Short Articles

International Relations

Reverse restrictions on women in Afghanistan: UNSC to Taliban

The UN Security Council (UNSC) denounced Taliban's policies targeting women and girls in Afghanistan.

The matter

• Taliban has banned women from attending universities and working for NGOs.
• UN’s urge
• The 15-member council urged the Taliban "to reopen schools and reverse these policies and practices, which represents an increasing erosion for the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Environment

Indian Energy Exchange forms subsidiary

Energy exchange platform Indian Energy Exchange has incorporated a subsidiary to explore business opportunities in the voluntary carbon market.

• The wholly-owned subsidiary company is named International Carbon Exchange Private Limited (ICX).
  • The new entity will enable participants to buy and sell voluntary carbon credits at competitive prices through its platform.
  • It will facilitate the reduction of global Greenhouse Gas emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 to get on track to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.

Voluntary carbon markets

• Voluntary carbon markets are markets where carbon credits are purchased, usually by organizations, for voluntary use rather than to comply with legally binding emissions reduction obligations

Environment

Invasive species of mussel in Ennore and Pulicat

Fishermen of Pulicat and Ennore are worried over the spread of an invasive species of mussel that is a threat to the prawns of both waterbodies.

• The species Mytella strigata is also known as Charru mussels or kakka aazhi.
• It is a South American mussel species that is spreading due to the discharge of ballast waters from ships visiting the ports of Kattupalli.
• The mussel spreads like a carpet over the riverbed, preventing prawns from grazing or burying themselves in the sediment.
• Its spread is wiping out the locally prevalent yellow clams (manja matti) and green mussels (pachai aazhi).

Science & Technology

Pralay ballistic missiles cleared for IAF

• The Indian defence ministry has cleared the procurement of around 120 Pralay ballistic missiles for the Indian armed force.
• The ballistic missiles will be deployed by the Indian armed forces along the borders with China and Pakistan. These are surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) developed for battlefield use. 
• Currently, the Pralay ballistic missiles can take out targets from 150 to 500 kms. It is extremely difficult for the enemy to intercept through interceptor missiles. 
• The missile guidance system includes state-of-the-art navigation and integrated avionics. 
• India now permits the use of ballistic missiles in tactical roles, therefore the acquisition of these ballistic missiles is considered a significant development for the nation.