Green Line (Israel)
Due to the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, the issue around the Green Line has come up again.
- The 1949 Armistice Line marking Israel’s borders with Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria after the Arab-Israeli War.
- Significance: Acts as the internationally recognized boundary between Israel and Palestinian territories (West Bank & Gaza Strip).
- Political Context: Not a permanent border; subject to disputes and negotiations in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
- Impact: Forms the basis for territorial discussions in peace talks and UN resolutions.
Zangezur Corridor
Recently, the Zangezur Corridor was in the news as it can potentially challenge India’s strategic interests in West and Central Asia.
- Location: Proposed transport corridor connecting Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan via Armenia’s Syunik Province.
- Geopolitical Importance: Strengthens Turkey-Azerbaijan connectivity, bypassing Armenia; opposed by Armenia and Iran.
- Economic Potential: Part of larger Eurasian trade routes, linking Central Asia to Europe.
- Controversy: Armenia views it as a violation of sovereignty; Azerbaijan threatens unilateral implementation.
Stingless Bees
Two varieties of stingless bees (Etragonula iridipennis and Lepido trigona arcifera) native to Nagaland have been found to be beneficial to farmers.
- Definition: A species of eusocial bees incapable of stinging, found in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Ecological Role: Effective pollinators, especially for crops like chili; contribute to biodiversity conservation.
- Threats: Habitat destruction, deforestation, pesticide use, and competition from honeybees.
- Conservation Efforts: Indigenous knowledge-based conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable beekeeping practices.
Emblems and Names Act, 1950
Recently, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea with respect to honor ing legacy of a freedom fighter under Emblems and Names (Preven tion of Improper Use) Act, 1950
- Purpose: Prevents improper use of national emblems, names, and symbols for commercial purposes.
- Prohibited Items: National flag, government seals, names of historical figures (e.g., Mahatma Gandhi, Shivaji).
- Legal Provisions: Violations attract fines; Central Government can amend the list of protected emblems.
- Recent Issue: Supreme Court rejected a plea to include Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s name under the Act.
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
Board of Directors of NSDC has terminated the services of its Chief Executive Officer
- Establishment: Founded in 2009 as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under the Ministry of Finance.
- Objective: Catalyzes skill development by funding vocational training institutions.
- Key Initiatives: Rozgar Melas, Future Skills Centres, International Academies for advanced training.
- Significance: Supports India’s workforce development, aligning skills with industry needs