UNITED NATION CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION (UNCCD)

About UNCCD:-


  • The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994. 
  • The UNCCD was adopted in June 1994. During the time it was open for signature, from October 1994 to October 1995, it received 115 signatures.
  • The Convention entered into force in December 1996.
  • India became a signatory to UNCCD on 14th October 1994 and ratified it on 17th December 1996. 
  • The UNCCD currently has 196 Parties.
  • The UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.
  • The Convention addresses specifically the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as the drylands, where some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and peoples can be found.
  • The first edition of UNCCD's GLO was published in September, 2017.


Priority for Africa


 In implementing this Convention, the Parties shall give priority to affected African country Parties, in the light of the particular situation prevailing in that region, while not neglecting affected developing country Parties in other regions.


Objective of the UNCCD


  • The objective of this Convention is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, in the framework of an integrated approach which is consistent with Agenda 21, with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas.
  • Achieving this objective will involve long-term integrated strategies that focus simultaneously, in affected areas, on improved productivity of land, and the rehabilitation, conservation and sustainable management of land and water resources, leading to improved living conditions, in particular at the community level.


General Obligations of the Parties of the Convention




1. The Parties shall implement their obligations under this Convention, individually or jointly, either through existing or prospective bilateral and multilateral arrangements or a combination thereof, as appropriate, emphasizing the need to coordinate efforts and develop a coherent long-term strategy at all levels.



2. In pursuing the objective of this Convention, the Parties shall:


(a) adopt an integrated approach addressing the physical, biological and socio-economic aspects of the processes of desertification and drought;

(b) give due attention, within the relevant international and regional bodies, to the situation of affected developing country Parties with regard to international trade, marketing arrangements and debt with a view to establishing an enabling international economic environment conducive to the promotion of sustainable development;

(c) integrate strategies for poverty eradication into efforts to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought;

(d) promote cooperation among affected country Parties in the fields of environmental protection and the conservation of land and water resources, as they relate to desertification and drought;

(e) strengthen subregional, regional and international cooperation;

(f) cooperate within relevant intergovernmental organizations;

(g) determine institutional mechanisms, if appropriate, keeping in mind the need to avoid duplication; and

(h) promote the use of existing bilateral and multilateral financial mechanisms and arrangements that mobilize and channel substantial financial resources to affected developing country Parties in combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought.

3. Affected developing country Parties are eligible for assistance in the implementation of the Convention.

Obligations of the affected country Parties (Other than General Obligations)


(a) give due priority to combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought, and allocate adequate resources in accordance with their circumstances and capabilities;

(b) establish strategies and priorities, within the framework of sustainable development plans and/or policies, to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought;

(c) address the underlying causes of desertification and pay special attention to the socioeconomic factors contributing to desertification processes;

(d) promote awareness and facilitate the participation of local populations, particularly women and youth, with the support of nongovernmental organizations, in efforts to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought; and

(e) provide an enabling environment by strengthening, as appropriate, relevant existing legislation and, where they do not exist, enacting new laws and establishing long-term policies and action programmes.

Obligations of the Developed Country Parties (Other than General Obligations)


 (a) actively support, as agreed, individually or jointly, the efforts of affected developing country Parties, particularly those in Africa, and the least developed countries, to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought;

 (b) provide substantial financial resources and other forms of support to assist affected developing country Parties, particularly those in Africa, effectively to develop and implement their own long-term plans and strategies to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought;

 (c) promote the mobilization of new and additional funding.

 (d) encourage the mobilization of funding from the private sector and other non-governmental sources; and

 (e) promote and facilitate access by affected country Parties, particularly affected developing country Parties, to appropriate technology, knowledge and know-how.

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Global Land Outlook (GLO) Report




  • The GLO Report is Published by UNCCD.
  • The first edition of the UNCCD’s Global Land Outlook (GLO) was published on 12 September, 2017 in Ordos, China during the UNCCD's 13th meeting of the Conference of the Parties.
  • The GLO is a strategic communications platform and publication that demonstrates the central importance of land quality to human well-being, assesses current trends in land conversion, degradation and loss, identifies the driving factors and analyzes the impacts, provides scenarios for future challenges and opportunities, and presents a new and transformative vision for land management policy, planning and practice at global and national scales.

The GLO addresses the future challenges and opportunities for the management and restoration of land resources in the context of sustainable development, including:


  • food, water and energy security;
  • climate change and biodiversity conservation;
  • urban, peri-urban and infrastructure development;
  • land tenure, governance and gender; and
  • migration, conflict and human security.



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Van Mahotsav, 2017

  • This year the celebration of Van Mahotsav was started at Ram Lila Park, Delhi  on July 5 by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It was a month-long drive to plant saplings. 
  • Addressing the gathering the Minister said that “The condition of our forests, rivers, air and land is a matter of serious concern for us.  The reason for this is the modern lifestyle adopted by us.  “Plants are another form of God, they give us free oxygen and absorb carbon-dioxide”. 
  • He reminded the Prime Minister’s  emphasis on ‘Van Dhan’ for enhancement of the country’s forest-based economy, while improving the biodiversity and living in harmony with nature has been a part of our culture for thousands of years.
  • The Minister highlighted the importance of Van Mahotsav in achieving India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDCs) of creating additional Carbon Sink of 2.5 to 3 Billion Tonnes of CO2, equivalent to additional forest and tree cover by 2030. 
  • He also said that the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was established at the initiative of Shri Narendra Modi and with the cooperation of France, ISA’s office was established in Gurugram and funds have been made available.
 

About Van Mahotsav

  • Van Mahotsav, is a week long festival of tree planting is organised every year in the month of July all across India and lakhs of trees are planted.
  • Van Mahotsav was launched in the year 1950 by Shri Kanhaiyalal. M. Munshi, the then Union Minister for Agriculture and Food to create an enthusiasm in the popular mind for the preservation of forest and planting of trees, as "trees mean water, water means bread and bread is life" and also for creating tree consciousness among the people.
What is the Importance of Van Mahotsava?

  The planting of trees during Van Mahotsava serve for the following purposes;

 1.   To provide fuel and thus release cow dung for use as manure.

  2.  To increase production of fruits and add to the potential food resources of the country.

  3.  To help creation of shelter belts around agricultural fields to increase their productivity.

  4.  To provide fodder leaves for cattle to relieve intensity of grazing over reserved forests.

  5.    To provide shade and ornamental trees for the landscape.

   6.   To provide small poles and timber for agricultural implements, house construction and fencing.

  7.  To help conservation of soil and further deterioration of soil fertility.

  8.   To inculcate tree consciousness and love of trees amongst the people; and

 9.  To popularize the planting and tending of trees in farms, villages, municipal and public lands for their aesthetic, economic and protective needs.



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International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)






About International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)


  • IAEA is an agency within the United Nations as the international centre for cooperation in the nuclear field.
  • IAEA is also known as the world’s “Atoms for Peace” organization.
  • The Headquarter of IAEA is situated in Vienna, Austria.
  • The IAEA was created in 1957 in response to the deep fears and expectations generated by the discoveries and diverse uses of nuclear technology. The Agency’s genesis was U.S.
  • President Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” address to the General Assembly of the United Nations on 8th  December 1953.
  • The Agency works to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
  • Sterling Cole was the first Director General of IAEA from 1957 to 1961. The Present Director General of IAEA is Dr. Yukiya Amano who has been appointed for the third consecutive term. He is in the office since 2009 as the Director General of IAEA. 

Objective of IAEA


Article-II of the Statute of IAEA states that agency shall seek to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world. It shall ensure, so far as it is able, that assistance provided by it or at its request or under its supervision or control is not used in such a way as to further any military purpose.

Some Major Functions of IAEA
Article-III of the Statute of IAEA deals with the functions of the agency. Some of the major functions are as follows;

 1. To encourage and assist research on, and development and practical application of, atomic energy for peaceful uses throughout the world.

2. To foster the exchange of Scientific and technical information on peaceful uses of atomic energy.

3. To encourage the exchange and training of scientists and experts in the field of peaceful uses of atomic energy.

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National Museum of Natural History (NMNH)

National Museum of Natural History (NMNH)

·       NMNH was established on 5th June 1978 and  headquarter is located at New Delhi.

·       It is a national museum established for depicting natural history of  flora, fauna and mineral wealth of India to provide an facility for education of children and to promote environmental awareness among the masses.

·       The branches of NMNH are spread all over the country from south to north and east to west.


The objectives of the National Museum of Natural History are:


·       To develop the NMNH in the country's Capital to achieve the highest level of quality to promote environmental education on a national level.

·       To undertake research (musicological and collection based) consonant with the scope and resources of the museum.

·       To extend professional help to other agencies/organizations regarding natural history collections / museums.

·       To develop national and international cooperation/collaboration with other organizations/professional bodies/museums related to natural history/EE.

·       To develop museum-based educational projects at the level so as to help school curriculum on environmental education (EE).

·       To develop EE resource materials (such as audio-visual aids, low-cost teaching aids, school loan kits, etc.) to promote environmental education (EE).

·       To develop Regional offices (regional museum of natural history) in various regions of the country in order to extend its activities at the regional/local levels.


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Paika Rebellion of 1817


Paika Rebellion of Odisha 


Paika Rebellion or Paika Bidroha took place in Odisha in the year 1817.Some historian considered this rebellion as the First War of Indian Independence against the British Raj. Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 or The Revolt of 1857  often regarded as First War of Indian Independence.


Who were the Paikas?


Paikas were the peasant militias of the Gajapati rulers of Odisha who rendered military service to the king during times of war while taking up cultivation during times of peace.
                                                                                        

Who was the leader of the Paikas Bidroha?


 Baxi Jagandhu Bidyadhara the hereditary chief of the militia army of the Gajapati King, was the main leader of the revolt under whom Paikas revolted against the British.

                                          

What were the causes of the Paikas Rebellion?


The main cause was occupation of Odisha by British in 1803 overthrowing the Khurda Rulers/ Gajapati Rulers. Gajapati Rulers were traditionally custodians of Jagannath Temple and ruled as the Deputy of Lord Jagannath on earth. The common people of odisha considered these rulers as the symbol of cultural and political freedom.

While occupying Odisha, the British forces faced stiff opposition from Jai Rajguru, the custodian of the Gajapati King of Odisha Mukunda Deva-II who was a minor at that time . Jai Rajguru was brutally murdered by the British forces. A few years later, in March, 1817 under Baxi Jagabandhu, Paikas taking support of tribals and other sections of society revolted against the British.


What was the result of the Paikas Rebellion?


The Paikas attacked British symbols of power torched the police stations, administrative offices and the treasury in Khurda, from where the British fled. The British were initially taken aback and faced stiff resistance from the rebelling Paikas. The British finally managed to defeat them within three months.  Many rebels brutally suppressed, many killed and imprisoned. Baxi Jagabandhu was finally arrested in 1825 and died in captivity in 1829 and finally the rebellion came to an end.

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ART AND CULTURE OF THE MAURYAN PERIOD


Mauryan Culture and Religious Traditions

  • The Chandragupta Maurya overthrowing Ghananand of Nanda Dynasty in 322 BC (4th Century BC) established a new empire “The Mauryan Empire” one of the largest empire in the world and largest of ancient India.
  • Ashoka emerged as the most powerful king of the Mauryan dynasty and Mauryan Empire now controlled large part of India (except parts of Karnatka, Kerala and Tamilnadu). Ashoka had patronised the Shraman Tradition in  3rd century BC.
  • Buddhism and Jainism were part of the Shraman tradition. Shraman means "seeker” one who performs acts of austerity, ascetic". The Shraman tradition also includes others such as the Ajivikas, Ajnanas and Charvakas.
  • In Mauryan period multiple forms of worship was prevalent. Yakshas and Mother Goddesses were worshipped.
  • Yaksha worship was very popular before and after the advent of Buddhism and it was assimilated in Buddhism and Jainism.
  • Large statues of Yakshas and Yakhinis mostly in the standing position are found at Patna, Vidisha and Mathura. One of the distinguishing elements in all these images is their polished surface.



Stupas and Viharas Sculptures of the Mauryan Period


Construction of Stupas and Viharas became a part of the Buddhist tradition. Stupa, Vihara and Chaitya is part of   Buddhist and Jaina monastic complexes but the largest number belongs to the Buddhist religion.

Stupas- Stupas are the structures which were constructed over the relics of the Buddha.

Chaitya- It is an Assembly Hall or Prayer Hall of the Buddhist. 

Vihara - It was the resting/dwelling place for the Buddhist Monks i.e. a Buddhist Monastery.


  • Stupa structures were found at Rajagraha, Vaishali, Kapilavastu, Allakappa, Ramagrama, Vethadipa, Pava, Kushinagar and Pippalvina. Outside the Gangetic Valley, stupas are also found at Avanti and Gandhara.
  • The great Sanchi Stupa was built with bricks during the time of Ashoka and later it was covered with stone and many new additions were made. In the subsequent century, stupas were elaborately built with certain additions like the enclosing of the circumambulatory path with railings and sculptural decoration. There were numerous stupas constructed earlier but expansions or new additions were made in the second century BCE.
  • One of the best examples of the structure of a stupa in the third century BC is at Bijak-ki-Pahadi, Bairat in Rajasthan. It is a very grand stupa having a circular mound with a circumambulatory path.  It was built by Ashoka.
  • The stupa consists of a cylindrical drum and a circular anda with a harmika and chhatra on the top which remain consistent throughout with minor variations and changes in shape and size. Apart from the circumambulatory path, gateways were added. Thus, with the elaborations in stupa architecture, there was ample space for the architects and sculptors to plan elaborations and to carve out images.

Pillars and Rock-cut Architecture during the Mauryan Period 

  • In Mauryan period, stone pillars, rock-cut caves and monumental figure sculptures were also carved at several places.
  • Stone pillars were erected all over the Mauryan Empire with inscriptions engraved on them. The top portion of the pillar was carved with capital figures like the bull, the lion, the elephant, etc.
  •  All the capital figures are vigorous and carved standing on a square or circular abacus. Abacuses are decorated with stylised lotuses.
  •  Pillars with capital figures were found at Basarah-Bakhira, Lauriya-Nandangarh, Rampurva, Sankisa and Sarnath.
  • The Mauryan pillar capital found at Sarnath popularly known as the Lion Capital is the finest example of Mauryan sculptural tradition. It is also our national emblem.
  •  This pillar capital built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in commemoration of the historical event the first sermon by the Buddha at Sarnath i.e.  Dhammachakrapravartana which is symbol of great historical event in the life of the Buddha.
  • The rock-cut cave carved at Barabar hills near Gaya in Bihar is known as the Lomus Rishi cave. The cave was patronised by Ashoka for the Ajivika sect.
  • Depiction of a monumental rock-cut elephant atDhauli in Orissa shows modelling in round with linear rhythm. It also has Ashokan rock-edict.


Themes Depicted on the Monuments/Sculpture

  • During the early phase of Buddhism, Buddha is depicted symbolically through footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra, etc. This indicates either simple worship, or paying respect, or at times depicts historisation of life events.
  • In later phase, events from the life of the Buddha, the Jataka stories, were depicted on the railings and torans of the stupas in the pictorial tradition.
  • The main events associated with the Buddha’s life which were frequently depicted were events related to the birth, renunciation, enlightenment, Dhammachakrapravartana, and mahaparinibbana (death).
  • Among the Jataka stories that are frequently depicted are Chhadanta Jataka, Vidurpundita Jataka, Ruru Jataka, Sibi Jataka, Vessantara Jataka and Shama Jataka.


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SCHEDULE-1


Subject
English
हिंदी
History
Where did Gautam Buddha give his first sermon?

- Sarnath;

Gautam Buddha also known as Siddhartha Gautam, after getting enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Bihar gave his first sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi, UP.
गौतम बुद्ध ने अपना पहला धर्मोपदेश कहाँ दिया?

- सारनाथ;

गौतम बुद्ध जो सिद्धार्थ गौतम के नाम से भी जाने जाते हैं, ने भी बोधगया,  बिहार में ज्ञान प्राप्त  के बाद, उत्तर प्रदेश  के वाराणसी के निकट, सारनाथ में अपना पहला धर्मोपदेश दिया।
Geography
The only active Volcano in India is located in the Barren Island, where is Barren Island?

- Andaman and Nicobar Island/ Andaman Sea
भारत में एकमात्र सक्रिय ज्वालामुखी बैरेन आईलैंड में स्थित है, बैरेन आइलैंड कहाँ स्थित है?

- अंडमान और निकोबार द्वीप में / अंडमान सागर में.
Environment
When the first phase of Kyoto Protocol was became effective?

- Feb, 2005.

Kyoto Protocol is related to Green House Gases emission control. This protocol was adopted in Dec, 1997 but became effective only from Feb, 2005.
क्योटो प्रोटोकॉल का पहला चरण कब प्रभावी हुआ था?

- फरवरी, 2005
 क्योटो प्रोटोकॉल ग्रीन हाउस गैसों के उत्सर्जन नियंत्रण से संबंधित है। यह प्रोटोकॉल दिसंबर 1997 में अपनाया गया लेकिन केवल फरवरी, 2005 से प्रभावी हुआ था।
Politics
Money Bill cannot be introduced in the Loksabha without prior approval/ recommendation of;

-The President of India;

Money Bill/Finance Bill can be introduced only in the Loksabha with prior approval / recommendation of the President. Whether a bill is a money bill or not is decided by the Loksabha speaker only.
लोकसभा में धन विधेयक किसके पूर्वानुमति के बिना पेश नहीं किया जा सकता है?

- भारत के राष्ट्रपति;
धनविधेयक/ वित्त विधेयकको राष्ट्रपति के पूर्वानुमति के बाद ही केवल लोकसभा में पेश किया जा सकता है. कोई विधेयक धन विधेयक है या नहीं, लोकसभा के स्पीकर के द्वारा ही निर्णय किया  जाता है.
Economics
Who issues “World Development Report”?

- The World Bank
"विश्व विकास रिपोर्ट" कौन जारी करता है?

- विश्व बैंक
Current Affairs
Name the new initiative of Ministry of Environment and Forest & Climate change started on 5th sep, 2017.

- Prakriti Khoj
पर्यावरण और वन एवं जलवायु परिवर्तन मंत्रालय की नई पहल  जो 5 सितंबर, 2017 को शुरू हुआ का नाम क्या है?
 - प्रकृति खोज
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