PAROS (Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space)
In a recent joint statement, BRICS Ministers for Foreign Affairs emphasized the need to discuss a legal multilateral instrument on PAROS.
- Aim – To refrain State Parties from placing objects carrying any type of weapon into orbit, installing weapons on celestial bodies, and threatening to use force against objects in outer space.
- Significance – It would complement the 1967 Outer Space Treaty
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera onboard NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) captured images of a mysterious pit on the side of an ancient volcano on Mars.
- Launched in – 2005
- 2nd longest-lived spacecraft to orbit Mars.
- Objective – To gain better knowledge of distribution and history of water on Mars.
Veterinary Council of India
The names of the individuals elected to serve on VCI have been announced.
- Statutory body established under Indian Veterinary Council Act 1984.
- Funding – Receives 100% Grants-in-Aid from Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying to cover its office expenses.
- Functions – Making provision for regulation of veterinary practice, preparation and maintenance of an Indian Veterinary Practitioners Register etc
- Composition – Includes nominated and elected members