Robojelly

• a hydrogen-powered robot  which can move through  water just like a jellyfish.
• It’ll be used in underwater rescue operations.
• being fuelled by external hydrogen means, in theory,  the robot will not run out  of energy.
• A jellyfish moves using circular muscles in the inside of its umbrella-like bell. As they contract, the bell closes in on itself and ejects  water to propel  itself forward. When the muscles relax,  the bell regains its original shape.
• To replicate  this, the vehicle uses shape memory alloys — materials that ―remember their original shape. These  are wrapped in carbon nanotubes — tiny ―straws of pure carbon that are renowned for their electrical  properties — and coated  with a platinum black powder.
• The robot  is powered by heat-producing  chemical reactions  between  the oxygen  and hydrogen in water and the platinum on its surface. The heat  from the reactions is transferred to the artificial muscles of the robot,  and reshapes them.

Human shock absorber found

• An international team,  led by the University of Sydney, found the  molecular structure in the body which functions as human ―shock absorber.
• the team dissected  a key part of the molecule  in Elastin, the  protein that keeps  tissues such as skin, lungs and blood  vessels elastic during normal processes  such as body movement, breathing  and blood  circulation.
• the  discovery of the molecule  can be used on designing  improved versions of a human blood  vessel
• on repairing skin damage,  including burns,
• can also be applied to treating  cardiovascular disease and emphysema, a lung disease which primarily causes shortness of breath.
• The discovery answers the mystery of how our bodies accommodate our living tissue without it being torn to shreds by its interaction with so many moving parts

Digitalisation of our body functions

Digitalisation of our body functions

• The use of digital computer  devices in analysing and reporting our body functions  is becoming  popular. Few examples can be
• use of smart phones in ophthalmology (the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye). This replaces the traditional eye chart, and allows the user to  go directly to an optician  and obtain appropriate  spectacles  or contact lenses.
• Contact  lenses themselves are suitable surfaces on which tiny digital devices can be  embedded, with no hindrance to  the vision of the user.
• A group in Spain has put in a pressure-sensing device  on the contact  lens, which measures fluctuation  in the  intraocular pressure, real time, thus offering diagnosis for glaucoma.
• Another group  in Seattle has embedded  an entire integrated  circuit system on the contact  lens. This is powered  by the  battery of a cell phone  in the  pocket of the user, with which it communicates  via Bluetooth).  This device  is thus able to access directions  via the GPS facility that the phone  downloads  via the internet.  Imagine how useful this device would be for a blind person.
• Data storage  is now done  in devices smaller than the bindi  that our ladies wear on their foreheads;  perhaps,  her pulse rate, heart beat  and such can be monitored using the bindi.
• The pocket  ultrasound device to measure heart rate.
• the embedded  nanosensor- a nanoparticle-based  device that can be  injected  into your blood  stream and made to localize  in the wrist, finger or some such place  from where it can communicate  with your cell phone. The nanosensor can be used to detect cancer at the earliest.
• Are there any Indian technologies  and entrepreneurs working along these lines in India? Yes, the Remidio group in Bangalore  (www.remidio.com) has developed  hand-held  high magnification  retina viewer, and a digital  fundus imaging device that  can look into the whole funds of the eye and help in detecting  retinal problems.
• And another  group led by Dagar now has ―brailled the cell phone to help the blind not just touch and read words and sentences but ―see pictures.

 

prostaglandin D2 (PGD2)

prostaglandin  D2 (PGD2)

• Increased level of this protein  inhibits hair growth and responsible for baldness.
• a balance  between  the two prostaglandins — PGE2 and PGD2 — is required to prevent baldness. .
• supplemental PGE2 could be therapeutic as increasing its level in the bald scalp can go as far as overcoming the  inhibitory effect  of the protein PGD2.

World's first 'biological computer'

• a machine made from biological molecules.
• It can decode images stored and encrypted within DNA in the form of fluorescent images.
• The computing device can extract images similar to the way computer software does. The 100% biological computer may be useful for long-term storage.
• Storing data in DNA isn’t all that hard — its primary purpose is to store genetic data, after all — but creating a biological computer to decode those long strings of nucleotides is impressive.
• The power source of the computer is ATP — the same adenosine triphosphate that powers the metabolism of every cell in our body.
• The biological computer doesn’t look like a normal computer since it was created in a test tube by mixing chemicals in a solution that appears clear

Sunspots

Sunspots

• Sunspots are temporary phenomena on the photosphere of the Sun that appear visibly as dark spots compared to surrounding regions.
• caused by intense magnetic activity, which inhibits convection by an effect comparable to the eddy current brake, forming areas of reduced surface temperature.
• Most solar flares and coronal mass ejections originate in magnetically active regions around visible sunspot groupings. Hence sunspots are used to predict magnetic activities of sun.
• Similar phenomena indirectly observed on stars are commonly called starspots and both light and dark spots have been measured.
• Cool gas molecules of hydrogen  may act as a kind of energy sink that strengthens  the magnetic  grip that causes sunspots.

SKA

Draft of National Youth Policy 2012 unveiled

Key Features of Draft NYP 2012:-

• The Draft NYP 2012 recognizes that youth is not a homogenous group and there are numerous differentials based on their habitat, environment in which they live, socio-economic status of the families they belong to and their own life style.
• The target groups identified are (i) Student Youth (ii) Migrant Youth (iii) Rural Youth (iv) Tribal Youth (v) Youth At Risk (vi) Youth in violent conflicts (vii) out of school/dropouts (viii) groups with social /moral stigma (ix) Youth in Institutional Care. Young women, Youth belonging to socially and economically disadvantaged communities /groups, and differently-abled youth form the three priority groups among the target age group.
• The Draft NYP 2012 proposes to change the target age group from the existing 13-35 years to 16-30 years. This change is proposed mainly to realign the definition of Youth with the prevailing international definitions. The definition of Youth as per UN is 15-24 years and as per Commonwealth, it is 15- 29 years.
• The concerns of target groups and the priority groups therein, shall be addressed through a subsequent action plan based on policy interventions mentioned in the thrust areas of this policy.
• Draft NYP 2012 plans to divide broad age bracket of 16-30 years into three groups- the first sub-group will be 16-20 years covering mostly youth who require educational facilities. The second sub-group is 20-25 years who require access to employable skills. The third sub-group 25-30 who require access to self employment and enterprenuerial skills.
• The draft NYP 2012 aims at empowering youth through skill development for enhancing employability and providing entrepreneurship opportunities through convergence with other Ministries/Departments.
• The thrust areas are promotion of National values, social harmony, national unity, and empowering youth through employable skills, education, health, sports and recreation, gender justice, participation in community service, environment and local governance.
• The Draft NYP 2012 has monitorable indicators under five domains.
Accordingly, Youth Development Index will include the indices viz.

• Youth Health Index,
• Youth Education Index,
• Youth Work Index,
• Youth Amenities Index,
• Youth Participation Index.

• The Draft NYP 2012 advocates establishment of strong coordination mechanism at the Centre and State Levels.

• The NYP 2012 proposes that Youth Policy be reviewed after every National Census.

The Draft Youth policy, for the first time, has also been under pinned by the guiding principle of providing targeted employable skills to different youth segments in line with Prime Minister's Skill Development Mission, apart from identifying varied segments based on socio-economic, gender and geographical parameters as specific targets.

Stratolaunch: A giant plane that can launch rockets into Orbit

Gramin Bhandaran Yojna

          The funds for this scheme are contributed by National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development, National Cooperative Development Corporation and by cooperative banks and cooperative societies.
         The main objectives of the scheme include creation of scientific storage capacity with allied facilities in rural areas to meet the requirements of farmers for storing farm produce, processed farm produce and agricultural inputs. Also, promotion of grading, standardization and quality control of agricultural produce to improve their marketability. the scheme also aims at prevention of distress sale immediately after harvest by providing the facility of pledge financing and marketing credit by strengthening agricultural marketing infrastructure in the country.
          To avail the scheme, an interested promoter will have to submit a copy of the project proposal for term loan and subsidy to the respective banks on an application form as prescribed by the concerned bank along with project report and other documents for appraisal and sanction of loan.

National Policy on Old Persons (NPOP)

The National Policy for Older Persons (NPOP) was formulated in 1999 in response to the
increasing number of persons 60 years and above.

Key Elements of NPOP


Financial Security
i. The old age pension scheme to eventually cover all older persons below poverty line
ii. Pension scheme to be broadened to include both public and private sectors
iii. Tax exemption for medical and nursing care, transportation and support services for the old or the son or daughter with whom they are staying
iv. Public distribution system to reach out to cover all persons above the age of 60 living below the poverty line



Health Care and Nutrition

i. Subsidy for the health care needs of the elderly poor and graded system of user charges for others
ii. Provision of primary health services and health insurance to address preventive, curative, restorative and rehabilitative needs of older persons and geriatric care at secondary and tertiary levels
iii. Tax relief, grants, land grant at concessional rates to NGOs and private hospitals to provide economical and specialised care for older persons
iv. Setting up geriatric wards and conducting training and orientation programmes for geriatric care
v. Expansion of mental health services and counselling facilities for the elderly having mental health problems

Shelter
i. Earmarking 10 per cent of the houses in private and Government housing schemes and easy access to
loans.
ii. Layout of housing colonies to be made sensitive to the needs of the older persons.
iii. Quick disposal of cases relating to property transfer, mutation of property, property tax, etc.

Education
The concept of wellness in old age and related health education and information needs of the elderly should receive priority so that they are well-informed about safety, security as well as the evolving changes in lifestyle and living.

Welfare
Welfare is intended primarily for the extremely vulnerable elderly who are disabled, infirm, chronically
sick and without any familial support.
i. Identify the more vulnerable among the older persons such as the poor, the infirm and those without
family support. Institutional care to be the last resort only.
ii. Provide assistance to voluntary organisations by way of grants-in-aid for construction/maintenance of
old age homes, daycare centres, multi-service citizens centres, outreach services, supply of disabilityrelated
aids and appliances, etc.
iii. Set up of welfare funds for older persons with support from the corporate sector, trusts, charities,
individual donors and others for protection of life and property, involvement of NGOs and supporting
senior citizens to realize their potential.

Research and Training
i. Encourage research and documentation on ageing.
ii. Encourage medical colleges, training institutions for nurses and paramedical institutes to introduce
courses on geriatric care.
iii. NGOs associated with such activities to get support for training and orientation of their personnel for
the provision of specialized services.

Sensitizing the Media

What is the implementation mechanism of National Policy for Older Persons?

Ans. The Government has constituted the NCOP on 10th May 1999 under the Chairmanship of Hon'ble Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment. The NCOP is the highest body to advice and coordinate with the Government in the formulation and implementation of policy and programmes for the welfare of the aged. The NCOP has been reconstituted in 2005. The present strength of NCOP is 50.

Besides, the Ministry has also set up an Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) headed by Secretary (SJ&E) with the aim of effective implementation of the National Policy on Older Persons and for taking actions on the recommendations of NCOP. The Ministry periodically reviews progress on the implementation of the National Policy on Older Persons through meetings of NCOP and IMC.

Key issues in implementation as experienced during the last 10 years of the NPOP.
These are the need for:
(1) coordination among multi-sectoral partners with clearer accountability and measurable and time bound results;
(2) financial outlays by different stakeholders within their respective mandates, but harmonised to produce policy outcomes;
(3) a stronger role for the National Council for Older Persons with greater political and administrative power necessary to bring multiple stakeholders contribute to a common cause;
(4) enhanced income security, including social pensions for the poor vulnerable senior citizens;
(5) increased protection for older women who face socio-economic, cultural and legal barriers; and finally
(6) the need for sharpening the policy focus as it addresses multiple issues with limited resources.


Recommendations by  Smt. (Dr.) Mohini Giri Committee in Draft National Policy on Senior Citizens, 2011


The focus of the new policy:

1. Mainstream senior citizens, especially older women, and bring their concerns  into the national development debate with priority to implement mechanisms  already set by governments and supported by civil society and senior citizens‟  associations. Support promotion and establishment of senior citizens‟
associations, especially amongst women.
2. Promote the concept of "Ageing in Place‟ or ageing in own home, housing,  income security and homecare services, old age pension and access to  healthcare insurance schemes and other programmes and services to  facilitate and sustain dignity in old age. The thrust of the policy would be preventive rather than cure.
3. The policy will consider institutional care as the last resort. It recognises that  care of senior citizens has to remain vested in the family which would partner  the community, government and the private sector.
4. Being a signatory to the Madrid Plan of Action and Barrier Free Framework it  will work towards an inclusive, barrier-free and age-friendly society.
5. Recognise that senior citizens are a valuable resource for the country and  create an environment that provides them with equal opportunities, protects  their rights and enables their full participation in society. Towards achievement of this directive, the policy visualises that the states will extend their support for senior citizens living below the poverty line in urban and rural  areas and ensure their social security, healthcare, shelter and welfare. It will protect them from abuse and exploitation so that the quality of their lives  improves.
6. Long term savings instruments and credit activities will be promoted to reach both rural and urban areas. It will be necessary for the contributors to feel National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011 assured that the payments at the end of the stipulated period are attractive enough to take care of the likely erosion in purchasing power.
7. Employment in income generating activities after superannuation will be encouraged.
8. Support and assist organisations that provide counselling, career guidance and training services.
9. States will be advised to implement the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 and set up Tribunals so that elderly parents  unable to maintain themselves are not abandoned and neglected.
10. States will set up homes with assisted living facilities for abandoned senior citizens in every district of the country and there will be adequate budgetary support.

Implementation Mechanism

There will be efforts to provide an identity for senior citizens across the country and the ADHAAR Unique identity number will be offered to them so that implementation of assistance schemes of Government of India and concessions can be offered to them. As part of the policy implementation the Government will strive for: 

1. Establishment of Department of Senior Citizens under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
2. Establishment of Directorates of Senior Citizens in states and union territories 
3. National/State Commission for Senior Citizens
4. Establishment of National Council for Senior Citizens
   A National Council for Senior Citizens, headed by the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment will be constituted by the Ministry. With tenure of five years, the Council will monitor the implementation of the policy and advise the government on concerns of senior citizens. A similar body would be established in every state with the concerned minister heading the State Council for Senior Citizens.
   
     The Council would include representatives of relevant central ministries, the Planning Commission and ten states by rotation.
     Representatives of senior citizens associations from every state and Union Territory.
     Representatives of NGOs, academia, media and experts on ageing. The council would meet once in six months.
5. Responsibility for Implementation
   
   The Ministries of Home Affairs, Health & Family Welfare, Rural Development, Urban Development, Youth Affairs & Sports, Railways, Science & Technology, Statistics & Programme Implementation, Labour, Panchayati Raj and Departments of Elementary Education & Literacy, Secondary & Higher Education, Road Transport & Highways, Public Enterprises, Revenue, Women & Child Development, Information Technology and Personnel & Training will setup necessary mechanism for implementation of the policy. A five-year perspective Plan and annual plans setting targets and financial allocations will be prepared by each Ministry/ Department. The annual report of these Ministries/ Departments will indicate progress achieved during the year. This will enable monitoring by the designated authority.
6. Role of Block Development Offices, Panchayat Raj Institutions and Tribal Councils/Gram Sabhas
   
   Block Development offices would appoint nodal officers to serve as a one point contact for senior citizens to ease access to pensions and handle documentation and physical presence requirements, especially by the elderly women.
   Panchayat Raj Institutions would be directed to implement the NPSC 2011 and address local issues and needs of the ageing population.
   In rural/ tribal areas, the tribal council or gram sabha or the relevant Panchayat Raj institution would be responsible for implementation of the policy.
   The provisions of the 13thFinance Commission for special funding to them would be made applicable. 

Elderly popuplation in India

What are the main features of elderly population of India?

Ans. The profile of the elderly population indicates that:

• a majority of them are in rural areas;
• feminization of the elderly population; and
• increase in the number of Oldest-old persons above 80 years and 
• a large percentage (30%) of the elderly are below the poverty line.

What is the share of the older persons in the total population of the Country?

• Currently in 2011 the share is 8.30 %, which is likely to be 12.40% in 2026.

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007

What are the important features of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007?

• providing need-based maintenance to the parents/grand parents from their children.
• Tribunals will be set up for the purpose of settling the maintenance claims of the parents in a time bound manner.
• Lawyers are barred from participating in the proceedings of the Tribunals at any stage.
• provisions like protection of life and property of senior citizens, better medical facilities, setting up of old age homes in every district, etc.
• The Act extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir and it applies also to the citizens of India outside India.
• The Act defines "children" as son, daughter, grandson and granddaughter who are not minor.
• The "Maintenance" includes provision for food, clothing, residence and medical attendance and treatment;
• A "senior citizen" means any person being a citizen of India, who has attained the age of sixty years or above;

Whether a person other than claimant can file application on his/her behalf?

Ans. An application for maintenance may be made by

• a senior citizen or a parent, as the case may be; or
• if he is incapable, by any other person or organization authorized by him; or
• the Tribunal may take cognizance suo motu.

What is the time limit for disposing an application for claiming maintenance?

Ans. An application filed under sub-section (2) for the monthly allowance for the maintenance and expenses for proceeding shall be disposed of within ninety days from the date of the service of notice of the application to such person. However, the Tribunal may extend the said period, once for a maximum period of thirty days in exceptional circumstances for reasons to be recorded in writing.


What is the monitoring mechanism for implementation of the Act by the States?

Ans. The Act has been enacted in pursuance of the provisions of Article 41 read with Entry 23 of the Concurrent List (Schedule VII) of the Constitution of India. State Governments are required to notify the Act and frame Rules for implementing the provisions of the Act.

However, Section 30 of the Act enables the Central Government to give directions to State Governments for carrying into execution of the provisions of the Act. Further, Section 31 of the Act provides for periodic review and monitoring of the progress of implementation of the Act by the State Governments. The Ministry will act in accordance with these provisions to ensure effective implementation of the provisions of the Act by the States.

The State Government are required to constitute for each Subdivision one or more Tribunals as per the need within a period of six months from the date of the commencement of this Act.


What are the provisions about revocation of will?

Ans. As per the provision of Act, a senior citizen can seek to revoke any property, which has been transferred in favour of children/relative on the condition that such children/relative would provide maintenance to him but are not providing the same. The tribunals are empowered to declare such transfers as void on the applications of such parent.


Is any penalty/imprisonment is for the children who abandon their parents?

Ans. Yes, imprisonment for a term of 3 months and a fine upto Rs. 5000/- or both on the children.

What are the provisions for medical care of senior citizens provided in the Act?

Ans. The Act provides that State Government shall ensure that, -

• the Government hospitals or hospitals funded fully or partially by the Government shall provide beds for all senior citizens as far as possible;
• separate queues be arranged for senior citizens;
• facility for treatment of chronic, terminal and degenerative diseases is expanded for senior citizens;
• research activities for chronic elderly diseases and ageing is expanded;
• there are earmarked facilities for geriatric patients in every district hospital duly headed by a medical officer with experience in geriatric care.

National Policy on Older Persons (discussed separately)

Grant-in-Aid Schemes

What are the schemes under which financial assistance is provided for welfare of the older persons?

Ans- The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment supports programmes for the welfare of the elderly through financial assistance to Non Governmental Organizations under the two schemes detailed below:-

• Scheme of "Integrated Programme for Older Persons", through which financial assistance up to 90% of the project cost is provided to NGOs for establishing and maintaining old age homes, day care centres, mobile medicare units and to provide non-institutional services to older persons.
• Scheme of Assistance for construction of old age homes for older persons under which funds are provided for construction of old age homes. The Scheme is presently under formulation.

Which agencies are eligible for obtaining grant-in aid under the Integrated Programme for Older Persons for implementing different projects?

Ans. Under the scheme, assistance is sanctioned to the following agencies subject to terms and conditions laid down by this Ministry:-

• Panchayati Raj Institutions/Local bodies.
• Non-Governmental Voluntary Organizations.
• Institutions or Organizations set up by Government as autonomous/subordinate bodies Government Recognized Educational institutions, Charitable Hospitals/Nursing Homes, and recognized youth organizations such as Nehru Yuvak Kendra Sanghathan.
• In exceptional case, financial assistance under the Scheme shall also be provided to State Governments/Union Territory administrations.

What are the projects admissible for assistance under the Integrated Programme for Older Persons?

Ans. 

• Maintenance of Old Age homes.
• Running of Multi Service Centres for Older Persons
• Maintenance of Mobile Medicare Units.
• Running of Day Care Centres for Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia Patients
• Physiotherapy clinics for older persons
• Disability and hearing aids for older persons
• Mental health care and Specialized care for the Older Persons
• Help-lines and Counselling Centres for older persons
• Sensitising programmes for children particularly in Schools and Colleges
• Regional Resource and Training Centres
• Awareness Generation Programmes for Older Persons and Care Givers.
• Formation of Vridha Sanghas/Senior Citizen Associations.

Any other activity, which is considered suitable to meet the objective of the scheme.

Whether the government is revising the schemes for welfare of the older persons?

Ans. Yes. The Ministry has revised the 'Integrated Programme for Older Persons' by enhancing the quantum of assistance in line with the increase in CPI. Further, several new components like Helplines, Physiotherapy centres, mental healthcare facilities, etc. The revised Scheme comes into effect from 1.4.2008.

In addition, the Ministry is also in the process of converting its non-plan scheme of assistance for construction of old age homes into a plan scheme.

Schemes of Other Ministries

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provides the following facilities for senior citizens:
i. Separate queues for older persons in government hospitals
ii. Geriatric clinics in several government hospitals

The Ministry of Rural Development
 Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) under which Central assistance @ Rs. 200 per month is provided as old age pension to persons above 65 years who belong to a household below the poverty line. This in turn is meant to be supplemented by at least an equivalent contribution by the states, so that each beneficiary gets at least Rs. 400/- per month as pension. During 2008-09, about 155 lakh persons got the benefit of old age pension.

Annapurna scheme: 

• Senior citizen eligible for pension under NOAPS but are not getting the pension are covered under this scheme
• 10 kg of foodgrain per person free of cost is supplied.

The Ministry of Railways provides the following facilities to senior citizens:
i. Separate ticket counters for senior citizens at various Passenger Reservation System (PRS) centres, if the average demand per shift is more than 120 tickets
ii. 25 per cent and 50 per cent concession in rail fare for male and female senior citizens respectively

The Ministry of Finance provides income tax benefits to senior citizens 65 years of age and above:
i. Income tax exemption for income up to certain higher limits than regular limit.
ii. Deduction of Rs 20,000 for medical insurance premium under Section 80D
iii. Deduction of the amount incurred or Rs 60,000, whichever is less, for medical treatment (specified
diseases in Rule 11DD of the Income Tax Rules) under Section DDB

Ministry of Civil Aviation provides concession up to 50 per cent for male senior citizens aged 65 years
and above, and female senior citizens aged 63 years and above in air fares on the national carrier, Air
India.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organises the International Day of Older Persons every
year on 1st October to increase awareness about ageing.

The UN Human Rights Council

             United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a body of United Nations which deals with promotion and compliance of member nations with international human right treaties. UNHRC was established as a successor to United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) by a resolution, March 15, 2006.  The UNHRC is mandated to scrutinize human rights violations in specific regions of the world.

The composition of UNHRC
             The UNHRC has 47 elected members. The UN General Assembly has the responsibility of electing the forty seven (47) members of the Council. The General Assembly also has the power to remove any member from office with the approval of two-third majority present and voting. Such removal is done only in cases of gross human rights violations by one of the member states.

The complaint procedure (not very impo.)

The complain procedure is an important part of the UNHRC operations. The Council established a Complaint Procedure through a resolution on 18th June 2007..

The main purpose of this mechanism is to monitor any regular patterns of gross violations of human rights all over the world. This complaint procedure works mainly through two working groups:
1. The Working Group on Communications
2. The Working Group on Situations.

The Working Group on Communications consists of five independent representatives. These experts have tenure of three years, where no expert can be appointed for more than two consecutive appointments. The task of these experts is to ascertain whether a complaint deserves investigation or not. If the complaint requires due attention, it is forwarded to the next level.

The next level is the Working Group on Situations. It also has five members appointed for a period of one year, where none of the member may be appointed for more than two consecutive tenures. Its function is to examine the complaints transferred to it by the Working Group on Communications. The Working Group on Situations presents a report to the UNHRC on the basis of investigations and information. This report has to contain recommendations and course of action on the consistent pattern of gross and reliably attested violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

UNHRC Resolutions

The UNHRC carries out its activities by passing resolutions in the presence of its members. The resolutions are effectively adopted by the General Assembly even though the Council is responsible for passing it.

These resolutions are binding on the member nations of the UN. Violation of any resolution would lead to cancellation of membership or the dispute is taken to International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Issues taken

Some of the many issues taken up by the Council are- issues of rights violations in Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israel-Lebanon conflict, human rights violations during Gaza War and the latest being the conflict in Sri Lanka regarding Tamils.

Recently, Sri Lanka has been a subject of scrutiny for the Council. On March 22, 2012, the Council approved a U.S.-backed resolution that urges Sri Lanka to probe allegations of summary executions, kidnappings and other abuses. The resolution was passed with 24 countries in favour, 15 against and eight abstentions.

BRICS nations sign pacts to trade in local currency

            5 Banks of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) inked 2 pacts:-
1. Master Agreement on Extending Credit Facility in Local Currency;
2. BRICS Multilateral Letter of Credit Confirmation Facility Agreement

This is a combined attempt to address with problems of a jolting world economy hit by sovereign debt crisis in many European countries and protectionist propensities of some developed countries.
The participating banks included:
1. Export Import Bank of India
2. Banco Nacional de Desenvolimento Economico e Social of Brazil
3. State Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs of Russia
4. China Development Bank
5. Development Bank of South Africa.

Objective:

• To tackle the demand for fully convertible currencies for transactions among BRICS nations, and thus aid in reducing the transaction costs of intra-BRICS trade.
• To promote intra-BRICS Trade. Expanding intra-BRICS trade from the current $230 billion (about Rs ,50,000 crore) to $500 billion (about Rs 25,00,000 crore) by 2015.
• To enhance cooperation among the Development Banks of BRICS.

BRICS Development Bank

Suggestion made to set up a BRICS Development Bank. The proposal on the BRICS Development Bank formed part of the Summit’s Delhi Declaration.

UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF).

        Over US $4 million contributes by India to the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF). Thus, India’s total contribution to UNDEF is now $30 million since the Fund was launched in 2005.
       UNDEF was launched in 2005 by Indian PM Manmohan Singh, the then US President George Bush and former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in New York in for furtherance of democratic values. India is the second largest contributor to the UNDEF. At the origin of the fund, India had contributed US$10 million followed by contributions of US$ five million each in 2008, 2009 and 2011.

Objective: UNDEF supports projects that reinforce the voice of civil society, encourage human rights and promote contribution of all groups in democratic processes. Since its foundation, UNDEF has funded about 400 projects in over 100 countries, bringing total disbursal to about US $ 110 mn.

200 US Marines arrive in Australia as part of defence deal

About 200 U.S. Marines arrived in Darwin in the north of the country as part of a defence deal between Australia and the United States. US and Australia will hold joint training and exercises in Darwin and the U.S. Marines would be stationed, on rotation basis here. The new plan would intensify the 60 year military alliance between the two countries.

Why Darwin?
Darwin has a close proximity with Asia which makes it an important gateway. Thus it is strategically an
important position.

Are the Alarm bells ringing for China?
Yes. China's Heart Beat is rising now!!!
The move is largely seen as a response to the rise of China, which is boosting its military spending and capabilities. China is also becoming increasingly assertive on the high seas, where it claims sovereignty over essentially all of the South China Sea, a key global trading route. The move represents a potentially significant geo-strategic shift, which is said to have been under consideration for some years as US aims to boost its Pacific Command. A new base will not be built in Darwin, instead the marines will use the existing Robertson Barracks nearby.

At which locations the US Military already has its presence in the region?
U.S. Marines are already based at Okinawa in Japan, and on Guam, a U.S. territory 1,500 miles north of
Papua New Guinea, as America's chief combat force in the Pacific theatre.

India now a member of CGAP

     India has now become a member of Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), an international apex body for micro-finance. For the first time a developing country has been admitted in CGAP.

What is CGAP?
The Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) is a consortium of 33 public and private development agencies working together to expand access to financial services for the poor in developing countries. CGAP was created in 1995 by these aid agencies and industry leaders to help create permanent financial services for the poor on a large scale (often referred to as microfinance).
CGAP is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and operates on a yearly budget of $10 million.
CGAP is housed at the World Bank, but operates as an independent entity.
It has its own governance structure, with a board that includes practitioners and leaders from outside the donor community as well as member representation.

What are the Clients served by CGAP?

CGAP serves 4 groups of clients:
1. Development agencies
2. Financial institutions including microfinance institutions
3. Government policymakers and regulators
4. Other service providers, such as auditors and rating agencies.
        To each of these client groups, CGAP provides specialized services—advisory services, training, research and development, consensus building on standards, and information dissemination. 

What is “Micro-Finance Gateway” ?

                 The Microfinance Gateway, a project of CGAP, is a comprehensive online resource for the global microfinance community. It includes research and publications, original articles, and organization and consultant profiles, as well as microfinance-related news items, announcements, events, and job opportunities. The Microfinance Gateway provides an interactive platform for people to learn, share ideas, and engage with others working to advance financial inclusion.

India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board became the 11th Member of MEDP

           India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board admitted as the 11th member of MEDP (Multinational Design Evaluation Programme). India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) became the first new member in the MDEP since its inception in 2006. India awarded FULL Membership in MEDP.
The members of MEDP are:-
1. Canada
2. China
3. Finland
4. France
5. INDIA
6. Japan
7. Russia
8. South Korea
9. South Africa
10. UK
11. US

What is MDEP ?
     The Multinational Design Evaluation Programme (MDEP) was launched in 2006 by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the French Nuclear Safety Authority ((Autorite de Surete Nucleaire, ASN) with the aim of developing innovative approaches to leverage the resources and
knowledge of national regulatory authorities reviewing new reactor designs.
        The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) acts as the Technical Secretariat for the MDEP. The International Atomic Energy Agency participates in many of the MDEP activities, including the harmonization efforts.

What are the Goals and activities of MDEP?

        The MDEP programme incorporates a broad range of activities including:

• Enhanced multilateral co-operation within existing regulatory frameworks.
• Multinational convergence of codes, standards and safety goals.
• Implementation of MDEP products to facilitate licensing of new reactors, including those being developed by the Generation IV International Forum.

A key concept throughout the work of MDEP is that national regulators retain sovereign

authority for all licensing and regulatory decisions.

What this means for India?

       The membership will enable India to participate in the review of new reactor designs in the various working groups of the MDEP. It will give us an opportunity to interact with other countries and gain from their experience of their design reviews of the new generation of reactors that India is likely to get. As a full member, India will contribute to the MDEP's strategic decisions in the MDEP Steering Technical Committee and the MDEP Policy Group.

GCC states & US agree to build a regional missile defence shield

The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states and the US have decided to build a regional missile defence shield. Details of the agreement are being worked out. The final decision by the 6 members of the Gulf alliance (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE) and the US will be taken in June 2012. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pushed the missile shield idea at the first Strategic Cooperation Forum in Riyadh lately.

What is the objective of this Missile Shield?
The 6 states members of GCC (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE) and the US have decided to build a regional missile defence shield aimed at protecting the oil wells and ports in the region from attacks.

ECOWAS likely to suspend Mali following coup

    An emergency meeting of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) being held in Ivory Coast to discuss political crisis in Mali following the military coup there. ECOWAS likely to consider suspending Mali's membership from the 15-member sub-regional bloc.  ECOWAS Vice President Toga Gayewea McIntosh held that ECOWAS group is concerned with preserving peace, stability and democracy in Mali.

About ECOWAS:-
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional group of fifteen West African countries. Founded on 28 May 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, its mission is to promote economic integration across the region. The ECOWAS consists of two institutions to implement policies, the ECOWAS Secretariat and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, formerly known as the Fund for Cooperation until it was renamed in 2001.
Headquarters: Abuja, Nigeria
Current members
1. Benin
2. Burkina Faso
3. Cape Verde
4. Côte d'Ivoire
5. Gambia
6. Ghana
7. Guinea
8. Guinea-Bissau
9. Liberia
10. Mali
11. Niger
12. Nigeria
13. Senegal
14. Sierra Leone
15. Togo

“BALIKATAN”: US, Philippines hold joint military exercises in South China Sea

Named “Balikatan”, the annual Joint military exercises b/w the US and the Philippines are getting under way in the South China Sea, even as Manila remained locked in a stand-off with Beijing over a disputed shoal. The yearly exercise, will continued till April 27, 2012.

What is the strategic element behind this year’s exercise?
The exercise takes place every year but, this year they are different because the context within which they are taking place has changed. This year the Exercise Balikatan is taking place off Palawan, near parts of the South China Sea, which both Philippine and China claim. The games are happening at a time when tensions are already high between China and the Philippines over disputed territorial rights in the South China Sea. So, Mutual Military Exercise by US and Philippines in the disputed region b/w Philippines and China!!! Thus, China’s eyebrows raised…

What is the issue?
         6 countries claim competing sovereignty over areas in the South China Sea, which is believed to contain huge deposits of oil and gas. They are China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan. That has led to occasional flare-ups and to competition to occupy islands, reefs and sandbars.
China - Its maritime power is growing. China's claim includes almost the entire South China Sea, well into what the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea recognises as the 200-mile-from-shore Exclusive Economic Zones of other claimants.
Philippines – It along with many other small countries in the region are worried due to growing Chinese maritime Power. Thus, Philippines wants to bolster its own defences and underline its growing ties with US. The Philippines knows it needs help and support from the US, but at the same time, it is acutely aware that its relationship with China is equally important. Philippines must therefore walk a tightrope between these two major world powers.
US - It sees these exercises as an opportunity to demonstrate its renewed interest in Pacific security. It also wants to make sure that the South China Sea, which carries about half the world's total trade, remains free for navigation.
        China believes the South China Sea issue is only a regional concern and therefore US should not get involved. But since 2011, the US has been doing the exact opposite - refocusing its military attention on Asia and strengthening ties with the Philippines, negotiating an increase in troop numbers and more frequent joint exercises. So given all this, the presence of thousands of US and Philippine troops holding exercises in Palawan, not far from the Spratly Islands - one of the main disputed areas - is hardly likely to be welcomed in China.

Southern African Development Community (SADC)

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is an inter-governmental organization with a goal to further socio-economic cooperation and integration as well as political and security cooperation among 15 Southern African states of Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia Zimbabwe and Madagascar(currently suspended after the coup) and is headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana. It complements the role of the African Union.

Objective:
The formation of SADC was the culmination of a long process of consultations by the leaders of Southern Africa with the broader objective of pursuing economic and social development in the region namely, Energy, Tourism, Environment and Land Management, Water, Mining, Employment and Labour, Culture, Information, Sports, Transport and Communications and to implement programmes and projects at the national and regional level and to secure international understanding and support. Other sectors are Finance and Investment, Human Resource Development, Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Legal Affairs and Health.

Challenges facing member countries:
SADC countries face many social, development, economic, health, diplomatic, defence, security and political challenges. Some of these challenges cannot be tackled effectively by individual members. Cattle disease and organized Gangs know no boundries. War in one country can suck in its neighbours and damage their economies. The sustainable development that trade could bring is threatened by the existence of different product standards and tariff regime, weak customs infrastructure and bad roads. To achieve this, in 2008, the SADC agreed to establish a free trade zone with the East African Community(EAC) and the Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa(COMESA) including all members of each of organization. Since 2000 began the formation of SADC Free Trade area with the participation of SACU countries (South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland) and total number of countries joining are 12 except Angola, DR Congo and Seychelles.


India - SADC Cooperation
The Government of India signed the Memorandum of Understanding on economic cooperation with SADC on 14th Oct, 1997. Broadly areas of cooperation include:
agriculture, water recourses management, human resources development, entrepreneurial development, promotion of small and medium scale industries, non – conventional energy sources, communications, commerce, Banking, diplomacy and enterprises development through private sector involvement. As a follow up to the MOU signed in Oct 1997, the First India SADC Forum meeting was held in Windhoek on 28th April 2006. The Forum agreed to focus cooperation in the sectors of Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment; Food, Agriculture and pharmaceuticals: Water Resource Management; and Information and Communications Technology.
This was followed by the visit of team of experts from India to the SADC Secretary during March 27 – 30, 2007 when 11 projects were discussed. SADC Secretariat submitted seven priority projects for implementation. The following five projects were approved by the Government of India in July 2008 at a concessional line of credit amounting to US$ 29.22 Million through EXIM Bank of India:
1. Dry Land Agriculture Project Emphasizing Regional Irrigation and Water
Management for Small Scale Farmers.
2. SADC Regional Project on Value Addition to Primary Agriculture Products;
3. Demonstration Center for Small and Micro Enterprises
4. Study of Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Parks (STEP)
5. Pre – feasibility Study for the Transfer of Water from the Congo Basin to the Water Scare Countries in the SADC region.
In pursuance of the India Africa Forum Summit held in New Delhi in April 2008 and plan of action formulated in March 2011 for implementation of decisions of the IAFS, the first meeting of the African Regional Economic Committees was held in New Delhi from Nov 14 – 16, 2010. The SADC delegation was led Ms. Emilie Mushobekwa, Deputy Executive Secretary (Finance and Administration) and was advised to suggest names of five solid, viable and executable proposals as per their priority by Nov 2010. The list of these priority projects from the SADC Secretariat was received in March 2011 are as follows:
1. Dry Land Agriculture Project Emphasizing Regional Irrigation and Water
Management of Small Scale Farmers.
2. SADC Regional Project on Value Addition to Primary Agriculture Products
3. Demonstration Center fro Small and Micro Enterprises
4. Study of Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Parks (STEP)
5. Water Resources Management
The above projects are at various stages of implementation.
The second meeting of India and African RECs took place in New Delhi on 8-9 November, 2011 and SADC dropped out at the last moment.

Important topics and Newspaper articles for mains

Various important topics are discussed under concerned sections throughout this blog. If you find any other topics which are significant from the point of view of mains, then enlist it in comments and post the relevant links too if possible. From now onwards I'll try to enlist links to few good Newspaper articles here...

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/interview/article3540067.ece

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/article3540905.ece

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sulphur-dioxide-a-pollutant-could-aid-fight-on-tb-experts/954701/

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/now-handy-device-to-quickly-detect-infectious-diseases/919159/

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/comments-analysis/we-will-prove-the-poor-can-access-healthcare-dr-devi-prasad-shetty-narayana-hrudayalaya/articleshow/14381350.cms

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/editorial/indias-green-agenda-how-to-take-it-forward/articleshow/14381582.cms 

East African Community

           The East African Community (EAC) is the regional intergovernmental organisation of the Republics of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Burundi with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

           The EAC was established with a vision to set up a prosperous, competitive, secure, stable and politically united East Africa; and provide platform to widen and deepen Economic, Political, Social and Culture integration in order to improve the quality of life of the people of East Africa through increased competitiveness, value added production, trade and investments.

Aims and Objectives
            The EAC aims at widening and deepening co-operation among the Partner States in, among others, political, economic and social fields for their mutual benefit. To this extent the EAC countries established a Customs Union in January 2005 and established a Common Market in July 2010, subsequently a Monetary Union by 2012 and ultimately a Political Federation of the East African States.


India’s engagements with EAC (Nothing recent development in it, so can be skipped)
Our High Commissioner in Tanzania is concurrently accredited to the EAC. MOU on Economic Cooperation between India and East African Community (28 April 2003). An EAC delegation led by Hon. John Arap Koech, Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers and Minister for East African Community of the Republic of Kenya paid a six day official visit to India from 19 to 24 February 2007 at the end of the visit a joint communiqué was signed on 22 February 2007 which spelt out a programme of India-EAC cooperation in various sectors. EAC participated in the India-Africa Forum Summit held in April 2008.
The Secretary General of EAC visited India in November, 2010. During the visit, a comprehensive meeting was held with Secretary [West] and Joint Secretary [E&SA]. The following areas were identified for co-operation :
I. Railways
II. E-Network
III. Energy
IV. Agriculture
V. Investment in Agriculture
VI. Capacity Building
VII. 10 Scholarships for EAC
VIII. Tourism
IX. Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
Also, a proposal for holding of India-EAC Summit was discussed. During the meeting of the EAC Secretary General with Minister of State [PK], Ambassador Mwapachu expressed interest in having an institution based on NSIC model.

Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA

         Based in Lusaka (Zambia), COMESA is the successor organisation to the regional Preferential Trading Area (PTA), and came into force on December 8, 1994. COMESA has now 19 members: Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Eight members of COMESA, i.e. DRC, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe are also members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
              COMESA is Africa’s largest economic community with a total population of around 430 million and an estimated combined GDP of US$ 447 billion. The main goals of COMESA are to eliminate the structural and institutional weaknesses of member states and to promote political stability and sustained economic development.
              COMESA-EAC-SADC Ministerial Tripartite Meeting was held in Lusaka on May 13, 2011. The meeting looked at proposals aimed at streamlining trading arrangements among member countries and discussed proposed modalities of establishing a single market by way of a Grand Free Trade Area – combining the Free Trade Areas of COMESA, EAC and SADC and thus presenting a large market with a combined population of 580 million for promoting and attracting both cross border and international investment.

             The organisation is now pursuing other integration objectives such as establishment of a Customs Union, liberalisation of visa facilities for the COMESA citizens and introduction of COMESA wide telephone system to provide cheaper and direct telecommunications facilities among member countries. Future COMESA goals include achievement of macro-economic convergence, harmonisation of policies in energy, agriculture, free movement of services, free right of residence by 2014 and establishment of an Economic Community by 2025.
            COMESA-India Trade: The COMESA exports are dominated by petroleum products (around 70%) followed by cotton (around 10%). On the other hand, major COMESA imports from India are refined petroleum products, rice, pharmaceuticals, steel etc. India-COMESA trade has reached US$ 7.8 billion in 2010 from US$ 4.1 billion in 2006. Although it is nearing close to achieving the objective of doubling India-COMESA trade by 2010 as envisaged in India-COMESA Action Plan of 2006, it is still way too short of the huge potential. India’s offer to provide unilateral preferential market access for exports from 34 LDCs in Africa would give a further boost to India-COMESA trade.

INDIA-COMESA RELATIONS 
        India signed an MOU for long-term economic and technical cooperation with the COMESA in February 2003. A COMESA ministerial delegation visited New Delhi in October 2006 for the first ministerial level meeting. The meeting decided an Action Plan primarily in the area of capacity building including deputation of experts under ITEC to COMESA Secretariat in the areas of industrial development, Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, ICT and energy. Our energy expert completed his one year deputation with COMESA Secretariat on 20th June 2009 and submitted a report on “COMESA Integrated Energy Planning Strategy”. The Action Plan also envisages cooperation in trade, SMEs, science & technology and agriculture.

          As part of the continuing engagement between India and Africa on an institutional basis, the second meeting of Secretary Generals of the African Regional Economic Communities [RECs] was held in New Delhi between 08-09 November 2011. A two member delegation headed by the Secretary General of COMESA attended the meeting. The representatives of the RECs met with several Ministries and agencies of the Government of India who are engaged in implementing jointly agreed programme and projects. A cross-section of Indian investors and entrepreneurs met with the delegates to discuss opportunities in their region, to learn about the growing market size.

         The Exim Bank has been providing credit lines to PTA Bank and these credit lines have been utilised by the private sector in sourcing machinery and equipment from India in various COMESA countries. It will become easier for the Indian companies to increase their exports to the COMESA states if India and COMESA could enter into a Preferential Trade or a Free Trade Arrangement. Government of India has proposed setting up of a joint Study Group (JSG) to examine the feasibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) / Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between India and COMESA. COMESA has welcomed the initiative.

Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA)

     Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is a forum aimed at enhancing cooperation through elaborating multilateral approaches towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia. CICA was established at the initiative of President Nursultan Nazarbaev of Kazakhstan outlined at the 47th UNGA in 1992. It currently has 24 members. India has been a member right since CICA's inception. Eight countries (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar, Ukraine and USA) and three international organizations (the United Nations, the OSCE and the League of Arab States) are Observers in CICA.
   CICA has a Secretariat based in Almaty since June 2006. CICA holds its Summits (HOS/HOG level) every four years. Three Summits have been held so far, in 2002, 2006 and 2010. Special Working Group (SWG) and Senior Officials Committee (SOC) meetings are held periodically to discuss further cooperation and related activities among CICA member states in mutually agreed areas. The last CICA SWG and SOC meetings were held in Istanbul, Turkey from 28-29 February 2012.
    India has been associated with the CICA process and its activities since the beginning. India believes that CICA can help contribute to the development of a cooperative framework in Asia, based on mutual understanding, trust and sovereign equality. India has emphasized a stepby- step approach in CICA, rooted in the realities of Asia taking into account interests and consensus of all Member States. India has underlined that CICA should focus on implementing CBMs in areas already identified in the 2004 CICA Catalogue of CBMs and the 2007 Cooperative Approach for the Implementation of CICA CBMs. India hosted a CICA Special Working Group /Senior Officials Committee meeting from 18-20 February 2009 in New Delhi. India has seconded an officer of the Government of India to the CICA Secretariat located in Almaty since April 2007. India has volunteered to cocoordinate the CBMs on Energy Security with the Republic of Korea and CBMs in the field of developing secure and effective transportation corridors with Azerbaijan.

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme

                  The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme was instituted by a decision of the Indian Cabinet on 15 September 1964 as a bilateral programme of assistance of the Government of India. Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, who also served as the External Affairs Minister, was the main architect of the ITEC programme. The ITEC Programme of the Ministry of External Affairs was an earnest attempt by India to share the fruits of its socio-economic development and technological achievement with other developing countries.

               The ITEC/SCAAP Programme has the following components: 

• Training (civilian and defence) in India of nominees from ITEC partner countries;
• Projects and project related activities such as feasibility studies and consultancy services; 
• Deputation of Indian experts abroad; 
• Study Tours; 
• Gifting/Donation of equipment at the request of ITEC partner countries; and  
• Aid for Disaster Relief.

           The ITEC Programme constitutes an integral part of India’s South-South Cooperation effort which has been a traditional pillar of the country’s foreign policy and diplomacy.

Caribbean Community: CARICOM

     In 1972, Commonwealth Caribbean leaders at the Seventh Heads of Government Conference decided to transform the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) into a Common Market and establish the Caribbean Community, of which the Common Market would be an integral part. On 4th July 1973, they signed the Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean Community in Trinidad & Tobago.

        CARICOM has 15 members – Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago. Of the 15, all except Montserrat are nation States. Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos Islands are Associate Members of the Community. The Chairmanship of the Community is rotated every six months among the member countries Heads with current Chairmanship held by H.E. Desiré Delano Bouterse President Suriname till 30th June, 2012.

        The CARICOM Single Market and Economy is intended to benefit the people of the Region by providing more and better opportunities to produce and sell goods and services and to attract investment. It will create one large market among the participating member States.

Objectives:
     to improve standards of living and work; the full employment of labour and other factors of production; accelerated, coordinated and sustained economic development and convergence; expansion of trade and economic relations with third States; enhanced levels of international competitiveness; organization for increased production and productivity; achievement of a greater measure of economic leverage and effectiveness of Member States in dealing with third States, groups of States and entities of any description and the enhanced co-ordination of Member States’ foreign and foreign economic policies and enhanced functional co-operation.


India and CARICOM
       The High Commissioner of India in Georgetown is accredited as Ambassador to CARICOM headquartered at Georgetown. India established formal relation with CARICOM as a continuation of its diplomatic relations with the individual members of CARICOM. A CARICOM delegation under the leadership of Hon’ble K.D. Knight, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Jamaica and the then Chairman of the Community Council, visited India in November 2003. The major outcome of the visit was that an agreement was signed between India and CARICOM Secretariat for establishing a Standing Joint Commission on Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination.
         Possible areas of cooperation identified included India’s membership of the Caribbean Development Bank (through which India would be able to co-finance development and integration projects in the region), promotion of trade in goods, services and investments with greater Indian participation in Caribbean infrastructure development and regional investment, supply of retroviral drugs for fighting HIV/AIDS. CARICOM has also requested India’s contribution to CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) that was established in 2008 to fund economic activities with the CARICOM region.
        Government of India funded the US$ 1.166 million information technology and communication infrastructure, computer software and community studio at the CARICOM Secretariat in 2005-2006. Government of India also provides a few slots annually to CARICOM Secretariat – independent of the slots provided to member States – for courses in India under the ITEC programme.

ANDEAN COMMUNITY

        The regional integration in the Andean countries began with the signature of the Cartagena Agreement in 1969 which led to the formation of the Andean Group with the objective of creating a customs union and a common market. In 1996, the Protocol of Trujillo enabled institutional reform led to the creation of the Andean Community.
     The Andean Community is a trade block of four countries, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay are associated while Panama and Mexico are Observers. The Headquarters of CAN located in Lima, Peru.
    Andean community deals with the following issues: Trade in Goods ; Trade in Services ; Customs Union ; movement of people ; Common Market ; Common Foreign Policy ; Border Development ; Social Agenda ; Sustainable Development ; and Economic Policies.

India and the Andean community
          In June 2003, India and the Andean Community established a Political Dialogue and Cooperation Mechanism for the purpose of strengthening and deepening their friendship, understanding and cooperation and developing mutually beneficial trade and investment relations and promoting cultural and scientific
exchanges.
        During former MOS Shri Shashi Tharoor’s visit to Lima in January 2012 he met with the Andean Community Secretary General Mr. Freddy Ehlers, the then Chair Pro Tempore (Peru) of the CAN and other representatives of the CAN countries. Secretary General expressed interest to cooperate with India environment, energy and food security, rural development and science and technology. He also visited India in 2010.

ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)

Background:
               The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was set up in 1993 as a regional security cooperation and dialogue platform based on deliberations in the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference between the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN and its full dialogue partners. In 1995, the ARF agreed to an evolutionary approach to effectively tackle security issues and adopted a 3-stage process viz, 1st stage – Confidence Building Measures (CBMs); 2nd stage – development of preventive diplomacy; and 3rd stage – elaboration of approaches to conflicts. ASEAN values of consensus, confidence building and progress at a pace comfortable to all have guided the ARF process since inception.

               At present ARF has 27 member states. These include: the 10 ASEAN countries - Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam; the 10 ASEAN Dialogue Partners - Australia, Canada, China, EU, India, Japan, ROK, New Zealand, Russia and United States; and 7 other countries, namely, Bangladesh, DPRK, Mongolia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Sri Lanka.

            The ARF process is three-tiered - Track-I, Track I ½ (activities approved by ARF and involving scholars and officials from member states acting in their personal capacity) and Track-II (which provides a nongovernmental forum for academics, scholars, researchers to interact in their private capacity with a view to developing structured regional processes). The 18th ARF Ministerial held on 23 July 2011 adopted a Work Plan on Preventive Diplomacy as well as a Work Plan on Maritime Security, which provide the framework for taking forward cooperation activities in the respective areas.

India and ARF:
       India became a member of the ARF in 1996. India’s participation in the ARF demonstrates our increasing engagement in the Asia-Pacific region, both in the politico-security and economic spheres and underlines our commitment to the objective of sustaining regional peace and stability. Our participation is consistent with our “Look East” policy, and development of closer links with the ASEAN as a full-dialogue partner.
         India has organized several seminars, workshops and training programmes for ARF Members. The themes of these activities have included peacekeeping, maritime security, anti-piracy and cyber security.
         India has been an active participant in the various ARF processes including the last (18th) ARF Ministerial in Bali in July 2011 and ARF SOM in Surabaya in June 2011. India participated in the ARF ISG on CBM and PD and DOD in Phnom Penh from 7-9 December 2011, the 6th ARF EEP meeting in Bangkok, Thailand from 01-03 February 2012, the 4th ISM on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament in Sydney, Australia from 8-9 March 2012 and the 10th ISM on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime in Hoi An, Vietnam from 16-17 March 2012. Indian Naval Ship Kesari  and 16-member National Disaster Relief Force participated in the Table Top Exercise (TTX) ??? and Field Training Exercise (FTX) of the Disaster Relief Exercise 2011 (DIREX 2011) in Manado, Indonesia in March 2011.

Nuclear Security Summit 2012, Seoul (Little bit exhaustive))

        The leaders of more than 60 countries of the world gathered in Seoul, Republic of Korea on March 26-27, 2012, for the 2nd Nuclear Security Summit. This summit follows the 2010 Washington Nuclear Security Summit.

The objectives
To work toward strengthening nuclear security,
Reducing the threat of nuclear terrorism,
Preventing terrorists, criminals, or other unauthorized actors from acquiring nuclear materials.

Relevance

         Nuclear terrorism continues to be one of the most challenging threats to international security. Defeating this threat requires strong national measures and international cooperation given its potential global political, economic, social, and psychological consequences.

         Further, noting the Fukushima accident of March 2011 and the nexus between nuclear security and nuclear safety, sustained efforts are required to address the issues of nuclear safety and nuclear security in a coherent manner that will help ensure the safe and secure peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Events like the Nuclear Security Summit provide an occasion to reaffirm the globally shared goals of nuclear disarmament, nuclear nonproliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

This way, the Nuclear Security Summit is a valuable process at the highest political level.

The main points of the Communiqué

It is the fundamental responsibility of States to maintain effective security of all nuclear material, which includes nuclear materials used in nuclear weapons, and nuclear facilities under their control.
The States are also required to prevent non-state actors from acquiring such materials and from obtaining information or technology required to use them for malicious purposes.
It is also a fundamental responsibility of States to maintain effective security of other radioactive materials.
The measures to strengthen nuclear security will not hamper the rights of States to develop and utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Global Nuclear Security Architecture: There is an importance of multilateral instruments to address nuclear security. Such instruments include the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), as amended, and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT). The Summit calls for a universal adherence to these Conventions.

Role of the UN: The Summit acknowledges the important role of the United Nations (UN) in promoting nuclear security and supports the UN Security Council Resolutions 1540 and 1977 in strengthening global nuclear security.

On combating nuclear terrorism: The Summit recognized the contributions of international initiatives and processes such as the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) and Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, within their respective mandates and memberships. It calls for a wider participation in the GICNT and the Global Partnership and value its extension beyond 2012.

Role of the IAEA: The Summit reaffirmed the essential responsibility and central role of the IAEA in strengthening the international nuclear security framework. It also recognized the value of the IAEA Nuclear Security Plan 2010-2013. The States agreed work to ensure that the IAEA continues to have the appropriate structure, resources and expertise needed to support the implementation of nuclear security objectives.

Nuclear Materials: Recognizing that highly enriched uranium (HEU) and separated plutonium require special precautions, the Summit reemphasized the importance of appropriately securing, accounting for and consolidating these materials.

Radioactive Sources: Taking into account that radioactive sources are widely used and can be vulnerable to malicious acts, the Summit urged States to secure these materials, while bearing in mind their uses in industrial, medical, agricultural and research applications.

Nuclear Security and Safety: Acknowledging that safety measures and security measures have in common the aim of protecting human life and health and the environment, the Summit affirmed that nuclear security and nuclear safety measures should be designed, implemented and managed in nuclear facilities in a coherent and synergistic manner. There is also a need to maintain effective emergency preparedness, response and mitigation capabilities in a manner that addresses both nuclear security and nuclear safety. In this regard, the Summit welcomed the efforts of the IAEA to organize meetings to provide relevant recommendations on the interface between nuclear security and nuclear safety so that neither security nor safety is compromised. It also welcomed the convening of the High Level Meeting on Nuclear Safety and Security initiated by the UN Secretary-General, held in New York on 22 September 2011.

Transportation Security: the States will continue efforts to enhance the security of nuclear and other radioactive materials while in domestic and international transport, and encourage States to share best practices and cooperate in acquiring the necessary technologies to this end.

Combating Illicit Trafficking: There is a need to develop national capabilities to prevent, detect, respond to and prosecute illicit nuclear trafficking. In this regard, the Summit encourages action-oriented coordination among national capacities to combat illicit trafficking, consistent with national laws and regulations. The leaders have agreed work to enhance technical capabilities in the field of national inspection and detection of nuclear and other radioactive materials at the borders.

Nuclear Forensics: The Summit recognized that nuclear forensics could be an effective tool in determining the origin of detected nuclear and other radioactive materials and in providing evidence for the prosecution of acts of illicit trafficking and malicious uses. In this regard, the Summit encourages States to work with one another, as well as with the IAEA, to develop and enhance nuclear forensics capabilities.

Nuclear Security Culture: Recognizing that investment in human capacity building is fundamental to promoting and sustaining a strong nuclear security culture, the Summit encourages States to share best practices and build national capabilities, including through bilateral and multilateral cooperation

Information Security: The Summit recognized the importance of preventing non-state actors from obtaining information, technology or expertise required to acquire or use nuclear materials for malicious purposes, or to disrupt information technology based control systems at nuclear facilities. It therefore encourage States to: continue to develop and strengthen national and facility-level measures for the effective management of such information, including information on the procedures and protocols to protect nuclear materials and facilities; to support relevant capacity building projects; and to enhance cyber security measures concerning nuclear facilities, consistent with the IAEA General Conference Resolution on Nuclear Security.

International Cooperation: The Summit encourages all States to enhance their physical protection of and accounting system for nuclear materials, emergency preparedness and response capabilities and relevant legal and regulatory framework.

Further the nations agreed to continue to make voluntary and substantive efforts toward strengthening nuclear security and implementing political commitments made in this regard.

The next Nuclear Security Summit will be held in [the Netherlands] in 2014.