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March 13th 2019 PIB:-Download PDF Here
INDO-OMAN Joint Ex Al Nagah 2019
Context:
Indo Oman Joint Exercise Al Nagah III 2019, a joint military exercise between Indian and Royal Army of Oman (RAO), commenced at HQ Jabel Regiment, Nizwa, Oman.
Details:
- The Omani contingent was represented by Jabel Regiment of the RAO while the Indian side was represented by troops of Tenth Battalion the Garhwal Rifles Regiment.
- Both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of well-developed tactical drills for neutralization of likely threats that may be encountered.
- Experts from both sides will also hold detailed discussions to share their experience on varied topics for mutual benefit.
- Ex Al Nagah 2019 will contribute immensely in developing mutual understanding and respect for each other’s military as also facilitate in tackling the worldwide phenomenon of terrorism.
World Kidney Day
Context:
World Kidney Day is observed annually on the 2nd Thursday in March.
Theme for 2019:
Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere.
Details:
- WKD is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF).
- World Kidney Day started in 2006 and has not stopped growing ever since. Every year, the campaign highlights a particular theme.
- 2018 Kidneys & Women’s Health. Include, Value, Empower
- 2017 Kidney Disease & Obesity – Healthy Lifestyle for Healthy Kidneys.
About kidney diseases:
- 850 million people worldwide are now estimated to have kidney diseases from various causes.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes at least 2.4 million deaths per year and is now the 6th fastest growing cause of death.
- Despite the growing burden of kidney diseases worldwide, kidney health disparity and inequity are still widespread. Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere calls for universal health coverage (UHC) for prevention and early treatment of kidney diseases.
About ISN:
The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) is a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing worldwide kidney health. It build capacity with healthcare professionals via granting programs, education and research. By connecting communities, it develops a stronger understanding of how to manage kidney diseases and engage in a collaborative effort to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
About IFKF:
The International Federation of Kidney Foundations leads the way in the prevention and treatment of kidney disease, through its Membership on all continents around the world. The Federation was formed to foster international collaboration and the exchange of ideas that will improve the health, well-being and quality of life of individuals with kidney disease.
National guidelines on responsible business conduct
Context:
Ministry of Corporate Affairs has revised the National Voluntary Guidelines on Social, Environmental and Economic Responsibilities of Business, 2011 (NVGs) and formulated the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC).
Details:
Key drivers for revision of the NVG guidelines are:
- The NVGs 2011 were developed based on India’s socio-cultural context and priorities as well as global best practices.
- There have been various national and international developments in the past decade that have nudged businesses to be sustainable and more responsible, prior most being the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights (UNGPs). Â
- The thrust of Companies Act, 2013 (Act) on businesses to be more mindful of their stakeholders.
- And to demonstrate more visibly India’s implementation of the UNGPs based on UNHRC’s ‘Protect, Respect & Remedy’ Framework and also make evident India’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- The Ministry of Corporate Affairs is also in the process of developing India’s National Action Plan on Business & Human Rights (NAP) in consultation with various Ministries and State Governments by 2020.
NGBRC principles are:
- Businesses should conduct and govern themselves with integrity in a manner that is Ethical, Transparent and Accountable.
- Businesses should provide goods and services in a manner that is sustainable and safe
- Businesses should respect and promote the well-being of all employees, including those in their value chains.
- Businesses should respect the interests of and be responsive to all their stakeholders.
- Businesses should respect and promote human rights.
- Businesses should respect and make efforts to protect and restore the environment.
- Â Businesses, when engaging in influencing public and regulatory policy, should do so in a manner that is responsible and transparent.
- Businesses should promote inclusive growth and equitable development.
- Businesses should engage with and provide value to their consumers in a responsible manner.
Cabinet approves proposal for accession of India to:Â The Nice Agreement; the Vienna Agreement; the Locarno Agreement
Context:
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the proposal for accession of India to
- The Nice Agreement concerning the International classification of Goods and Services for the purposes of registration of marks.
- The Vienna Agreement establishing an International Classification of the figurative elements of marks, and
- The Locarno Agreement establishing an International classification for industrial designs.
Benefits:
- Accession to the Nice, Vienna and Locarno Agreements will help the Intellectual Property Office in India to harmonise the classification systems for examination of trademark and design applications, in line with the classification systems followed globally.
- It would give an opportunity to include Indian designs, figurative elements and goods in the international classification systems.
- The accession is expected to instill confidence in foreign investors in relation to protection of IPs in India.
- The accession would also facilitate in exercising rights in decision making processes regarding review and revision of the classifications under the agreement.
March 13th 2019 PIB:-Download PDF Here
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