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  • Current Affairs 22nd April 2019

    Updated : 22-Apr-2019


    Current Affairs 22nd April 2019 - Important Points

    • Indian Navy launches Imphal on - 20th April 2019
    • Major China-linked project revived by -  Malaysia
    • Factual Report on Great Indian Bustard by - Rajasthan Forest Department
      Current Affairs 22nd April 2019 - Details

    Indian Navy launched Imphal on - 20th April 2019

    The Indian Navy on April 20th, 2019 released guided missile destroyer “Imphal” at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai. Imphal is the 3rd ship to be released under Project 15B. The ship effectively slipped into the waters at 12:20 pm IST.
    Key Highlights

    • The Indian Navy has attained enhanced stealth features in the new destroyer via the shaping of the hull and usage of radar transparent deck fittings, which make the ships difficult to sense.
    • The ship, encompassing state-of-the-art equipment, is supposed to contribute to attaining the Indian Navy's dream of transforming from a ‘buyers’ to a ‘builders’ Navy.
    • Talking on the occasion, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba informed that he is gratified with the force's fleet and more aircraft and submarines will be inaugurated in the days to come. 
    • He further added that over the years, Navy has become a builder from a buyer and was scheduled to excel in the coming years.
      Project 15B
      The warships built under the project are boosted by 4 gas turbines to attain speed in excess of 30 knots. They have a length of 163m and 17.4m at the beam and a displacement of 7.3 tonnes. The ships are manufactured to carry and operate 2 multiple role helicopters.

    Major China-linked project revived by -  Malaysia

    Malaysia has recommenced a China-backed rail link project, following the Chinese contractor arranged to cut the structure cost by 1/3 to 10.6 billion USA dollars. The Malaysian government informed that it will also take up a multibillion-dollar property and transportation project in Kuala Lumpur concerning a Chinese state company, calling it a contribution to China's global ‘Belt and Road’ infrastructure initiative.
    The 2 projects are supposed to improve Malaysia's relations with China and add economic value.
    Key Highlights

    • The Bandar Malaysia project is supposed to cost about $33.8 billion.
    • The project, which is 40% owned by the government, will be established with the same consortium partners, Malaysian developer Iskandar Waterfront Holdings and China Railway Engineering Corp.
    • The 202-hectare project will improve urban development and work as a hub to woo global finance, technology and entrepreneurial multinationals.
    • It was introduced by the indebted One MDB state investment fund in 2011 but it later traded a 60% share to the consortium.
    • The government took more than 1MDB’s stake due to its debt issues, but the project was concluded by the previous government in May 2017 because of a payment disagreement with the consortium.
    • The 1MDB scandal pushed to the election ouster last May of former PM Najib Razak, who is presently on probationary for alleged corruption.
    • The revived project will now comprise construction of 10000 affordable homes and a people’s park and will arrange the usage of local building material.

    Factual Report on Great Indian Bustard by - Rajasthan Forest Department

    In a factual report presented by the state forest department after the directive of the  National Green Tribunal , it has been informed that there are about Great Indian Bustards in the Jaisalmer location of the Desert National Park in Thar.
    This entitlement by the Rajasthan Forest Department is conflicting to that by the Wildlife Institute of India which had appraised a sum population of Great Indian Bustards at 150 for whole India. Fact Box: Great Indian Bustard Scientific Name: Ardeotis nigriceps, Critically Endangered
    Plea before NGT

    • An appeal filed by the Centre for Wildlife and Environment Litigation uttering that wind power projects and transmission lines were demonstrating to be a major hazard for the endurance of the endangered species in the desert area and most of the wind power projects are situated in the natural habitat of the Great Indian Bustards in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
    • Due to their weight, Great Indian Bustards cannot fly at a high altitude and as a result, they caught in electricity lines.
    • Even the 30th Forest Advisory Committee report had directed guaranteeing that transmission lines in the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustards should pass underground.
    • The appeal claimed that the Rajasthan government is not putting efforts enough to protect the critically endangered species. No actions have been made to install “bird diverters” on these electricity lines.
    • Further, no action has been taken to control the threat of feral dogs and foxes in the park.