Prelims Focus – 13th March 2024

1.Sabroom Land Port

Recent News:

The PM recently opened Sabroom Landport in Tripura, which is situated close to the international boundary between Bangladesh and India. 

About:

• The project involves the construction of Maitree Bridge on River Feni, connecting India and Bangladesh. 
• This bridge will enhance connectivity between the two countries and facilitate the transportation of goods and passengers. 
• Additionally, it will create new market opportunities for products from North-East states and enable smooth travel between India and Bangladesh.

Land Ports:

• Land ports are designated areas on international borders with facilities for clearing and transporting passengers and goods. 
• Currently, there are eleven operational land ports in India located at various points along the border.

2.World Telecom Standardization Assembly -2024 

Recent News:

The Minister of Communications, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has recently inaugurated the Curtain Raiser event for the World Telecom Standardization Assembly Delhi 2024 (WTSA 2024).

Details:

• India will be hosting the World Telecom Standardization Assembly 2024 in New Delhi from October 15th to 24th. 
• The Minister of Communications, Ashwini Vaishnaw, also announced the launch of India Mobile Congress 2024 and introduced the Spectrum Regulatory Sandbox policy, which aims to improve the telecommunications sector in India and foster international collaboration. 
• Furthermore, the Minister announced the elimination of the Wireless Operating License to simplify telecom licensing procedures.

World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA):

• The WTSA 2024, which will take place in New Delhi, will define the future focus of ITU-T. 
• This event, held every four years since 2000, is significant as it will shape the global standardisation agenda for telecom and ICTs. 
• It will be preceded by the Global Standards Symposium in October 2024. 
• The WTSA 2024 will include various activities and events such as the ITU Kaleidoscope Conference, ITU exhibitions, Network of Women, and AI for Good.

3.Gorsam Kora Festival

In News: The Gorsam Kora Festival was celebrated as ‘India-Bhutan Friendship & Shared Cultural Heritage of Himalayan Buddhism’ in Tawang of Arunachal Pradesh.

• It is an annual festival, celebrated in the scenic Zemithang Valley along the Nyamjang Chhu River of Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
• It is held at the Gorsam Chorten, a 93-foot-tall Stupa built in the course of the 13th century AD by a local monk, Lama Pradhar.
• This landmark is older than the Tawang Monastery, and is an icon for Himalayan Buddhism.
• It is discovered during the last day of the first month of the Lunar calendar.
• It features a various array of activities, consisting of mesmerizing performances by local cultural troupes and the Indian Army bands, and martial performances like Mallakhamb and Zanjh Pathaka.
• It symbolises the long-lasting friendship between India and Bhutan.

4.National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) 

In News: Kishor Makwana was recently appointed as Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).

• • NCSC is a constitutional body established in an effort to provide safeguards against the exploitation of Scheduled Castes and Anglo-Indian communities as well as to promote and protect their social, academic, financial and cultural hobbies.
  • Article 338 of the Indian constitution deals with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.

• Composition of NCSC

• • • It consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and three other contributors.
    • They are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
    • Their conditions of service and tenure of office also are decided by the President.

• Powers of the NCSC

• • • While investigating any depend or inquiring into any grievance, it has all the powers of a Civil Court.
    • The Central Government and the State Governments are required to consult the Commission on all primary policy subjects affecting the Scheduled Castes.

• Report of the NCSC

• • The Commission gives reports to the President, annually or at such other times as it may deem fit.
  • The President places all such reports before the Parliament, along with a memorandum explaining the action taken on the recommendations made by the Commission.

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