World Geography in Short

 World Geography in Short

Hot Wet Equatorial Climate:

• Latitude: 5^o  to 10^o north and south
• Mean temprature:  27^oc 
• Average Rainfall: 100 inches
• Vegitation: Tropical Rain Forest
• Crops: Rubber, Cocoa, Oil palm, Coconut, Sugar, Coffee Tea, Tobacco, Bananas
• Tribals: Orang Asli of Malasiya, Pygmies or Congo Basin
• Regions: Malasiya, Northern Andes, Kenya 

Tropical Mansoon and Tropical Marine Climate:

• Latitude: Not Fixed
• Mean Temprature: 25-35^oc
• Average Rainfall: Varies between 20 to 400 inches in different latitudes and also depend on topography
• Vegitation: Mostly Deciduos type Tropical Monsoon Forests
• Crop: Padi, Maize, Wheat, Millet, Gram and Beans, Sugar Cane, Jute,Cotton, Spices and Bananas
• Regions: Indian Subcontinent, Northern Australia, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia

Savanna or Sudan Climate:

• Latitude: Confined between the two tropics, between equatorial forest and hot desert
• Temperature: 21 to 32^oc High duranal Range
• Average Rainfall: 20 to 50 inches
• Vegitation: Tall Grass and Short Trees(deciduos), Thorny Scrub
• Crops: Maize, Milet, Corn, Groundnuts, Bananas and Beans, Cotton and Tobacco
• Tribals: Masai of Kenya and Tanzania, Hausa of Nigeria
• Regions: West Africa(some parts), East Africa (some parts), Some Parts of Brazil and Northern Australia

Hot Dessert:

• Latitude:15 to 30^oc N and S and Western Part of the Continents (Exception are Gobi and Turkestan Desert)
• Temperature: 30 to 50^oc
• Average Rainfall: 0 to 10 inches
• Vegitation: Grass, Scrub, Herbs, Weeds Roots or Bulbs (Xerophytic or Drough Resistant scrubs)
• Crops: Wheat, Cotton and Maize only near any river basin like Nile
• Tribals: Bushmen of Kalahari and Bindibu of Australiya
• Regions: Great Australian Desert, Arabian Desert, Mexcan Desert, Kalahari Desert, Namib Desert, Thar Desert, Iranian Desert

In Next article other Climate (Mediterranean, Temperate, Siberian, Tundra and Polar) will be covered

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

UNESCO

UNESCO is an agency of UN, with purpose of contribute peace and security by promoting international collaboration, through education, science and culture, in order to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law and human rights with fundamental freedom in UN charter.

UNESCO has 195 member countries and 8 associate members. Most of the field offices are "cluster" offices covering three or more countries; there are also national and regional offices. UNESCO pursue its objectives through five major programs: education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information. Projects sponsored by UNESCO include literacy, technical, and teacher-training programmes; international science programmes; the promotion of independent media and freedom of the press; regional and cultural history projects; the promotion of cultural diversity; translations of world literature; international cooperation agreements to secure the world cultural and natural heritage (World Heritage Sites) and to preserve human rights, and attempts to bridge the worldwide digital divide. It is also a member of the United Nations Development Group.

UNESCO World Heritage Site:

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance.
The list is maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 states parties which are elected by their General Assembly.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:

• Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
• Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
• Mahabodhi Temple complex at Bodh gaya, Bihar
• Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
• Qutub Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
• Red Fort Complex, Delhi
• Churches and Convents of Goa
• Champaner and Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujrat
• Group of Monuments at Hampi, Bellari Dist. Karnataka
• Group of Monuments at Pattadakkal, Karnataka
• Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
• Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh
• Khajuraho  group of Monuments, Madhya Pradesh
• Ajanta Caves, Maharastra
• Ellora Caves, Maharastra
• Elephanta Caves, Maharastra  
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai
• Sun Temple of Konark, Puri Dist. Odisha
• Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan 
• Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
• Great Chola Temples of Tamil Nadu: Brihadeesvara temple at Gagaikonda Cholapuram, Brihadeesvara Temple at Thanjavur, Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram
• Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
• Agra Fort, U.P.
• Fatehpur Sikri, U.P.
• Tajmahal, U.P.
• Mountain Railways of India: Darjeeling Railways of West Bengal, Nilgiri Mountain Railways of Ooty in Tamil Nadu, Kalka Shimla Railways of Himachal Pradesh
• Nanda devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, Chamoli Dist, Uttarakhand
• Sundarban National Park, West Bengal
• Western Ghat

Non-Conventional Energy Sources: Where India Stands?

Non-Conventional Energy Sources: Where India Stands?

What is Non-Conventional Sources of Energy?

Non-Conventional Sources of Energy are non-exhaustible and re cyclic in nature. for example Air, Water, Solar and various types of other, which is not the part of fossil  fuel.

India's Potential:

Geographical makeup of India is a result of long geological and physio graphical process. Due to this geographical makeup, we have all types of Non-Conventional energy sources ranging from radio active substances like Thorium and Uranium, Geo thermal sources because of the tectonic plates, wind energy because of the  peninsular location, bio gas because of the large population of cattles in the country, hydro-power electricity because of the mature rivers in deccan parts and young rivers of extra peninsular parts, tidal energy and wave energy. Highest part is of hydro power energy but there is lack of infrastructure. Same in case of Bio-gas but if infrastructure is there, the lack of awareness, that how to collect biogas and methane is persisting. Our country is lacking hard because of the rupee depreciation. So technological and infrastructural development are very poor. All types of solar energy and wind energy are with developed nation, or the export oriented economies like China. We are not in the condition to import and our research and development is very poor and we are spending around only 1% of budget in Non-Conventional energy.

National Policies for non-conventional energy:

To convert potential into reality govt of India in 2008 launched National Action Plan for Climate change, which is not only for energy but also conservation of environment. Two mission under this are National Solar Mission and National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, are the two critical missions which are working towards converting potential into reality, particularly in tropical areas like Rajsthan, Gujrat, Himalayan Belt(Southern Slope, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh). 

Govt. of India also increasing their collaboration with countries like China and USA, to increase the supply of Photo voltic cell as well as also the Concentrated Solar Technology or Solar Thermal Technology. The recent SAARC summit concluded that the SAARC countries should eliminate energy crisis as quickly as possible.

National Non-Renewable Fund provide by Ministry for Renewable Energy. This ministry is formulated in 2007 and now this ministry is providing all the project which are renewable in nature. for example Biogas plant, Investment in Himachal Pradesh which is having the largest potential for Geo thermal Energy.

National Bio Fuel Policy in which we want to encourage use of those fuels which are bio fuels, 3rd and 4th generation fuels, which are concerned with agriculture residuals as well as algae.

Euro Norms and Bharat Norms to promote utility of renewable energy, to control the pollution level and also encourage cluster bus service that uses biogases which is produced by dung and shells of ground nut. 

Chhattisgarh Food Security Act: Ahead of Union Govt.

Chhattisgarh Food Security Act: Ahead of Union Govt.

The Raman Singh Govt has enacted the Chhattisgarh Food Security Act, 2012. It is a copy of Union Govt's "National Food Security Bill", which is under negotiations. Raman Singh govt. has done some intelligent amendments into the bill to make this copy ahead of the original union govt bill.

Now let see the comparison between these two.

Provisions of Original National Food Security Bill:

• It is a comprehensive scheme which covers all related schemes like: Antodaya Anna Yojana, Mid Day Meal Scheme, ICDS Program, Swadhar Yojana, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and Janani Suraksha Yojana
• In this bill the food comprises: Wheat, Rice and Coarse Cereals. Which will be given at 7kg to per family member
• Demarcation of population is not by BPL or APL, but by Socio Economic Cast Census, which will divide population into General Category, Priority Sector and Neutral.
• Covers 75% households in rural area and 25% in urban area
• Also has provisions to convert Wasteland into Cultivable land..

Provisions under Chhattisgarh Food Security Act, 2012:

• This act divides populations under:  Antodaya households, Priority Households(BPL) and General households (APL)
• This act does not prescribe any percentage limit of beneficiaries like that in National Food Security Bill
• This act will provide 35 kg of food per month  
• Rs. 1/kg to Antodaya households, Rs.2/kg to BPL, and Rs. 15/Kg to APL
• 2kg of iodised salt will be provided free
• 2kg pulses at Rs.10/kg will be provided in Non-Schedule Areas
• 2kg Black Channa at Rs.5/kg in Scheduled Areas
• State Govt has defined Antodaya as all families of vulnerable social group like: tribal, widows or single women, terminally ill person, physically challenged, elderly headed household with no assured means of subsistence and person freed from bonded labor.
• Mandatory subsidized food grain for: Pregnant women, Lactating mothers, malnourished children, children between 6months to 14 years of age, student in hostels and ashrams
• Entitlement on household basis with family size of 4.47 in rural area and 4.79 in urban areas
• Excluded from benefits: 

1. All who pay income tax
2. Non-Schedule Areas: who own 4 hectare of irrigated land or 8 hectare of non-irrigated land
3. Urban Areas: Who have pucca house (Concrete Roof) with more than 1000 sq. ft. carpet size and pay property tax   

A very good act 1 step forward with union govt.

 

Highlights of Lancet Report

Highlights of Lancet Report

Lancet is word's best known, oldest and most respected medical journal. Lancet was founded in 1823 by Thomous Wakley, an English Surgeon, who named it after a surgical instrument Lancet , as well as after a term "Lancet Arch", a window with sharp pointed arch, to indicate the "light of wisdom" or "To let the light in".

Lancet recently launched its recent report on Global Burden of Diseases. 

lets see the highlights of this report. 

Highlights of Recent Lancet Report on Global Burden of Diseases:

• Diseases in 1990: Childhood underweight, household pollution from solid fuels, tobacco smoking include passive smoking.

• Diseases in 2010: High BP, Alcohol, Smoking, Second hand Smoking

• High BP Accounts for 7% of global DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years)

(DALY: A measure of overall disease burden expressed as a number of years lost due to ill health, disability or  early death)

• Dietary Risk Factors and Physical Inactivity collectively accounted for 10% of global DALY

• Risky Diets: Those which are Low in Fruits and High in Sodium  

• Unimproved Sanitation accounts for 0.9% of DALY

• Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa:  

         Childhood Underweight, Household Pollution, Non-Exclusive and 

         Discontinued Breastfeeding

• Diseases in South Africa: 

          Household Pollution

• Diseases in Eastern Europe and Latin America: 

          Alcohol

• Diseases in Asia, North Africa, Middle East and Central Europe :

          High BP

• Diseases in North America and Western Europe: 

          Smoking and Second hand Smoking

Strategic Significance of Maldives

Strategic Significance of Maldives

Maldives is group of islands present in Indian Ocean and officially called as Republic of Maldives.  Relationship between India and Maldives is very strong, India provides all types of assistance to Maldives, like economic, social, planning, military and health care. Now lets discuss that what is the significance of Maldives.

Geo-Strategic Significance of Maldives:

• First and the most important significance is its position in Indian Ocean. Maldives is situated at a very strategic location in Indian Ocean, from where nearly half of the world trade is done. It is situated in mid way between Strait of Malacca and Suez Canal, Which are world's busiest trade routes. Thousand of Cargoes pass through these two trade routes.
• Maldives is near to the emerging zone, Which is called "Indo Pacific Zone". These zone is going to be the most powerful zone in near future. This zone is a special focus of U.S., under its Pivot toward Asia policy.
• Maldives is on the junction from where it provides logistics supplies specially for the Navies of India, South East Asia, U.S.A. and China.
• Maldives is very much important for maritime security in Indian Ocean. Due to increasing cases of Piracy in Indian Ocean near Somalia and Strait of Malacca, position of Maldives becomes very important for establishing Naval bases for security in Indian Ocean.
• Maldives is an important component in three summits namely: Indian Ocean Rim Association Regional Cooperation, Galle Declaration between India, Srilanka and Maldives and Indian Ocean Symposium
• It is one of the important members of SAARC and SAFTA

Recent Developments between India and Maldives:

• Resignation of Mohd Nasheed, who was the president backed by India. The new regime of President Waheed is pro China. Which can be a threat of India-Maldives relationships
• Recent breach of the contract between Indian giant GMR infrastructure and Govt. of Maldives for developing Male airport.
• Military cooperation by the name of EKUVERIN 
• Galle Declaration

INDOOR POLLUTION

INDOOR POLLUTION

Due to recent report of British Medical Journal "Lancet" on Global Disease Burden, this issue becomes important for examinations

What is Indoor Pollution

Indoor Pollution refers to Physical, Chemical and Biological characteristics of air in indoor environment within a home, building or an institution or Commercial facility.

Main Pollutant Solid Fuels in India

Wood, Dung, Farm Residue and Coal

Pollution Mix

Carbon Monoxide and Suspended Particles

According to WHO Report on "Global Burden of Disease", there are 4 million deaths every year due to indoor pollution

Most Vulnerable

Women and Children who stay at home

Resultant Problems

Serious Ailments including chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease

• South East Asia and Sub Saharan Africa are most affected
• 74% Indians use these solid fuels

Solutions

• Cleaner Fuels like LPG, Kerosene and Biogas
• Thermal Efficient Stoves
• Provision of Better Ventilation
• Most Important: Empowerment of Women 

Initiatives of Government:

• National Program for Improved Chulhas launched in 1994. Under this program 15 million stoves were installed
• National Biomass Cook Stove Initiative launched in 2009 by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Under this program Research and Development  was taken up to prepare and action plan for deployment of Cook Stoves done.

But at the end of the day, much more remains to be done. Inefficient energy practices, which are but manifestations of energy poverty, are obstacles to development and progress. There is need for innovative policy approaches. More resources need to be earmarked to develop appropriate technology options on this front.

 

12th Five Year Plan for Indian Women

12th Five Year Plan for Indian Women

Status of women in India has changed significantly from equal status in Ancient time to low status in Medieval and to again reform movement in Modern India. In Modern India women has reached to many powerful offices like President of India, Prime Minister of India, Speaker of Loksabha and Leader of Opposition. But on the other side of the coin, Women in India continue to face discrimination, social challenges and often become victim of abuse and violent crimes. According to Study conducted by Thomson Reuters, India is the 4th dangerous Country in the world for Women

To address the problems of women, govt has given some more attention to women. Lets have an overview of some schemes for women in 12th Five Year Plan:

• "Dowry Prohibition Officer" and "Protection Personnel for Domestic Violence" to ensure that women-centric legislations are implemented effectively.
• Govt will encourage the Women empowerment messaging and advertisement by all types of media 
• "Dowry Prohibition Officers" will be appointed under "Dowry Prohibition Act"
• Under the "Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA)", the state govts are required to appoint "Protect Officers, Register, Service Providers and Notify Medical Facilities for Women in distress "
• State govt will be encouraged to appoint personnel as needed and provide support for establishing Counselling Facilities or Family Counselling Centres as well as Capacity building of officials and Infrastructure  to protection Officers
• Training and Capacity building  of Law enforcement agencies and Judiciary on issues concerning dowry deaths  
• One Stop Crisis Centres for providing shelter, police desk , legal, medical and counselling services and Women's Helpline will be considered.
• The provisions of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PC-PNDT) Act must be reviwed to make sex selection practices effectively punishable
• Registration/Regulation of Sonography Machines must be ensured, and it must be mandatory for all registered centres to maintain all records, charts, forms, reports and consent letter for period of two years or until permitted by concerned authority.
• Sting operations will be part of strategy to catch the doctors/clinics indulging in illegal practices of sex determination and abortion of female foetus.
•  Gender Resource Centres will be established by State Departments for Women and Child Development in disturbed areas in order to provide information and counseling for women, enable access to justice, benefit from all Central government schemes.
• Sustainable Livelihood Opportunity, Increased and Equitable Access to Land, Common Property Resources, Improved Social and Physical Infrastructure, Greater Coverage of MGNREGA and NRLM and better credit opportunities for women in disturbed areas.

Mekong Ganga Cooperation

Mekong Ganga Cooperation

Mekong Ganga Cooperation or (MGC) is a group of six nations, namely: India, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. This group was established in November 2000 at Vientiane. This group emphasizes 4 areas of cooperation, namely : Tourism, Culture, Education and Transportation.

Mekong and Ganga are the two big rivers of this region.

There is annual meeting of MGC  of Senior officials back to back with Asian Ministerial Meeting. 

There are Five Working Group of MGC with different countries having leadership:

AREA OF WORKING                                                                      LEADER

Working group on Tourism                                                                  Thailand

Working group on Education                                                                India

Working group on Culture                                                                    Cambodia

Working group on Communication & Transportation                         Laos

Working group on Plan of Action                                                         Vietnam

Although 6 annual meeting has been held till now, but the most important meeting was the 2nd  MGC Ministerial Meeting held in Hanoi in July 2001 . In this meeting the Hanoi Program of Action (HPA) was adopted, affirming groups commitment to cooperate in four areas of cooperation (tourism, culture, education and transportation). The HPA has 6 year's time frame from 2001-2007 and its progress will be reviewed every two years.

Chair of MGC changes annually, India had the chair at 5th MGC Ministerial Meeting in 2007 at Manila.

India hosted the 6th MGC Ministerial Meeting at Delhi in September 2012

Eve Teasing and Judicial Activism

Eve Teasing and Judicial Activism

In Indian Subcontinent, sexual harassment put on jacket of eulogy from very beginning. The term "SEX" connotes vulgar to the oriental people, even today. The Indian people found the term "EVE TEASING" to substitute the erotic term "SEXUAL HARASSMENT". In U.S.A., the Civil Rights Act 1964 prohibited in-discrimination in employment based on sex. But the term sexual harassment was defined in 1980 in regulation issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Though Indian Penal Code does not incorporate "EVE TEASING" or "SEXUAL HARASSMENT", it tried to address the offence in various sections. But these penal sections sometimes prove to be insufficient. So there were positive efforts to address offence against women, including sexual harassment, separately and more definitely.

In this regards Supreme Court gave some directions last month, which we can term judicial activism. Here are the directions given by Supreme Court:

• There will be a direction to state governments and Union Territories to install CCTV in strategic positions which itself would be deterrent and and if offender could be caught.
• Persons in charge of educational institutions, places of worship, cinema theaters, railway stations and bus stands have to take steps they deem fit to prevent eve-teasing within their precincts and, on complaint being made, they must pass on the information to the nearest police station, or the women's help centers
• Where either passengers or persons in charge of a public service vehicle indulge in eve-teasing, the crew shall, on complaint made by the aggrieved person, take the vehicle to nearest police station and give information to the police. Failure to do so should lead to cancellation of permit to ply.
• The State governments and UTs are directed to establish Women's Helpline in various cities and towns, so as to curb eve-teasing within three months
• Suitable boards cautioning against eve-teasing should be exhibited in the precincts of educational institutions, bus stands, railway stations, cinema theaters, parties, beaches, public service vehicles, places of worship.
• Responsibility is also on passers-by who should report such incidents to the nearest police station or the women's Helpline.
• The State Government and the UTs should take effective, measures by issuing suitable instructions to authorities including the District Collectors and Superintendent of Police on effective and proper measures to curb eve-teasing.   

A very good initiative done by Tamil Nadu, which brought an ordinance, namely, the "Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Eve-Teasing Act, 1998"

Some Facts About Chattisgarh

Some Facts About Chattisgarh

Geography

• Dandakaran Plateau is in southern part of Chattisgarh. It is surrounded by Maharastra on west, Andra on southern part and Odisha on east.
• Baita Dila and Tulsi are the two peaks which are extension of Dandakaran plateau. These two peaks are famous for Magnetite and Iron Ore
• On the northern part of Dandakran Plateau, Mahanadi rises. There are two reservoirs on Mahanadi, namely : Maramsilli and Tandula reservoirs
• Tributaries of Mahanadi; Sondur, Pairi, Seonath, Tel Hasdo, Mand, Iib, Jonk
• Ramgarh Hills is in northern part of Chattisgarh. It is extension of Chota Nagpur Plateau
• Two rivers rise from Ramgarh Hills : Rihand and Mand. Rihand is tributary of Son and Mand is of Mahanadi
• There is also a hill call Miland Hills in northern part of Chattisgarh. It is slightly above the Tropic of Cancer
• There is another hill in northern part called Deogarh Hills. Two rivers rise from here namely: Gopad and Hasdo. Gopad is tributary of Son and Hasdo is tributary of Mahanadi
• Indravati river is in southern part of Chattisgarh. There is Chitrakut fall on this river

Economy:

• Baita Dilla hills is given to Japan  on lease for exlporing Iron Ore
• This Iron Ore is exported to Japan through Vishakhapatnam port
• Chirimiri town in northern part of Chattisgarh is Famous for intensive Gondwana Coal of Mahanadi system
• Korba town is famous for Coal and Thermal power plant
• Bhilai is famous for Steel Industry which was establish with the assistance of Russia
• Dhalli Rajhara is famous for Iron Ore mines

Social:

• Abujhmariya tribe lives in Forest of Abujhmarh on Dandakran platea. Which is very backward and appraised people
• Bastar Plateu which is extension of  is affected with intensive Naxal Activities
• Dantewada District is also very much affected by intensive Naxal Activities

Conservation

• Indravati Tiger reserve is famous tiger reserve in southern Chattisgarh

Girl Child and 12th Five Year Plan

Girl Child and 12th Five Year Plan

The 12th Five Year Plan gives more attention to "Child Rights" with special focus of "Girl Child"

Here are some targets and schemes regarding Child Rights and Girl Child in 12th Five Year Plan

• High level inter-ministerial committee will be set up on 'Care and Protection of Girl Child'

• Target of making more than 80% Panchayats, Districts and Cities, Child friendly

• Target of reducing girl child under-nutrition ( Percentage of under-weight prevalence in children 0-3 years)  by 50% and bringing down Anaemia in girls and women by half

• Girl child specific district plan of action will be developed through decentralized planning process, involving Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and partnership with civil society organizations

• Rastriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Award will by given by PRI Ministry to the Panchayats for improving the Child Sex Ratio

• Child friendly policies like: Development of comprehensive children's code, harmonizing and updating different legal provisions for children, Child sensitive and child friendly jurisprudence

•  National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) will be the nodal agency to develop different models, undertake research to develop monitorable indicators of child participation and document best practices in child participation

• The models will include Baal Sabhas and Baal Panchayats complementing child friendly Panchayats

• Under the restructured "Integrated Child Development Scheme" (ICDS program) , the Anganwadi centers will be re-positioned as vibrant child friendly Centers ( Baal Vikas Kendra), owned by women community

• Restructured ICDS will include new component of Child care and Nutrition counselling for mother of children under 3 years.

• As State Child Rights Commissions have not been set up in all states, the NCPCR willl also consider setting up representative offices to cover all regions of country to ensure access to services to children and address cases of child rights violations

• Setting up of "National Task Force on Childhood Disability" and "Childhood Disability Resource Centers"

Schemes for Welfare of Overseas Indians

Schemes for Welfare of Overseas Indians

The various schemes for welfare of Overseas Indians are as follows:

• Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)
• Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY)
• Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana (PBBY)
• Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card Scheme
• Know India Programme (KIP)
• Study India Programme (SIP)
• Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC)
• Overseas Indian Youth Club (OIYC)
• Tracing the Roots
• Scheme for Legal/Financial Assistance to Indian Women Deserted/Divorced By Their NRI Husbands

Source: www.moia.gov.in

Various National Mechanisms for Cyber Security

Various National Mechanisms for Cyber Security

Due to recent summit on Telecom Regulations in Dubai, this topic becomes highly important for PT and personality test

The various mechanism are as follows:

• National Internet Exchange of India 
• Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• Compulsion over the companies to conduct cyber security audit under Companies Act 1956
• IT Act 2000
• National Cyber Security Database of India
• National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Center (NCIIPC)
• National Technical Research Organization (NTRO)
• DRDO is developing an operating system to counter all types of cyber threats from enemy countries like China and Pakistan

De-notified Tribes of India and 12th FYP

De-notified Tribes of India and 12th FYP

Over 200 communities were identified by the British as "Criminal tribes" under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871. The Act was annulled after independence and the communities identified under this legislation were referred to as de-notified, nomadic and semi nomadic tribes.

Current problems associated with De-notified tribes:

• No authentic data and no available census
• The are categorized differently in different states, like in OBC in some states or in SC/ST in some states
• Some of them are not categorized in any category
• Even if they are categorized in any category, they are not able to get benefits because of absence of cast certificates or because of quotas are exhausted by non-nomadic or non-denotified tribes

Provision in 12th Five Year Plan:

• A nationwide survey of de-notified tribes' settlements is to be conducted to form the basis for introducing a suitable shelter program for them
• Special and relevant support and facilities for them within the existing facilities for the ST/SC and OBC categories as applicable.
• Capacity building programs for skill development and marketing and loans for economic empowerment.
• Specific strategies and mechanisms to ensure flow of funds for the welfare and development of these tribes
• A proportion of current outlay for Indira Awaas Yojana should be earmarked for these communities in addition to the aid to construct dwelling units by receiving priority under the ongoing housing programmes
• Creation of a cluster development fund for assisting the de-notified tribes for construction of houses, for providing land to them and for creating infrastructure.
• Skill development initiatives of the states and the central govt need to give priority to cover the unemployed youth among these tribes.

Source: The Hindu

China's Alleged String of Pearls

China's Alleged String of Pearls

String of pearls is a concept according to which it is alleged that china is trying to put pressure on India by developing ports for Indian neighbors around Indian territorial water in Indian Ocean. Although China and other neighboring nations reject this theory.  Now lets see what are the pearls in this string:

• Gwadar port in Pakistan in Arabian sea
• Marao port in Maldives
• Hambantota in Sri Lanka ( Here India wants land from Sri Lanka for building an automobile SEZ)
• Chittagong port in Bangladesh
• Sittwe in Myanmar 

The Sri Lankan President said recently in Galle summit between India, Sri Lanka and Maldives , that "Hambantota port is not part of String of Pearls. Sri Lankan govt. had long insisted that the port development project was first offered to India and when there was no reaction, they had approached to China.

In recent time Sri Lanka increased the import duty on Indian Automobiles, it put India's dream to build automobile SEZ in Hambantota, back side. 

China has already opposed the unilateral exploration in South China sea by India. Which is done by ONGC Videsh ltd, in Vietnam.

In previous articles i have already written in details who are the parties involved in South China sea dispute.

Single Women and Govt. Policies

Single Women and Govt. Policies

Who is Single Women:

"Widow, Separated, Divorced, Unmarried Mothers, Women whose husbands are missing."

According to 2002 census there are 4 crore single women in country. 

National Forum for Single Women's Right:

It is a collective of more than 50000 women across the country that organizes struggles and lobbies with govt for rights. Currently it is chaired by Mamata Sharma

Current status of single women in country:

Current status of single women is very horrible in country, there is no proper policies and schemes for single women. There are many rituals and customs associated with women. Like "Iddat" is a customary home confinement for divorced women in Muslim community. In Adivasi pratha of Jharkhand, widows are considered as witches and they are ostracized by community to curb her from clamming her property rights.

12th Five Year Plan and Single Women:

• Separate quota for single women in Indira Awas Yojana and Rajiv Awas Yojana
• Equal wage payment in MGNREGA through special job cards
• Lower interest rates in credits
• Awareness program for their rights in their maternal and matrimonial households
• Special focus on older women: Their nutrition level and health. Awareness about the diseases like osteoporosis, breast cancer and cervical cancer.
• Waiver of the income criteria for old age pension to women above the age of 75 in rural areas and urban slums
• Vocational training for HIV affected women like training to conduct HIV awareness programs
• ICDS scheme will integrate information on nutrition support to women and children on Anti Retroviral Treatment 
• Promotion of saving facilities and secure transfer of cash for migrant women
• Placement agencies, monitoring and accountability to prevent exploitation of migrants
• Women in disturbed areas facing special issues including continuous Army presence suspended civil rights and lack of normal access to facilities/services will be provided special attention in areas like health care, schools and free legal aid.
• Children of sex workers will be mainstreamed to prevent the second generation prostitution.

 

Something about West Affrica

Something about West Affrica

Rare Geography:

• Niger river originates from Loma Mountains in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is famous for minerals like Iron, Petrol, Uranium and Bauxite.
• Kainji Reservoir is in Nigeria, Volta Reservoir is in Ghana. Volta is the tributary of Niger. Lake Volta is the world's largest man made reservoir
• Ghana has the largest cultivation of Cocoa.
• Accra, Tokorabi and Kumasi are the three places in West Africa which are known as Cocoa triangle

Polity:

• Ghana is the only country in West Africa which has the Democracy. Now a days democracy is building in Sierra Leone.
• New Presidential elections were held in Ghana, in which John Dramani Mahama became the president for second consecutive period after defeating close opponent Nana Akufo-Addo
• Mali is another country in West Africa. It is facing political crisis. Mali is virtually divided into two parts. Southern part belongs to the Army and Premier. Northern part belongs to Tuareg and Ansardine Militant group which is backed by Al-Quaeda. They are demanding a separate nation called Azavo within Mali. They are doing illegal activities  like smuggling, purchasing arms and providing war training to militants against govt of Mali. African Union and ECOWAS want special military mission in Mali by the name of Afisma

Different Committees Headed by Prime Minister

Different Committees Headed by Prime Minister

The Prime Minister of India does not only heads the government and gives orders to different ministers. He personally manages many  different committees. Here are the committees headed by th Prime minister   

• Disaster Management Committee
• National Development Council
• Planning Commission
• Department of Atomic Energy
• National Water Board
• Department of Sport
• Ganga River Basin Authority
• National Wildlife Board
• National Tiger Conservation Authority
• Cabinet Committee on Investment
• National Committee on Direct Cash Transfer

NIRMAL BHARAT ABHIYAN

NIRMAL BHARAT ABHIYAN

There is a direct relationship between water, sanitation and health. Unsafe drinking water, improper disposal of human excreta, improper environmental sanitation and lack of personal and food hygiene have been major causes of many diseases in developing countries.

Keeping this in view Govt. of India launched the Central Rural Sanitation Program (CRPS) in 1986, with the primary objective of improving the quality of life of rural people and also provide privacy and dignity to women.

The concept of sanitation was expanded to include personal hygiene, home sanitation, safe water, garbage disposal, excreta disposal and waste disposal. So the program was renamed as  "Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC)" 1999. The main focus was community driven and people centered approach. Awareness was created and incentives were given to BPL households for usage of Individual Household Latrines (IHHL). Also the assistance was provided for construction of school toilets, Anganwadi toilets and Community Sanitary Complexes.

To give boost to TSC govt. launched the Nirmal Gram Puraskar (NBP). Award were given to motivate the rural population to attain nirmal status.

With the success of NBP, the TSC was renamed "Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan". Criteria for the status of Nirmal Gram Panchayat was decided. Following are the criteria:

• Sanitation in every school, Anganwadi and Govt. building.
• Solid and Liquid waste management in every Gram Panchayat
• Functional piped water supply in every Gram Panchayat
• Capacity building of every stake holder like Panchayati Raj Institutions, Village Water and Sanitation Committees and Field Functionaries 
• Convergence with MGNREGS

Strategies to Implement:

• Community led and people centered approach
• Emphasis on awareness and demand driven approach
• Incentive approach
• Use of more technological options to include more eco friendly sanitation
• Involving many stake holders like: Panchayati Raj Inst., Co-operatives, Asha, Anganwadi Workers, Women Group, Self Help Groups, NGOs etc.
• Engagement of Corporate Houses
• More transparent system involving social audit and active people's participation.

So Rising Youth of India, it was the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan. 

Can we achieve the Nirmal Bharat??????????????????????????

Recent Report on India Ukraine Relationship

Recent Report on India Ukraine Relationship

Ukraine is erstwhile USSR nation. It has close proximity with central Asia. Russia provides maintainance technology for our defense equipments at very high cost,. Ukraine can provide the same at very low cost. Ukraine also acts as a buffer zone between Europe and Central Asia. Ukraine is very good producer of agriculture product because of steppe grasslands.It is also one of the minerals. It is one of the largest producer of iron ore. Ukraine is a part of Black Sea. Krivory Rog in Ukraine has extensive deposits of iron.

Here are some highlights of recent visit of Ukrainian President............................

Recent Ties with India:

Ukrainian President Victor Yanu Kovych visited India. 

During the Soviet times, Ukraine was home to 30% of countries military industrial complex and it is now attempting to modernize its defense industry. In this scenario, India senses it will be able to duplicate its approach towards Russia of moving away buyer seller relationship and going in for R&D joint production model, such as the pact with Moscow for 5th generation fighter aircraft(T50), military transport aircraft and Brahmos.

Ukraine is already modernizing India's 100-plus fleet of military transport aircraft and has been active in providing engines for Naval vessels and military spares.

Ukraine in turn assured India of its support in a bid to join 4 international control organs including nuclear suppliers group. 

Two sides also linked an agreement on exchanging nuclear safety related information. Ukraine operates 15 reactors of same type as the one being put up by Russia at Kudankulam.

India pressed for Visa issue, which it feels is a major non tariff barrier. It is a major reason for trade deficit. (5;1), with Ukraine agreeing to Indian investment in fertilizer sector. 

Facts Relating to European Seas

Facts Relating to European Seas

Caspian Sea: 

It is the world's largest latitudinal lake. Northern part of this lake is of fresh water and southern part is of saline water. Northern part is of fresh water because Volga river drains itself in caspian sea making a huge delta. The southern part is of saline water because it is near to tropic of cancer

Black sea:

Black sea is very important to study, because it is very important for trade between central Asia and Europe.

Azov sea is the extension of Black sea. Here is the strait known as Kerich, by the nae of Kerich peninsula in Ukraine. Black sea is also a fresh water lake because it is driven by 4 rivers: Danube, Don, Dneper, Dniester. 

Black sea goes to Mediterranean sea through strait of Dardanelles and Strait of Bosporous. Strait of Bosporous is between Black sea and Sea of Marmara. Strait of Dardanelles is between Aegean sea and Sea of Marmara. Now this Aegean sea meets the Mediterranean sea. The Sea of Marmara is also very important. It divides the Asian Turkey from European Turkey

Kiel Canal:

Kiel Canal joints the Baltic Sea and North Sea and makes the boundary between Denmark and Germany. Denmark is the part of Jutland Peninsula.

INFORMATION REGARDING THE MEDICINAL DRUGS

INFORMATION REGARDING THE MEDICINAL DRUGS

There are various types of drugs available. The first line drugs are used as initial cure and easily available. The second line drugs are used for a serious problem and available on doctor's prescription. The third line drugs are used in very serious cases and generally used in ICU

First Line Drugs:

• ETHAM BUTOL
• ISO NIAZID
• RIFAMPIC IM (FOR LYPROSY)
• PYRAZINAMIDE

Second Line Drugs:

• CIPROFLOXACIN
• LEVOFLOAXACIN
• FLORAQUOLONES

Third Line Drugs

• LINEZOLID
• RIBABUTIN

Now i will tell you the two important facts which are very much important for PT exam

• Resistance for First Line Drugs is known as "MDRTB"
• Resistance for Secone Line Drugs is known as "XDRTB"

Rare Facts About South China Sea

Rare Facts About South China Sea

Everybody is talking about South China Sea issue, but very few people know about the real parties involved in the dispute of South China Sea. Actually there are 6 countries and 5 islands are involved in the dispute of south china sea:

Countries: 

• China
• Taiwan
• Philippines
• Brunei
• Malaysia
• Vietnam

Islands

• Paracel Islands
• Spartly Islands
• Hainan Islands
• Woody Islands
• Comson Islands
• Paratas Islands

Secrete of Yellow Sea

Yellow sea which is shared by China, South Korea and North Korea. As the name suggests, it is really yellow in colour. The reason behind this yellow colour is Huang-Ho river, also known as yellow river. There is Tarim Basin, a desert part of west China.When wind flows toward east towards pacific ocean, it picks up certain sand particle, which they land near the Huang-Ho river Basin. The colour of sand is yellow. The river than drains it self into yellow sea, ultimately colouring the yellow sea.

There is another river by the name "Yalu Jiang", which makes a natural boundary between China and North Korea.