SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 9
Download to read offline
www.iasnext.com
Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Act of 2016
Reference News
The Supreme Court has stepped in to protect homebuyers from exploitation by builders who
delay transfer of possession and often redraft delivery schedules.
Need for:
A petition was filed on the lack of a “uniform or model” form for agreements entered into among
builders, agents and buyers.
The petition said the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Act of 2016 had hardly been
implemented.
 Often hard-earned savings of ordinary citizens who aspired to have their own homes were
invested. But many families became penniless waiting for a roof over their heads that the
builders had promised them.
The petitioner drew court’s attention
to Section 41 and 42 of the RERA:
 Section 41 mandated the
establishment of a Central
Advisory Council.
 Section 42 said the Council would
ensure the implementation of the
Act, drive major policy changes,
assure that consumer interests
were not thwarted by builders
and promoters and craft the
faster growth of the real estate
sector.
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016:
It is aimed at bringing in transparency and redefining the engagement between various
stakeholders.
Key provisions:
1. A requirement for developers to now register projects with RERA prior to any advertisement
and sale.
2. Developers are also expected to have all sanction plans approved and regulatory clearances in
place prior to commencement of sale. Subsequent changes have to be approved by a majority
of buyers and the regulator.
www.iasnext.com
3. The Act ambitiously stipulates an electronic system, maintained on the website of RERA,
where developers are expected to update on a quarterly basis the status of their projects, and
submit regular audits and architectural reports.
4. It requires developers to maintain separate escrow accounts in relation to each project and
deposit 70% of the collections in such an account to ensure that funds collected are utilised
only for the specific project.
5. The Act also requires real estate brokers and agents to register themselves with the regulator.
6. The Act also attempts to establish an adjudicatory mechanism for the speedy redressal of
disputes. RERA and the Appellate Tribunal are expected to decide on complaints within an
ambitious period of 60 days.
Why does it matter?
 The Act has been described by the Centre as an attempt at cleaning up the real estate sector,
ushering in transparency, accountability and fair-play among stakeholders.
 This law will empower the consumer while boosting the credibility of developers.
 It is widely felt that the Act will shift housing demand at least in the immediate term towards
the organised players, better-equipped as they are to fulfil various stipulations. Most such
players have welcomed the Act, saying that it will bridge the trust deficit.
The 2003 Ceasefire agreement:
Reference News
India and Pakistan troops are reported to have exchanged fire briefly along the Line of Control
(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
 This is the first violation along the
Kashmir Valley section of the de
facto border since February this
year.
Background:
India and Pakistan, in February 2021,
issued a joint statement to strictly
observe the 2003 Ceasefire
agreement along the Line of Control
(LoC).
www.iasnext.com
About the 2003 ceasefire agreement:
The ceasefire agreement was reached in November 2003, four years after the Kargil War.
On November 26, 2003 the ceasefire took effect along the entire stretch of the India-Pakistan
frontier.
 It facilitated the opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalkot routes, paving
the way for bus and truck services linking the two Kashmirs for the first time in six decades
and encouraging cross-LoC contacts, exchanges, travel, and trade.
 The ceasefire also enabled India to complete the construction of a fence near the LoC to
prevent Pakistan’s infiltration of terrorists into Kashmir, a project that it had begun a couple
of decades earlier but had to suspend due to Pakistan’s artillery fire.
Significance?
 The 2003 ceasefire agreement remains a milestone as it brought peace along the LoC until
2006. Between 2003 and 2006, not a single bullet was fired by the jawans of India and
Pakistan.
 But since 2006, ceasefire violations have become the norm with increasing frequency. Recent
years have seen an increasing number of ceasefire violations despite an agreement reached in
2018 to adhere to the 2003 ceasefire agreement.
What’s the concern?
This puts a question mark on how long the fresh commitment to ceasefire along the LoC can hold
especially with summers approaching. As a matter of annual routine, terror infiltration bids from
Pakistan increase as summer begins in the Kashmir Valley. Melting of ice on the high mountains
offers Pakistan an opportunity to foment terrorism in the Valley.
The Conference on Disarmament
Reference News
The Conference on Disarmament (CD) is being
held in Geneva.
At the conference, India expressed deep concern
over the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction and their delivery systems that could
endanger peace and security, saying the
possibility of terrorists acquiring such weapons necessitates the global community to work
together to address this grave danger.
www.iasnext.com
 India has said that it supports the full and effective implementation of the Chemical
Weapons Convention and emphasises the strengthening of the OPCW to fulfill its
important mandate.
About the Conference on Disarmament:
The Conference on Disarmament (CD) is a multilateral disarmament forum established by the
international community to negotiate arms control and disarmament agreements based at the
Palais des Nations in Geneva. The Conference meets annually in three separate sessions in
Geneva.
 The Conference was first established in 1979 as the Committee on Disarmament as the
single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community. It
was renamed the Conference on Disarmament in 1984.
 Formation: 1984.
 Membership: 65 Countries.
The Conference was created with a permanent agenda, also known as the “Decalogue,” which
includes the following topics:
1. Nuclear weapons in all aspects.
2. Other weapons of mass destruction.
3. Conventional weapons.
4. Reduction of military budgets.
5. Reduction of armed forces.
6. Disarmament and development.
7. Disarmament and international security.
Relationship to the United Nations:
The Conference is formally independent from the United Nations. However, while it is not
formally a UN organization, it is linked to it in various ways.
 First and foremost, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva serves
as the Secretary-General of the Conference.
 Furthermore, while the Conference adopts its own rules of procedure and agenda, the
United Nations General Assembly can pass resolutions recommending specific topics
to the Conference.
 Finally, the Conference submits a report of its activities to the General Assembly yearly,
or more frequently, as appropriate.
About OPCW:
 It is an international organization established by the Chemical Weapons Convention, 1997 to
implement and enforce the terms of the non-proliferation treaty, which prohibits the use,
stockpiling, or transfer of chemical weapons by signatory states.
www.iasnext.com
 The OPCW is authorized to perform inspections to verify that signatory states are complying
with the convention.
 By the 2001 Relationship Agreement between the OPCW and the United Nations, the OPCW
reports on its inspections and other activities to the UN through the office of the Secretary
General.
 The organisation was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize “for its extensive efforts to
eliminate chemical weapons”.
The Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits:
1. Developing, producing, acquiring, stockpiling, or retaining chemical weapons.
2. The direct or indirect transfer of chemical weapons.
3. Chemical weapons use or military preparation for use.
4. Assisting, encouraging, or inducing other states to engage in CWC-prohibited activity.
5. The use of riot control agents “as a method of warfare.”
External auditor for Hague-based OPCW:
In April 2021, India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has been chosen as the external
auditor by the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for a three-year term starting 2021.
 The appointment was made through an election process at the OPCW conference recently.
 India was also selected as the member of the executive council of the OPCW representing Asia
group for another two-year term during the OPCW conference.
About the Executive Council:
 It is the governing body of the OPCW.
 The Council consists of 41 OPCW
Member States that are elected by
the Conference of the States Parties
and rotate every two years.
 The Council supervises the activities
of the Technical Secretariat and is
responsible for promoting the
effective implementation of and
compliance with the Convention.
 Each Member State has the right, on a
rotating basis, to serve on the
Executive Council.
www.iasnext.com
Prohibited chemicals in firecrackers:
Reference News
The Supreme Court is all set to go into an affidavit filed by the environment ministry last October
on the use of so-called green and improved fireworks — hearing a case that could well decide
whether this Diwali will see fireworks.
What’s the issue?
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has informed the court that
a lot of research and development has gone into this field following the court’s October 2018
judgment. It urged the court to consider the various proposals and formulations on
green/improved crackers that the ministry has come up with in its affidavit filed before the court
in October 2020.
The judgment:
The court’s October 23, 2018 judgment banned the sale and production of firecrackers in Delhi-
NCR and regulated the use of firecrackers across the country.
 Barium-based firecrackers were specifically banned.
 Online sale of firecrackers has been completely banned.
The verdict had come in response to a plea seeking a ban on manufacturing and sale of
firecrackers across the country to curb air pollution.
Recent observations made by the Supreme Court on the use of firecrackers:
 The Supreme Court said it cannot infringe the right to life of other citizens “under the guise
of employment of few” while considering a ban on firecrackers.
 Have to strike a balance between employment, unemployment and right to life.
How do firecrackers work?
Firecrackers use fuel and oxidisers to produce a combustion reaction, and the resulting explosion
spreads the material in a superheated state. The metal salts in the explosive mix get ‘excited’ and
emit light.
What is the controversy?
Metals in the mix, which have a varying arrangement of electrons in shells outside their nucleus,
produce different wavelengths of light in this reaction, generating spectacular colours. But as
many studies show, the burning of firecrackers is an unusual and peak source of pollution, made
up of particles and gases.
 One study in Milan, Italy, quantified the increase in the levels of several elements in the air
in one hour as 120 times for Strontium, 22 times for Magnesium, 12 times for Barium, 11
times for Potassium and six times for Copper.
www.iasnext.com
 The Central Pollution Control Board conducted a study in Delhi in 2016, and found that the
levels of Aluminium, Barium, Potassium, Sulphur, Iron and Strontium rose sharply on
Deepavali night, from low to extremely high.
 Similar episodic spikes have been recorded in China and the U.K. Pollution from
firecrackers affects the health of people and animals, and aggravates the already poor
ambient air quality in Indian cities.
This has resulted in litigation calling for a total ban on firecrackers, and court orders to restrict
the type of chemicals used as well as their volume. Many crackers also violate legal limits on
sound.
Can green crackers make a difference?
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, through its National Environmental
Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, has come out with firecrackers that have
“reduced emission light and sound” and 30% less particulate matter using Potassium Nitrate as
oxidant.
 These crackers are named Safe Water Releaser, which minimises Potassium Nitrate and
Sulphur use, but matches the sound intensity of conventional crackers, Safe Minimal
Aluminium , where Aluminium use is low and Safe Thermite Crackers with low Sulphur
and Potassium Nitrate.
Need of the hour:
While deciding on a ban on firecrackers, it is imperative to take into account the fundamental
right of livelihood of firecracker manufacturers and the right to health of over 1.3 billion people
of the country.
www.iasnext.com
Nobel Medicine Prize
Reference News
U.S. scientists David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian have won the Nobel Medicine Prize for
discoveries on receptors for temperature and touch. They will share the Nobel Prize cheque for
10 million Swedish kronor ($1.1 million).
 The pair’s research is being used to develop treatments for a wide range of diseases and
conditions, including chronic pain.
About their discoveries:
They discovered the molecular sensors in
the human body that are sensitive to heat,
and to mechanical pressure, and make us
“feel” hot or cold, or the touch of a sharp
object on our skin.
 Julius discovered the first heat
receptor. His work involved
experiments with capsaicin, the
substance that makes hot peppers
hot, to identify a sensor in the nerve
endings of the skin that responds to
heat.
 Patapoutian unlocked the molecular
basis for sensing temperature or
mechanical force working with cold
and used pressure-sensitive cells to
discover a novel class of sensors that
respond to mechanical stimuli in the
skin and internal organs.
Significance of these discoveries:
Breakthroughs in physiology have often resulted in an improvement in the ability to fight
diseases and disorders.
The identification of these receptors opens up the possibility of regulating their functioning. For
example, there are receptors that make us feel pain. If these receptors can be suppressed, or
made less effective, the person would feel less pain.
www.iasnext.com
About the Nobel Prize:
 The prestigious award comes with a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor (over $1.14
million).
 The prize money comes from a bequest left by the prize’s creator, Swedish inventor Alfred
Nobel, who died in 1895.
 The Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine is awarded for discovery of major importance
in life science or medicine.
 Karolinska Institutet (now The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet) selects the winner.
 Candidates eligible for the medicine prize are nominated by nominators who have received
an invitation from the Nobel Committee to submit names for consideration. No one can
nominate herself or himself.

More Related Content

What's hot

5. s. mangisi contribution of psids
5. s. mangisi contribution of psids5. s. mangisi contribution of psids
5. s. mangisi contribution of psidsBill Bly
 
Paper on status of taiwan law in international maritime law 08.07.2009 fresh ...
Paper on status of taiwan law in international maritime law 08.07.2009 fresh ...Paper on status of taiwan law in international maritime law 08.07.2009 fresh ...
Paper on status of taiwan law in international maritime law 08.07.2009 fresh ...National Citizens Movement
 
IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 3 - A Review of the Passage Regimes in Straits us...
IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 3 - A Review of the Passage Regimes in Straits us...IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 3 - A Review of the Passage Regimes in Straits us...
IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 3 - A Review of the Passage Regimes in Straits us...Navy Webmaster
 
Conventions About Oil & Gas & the Greek Law
Conventions About Oil & Gas & the Greek LawConventions About Oil & Gas & the Greek Law
Conventions About Oil & Gas & the Greek LawGeorge Demiris
 
Opcw ppt
Opcw pptOpcw ppt
Opcw pptstimson
 
Chemical weapons convention and OPCW
Chemical weapons convention and OPCWChemical weapons convention and OPCW
Chemical weapons convention and OPCWchavinperera
 
GEF Third Biennial International Waters Conference 2005: Legal Frameworks and...
GEF Third Biennial International Waters Conference 2005: Legal Frameworks and...GEF Third Biennial International Waters Conference 2005: Legal Frameworks and...
GEF Third Biennial International Waters Conference 2005: Legal Frameworks and...Iwl Pcu
 
Chemical weapons convention
Chemical weapons conventionChemical weapons convention
Chemical weapons conventionniveditasingh24
 
Victoria_Hallum_IMO_Engagement
Victoria_Hallum_IMO_EngagementVictoria_Hallum_IMO_Engagement
Victoria_Hallum_IMO_EngagementVictoria Hallum
 
Cap. Saujanya Sinha - Cmmi - Webinar - April 2020
Cap. Saujanya Sinha - Cmmi - Webinar - April 2020Cap. Saujanya Sinha - Cmmi - Webinar - April 2020
Cap. Saujanya Sinha - Cmmi - Webinar - April 2020cmmindia2017
 
Air & Space Law - Pengertian, Istilah dan Sumber Hukum Udara dan Angkasa
Air & Space Law - Pengertian, Istilah dan Sumber Hukum Udara dan AngkasaAir & Space Law - Pengertian, Istilah dan Sumber Hukum Udara dan Angkasa
Air & Space Law - Pengertian, Istilah dan Sumber Hukum Udara dan AngkasaMariske Myeke Tampi
 
IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 4 - Implementation of the ISPS Code in the Indian...
IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 4 - Implementation of the ISPS Code in the Indian...IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 4 - Implementation of the ISPS Code in the Indian...
IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 4 - Implementation of the ISPS Code in the Indian...Navy Webmaster
 
Comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty
Comprehensive nuclear test ban treatyComprehensive nuclear test ban treaty
Comprehensive nuclear test ban treatyWaqar Khattak
 

What's hot (20)

5. s. mangisi contribution of psids
5. s. mangisi contribution of psids5. s. mangisi contribution of psids
5. s. mangisi contribution of psids
 
ArticleVI
ArticleVIArticleVI
ArticleVI
 
Maritime law
Maritime lawMaritime law
Maritime law
 
Paper on status of taiwan law in international maritime law 08.07.2009 fresh ...
Paper on status of taiwan law in international maritime law 08.07.2009 fresh ...Paper on status of taiwan law in international maritime law 08.07.2009 fresh ...
Paper on status of taiwan law in international maritime law 08.07.2009 fresh ...
 
IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 3 - A Review of the Passage Regimes in Straits us...
IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 3 - A Review of the Passage Regimes in Straits us...IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 3 - A Review of the Passage Regimes in Straits us...
IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 3 - A Review of the Passage Regimes in Straits us...
 
Conventions About Oil & Gas & the Greek Law
Conventions About Oil & Gas & the Greek LawConventions About Oil & Gas & the Greek Law
Conventions About Oil & Gas & the Greek Law
 
Opcw ppt
Opcw pptOpcw ppt
Opcw ppt
 
Chemical weapons convention and OPCW
Chemical weapons convention and OPCWChemical weapons convention and OPCW
Chemical weapons convention and OPCW
 
Nsg(the nuclear supplier group)
Nsg(the nuclear supplier group)Nsg(the nuclear supplier group)
Nsg(the nuclear supplier group)
 
B033307018
B033307018B033307018
B033307018
 
GEF Third Biennial International Waters Conference 2005: Legal Frameworks and...
GEF Third Biennial International Waters Conference 2005: Legal Frameworks and...GEF Third Biennial International Waters Conference 2005: Legal Frameworks and...
GEF Third Biennial International Waters Conference 2005: Legal Frameworks and...
 
Chemical weapons convention
Chemical weapons conventionChemical weapons convention
Chemical weapons convention
 
Pil present
Pil presentPil present
Pil present
 
Victoria_Hallum_IMO_Engagement
Victoria_Hallum_IMO_EngagementVictoria_Hallum_IMO_Engagement
Victoria_Hallum_IMO_Engagement
 
Cap. Saujanya Sinha - Cmmi - Webinar - April 2020
Cap. Saujanya Sinha - Cmmi - Webinar - April 2020Cap. Saujanya Sinha - Cmmi - Webinar - April 2020
Cap. Saujanya Sinha - Cmmi - Webinar - April 2020
 
CTBT and NPT
CTBT and NPTCTBT and NPT
CTBT and NPT
 
basel ppt grp 5
basel ppt grp 5basel ppt grp 5
basel ppt grp 5
 
Air & Space Law - Pengertian, Istilah dan Sumber Hukum Udara dan Angkasa
Air & Space Law - Pengertian, Istilah dan Sumber Hukum Udara dan AngkasaAir & Space Law - Pengertian, Istilah dan Sumber Hukum Udara dan Angkasa
Air & Space Law - Pengertian, Istilah dan Sumber Hukum Udara dan Angkasa
 
IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 4 - Implementation of the ISPS Code in the Indian...
IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 4 - Implementation of the ISPS Code in the Indian...IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 4 - Implementation of the ISPS Code in the Indian...
IONS Seminar 2014 - Session 4 - Implementation of the ISPS Code in the Indian...
 
Comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty
Comprehensive nuclear test ban treatyComprehensive nuclear test ban treaty
Comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty
 

Similar to 06 10-2021

S essions 3 4 -guiding_principles_for_durable_extractive_contracts
S essions 3 4 -guiding_principles_for_durable_extractive_contractsS essions 3 4 -guiding_principles_for_durable_extractive_contracts
S essions 3 4 -guiding_principles_for_durable_extractive_contractsOECD Development Centre
 
Assignment On International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO.Pdf
Assignment On International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO.PdfAssignment On International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO.Pdf
Assignment On International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO.PdfChristine Williams
 
Convention on Biological Diversity.pptx
Convention on Biological Diversity.pptxConvention on Biological Diversity.pptx
Convention on Biological Diversity.pptxsobhagya tripathy
 
Legal Framework of Contract Disclosure of Oil and Gas, Mineral and Coal Secto...
Legal Framework of Contract Disclosure of Oil and Gas, Mineral and Coal Secto...Legal Framework of Contract Disclosure of Oil and Gas, Mineral and Coal Secto...
Legal Framework of Contract Disclosure of Oil and Gas, Mineral and Coal Secto...Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia
 
Jun current affair
Jun current affairJun current affair
Jun current affairRohit Jagtap
 
Oluwafisan Bankale, Programme Officer, ECOWAS Commission | Nigeria
Oluwafisan Bankale, Programme Officer, ECOWAS Commission | NigeriaOluwafisan Bankale, Programme Officer, ECOWAS Commission | Nigeria
Oluwafisan Bankale, Programme Officer, ECOWAS Commission | NigeriaGeneva Declaration
 
Week 12.2 Climate Change and Politics
Week 12.2 Climate Change and PoliticsWeek 12.2 Climate Change and Politics
Week 12.2 Climate Change and PoliticsEmma Carson
 
Air regulation lecture notes
Air regulation lecture notesAir regulation lecture notes
Air regulation lecture notesnambirajan33
 
Contour of Investment Dispute Settlement Mechanism A Crucial Analysis of its ...
Contour of Investment Dispute Settlement Mechanism A Crucial Analysis of its ...Contour of Investment Dispute Settlement Mechanism A Crucial Analysis of its ...
Contour of Investment Dispute Settlement Mechanism A Crucial Analysis of its ...ijtsrd
 
Cape Town Convention Journal
Cape Town Convention JournalCape Town Convention Journal
Cape Town Convention JournalMatheson Law Firm
 
MEMORANDUM ON BENUE STATE PEACE COMMISSION BILL 2020.pdf
MEMORANDUM ON BENUE STATE PEACE COMMISSION BILL 2020.pdfMEMORANDUM ON BENUE STATE PEACE COMMISSION BILL 2020.pdf
MEMORANDUM ON BENUE STATE PEACE COMMISSION BILL 2020.pdfTheLeadingSkills
 
2005 administrative decision TOR ad hoc working group on the review of the ...
2005 administrative decision TOR   ad hoc working group on the review of the ...2005 administrative decision TOR   ad hoc working group on the review of the ...
2005 administrative decision TOR ad hoc working group on the review of the ...Africa Diamonds
 
Exe mba10 uncitral-gbm_sarjeevan_20104006
Exe mba10 uncitral-gbm_sarjeevan_20104006Exe mba10 uncitral-gbm_sarjeevan_20104006
Exe mba10 uncitral-gbm_sarjeevan_20104006Sarjeevan Sainbhi
 
Dr d d verma
Dr d d vermaDr d d verma
Dr d d vermaazeemax1
 

Similar to 06 10-2021 (20)

S essions 3 4 -guiding_principles_for_durable_extractive_contracts
S essions 3 4 -guiding_principles_for_durable_extractive_contractsS essions 3 4 -guiding_principles_for_durable_extractive_contracts
S essions 3 4 -guiding_principles_for_durable_extractive_contracts
 
MMDA presentation
MMDA presentationMMDA presentation
MMDA presentation
 
Assignment On International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO.Pdf
Assignment On International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO.PdfAssignment On International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO.Pdf
Assignment On International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO.Pdf
 
Convention on Biological Diversity.pptx
Convention on Biological Diversity.pptxConvention on Biological Diversity.pptx
Convention on Biological Diversity.pptx
 
Legal Framework of Contract Disclosure of Oil and Gas, Mineral and Coal Secto...
Legal Framework of Contract Disclosure of Oil and Gas, Mineral and Coal Secto...Legal Framework of Contract Disclosure of Oil and Gas, Mineral and Coal Secto...
Legal Framework of Contract Disclosure of Oil and Gas, Mineral and Coal Secto...
 
Internatonal agreements
Internatonal agreementsInternatonal agreements
Internatonal agreements
 
Jun current affair
Jun current affairJun current affair
Jun current affair
 
Oluwafisan Bankale, Programme Officer, ECOWAS Commission | Nigeria
Oluwafisan Bankale, Programme Officer, ECOWAS Commission | NigeriaOluwafisan Bankale, Programme Officer, ECOWAS Commission | Nigeria
Oluwafisan Bankale, Programme Officer, ECOWAS Commission | Nigeria
 
Week 12.2 Climate Change and Politics
Week 12.2 Climate Change and PoliticsWeek 12.2 Climate Change and Politics
Week 12.2 Climate Change and Politics
 
Air regulation lecture notes
Air regulation lecture notesAir regulation lecture notes
Air regulation lecture notes
 
Contour of Investment Dispute Settlement Mechanism A Crucial Analysis of its ...
Contour of Investment Dispute Settlement Mechanism A Crucial Analysis of its ...Contour of Investment Dispute Settlement Mechanism A Crucial Analysis of its ...
Contour of Investment Dispute Settlement Mechanism A Crucial Analysis of its ...
 
UK Adjudicators Winter 2017 newsletter
UK Adjudicators Winter 2017 newsletterUK Adjudicators Winter 2017 newsletter
UK Adjudicators Winter 2017 newsletter
 
Cape Town Convention Journal
Cape Town Convention JournalCape Town Convention Journal
Cape Town Convention Journal
 
Pib 31-12-18
Pib  31-12-18Pib  31-12-18
Pib 31-12-18
 
MEMORANDUM ON BENUE STATE PEACE COMMISSION BILL 2020.pdf
MEMORANDUM ON BENUE STATE PEACE COMMISSION BILL 2020.pdfMEMORANDUM ON BENUE STATE PEACE COMMISSION BILL 2020.pdf
MEMORANDUM ON BENUE STATE PEACE COMMISSION BILL 2020.pdf
 
2005 administrative decision TOR ad hoc working group on the review of the ...
2005 administrative decision TOR   ad hoc working group on the review of the ...2005 administrative decision TOR   ad hoc working group on the review of the ...
2005 administrative decision TOR ad hoc working group on the review of the ...
 
Exe mba10 uncitral-gbm_sarjeevan_20104006
Exe mba10 uncitral-gbm_sarjeevan_20104006Exe mba10 uncitral-gbm_sarjeevan_20104006
Exe mba10 uncitral-gbm_sarjeevan_20104006
 
H0331044050
H0331044050H0331044050
H0331044050
 
The IAEA Legal Framework for Nuclear Safety
The IAEA Legal Framework for Nuclear SafetyThe IAEA Legal Framework for Nuclear Safety
The IAEA Legal Framework for Nuclear Safety
 
Dr d d verma
Dr d d vermaDr d d verma
Dr d d verma
 

More from IAS Next

03-06-2022
03-06-202203-06-2022
03-06-2022IAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS (ENGLISH)
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS (ENGLISH)DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS (ENGLISH)
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS (ENGLISH)IAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
Today's Question
Today's QuestionToday's Question
Today's QuestionIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
Daily News Analysis
Daily News AnalysisDaily News Analysis
Daily News AnalysisIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISIAS Next
 

More from IAS Next (20)

03-06-2022
03-06-202203-06-2022
03-06-2022
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS (ENGLISH)
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS (ENGLISH)DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS (ENGLISH)
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS (ENGLISH)
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
Today's Question
Today's QuestionToday's Question
Today's Question
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
Daily News Analysis
Daily News AnalysisDaily News Analysis
Daily News Analysis
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSISDAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
 

Recently uploaded

Pharmacognosy Flower 3. Compositae 2023.pdf
Pharmacognosy Flower 3. Compositae 2023.pdfPharmacognosy Flower 3. Compositae 2023.pdf
Pharmacognosy Flower 3. Compositae 2023.pdfMahmoud M. Sallam
 
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentAlper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentInMediaRes1
 
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17Celine George
 
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon ACrayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon AUnboundStockton
 
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptxHow to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptxmanuelaromero2013
 
Types of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptx
Types of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptxTypes of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptx
Types of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptxEyham Joco
 
Framing an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdf
Framing an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdfFraming an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdf
Framing an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdfUjwalaBharambe
 
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha electionsPresiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha electionsanshu789521
 
CELL CYCLE Division Science 8 quarter IV.pptx
CELL CYCLE Division Science 8 quarter IV.pptxCELL CYCLE Division Science 8 quarter IV.pptx
CELL CYCLE Division Science 8 quarter IV.pptxJiesonDelaCerna
 
History Class XII Ch. 3 Kinship, Caste and Class (1).pptx
History Class XII Ch. 3 Kinship, Caste and Class (1).pptxHistory Class XII Ch. 3 Kinship, Caste and Class (1).pptx
History Class XII Ch. 3 Kinship, Caste and Class (1).pptxsocialsciencegdgrohi
 
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxOrganic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxVS Mahajan Coaching Centre
 
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher EducationIntroduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Educationpboyjonauth
 
Capitol Tech U Doctoral Presentation - April 2024.pptx
Capitol Tech U Doctoral Presentation - April 2024.pptxCapitol Tech U Doctoral Presentation - April 2024.pptx
Capitol Tech U Doctoral Presentation - April 2024.pptxCapitolTechU
 
Final demo Grade 9 for demo Plan dessert.pptx
Final demo Grade 9 for demo Plan dessert.pptxFinal demo Grade 9 for demo Plan dessert.pptx
Final demo Grade 9 for demo Plan dessert.pptxAvyJaneVismanos
 
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptxPOINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptxSayali Powar
 
Painted Grey Ware.pptx, PGW Culture of India
Painted Grey Ware.pptx, PGW Culture of IndiaPainted Grey Ware.pptx, PGW Culture of India
Painted Grey Ware.pptx, PGW Culture of IndiaVirag Sontakke
 
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPTECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPTiammrhaywood
 
DATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginners
DATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginnersDATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginners
DATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginnersSabitha Banu
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Pharmacognosy Flower 3. Compositae 2023.pdf
Pharmacognosy Flower 3. Compositae 2023.pdfPharmacognosy Flower 3. Compositae 2023.pdf
Pharmacognosy Flower 3. Compositae 2023.pdf
 
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentAlper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
 
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
 
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon ACrayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
 
TataKelola dan KamSiber Kecerdasan Buatan v022.pdf
TataKelola dan KamSiber Kecerdasan Buatan v022.pdfTataKelola dan KamSiber Kecerdasan Buatan v022.pdf
TataKelola dan KamSiber Kecerdasan Buatan v022.pdf
 
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptxHow to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
 
Types of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptx
Types of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptxTypes of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptx
Types of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptx
 
Framing an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdf
Framing an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdfFraming an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdf
Framing an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdf
 
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha electionsPresiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
 
CELL CYCLE Division Science 8 quarter IV.pptx
CELL CYCLE Division Science 8 quarter IV.pptxCELL CYCLE Division Science 8 quarter IV.pptx
CELL CYCLE Division Science 8 quarter IV.pptx
 
History Class XII Ch. 3 Kinship, Caste and Class (1).pptx
History Class XII Ch. 3 Kinship, Caste and Class (1).pptxHistory Class XII Ch. 3 Kinship, Caste and Class (1).pptx
History Class XII Ch. 3 Kinship, Caste and Class (1).pptx
 
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxOrganic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
 
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher EducationIntroduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
 
9953330565 Low Rate Call Girls In Rohini Delhi NCR
9953330565 Low Rate Call Girls In Rohini  Delhi NCR9953330565 Low Rate Call Girls In Rohini  Delhi NCR
9953330565 Low Rate Call Girls In Rohini Delhi NCR
 
Capitol Tech U Doctoral Presentation - April 2024.pptx
Capitol Tech U Doctoral Presentation - April 2024.pptxCapitol Tech U Doctoral Presentation - April 2024.pptx
Capitol Tech U Doctoral Presentation - April 2024.pptx
 
Final demo Grade 9 for demo Plan dessert.pptx
Final demo Grade 9 for demo Plan dessert.pptxFinal demo Grade 9 for demo Plan dessert.pptx
Final demo Grade 9 for demo Plan dessert.pptx
 
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptxPOINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
 
Painted Grey Ware.pptx, PGW Culture of India
Painted Grey Ware.pptx, PGW Culture of IndiaPainted Grey Ware.pptx, PGW Culture of India
Painted Grey Ware.pptx, PGW Culture of India
 
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPTECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
 
DATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginners
DATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginnersDATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginners
DATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginners
 

06 10-2021

  • 1. www.iasnext.com Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Act of 2016 Reference News The Supreme Court has stepped in to protect homebuyers from exploitation by builders who delay transfer of possession and often redraft delivery schedules. Need for: A petition was filed on the lack of a “uniform or model” form for agreements entered into among builders, agents and buyers. The petition said the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Act of 2016 had hardly been implemented.  Often hard-earned savings of ordinary citizens who aspired to have their own homes were invested. But many families became penniless waiting for a roof over their heads that the builders had promised them. The petitioner drew court’s attention to Section 41 and 42 of the RERA:  Section 41 mandated the establishment of a Central Advisory Council.  Section 42 said the Council would ensure the implementation of the Act, drive major policy changes, assure that consumer interests were not thwarted by builders and promoters and craft the faster growth of the real estate sector. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016: It is aimed at bringing in transparency and redefining the engagement between various stakeholders. Key provisions: 1. A requirement for developers to now register projects with RERA prior to any advertisement and sale. 2. Developers are also expected to have all sanction plans approved and regulatory clearances in place prior to commencement of sale. Subsequent changes have to be approved by a majority of buyers and the regulator.
  • 2. www.iasnext.com 3. The Act ambitiously stipulates an electronic system, maintained on the website of RERA, where developers are expected to update on a quarterly basis the status of their projects, and submit regular audits and architectural reports. 4. It requires developers to maintain separate escrow accounts in relation to each project and deposit 70% of the collections in such an account to ensure that funds collected are utilised only for the specific project. 5. The Act also requires real estate brokers and agents to register themselves with the regulator. 6. The Act also attempts to establish an adjudicatory mechanism for the speedy redressal of disputes. RERA and the Appellate Tribunal are expected to decide on complaints within an ambitious period of 60 days. Why does it matter?  The Act has been described by the Centre as an attempt at cleaning up the real estate sector, ushering in transparency, accountability and fair-play among stakeholders.  This law will empower the consumer while boosting the credibility of developers.  It is widely felt that the Act will shift housing demand at least in the immediate term towards the organised players, better-equipped as they are to fulfil various stipulations. Most such players have welcomed the Act, saying that it will bridge the trust deficit. The 2003 Ceasefire agreement: Reference News India and Pakistan troops are reported to have exchanged fire briefly along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district.  This is the first violation along the Kashmir Valley section of the de facto border since February this year. Background: India and Pakistan, in February 2021, issued a joint statement to strictly observe the 2003 Ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC).
  • 3. www.iasnext.com About the 2003 ceasefire agreement: The ceasefire agreement was reached in November 2003, four years after the Kargil War. On November 26, 2003 the ceasefire took effect along the entire stretch of the India-Pakistan frontier.  It facilitated the opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalkot routes, paving the way for bus and truck services linking the two Kashmirs for the first time in six decades and encouraging cross-LoC contacts, exchanges, travel, and trade.  The ceasefire also enabled India to complete the construction of a fence near the LoC to prevent Pakistan’s infiltration of terrorists into Kashmir, a project that it had begun a couple of decades earlier but had to suspend due to Pakistan’s artillery fire. Significance?  The 2003 ceasefire agreement remains a milestone as it brought peace along the LoC until 2006. Between 2003 and 2006, not a single bullet was fired by the jawans of India and Pakistan.  But since 2006, ceasefire violations have become the norm with increasing frequency. Recent years have seen an increasing number of ceasefire violations despite an agreement reached in 2018 to adhere to the 2003 ceasefire agreement. What’s the concern? This puts a question mark on how long the fresh commitment to ceasefire along the LoC can hold especially with summers approaching. As a matter of annual routine, terror infiltration bids from Pakistan increase as summer begins in the Kashmir Valley. Melting of ice on the high mountains offers Pakistan an opportunity to foment terrorism in the Valley. The Conference on Disarmament Reference News The Conference on Disarmament (CD) is being held in Geneva. At the conference, India expressed deep concern over the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems that could endanger peace and security, saying the possibility of terrorists acquiring such weapons necessitates the global community to work together to address this grave danger.
  • 4. www.iasnext.com  India has said that it supports the full and effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and emphasises the strengthening of the OPCW to fulfill its important mandate. About the Conference on Disarmament: The Conference on Disarmament (CD) is a multilateral disarmament forum established by the international community to negotiate arms control and disarmament agreements based at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The Conference meets annually in three separate sessions in Geneva.  The Conference was first established in 1979 as the Committee on Disarmament as the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community. It was renamed the Conference on Disarmament in 1984.  Formation: 1984.  Membership: 65 Countries. The Conference was created with a permanent agenda, also known as the “Decalogue,” which includes the following topics: 1. Nuclear weapons in all aspects. 2. Other weapons of mass destruction. 3. Conventional weapons. 4. Reduction of military budgets. 5. Reduction of armed forces. 6. Disarmament and development. 7. Disarmament and international security. Relationship to the United Nations: The Conference is formally independent from the United Nations. However, while it is not formally a UN organization, it is linked to it in various ways.  First and foremost, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva serves as the Secretary-General of the Conference.  Furthermore, while the Conference adopts its own rules of procedure and agenda, the United Nations General Assembly can pass resolutions recommending specific topics to the Conference.  Finally, the Conference submits a report of its activities to the General Assembly yearly, or more frequently, as appropriate. About OPCW:  It is an international organization established by the Chemical Weapons Convention, 1997 to implement and enforce the terms of the non-proliferation treaty, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, or transfer of chemical weapons by signatory states.
  • 5. www.iasnext.com  The OPCW is authorized to perform inspections to verify that signatory states are complying with the convention.  By the 2001 Relationship Agreement between the OPCW and the United Nations, the OPCW reports on its inspections and other activities to the UN through the office of the Secretary General.  The organisation was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize “for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons”. The Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits: 1. Developing, producing, acquiring, stockpiling, or retaining chemical weapons. 2. The direct or indirect transfer of chemical weapons. 3. Chemical weapons use or military preparation for use. 4. Assisting, encouraging, or inducing other states to engage in CWC-prohibited activity. 5. The use of riot control agents “as a method of warfare.” External auditor for Hague-based OPCW: In April 2021, India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has been chosen as the external auditor by the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for a three-year term starting 2021.  The appointment was made through an election process at the OPCW conference recently.  India was also selected as the member of the executive council of the OPCW representing Asia group for another two-year term during the OPCW conference. About the Executive Council:  It is the governing body of the OPCW.  The Council consists of 41 OPCW Member States that are elected by the Conference of the States Parties and rotate every two years.  The Council supervises the activities of the Technical Secretariat and is responsible for promoting the effective implementation of and compliance with the Convention.  Each Member State has the right, on a rotating basis, to serve on the Executive Council.
  • 6. www.iasnext.com Prohibited chemicals in firecrackers: Reference News The Supreme Court is all set to go into an affidavit filed by the environment ministry last October on the use of so-called green and improved fireworks — hearing a case that could well decide whether this Diwali will see fireworks. What’s the issue? The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has informed the court that a lot of research and development has gone into this field following the court’s October 2018 judgment. It urged the court to consider the various proposals and formulations on green/improved crackers that the ministry has come up with in its affidavit filed before the court in October 2020. The judgment: The court’s October 23, 2018 judgment banned the sale and production of firecrackers in Delhi- NCR and regulated the use of firecrackers across the country.  Barium-based firecrackers were specifically banned.  Online sale of firecrackers has been completely banned. The verdict had come in response to a plea seeking a ban on manufacturing and sale of firecrackers across the country to curb air pollution. Recent observations made by the Supreme Court on the use of firecrackers:  The Supreme Court said it cannot infringe the right to life of other citizens “under the guise of employment of few” while considering a ban on firecrackers.  Have to strike a balance between employment, unemployment and right to life. How do firecrackers work? Firecrackers use fuel and oxidisers to produce a combustion reaction, and the resulting explosion spreads the material in a superheated state. The metal salts in the explosive mix get ‘excited’ and emit light. What is the controversy? Metals in the mix, which have a varying arrangement of electrons in shells outside their nucleus, produce different wavelengths of light in this reaction, generating spectacular colours. But as many studies show, the burning of firecrackers is an unusual and peak source of pollution, made up of particles and gases.  One study in Milan, Italy, quantified the increase in the levels of several elements in the air in one hour as 120 times for Strontium, 22 times for Magnesium, 12 times for Barium, 11 times for Potassium and six times for Copper.
  • 7. www.iasnext.com  The Central Pollution Control Board conducted a study in Delhi in 2016, and found that the levels of Aluminium, Barium, Potassium, Sulphur, Iron and Strontium rose sharply on Deepavali night, from low to extremely high.  Similar episodic spikes have been recorded in China and the U.K. Pollution from firecrackers affects the health of people and animals, and aggravates the already poor ambient air quality in Indian cities. This has resulted in litigation calling for a total ban on firecrackers, and court orders to restrict the type of chemicals used as well as their volume. Many crackers also violate legal limits on sound. Can green crackers make a difference? The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, through its National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, has come out with firecrackers that have “reduced emission light and sound” and 30% less particulate matter using Potassium Nitrate as oxidant.  These crackers are named Safe Water Releaser, which minimises Potassium Nitrate and Sulphur use, but matches the sound intensity of conventional crackers, Safe Minimal Aluminium , where Aluminium use is low and Safe Thermite Crackers with low Sulphur and Potassium Nitrate. Need of the hour: While deciding on a ban on firecrackers, it is imperative to take into account the fundamental right of livelihood of firecracker manufacturers and the right to health of over 1.3 billion people of the country.
  • 8. www.iasnext.com Nobel Medicine Prize Reference News U.S. scientists David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian have won the Nobel Medicine Prize for discoveries on receptors for temperature and touch. They will share the Nobel Prize cheque for 10 million Swedish kronor ($1.1 million).  The pair’s research is being used to develop treatments for a wide range of diseases and conditions, including chronic pain. About their discoveries: They discovered the molecular sensors in the human body that are sensitive to heat, and to mechanical pressure, and make us “feel” hot or cold, or the touch of a sharp object on our skin.  Julius discovered the first heat receptor. His work involved experiments with capsaicin, the substance that makes hot peppers hot, to identify a sensor in the nerve endings of the skin that responds to heat.  Patapoutian unlocked the molecular basis for sensing temperature or mechanical force working with cold and used pressure-sensitive cells to discover a novel class of sensors that respond to mechanical stimuli in the skin and internal organs. Significance of these discoveries: Breakthroughs in physiology have often resulted in an improvement in the ability to fight diseases and disorders. The identification of these receptors opens up the possibility of regulating their functioning. For example, there are receptors that make us feel pain. If these receptors can be suppressed, or made less effective, the person would feel less pain.
  • 9. www.iasnext.com About the Nobel Prize:  The prestigious award comes with a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor (over $1.14 million).  The prize money comes from a bequest left by the prize’s creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1895.  The Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine is awarded for discovery of major importance in life science or medicine.  Karolinska Institutet (now The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet) selects the winner.  Candidates eligible for the medicine prize are nominated by nominators who have received an invitation from the Nobel Committee to submit names for consideration. No one can nominate herself or himself.