Prelim Bits 26-07-2023 | UPSC Daily Current Affairs | Prelim Bits

No Confidence Motion

The opposition parties decided to move a no-confidence motion against the BJP government, with a particular focus on the situation in the northeastern state.

A no-confidence motion is a parliamentary process that allows the opposition to challenge the government’s majority and ability to govern.
If the motion is passed, the government of the day must resign.
Initiate – Any member of the Lok Sabha can move a no-confidence motion.

However, the motion must be supported by at least 50 members of the House.
Moved – A no-confidence motion must be in writing and must be signed by the member moving it.

The motion must be submitted to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha on any day on which the House is sitting.
Next step – The speaker of the Lok Sabha will decide whether to admit the motion for discussion and debate.

If the motion is admitted, the Speaker will then decide on the date and time for the discussion.
The speaker may grant time for the discussion of the motion (under sub-rule (2) and (3)) of rule 198 of Lok Sabha Rules.
Debate – It will be debated in the Lok Sabha.

It will be moved by the member who submitted it and the government will then respond to the motion.
The opposition parties will then have the opportunity to speak on the motion.
Vote – After the debate, the Lok Sabha will vote on the no-confidence motion.

The motion will be passed if it is supported by a majority of the members of the House.
Government win – The notion is defeated and the government remains in power.

References

US rejoins UNESCO

The United States as formally rejoined the UN’s scientific, educational and cultural organisation after a 5 year absence.

US & UNESCO

The US return to the Paris based UNESCO was mainly on concerns that China has filled a leadership gap.
Reagan – The US previously pulled out of the UNESCO under the Reagan administration in 1984 because it viewed the agency as corrupt and used for Soviet interests.
It rejoined in 2003 during George W.Bush’s presidency.
Trump – The Trump administration in 2017 announced that the US would withdraw from UNESCO, citing anti-Israel bias.
The US and Israel stopped financing UNESCO after it voted to include Palestine as a member state in 2011.
Biden – The Biden administration had reapplied to rejoin the 193 members organisation that plays a major role in setting international standards for artificial intelligence and technology education.
The US is now the 194^th member of the UNESCO.

UNESCO

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information.
Knowledge – UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding and a more perfect knowledge of each other's lives.
SDG Goals – UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.

References

Silvopasture Systems

In light of the global deterioration of natural resources and forests, silvopasture systems offer a relevant solution to deforestation trends.

The system – Silvopasture is an ancient and proven practice that harmoniously integrates trees, forage and livestock on the same land.
Deforestation – Silvopasture can play a vital role in reversing the negative trend of deforestation for pasture land.
Carbon Sinks – The trees on silvopasture lands act as natural carbon sinks, sequestering significantly five-10 times more carbon then pastures without trees.

Silvopasture practices currently cover a vast expanse of 550 million hectares worldwide.

Benefits

Climate conditions – Silvopasture systems also regulate local climatic conditions, buffering against temperature and wind extremes, providing a favorable living environment for livestock.
Nutrition cycle – The extensive root systems of trees within silvopasture plots contribute to nutrient cycling, improved soil stability and quality, while effectively combating erosion.
Soil infiltration rates – Soil infiltration rates in silvopasture systems surpass those of open pastures, enhancing water storage potential.

Sivopastrue systems in brazil 2023

References

White Label ATMs (WLAs)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has apprised that in order to drive ATM penetration in the country with a greater focus on Tier III to VI centres.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

Banking services – It is a computerised machine that provides customers of banks the facility of accessing their accounts for dispensing cash.
It also aids in carrying out other financial & non-financial transactions without the need to visit the bank branch.

WLAs

Non-Banks – They are ATMs set up, owned and operated by non-banks are called WLAs.
Non-bank ATM operators are authorised under the Payment & Settlement Systems Act, 2007 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The WLAs provide banking services to the customers of banks in India, based on the cards (debit/credit/prepaid) issued by banks.

Nonbank financial institutions are those that include insurance firms, venture capitalists, currency exchanges, some microloan organizations, and pawn shops.

Services provided – In addition to dispensing cash, WLAs may offer many other services / facilities which inter-alia include:
1. Account Information
2. Cash Deposit
3. Regular Bill Payment
4. Mini / Short Statement Generation
5. PIN Change
6. Request for Cheque Book
For a customer, using a WLA is just like using an ATM of any bank.
Rationale – To allow non-bank entities to set up WLAs has been to increase the geographical spread of ATMs for increased / enhanced customer service, especially in semi-urban / rural areas.

References

Janjaitya Darpan

Marking the completion of one year of taking charge, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated various projects at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.

Janjatiya Darpan

The President inaugurated a gallery titled ‘Janjatiya Darpan’ in the Marble Hall Museum of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
This gallery is an initiative to represent the common and connecting cultural traits of various Janjati communities in Bharat.

Tribals are known as Scheduled Tribes and Janjati in the Constitution.

Janjati heroes – Gallery consists of different themes such as unsung tribal freedom fighters, traditional natural resource management practices such as Halma, Dokra art, Gunjala Gondi script, and Warli.
In addition, the contemporary photographs of various Janjatis of Bharat by Satish Lal Andhekar were also displayed at the gallery.
Koya Pagide – The gallery has some of the very rare and unique artefacts such as scroll (Koya Pagide) depicting the life history and genealogy of Koya Janjati community from Bhadrachalam.
Gunjala Gondi Script – The Gunjala Gondi Script along with its detailed history is put on display at the gallery.

Navachara

An Artificial Intelligence enabled gallery developed by Rashtrapati Bhavan in collaboration with Intel India.
This gallery exhibits immersive innovations and indigenous AI solutions created by students and AI coaches.
It is equipped with six interactive exhibits that provide insights into the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan and ignite a sense of inspiration for democratizing AI skills.

Sutra-kala Darpan

It is a Textile Collection which shows the remarkable collection of antique textiles of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Rashtrapati Bhavan is a repository of distinct textile traditions, ranging from zardozi and gold-embroidered velvets in its carpets, bed and table coverings, to fine muslin and silk drapes.