9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – October 18th, 2023

Dear Friends,
9 PM Brief is our prime initiatives for the preparation of current affairs. What we are providing in this initiative:
- Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
- We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing.
It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content, and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.
For previous editions of 9 PM Brief – Click Here
For individual articles of 9 PM Brief– Click Here
Download Factly and 9 PM Weekly Compilations | Arranged Subject-wise and Topic-wise |
Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
How synergistic barriers are affecting progress on SDGs
Source: This post has been created based on the article “How synergistic barriers are affecting progress on SDGs” published in The Hindu on 18th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Governance — Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
News: This article discusses the issue of the lack of synergy in SDG-related policies and the barriers to small-scale applications which has slowed the progress in attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What is the current status of accomplishing SDGs?
The recent SDG Summit recognized that the world could meet only 15% of its 169 targets that make up the 17 goals.
A 2023 report by UNCTAD estimated a $4 trillion investment gap in SDGs in developing countries. This large amount seems unachievable.
Considering this, world leaders have committed to an SDG stimulus of $500 billion annually.
What is the issue with SDG-related policies?
1) Lack of synergy:
5 types of synergies in an SDG-related policy includes — synergy arising from resource allocations; creation of enabling environments; co-benefits; cost-effectiveness; and saturation limits.
Concerns have been raised over the lack of synergistic action in the face of the indivisible and integrated nature of the 17 SDGs.
For example, in India, the push for renewable energy started with energy security, air pollution and climate commitments in focus. However, it hasn’t been able to leverage the health benefits arising from lower air pollution as an argument for investment in renewables.
2) Barrier for small-scale applications:
At the same time, the ambitious renewable energy targets themselves became a barrier for small-scale applications due to lack of coordination with respect to the goals.
For instance, primary health centres were neglected by the energy departments in terms of renewable energy generation, due to the small magnitude of their contribution.
Therefore, only recognising interlinks without a robust analysis and understanding of institutional barriers won’t yield the outcomes India desires.
What should be done?
Both assessing as well as addressing barriers identified should be done.
The country should strengthen the environment for synergistic action and make transparent both the opportunities and limits to synergies arising from SDG interventions.
A full cost estimation of alternative pathways with their synergistic opportunities and estimating India’s own vulnerability to climate-change impacts will be important.
Demolishing the frame from outside the Constitution
Contents
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Demolishing the frame from outside the Constitution” published in The Hindu on 18th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Indian Polity — Structure, organization, and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary.
News: This article discusses the recent developments pointing to the undermining of constitutional democracy in India. It also highlights the important role of the judiciary in ensuring a thriving democracy.
Recent Delhi Police raids on the news portal NewsClick and invoking of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to arrest people have brought the issue of undermining democracy to the fore.
The increasingly vulnerable state of religious minorities due to violence and demonization, and the changes to political financing in the form of opaque electoral bonds, also point to this trend.
What are the essential conditions of a democracy?
1) Decision-making under democratic conditions: Democracy is not just in the principle of majority decision-making. Decisions should also be made under democratic conditions treating all members with equal respect and concern”.
2) Basic values have to be guaranteed: Values such as freedom of speech and expression, freedom of association, etc. contribute to a robust democracy.
The Indian Constitution has created these conditions as part of the basic structure as articulated by the Supreme Court.
How is democracy undermined without a rewriting of the Constitution?
1) Terrorism laws being invoked against journalists: the fundamental right to speech and expression is textually intact but not in practice.
2) Hate speeches against minorities left unchecked: secularism remains intact in words but not in experiences.
3) Opaque electoral funding: democracy is confined to paper.
Why is the judiciary important in preventing this decline in democracy?
What rules and values should govern a society are perhaps decisions best left to the representative body i.e., Parliament, since it is seen as the representative of the people’s will.
But the courts have an obligation to ensure that the integrity of the process of democracy is protected.
This is so because if the democratic process itself is faulty, then questions over the legitimacy of the representative body itself can be raised.
A court, being unelected and outside of this process of popular representation, can ensure the integrity of the democratic process.
What is the power of the courts in India in this context?
The powers of the Supreme Court of India include those to strike down laws and constitutional amendments.
It has even imposed a restriction on the Parliament in amending the Constitution through the basic structure doctrine.
Therefore, it would not be wrong to argue that protecting the democratic process is still at the very core of the Court’s duties.
What should be the way forward?
Turning a blind eye to such profound violations of democratic conditions outside the text of the Constitution and laws would render both the Constitution and the Court without their identities.
The Court’s response to this challenge will determine not only the fate of the people but also that of the Court.
Centralised procurement as a powerful health idea
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Centralised procurement as a powerful health idea” published in The Hindu on 18th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice — Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
News: This article discusses the advantages of centralized or pooled procurement of drugs by the central government and how it can revolutionize healthcare in India.
What are the advantages of centralized procurement?
1) Price efficiency: Corporate hospital chains, for years, have conducted direct negotiations with pharmaceutical companies, and availed significant discounts.
2) Quality concerns: In addition to cost savings, buyers can ensure better quality by having the supplies tested independently rather than having to rely on the drug regulator to ensure quality.
3) Prevent stockouts (medicines ‘out-of-stock’).
4) Cost-savings for patients: Hospitals can benefit from better bargaining power if they buy in bulk and can then pass on these cost savings to patients.
However, the central government chooses to ignore these merits of pooled procurement despite being aware of them.
Centralized procurement for beneficiaries under the CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme), ESI (Employees’ State Insurance Scheme) and PMJAY is not yet a reality.
What should the government do in this regard?
The government can follow the centralized procurement model for most of the drugs, like it follows for procuring male contraceptives.
Pharma PSUs can provide benchmark prices and also ensure that the government is not forced to buy from private manufacturers, given that there is competition from PSUs which can supply at a competitive price.
What should be the way forward?
Centralized procurement has the power and the potential to reduce costs, ensure better deployment of funds in other areas related to health care, and ensure availability of life-saving drugs in this country.
It is an idea that India should implement at scale, and as soon as possible.
A renewed Sri Lankan engagement
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “A renewed Sri Lankan engagement” published in “Business standard” on 18th October 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- International relation- India and its neighbourhood- relations.
News: Sri Lanka faced a big economic crisis. India helped a lot, giving money and resources. Many Sri Lankans now feel positive towards India. Tourism in Sri Lanka is improving, with many tourists from India. Colombo port is growing, handling lots of India-related cargo. India’s influence is rising while China’s is decreasing.
How severe is Sri Lanka’s economic crisis?
Economic Decline: Sri Lanka’s economy reduced by 8% in 2022 and is forecasted to shrink further by 3.5-4% this year.
IMF Support: The IMF has extended a package, with a $330 million tranche already disbursed.
Affordability Issue: Essential supplies like food and fuel are available in Colombo, but their high prices make them unaffordable for the poorer sections, exacerbated by decreased incomes.
Rising Unemployment: The nation has witnessed a loss of half a million jobs in the past three years due to the economic downturn.
Increase in Poverty: Over 4 million people have been pushed below the poverty line since the crisis began, a considerable number out of a population of 21 million.
How has India helped?
Financial Aid: In 2022, India provided Sri Lanka with total assistance of about $4 billion.
Petroleum Support: A crucial $500 million line of credit was extended by India to supply petroleum products, mitigating a severe fuel shortage in Sri Lanka.
Currency Swap: The Reserve Bank of India facilitated a currency swap of $400 million with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Essential Supplies: India offered another $1 billion credit facility, assisting Sri Lanka in procuring urgent necessities such as food, medicines, fuel, and industrial raw materials.
Debt Relief: Payments amounting to around $2 billion that Sri Lanka owed to India under the Asian Clearing Union were deferred.
Agricultural Boost: To revive agricultural production, India provided a $50 million line of credit for Sri Lanka to procure fertilizers.
How has trade between India and Sri Lanka evolved?
Historical Milestone: In 2000, Sri Lanka became the first South Asian country to sign a free trade agreement with India.
Trade Expansion: As a result, bilateral trade jumped from around $600 million at that time to a significant $6.2 billion today.
Further Collaboration: This trade success opened doors to more ambitious plans, leading to discussions about an Economic and Technology Cooperation agreement.
Barriers to Progress: Despite the potential benefits of this agreement, it has not been finalized. Opposition stems from certain political and business groups in Sri Lanka who express concerns over potential Indian economic dominance.
Renewed Negotiations: The talks about the proposed agreement, which were halted for five years, resumed last month, suggesting a renewed optimism in finalizing it in the improved atmosphere of bilateral ties.
What’s the future outlook?
Tourism’s Revival: Tourism is on a recovery path, with Indian tourists at the forefront. There were 1,23,000 arrivals from India in 2022, and over 200,000 by September this year.
Enhanced Connectivity: A ferry service was recently inaugurated between Sri Lanka’s Kankesanthurai and Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam, likely boosting tourist numbers further.
Trade Prospects: Talks have resumed on the proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation agreement, indicating a brighter future for trade relations between India and Sri Lanka.
Colombo’s Port Potential: The port facilities in Colombo, significant for India-related cargo, are expanding, promising a modern and efficient future for the port.
Indian Investments: Indian entities, like ITC and Indian Oil, are undertaking major projects in Sri Lanka, reflecting confidence in its economic resurgence.
GS PAPER - 3
When tigers and jackals get the same protection
Source: This post has been created based on the article “When tigers and jackals get the same protection” published in The Hindu on 18th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Environment — Conservation.
News: This article discusses the various issues with the recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022.
An excessive number of species have been included in the new schedules of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022, with little consultation, or logic.
The new Act also goes one step further by aligning itself with CITES, and includes the CITES appendices as well.
What are the issues raised regarding conservation of species?
1) Lack of prioritisation of species for conservation: Listing an excess number of species means that it is unclear where resources should be allocated.
For instance, the same level of protection is offered to tigers and jackals, and to the great Indian bustard and barn owls.
2) Indirect consequences of legislation not taken into account:
For example, the Tree Preservation Acts of Kerala and Karnataka prevent the felling of native trees. These disincentivize plantation owners from planting native trees and promote exotic species.
3) The case of chital: The spotted deer (chital) are invasive species in the Andaman Islands. But they cannot be legally culled or removed because they are listed in Schedule 1.
What are the various impacts on the people?
1) Various Schedule 1 species pose enormous physical, mental and economic harm to people, especially farmers and marginal cultivators. For instance, the new Act elevates wild pigs and nilgai to Schedule 1.
2) Blanket ban on use: Regulated use should be considered when animals are abundant, at least to support the livelihoods of local communities. But this is seen as unacceptable.
3) Red-tapism: The paperwork involved in getting research permits is tedious and time-consuming. This could have a negative effect on research.
Environmental NGOs will have a harder time getting permits for research and conservation.
What should be the way forward?
Firstly, those whose lives are at stake need to be safeguarded first. Animal rights arguments that result in the loss of human lives and livelihoods need to be disregarded.
Secondly, biodiversity management actions need to be tailored to ecology, species biology, and context. This calls for research, which is hampered by the scheduling of species.
Finally, both citizens and ecologists have a right to observe nature and collect data if they so desire, as long as it does not cause harm and follows ethical considerations.
A glimmer of hope for radio
Source: The post is based on the article “A glimmer of hope for radio” published in “Business standard” on 18th October 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Economy- infrastructure (Communication network)
News: The article discusses the decline of radio in India due to heavy licensing fees and digital competition. However, recent recommendations from Trai, including allowing news on FM channels and making FM receivers mandatory on mobile phones, may revive the medium. These changes could increase listenership, reduce costs, and attract more advertisers, giving radio a brighter future.
Why did radio’s popularity decrease?
Revenue Drop: Radio’s earnings fell from ₹3,360 crore in 2018 to ₹2100 crore in 2022.
Branding Changes: Leading brands like Radio Mirchi pivoted. In 2020, it transitioned to Mirchi Unlimited.
Heavy Licensing Fees: Radio operators faced financial challenges. In 2015, they paid ₹3,100 crore in fees, almost double their 2014 earnings.
Unfavorable Guidelines: License fees were set at 4% of gross revenues or 2.5% of the one-time city entry fee, a burden for many stations.
Digital Advancements: The rise of services like Jio, falling data prices, and the surge of online media consumption reduced radio’s dominance.
Late Adaptations: While other media sectors grew, radio faced restrictions that limited programming innovation and revenue generation.
Economic Challenges: The economic slowdown in 2019 and the pandemic further affected radio’s popularity.
What are Trai’s recommendations?
Introduction of News on FM:
Trai suggests allowing news broadcasts on FM channels.
FM Receivers on Mobile Phones:
Recommends making FM receivers mandatory on mobile phones.
Aims to counteract manufacturers who disable radio features to promote their own services.
Licensing Fee Reforms:
Proposes delinking the license fee from the nonrefundable one-time entry fee.
Suggests calculating the license fee as 4% of gross revenue, excluding GST. This could reduce costs for stations by 10% to 40%.
Boost in Reach:
By ensuring FM features in mobiles are enabled, radio could potentially reach the billion-plus mobile population, potentially doubling listenership to over 520 million.
News Content:
Allowing 10 minutes of news every hour can diversify programming and attract a new category of advertisers.
The world economy is slowing even as India’s provides hope
Source: The post is based on the article “The world economy is slowing even as India’s provides hope” published in “Live mint” on 18th October 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Economy- economic growth
News: The IMF reports a global economic slowdown, but India is growing fast. India aims to be a developed nation by 2047, needing a 7.6% growth rate. Global slowdowns may challenge India’s growth. However, with strategies like higher savings and increased exports, India can continue its growth momentum.
What is current global economic trend?
Global Momentum Loss: The IMF has assessed that there’s a loss of global economic momentum.
Historic Low for 2028: The growth forecast by the IMF for 2028 is its lowest since 1990.
Overly Optimistic Forecasts: Historically, the IMF’s forecasting models have tended to be overly optimistic. The real global growth has been lower than IMF’s predictions made five years prior.
Private Sector Consensus: Private sector economists have also generally forecasted optimistically, mirroring the IMF’s trend.
Decade’s Trend: The global economy has been gradually slowing down since the financial crisis, and this trend is not expected to reverse in this decade.
How is India defying the economic growth trend?
Standout Growth: While most countries are experiencing a slowdown, India is a rare exception, showing strong economic momentum.
Fastest-growing Large Economy: If IMF forecasts are accurate, India could be the fastest-growing large economy for 15 years, starting from 2014.
Significant Global Contribution: The global economy will add $29 trillion between 2023 and 2028. India will contribute $2.2 trillion, making it the third-largest contributor after the US and China, each adding $5.9 trillion.
Future Acceleration: Barclays economists believe India can accelerate its growth after the 2024 elections without jeopardizing macroeconomic stability.
Foreign Policy Tool: An 8% growth rate for India is viewed as a powerful foreign policy tool, strengthening its position on the global stage.
What does India need to become developed by 2047?
Required Growth Rate: India needs to grow at a compounded rate of 7.6% annually to reach developed country status by 2047.
Challenges from the Global Slowdown: With the IMF forecasting a broad global slowdown in the next five years, India will face headwinds that could impact its economic acceleration.
Other Hurdles: Besides the global economic challenges, India needs to tackle growing protectionism tied to geopolitical situations and address potential shocks from climate change.
RBI’s Estimation: The Reserve Bank of India suggests that India’s current growth might cause inflation or stress in the balance of payments.
The e-rupee is like wine: It’ll take time to mature
Source: The post is based on the article “The e-rupee is like wine: It’ll take time to mature” published in “Live mint” on 18th October 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Economy- currency
News: The article discusses the slow adoption of India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) compared to the popular Unified Payments Interface (UPI). UPI’s ease of use and first-mover advantage make it dominant. However, CBDCs might be better for international transfers. The e-rupee’s full potential isn’t clear yet.
What is CBDC?
CBDC stands for Central Bank Digital Currency.
It’s a digital form of fiat money introduced by RBI.
Despite RBI’s pilot project involving 3.5 million merchants and 1 million customers, its adoption is slow with 10,000-12,000 daily transactions.
Unlike UPI, CBDC offers a direct promise-to-pay by RBI, similar to cash.
What are the issues with RBI’s CBDC?
Slow Adoption at Retail Level: Despite involvement of 13 participating banks and selection of 3.5 million merchants and 1 million customers, CBDC daily transactions are only 10,000-12,000.
UPI’s Dominance: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) already offers ease of transacting, safety, low cost, and functionality on feature phones, making it a popular choice over CBDC for domestic transactions.
Awareness Issue: One factor contributing to the slow uptake might be the lack of awareness among potential users.
International Appeal: CBDCs have potential in cross-border financial transfers which are currently costly and can be slow.
Global Interoperability: For CBDC to be effective internationally, it needs compatibility with other countries’ systems.
Potential Tracking Concerns: Unlike cash, CBDCs could allow transactions to be centrally tracked, which might raise privacy concerns.
What is the future potential of CBDC?
International Advantage: CBDCs could have a distinct edge in cross-border financial transfers, offering potential benefits over the current costly methods.
Reduced Dependence: Following the Western sanctions on Russia and its removal from Swift, CBDCs highlight an opportunity to reduce dependence on a Western-dominated system.
Global Interoperability: For CBDCs to be efficient in international settlements, global compatibility is crucial, though achieving it might take time.
RBI’s Role in Banking: The domestic use case for CBDC highlights its potential as a full-safe RBI promise-to-pay. It could change the banking landscape, with RBI possibly becoming the chief deposit holder.
Maturation Before Adoption: The advice is to allow the CBDC to mature, using it mainly for foreign payments initially before widening its domestic use.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
SC’s marriage equality judgment unpacked: Two views on four key issues
Source: The post is based on the article “SC’s marriage equality judgment unpacked: Two views on four key issues” published in “Indian Express” on 18th October 2023
What is the News?
A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has refused to grant legal status to same-sex marriages by 3-2 majority.
What are the views of the judges on the four key questions related to same-sex marriages?
Source: Hindustan Times
On Fundamental Right to Marry: The petitioners argued that there exists a fundamental right to marry a person of one’s own choice under the Constitution and that the court must address the denial of that right:
– Minority View: The marriage is not inherently a fundamental right as it has been shaped by state regulation.
– Majority View: It agreed with the minority view.It said that personal importance doesn’t automatically make something a fundamental right.
Interpretation of Special Marriage Act: SMA was enacted in 1954 to enable marriage between inter-faith or inter-caste couples without them giving up their religious identity or resorting to conversion.
The petitioners had asked the SC to interpret the word marriage as between “spouses” instead of “man and woman”.
The petitioners had asked for striking down provisions of the SMA that are gender-restrictive.
– Minority View: It opposes expansive interpretation of the Special Marriage Act, fearing it could infringe on legislative powers.
– Majority View: It stated that the court could not interpret the SMA to include same-sex couples since the objective of the legislation is not to include same-sex couples within the realm of marriage.
Queer couples’ right to adopt a child: The petitioners had argued that the guidelines of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), which does not allow unmarried couples to jointly adopt children is discriminatory against queer couples who cannot legally marry.
CARA guidelines allow only a couple who have been in at least two years of a stable marital relationship to be eligible to adopt.Individually, queer persons can adopt as single people.
However, a single male is not eligible to adopt a girl child even though a single female is eligible to adopt a child of any gender.
– Minority View: It strikes down certain CARA regulations emphasizing that preventing unmarried couples, including queer ones, from adopting isn’t in the child’s best interests.
– Majority View: It largely agrees with the discrimination against queer couples but suggests only the legislature can change the adoption criteria.
Civil unions for queer couples: The judges had discussed recognising civil unions for queer couples as a halfway approach during the hearing.
In US, before full marriage rights were recognised for same-sex couples by the US Supreme Court, several states had allowed civil unions.
– Minority View: It held that the right to form civil unions falls within the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression.
– It also noted the Solicitor General’s statement that a committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary would be constituted to set out the rights which would be available to queer couples in civil unions.
– Majority View: It disagreed with the view that the court can prescribe a “choice” of civil unions to queer couples.It recommended that the state can facilitate this option if the community desires it.
Govt offers 8 blocks for production of hydrocarbons under OLAP bid
Source: The post is based on the article “Govt offers 8 blocks for production of hydrocarbons under OLAP bid” published in “Hindu Businessline” on 18th October 2023
What is the News?
The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) has offered 8 blocks for exploration and production (E&P) of hydrocarbons under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP).
What is Open Acreage Licensing Policy(OALP)?
Open Acreage Licensing Policy(OALP) is a part of the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy(HELP).
It was introduced by the government in 2016 and became operational from 2017.
OALP gives an option to a company to select the exploration blocks on its own without waiting for the formal bid round from the Government.
Under OALP, a bidder intending to explore hydrocarbons may apply to the Government seeking exploration of any new block which was not already covered by exploration.
The Government will examine the interest and if it is suitable for award, then the govt will call for competitive bids after obtaining necessary environmental and other clearances.
What is Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy(HELP)?
Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy(HELP) was adopted in 2016.
It replaced the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP).
The objective of the policy is to enhance domestic oil and gas production by intensifying exploration activity and investment.
Components of the policy:
– Uniform license for exploration and production of all forms of hydrocarbon
– Open acreage policy
– Revenue sharing model: This encourages cost efficiency in mining operations by replacing the profit-sharing contract established by NELP.The contractor pays the government a share of its revenue (net of royalty) as per the contract.
– Marketing and pricing freedom: The contractor is free to sell crude oil in the domestic market through a transparent bidding process.
NHAI Upgrades ATMS Standards for Enhanced Road Safety and Digital Enforcement
Source: The post is based on the article “NHAI Upgrades ATMS Standards for Enhanced Road Safety and Digital Enforcement” published in “PIB” on 18th October 2023
What is the News?
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has released the Advanced Traffic Management System(ATMS) Standards and Specifications 2023 to improve road safety and reduce incident response time.
What is Advanced Traffic Management System(ATMS) Standards and Specifications 2023?
Aim: To improve road safety and reduce incident response time with the help of advanced AI technologies.
Key Technologies introduced under ATMS:
Video Incident Detection and Enforcement System(Vides): It aims to enhance digital enforcement of traffic rules.
– The cameras can identify 14 distinct incidents, such as triple riding, helmet and seatbelt violations, wrong lane driving, presence of animals on the highway, and pedestrian crossings.
– Depending on the detected incident, it can alert route patrol vehicles, ambulances, generate e-challans, relay alerts on variable messaging boards, or notify nearby travelers through the ‘rajmargyatra’ mobile app.
– It will be installed every 10 kilometers along national highways.State-of-the-art command and control centers will also be set up every 100 kilometers, integrating various camera feeds.
Traffic Monitoring Camera System (TMCS): It is installed every 1 km on the National Highway.It will be upgraded with advanced capabilities like automated detection of accidents and stalled vehicles.
Strengthening collaboration with local traffic agencies: NHAI will allocate dedicated workstations in the Command & Control Centre for traffic police representatives.
PM unveils long-term blueprint for India’s maritime economy
Source: The post is based on the article “PM unveils long-term blueprint for India’s maritime economy” published in “The Hindu” on 18th October 2023
What is the News?
The Prime Minister has inaugurated the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 in Mumbai.
What is the Global Maritime India Summit?
Organized by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Aim: To boost the Indian maritime economy by promoting global and regional partnerships and facilitating investments.
The first Maritime India summit was held in 2016 in Mumbai while the Second Maritime Summit was held virtually in 2021.
What are the key highlights from the Global Maritime India Summit 2023?
Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: It is a 25-year blueprint for the Indian maritime blue economy.
– The plan outlines strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing port facilities, promoting sustainable practices and facilitating international collaboration.
Tuna Tekra all-weather deep draft terminal: It is going to be built at Deendayal Port in Gujarat.
– The port will be developed through a public-private partnership(PPP) mode.
– The port will handle modern vessels with a capacity exceeding 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
– It will also serve as a key entry point for Indian trade along the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
PM ‘directs’ ISRO to land man on moon by 2040, work towards interplanetary missions
Source: The post is based on the article “PM ‘directs’ ISRO to land man on moon by 2040, work towards interplanetary missions” published in “The Hindu” on 18th October 2023
What is the News?
The Prime Minister chaired the meeting to assess the progress of the Gaganyaan mission and outline the future of Indian space exploration.
What are the key highlights from the meeting?
Gaganyaan Mission is scheduled to be launched in 2025. It aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by launching a human crew to an orbit of 400 km and bringing them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.
Indian on Moon: PM has said that ISRO should now plan to land an Indian on the moon by 2040.This will strengthen India’s position in the space field.
– Note: The US is planning to send the first humans to explore the region near the south pole of the moon later this decade, in a mission called Artemis ll.
– China has also planned to place astronauts on the moon by 2030.
Indigenous space station: PM has said that India should now aim for setting up ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian Space Station) by 2035.
– International Space Station: It has been developed and maintained by the U.S., Russia, Canada, Japan, and European agencies.It is the largest space station.It is expected to be decommissioned by 2030.
Interplanetary Missions:
– Shukrayaan-1: It is a proposed mission of ISRO.It aims to study the surface and atmosphere of Venus.
– Mangalyaan 2: It is a proposed second mission to Mars by ISRO.It will study aspects of Mars, including interplanetary dust, and the Martian atmosphere and environment.
Must visit Parvati Kund and Jageshwar temples in Kumaon: PM
Source: The post is based on the article “Must visit Parvati Kund and Jageshwar temples in Kumaon: PM” published in “Economic Times” on 18th October 2023
What is the News?
The Prime Minister has encouraged people to visit the Parvati Kund and Jageshwar temples in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
What are Parvati Kund and Jageshwar temples?
Jageshwar: It is a Hindu pilgrimage town in the Almora district of Uttarakhand.
– It is known for its group of 125 ancient temples built between the 7th and 14th centuries.
– These temples were primarily constructed and restored by the Katyuri dynasty kings.These temples are dedicated to various deities with many honouring Lord Shiva.
– It is believed that Lord Shiva came to meditate in the dense forests of Jageshwar, leaving behind these temples as a testimony of his presence.
– Architecture: The Jageshwar temples are a prime example of the Nagara style of architecture.
– The temples are characterized by intricately carved stone structures and tall shikharas.
– The engravings and sculptures on the temple walls depict various deities and mythological narratives, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Parvati Kund: It is located in Uttarakhand.It is situated at an elevation of about 5,338 feet.
– It is believed to be the location where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati engaged in meditation.
Union Health Secretary delivers keynote address at National Conclave on “Augmented Zoonotic Diseases Surveillance at Human – Wildlife Interface” & National Conclave for Endorsement of “National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming”
Source: The post is based on the article “Union Health Secretary delivers keynote address at National Conclave on “Augmented Zoonotic Diseases Surveillance at Human – Wildlife Interface” & National Conclave for Endorsement of “National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming” published in “PIB” on 18th October 2023
What is the News?
Union Health Secretary has delivered the keynote address at the National Conclave on “Augmented Zoonotic Diseases Surveillance at Human – Wildlife Interface” and National Conclave for Endorsement of “National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming”.
What are the key highlights from the address of the Union Health Secretary on Zoonotic Disease and Snakebite Envenoming?
Zoonotic disease is one of the areas of concern which is affecting humans as well as animals’ health
– 75% of new infectious diseases that have emerged in the last 30 years are zoonotic.
– Limited knowledge and skills to identify zoonotic diseases and limited diagnostic facilities at all levels has resulted in neglect of the infectious diseases caused due to zoonotic pathogens.
– Hence, in the light of these new and emerging health threats, there is a growing importance of the ‘One Health’ approach.
Snake Evenoming: Snake bite is a neglected public health issue in many tropical and subtropical countries.
– Most of these occur in Africa, Asia and Latin America.In Asia up to 2 million people are envenomed by snakes each year.
– In India, snake bites continue to be a huge problem causing nearly 60,000 deaths annually.
Measures taken by India: Union Health Ministry is implementing various national programs under National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) which includes:
– National One Health Programs for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses (NOHPPCZ)
– National Rabies Control Programs (NRCP)
– Program for Prevention and Control of Leptospirosis (PPCL)
– Snake Bite Prevention and Control (SBPC)
– National Programme on AMR Containment
– National programme on Climate Change and Human Health(NPCHH).
India’s 2036 Olympic dream
Source: The post is based on the article “India’s 2036 Olympic dream” published in “The Hindu” on 18th October 2023
What is the News?
The Prime Minister has announced India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
What is the International Olympic Committee?
The International Olympic Committee was founded in 1894.
It is an international non-governmental not-for-profit organization.
It is the authority responsible for organizing the modern (Summer, Winter, and Youth) Olympic Games.
Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland.
How are cities chosen for the Olympics?
Exploring the idea: A city that wants to host the Olympics first seeks support from its National Olympic Committee (NOC).
– The NOC communicates with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for advice and support.If the NOC is serious about the project, it sends an official letter to the IOC.
Future Host Commissions: There are two Future Host Commissions, which overlook the election process.
– It may recommend a project to the IOC Executive Board to begin a Targeted Dialogue for an edition or year of the Summer or Winter Games when it feels that the project is ready to get into the next stage.
– From this stage, the interested bidder can be said as the preferred host.
IOC Member Decision: At the end of the Targeted Dialogue, the IOC Executive Board decides whether to propose one or more hosts for election.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) members decide the host nation during an IOC Session.
Voting Process: Members vote by secret ballot, and a majority vote is needed for a city to host the Games.An IOC member cannot vote when their country is a candidate.
If no majority is achieved in the first round, the city with the fewest votes is eliminated, and further rounds of voting occur until one candidate gets a majority.
Kerala CM flags-in first ever ship into Vizhinjam port
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “Kerala CM flags-in first ever ship into Vizhinjam port” published in “Indian Express” on 18th October 2023
What is the News?
Kerala Chief Minister has inaugurated the first-ever cargo ship at the under-construction Vizhinjam international seaport project.
Why does India need a Transshipment Port?
India has 13 major ports but lacks infrastructure for handling ultra-large container ships.
About 75% of India’s transshipment cargo is managed at foreign ports like Colombo, Singapore and Klang.
For instance, in fiscal year 2021-22, India’s total transshipment cargo was approximately 4.6 million TEUs.Of this, around 4.2 million TEUs were processed outside India.
What are the benefits of Transshipment Port?
Establishing a transshipment hub in India offers several advantages such as:
– Forex savings (saving foreign exchange)
– Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI)
– Creating job opportunities
– Encourages various associated businesses such as ship repair services, crew change facilities, logistics value-added services, Warehousing among others.
– Can attract a significant portion of the container transshipment traffic currently diverted to ports in Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai.
– Enhancing operational and logistics efficiency
What is Vizhinjam Port?
Vizhinjam Port is located near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
It is India’s first international deepwater transshipment port.
Built by: Adani Ports and SEZ Private Limited on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) model.
It is the first greenfield port project to receive viability gap funding from the government of India.
Key Features:
Deep Natural Depth: The port boasts a natural depth of over 18 meters.This will help in accommodating large vessels and mother ships.
Cargo Handling: The port is designed to handle various types of cargo such as: Container transshipment Multi-purpose cargo and Break-bulk cargo.
Strategic Location: The port is located just ten nautical miles from the international shipping route.
Capacity: The port has the capability to accommodate substantial cargo volumes.
Advanced Features: The port offers large-scale automation for quick turnaround of vessels.