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Monuments Of National Importance
The recent decision by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to delist 18 protected monuments underscores the evolving criteria for determining "national importance" under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), 1958 (amended in 2010). This Act mandates the declaration and preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites of national significance. Uttar Pradesh holds the highest number of such monuments/sites, totaling 745. The process of declaring a monument as of national importance involves a thorough consideration of views and objections, culminating in a notification in the official gazette by the Central Government. Once designated as Monument of National Importance (MNI), the responsibility for its protection and maintenance falls under the purview of ASI, a body operating under the Ministry of Culture. The protection extends to a 100-meter radius around the monument, designated as a 'prohibited area' where construction activities are prohibited. An additional 200 meters constitute a 'regulated area' with construction regulations in place. ASI also possesses the authority to delist monuments that no longer meet the criteria of national importance, thus shifting the responsibility away from ASI for their safeguarding.
ICGS Samudra Paheredar
The Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, stationed in Manila Bay, Philippines, exemplifies India's commitment to maritime pollution control. As a Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), it represents a vital asset in safeguarding marine environments. Built by ABG Shipyard, Surat, it stands as India's second PCV after ICGS Samudra Prahari. Equipped with twin diesel engines and advanced pollution response technology, it operates primarily on the East Coast in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. With a maximum speed of 21 knots and an endurance of 6,500 nautical miles, it can sustain operations at sea for up to 20 days. Its arsenal includes hi-sprint booms, skimmers, and side sweeping arms for oil spill containment and recovery. Additionally, it features an integrated platform management system, a power management system, and external firefighting capabilities, complemented by the ability to operate a twin-engine ALH/Chetak helicopter.
National Assessment And Accreditation Council
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) have streamlined their categorization of higher educational institutions into "accredited" or "not accredited." This autonomous body, operating under the University Grants Commission (UGC), evaluates and accredits Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) based on defined criteria. Established in 1994 in alignment with the National Policy of Education, NAAC's evaluation process encompasses seven criteria, including curricular aspects, teaching-learning methods, research, infrastructure, and governance. Accreditation, valid for five years, reflects an institution's performance and adherence to these standards. NAAC's voluntary assessment procedure emphasizes self-study and peer review, promoting continuous improvement in HEIs. The General Council (GC) and Executive Committee (EC), comprising educational administrators and academicians, oversee NAAC's operations, ensuring adherence to quality benchmarks in Indian higher education.
Ex-parte Injunction
The recent stance of the Supreme Court highlights the cautious approach towards ex-parte injunctions in legal proceedings, particularly concerning the publication of news articles. Ex-parte injunctions, issued without hearing the opposing party, serve as temporary measures in urgent situations, aiming to prevent irreparable harm. In India, injunctions under the Specific Relief Act, 1963, and the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, serve as legal remedies, barring parties from certain actions or behaviors. Violation of injunctions can result in contempt of court penalties, emphasizing their enforceability.
Krishi Integrated Command And Control Centre
The inauguration of the Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre signifies India's technological advancement in agriculture monitoring. This tech-based solution, housed under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, consolidates geospatial, soil, and weather data for comprehensive farm sector monitoring. Utilizing artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the centre processes data on crop yields, drought situations, and cropping patterns. It facilitates tailored farmer advisories through platforms like Kisan e-mitra, enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Meme Coins
Meme coins, a unique category of cryptocurrencies inspired by internet culture, have gained significant traction in the digital currency landscape. These coins, characterized by satire and humor, leverage blockchain technology for issuance and trading. Operating on platforms like Ethereum and Solana, meme coins lack inherent value and exhibit extreme volatility. They attract speculative interest due to their meme-inspired branding and uncapped token supplies. However, investors should exercise caution due to their speculative nature and rapid price fluctuations.
Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024: Changes
The Patents Amendment Rules, 2024, introduced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, herald significant changes in Indian patent practices. Key amendments include reduced timelines for Request for Examination (RFE), simplified documentation procedures, and the introduction of 'Certificate of Inventorship' to recognize inventors' contributions. These changes aim to streamline the patent examination process, enhance inventor recognition, and align with recent judicial interpretations regarding divisional applications. The amendments reflect India's commitment to fostering innovation and improving patent system efficiency.
Omnibus SRO Framework: Reserve Bank Of India
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has finalized the Omnibus Framework for Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs) to enhance regulatory oversight in various sectors. This comprehensive framework sets common standards and guidelines for SRO recognition, fostering transparency and professionalism within regulated entities. The framework, adaptable to sector-specific needs, encourages SROs to develop best practices while ensuring regulatory compliance. It represents a collaborative effort to balance innovation and regulatory standards, promoting sectoral integrity and confidence.