One Rank-One Pension (OROP)
Introduction to One Rank-One Pension (OROP)
With reference to recent developments from the Supreme Court’s observations, the defense ministry passed a directive to the Controller General Defence Accounts (CGDA). They asked them to release all the arrears tied to the One Rank-One Pension (OROP) scheme in one installment. But what does OROP mean? It’s actually a payout structure that ensures equal pension for military officers of the same rank and service length, regardless of their retirement date.
Previously, pensions for ex-servicemen were based on the recommendations of the Pay Commission at their retirement time. Uttar Pradesh and Punjab lead with the highest number of OROP beneficiaries.
The Koshiyari Committee and OROP Implementation
The implementation of the OROP scheme followed recommendations from the Koshiyari committee. This committee was under the leadership of Bhagat Singh Koshiyari.
The Yellow River
Overview of The Yellow River
The Yellow River, also known as the ‘mother river’ of Chinese civilization, has earned notorious nicknames like ‘River of Disaster’ and ‘China’s sorrow’ due to its history of causing devastating floods. Recent studies suggest that the construction of embankments is a significant contributor to the flooding upstream of the Loess Plateau, enclosed by the Yellow River.
Features of The Yellow River
The Yellow River, or Huang He, is the world’s sixth-longest river carrying the highest amount of sediment. It originates in Qinghai province, flows through the Loess Plateau, picking up sediment that lends the water its yellow hue. The sediment or loess typically settles on the river bed, elevating its height and increasing flood risks in the North China Plain.
Olive Ridley Turtles
Mystery Surrounding Olive Ridley Turtles Mass Nesting
The rush of Olive Ridley turtles for the mass nesting or ‘Arribada’ at the Rushikulya rookery in Odisha’s district has left officials and scientists perplexed. Rushikulya beach holds the title of being the second-largest rookery for sea turtles in India, after Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha.
Characteristics of Olive Ridley Turtles
Olive ridley turtles are the smallest and most prevalent sea turtles worldwide. These carnivorous turtles have an olive-colored carapace, which earned them their name. They are popularly recognized for their unique mass nesting behavior termed Arribada, where thousands of female turtles converge on the same beach to lay eggs. Their habitats include the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans.
Due to their vulnerable status as per the IUCN Red List, Olive Ridley Turtles are included in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and mentioned in appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Understanding Bisphenol A (BPA)
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical primarily found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is commonly found in containers like water bottles and baby bottles. Its presence is usually due to industrial effluents and discharge leachates, contaminating surface freshwater after seeping into it.
The Impact of BPA
BPA contamination typically happens when plastic softens under sufficient sunshine. Besides contaminating water bodies, a recent study reveals that it also accelerates mosquito breeding. Upon ingestion, BPA disrupts the endocrine system by interfering with hormones and negatively impacts the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children.
