Maharashtra govt adds 18m to Shivaji statue, to be world’s tallest at 210m

The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) approved the government’s application to increase the height of Shivaji statue to 210 meters from the earlier proposed 192 metres.It will become world’s tallest statue with a height of 210 meters.The proposed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj memorial will be built off the coast of Mumbai.Currently, the Spring Temple Buddha statue, which stands at 208 metres in China, is the world’s tallest statue.

Topic- GS-1- Indian Geography

GS-1- Indian Culture

Source- Hindustan Times

India slips 21 places in gender gap ranking, Bangladesh ahead

INDIA has been ranked a low 108 out of 144 countries on the gender equality scale, according to the Global Gender Gap Index (2017) released by the World Economic Forum (WEF).India’s rank in last year was 87.Top ranks held by the Nordic countries of Iceland, Norway and Finland.Bangladesh, at 47th position, holds the highest rank in South Asia.India’s abysmal ranking is mainly due to two indicators.he first is ‘Health and Survival’ — at 141, India continues to be in the bottom four.The second indicator is ‘Economic Participation and Opportunities for Women’, where India’s rank is 139, down from 136 last year.

World Economic Forum (WEF)-

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is a Swiss non-profit foundation, based in Geneva, Switzerland.its mission is cited as "committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas".The Forum is best known for its annual meeting at the end of January in Davos.Important report published by WEF-
(a) Global Competitive Index

(b) Global Gender Gap Report

(c) Global Travel and Tourism Report

(d) Global Risk Report

(e) Global Information Technology Report

Topic- GS-1- Indian Society

Source- Indian Express

Allahabad to get India's first black buck conservation reserve

Uttar Pradesh cabinet decided to make India's first conservation reserve for black buck in Allahabad's Meja (Uttar Pradesh).It is believed that the decision taken for protection of black deer will also help in wooing tourists here.

Protected areas of India-

These are defined according to the guidelines prescribed by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).There are mainly three type of protected areas which are-
(a) National Park
(b) Wildlife Sanctuaries

(c) Conservation reserves

(d) Community reserves

(a) National Park –

Classified as IUCN category IIAny area notified by state govt to be constituted as a National ParkThere are 103 national parks in India.First national park in India- Jim Corbett National Park (previously known as Hailey National Park)No human activity/ rights allowed except for the ones permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state.It covered 1.23 percent geographical area of India

(b) Wildlife Sanctuaries-

Classified as IUCN category IIAny area notified by state govt to be constituted as a wildlife sanctuary.Certain rights are available to the people. Example- grazing etc.There are 543 wildlife sanctuaries in India.It covered 3.62 percent geographical area of India

(c) Conservation reserves-

These categories added in Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2002.Buffer zones between established national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserved and protected forests of India.Uninhabited and completely owned by the Government.It covered 0.08 percent geographical area of India

(d) Community reserves-

These categories added in Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2002.Buffer zones between established national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserved and protected forests of India.Used for subsistence by communities and community areas because part of the lands is privately owned.It covered 0.002 percent geographical area of India

Topic- GS-3- Environment

Source- Business Standards + Govt. sources

Mumbai’s restored Royal Opera House bags UNESCO heritage award

Almost a year after it reopened, Charni Road’s Royal Opera House has been awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation.The building was closed to the public in 1993, and sat crumbling for years, before a restoration project was undertaken eight years ago to replicate the heritage structure.It was originally inaugurated by Britain’s King George V in 1911 and completed in 1916.

UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) based in Paris.

Topic- GS-1- Indian Culture

Source- Hindustan Times

BRO builds world's highest motorable road in Ladakh

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed the world's highest motorable road in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, passing through Umlingla Top at a height of over 19,300 feet.The feat was achieved under'Project Himank' of the organisation.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) develops and maintains road networks in India's border areas and friendly neighbouring countries.The BRO was formed on 7 May 1960.Currently, the organisation maintains operations in twenty-one states, one UT (Andaman and Nicobar Islands), and neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

Topic- GS-3- Internal Security, Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Source- Economic Times + Wiki

FSSAI launches new tool 'the Food Regulatory Portal'

At the occasion of World Food India 2017, the apex Regulatory body for Food Safety, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FSSAI launched a powerful new tool called 'the Food Regulatory Portal.'Aiming to create an enabling environment for businesses to operate, the portal is strategically aligned with Government's mission of One Nation, One Food Law.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India.

Topic- GS-2- Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

Source- DD News

Inter-State Council reconstituted with Prime Minister as chairman

The Inter-State Council, which is mandated to investigate and advise on disputes between states, has been reconstituted with Prime Minister as its chairman and six Union ministers and all chief ministers as members.The Prime Minister has also approved the composition of theStanding Committee of the Inter State Council which will be headed by home minister.The Standing Committee will have continuous consultation and process matters for consideration of the CouncilThe standing committee will Process all matters pertaining to Centre State Relations beforethey are taken up for consideration in the inter-State Council.

Inter State Council

The Inter State Council is an Indian constitutional body set up on the basis of provisions inArticle 263 of the Constitution of India.It was formed in 1990 on the recommendation of Sarkaria Commission.It Investigate and discuss the subjects of common interest between the Union and State(s) or among the States.Prime Minister acts as the chairman of the council.

Topic- GS-2- Indian Constitution

Source- Indian Express