Daily Current Affairs: Prelims

Maternal mortality rate

Why in news?

Maternal mortality rate

As per the latest Special Bulletin on MMR released by the Registrar General of India, Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of India has declined by 8 points in one year.

News summary

The MMR has declined from 130/ lakh live births in 2014-16 to 122/ lakh live births in 2015-17 (6.2% decline).
The decline of MMR by 8 points in one year is important as it translates to nearly 2000 additional pregnant women saved annually.
With this persistent decline, India is on track to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target for reducing MMR by 2025, five years ahead of timeline of 2030.
11 States have achieved the ambitious target of MMR of 100/lakh Live Births by 2020 set under the National Health Policy 2017. These states are Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Karnataka and Haryana.
MMR varies among the Indian states from a high of 229 per lakh in Assam to a low of 42 in Kerala.

Multiplayer version of Indian Air Force

Why in news?

The Vice Chief of the Air Staff launched the multiplayer version of its upgraded 3D Air Combat Mobile Game “Indian Air Force: A Cut Above” at the Air Force Bal Bharti School.

News summary

The game was initially launched by the Indian Air Force to connect with the youth of the country and inspire them to join the Indian Air Force. It will be available on Android and IOS platforms.
The first version of the mobile game was launched on 31 May 19 and has been downloaded by more than 2.2 million online users since then.
The single player version required the individuals to play with the in-built Artificial Intelligence of the application. The latest multiplayer version on the other hand will enable players to have a realistic engagement with the opponent anywhere across the globe.

Steel Scrap Policy

Why in news?

Key objectives

To promote 6Rs principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Redesign and Remanufacture through scientific handling, processing and disposal of all types of recyclable scraps including non-ferrous scraps, through authorized centers / facility.
To create a mechanism for treating waste streams and residues produced from dismantling and shredding facilities in compliance to Hazardous & Other Wastes (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 issued by MoEF and CC.
To decongest the Indian cities from ELVs and reuse of ferrous scrap.

Benefits:

Scrap based steel making technologies have been envisaged as one of the important options to reduce GHG emission intensity.
There is a worldwide trend to increase steel production using scrap as the main raw material as recycling of scrap helps in conservation of vital natural resources besides other numerous benefits.

Integrated Check Post at Kartarpur Corridor

Why in news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shall inaugurate the Integrated Check Post of the Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur in Punjab on the 9th of November 2019.
Prime Minister, shall, prior to this, pay obeisance at Ber Sahib Gurudwara at Sultanpur Lodhi.
Later, Prime Minister shall participate in public programmeat Dera Baba Nanak.
The inauguration of the ICP check post would facilitate, Indian Piligrims to visit to Gurudwara Kartapur Sahib in Pakistan.
India has signed the Agreement with Pakistan on the 24th of October 2019 on the modalities for operationalisation of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor at Zero Point, International Boundary, Dera Baba Nanak.
It may be recalled, the Union Cabinet passed a resolution on 22 November 2018 to celebrate the historic occasion of 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Devji in a grand and befitting manner, throughout the country and across the globe.
The Union Cabinet also approved the building and development of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to the International Boundary, to facilitate pilgrims from India to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, round the year, in a smooth and easy manner.

Provisions made for facilitation of Pilgrims

The 4.2 Km four lane highway connecting Dera Baba Nanak from Amritsar – Gurdaspur Highway is constructed at a cost of Rs 120 Cr.
The state-of-the-artPassenger Terminal Building is on 15 acres land. The fully airconditioned building akin to an airport has over 50 immigration counters for facilitating about 5000 pilgrims a day.
It has all the necessary public amenities likekiosks, washrooms, child care, first aid medical facilities, prayer room and snacks counters inside main building.
Robust security infrastructure is put in place with CCTV surveillance and public address systems.
A 300ft. National Monumental Flag is also being hoisted at the International Border.
The Agreement signed with Pakistan on the 24th of October provides a formal framework for operationalisation of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.

The highlights of the agreement:

Indian pilgrims of all faiths and persons of Indian origin can use the corridor;
The travel will be Visa Free;
Pilgrims need to carry only a valid passport;
Persons of Indian Origin need to carry OCI card along with the passport of their country;
The Corridor is open from dawn to dusk. Pilgrims travelling in the morning will have to return on the same day;
The Corridor will be operational throughout the year, except on notified days, to be informed in advance;
Pilgrims will have a choice to visit as individuals or in groups, and also to travel on foot;
India will send the list of pilgrims to Pakistan 10 days ahead of travel date. Confirmation will be sent to pilgrims 4 days before the travel date;
The Pakistan side has assured India on sufficient provision for ‘Langar’ and distribution of ‘Prasad’;

Mammoth traps have been discovered in Mexico

Why in news?

At least 14 mammoth skeletons have been discovered in human-built pits in Mexico.
Researchers from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) believe it is the first-ever find of a mammoth trap set by humans.

News summary

Around 800 bones were found in total in pits about 1.7 metres deep and 25 metres in diameter.
Early hunters may have herded the elephant-sized mammals into the traps using torches and branches more than 14,000 years ago.
Some of the bones show signs that the animals had been hunted.
Archaeologists thought early humans only killed mammoths if the animals were trapped or hurt.
But the discovery of the traps could show that hunts were planned.
Researchers said at least five mammoth herds lived in the area of the find.