Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 08 Jul 2023
- 4 min read
NGT Imposed Fines on States and UTs
Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed fines of about Rs 80,000 crore on States and UTs for non-compliance of sewage treatment and garbage disposal rules and for violating orders. The highest penalty has been imposed on Tamil Nadu followed by Maharashtra, MP and UP.
NGT is a specialised body set up under the NGT Act, 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. After Australia and New Zealand, India became the 3rd country in the world to set up a specialised environmental tribunal.
It has five places of sittings; New Delhi is the principal place of sitting. Decisions of the NGT are binding. It has the power to review its own decisions which can later be challenged before the SC within 90 days.
Read More: National Green Tribunal
SALVEX
The 7th edition of the Indian Navy – US Navy (IN – USN) Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise – SALVEX was conducted recently at Kochi. IN and USN have been participating in joint Salvage and EOD exercises since 2005.
The constructive engagement on operational terms is aimed at enhancing the skill sets of the Diving teams in a number of diverse disciplines such as mine detection and neutralisation, wreck location and salvage.
Other exercises between India and US include Yudhabhayas, Vajra Prahar, Malabar (Multilateral), Red Flag 16-1, and Exercise Cope India.
Read More: India-US Relations
Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
The Odisha government deployed armed police personnel at the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) to protect the 2,700 km2 reserve area that is home to unique melanistic tigers. Melanistic refers to having very dark skin/hair due to higher-than-normal level of melanin (substance that gives pigmentation to skin/hair).
STR was formally designated a tiger reserve in 1956 and brought under Project Tiger in the year 1973. It was declared a biosphere reserve by the Government of India in June, 1994. It has been part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve since 2009. It is also a part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve. Geographically, it lies in the eastern end of the eastern ghat.
Read More: Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
India’s First Chatbot
The UT of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) launched India's first Tele-MANAS chatbot which will start an instant conversation with people in distress.
Tele-MANAS is a two-tier system. Tier 1 comprises State Tele MANAS cells, which include trained counsellors and mental health specialists. Tier 2 comprises specialists at District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or eSanjeevani for audio-visual consultation.
eSanjeevani is a national doctor-to-doctor telemedicine service that strives to provide an alternative to conventional physical consultations via the digital platform. It is a cohesive part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission (ABDHM).
Read More: Prioritising Mental Well-being
