National
System and Method for Controlling Generation and Movement of Fugitive Dust
⇒ In order to minimize and control the fugitive dust in mining areas, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL), Ranchi (a consultancy subsidiary of Coal India Limited) has invented a “System and Method for Controlling Generation and Movement of Fugitive Dust”.
- CMPDIL obtained the patent for the same in December, 2022 (Patent No. 416055).
Use:
This system can be used in mines, thermal power plants, railway sidings, ports, construction sites wherein coal or other minerals/fugitive materials are stored under open sky. Apart from reducing the dust generation from open sources, it will also provide noise attenuation.
» Fugitive dust is a form of particulate matter that contributes to air pollution that is generated from various sources which are exposed to air and not discharged into the atmosphere through a confined flow stream.
Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala visits South West Garo Hills, Meghalaya
⇒ Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying visited South West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya state, which lies at the border of Bangladesh, on January 9-10, 2023.
- This was the first time that a Union Cabinet Minister visited this border area.
» On 9th January, 2023, the Minister chaired a review meeting of different flagship schemes by the Government of India in Ampati, South West Garo Hills alongside with government officials and stakeholders.
- During the review meeting, the Union Minister laid focus on the status of schemes implemented by the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Fisheries and Border Areas Development departments in the district.
- He also emphasized the challenges of the departments in the border areas. It may be noted that South West Garo Hills district shares a total length of 38 km international border with Bangladesh.
- The Union Minister stated that the purpose of his visit is to address the grievances of the Farmers and the concerned departments.
» On 10th January, 2023, Shri Rupala met Self Help Groups for Women, Dairy Farmers, and Fisheries Entrepreneurs of the region. He also visited Bangladesh border Haat to interact with Border area communities.
» Union Minister ceremoniously launched the Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) at a programme held at Mahendraganj, South West Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
- 17 MVUs were dedicated to Meghalaya. 90 per cent of their expenditure will be borne by the Government of India.
- In the entire State, the veterinary facilities will be available at the doorstep of the people. One has to just dial 1962 and an MVU will reach your doorstep.
- Each van or mobile veterinary clinic comes with all necessary equipment required for treatment of animals and would have one doctor, a paramedical staff and a driver.
International
1st India – Japan Environment week 2023
⇒ The Ministry of the Environment (MOE), Japan, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India (MoEFCC) held the “1st India-Japan Environment Week” from January 12 to 13, 2023 in New Delhi, India.
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, held a bilateral meeting with Mr Akihiro Nishimura, Minister of the Environment, Japan, on 12 January 2023 in New Delhi.
- Addressing the 1st India – Japan Environment week Shri Yadav stated that to build a better world and a better future leaving no one behind, we should promote just and equitable growth for all in the world, in a sustainable, holistic, responsible, and inclusive manner.
Discussion:
- In the meeting, both the leaders discussed a range of issues including G7/G20 collaboration, LiFE, Marine & Plastic Waste, COP-27 and CBD 15.
- They agreed to move forward the cooperation between Japan and India as Presidencies of the G7 and the G20 respectively this year.
- In addition, the ministers also exchanged opinions on early establishment of the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM).
- Concluding the meeting, both countries also agreed to further promote cooperation between the two countries as well as to work together in multilateral frameworks.
Key Points:
Two plenary keynote speeches were held:
- “Environmental Policy Trends for Building a Decarbonized Society in India”
- “Environmental Infrastructure and Technologies Needs for Building a Decarbonized Society in India”
Panel discussion:
A panel discussion on “Building a Resilient Decarbonized Society in India through Environmental Infrastructure and Technology” was organized during the India-Japan Environment Week 2023.
Online Seminars:
Online Seminars were also held on climate change and various environmental fields in India, such as decarbonization technology, water and air pollution measurement, waste management, marine plastic treatment and management, and clean energy technology trends.
The Seminars focused on:
- Latest Trends of Waste Management Technologies Contributing to Marine Plastic Debris Reduction
- Workshop on Carbon Market Mechanism under the Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and Technology Cooperation between India and Japan
- Initiatives and Issues Related to Transfer of Japanese Environmental Technologies in India through Activities of Japan-India Technology Matchmaking Platform (JITMAP)
- Aakash Project: toward Clean Air in North India
- Scope for Scaling Up Japanese Cleaner Technologies in India
- Model Project for Improvement of Water Environment in Asia
Background:
- MOE Japan and MoEFCC had been advancing environmental cooperation by means such as holding policy dialogues since the signing of the memorandum of cooperation in October 2018.
- As part of the efforts, MOE Japan and MoEFCC held the “India-Japan Environment Week”; which integrates high-level policy discussions, environmental seminars, exhibitions, and business matching for creating business opportunities in the environmental sector in Japan and India in an effective and efficient manner.
Important Day
18th Foundation Day of NCPCR
⇒ The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) celebrated its 18th Foundation Day on 2nd March 2023 on “Empowering Girl Child” at Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, New Delhi.
- NCPCR invited girl children from bordering villages of 75 districts across the country for the programme.
- Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, Smt Smriti Zubin Irani was the Chief Guest of the event.
- The Union Minister of WCD and Minority Affairs launched “Child Rights Champions World” a dedicated feature on NCPCR’s website on child rights literacy; Emphasizes the role of men in the empowerment and protection of women and girls in a civil society.
About the Commission:
- National Commission for Protection of Child Rights is a statutory body constituted under Section 3 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005 to protect the child rights and other related matters in the Country.
- NCPCR works under the aegis of Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. NCPCR became operational on 5 March 2007.
- The Commission is further mandated to monitor the proper and effective implementation of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012; Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
- In one of the functions laid down under Section 13 of the CPCR Act, 2005, the Commission has been assigned with the function to examine and review the safeguards provided by or under any law for the time being in force for the protection of child rights, and recommend measures for their effective implementation.
- The Commission also has the powers of Civil Court trying a suit under Section 14 of CPCR Act, 2005 and Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.