UNICEF has reported that Indian suppliers have become the third-largest contributors to its health and nutrition programs for children worldwide.
Funding:
- UNICEF’s operations are funded entirely through voluntary contributions from individuals, governments, civil society, and private organizations.
About UNICEF:
- Foundation: UNICEF, originally the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, was founded in 1946 to address the challenges faced by children after World War II.
- Mission: Its main focus is to support children and youth whose lives are at risk, regardless of their country’s involvement in conflicts.
- Global Presence: UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of children everywhere.
Awards:
- Nobel Peace Prize (1965): UNICEF was awarded for its global humanitarian efforts.
- Indira Gandhi Prize (1989): Given for its contributions to child welfare.
- Princess of Asturias Award (2006): Honored for its significant work in humanitarian efforts for children.
Key Reports:
- The State of the World’s Children: A flagship report that highlights the conditions and challenges faced by children worldwide.
Global Initiatives:
- In 2012, UNICEF collaborated with Save the Children and the UN Global Compact to launch the Children’s Rights and Business Principles, guiding corporate social responsibility regarding children’s rights.
- Data Must Speak (DMS) Initiative: A program that helps countries utilize data to enhance educational access and improve learning outcomes for children.
Recently, the Union Minister inaugurated India’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Pune.
About Biopolymers:
- Origin: Biopolymers are derived from natural, biological sources such as fats, vegetable oils, sugars, resins, and proteins.
- Complexity: These materials have more intricate structures than synthetic polymers, leading to higher biological activity within living organisms.
- Biodegradability: Unlike synthetic polymers that contribute to environmental pollution, biopolymers can break down naturally through microbial action in soil.
Characteristics:
- Environmental Impact: Biopolymers can influence life processes in living organisms and are recognized as environmentally friendly.
- Decomposition: They decompose through processes like oxidation (reaction with oxygen), hydrolysis (decomposition with water), or enzymatic action.
- Compostability: Some biopolymers are compostable and have distinctive chemical properties on their surfaces.
- Examples: Common biopolymers include polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, which can mimic plastic-like properties.
Benefits:
- Carbon Emission Reduction: Biopolymers can help lower atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and reduce carbon emissions.
- Sustainable Cycle: The carbon dioxide released during the biodegradation process can be reabsorbed by crops grown as substitutes, promoting a sustainable carbon cycle.
India has recalled its High Commissioner and expelled Canadian diplomats as tensions escalated in the ongoing diplomatic dispute between the two countries. This move comes amid growing friction over various issues, further straining India-Canada relations.
Recently, Canada requested India to waive diplomatic immunity for certain officials, alleging their involvement in an investigative matter. India dismissed this request as preposterous.
About Diplomatic Immunity:
- Definition: Diplomatic immunity is a principle of international law that exempts foreign government officials from being subject to local court jurisdictions and authorities, for both their official and personal activities.
- Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961): This convention grants privileges and immunities to diplomatic personnel. India joined the convention in 1965 and ratified it in 1972 through the Diplomatic Relations (Vienna Convention) Act of 1972.
India-Canada Relations:
- Relations between the two countries have been strained due to Canada’s support of Sikh separatist groups, particularly Khalistani extremists.
- Despite India’s repeated warnings, Canada has continued to support Khalistani activities, including an unofficial referendum in 2023 for an independent Sikh state, which India considers an attack on its sovereignty.
- India has made several extradition requests for terrorists and organized crime figures residing in Canada, but Canadian authorities have largely ignored these requests.
- Progress has stalled on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) between the two nations.
- The Sikh community, particularly in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, forms a significant vote bank for Canadian political parties, especially the Liberal Party.
Taiwanese authorities have recently pointed out that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is using an “anaconda strategy” to apply pressure on Taiwan.
China’s Military Maneuvers around Taiwan:
- Increased Activity: China has been intensifying its military actions in the air and maritime zones surrounding Taiwan.
- Air Incursions: Airspace incursions into the Taiwan Strait have escalated dramatically, rising from 36 incursions in January to 193 by September.
- Naval Presence: The number of Chinese naval vessels near Taiwan has increased from 142 in early 2024 to 282 by August.
- Objective: These operations aim to wear down Taiwan’s air and naval forces while keeping continuous pressure on the island’s defenses.
What is the Anaconda Strategy?
- Definition: The “anaconda strategy” involves a mix of military tactics, psychological pressure, and cyber warfare.
- Goal: Its main aim is to undermine Taiwan’s defenses and push the island towards submission without launching a full-scale invasion.
- Tactics: China focuses on constant pressure to exhaust Taiwan’s resources and readiness, hoping to provoke mistakes that could justify a blockade.
- Long-Term Aim: The strategy seeks to make Taiwan vulnerable while avoiding direct military conflict, forcing Taiwan to remain in a defensive stance.
According to the ‘EnviStats India-2024’ report, the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) stands out as India’s top tiger reserve, with a remarkable leopard population of approximately 360 individuals.
Overview of Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve:
- Location: Nestled within the Nallamala hill ranges in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, the NSTR is India’s largest tiger reserve, covering an area of 5,937 sq. km.
- Notable Dams: The reserve is named after two major dams—Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam—which are located nearby.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: The reserve incorporates two important wildlife sanctuaries, Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary (GBM).
- Krishna River: The Krishna River flows through the reserve, stretching over 270 km, enhancing the area’s ecological richness.
Geographical Features:
The reserve’s topography is a blend of plateaus, ridges, gorges, and deep valleys, contributing to its vast ecological diversity.
Vegetation:
The region is dominated by tropical dry deciduous forests, with abundant bamboo and various grass species covering the undergrowth.
Unique Flora:
Several endemic plant species are found in the reserve, including:
- Andrographis nallamalayana
- Eriolaena lushingtonii
- Crotalaria madurensis var
- Dicliptera beddomei
- Premna hamiltonii
Fauna:
- Top Predators: The reserve hosts several apex predators, such as:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Wolf
- Wild Dog
- Jackal
- Herbivores: The reserve supports a variety of herbivorous species, including:
- Sambar
- Chital
- Chowsingha
- Chinkara
- Mouse Deer
- Wild Boar
- Porcupine
- Aquatic Species: The Krishna River is home to species like:
- Muggers
- Otters
- Turtles