27 March 2019: UPSC Exam PIB Summary & Analysis

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

Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Exercise Mitra Shakti-VI

• It is a joint training exercise of the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army
• It primarily focuses on training and equipping both the country’s contingents to undertake joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in urban and rural environment under the United Nations flag.
• The exercise provides an ideal platform for both contingents to share their operational experience and expertise while being instrumental in broadening interoperability and cooperation between the armies of India and Sri Lanka.

Context

• The sixth edition has been held at Diyatalawa Parade Ground in Diyatalawa, Badulla District, Sri Lanka.

MoU on Antarctic cooperation between India and Argentina

Context

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister was apprised about an MoU signed in February, 2019 between India and Argentina on Antarctic cooperation.

Salient features of the MoU :

• Scientific cooperation on projects in the fields involving Earth sciences and life sciences, as well as those related to the protection and conservation of the natural environment of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans.
• The exchange of scientific and bibliographical information related to the study of Antarctica, its environment and dependent and associated ecosystems.
• Exploring opportunities for exchanges of scientists.
• Participation of scientists and technical experts of the national Antarctic programme of one country in the national Antarctic programme of the other, if so required.
• Joint scientific conferences and workshops; hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of major polar forum meetings, where feasible.
• Joint scientific publications.
• Training of scientific personnel.

Significance

• The MoU will help scientific cooperation on projects in the fields of Earth sciences, as well as those related to the protection and conservation of the natural environment of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans.

MoU between India and Indonesia

Context

• The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Indonesia on combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors.

Salient features of the MoU :

• The MoU shall facilitate and enhance the cooperation between the two countries in combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors as defined by the United Nations International Drug Control Conventions.
• The cooperation under this MoU includes
  • the exchange of information on existing legal instruments of national legislation of both countries in combating the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors,
  • allowing and assisting each other in the use of controlled delivery operation with a view to identifying persons involved in illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors and essential chemicals, prevention of money laundering.
• Under the MoU, there is a provision of maintaining the secrecy of information and documents obtained in accordance with this MoU.

Significance

• The MoU will help in mutual cooperation in the regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and in combating drug trafficking.

India – Croatia relations

Context

• President of India is on a State Visit to Croatia.

Details

• During Mr Kovind’s visit, India and Croatia signed four MOUs for cooperation in the field of tourism, Sports and Establishment of the Hindi and Sanskrit Chair at the University of Zagreb.
• He was honoured with Croatia’s highest civilian award — the Grand Order of the King of Tomislav.
  • The civilian order is awarded to heads of state for their important contribution towards the development of state relations between Croatia and their respective countries.

• Kovind, who is the first-ever Indian head of state to visit Croatia, was earlier accorded a ceremonial welcome here.
• The two Presidents agreed that it is necessary to strengthen economic cooperation, bilateral trade and mutual investments, in particular.

Biomedical Research Career Programme

Context

• The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP).

Details

• It is an Alliance between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Wellcome Trust (WT)
  • The Wellcome Trust is an independent charity funding research to improve human and animal health.
  • Established in 1936 and with an endowment of around £15 billion, it is the largest non-governmental source of funds for biomedical research in the United Kingdom.

• The Programme will fulfill objectives of building and nurturing talent of highest global standards in cutting-edge biomedical research in India, which has led to important scientific breakthroughs and applications to meet societal needs.
• BRCP will make it attractive for high quality Indian scientists working abroad to return to India, and has increased the number of locations geographically within India where world-class biomedical research is undertaken.
• The Programme would continue to build this capacity as also strengthen clinical research and work towards addressing important health challenges for India.  

Also Read: