The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES): It is an independent intergovernmental body established in 2012.It provides policymakers with objective scientific assessments about the state of knowledge regarding the planet’s biodiversity, ecosystems and the benefits they provide to people, as well as the tools and methods to protect and sustainably use these vital natural assets. This independent body was inspired by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. It is not a United Nations body. However, at the request of the IPBES Plenary and with the authorisation of the UNEP Governing Council in 2013, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) provides secretariat services to IPBES. India is a member country of this organisation.
Stakeholders: All contributors to and end-users of the IPBES outputs.Selected scientists and knowledge holders carrying out the IPBES assessments and other deliverables.
Secretariat (Includes Technical Support Units): Ensures the efficient functioning of IPBES through support to the Plenary, Bureau and MEP, as well as implementing the Platform’s work and administrative functions.
Mahendragiri Frigate: It is the seventh and last stealth frigate of Project 17A Frigates. It is named after a mountain peak in Eastern Ghats located in Odisha. The ship is being built by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
Project 17A:The project was launched by the defence forces of India to construct a series of stealth guided-missile frigates. Under the Project 17A programme, four ships by Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and three by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) are being built. These warships follow the Project 17 Class Frigates (Shivalik Class) and boast enhanced stealth features, advanced weapons, sensors, and platform management systems. Project 17A ships have been designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau WDB.As much as 75% of the orders for equipment and systems of Project 17A ships are from indigenous firms, including MSMEs. The first six ships of the project have been launched so far by MDL & GRSE between 2019-2023.
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Millennium Challenge Corporation: MCC is an independent S. foreign assistance agency that has the goal of reducing poverty in developing countries. It was created by the S. Congress in 2004 to promote economic growth, open markets, and increased living standards in select countries. MCC forms partnerships with countries that are committed to good governance, economic freedom and investing in their citizens. MCC provides selected countries with large-scale grants to fund projects for reducing poverty through sustainable economic growth. These projects include building infrastructure, reforming institutions, and promoting access to healthcare and education. MCC grants may complement other U.S. and international development programs. MCC utilises two primary types of grants: compacts and threshold programs. Compacts are large, 5-year grants for countries that pass MCC’s eligibility criteria. Threshold Programs are smaller grants awarded to countries that come close to passing these criteria and are committed to improving their policy performance.
