Daily Current Capsules

YUVAi-Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI’

YUVAi-Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI’- a collaborative initiative of National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of Indiaand Intel India, is set to be prominently featured at the upcoming Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit.

Know! about YUVAi

This programme has been designed to equip the youth with essential AI skills
YUVAi is aimed to foster a deeper understanding of AI, to enable school students from class 8 to 12 across the nation with AI skills and empower them to become human-centric designers and users of AI.

Know! about GPAI Summit

India will host the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit from December 12 to December 14. India is a co-founder
The GPAI is a forum of 28 nations and the European Union that is working together to understand the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence, or AI, and to promote its responsible evolution.
The GPAI Summit brings together leaders, policymakers and experts in the field of AI
The GPAI summit will provide an ideal stage for YUVAi to showcase its impact and significance.
India became the Chair of the GPAI in November 2022 after France. China is not a member of the GPAI.

Viksit Bharat @2047

Prime Minister launched ‘Viksit Bharat @2047 : Voice of Youth’
‘Viksit Bharat @2047 : Voice of Youth’ initiative will provide a platform to the youth of the country to contribute ideas to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The workshops will be a key step towards initiating the process of engaging youth to share their ideas and suggestions for Viksit Bharat @2047.
Viksit Bharat@2047 is the vision to make India a developed nation by 2047, the 100th year of its independence.
The vision encompasses various aspects of development, including economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance, among others.

Port Lamu

As a part of on-going long-range deployment to Africa, Indian Naval Ship Sumedha arrived at Port Lamu, Kenya on 09 December 2023.
The visit marks the maiden port call by any Indian Naval Ship at the recently developed Port in Kenya.
INS Sumedha is the third of indigenously developed Saryu-class of Indian Navy.

Khelo India Para Games 2023

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports inaugurated the Khelo India Para Games 2023 in New Delhi
More than 1400 players from 32 states and Union Territories and Services Sports Board are participating in these Games between December 10 and 17 at three venues in New Delhi.
The central government’s aim behind organizing the Khelo India Para Games is to empower all para athletes.
The government has initiated several key projects for the welfare of the physically challenged.
The inaugural Khelo India Para Games is being organized at three venues – Indira Gandhi Stadium, Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium and Karni Singh Shooting Range.
After the immense success of Khelo India Youth Games and Khelo India University Games, now Khelo India Para Games is being organized

Infinity forum 2.0

InFinity Forum 2.0, a thought leadership forum jointly hosted by IFSCA and Gift City, under the aegis of Government of India.
Delving into the theme ‘GIFT IFSC – Nerve Centre for New Age Global Financial Services’, the Forum convened policy makers, global financial experts, and industry leaders to envision the future landscape of international financial services that would support Viksit-Bharat@2047.
The event was inaugurated virtually by Hon’ble Prime Minister, and is being organized as a “pre-cursor event” to #VibrantGujaratGlobalSummit 2024.

Know! about InFinity Forum

InFinity Forum is the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)’s flagship financial technology event, uniting the world’s leading minds in policy, business, and technology to explore and advance the biggest ideas in Finance & Technology, and to develop those ideas into global solutions and opportunities.

International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)

The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has been established on April 27, 2020 under the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019.
It is headquartered at GIFT City, Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
The IFSCA is a unified authority for the development and regulation of financial products, financial services and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in India.
At present, the GIFT IFSC is the maiden international financial services centre in India.
Prior to the establishment of IFSCA, the domestic financial regulators, namely, RBI, SEBI, PFRDA and IRDAI regulated the business in IFSC.
IFSCA has been established as a unified regulator with a holistic vision in order to promote ease of doing business in IFSC and provide world class regulatory environment.
The main objective of the IFSCA is to develop a strong global connect and focus on the needs of the Indian economy as well as to serve as an international financial platform for the entire region and the global economy as a whole.

Know! about GIFT City

GIFT City is a global financial and technology hub that offers single-window clearances and approvals under one umbrella. It provides a plug-and-play infrastructure for businesses seeking unparalleled accelerated growth.

Garba of Gujarat inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage inscribed ‘Garba of Gujarat’ on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 18th session, taking place in Kasane, Botswana from 5 to 9 December 2023.
The inclusion of Garba now makes it India’s 15th inscription on the List.

UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage currently has some 704 elements corresponding to 5 regions and 143 countries.
It includes forms of expression that testify to the diversity of intangible heritage and raises awareness of its importance.
By enhancing the viability of communities’ cultural practices and know-how, UNESCO aims to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of communities globally.

Intangible cultural heritage

Intangible cultural heritage is the practices, expressions, knowledge and skills that communities, groups and sometimes individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage. Also called living cultural heritage, it is usually expressed in one of the following forms: oral traditions; performing arts; social practices, rituals and festive events; knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; and traditional craftsmanship.

27th WAIPA World Investment Conference

Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of India, and the current President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is set to host the 27th World Investment Conference (WIC) from December 11-14, 2023, at the India International Convention & Expo Centre – Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
This year’s conference is themed “Empowering Investors: IPAs Pioneering Future Growth”.

Know! about WIC

WIC, an annual flagship event of WAIPA, serves as a platform for global investment promotion and innovation stakeholders.
This year, the conference brings together Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), international organisations, academia, and the private sector, including startups, to discuss investment policies and trends, providing a unique opportunity for collaboration, trade, investments and knowledge sharing.
The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies was created in 1995 in Geneva, as a non-governmental organization.
Its mission is to empower and support investment promotion agencies in the important work they do to develop their economies; to be a voice for IPAs internationally; and to serve as a bridge between the public and private sectors.
The association has more than 120 member agencies representing more than 100 countries.

ADMIRAL’S CUP 2023

The 12th edition of ‘Admiral’s Cup’ Sailing Regatta concluded on 08 Dec 23 with a glittering closing ceremony at Ettikulam Beach at Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala.
Team Italy represented by Midshipman Avallone Antonio & Midshipman Creati Carlo Leonardo won the Admiral’s Cup 23.
The Admiral’s Cup witnessed competitive sailing races in Laser Radials boats during race days scheduled from 05 to 08 Dec 23.
This edition of the Admiral’s Cup Sailing Regatta 2023, saw participation from 20 countries and Indian teams from Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala and National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla.

DARPG launches Scheme and Web-portal for National Awards for e-Governance 2024 on 8th December 2023

The Web-portal (http://www.nceg.gov.in) for National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2024 was launched on 8^th December 2023.
The formal launching was organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG).

Know! about National Awards for e-Governance 2024

The National Awards for e-Governance Scheme is recognized amongst the most competitive and prestigious digital governance awards schemes in the country and objective of the Scheme is to recognize and promote excellence in implementation of e-Governance initiatives.
The Purpose is also to encourage innovations in successful e-Governance solutions
The NAeG Awards, 2024 will consist of: (i) Trophy, (ii) Certificate and (iii) an incentive of Rs 10 lakh for Gold Awardees and Rs 5 Lakhs for Silver Awardees to be awarded to the District/organisation for being utilised for implementation of project/programme or bridging resources gaps in any area of public welfare.
This year 16 Awards are being conferred under the NAeG 2024. Of these 10 will be Gold Awards and the remaining 6 will be silver Awards
For the year 2024, there are five categories under which the National Awards for e-Governance 2024 will be conferred.
These categories are (i) Government Process re-engineering, (ii) Application of Emerging Technologies for providing Citizen Centric Services, (iii) District level initiative in e-Governance, (iv) Research on Citizen Centric Services by Academic & Research Institutions and (v) Replication of Top Technological Solutions / initiatives.

Mandatory use of jute in packaging

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister has approved reservation norms for mandatory use of jute in packaging for the Jute Year 2023 -24 (1st July, 2023 to 30th June, 2024) on 8th December, 2023.
The Mandatory packaging norms approved for Jute Year 2023-24 provide for 100% reservation of the foodgrains and 20% of sugar to be compulsorily packed in jute bags.
The Jute industry occupies an important place in the national economy of India in general and Eastern Region in particular i.e. West Bengal, Bihar, Odisa, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. It is one of the major industries in the eastern region, particularly in West Bengal.

Jute Packaging Act, 1987

The reservation norms under JPM Act provide for direct employment to 4 lakh workers and 40 lakh farmers in the Jute Sector.
JPM Act, 1987 protects interest of Jute farmers, workers, and persons engaged in jute goods’ production.
75% of the total production of the Jute Industry is Jute Sacking Bags of which 85% is supplied to the Food Corporation of India (FCl) and State Procurement Agencies (SPAs) and remaining is exported/sold directly.
The government of India purchases Jute sacking bags worth approximately Rs. 12,000 crore every year for packing of foodgrains, hence ensures guaranteed market for the produce of Jute Farmers and Workers.
Average Production of Jute Sacking Bags is about 30 lakhs bales (9 lakh MT) and Government is committed to ensure complete off-take of the sacking production of the jute bags in order to protect the interest of Jute farmers, workers and persons engaged in the Jute Industry.

BY 526, MALPE and BY 527, MULKI

Keel Laying of the fourth ship (BY 526, Malpe) and fifth ship (BY 527, Mulki) of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) (CSL) project was presided over by senior officials of Indian Navy and shipyard at CSL, Kochi.
The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Cochin Shipyard Limited on 30 Apr 19.
The Mahe class of ships will be equipped with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art underwater sensors, and are envisaged to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters as well as Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying Operations.
The first ship of the project is planned to be delivered in 2024.
Mahe, Malvan and Mangrol, the first three ships of 08 x ASW Shallow Water Craft (CSL) project being built by CSL, Kochi for Indian Navy, were launched on 30 Nov 2023 at CSL, Kochi.

Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)

The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) corvettes, are a class of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) vessels currently being built for the Indian Navy, by Cochin Shipyard (CSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
The Mahe class of ships will be equipped with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art underwater sensors, and are envisaged to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters as well as Low Intensity Maritime Operations LIMO and Mine Laying Operations.
The ASW SWC ships are 78 m long and displacement is approx 900 tons, with a maximum speed of 25 knots.
The ASW SWC ships will have over 80% indigenous content, thereby ensuring that large scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units, generating employment and capability enhancement within country.

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT FUND

The Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme is a flagship programme of Ministry of Defence executed by DRDO under ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The main objectives of the scheme are enumerated below:

To provide Grant in Aid to Indian industries, including MSMEs and Start-ups, as well as academic and scientific institutions for the development of Defence and dual use technologies that are currently not available with the Indian defence Industry.
To engage with the private industries especially MSMEs and Start-ups to bring in the culture of Design & Development of Military Technology and support them with Grant in Aid.
To focus on Research, Design & Development of Niche technologies which are being developed for the first time in the country.
To create a bridge amongst the Armed Forces, research organizations, academia and qualifying/certifying agencies with private sector entities.
To support the futuristic technologies having a Proof of Concept and converting them into prototype.

The benefits sought to be gained by the scheme are as follows:

Capacity and capability building of Indian industries for design and development of defence technologies in the country.
Creation of an ecosystem of R&D where industry and Academia work together to meet the current and futuristic requirement of Armed Forces and defence sector.
Building of Defence manufacturing ecosystem in country.
Achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence technology.

Digital Coast Guard project

In alignment with the Government of India’s strategic vision for Digital Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) for the acquisition of Digital Coast Guard (DCG) project, under the Buy (Indian) category.
A pivotal Initiative for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the DCG Project will unfold a comprehensive narrative of technological progression, encompassing the construction of an advanced Data Centre, the establishment of a robust Disaster Recovery Data Centre, amplification of connectivity across ICG sites, and the development of the ERP system.
The project also leverages secured MPLS/VSAT connectivity, propelling itself to the forefront of cutting-edge defence technology.
At its core, the DCG project marks the establishment of a Tier-III standard Data Centre, armed with the latest technological capabilities.
Functioning as the nerve centre, it enables centralized monitoring and management of applications deployed by the ICG, ensuring vigilant oversight of critical IT assets of the ICG.

Alternative Livelihood Programme under the Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme-2023

Ministry of Tourism (MoT) in collaboration with Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched an Alternative Livelihood Programme under the Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme-2023 on 8^th December 2023 in Sultanpur National Park, a Ramsar Site in Haryana.
Under this initiative, IITTM, an autonomous body under MoT, in collaboration with MoEFCC will build the capacity of local community members around different Ramsar sites in order to strengthen nature tourism at these sites and provide alternative livelihood to the local community.

Know! about Amrit Dharohar

Amrit Dharohar initiative, part of the 2023-24 budget announcement, was launched by MoEF&CC during June 2023 to promote unique conservation values of the Ramsar Sites in the country while generating employment opportunities and supporting local livelihoods.
This initiative is to be implemented in convergence with various Central Government ministries and agencies, State Wetland Authorities, and a network of formal and informal institutions and individuals, working together for a common cause.
Sultanpur is one of the five priority Ramsar Sites besides Bhitarkanika and Chilika in Odisha and Yashwant Sagar and Sirpur in Madhya Pradesh identified in first phase by MoT and MoEFCC for taking up training programmes for local communities under the Alternative Livelihood Programme (ALP).

One Bharat Sari Walkathon

The Ministry of Textiles organized the country’s largest ever ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ in India’s financial capital, Mumbai
The event aims to promote the handloom sari culture in India by inviting participation of women across the country to showcase their ways of wearing saris and thus present India as a country of “Unity in Diversity”.
It will also promote the spirit of traditional textile & support the idea of “Vocal for Local” and will raise awareness about fitness among women and to encourage them lead healthier lives.

Bharat Tex 2024

BHARAT TEX 2024 is a global textile mega event being organised by a consortium of 11 Textile Export Promotion Councils and supported by the Ministry of Textiles.
It is scheduled from February 26-29, 2024 in New Delhi.
With a focus on sustainability and resilient supply chains, it promises to be a tapestry of tradition and technology attracting the best and the brightest from the textile world.
Bharat Tex 2024 will be a unique experience for knowledge, business and networking.
The mega event will feature an exhibition spread across nearly 20 lakh sq. ft area showcasing Apparel, Home Furnishings, Floor Coverings, Fibres, Yarns, Threads, Fabrics, Carpets, Silk, Textiles based Handicrafts, Technical Textiles and much more.

Integrated Processing Development Scheme (IPDS)

With a view to support green initiatives in the textile supply chain, the Ministry is implementing Integrated Processing Development Scheme (IPDS) since 2013 onwards, to facilitate the textile industry to meet the required environmental and social standards in the area of waste water and effluent management.
The scheme supports Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) in processing clusters. So far, 6 projects have been approved by the Ministry under this scheme.

Environment Social Governance Tasks Force

Apart from this, an Environment Social Governance Tasks Force has been constituted by the Ministry of Textiles to provide a platform to various stakeholders of the textile and apparel industry for discussing the current status on sustainability issues and issues in transitioning the textile industry to a sustainable and resource-efficient production system.

Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is a Central Sector Scheme, which was launched in 2020-21.
The main objective of the Scheme is to enhance competency level of the target groups i.e. SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, Safai Karamcharis including waste pickers etc and to make them employable both in self-employment and wage-employment for their socio-economic development.

PM-DAKSH Scheme

It is a Central Sector Scheme, was launched during 2020-21.
Objective of the Scheme: The main objective of the Scheme is to enhance competency level of the target groups to make them employable both in self- employment and wage-employment for their socio-economic development.
Target Group: SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs Safai Karamcharis including waste pickers etc.
Age Criterion: 18-45 years
Income Criteria: SCs, Safai Karamcharis Including wastepicker and DNT: No Income limit
OBCs : Annual family income below Rs.3 lakh.
EBCs : Annual family income below Rs.1 lakh.
The scheme is for the Indian Nationals, who are in the 18-45 years of age group.
There is no income limit for SCs, Safai Karamcharis Including waste picker and DNT, for OBCs the annual family income should be below Rs.3 lakh and for EBCs annual family income should be below Rs.1 lakh per annum.

“HaritSagar” Green Port Guidelines

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has launched “HaritSagar” Green Port Guidelines to reduce carbon intensity and to develop an environment-friendly ecosystem at all Major Ports.
Under these guidelines, various green interventions such as ship-to-shore power supply, electrification of Port equipment, usage of alternate fuels such as green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia/Methanol in port crafts, creation of infrastructure at select Ports for storage, bunkering, and refuelling of Green hydrogen/Green Ammonia, increase share of Renewable Energy etc. have been provided.

Green Voyage2050 Project

India has been selected as pioneer lead country for International Maritime Organization (IMO) Green Voyage2050 Project, with the objective to assist developing countries in their efforts to reduce Green House Gases (GHG) emissions from ships.

International Convention for Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

Due to the global nature of international shipping having diversity of stakeholders of all nationalities involved, emission from the maritime transport sector is addressed by the IMO through the International Convention for Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). India is a signatory to this Convention.
The Government of India has implemented all MARPOL regulations pertaining to carbon emissions on Indian Ships. At present, the regulations mainly pertain to reduction of carbon emission through enhanced energy efficiency and achieving a progressively enhanced (yearly) carbon intensity reduction.

National Centre of Excellence for Green Ports and Shipping (NCoEGPS)

A National Centre of Excellence for Green Ports and Shipping (NCoEGPS) has been set up which is India’s first such Center of Excellence.
NCoEGPS provides policy and regulatory support for developing regulatory framework and alternate technology adoption road map for Green Shipping to foster carbon neutrality and circular economy in the shipping sector in India.
The NCoEGPS is housed at and led by TERI as a knowledge and implementation partner.

4E Wave

The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh has launched 4E Wave, a student-led National Movement for Energy Conservation.
The movement strives to promote sustainable practices and instil a sense of responsibility in individuals and communities to save energy.
This youth-led movement, launched with the support of J&K Power Development Department, Government of J&K and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Government of India, invites individuals across the nation to contribute to the cause of energy conservation.

4E Wave encapsulates four key elements:

Eco-friendliness: Promoting energy-saving practices that are environmentally friendly
Economy: Emphasizing energy-saving solutions that lead to economic benefits for individuals and communities
Education: Focusing on educating the public about energy- saving methods and their importance
Empowerment: Empowering individuals and communities to take active roles in conserving energy

India’s River Cities Alliance

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) on behalf of River Cities Alliance (RCA), has signed a Memorandum of Common Purpose (MoCP) with the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), representing 124 cities/towns situated along the banks of the Mississippi River, USA.
The signing ceremony took place at the Rotary Hall as part of the ongoing COP28 or the United Nations Climate Change Conference, currently underway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
This significant agreement positions NMCG a step closer to the imminent launch of the Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA), as the current River Cities Alliance (RCA) has now expanded its strength to the membership of 267 global river-cities including India, USA and Denmark.

Know! the objective of MoCP

The MoCP seeks to establish an efficient framework for collaboration between the River Cities Alliance (RCA) and MRCTI.
It focuses on capacity building and knowledge exchange in integrated river management to address climate change impacts on the ecosystem.
The collaboration includes a comprehensive water monitoring program, sharing best practices for renaturing urban areas, and restoring aquatic ecosystems for sustainable urban development.
Initiatives extend to restoring urban forests and lakes connected to rivers, emphasizing the importance of green spaces.

Know! about River Cities Alliance

NMCG, in association with National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) under Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) had initiated a unique concept of River Cities Alliance (RCA) in November 2021.
RCA is envisaged as a dedicated platform for cities on the banks of rivers in India for concerted discussions and capacity building on aspects related to enhancing the state of urban rivers and has 142 Indian River cities and Aarhus of Denmark as members.

PM Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme

As part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is implementing a centrally sponsored “PM Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme” for providing financial, technical and business support for setting up / upgradation of micro food processing enterprises in the country.
The scheme is operational for a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 Crore for supporting 2 lakh micro food processing enterprises.
PMFME Scheme adopts One District One Product (ODOP) approach to reap the benefit of scale in terms of procurement of inputs, availing common services and marketing of products.
It provides the framework for value chain development and alignment of support infrastructure.

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Current Affairs 06,07,08,09 & 10 Dec 2023