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New peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan Why in the news? • Recently Russia brokered a new peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the two countries that have been in a military conflict for over six weeks over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh in the South Caucasus.

Provision of the new peace deal • As per the new peace deal, both sides will now maintain positions in the areas that they currently hold, which will mean a significant gain for Azerbaijan as it has reclaimed over 15-20 per cent of its lost territory during the recent conflict. • Under this agreement, all military operations are suspended, Russian peacekeepers will be deployed along the line of contact in Nagorno- Karabakh and along the Lachin corridor that connects the region to Armenia. • These Russian peacekeepers with a force of roughly 2,000 will be deployed in the area for a period of five years. • Refugees and internally displaced persons will return to the region and the adjacent territories and the two sides will also exchange prisoners of wars and bodies. • Significantly, a new corridor will be opened from Nakhchivan to Azerbaijan, which will be under Russian control. • Russia’s role in the conflict has been somewhat opaque since it supplies arms to both countries and is in a military alliance with Armenia called the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Related Information About Collective Security Treaty Organization • It was signed by Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan on May 15, 1992 through the Collective Security Treaty or Tashkent Pact or Tashkent Treaty. • Armenia is a founding member of the CSTO. • In 1993, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Georgia joined the Treaty.

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• The Treaty came into force on April 20, 1994 for five-year period. • Six member-states (except Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Uzbekistan) signed a protocol renewing the Treaty for another five-year period in 1999. • The latest version of the CSTO was founded on October 7, 2002, after some of the member states (Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Uzbekistan) pulled themselves out from the military alliance. • The CSTO received the status of observer at the United Nations General Assembly on December 2, 2004. • It is headquartered in Moscow, Russia. Aim of CSTO • The CSTO aims to strengthen the national and collective security of its members through military-political cooperation, coordinating foreign policy and establishing cooperation mechanisms. Member Nations • Current CSTO members are Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation and Tajikistan. • Afghanistan and Serbia hold observer status in the CSTO. Topic- GS Paper II–International Relation Source-PIB

Indian astronomers collaborated with Nobel laureate on Thirty Meter Telescope project Why in the news? • Recently 2020 Physics Nobel Laureate Prof. Andrea Ghez had worked closely with Indian astronomers on the design of back-end instruments and possible science prospects of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project being installed at Maunakea in Hawaii. • It will help revolutionized the understanding of the universe and the enigmas in it.

About Thirty-meter telescope project • The Thirty-meter telescope (TMT) project is an international partnership between CalTech, Universities of California, Canada, Japan, , and India. • From India the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) are involved.

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• Thirty Metre” refers to the 30-metre diameter of the mirror, with 492 segments of glass pieced together. Application • One of its key uses will be the study of exoplanets, many of which have been detected in the last few years, and whether their atmospheres contain water vapour or methane — the signatures of possible life. Topic- GS Paper III–Science and Technology Source-PIB

China's Jingtang Why in the news? • Recently China has cited COVID-19 regulations for denying departure to a stranded Indian merchant ship loaded with Australian coal. • The ship named Jag Anand been awaiting anchorage at the Chinese port Jingtang near in China's province since June this year.

About • The Port of Jingtang is an artificial deep-water international seaport on the coast of Tangshan Municipality, Hebei, in Northern China. • Jingtang port is in () close to the port of . • It is part of the Tangshan port complex, which consists of Jingtang, Caofedian and Fengnan . • It constitutes the 9th largest port in China. • Jingtang port is separately but considered along with Caofedian and Fengnan as Tangshan port for statistical purposes. • The is one of the fastest growing ports in the world and is counted among the ten largest ports of China. Topic- GS Paper I–Geography Source-Indian Express

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Hunar Haat Why in the news? • Hunar Haat will restart after a gap of about seven months due to the Corona pandemic. • The theme of this event is Vocal for Local, where indigenous exquisite products made from Maati (clay), Metal and Machiya (wooden and jute products) will be the major attraction.

About Hunar Haat • These are organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills & Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) scheme. • The USTTAD scheme aims to promote and preserve the rich heritage of the traditional arts & crafts of the minority communities. • These Haat aim to provide market exposure and employment opportunities to artisans, craftsmen, and traditional culinary experts. • It envisages boosting the skills of craftsmen, weavers and artisans who are already engaged in the traditional ancestral work. • ‘Hunar Haat’ has proved to be “Empowerment Exchange” for master artisans and craftsmen. • Ministry of Minority Affairs is also working to establish “Hunar Hub” across the country to provide a platform to master artisans and craftsmen to display as well sell their products. Topic- GS Paper II–Governance Source-PIB

System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research Why in the news? • Recently the air quality in Delhi continues to remain in 'severe' category. • The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, SAFAR has advised people to avoid all physical activity outdoors.

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• It has asked people to stop any activity level if they experience any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue.

About System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research • It was indigenously developed by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune and is run by India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system will be an integral part of India’s first Air Quality Early Warning System operational in Delhi and will strengthen the existing air quality network of SAFAR, Central Pollution Control Board and Delhi Pollution Control Committee. Objectives • To provide Real-time air quality index on 24x7 basis with colour coding along with 72-hour advance weather forecast. • To issue Health advisory to prepare citizens well in advance. Parameters monitored: • Pollutants: PM1, PM2.5, PM10, Ozone, CO, NOx (NO, NO2), SO2, BC, Methane (CH4), Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), Black Carbon, VOC’s, Benzene and Mercury. • The system will also monitor the existence of Benzene, Toluene and Xylene. Meteorological Parameters • UV Radiation, Rainfall, Temperature, Humidity, Wind speed, Wind direction, solar radiation. Topic- GS Paper III–Environment Source-The Hindu

NITI Aayog panel for reforms in urban planning education Why in the news? • Recently NITI Aayog has formed a 14-member panel to investigate introducing reforms in the urban planning education system. Composition of Panel • The panel is headed by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar. • The secretaries of three ministries—Housing and Urban Affairs, Higher Education and Panchayati Raj are among the members of the committee.

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Mandate • To review the urban planning education system in India in terms of multi-disciplinarity, curriculum and related issues at graduate and post graduate levels in the context of the challenges posed by rapid urbanization. • To examine the availability, demand, and supply of qualified urban planners in the country. Topic- GS Paper III–Education Source-PIB

Fourth India Mobile Congress, 2020 Why in the news? • Minister for Electronics & Information Technology has announced the fourth edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2020. • The theme of the IMC 2020 is: Inclusive Innovation – Smart I Secure I Sustainable.

About India Mobile Congress • It is jointly organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). Aims • IMC 2020 would aim to promote Atmanirbhar Bharat (Make in India - local manufacturing and to push for 'Make for World'). • To foster international regional cooperation, inspire Satat Bharat – Sanatan Bharat (digital inclusivity in connecting nearly 6 lakh villages with optical fiber), promote Samagra Bharat – Saksham Bharat

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(entrepreneurship and innovation), drive investments and facilitate supportive regulatory and policy frameworks. Related Information About Cellular Operators Association of India • It was constituted in 1995 as a registered, non-governmental society. • COAI's vision is to establish India as the global leader of mobile communications infrastructure, products and services and achieving a national tele density of 100 per cent, including broadband. • The association is also dedicated to the advancement of modern communication and towards delivering the benefits of innovative and affordable mobile communication services to the people of India. Topic- GS Paper III–Science and technology Source-PIB

Purple Frog Why in the news? • The purple frog, one of the rarest frog species endemics to the Western Ghats, would soon be declared as Kerala's official amphibian.

About Purple Frog • It is one of the rarest frog species endemics to the Western Ghats and known as Mahabali frog. • It has been recorded within protected areas including Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Periyar Tiger Reserve and Silent Valley National Park. • It is also known as pignose frog and scientifically called as Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis. • It spends much of its life underground, emerging briefly for a few days each year at the start of the monsoons to breed. Conservation status • It is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Topic- GS Paper III–Environment Source-The TribuneIndia

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Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) Why in the news? • Researchers from Germany have mapped the evolution of Gya glacial lake using remote sensing data and noted the cause of the flood.

About Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) • A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is a release of meltwater from a moraine- or ice-dam glacial lake due to dam failure. • GLOFs often result in catastrophic flooding downstream, with major geomorphic and socioeconomic impacts. GLOFs have three main features: o They involve sudden (and sometimes cyclic) releases of water. o They tend to be rapid events, lasting hours to days. o They result in large downstream river discharges (which often increase by an order of magnitude). • In the Hindu Kush Himalaya, moraine-dammed glacial lakes are common and numerous GLOF events have been traced back to the failure of moraine dams. • A moraine-dammed lake forms as a glacier retreats, and meltwater fills the space between the proglacial moraine (in front of the glacier) and the retreating glacier. Topic- GS Paper I–Geography Source-The Hindu