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Prelim Bits 21-12-2017

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December 21, 2017

'Naseem Al Bahr'

  • 'Naseem Al Bahr' or 'Sea Breeze' is India’s bilateral naval exercise with the Omani navy conducted since 1993.
  • The 11th edition of the exercise was recently held off the coast of Oman.
  • The Indian Navy deployed two naval ships - INS Trikand and INS Teg - for the exercise, an Indian Navy submarine and the versatile P8I long-range maritime aircraft.
  • India has an ancient maritime tradition and maritime interaction with Oman dating back to more than 4,000 years.
  • Archaeological research at sites in Mesopotamia, Bahrain, and Oman has led to the recovery of artefacts traceable to the Indus Valley civilization.
  • Bilateral relations between Indian and Oman were formally established with the signing of the 1953 Indo-Oman Treaty of Friendship, Navigation and Commerce, a first between India and an Arab country.

P-8I

  • It is a long-range, multimission maritime patrol aircraft manufactured by Boeing, for the Indian Navy.
  • The aircraft was designed to protect the vast coastline and territorial waters of India.
  • It can conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (AsuW), intelligence, maritime patrol, and surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

National Rail and Transport University (NRTU)

  • The Cabinet recently approved the setting up of India's first National Rail and Transport University (NRTU) in Vadodara in Gujarat.
  • The university plans to use latest pedagogy and technology applications such as satellite based tracking, Radio Frequency Identification and Artificial Intelligence to improve on-the-job performance and productivity.
  • It is expected to have 3,000 full-time students.
  • A not-for-profit company would be created under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
  • The company will be created by the ministry of railways and it would be the managing company of the proposed university.
  • The company will provide financial and infrastructural support to the university.

Schaller’s Wood Scorpion

  • It is a new species recently identified from Tripura.
  • They are found in low elevations in parts of Tripura, including Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and Bison National Park.
  • It is the 11th wood scorpion species from India.
  • India is home to more than 125 species of scorpions. Nine of India’s 11 wood scorpions are endemic to the country.
  • Wood scorpions are also called dwarf scorpions as they are only about 3 cm long and live in small burrows on the ground, making them very difficult to spot.
  • Scorpions belong to the class Arachnida (having 8 legs) and phylum Arthopoda (jointed legs).
  • Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and Bison National Park is well known for Indian Bison locally known as Gaur.
  • It also supports of viable population of Holook Gibbon, Spectacled Langurs, slow loris, Pig Tailed Macaque.

STRIVE Project

  • Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) is a central sector scheme, implemented by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
  • It aimed at improving the quality and the market relevance of vocational training provided in ITIs.
  • The project will also strengthen the apprenticeship programme through industry-cluster approach.
  • It helps in setting up Vocational Education and Training (VET).
  • VET is a national body for vocational education which shall regulate accreditation and certification to bring uniformity in vocational training.
  • It is supported by World Bank loan assistance.
  • A financing agreement for the credit of USD 125 million for this project was recently signed by the Government of India with the World Bank.

Dramatic Performances Act, 1876

  • The birth of professional Bengali theatre and plays like Nildarpan in 1872 brought anti-British subject matter to the general public.
  • Subsequently the government passed the DPA in 1876 during the period of Lord Lytton to regulate theatre.
  • It empowered the government 'to prohibit Native plays which are scandalous, defamatory, seditious or obscene'.
  • The police could 'enter, arrest, and seize scenery, dresses, etc'.
  • Also, public dramatic performances 'in specified localities' had to receive a license’, and 'a copy of the piece, shall be previously furnished to the proper authorities'.
  • Even after Independence, the DPA remained in effect, with most states introducing their own amended versions.

 

Source: The Hindu, PIB

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