For the first time, German researchers have used sunlight, carbon dioxide (CO2) and water to make kerosene.
A novel technology uses concentrated solar energy to synthesize liquid hydrocarbon fuel from water and CO2.
For this product, CO2 and water are taken directly from the air and split using solar energy.
The process yields synthesis gas or syngas a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
It is subsequently processed and converted into kerosene, methanol or other hydrocarbons.
The demonstration of this technology could have large effects on the transport sector, especially for aviation and shipping that will remain dependent on liquid fuels for long distances.
The technology is part of the European Union’s sun-to-liquid project, which began in 2016 with the aim to decarbonize the transport sector.
Kimberley Process
The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme that regulates trade in rough diamonds.
It aims to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds while helping to protect legitimate trade in rough diamonds.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) outlines the rules that govern the trade in rough diamonds.
India is a founding member of KPCS.
The KP is not an international organization or an international agreement from a legal perspective, it relies on the contributions of participants, supported by industry and civil society observers.
“Conflict Diamonds” means rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance conflict aimed at undermining legitimate governments.
It is also described in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
India is currently the Chair of Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) since 1st January 2018.
It was handed Chairmanship by the European Union during KPCS Plenary 2018, which was held in Brussels, Belgium.
Global Peace Index 2019
Global Peace Index is released by the Australian think tank Institute for Economics & Peace.
The report covers 99.7 per cent of the world’s population and uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources to compile the index.
It ranks countries according to their level of peacefulness based on three thematic domains:
The level of societal safety and security.
The extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict.
The degree of militarization.
India’s rank has slipped five places to 141 this year.
According to the report, Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world, a position it has held since 2008.
Afghanistan is now the least peaceful country in the world, replacing Syria, which is now the second least peaceful.
PVTG
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) are more vulnerable among the tribal groups.
In India, there are 75 PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes, spread over 18 states and one Union Territory (A&N Islands).
Among the 75 listed PVTG’s the highest number are found in Odisha (13), followed by Andhra Pradesh (12).
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements the Scheme of “Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)” exclusively for them.
The criteria followed for determination of PVTGs are as under:
A pre-agriculture level of technology.
A stagnant or declining population.
Extremely low literacy.
A subsistence level of economy.
The Forest Rights Act ensures, that the District Level Committee should play a pro-active role in ensuring that all PTGs receive habitat rights in consultation with the concerned PTGs’ traditional institutions of these groups, after filing claims before the gram sabha.
Habitat is defined under the act as, “the area comprising the customary habitat and such other habitats in reserved forests and protected forests of primitive tribal groups and pre-agricultural communities and other forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes.”
Abujh Marias Tribes
Abujh Marias are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) community living in Abujhmarh forest, Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.
Abujh Marias have their own governance structure.
Since AbujhMarias is a PVTG community, they are entitled to the habitat rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
Recently Chhattisgarh government has initiated the processing of habitat rights for Abujh Marias, a (PVTG).
