UNHRC adopted resolution on human rights violation in Sri Lanka
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a U.S.-sponsored resolution on human rights violation in Sri Lanka, with 25 countries including India voting in favour of the document in the 47-nation strong body. While 13 countries including Pakistan voted against, eight member-states abstained from voting.
According to sources, the watered-down resolution also saw India pushing for new elements through written amendments calling for an independent and credible investigation into allegations of human rights violation and other accountability measures to be accepted by Sri Lanka.(thehindu)
Parliament passes anti-rape bill
Parliament today passed the anti-rape bill providing for a natural life term or even death for repeat offenders of rape, with Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde stating that the “law will impact the society for years to come.” Terming it as a “unique law,” he said the Government is open to further improvement if there is such a need. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2013, commonly known as the anti-rape bill, was passed by the Rajya Sabha after amendments moved by Left MPs were defeated. The Lok Sabha had passed the legislation on March 19.(thehindu)
1,800 kids worldwide die daily due to unsafe water
Nearly 2,000 children around the globe, under the age of five, die every day from diarrhoeal diseases linked to unsafe water, poor sanitation and hygiene, with 24 per cent of the deaths occurring in India alone, a U.N. report has warned. Globally, an estimated 2,000 children under the age of five die every day from diarrhoeal diseases and of these some 1,800 deaths are linked to water, sanitation and hygiene, according to the report.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) child mortality data reveals that about half of under-five deaths occur in only five countries: India, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Pakistan and China. Two countries — India (24 per cent) and Nigeria (11 per cent) — together account for more than a third of all under-five deaths. These same countries also have significant populations without improved water and sanitation
Kashmir Valley to get crucial rail link by May
The critical Banihal-Qazigund rail section will expectedly be commissioned by this coming May at the PMO’s prodding, making the Kashmir Valley accessible throughout the year putting an end to its isolation during winter. The 17.7 km-long section was tested in December 2012. The rail section comprises the longest rail tunnel in India, passing through the Pirpanjal Himalayan ranges that separate the valley from the Jammu region and the rest of India.
IRCON, which is executing the project at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,670 crore, was expected to complete the other mechanical and electrical jobs by this March. The trial run of the first train in December tested the single broad gauge track of the 11.215-km-long Pirpanjal tunnel, constructed at a cost of Rs.1,172 crore. It also has a three-metre-wide maintenance and emergency road route. The Jammu-Srinagar-Baramulla section will be fully operational in 2017.
UPSC Civil Services exam: English essay paper dropped
The English essay paper of 100 marks in the 2013 Civil Services Main Examination, which raised a nation-wide controversy, has been dropped and the earlier practice of two qualifying papers in any Indian language and English restored. As before, the candidates would be allowed to use any one language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution or English as the medium of writing the examination. Bowing to all-round pressure in Parliament, the government on March 15 had kept in abeyance the recent controversial notification of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), giving more weightage to English in these exams.
World Meteorological Day
March 23rd is celebrated as World Meteorological Day. This year the theme is “Watching the weather to protect life and property”. This theme focuses attention on the crucial role of meteorological services in strengthening safety and resilience to weather events. Weather extremes have a tremendous impact on our earth. The loss of life and huge economic loses were caused by weather, climate, or water related hazards such as tropical cyclones and storm surges, droughts, floods or related disease epidemics and insect infestations. About 90% of natural disasters are caused by Weather, Climate and water related hazards.
Weather extremes have a tremendous impact on our earth.
The loss of life and huge economic loses were caused by weather, climate, or water related hazards such as tropical cyclones and storm surges, droughts, floods or related disease epidemics and insect infestations. About 90% of natural disasters are caused by Weather, Climate and water related hazards.
World Meterological Organisation (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations Organization with its aim to reduce the loss of life and property caused by disasters and others catastrophic events related to weather, climate and water, as well as with goal of sustainable development and safeguard the environment and the climate for present and future generations.
INSPIRE Awards
In order to seed and experience the joy of innovation, every year 2 lakh school children in the age group of 10 to 15 years i.e. 6th to 10th standard are being identified for the INSPIRE Award. Each INSPIRE Award envisions an investment of Rs. 5000/- per child. The scheme plans to reach at least two students per secondary school during the next five years.
INSPIRE Scheme has included three components. They are
Scheme for Early Attraction of Talents for Science (SEATS),
Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) and
Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC).
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee called on the recipients of Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Awards today (March 22, 2013) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
This post contains the current affairs of March 2013. These are short current affairs 2012-2013 notes for quick review.
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