, and is provided by governments, international organisations and non-governmental organisations.
It can be used for a variety of purposes, including building infrastructure, promoting economic development, and providing emergency relief.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) monitors and reports on ODA flows between its member countries.
ODA is important for supporting economic growth and reducing poverty in developing countries.
About Japan
Prime Minister- Fumio Kishida
Capital- Tokyo
Currency - Yen
Ambassador- Iwama Kiminori
About Bangladesh
Prime Minister- Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh currency - Bangladeshi taka
Capital- Dhaka.
7. Saudi Arabia's cabinet approves joining Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a dialogue partner
Tags: International News
On March 29, 2023, Saudi Arabia agreed to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a dialogue partner. The cabinet approved the decision in a meeting chaired by King Salman bin Abdul Aziz.
An Overview of the News
As a dialogue partner, Saudi Arabia will participate in SCO meetings and activities, but will not be a full member of the organisation. This status allows increased cooperation between Saudi Arabia and SCO members on issues such as security, economic development and cultural exchange.
The decision to join the SCO has been taken by Saudi Arabia to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil exports. The country has announced several initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth and attracting foreign investment, including its Vision 2030 plan.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has been a strong advocate of increasing Saudi Arabia's relations with other countries. During his reign, he has worked to strengthen ties with countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa, with a focus on promoting economic development and cultural exchange.
About Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
It is a regional intergovernmental organisation established in 2001.
The organisation consists of eight member states, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan.
The primary objective of the SCO is to promote regional cooperation among its members in various fields such as security, economy, culture and education.
The main objective of the SCO is to enhance regional security through joint efforts to combat terrorism, separatism, extremism, drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.
The SCO holds annual summits and meetings of heads of state, as well as regular meetings of its various working groups and committees.
8. First G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group meeting begins in Gujarat
Tags: Summits National News
The first G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group meeting was held under India's G20 chairmanship in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India from 30 March.
An Overview of the News
The meeting was inaugurated by Dr PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and Devsingh Chauhan, Minister of State for Communications.
Five priority areas have been identified for the meeting, including an early warning system for all, resilient infrastructure and reform of the national system for financing disaster risk reduction.
The meeting serves as a call to the global community to come together and work towards a stronger future against the devastation caused by disasters.
Around 100 delegates from G20 member states, invited countries and nine international organisations participated in the three-day event.
Two side programs have been planned on "Early Warning System" and "Disaster Resilient Infrastructure".
The event also provides an opportunity to the delegates to experience the cultural heritage of Gujarat.
About the G20
It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.
Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.
Member Secretary of National Disaster Management Authority - Kamal Kishore
9. Launch of 'Captive Employment' initiative under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Kaushalya Yojana
Tags: Government Schemes National News
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Union Minister for Rural Development Giriraj Singh initiates ‘Captive Employment’ initiative under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) on 28 March.
An overview of the news
19 captive employers have been included in the unique initiative.
19 captive employers signed MoU with the Ministry of Rural Development to train and place over 31,000 rural youth in subsidiary companies under the DDU-GKY scheme.
Captive employers will train rural poor youth and provide employment to the trained youth in their company or subsidiary.
10 candidates being trained under the DDU-GKY program and undergoing on-the-job training were handed over the appointment letters during the event.
Two candidates were awarded with appreciation letters for their performance during their current tenure of employment.
About Captive Employment
It aims to create a dynamic and demand-driven skilling ecosystem that caters to the needs of industry partners ensuring sustainable placements for rural poor youth.
The initiative is an initiative for the DDU-GKY scheme, which assures placement after training the candidates for at least six months with a minimum CTC of Rs 10,000.
Captive Employer
A captive employer is any employer or industry which offers employment to candidates in its own company or its subsidiaries and provides suitable in-house training facilities.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Kaushalya Yojana
DDU-GKY is a placement linked skilling program of the Ministry of Rural Development under the aegis of National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
It was launched on 25 September 2014.
It is funded by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRG), Government of India.
The scheme is currently being implemented in 27 States and 4 Union Territories with emphasis on placement for rural poor youth.
Under this, demand based skill training is provided to rural poor youth in the age group of 15 to 35 years.
The upper age limit for female candidates is 45 years.
It is mandatory that one-third of the total candidates to be trained under this scheme should be women.
The emphasis is on career progression rather than just training.
10. Central government abolishes basic customs duty on treatment of rare diseases
Tags: National News
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The central government on March 30 exempted basic customs duty on all drugs and food for special medical purposes imported for personal use for treatment of rare diseases.
An overview of the news
The import duty exemption will be applicable from April 1, 2023.
The exempted drugs and food items are listed under the National Rare Disease Policy 2021.
To avail this exemption, the individual importer has to submit a certificate from the Central or State Director Health Services or Civil Surgeon of the district.
The government has fully exempted pembrolizumab (Keytruda), used in the treatment of various cancers, from basic customs duty.
Medicines generally attract a basic customs duty of 10 per cent, while certain categories of life saving drugs/vaccines attract a concessional rate of 5 per cent or nil.
What are Rare Diseases?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a rare disease as one with a frequency of less than 6.5–10 per 10,000 people.
According to one estimate, there are 7,000 known rare diseases with an estimated 300 million patients in the world.
About 95% of these patients have no approved treatment and less than 1 in 10 patients receive disease-specific treatment.
