World Wildlife Day
Context :
World Wildlife Day is observed on 3 March. The day aims to celebrate beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora. It raises awareness to conserve wildlife.
Theme :
The theme of 2020 World Wildlife Day is “Sustaining all life on Earth”. The theme encompasses all wild animal and plant species as a component of biodiversity and the livelihoods of people. The observation aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 1, 12, 14 and 15. It focuses to ensure sustainable use of resources, and on conserving life both on land and below water to stop biodiversity loss.
Background :
The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP16) held in Bangkok passed a resolution and designated 3 March as the World Wildlife Day. The outcomes of CITES CoP16 were transmitted to the UNGA.
On 20 December 2013, the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) decided to designated 3 March as World Wildlife Day. The date also marks the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. CITES ensures that international trade does not threaten the survival of any species. The Secretariat of the CITES, in collaboration with other relevant United Nations organizations, facilitates the implementation of World Wildlife Day.
Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Context :
Tribal organisations in Meghalaya have been demanding the ILP system for restricting the entry of outsiders into the State. These demands have turned into violent protests across the state in the past few days.
What is an ILP :
It is a document required by non- natives to visit or stay in a state that is protected under the ILP system.
- At present, four Northeastern states are covered, namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland.
- Both the duration of stay and the areas allowed to be accessed for any non native are determined by the ILP.
- The ILP is issued by the concerned state government and can be availed both by applying online or in person.
HISTORY :
The Inner Line Permit is an extension of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act 1873. The Britishers framed regulations restricting entry in certain designated areas. This was done to protect the Crown’s interest in certain states by preventing “British subjects” (Indians) from trading within these regions.
In 1950, the term ‘British subjects’ was replaced with ‘Citizens of India’. Today, all non natives require the permit. This was done to protect the indigenous tribal communities of these states from exploitation.
What about foreigners?
An ILP is only valid for domestic tourists. For foreign tourists in:
Manipur: No permit is required. But, have to register themselves.
Mizoram: No permit is required. But, need to register.
Nagaland: No permit is required. However, they need to register.
Arunachal Pradesh: Tourists need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Need for ILP:
- Preservation of indigenous culture and tradition.
- Prevents illegal migrants and encroachment by outsiders.
Should Meghalaya be brought under ILP?
The ILP is considered the only mechanism to contain influx in the state. Influx is perceived as dangerous because it could upset the fragile demographic balance of the tribals of Meghalaya.
Influx definitely is a matter of concern but it requires better solutions than the ILP, not instant solutions demanded by pressure groups. Indeed, how can such a far-reaching policy be decided by one or two groups?
Ekam Fest
Context :
The week long exhibition-cum-fair “EKAM Fest” is being organised by the National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation (NHFDC) in New Delhi from 2nd March, 2020.
Key Points :
- EKAM Fest is an effort for promoting entrepreneurship and knowledge among the Divyangjan community. EKAM stands for Entrepreneurship, Knowledge, Awareness and Marketing.
- Further, it will help in generating awareness among society about Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) entrepreneurs’ potential.
- In the first Ekam Fest, Divyang Entrepreneur and Artisans from all over the country have been invited. The fest will see vibrant products ranging from handicraft, handloom, Embroidery work and dry fruits.
National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation :
- NHFDC is a corporation under the aegis of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and has been working since 1997.
- It is registered as a company not for profit and provides financial assistance to the Divyangjan/Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan/PwDs) for their economic rehabilitation and provides a number of skill development programmes to empower them to grow & sustain their enterprises.
- Some of the initiatives of NHFDC
- NHFDC Swavalamban Kendra (NSK): NHFDC has taken an initiative to establish PwD owned micro skill training Centers throughout the country for skill training of PwDs.
- Safe Cabs in Delhi and Indore: NHFDC has made arrangements with Sakha Cabs (Social enterprise) where the PwD owned commercial vehicles will be driven by the women drivers to provide safe taxi options for the women, children and senior citizen commuters.
- Safe Drinking Water E Carts: NHFDC has recently agreed to finance E-carts (owned by PwDs) fitted with RO water dispensing vending machines.
World Hearing Day
Context :
World Hearing Day is observed on 3 March every year. The day raises awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.
Theme :
The theme of 2020 World Hearing Day is “Don’t let hearing loss limit you. Hearing for life!”. It highlights that timely and effective intervention will ensure that people with hearing loss can achieve their full potential.
Highlights :
At all life stages, communication and good hearing health connect an individual to each other, communities, and the world. For people who have hearing loss, timely interventions can facilitate access to education, employment, and communication. Globally, there is a lack of access to interventions to address hearing loss, such as hearing aids. Early intervention should be made available through the health system.
Establishment of Chairs in the Name of Eminent Women Scientists
Context :
On the occasion of National Science Day (28th February), the Government has announced 11 chairs in the name of eminent Indian women scientists in various fields.
- The theme for the National Science Day 2020 is ‘Women In Science’.
Key Points :
- The programme intends to encourage, empower women and give due recognition to young women researchers excelling in various fields.
- The 11 Chairs have been instituted in various areas of research including Agriculture, Biotechnology, Immunology, Phytomedicine, Biochemistry, Medicine, Social Sciences, Earth Science & Meteorology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics & Fundamental Research.
- Additionally, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) have jointly established 10 chairs across different universities after eminent womento encourage women to pursue higher education and excel in their chosen fields.