01 May 2024 PIB
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Voting by Tribal Communities 2. Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) System 3. Padma Awards 4. Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
1. Voting by Tribal Communities
Syllabus: GS-2, Social Justice
Prelims: Tribals in India, PVTGs
Mains: Voting by tribals in India
Context:
Voting by tribal communities blossoms as ECI’s outreach to them bears fruit.
Details:
- ECI’s efforts, over the last two years, for inclusion of PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) communities and other tribal groups in the electoral process have borne fruit with scenes of tribal groups in various States/UTs participating enthusiastically in phase 1 and phase 2 of the GE 2024 at polling stations.Â
- In a historic move, the Shompen tribe of Great Nicobar voted for the first time in a General Election.
- During the special summary revision for the updation of electoral rolls, special outreach camps were held across the specific states where PVTGs reside for inclusion in the electoral roll.Â
- India has 8.6% tribal population which includes 75 groups of Tribals which are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). The location of new polling booths in previously inaccessible areas has led to the large-scale inclusion of PVTGs.
2. Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) System
Syllabus: GS-3, Security & Defence
Prelims: SMART system, DRDO
Context:
The Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system was successfully flight-tested.
About the SMART System:
- The Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system was successfully flight-tested from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.Â
- SMART is a next-generation missile-based lightweight torpedo delivery system, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedoes.
- This canister-based missile system consists of several advanced sub-systems, namely a two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, precision inertial navigation system, etc.Â
- The system carries an advanced lightweight torpedo as a payload along with a parachute-based release system.
3. Padma Awards
Syllabus: GS-2, Polity &Governance
Prelims: Padma Awards
Context:
Nominations for Padma Awards-2025 begin.
Details:
- Online nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards 2025 to be announced on Republic Day, 2025 have begun from the 1st of May.Â
- The last date for nominations for Padma Awards is 15th September 2024.Â
- The nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards will be received online on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.
Know more about the Padma Awards in the linked article.
4. Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
Syllabus: GS-3, Science and Technology
Prelims: Antarctic Treaty
Mains: India and the Antarctic
Context:
India is set to host the prestigious 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection in 2024.
Details:
- The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), will host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) from May 20 to 30, 2024, in Kochi, Kerala.Â
- This is in line with India’s poise to facilitate constructive global dialogue on environmental stewardship, scientific collaboration, and cooperation in Antarctica.
Significance of the ATCM Meetings:
- The ATCM and meetings of the CEP are pivotal in the international community’s ongoing efforts to safeguard Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem and promote scientific research in the region.Â
- Convened annually under the Antarctic Treaty System, these meetings serve as forums for Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties and other stakeholders to address Antarctica’s pressing environmental, scientific, and governance issues.Â
India and the Antarctic Treaty:
- India has been a Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty since 1983.Â
- It participates in the decision-making process along with the other 28 Consultative Parties to the Antarctic Treaty to date.Â
- India’s first Antarctic research station, Dakshin Gangotri, was established in 1983.Â
- Currently, India operates two year-round research stations: Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012).Â
- The permanent research stations facilitate Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica, which have been ongoing annually since 1981.Â
- In 2022, India enacted the Antarctic Act, reaffirming its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty.  Â
Antarctic Treaty Secretariat:
- The Antarctic Treaty Secretariat (ATS) serves as the administrative hub for the Antarctic Treaty System.Â
- Established in 2004, the ATS coordinates the ATCM and CEP meetings, reposits and disseminates information, and facilitates diplomatic communication, exchanges, and negotiations related to Antarctic governance and management.Â
- It also monitors compliance with Antarctic Treaty provisions and agreements and assists and guides Antarctic Treaty Parties on treaty implementation and enforcement matters.
46th ATCM & 26th CEP Agenda:
- Key items on the 46th ATCM agenda include strategic planning for sustainable management of Antarctica and its resources; policy, legal, and institutional operations; biodiversity prospecting; inspections and exchange of information and data; research, collaboration, capacity building and cooperation; addressing climate change impacts; development of tourism framework; and promoting awareness.Â
- The 26th CEP agenda focuses on Antarctic environment evaluation, impact assessment, management, and reporting; climate change response; area protection and management plans including marine spatial protection; and conservation of Antarctic biodiversity.
Significance:
- The hosting of the 46th ATCM and 26th CEP meeting reflects India’s growing role as a responsible global stakeholder in efforts to preserve Antarctica for future generations.
- Through open dialogue, collaboration, and consensus-building, India remains committed to upholding the principles of the Antarctic Treaty and contributing to the sustainable management of one of Earth’s last pristine wilderness areas.
Read previous PIB articles here.
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