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2019 second hottest year, past decade warmest in history: EU

Climate Vulnerability Assessment
Representative Pic of climate change or global warming

New Delhi (NVI): The year 2019 was the second hottest year on record and the past decade was the warmest in history, European Union’s climate monitoring service said today.

Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the climate change service for EU, on Wednesday released data showing that worldwide temperatures last year were second only to 2016. The temperatures recorded last year were boosted by an exceptionally strong El Nino weather event, the report said.

“Globally, December was 0.7°C warmer than the 1981-2010 average, one of the two warmest in our record. In Europe it was the warmest December in our record, at 3.2°C above average,” EU’s Climate Change Service tweeted Wednesday.

The five warmest years in record have all occurred in the last five years and the period of 2010-2019 was the hottest decade since records began, C3S said.

The climate monitor also said that atmospheric carbon concentrations continued to rise in 2019.

India also witnessed the global rise in temperatures in the last year as well as the past decade. On Monday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) released a statement on the climate change in India in 2019. It said that despite recording the second coldest December in 118 years, 2019 was the seventh warmest year on record since 1901.

December was bitterly cold with the mean maximum temperature for the month being only 18.76 degrees Celsius, which made it the second coldest since 1901. The previous coldest December was recorded in 1997 when the mean maximum temperature was only 17.3 degrees Celsius.

Cabinet approves MoC with BMGF on cooperation in Health

New Delhi (NVI): The Union Cabinet today gave its ex-post-facto approval to the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) on cooperation in the field of health.

The MoC was signed between the Department of Health & Family Welfare (DOHFW), Government of India and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) on November, 2019 during the visit of Bill Gates, co-chairman and trustee of BMGF to Delhi.

The MoC is aimed to reduce maternal, neonatal and child morbidity and mortality, improve key nutrition outcomes, by improving the reach, coverage and quality of essential primary health, immunization and nutrition services.

It is also aimed at strengthening health systems, including aspects such as budget utilization, management and skills of human resources for health, digital health, strengthening supply chains and monitoring systems.

This MoC will increase the basket of choice and quality for family planning methods, specially for reversible methods, and increase access amongst younger women.

It will also reduce the burden of select infectious diseases [TB, Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), Lymphatic Filariasis(LF)].

A Program Action Committee (PAC) will be set up to further elaborate the details of cooperation and to oversee the implementation of this Memorandum of Cooperation.

Cabinet approves MoU with Sweden on cooperation in polar science

New Delhi (NVI): The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sweden on cooperation in polar science.

The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), India and Ministry of Education and Research, Sweden on December 2, 2019 in India.

India and Sweden are both signatories to the antarctic treaty and to the protocol to the antarctic treaty on environmental protection.

Sweden as one of the eight “Arctic States” is one of the member state in the Arctic Council whereas India has the observer status in the Council.

Sweden has a vigorous scientific program in the polar regions, both in arctic and antarctic.

While, India has sustained scientific research programs in both the polar regions as well as in the oceanic realm.

The collaboration between India and Sweden in polar science will enable sharing of the expertise available with both countries.

Significant drop in India’s maternal mortality ratio: UNFPA Report

Three states in the country are leading the way in this regard under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). (Representational Image)

New Delhi (NVI): India’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has significantly reduced, according to a report by UNFPA India, the office of United Nations Population Fund. The MMR has come down significantly, from 398 deaths in 1997-98 to 122 in 2015-17. “However, India has a long way to go to achieve MMR target of 70 by 2030,” the report said.

“As the world marches towards 0 preventable maternal deaths, let’s kickstart the #DecadeofAction with a promise to #LeaveNoOneBehind,” UNFPA India tweeted.

Citing a 2017 report of National Health Policy, the survey mentioned that India has set an MMR target of 100 by 2020. 11 states have already achieved this target, it said.

In a year, more than 32,000 women in India die during childbirth, according to a survey by Sample Registration System. That means four women die in every one hour, the report mentioned.

Three states in the country are leading the way in this regard under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). They are- Kerala (with MMR of 46), Maharashtra (55) and Tamil Nadu (63). Under SDG, the maternal mortality ratio target is 70, the report said.

To understand the maternal mortality situation in the country better and to map the changes that have taken place, especially at the regional level, the government has categorised states into three groups – EAG, southern states and “other” states.

EAG states comprise Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and Assam. The southern states are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and the “other” states categories cover the remaining states and Union territories.

The first report on maternal mortality in India (1997-2003), describing trends, causes and risk factors, was released in October 2006. In 2018, the WHO had lauded India’s progress in reducing the MMR saying the progress puts the country on track towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of an MMR below 70 by 2030.

Cabinet approves pact with Mongolia on cooperation in space 

New Delhi (NVI): The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved an agreement between India and Mongolia on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful and civilian purposes.

The agreement was signed on September 20, 2019 in New Delhi during the State visit of the President of Mongolia to India.

This agreement would lead to development of a joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity. Thus all sections and regions of the country will get benefited.

This agreement shall enable pursuing the following potential interest areas of cooperation such as, space science, technology and applications including remote sensing of the earth, satellite communication and satellite based navigation, space science and planetary exploration, use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system and application of space technology.

This agreement will also provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth, satellite communication, satellite navigation, space science and exploration of outer space.

The agreement would also lead to set up a Joint Working Group, drawing members from DOS, ISRO and Communications and Information Technology Authority of the government of Mongolia, which will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this agreement.

The financial arrangements to cover expenses for the co-operative activities was also undertaken within the framework of this agreement will be jointly decided by the respective participants on a case-by-case basis subject to the availability of funds.

 

 

Cabinet approves ratification of migration pact with France

New Delhi (NVI): The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the ratification of migration and mobility partnership agreement between India and France.

The agreement was signed in March, 2018 during the State visit of the French President to India.

The agreement represents a major milestone in enhancing people-to-people contacts, fostering mobility of students, academics, researchers and skilled professionals and strengthening cooperation on issues related to irregular migration and human trafficking between the two sides.

The agreement is a testimony to India’s rapidly expanding multi-faceted relationship with France and symbolizes the increasing trust and confidence between the two sides.

It is initially valid for a period of seven years, incorporates provision for automatic renewal and a monitoring mechanism through a Joint Working Group.

Ukraine plane crash kills 176 on board

New Delhi (NVI): A Ukrainian airplane bound for Kiev crashed today shortly after its takeoff from Iranian capital Tehran, killing all 176 people on board, reports said.

According to Ukraine government, 167 passengers and nine crew members from different nations were on board the ill-fated aircraft.

Among those on board were 82 Iranians and 63 Canadians, the Ukraine government added.

The Boeing 737 passenger jet, soon after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport, suffered engine failure due to fire and the pilot lost control of the aircraft, sending it crashing into the ground.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said all passengers and crew on board were killed in the crash.

West Asia tension: India asks its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq

External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar (File)

New Delhi (NVI): India today asked its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq, issuing a travel advisory hours after Iran carried out missile attacks at two military bases in Iraq which house American troops.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also asked Indian planes to exercise caution while flying in the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

The External Affairs Ministry, at the same time, said the Indian Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq.

“In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification,” the Ministry said in its travel advisory.

“Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq,” it added.

The advisory came hours after Iran fired multiple ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq, which house American troops. The damage caused in the attacks was being assessed.

Commenting on the Iranian attack, US President Donald Trump tweeted, “All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned the US of “more crushing responses” if it retaliates to the attack.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said his country “took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched.”

He said Iran does “not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.”

Delhi-NCR receives showers

Light rains in Delhi
Representational Image

New Delhi (NVI): Delhi-NCR received early morning showers today even as the minimum temperature in the national capital rose to 12.5 degrees celsius from 11.6 degrees celsius recorded yesterday.

The maximum temperature  today is expected to be around 19.0 degrees celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The weatherman stated that the temperature is expected to dip over the next three to four days due to rains under the influence of a western disturbance. It may also lead to a slight reduction in pollution.

Meanwhile, the overall air quality in the national capital today remained in the “poor” category.

According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR),the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at  232 which falls in the  “poor” category.

The worst affected areas are Dhirpur, Delhi University, Chandni Chowk, Pusa, Lodhi Road, Mathura Road, IGI Terminal 3 and the neighbouring Noida.

 

Panel to design SOP to check GST evasion

A decision was today taken to constitute a panel of Centre and state officials for designing a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) to check fraudulent GST refund claims.

The decision was taken at the 2nd National GST conference of the Commissioners of State Tax and Chief Commissioners of Central Tax held today. The conference was held under the chairmanship of Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Revenue Secretary, Ministry of Finance.

The conference focused on streamlining Goods and Services Tax (GST) system and plugging revenue leakages.

After the day-long in-depth deliberations, various measures were decided for necessary action.

The Committee of Centre and State officers that will be constituted to curb fraudulent refund claims will come out with detailed SOP within a week, which may be implemented across the country by January end.

Considering fraudulent IGST refund claims, it was explored to link foreign exchange remittances with IGST refund for risky and new exporter.

All major cases of fake Input Tax Credit, export/import fraud and fraudulent refunds shall also be compulsorily investigated by the investigation wing of the Income Tax Department.

An MoU would be signed among CBDT, CBIC and GSTN to exchange data through API, from CBDT to GSTN and CBIC and vice-versa. During the conference, it was decided that this data should be shared on quarterly basis, instead of being shared on yearly basis.

It was also suggested to provide a single bank account for foreign remittance receipt and refund disbursement.

CBIC, the  GST policy wing, presented ways to bridge the compliance gap and enhancing revenue, which would result in recovering unmatched credit, reviewing refunds, management of non-filers, reporting of electronic invoice to GST system and comprehensive and coordinated audit.

Senior officers of CBDT, CBIC, FIU, Directorate General of Analytics and Risk Management and GSTN officials were present at the meeting.

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