19 March 2019: UPSC Exam PIB Summary & Analysis

Read the daily PIB update and stay up-to-date on current affairs for the UPSC exam

March 19^th 2019 PIB:-Download PDF Here

IBBI, SEBI sign MoU for better implementation of IBC

Context:

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Details:

• The IBBI and the SEBI seek effective implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Code) and its allied rules and regulations, which have redefined the debt-equity relationship and aims to promote entrepreneurship and debt market.
• They have agreed under the MoU to assist and co-operate with each other for the effective implementation of the Code, subject to limitations imposed by the applicable laws.

The MoU provides for: 

1. Sharing of information between the two parties, subject to the limitations imposed by the applicable laws;
2. Sharing of resources available with each other to the extent feasible and legally permissible;
3. Periodic meetings to discuss matters of mutual interest, including regulatory requirements that impact each party’s responsibilities, enforcement cases, research and data analysis, information technology and data sharing, or any other matter that the parties believe would be of interest to each other in fulfilling their respective statutory obligations;
4. Cross-training of staff in order to enhance each party’s understanding of the other’s mission for effective utilisation of collective resources;
5. Capacity building of insolvency professionals and financial creditors;
6. Joint efforts towards enhancing the level of awareness among financial creditors about the importance and necessity of swift insolvency resolution process of various types of borrowers in distress under the provisions of the Code, etc.

33^rd Edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (Ind-Indo Corpat) Commences at Port Blair

Context:

Indonesian Naval Ship KRI Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin and Maritime Patrol Aircraft CN-235 arrived at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India for the Opening Ceremony of the 33^rd edition of the India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT).

Details:

• The IND-INDO CORPAT Series of bilateral seek to underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly Maritime neighbours countries to ensure good order in the maritime domain, consolidate interoperability and strengthen existing bonds of friendship between India and Indonesia.
• During the stay in Port Blair harbour, various activities such as official calls, formal reception on board ship, sporting fixtures between both navies, ship open to visitors and professional interactions have been planned.

Role of the Indian Navy in IOR:

• Indian Naval assets have been increasingly deployed in recent times to address the maritime concerns on the region.
• In addition, as part of the Indian Government’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has also been involved in assisting countries in the Indian Ocean Region with EEZ Surveillance, Search and Rescue, and other capacity-building and capability-enhancement activities.
• The 33^rdIND-INDO CORPAT, also coinciding with 70 years of India-Indonesia diplomatic ties, will contribute towards the Indian Navy’s efforts to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship across the seas.

Indo-Sri Lanka joint Exercise Mitra shakti-VI 

Context:

Exercise MITRA SHAKTI is conducted annually as part of military diplomacy and interaction between armies of India & Sri Lanka. This year’s (2019) joint exercise will be conducted in Sri Lanka.

Details:

• Troops from 1^stBattalion the Bihar Regiment of the Indian Army and Gemunu Watch Battalion of Sri Lankan Army would be jointly undertaking the exercise.
• The aim of the exercise is to build and promote close relations between armies of both the countries and to enhance ability of joint exercise commander to take military contingents of both nations under command. The exercise will involve tactical level operations in an international Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorist environment under United Nations mandate.
• Exercises MITRA SHAKTI-VI will go a long way in further cementing relationship between both the nations and will act as a catalyst in bringing synergy and cooperation at grassroots levels between both the armies.

Health Ministry reviews the preparedness on West Nile Fever

Context:

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare with the officials from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reviewed the current situation, state preparedness and action taken to deal with West Nile Fever (WNF) in Malappuram district, Kerala.

Advise of NCDC:

• The State has been advised to follow the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP) guidelines of personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites.
• The Ministry has also recommended vector surveillance and control to be carried out in coordination with NVBDCP.
• All cases of JE/AES are to be investigated as per guidelines of JE (Japanese Encephalitis)/AES (Acute Encephalitis Syndrome) and also tested for West Nile Virus. Further, the community is to be sensitized through IEC campaigns on use of personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites as per NVBDCP Guidelines.

About the Directorate of National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme:

• It is the national level Technical Nodal office equipped with Technical Experts in the field of Public Health, Entomology, Toxicology and parasitology aspects of malaria.
• The Directorate is responsible for framing technical guidelines & policies as to guide the states for implementation of Programme strategies. It is also responsible for budgeting and planning the logistics pertaining to central sector.

About West Nile fever:

• West Nile Fever is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease caused by a flavivirus -West Nile Virus (WNV).
• This virus is related to viruses that cause Japanese Encephalitis, yellow fever and St. Louis encephalitis.
• Human infection is most often due to bites from infected mosquitoes.
• To date, no human-to-human transmission of WNV through casual contact has been documented.
• Infection with WNV is either asymptomatic (no symptoms) in around 80% of infected people, or can lead to West Nile fever or severe West Nile disease.

Testing and vector surveillance:

• Testing for West Nile Virus is available at the National Institute of Virology, Pune and National Institute of Virology, Allapuzha.
• Facility for xeno-diagnosis with respect to infection among vectors is available at VCRC, Kottayam.
• NCDC branch in Kozhikode, in coordination with VCRC, Kottayam, will provide assistance for vector surveillance and xeno-diagnosis in the vector as well as prepare and disseminate a standardised hospital management protocol of AES case management to be followed by all hospitals catering to cases of AES.

What is xeno-diagnosis?

• Xeno-diagnosis is a diagnostic method used to document the presence of infectious disease microorganisms or pathogens by exposing possibly infected tissue to a vector and then examining the vector for the presence of the microorganisms or pathogens it may have ingested.

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March 19^th 2019 PIB:-Download PDF Here

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