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  • How long is a year on other planets?

    For us, 365 days make up a year because Earth takes as many days to complete one orbit of the Sun. But have you ever wondered how many days make up a year on other planets?

    What determines the length of a year?

    • The length of a year on any planet depends on where the planet is orbiting.
    • Planets that are closer to the Sun than Earth will have fewer days in a year, while those rotating farther away will take many more days to make up a year.
    • This is because of two reasons – planets that are closer to the Sun will take a shorter time to orbit it than those farther away, and the closer a planet orbits the Sun, the Sun’s gravity can pull on the planet, making the planet orbit faster.

    Why should we care?

    • To send a spacecraft to another planet, we need to know where the planet is in orbit.
    • This will help us plan and manoeuvre the spacecraft accordingly.

    How long each planet takes to orbit the Sun (in Earth days):

    • Mercury: 88 days
    • Venus: 225 days
    • Earth: 365 days
    • Mars: 687 days
    • Jupiter: 4,333 days
    • Saturn: 10,759 days
    • Uranus: 30,687 days
    • Neptune: 60,190 days

    It’s a mean task to consider this PYQ from 2013, Huh!

    Q.Which planet was downgraded to dwarf planet status?

    (a) Pluto

    (b) Mars

    (c) Earth

    (d) Venus

  • Dandi March to mark 75 years of Independence

    PM will flag off a commemorative ‘Dandi March’ on March 12 to launch the celebrations of the 75th year of Independence.

    Dandi March

    • The Dandi March was an act of nonviolent civil disobedience in colonial India led by Mahatma Gandhi.
    • The twenty-four day march lasted from 12 March 1930 to 5 April 1930 as a direct action campaign of tax resistance and nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly.
    • Another reason for this march was that the Civil Disobedience Movement needed a strong inauguration that would inspire more people to follow Gandhi’s example.
    • Growing numbers joined them along the way.
    • When Gandhi broke the British Raj salt laws at 6:30 am on 6 April 1930, it sparked large scale acts of civil disobedience against the salt laws by millions of Indians.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q. Who of the following organized a March on the Tanjore coast to break the Salt Law in April 1930?

    (a) V. O. Chidambaram Pillai

    (b) C. Rajagopalachari

    (c) K. Kamaraj

    (d) Annie Besant

    Followed by Dharasana Satyagraha

    • After making the salt at Dandi, Gandhi continued southward along the coast, making salt and addressing meetings on the way.
    • The INC planned to stage a satyagraha at the Dharasana Salt Works, 40 km south of Dandi.
    • However, Gandhi was arrested on the midnight of 4–5 May 1930, just days before the planned action at Dharasana.
    • The Dandi March and the ensuing Dharasana Satyagraha drew worldwide attention to the Indian independence movement through extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage.
    • The satyagraha against the salt tax continued for almost a year, ending with Gandhi’s release from jail and negotiations with Viceroy Lord Irwin at the Second Round Table Conference.

    Its aftermath

    • The March to Dandi had a significant influence on American activists Martin Luther King Jr., James Bevel, and others during the Civil Rights Movement for African Americans in the 1960s.
    • The march was the most significant organised challenge to British authority since the Non-cooperation movement of 1920–22.
    • It directly followed the Purna Swaraj declaration of sovereignty and self-rule by the Indian National Congress on 26 January 1930.
    • It gained worldwide attention which gave impetus to the Indian independence movement and started the nationwide Civil Disobedience.

  • [pib] Glycemic Index in Rice

    The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has provided some useful information about some indigenous varieties of rice.

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2018:

    Q.With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
    2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
    3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Indigenous varieties of rice

    • Indigenous varieties of rice are being promoted through varieties of programmes.
    • 574 indigenous varieties of rice have been propagated and tested at more than 10,000 farmers’ fields.
    • Nutritional profiling of 300 selected rice varieties has been done for market linkage and better price to the farmers.
    • Farmers are also being trained on conservation, improvement and use of traditional/ indigenous varieties through participatory variety selection.
    • Further, for access to seeds of these indigenous varieties, community seed banks have been established.

    Key varieties

    • Lalat and Improved Lalat (GI value: 54) as Low GI
    • Swarna, Sambha Mahsuri and Shaktiman (GI value <60) as intermediate GI have been identified

    There is no certification for GI (Glycemic Index) in rice in India.

    What is Glycemic Index (GI)?

    • GI is a number from 0 to 100 assigned to food, with pure glucose arbitrarily given the value of 100, which represents the relative rise in the blood glucose level two hours after consuming that food.
    • The GI of a specific food depends primarily on the quantity and type of carbohydrate it contains.
    • But it is also affected by the amount of entrapment of the carbohydrate molecules within the food, the fat and protein content of the food, the number of organic acids (or their salts) in the food, and whether it is cooked and, if so, how it is cooked.
    • A food is considered to have a low GI if it is 55 or less; high GI if 70 or more, and mid-range GI if 56 to 69.

  • [pib] Agriculture Voltage Technology

    An Agri-voltaic system of 105 KW capacity has been developed by ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur.

    Try this PYQ:

    With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:

    1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process.
    2. Photovoltaics generate Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
    3. India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None

    Agriculture Voltage Technology

    • This technology can increase the income of farmers by the generation of electricity and growing cash crops simultaneously on the same piece of land.
    • Under component-I of the KUSUM (Kisan Urja Suraksha Utthan Mahabhiyan) scheme, there is a provision for installation of the agri-voltaic system in farmers’ fields with a capacity ranging from 500 KW to 2 MW.
    • Moreover, the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) has also documented 13 operational agri-voltaic systems in the country managed by different solar PV functionaries and public Institutes.

    About KUSUM Scheme

    • The scheme aims to provide extra income to farmers, by giving them an option to sell additional power to the grid through solar power projects set up on their barren lands.
    • It was announced in the Union Budget 2018-19.

    Component of KUSUM Scheme

    The proposed scheme consists of three components:

    Component-A

    • Renewable power plants of capacity 500 KW to 2 MW will be set up by individual farmers/ cooperatives/panchayats /farmer producer organisations (FPO) on their barren or cultivable lands.
    • The power generated will be purchased by the DISCOMs at Feed-in tariffs determined by respective SERC.

    Component-B

    • Installation of 17.50 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps.
    • Individual farmers will be supported to install standalone solar pumps of capacity up to 7.5 HP. Solar PV capacity in kW equal to the pump capacity in HP is allowed under the scheme.

    Component-C

    • Solarization of 10 Lakh Grid-connected Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps is included in this component,
    • Individual farmers will be supported to solarise pumps of capacity up to 7.5 HP.
    • Solar PV capacity up to two times of pump capacity in kW is allowed under the scheme.
    • The excess available energy will be sold to DISCOM.

  • [pib] SDG India Index, 2021

    The third rendition of India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index will be launched by NITI Aayog today.

    First launched in December 2018, the index has become the primary tool for monitoring progress on the SDGs in the country and has simultaneously fostered competition among the States and UTs.

    SDG India Index

    • The index measures the progress at the national and sub-national level in the country’s journey towards meeting the Global Goals and targets.
    • It has been successful as an advocacy tool to propagate the messages of sustainability, resilience, and partnerships, as well.
    • From covering 13 Goals, 39 targets, and 62 indicators in the first edition in 2018-19 to 17 Goals, 54 targets and 100 indicators in the second; this third edition of the index covers 17 Goals, 70 targets, and 115 indicators.

    Aims and objectives

    • The construction of the index and the ensuing methodology embodies the central objectives of measuring the performance of States and UTs on the SDGs and ranking them.
    • It aims at supporting States and UTs in identifying areas which require more attention; and promoting healthy competition among them.

    Methodology and Process

    • The index estimation is based on data on indicators for the first 16 goals, with a qualitative assessment for Goal 17.
    • The technical process of target setting and normalization of scores follow the globally established methodology.
    • While target setting enables the measurement of the distance from the target for each indicator, the process of normalization of positive and negative indicators allows for comparability and estimation of goal wise scores.
    • The composite score of a State is derived by assigning each goal the same weight, keeping in mind the indivisible nature of the 2030 Agenda.
    • The selection of indicators is preceded by a consultative process undertaken in close coordination with MoSPI, Union Ministries and stakeholders from States and UTs.

    Highlights of the 2021 Report

    *The launch has been postponed due to model code of conduct by the Election Commission.

    Its significance

    • The index represents the articulation of the comprehensive nature of the Global Goals under the 2030 Agenda while being attuned to the national priorities.
    • The modular nature of the index has become a policy tool and a ready reckoner for gauging the progress of States and UTs on the nature of goals including health, education, gender, economic growth and climate change and the environment.

    Back2Basics: Sustainable Development Goals

    • The UN General Assembly in its 70thSession considered and adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the next 15 years.
    • The 17 SDGs came into force with effect from 1st January 2016.
    • Though not legally binding, the SDGs have become de facto international obligations and have potential to reorient domestic spending priorities of the countries during the next fifteen years.
    • Countries are expected to take ownership and establish a national framework for achieving these Goals.
    • Implementation and success will rely on countries’ own sustainable development policies, plans and programmes.

  • United Bengal Plan of 1947

    In a recent election rally, a politician spoke about the contributions of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee in the making of West Bengal immediately after independence.

    This newscard contains some archaic statements and thoughts (that may seem like polarized opinions) which are directly reproduced from the newspaper. 

    The 1947 independence era circumstances are discussed with context to the United Bengal Plan and its subsequent partition.

    The United Bengal plan

    • A most striking aspect of the Partition of Bengal was the fact that the same people, who had vociferously opposed the 1905 partition of the region by Lord Curzon, were the ones who demanded the division of the province on communal lines.
    • One way to understand this is by noting the fact that the communal skirmishes that had started in 1905, reached its peak by 1947.
    • But there was also the fact that Bengal politics changed dramatically in 1932 with the introduction of the Communal Award.
    • It gave more seats in the Legislative Council to Muslims than Hindus. It also provided separate electorates for the Dalits.
    • Consequently, Bengali Hindus ceased to be as significant and visible in provincial politics as they were before.
    • What further aggravated the situation was the communal violence in Calcutta in August 1946 and those in Noakhali just seven weeks later.

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2013:

    Q.The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until

    (a) The First World War when Indian troops were needed by the British and the partition was ended.

    (b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Darbar in Delhi in 1911

    (c) Gandhiji launched his Civil Disobedience Movement

    (d) The Partition of India, in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan

    Mukherjee and the Plan

    • Mukherjee, who was president of the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha between 1943 and 1946, is known to have been the man behind the Partition of Bengal in 1947.
    • Calcutta riots (1947) led the Hindu Mahasabha under Mukherjee to put forward the demand for dividing Bengal on religious grounds.
    • He was one of the strongest voices to have opposed the united Bengal plan of the Bengal provincial League leader and PM Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy.
    • As per the plan, Bengal would be a separate nation, independent from both India and Pakistan.

    Debate over partition

    • In the meantime Suhrawardy along with few other top Bengal politicians like Sarat Bose and K.S. Roy came up with an alternative for the Partition.
    • They argued for a united Bengal, independent from India and Pakistan.
    • Suhrawardy had realized that the Partition of Bengal would mean economic disaster for East Bengal since all jute mills, coal mines and industrial plants would go to the western part of the state.
    • Suhrawardy argued strongly for a united Bengal because Bengal was indivisible in view of its ‘economic integrity, mutual reliance and the necessity of creating a strong workable state.

    Why did Mukherjee oppose the united Bengal plan?

    • The Hindu Mahasabha under Mukherjee spearheaded a fierce attack against the united Bengal scheme, which he thought would force Hindus to live under Muslim domination.
    • He further defended the Partition to the Viceroy by drawing upon Jinnah’s two-nation theory.
    • Finally, for Mukherjee, the idea of a united Bengal was not appealing because he believed that a ‘sovereign undivided Bengal would be a virtual Pakistan’.
    • Eventually, the idea of a united Bengal failed to garner sufficient support from among the Muslim League and the Congress.
    • It also did not find sufficient support from the grassroots as most Hindus favoured the Partition of Bengal.

    Back2Basics: Partition of Bengal

    • The first Partition of Bengal (1905) was a territorial reorganization of the Bengal Presidency implemented by the authorities of the British Raj.
    • The reorganization separated the largely Muslim eastern areas from the largely Hindu western areas. Announced on 19 July 1905 by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India.
    • It was implemented on 16 October 1905, it was undone a mere six years later.
    • Hindus were outraged at what they saw as a “divide and rule” policy, even though Curzon stressed it would produce administrative efficiency.
    • The partition animated the Muslims to form their own national organization along communal lines.
    • To appease Bengali sentiment, Bengal was reunited by Lord Hardinge in 1911, in response to the Swadeshi movement’s riots in protest against the policy.
    • In 1947, Bengal was partitioned for the second time, solely on religious grounds, as part of the Partition of India following the formation of the nations India and Pakistan.
    • In 1955, East Bengal became East Pakistan, and in 1971 became the independent state of Bangladesh.

  • [pib] SATAT Scheme

    Oil and Gas Marketing Companies (OGMCs) are inviting potential entrepreneur to procure Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) under the SATAT scheme.

    Try this MCQ:

    Q.SATAT is an initiative of the Government of India, aims at:

    (a) Promoting Self Help Groups in rural areas

    (b) Providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs

    (c) Promoting affordable transportation

    (d) Providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free

    SATAT Scheme

    • SATAT stands for Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation.
    • It is an initiative aimed at setting up Compressed Bio-Gas production plants and makes them available in the market for use in automotive fuels by inviting Expression of Interest from potential entrepreneurs.
    • The initiative was launched in October 2018 by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in association with the PSUs- Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

    Its implementation

    • CBG plants are proposed to be set up mainly through independent entrepreneurs.
    • CBG produced at these plants will be transported through cascades of cylinders to the fuel station networks of OMCs for marketing as a green transport fuel alternative.
    • The 1,500-strong CNG stations network in the country currently serves about 32 lakh gas-based vehicles.
    • The entrepreneurs would be able to separately market the other by-products from these plants, including bio-manure, carbon-dioxide, etc., to enhance returns on investment.
    • So far 9 CBG plants have been commissioned and started supply of CBG under the scheme.
    • These plants are located in Andhra Pradesh (1No.), Gujarat (3 No.), Haryana (1 No.), Maharashtra (3 No.) and Tamil Nadu (1No.).

    Benefits of the programme

    There are multiple benefits from converting agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste into CBG on a commercial scale:

    • Responsible waste management, reduction in carbon emissions and pollution
    • Additional revenue source for farmers
    • Boost to entrepreneurship, rural economy and employment
    • Support to national commitments in achieving climate change goals
    • Reduction in import of natural gas and crude oil
    • Buffer against crude oil/gas price fluctuations

    Back2Basics: Compressed Bio Gas (CBG)

    • Biogas is produced naturally through a process of anaerobic decomposition from waste / bio-mass sources like agriculture residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste, sewage treatment plant waste, etc.
    • After purification, it is compressed and called CBG, which has a pure methane content of over 95%.
    • CBG is exactly similar to the commercially available natural gas in its composition and energy potential.
    • With calorific value (~52,000 KJ/kg) and other properties similar to CNG, CBG can be used as an alternative, renewable automotive fuel.
    • Given the abundance of biomass in the country, CBG has the potential to replace CNG in automotive, industrial and commercial uses in the coming years.

  • [pib] Stand Up India Scheme

    The Ministry of Finance has informed that more than 81% of account holders are Women under Stand Up India Scheme.

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2016:

    Q.With reference to ‘stand up India scheme’, which of the following statement is/are correct?

    1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.
    2. It provides for refinance through SIDBI.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Stand-Up India Scheme

    • Stand Up India Scheme was launched on 5 April 2016 to promote entrepreneurship at the grass-root level of economic empowerment and job creation.
    • This scheme seeks to leverage the institutional credit structure to reach out to the underserved sector of people such as SCs, STs and Women Entrepreneurs.
    • The objective of this scheme is to facilitate bank loans between Rs.10 lakh and Rs.1 crore to at least one SC or ST borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a Greenfield enterprise.
    • The offices of SIDBI and NABARD shall be designated Stand-Up Connect Centres (SUCC)
    • It is similar to but distinct from Startup India.

    Back2Basics: Start-Up India Scheme

    • Startup India Scheme is an initiative of the Indian government, the primary objective of which is the promotion of startups, generation of employment, and wealth creation.
    • It was launched on the 16th of January, 2016.
    • A startup defined as an entity that is headquartered in India, which was opened less than 10 years ago and has an annual turnover of fewer than ₹100 crores (US$14 million).
    • The action plan for this initiative is based on the following three pillars:
    1. Simplification and Handholding
    2. Funding Support and Incentives
    3. Industry-Academia Partnership and Incubation
    • An additional area of focus is to discard restrictive States Government policies within this domain, such as License Raj, Land Permissions, Foreign Investment Proposals, and Environmental Clearances.
    • It was organized by The Department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPI&IT).

  • [pib] Declaration of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO                 

    The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has provided some useful information about the World Heritage Sites By UNESCO in India.

    We regret for the distorted view of this newscard on the app. Pls refer to the webpage link.

    [pib] Declaration of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO                 

    World Heritage Sites in India

    • At present, India has 38 World Heritage Properties. All the sites under the Ministry are conserved as per ASI’s Conservation Policy and are in good shape.
    • ‘Dholavira: A Harappan City’ has been submitted for the nomination of World Heritage Site in 2019-2020.
    • Nomination dossiers of ‘Santiniketan, India’ and ‘Sacred Ensemble of Hoysalas’ have been submitted to UNESCO for the year 2021-22 cycle.

    WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN INDIA (38)

    CULTURAL SITES:

    Under Protection of Archaeological Survey of India (22)

    S.No. Name of Site State
    1 Agra Fort (1983) Uttar Pradesh
    2 Ajanta Caves (1983) Maharashtra
    3 Ellora Caves (1983) Maharashtra
    4 Taj Mahal (1983) Uttar Pradesh
    5 Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984) Tamil Nadu
    6 Sun Temple, Konark (1984) Odisha
    7 Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) Goa
    8 FatehpurSikri (1986) Uttar Pradesh
    9 Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986) Karnataka
    10 Khajuraho, Group of Temples (1986) Madhya Pradesh
    11 Elephanta Caves ( 1987) Maharashtra
    12 Great Living Chola Temples at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram (1987 & 2004) Tamil Nadu
    13 Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987) Karnataka
    14 Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) Madhya Pradesh
    15 Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993) Delhi
    16 Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993) Delhi
    17 Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003) Madhya Pradesh
    18 Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park (2004) Gujarat
    19 Red Fort Complex, Delhi (2007) Delhi
    20 Hill Forts of Rajasthan

    1. Kumbhalgarh, Jaisalmer and Ranthambhore, Amber and Gagron Forts) (2013)

    (Amber and Gagron Forts are under protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums)

    		 Rajasthan
    21 Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan (2014) Gujarat
    22 Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) at Nalanda (2016) Bihar

     

    Under Protection of Ministry of Railways (2)

    23. Mountain Railways of India Darjeeling,(1999), Nilgiri (2005), Kalka-Shimla (2008) West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh
    24. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004) Maharashtra

     

    Under Protection of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (1)

    25 Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, (2002) Bihar

     

    Under Protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums (1)

    26. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010) Rajasthan

     

    Under Protection of Chandigarh Administration (1)

    27. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016) Chandigarh

     

    Under Protection of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (1)

    28. Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017) Gujarat

     

    Under Protection of Bombay Municipal Corporation (1)

    29. Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai (2018) Govt of Maharashtra

     

    Under Protection of Jaipur Municipal Corporation (1)

    30. Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019) Govt of Rajasthan

     

    NATURAL SITES: (7)

    Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes

    31. Kaziranga National Park (1985) Assam
    32. Keoladeo National Park (1985) Rajasthan
    33. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985) Assam
    34. Sunderbans National Park (1987) West Bengal
    35. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005) Uttarakhand
    36. Western Ghats (2012) Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra,Tamil Nadu
    37 Great Himalayan National Park (2014) Himachal Pradesh

     

    MIXED SITE: (1)

    Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes

    38. Khangchendzonga National Park (2016) Sikkim

     

    Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    • A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area, selected by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for having cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance, which is legally protected by international treaties.
    • The sites are judged to be important for the collective and preservative interests of humanity.
    • To be selected, a WHS must be an already-classified landmark, unique in some respect as a geographically and historically identifiable place having special cultural or physical significance (such as an ancient ruin or historical structure, building, city, complex, desert, forest, island, lake, monument, mountain, or wilderness area).
    • It may signify a remarkable accomplishment of humanity, and serve as evidence of our intellectual history on the planet.
    • The sites are intended for practical conservation for posterity, which otherwise would be subject to risk from human or animal trespassing, unmonitored/uncontrolled/unrestricted access, or threat from local administrative negligence.
    • The list is maintained by the international World Heritage Program administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 “states parties” that are elected by their General Assembly.

    UNESCO World Heritage Committee

    • The World Heritage Committee selects the sites to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger.
    • It monitors the state of conservation of the World Heritage properties, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties.
    • It is composed of 21 states parties that are elected by the General Assembly of States Parties for a four-year term.
    • India is NOT a member of this Committee.

  • [pib] Exercise Dustlik-II

    The Second Edition of Joint Exercise Dustlik is scheduled from tomorrow.

    Must read:

    [Prelims Spotlight] Various Defence Exercises in News

    Exercise Dustlik-II

    • It is a bilateral defence exercise held between the Indian Army And Uzbekistan Army.
    • It is named after Dustlik, a town in the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan.
    • The first edition of the exercise, Dustlik-I was held in Uzbekistan, near Tashkent, from November 3-13, 2019.
    • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had flagged off the exercise along with his Uzbek counterpart, Major General Bakhodir Kurbanov in 2019 for the first time.
    • The joint exercise focused on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in urban settings.