Daily News Analysis 16th November 2018

Daily News Analysis (Prelims + Mains) – 16th November 2018

Topic for Prelims

Context: Centre not keen on changing West Bengal name to Bangla

What to study for prelims?

1)       Article 3 of Indian Constitution

2)       Which ministry will give nod to altering the state name?

Solution:

1) Article 3: Formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing States

Parliament may by law –

• form a new State by separation of territory from any State or by uniting two or more States or parts of States or by uniting any territory to a part of any State;

  (b) increase the area of any State;

  (c) diminish the area of any State;

  (d) alter the boundaries of any State;

  (e) alter the name of any State:

  Provided that no Bill for the purpose shall be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of the President and unless, where the proposal contained in the Bill affects the area, boundaries or name of any of the States, the Bill has been referred by the President to the Legislature of that State for expressing its views thereon within such period as may be specified in the reference or within such further period as the President may allow and the period so specified or allowed has expired.

2) The Home Ministry will give nod to altering the states name.

Network for Development of Agricultural Cooperatives in Asia and the Pacific

Inaugural session of the General Assembly of Network for Development of Agricultural Cooperatives in Asia and the Pacific(NEDAC) held in New Delhi.

The general assembly of 22 prominent cooperative organizations from eight countries unanimously decided to focus on C2C (Cooperatives to Cooperative Trade)  and capacity development to meet challenges of climate change as transformative cooperatives.

Also parallel thematic sessions on ‘Cooperatives to Cooperative Trade’ and ‘Capacity Development partnerships in NEDAC’ are held. The ultimate aim is to bring about an increase in farmers income and raise their economic standard by bringing cooperative trade in the mainstream and enhance cooperative professionalism.

About NEDAC

• It was set up in 1991 by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
• It is unique organization encompassing mix of Government and non Government organizations created by FAO for synergizing policies and programmes of government and cooperative institutions at country level.
• It sensitises Governments in the region on the role of agricultural cooperatives in promoting agricultural and rural development to ensure rural food and livelihood security for millions of people in Asia and Pacific.

World Standards Day 2018

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) organised a seminar on “International Standards and the Fourth Industrial Revolution” in New Delhi to celebrate the World Standards Day 2018.

On this ocassion, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution released Pre Standardisation Study Report on Smart Manufacturing and launched the revamped website of BIS.

The technical sessions and panel discussions were enriching for the audiences as eminent speakers not only shared their valuable thoughts during the sessions but also answered queries.

Abut World Standards Day

• It is celebrated on 14 October as an international day of observance recognized world over since 1970.
• Annual event is celebrated across the globe jointly with the International Electro-technical (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
• It is a means of paying tribute to the collaborative efforts of the thousands of experts worldwide who develop the voluntary technical agreements that are published as international standards.
• Theme of this year “International Standards and Industrial Revolution 4.0”. It was decided by ISO each year on bases of current aspects of standardization.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Two important projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India were inaugurated at PTSO Lake in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.

These projects are Development of North East Circuits: Bhalukpong- Bomdila – Tawang Project & Nafra- Seppa- Pappu, Pasa, Pakke Valleys- Sangdupota- New Sagalee- Ziro- Yomcha Project.

About Swadesh Darshan scheme

• It is one of the flagship schemes of the Ministry of tourism for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritised manner.
• Under this scheme the Government is focussing on development of quality infrastructure in the country with objective of providing better experience and facilities to the visitors on one hand and on other hand fostering the economic growth.
• The scheme was launched in 2014 -15 and as on date the Ministry has sanctioned 73 projects worth projects for Rs. 5873.99 Crore to 30 States and UTs.
• There are total 15 theme based circuits such as Buddhist, Coastal, Desert, Eco, Heritage, Himalayan, Krishna, North East, Ramayana, Rural, Spiritual, Sufi, Tirthankar, Tribal and Wildlife.

Aadi Mahotsav

“Aadi Mahotsav” is National Tribal Festival organized in New Delhi by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED to celebrate, cherish and promote the spirit of tribal craft, culture, cuisine and commerce.

The Mahotsav will comprise of display and sale of items of tribal art and craft, tribal medicine & healers, tribal cuisine and display of tribal folk performance, in which tribal artisans, chefs, folk dancers/musicians from 23 States of the country shall participate and provide glimpse of their rich traditional culture.

Theme of the festival is A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture, Craft, Cuisine and Commerce.

South Asian Regional Conference on Urban Infrastructure

NITI Aayog organizes South Asian Regional Conference on Urban Infrastructure in New Delhi.

NITI Aayog partnered with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to host the conference.

The South Asian regional conference is a first of its kind, with participation from across the South Asian region including leaders from the government, industry, research organizations, academia, think tanks and civil society.

Conference aims to review overall issues and assess the sustainability of PPPs and urban finance in South Asia, specifically India, while broadening the knowledge base and engaging on international best practices. Components of the Conference include keynote and breakout sessions, panel discussions, presentation and a variety of stakeholder consultations.