Syria Joined UN Chemical Weapons Convention

Syria on 14 October 2013 officially joined the United Nations Chemical Weapons Convention, which outlaws production and use of chemical weapons.              

         

Syria is the 190th country to join the convention. Only six states have yet to sign the international treaty. Syria Joined UN Chemical The move comes as international inspectors are working to destroy the chemical weapon stockpile of the Assad regime in Syria.

The six UN States are not signed the CWC are

• Israel    
• Myanmar
• Angola
• Egypt
• North Korea
• South Sudan

About Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is a multilateral treaty that bans chemical weapons and requires their destruction within a specified period of time.

The title of the treaty is Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction.

The convention opened for signature on 13 January 1993, and entered into force on 29 April 1997.

The CWC aims to eliminate an entire category of weapons of mass destruction by prohibiting the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer or use of chemical weapons by States Parties. States Parties, in turn, must take the steps necessary to enforce that prohibition in respect of persons (natural or legal) within their jurisdiction.

The CWC is implemented by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which is headquartered in The Hague.

The OPCW receives states-parties’ declarations detailing chemical weapons-related activities or materials and relevant industrial activities. After receiving declarations, the OPCW inspects and monitors states-parties’ facilities and activities that are relevant to the convention, to ensure compliance.

About the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

• The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is an independent, international body set up in 1997 to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention.

• The organisation is presently involved in destroying Syria's stockpiles of chemical weapons - the first time the OPCW has worked in a war zone.

• It carries out inspections of destruction procedures, as well as evaluating members' own declarations, in order to verify that the convention is being adhered to.

• It is based in The Hague, Netherland and has 189 member states, covering around 98 percent of the world's population. These member nations have agreed to work together to create a world free from chemical weapons.

• The OPCW employs around 500 people and has a budget of 75m Euros (102m Dollars, 63m Pounds) in 2010.

• It is an autonomous organisation with a working relationship with the United Nations.

• Ahmet Uzumcu is the Present Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

India Post Launched International Money Transfer Service- 'Instant Cash'

The India Post on 11 October 2013 launched instant electronic money transfer service in partnership with Wall Street Exchange, (a company of UAE's Emirates Post Group) in New Delhi.
                                                               

                                                                               
In this regard India Post signed an agreement with Wall Street Exchange for launch of an International Electronic Money Transfer service through Instant Cash product of the Emirates Post Group.India Post Launched International Money  The service was launched by P. Gopinath, Secretary, Department of Posts, by receiving the first payment from United Arab Emirates.

Instant Cash: is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Emirates Post Group, and its services are available in 59 countries through more than 60000 locations.

The salient features of the service are 

1.Recipients will be able to receive their payment at any of the identified 17500 post offices by producing the unique transaction number along with their identity and KYC documents.

2.Money will be available for payment immediately.

3.Safe and secure transactions through established International Financial System of Universal Postal Union.

4.The service will be rolled out nationally in a phased manner.

5.The service will be provided through the International Financial System (IFS) of Universal Postal Union.

About India Post

India Post is the largest postal network in the world and has completed 158 years of existence. It has a network of 1.55 lakh Post Offices in the country, of which more than 1.39 lakh are in the rural area. Besides mail, it also provides various financial services like small savings instruments under Post Office Savings Bank and Money Remittance, both domestic and international.

India- Nepal- Bangladesh Cooperation Over Hydropower

With the increase in population and development, need for energy has increased exponentially. For meeting the demands we need to work out all the options we can to generate electricity. The resource rich Seven Sisters States (North Eastern states of India) are connected to the Indian main land through a narrow land strip between Bangladesh and Nepal borders called Chicken's Neck (or Siliguri Corridor). It is very difficult and costly for India to get benefit from the resources of Seven Sisters through this narrow land strip. River system in the north eastern part of India is major source through which we can generate electricity. Considering the international nature of the rivers involved, India-Nepal- Bangladesh (INB) has decided to cooperate & exploit over hydropower generation & use.          

Proposed IDEA :                                                

• First initiative will be through Ganga (a river which flows through all of the INB). Ganga basin has tremendous potential for development of water resources and hydropower.
• It indicates a growth in sub regional strategic alliance for infrastructure development. Has potential to change economic landscape of entire north-eastern India, entire Nepal and Bangladesh.
• Instead of tapping dam rivers, options are also being put for Runof- the-river project. So no dislocation of people, no killing of local culture & not creating socio-cultural problems in tribal areas.
• Project has a potential of 70,000 MW to 100,000 MW.

BENEFITS

1. Power in the form of electricity generation.
2. Economic Change: 100,000 MW can be generated which has the potential to change the economic landscape of the region.
3. Transformation of region: Development of poor areas of India (like UP, Bihar) & progress of Nepal and Bangladesh.
4. Bring these countries more closely on economic grounds which will remain intact even under political pressure.
5. Will help in attracting FDI, investment, business growth, etc. – a multiplier effect.
6. Will help tourism to grow.
7. Also chances to make international industrial townships.
8. Poverty eradication and better socio-economic integration.
9. Similar initiatives in the form of Bhutan, Bangladesh and India (BIB) is being proposed (for Brahmaputra Basin)

ISSUES INVOLVED

1. Minimize transmission leakages before everything is implemented between these three countries which plague our generation and transmission capacities.
2. Gestation period is longer. So private players less interested as time required for profits to come will be more.
3. Investment is huge. So private players alone won’t be able to do it. So there is a need for consortium (which includes various state governments and Government of India participating, government of India’s energy companies, Multinational companies participating. & states i.e. countries participating)
4. No environmental issue as substitutes can be used for “Dam Rivers.”
5. Need of strong “will” between India-Nepal-Bangladesh: More than anything this is needed which will automatically solve other problems.

TOURISM

• It is evident from many examples that with hydropower plants tourism potential of the particular area automatically increases.
• Nepal wanted to be “Switzerland of Asia.” It has huge tourism potential & can easily become one of the richest countries in the world.
•  Bihar was one of the richest parts in historic times. Also Buddhism was born there. So is very important from historical context.
• Bangladesh: traditions, culture and literature in Bangladesh is also famous as a tourist spot.

FROM INTERNATIONAL POINT OF VIEW

• This cooperation will help to ease the power balance in South Asia.
• will contribute to strengthening the cooperation mechanism and to long-term sustainable development, economic growth
• Sub-regional cooperation will increase.
• Close relation based on economic interest will be established.
• Permanent “Power trade agreement” being discussed between these countries.
• Chinese defense says ( a Chinese website) - if China can stop India getting electricity corridor through Bangladesh [which will enable India tapping 80 GW cheap hydro electricity to Indian grid], The Super Power Dream of India will be slowed downed further.
• One more Chinese concern - The biggest "economic gold mine" of Seven Sister is the rich hydro electric potential of the disputed Arunachal Province which is about 80,000 mega watts (80 GW).

DAM RIVERS VS. RUN-OF-THE-RIVER PROJECTS : In Dam Rivers projects water is stored for electricity generation while in run-of-the-river project it is not needed.

Advantages of Run-of-the-river projects:

1. No dislocation of people & killing of local culture
2. Cleaner power, fewer greenhouse gases

Disadvantages of Run-of-the-river projects :

1. “Unfirm” power: Electricity generated from this doesn’t remain constant.
2. Availability of sites: Water has to be channelized (by pipes and tunnels) which is called “head” in such projects to make electricity. This may create some flow problems.
3. Environmental impacts: Where as very low impacts are witnessed in small projects, big projects are surely going to impact environment. 

India And South America Relations

South America is a Continent & ranks fourth in terms of area. It comprises of thirteen sovereign states : Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname , Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela and two non-sovereign areas : French Guiana (an overseas region of France) and Falkland Islands Territory( a British Overseas Territory).

India and South America                                                           

Political relations:

Relations among India and countries of South America have been friendly and cordial (bilaterally). Common reasons behind this lie in the historical fact that both are ex-colonies & both are in the development phase & require  each other’s contribution for their own development.India And South America Relations Also on many international issues both sides have common view.

Implication of Regional Integration for India’s Trade 

Due to presence of South American Common Market (MERCOSUR) and free trade agreements between South American countries, Indian exporters are at a disadvantage. Our exporters don’t get competitive edge as compared to same products which the South American countries exchange among themselves which go duty free.

• Government of India is negotiating with Colombia and Venezuela for Preferential Trading Arrangements (PTA).
• Apart from this, the institutional cooperation agreements with Mercosur and Andean Community are on the anvil.

Bilateral Trade:

Over the years following three tendencies have been seen in bilateral trade between India and South America:
a. Indian imports are greater than exports from South America.
b. Main imports from South America consists of vegetable oil (mainly), iron and copper minerals, wood equipments & leather products.
c. Main exports to South America consists of motorcycles and threewheelers, iron and steel products, chemicals, machinery and instruments, etc.

ITEC programme:

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme was started by Indian Government as a bilateral programme of assistance. Various scholarships are given to students from South America under ITEC to incorporate their youth with latest technical knowledge & help in nation building.

Regional Action Plan:

Argentina has started a special programme named “Regional Action Plan” to promote India’s commercial and economic interests in Argentina especially with special focus on its Provinces to :
a) identify areas of imports and exports
b) bring investment in mining, energy and infrastructure in provinces with assured returns
c) identify sectors for manufacturing or joint ventures for export to Argentina and Latin American countries
d) export technical collaboration and
e) organize visits of the Governors of States with commercial delegations to India.

Potential Areas for development:

The countries in South America are in developing stage. Relatively they are backward to India in areas like health, IT, remote sensing, biotechnology, etc. These said areas can serve best to Indian economy if they are harnessed well. Helping them in these areas will make Indian position firm on international platform where they will support Indian decisions.

Bilateral Investment:

Indian companies have found various areas in South America to invest in. Prominent among them is the mining industry. Other areas include IT, pharmaceutical, automobiles, steel industry, etc. Key players among them are ONGC Videsh, TCS, Mahindra Satyam, Reliance, etc.

• Various bilateral agreements have been signed between both parties related to defense, science and technology, education, space, biotechnology, technical cooperation, etc. 

Our relations with South American countries are very friendly & non-disputed. Though both sides have increased bilateral relations but there still exist a lot of areas where both sides can cooperate. South America represents a developing world & by helping them India can became a major player in international arena.

First Mega Food Park in Uttar Pradesh Established at Jagdishpur

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing, Government of India Dr. Charan Das Mahant laid the foundation stone on 8 October 2013 for establishment of Shaktiman mega Food Park (the first in the north India) in Jagdishpur of Amethi district in Uttar Pradesh.          

       

Features of Shaktiman Mega Food Park

• The Shaktiman Mega Food Park was set up with assistance under the programme Scheme of Mega Food Parks.
• It will be developed with the assistance of Aditya Birla Group.
• The Park will have most-modern infrastructure and facilities for food processing.
• It will help small and medium sized entrepreneurs, self-help groups and farmer-groups to set up food processing industries.
• It will create a market for raw material and in turn provide better prices to farmers for their produce.
• It will generate direct and indirect employment of 30000 persons.
• It will provide essential services like dry warehousing, cold storage.
• It will also act as a farmer friendly bank and fully equipped education and business centres.
• It will helpful for farmers, food processors and the local economy.

• The Vision 2015 of Ministry of Food Processing Industries aims to raise the processing of perishables in the country from existing 6 percent to 20 percent, value addition from 20 percent to 35  percent and the share in global food trade from 1.5 percent to 3 percent by year 2015.
• To realize the Vision 2015 Ministry of Food Processing Industries pledged support under the Mega Food Park Scheme (MFPS).
• Each Mega Food Park (MFP) will be subsidized with an amount of 50 crore Rupees on a milestone and progress achievement basis.
• The scheme aims at facilitating the establishment of a strong food processing infrastructure backed by an efficient supply chain.
• The processing centres have infrastructure required for processing, packaging, environmental protection systems, quality control labs, trade facilitation etc.

Karnataka To implement The Second Phase of Forest Project

The Karnataka government on 8 October 2013 approved the implementation for the second phase of the Karnataka Sustainable Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation Project (KSFMBC). It is aimed at expanding forests, over the next eight years. The project will cost around 1899.72 crore rupees. It will be implemented with the help of 1701.98 crore rupees from the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), with the remaining share contributed by state government. It will run from 2013-14-2020-21.
                                       

                                                       
The project is helpful in expanding forests so that ecological restoration could take place.Karnataka To implement Forest Project  It will also facilitate livelihood improvement of inhabitants of the villages by afforestation.

The first phase of the KSFMBC was executed between 2005 and 2012. Its cost was 745 crore rupees. The project would cover all 30 districts such as Bhramagiri, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuaries, Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Shettyhalli-Sharavathi Sanctuary, Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary, Talacauvery, Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and Kudremukh National Park.

Sachin Tendulkar Announced Retirement From Test Cricket

Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar on 10 October 2013 announced his decision to retire from Test cricket after playing his landmark 200th Test match against the West Indies in November 2013.

Previously, Sachin Tendulkar announced retirement form one day cricket on 23 December 2012 and from Twenty20 cricket format on 26 May 2013.                                    

About Sachin Tendulkar                              

• Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is an Indian Batsman who is considered one of the greatest batsman of the world after Don Bradman in Test Cricket and the second most successful one day batsman after Viv Richards as per the ranking done by Wisden-the Bible of Cricket.

• Sachin Tendulkar who belongs to Mumbai Maharashtra made his appearance in six world cups for India and was the member of the 2011 World Cup winning squad of the nation.


• The Sachin Tendulkar made his Test debut against arch-rival Pakistan at Karachi in 1989.

• He currently holds the record for most hundreds in both Tests and One Day Internationals.

• In 198 Test matches, Sachin Tendulkar scored over Fifteen Thousand Eight hundred runs at an average of 53.86. He slammed 51 Test centuries and an unbeaten 248 against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2004 was his best ever.

• He made 49 hundreds in the one-day format, including a double hundred which is the first in this form of cricket and 96 half centuries.

• In 2012, Sachin Tendulkar became the first player to score 100 international centuries.