PIB Summary- 1st August, 2022 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

39th Meeting of the Central Zoo Authority

Why in News?
The 39th Meeting of the Central Zoo Authority was held under the chairmanship of the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

About CZA

• The CZA is the body of the government responsible for oversight of zoos constituted under the section 38A of Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972.
• Standards and norms for housing, upkeep, health care and overall management of animals in zoos have been laid down under the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992.
• The Authority consists of a Chairman, ten members and a Member Secretary.
• Every zoo in the country is required to obtain recognition from the Authority for its operation.

Objective
To enforce minimum standards and norms for upkeep and healthcare of animals in Indian zoos and to control mushrooming of unplanned and ill-conceived zoos.

Functions of Central Zoo Authority

• Specify the minimum standards for housing, upkeep and veterinary care of the animals kept in zoos.
• Evaluate and assess the functioning of the zoos with respect to the prescribed standards or norms.
• Recognize or derecognize zoos.
• Identify endangered species of wild animals for purposes of captive breeding.
• Provide technical and financial assistance to such zoos which have the potential to attain the desired standard in animal management.
• Regulate the exchange of animals of endangered category listed under Schedule-I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act among zoos.
• Exchange of animals between Indian and foreign zoos is approved by the Authority before the requisite clearances under EXIM Policy and the CITES permits are issued by the competent authority.

Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise Ex VINBAX 2022

Why in News?
The 3rd Edition of Vietnam India Bilateral Army Exercise “Ex VINBAX 2022” is scheduled to be conducted at Chandimandir from 01 to 20 Aug 2022.

About Ex VINBAX 2022

• The exercise is a sequel to previously conducted bilateral exercise in Vietnam in 2019 and a major milestone in strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Vietnam.
• India and Vietnam share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and defence cooperation is a key pillar of this partnership.
• Vietnam is an important partner in India’s Act East policy and the Indo-Pacific vision.

Theme of Ex VINBAX – 2022
Employment and deployment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team as part of United Nations Contingent for Peace Keeping Operations.

Significance

• The conduct of Ex VINBAX – 2022 as a field training exercise with enhanced scope from previous editions of bilateral exercise will strengthen mutual confidence, inter-operability and enable sharing of best practices between the Indian Army and Vietnam People’s Army.  
• The joint exercise will also provide an opportunity to the troops of both the Contingents to learn about the social and cultural heritage of each other.

India Oman Joint Military Exercise ‘AL NAJAH-IV’

Why in News?
The 4th Edition of India Oman Joint Military Exercise ‘AL NAJAH-IV’ between contingents of Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman is scheduled to take place at the Foreign Training Node of Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (Rajasthan) from 01 to 13 August 2022.

About AL NAJAH-IV

• The Royal Army of Oman contingent comprising 60 personnel from the Sultan of Oman Parachute Regiment have arrived at the exercise location.
• The previous edition of Ex AL NAJAH IV was organised at Muscat from 12 to 25 March 2019.
• The scope of the exercise includes professional interaction, mutual understanding of drills & procedures, establishment of joint command & control structures and elimination of terrorist threats.
• The joint exercise would focus on Counter Terrorism Operations, Regional Security Operations and Peace Keeping Operations under United Nations charter apart from organising joint physical training schedules, tactical drills, techniques and procedures.

Significance

The joint military exercise aims to enhance the level of defence co-operation between Indian Army and Royal Army of Oman and will further manifest in enhancing the bilateral relations between the two nations.