PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU GIST – last week October 2018
Launch of “Main Nahin Hum”
“Main Nahin Hum” Portal and mobile application was launched on 24th October, 2018 via video-conference by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The portal, works on the theme ‘Self4Society’, will enable IT professionals and organisations to bring together their efforts towards social causes on one platform.
It is expected that it will help & work towards the service of the weaker section of society by using the benefits of technology. Plus it is expected wider participation of intrested people who are motivated to work for the benefit of society.
3rd Decadal International year of Reefs-2018
STAPCOR – 2018 (International Conference on Status and Protection of Coral Reefs) was inaugrated by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan on 22nd October at Bangaram coral Island of Union Territory of Lakshadweep. Theme of STAPCOR-2018 is “Reef for Life”.
Around 150 National & International delegates participated in this mega event. Delegates & speakers have come from United State of America, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Kuwait, Maldives and Sri lanka.
The Department of Environment and Forest, Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration organised this mega conference with the technical support of Zoological Survey of India(ZSI) and in association with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, IUCN, ENVIS.
The year 2018 is declared as 3rd decadal International year of Reefs.
What are Coral Reefs
Coral reefs act as buffer that protects the coasts from storms, waves & floods. Coral reefs are like rainforests of the sea. It Supports more than 33% of marine fish species. Coral reefs provides medicines, chemicals & other important resources.
Importance of Coral Reefs
It is the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. They:
- It provide habitats and shelter for many marine organisms.
- Coral reefs protect coastlines from the damaging effects of wave action and tropical storms.
- Coral reefs help with nutrient recycling.
- It assist in carbon and nitrogen fixing.
- are the source of nitrogen and other essential nutrients for marine food chains.
52nd Youth Parliament Competition, 2017-18
Prize Distribution Function of the 52nd Youth Parliament Competition, 2017-18 for schools under Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi and New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), organized by Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs,was held on 23rd OCtober 2018.
What is Youth Parliament Scheme ?
The Youth Parliament Scheme aims at familiarizing the students with:
- the practice and procedures of Parliament,
- techniques of discussion and debate;
- develop leadership qualities,
- spirit of self-discipline and tolerance of diverse opinions and
- healthy competition in them
All of which are the hallmark of a democracy.
Prof.Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog distributed prizes to schools and students for their meritorious performance in the competition, which was held during the academic year.
This competition was first organized in 1966,by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in 16 schools of the Delhi Administration.
It now covers 1200 schools in National Capital territory (NCT) Delhi, An equal number of KendriyaVidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and 300 Universities/Colleges throughout the country.
PM awarded the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize
Seoul Peace Prize Committee conferred the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in recognition of his dedication to improving international cooperation, raising global economic growth, accelerating the Human Development of the people of India by fostering economic growth in the world’s fastest growing large economy and furthering the development of democracy through anti-corruption and social integration efforts.
Seoul Peace Prize
The Seoul Peace Prize was established in 1990 to commemorate the success of the 24th Olympic Games held in Seoul, Republic of Korea – an event in which 160 nations from across the world took part, creating harmony and friendship and a worldwide atmosphere of peace and reconciliation.
Seoul Peace Prize has been awarded biennially(every two years) to those individuals who have made their mark through contributions to the harmony of mankind, reconciliation between nations and to world peace.
Cabinet approves signing and ratification of Extradition Treaty between India and Malawi
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing and ratification of the Extradition Treaty between India and Malawi.
The Treaty would provide a legal framework for seeking extradition of terrorists, economic offenders and other criminals from and to Malawi.
MoU between ICAI & CPA Afghanistan
Cabinet approves MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and Certified Professional Accountants Afghanistan (CPA Afghanistan)
Targets:
- Students and members exchange programs in the form of study tours
- Providing updates on the development of the accountancy profession in India
- Strengthening the quality assurance setup in Afghanistan with knowledge transfer
ICAI
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament of India, ‘The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949‘, to regulate the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India.
CPA
CPA Afghanistan is an independent regulator of accountancy profession in Afghanistan, which operates under the supervision of Ministry of Finance, Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) among BRICS Nations (Environment)
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed among the BRICS Nations on Environmental Cooperation. The MoU was signed during the 10th BRICS Summit in July, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The MoU identifies the following stress of cooperation:
- a) Air quality;
- b) Water;
- c) Waste Management;
- d) Biodiversity;
- e) Climate Change;
- f) Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals; and
- g) Other areas of cooperation as mutually agreed upon by the Participants.
It will enable establishment and promotion of closer and long-term, cooperation between the BRICS countries in the field of environment protection and management of natural resources.
BIOFACH INDIA
It is the world’s largest event on organic industry.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Indo-German of Commerce organized it in New Delhi on October 25, 2018.
It was the tenth edition of BIOFACH INDIA.
It is most focused event for organic products and largest event in India related to Organic Products.
Providing the perfect business platform to organic stakeholders, exporters/importers, government boards, retailers,state pavilions, certification bodies, consultants and associations from India and around the world to gather here for networking.
This type of Highest in quality of exhibitors & visitors is what sets the fair apart from any other fair in the Indian market.
BIOFACH INDIA is like a meeting place for whoever connected to organic meet aanually to share their passionate interest for organic product and educate themselves on the latest developments in this sector.
About Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
APEDA WAS ESTABLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL AND PROCESSED FOOD PRODUCTS EXPORT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT PASSED BY THE PARLIAMENT IN DECEMBER, 1985.
A connected News:
Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi inaugurated Women of India National Organic Festival in New Delhi. The event is aimed to boost organic culture and promote Women Organic Farmers and Entrepreneurs.
India and Bangladesh Sign Agreements
India and Bangladesh Sign Agreements for Enhancing Inland and Coastal Waterways Connectivity.
In addition to this, an addendum to ‘Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade’ (PIWTT) between India and Bangladesh has been signed for inclusion of Dhubriin India and Pangaonin Bangladesh as new Ports of Call.
These agreements will facilitate easier movement of goods and passengers between the two countries, giving an impetus to trade and tourism.
Experiencing North East
–> The 5-days extravaganza ‘Experiencing North East’ festival started from 27th October 2018.
–> It will depict the uniqueness of North Eastern culture which is being organised at India International Centre (IIC).
–> Organised by North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) in collaboration with India International Centre.
–> This Cultural extravaganza is aimed aims at showcasing the diverse culture and heritage of North East all under one roof.
–> The event which is a part of ‘Destination North East’ series aims at showcasing the diverse culture and heritage of North East all under one roof.
Japan joined International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Japan was latest to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA). As of now 70 countries that have signed the ISA Framework Agreement (ISA FA) and 47 countries that have ratified it. Japan will be the 71st country to sign and 48th country to ratify the ISA FA.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an alliance of more than 121 member countries initiated by India.
Most of these countries are sunshine countries, which lie either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. As of 2018, 70 countries have signed ISA Framework Agreement (ISA FA) and 47 countries that have ratified it.
ISA was Founded at Paris, France
Headquarters is at Gwal Pahari, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
The initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the India Africa Summit, and a meeting of member countries ahead of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in November 2015.
Prelims Tidbits
Ministry of Women and Child Development has organized the 5th edition of the Women of India Organic Festival from October 26th to November 4th, 2018. It is country’s largest organic festival.
“Harit Diwali-Swasth Diwali” campaign launched by Ministry of Environment today. “Harit Diwali-Swasth Diwali” campaign is now merged with “Green Good Deed” movement that has been initiated as a social mobilization for conservation and protection of environment.
The Ministry encourages all schools and colleges to be part of this campaign.
Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu released the Book ‘Yoga and Mindfulness’ authored by Yoga exponent, Ms. Mansi Gulati.
UN had declared June 21 as International Yoga Day in the year 2015 for the first time.