It is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security & environmental performance of international shipping by creating a regulatory framework for the shipping industry.
It is the only UN special agency to have its headquarters in the United Kingdom.
It is the first ever international organization devoted exclusively to maritime matters.
The objective of IMO is the improvement of Maritime safety and the prevention of marine pollution
India has been a member of the IMO since 1959.
There are three category of membership in the organization.
Category A has countries which have interest in providing international shipping services.
Category-B has large nations with interest in international seaborne trade.
Category-C has special interests in maritime transport or navigation.
Currently, India has Category-B membership and it hopes to get an upgrade in IMO status to Category – A membership.
It would enable India to be part of the several committees of the body, which would essentially mean greater participation in the decision-making process.
Ten nations such as China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, the UK and the US are in Category-A.
National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA)
National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA), as part of the GST Act was approved by the Cabinet recently.
The finance ministry has issued notification appointing Shri B.N. Sharma, as the first Chairman of NAA in the rank of Secretary to GoI.
It has been set up for a two-year period, which would begin from the date Shri B.N. Sharma assumes charge as Chairman.
It is empowered to crack down on firms that fail to pass on the ‘benefits’ of the tax regime to consumers.
It has the authority to order the business concerned to reduce its prices or return the undue benefit availed along with interest @18% to the consumers of the goods or services.
It also has the power to impose penalty on the defaulting business or even order the cancellation of its registration under GST.
Indian Emerald Dragonfly
It is a rare variety of dragonfly known to exist only in the Travancore hills of Kerala.
It made a dramatic reappearance 83 years, as it was sighted in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) during an odonata survey.
Odonata is an order of carnivorous insects that includes dragonflies and damselflies.
It lives around forest streams and micro habitat near high altitude areas.
It is easy to spot because it flies irregularly over the water body for nearly an hour
Thus it acts as an indicator of the health of water bodies inside sanctuaries and reserves.
If a particular habitat is disturbed by pollution, the species won’t be able to survive.
Higher Education Financing Agency
It is a non-banking financial company (NBFC) formed to give a major push for creation of high quality infrastructure in premier educational institutions.
It is registered as a Section – 8 Company under the Companies Act.
It will be a joint venture between the HRD ministry and Canara bank.
It will rise funds from the market and also mobilize CSR funds from PSUs/Corporates and lend to government-run higher educational institutions for promoting research and innovation.
It would finance research and infrastructure projects through a 10-year loan.
HEFA will leverage the equity to rise up to Rs. 20,000 crore for the funding of world-class infrastructure at the IITs, IIMs, the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and such other institutions.
It started its operation recently by approving projects to six higher education institutions which is expected to further improve their standing at the global level.
Project Swarn
Project Swarn was launched by the Railway Ministry to renovate India’s premium trains including Rajdhani and Shatabdi.
Under the project, the Indian Railways will focus attention on 10 key areas — punctuality, cleanliness, linen, coach interiors, toilets, catering, staff behaviour, security, entertainment, housekeeping and regular feedback.
The first revamped rake of Rajdhani under the project was launched recently.
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for continuation of the scheme on Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) for another three financial years (FYs 2017-18 to 2019-20) to make the Institute self-sustainable.
IICA is a think-tank and repository of data and knowledge to support rational decision-making for the policy makers, regulators related to the corporate sector.
It helps first-generation entrepreneurs and small business for imparting multi-disciplinary skills.
The National Foundation for Corporate Social Responsibility (NFCSR) at IICA is responsible for CSR initiatives.
