GS- 3 Paper
Topic- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
World Congress on Rural and Agricultural Finance
Context
6th World Congress on Rural and Agriculture Finance jointly organised by NABARD and APRACA in Delhi.
About
- The 6th World Congress is being jointly hosted by-
- Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA),
- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and
- Ministry of Agriculture Farmers Welfare and Cooperation, Government of India.
- 6th version of this global event will provide pathways to all stakeholders for extending improved and efficient financial services to rural and agricultural sector.
Objective
The congress will aim at–
- To tackle in a multi-perspective setting on the opportunities, gaps and priority actions for developing sustainable, viable financial services and investments with actionable insights on rural financial services as a viable business strategy and as a meaningful contribution to the inclusive growth across the globe.
- To discuss the topics that defines the future of the flow of finance to the rural and agricultural sector.
Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA)
- Under the auspices of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), rural finance and agricultural credit institutions in the region formally launched APRACA during its first General Assembly Meeting in New Delhi, India, on October 14, 1977,
- The General Secretariat of APRACA is in Bangkok, Thailand.
- 86 institutions in 24 countries in the Asia-Pacific Region are affiliated with the APRACA as its members.
Vision
- APRACA is the organization on rural and agricultural finance that helps promote productivity, inclusive growth, self-reliance, and welfare of the rural poor in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mission
- To promote the efficiency and effectiveness of rural finance and improve access to financial services through a network of knowledge sharing and learning, capacity-building, research and exchange of expertise.
GS- 2nd Paper
Topic- Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development)
- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is an Apex Development Financial Institution in India.
- The Bank has been entrusted with “matters concerning Policy Planning and Operations in the field of credit for Agriculture and other Economic activities in Rural areas in India”.
- NABARD is active in developing Financial Inclusion policy.
- NABARD Head Office at Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Background
- NABARD was established on the recommendations of B.Sivaraman Committee, to implement the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act 1981.
- It replaced the Agricultural Credit Department (ACD) and Rural Planning and Credit Cell (RPCC) of Reserve Bank of India, and Agricultural Refinance and Development Corporation (ARDC).
- NABARD came into existence on 12 July 1982 by transferring the agricultural credit functions of RBI and refinance functions of the then Agricultural Refinance and Development Corporation (ARDC).
- It is one of the premier agencies providing developmental credit in rural areas.
- NABARD is India’s specialised bank for Agriculture and Rural Development in India.
- International associates of NABARD include World Bank-affiliated organisations and global developmental agencies working in the field of agriculture and rural development.
- It was set up with an initial capital of Rs.100 crore, its’ paid up capital stood at Rs.10,580 crore as on 31 March 2018.
- Consequent to the revision in the composition of share capital between Government of India and RBI, NABARD today is fully owned by Government of India.
Vision
Development Bank of the Nation for Fostering Rural Prosperity.
Mission
- Promote sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural development through participative financial and non-financial interventions, innovations, technology and institutional development for securing prosperity.
GS- 2nd Paper
Topic- Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Context
26th foundation day celebrations of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was celebrated.
About the NHRC
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India was established on 12 October, 1993.
- The statute under which it is established is the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993 as amended by the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2006.
- It is in conformity with the Paris Principles, adopted at the first international workshop on national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights held in Paris in October 1991,
- It is endorsed by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 20 December, 1993.
- The NHRC is an embodiment of India’s concern for the promotion and protection of human rights.
The Human Rights Council
- The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body created by the United Nations General Assembly resolution on 15 March 2006.
- It has replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
- It is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.
- It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year.
- It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.
- The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly.
Composition of NHRC
- The National Human Rights Commission includes a chairperson and seven other members.
- Out of the seven members, three are ex-officio members and four others are selected by the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.
- The Chairperson and the members of the NHRC have tenure of five years or the age of 70 years before the completion of his tenure.
- The Chairperson or any other member of this commission can be removed by the President even before the expiry of their full term.
- They can be removed only on the charge of proved misbehaviour or incapacity or both, if it is proved by an inquiry conducted by a judge of the Supreme Court.
Members of NHRC–
- A Chairperson- retired Chief Justice of India.
- One Member who is, or has been, a Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
- One Member who is, or has been, the Chief Justice of a High Court.
- Two Members to be appointed from among persons having knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights.
- Additionally, the Chairpersons of four National Commissions,(1.Minorities 2.SC and ST 3.Women), to serve as ex officio members.
Functions of National Human Rights Commission
Comprehensive powers and functions have been given to the Commission under section12 of the Act.
- To investigate grievances regarding the violation of human rights either suo moto or after receiving a petition.
- To scrutinize the failure of duties on the part of any public official in preventing the violation of human rights.
- To interfere in any judicial proceedings involving any allegation of violation of human rights.
- To visit any jail or any other institution under the control of the State Government to see the living conditions of the inmates and to make recommendations thereon.
- To review the safeguards provided under the constitution or any law for the protection of the human rights and to recommend appropriate remedial measures.
- To study treaties and other international instruments on human rights and to make recommendations for their effective implementation.
- To undertake and promote research in the field of human rights.
- To encourage the efforts of the non-governmental organisations working in the field of human rights.
- To spread human rights literacy among various sections of society.
- To review all facts related to the activities of the terrorists which obstruct the way of the protection of human rights and to make recommendations for their effective implementation.
For Prelims
Exercise TIGER TRIUMPH
Context
The maiden India – US joint Tri services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise named ‘TIGER TRIUMPH’ is scheduled on the Eastern seaboard.
Highlights
- Exercise ‘TIGER TRIUMPH’ is the maiden tri-services exercise between India and USA is to be held at Visakhapatnam and Kakinada in November.
- It is in consonance with the growing partnership between India and the US.
- This exercise will include events and field training that simulate moving humanitarian assistance and disaster relief force from ship to shore.
- India-US tri-services ‘Exercise Tiger Triumph’ is being organised under the aegis of the headquarters of the Integrated Defence Staff.
- This first-ever tri-Service exercise will focus on large-scale amphibious Humanitarian Relief and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
- As of now, India and the US have conducted defence hardware trade around $18 billion over last 10 years and many more defence deals are still in the pipeline.
Major exercises between India and USA
- Naval Malabar (with Japan as 3rd participant)
- Counter-terror Vajra Prahar
- Yudh Abhyas drills between India-US armies.
