Overview:
At the 55th Human Rights Council of the United Nations, India exercised its 'Right to Reply' for a staunch response to Turkey and Pakistan for the mention of Jammu and Kashmir on the platform.
About United Nations Human Rights Council:
It is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world.
It was created by the General Assembly on 15 March 2006 by replacing the Commission on Human Rights.
It has 47 members elected for staggered three-year terms on a regional group basis.
Tenure of the council: The members of the Council serve for a period of three years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.
The members are elected by the majority of members of the General Assembly of the United Nations through direct and secret ballot.
The General Assembly takes into account the candidate States' contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as their voluntary pledges and commitments in this regard.
The Council's Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution. Function:
It investigates allegations of breaches of human rights in UN member states, and addresses important thematic human rights issues such as freedom of association and assembly, freedom of expression, freedom of belief and religion, women's rights, LGBTI rights, and the rights of racial and ethnic minorities.
Overview:
The Union Cabinet formally announced the establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with one-time budgetary support of Rs 150 crore from the central government until 2028.
About International Big Cat Alliance:
It is an initiative launched by the Prime Minister of India in April 2023 in Mysuru commemorating the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger.
The objective of the IBCA is to ensure cooperation for the conservation of seven big cats: lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, snow leopard, jaguar, and puma. Five of these cats, apart from jaguar and puma, are found in India.
Membership: It is open to 97 'range' countries, which contain the natural habitat of these big cats, as well as other interested nations, international organizations, etc.
It aims for mutual cooperation among countries for mutual benefit in furthering the conservation agenda.
It would have a multipronged approach in broad basing and establishing linkages manifold in several areas and help in knowledge sharing, capacity building, networking, advocacy, finance and resources support, research and technical support, education and awareness.
Governance Structure:
A General Assembly consisting of all member countries.
A Council of at least seven but not more than 15 member countries elected by the General Assembly for a term of 5 years, and a Secretariat.
Upon the recommendation of the Council, the General Assembly will appoint the IBCA Secretary General for a specific term.
Funding: It has secured Government of India's initial support of Rs. 150 crore for five years (2023-24 to 2027-28).
Overview:
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a cautionary message to mobile phone users about juice jacking.
About Juice jacking:
The term “juice jacking” was first coined in 2011 by investigative journalist Brian Krebs.
It is a form of cyberattack where a public USB charging port is tampered with and infected using hardware and software changes to steal data or install malware on devices connected to it.
The attack is used by hackers to steal users’ passwords, credit card information, addresses, and other sensitive data stored on the targeted device.
This type of attack has been a growing concern, with incidents reported in various public spaces such as airports, hotels, and shopping centers.
RBI emphasized the importance of protecting personal and financial data while using mobile devices.
How to prevent such attacks?
To protect themselves from juice jacking and other cyber threats, mobile phone users have to use their personal chargers and avoid connecting their devices to public USB ports.
Additionally, using a virtual private network (VPN) and ensuring that devices have the latest security updates installed can help mitigate the risk of cyberattacks.
About BioTRIG:
It is a new waste management technology based on the pyrolysis system.
It works by sealing the waste inside an oxygen-free chamber and heating it above 400 degrees Celsius. Useful chemicals are produced in the process.
In the study, the researchers outlined that three products of pyrolysis — bio-oil, syngas and biochar fertilizer — could help rural Indians live healthier and greener lives.
Significance
The syngas and bio-oil facilitate heat and power the pyrolysis system in future cycles and surplus electricity is utilized to power local homes and businesses.
The clean-burning bio-oil to replace dirty cooking fuels in homes and using biochar to store carbon, while improving soil fertility.
Computer simulations showed that the BioTRIG system could also be effective in real- world applications.
It could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from communities by nearly 350 kg of CO2-eq per capita per annum.
It could help rural Indians cut indoor air pollution, improve soil health, and generate clean power
What is Pyrolysis:
It is a kind of chemical recycling that turns leftover organic materials into their component molecules.
It works by sealing the waste inside an oxygen-free chamber and heating it to more than 400 degrees Celsius, producing useful chemicals in the process.
Overview:
The early onset bloom of jacaranda set off alarm bells among residents and scientists in Mexico City.
About Jacaranda Bloom:
It’s also known by its synonym Jacaranda acutifolia.
It is a deciduous tree, Jacaranda mimosifolia comes from the Bignoniaceae family. Blue jacaranda is native of Brazil and North West Argentina.
These are hardy trees that grow well in tropical climes, well-drained soil and plenty of sun to showcase their lavender touch.
They are widely grown in warm parts of the world and in greenhouses for their showy blue or violet flowers and attractive, oppositely paired, compound leaves.
Uses: In Brazil, its wood is used to make guitars. It has no edible use, its bark and root has medicinal advantages.
It is also recommended as an alternative wood carving tree species, especially in Kenya.
Ecological significance: They attract more hummingbirds and bees than many native trees, so a change in flowering could lead to a decrease in these populations.
Concern: Some jacarandas began blooming in early January, when they normally awaken in spring.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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