Daily Current Capsules

Safety of Women

The Union Cabinet approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the continuation of implementation of Umbrella Scheme on ‘Safety of Women’ at a total cost of Rs.1179.72 crore during the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
Out of the total project outlay of Rs.1179.72 crore, a total of Rs.885.49 crore will be provided by MHA from its own budget and Rs.294.23 crore will be funded from Nirbhaya Fund.
In its efforts towards Women Safety, Government of India in collaboration with States and Union Territories has launched several projects.

The Government of India has proposed to continue the following projects under the Umbrella Scheme for “Safety of Women”:

112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 2.0;
Upgradation of Central Forensic Sciences laboratories, including setting up of National Forensic Data Centre;
Strengthening of DNA Analysis, Cyber Forensic capacities in State Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs);
Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children;
Capacity building and training of investigators and prosecutors in handling sexual assault cases against women and children; and
Women Help Desk & Anti-human Trafficking Units.

Know! about Nirbhaya Fund

The Government of India had set up a dedicated fund called ‘Nirbhaya Fund’ for implementation of initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and security for women in the country.
An Empowered Committee (EC) of officers constituted under Nirbhaya Framework appraises and recommends the proposals for funding under Nirbhaya Fund in conjunction with the concerned Ministries/ Departments/ Implementing Agencies.
Under the Nirbhaya Fund, one of the schemes namely “One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme” is implemented across the country since 1st April 2015.
OSCs aim to facilitate women affected by violence with a range of integrated services under one roof such as Police facilitation, medical aid, providing legal and psycho-social counselling, and temporary shelter.
OSCs are to be set up within 2 kms radius of the hospitals or medical facilities either in new constructed building in an approved design or in pre-existing buildings.
Under the scheme, One Stop Centres are being set up in all districts of the country. So far, 704 OSCs have been operationalised and more than three lakh women have been assisted through them.

Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP)

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister approved the proposal of Department of Water Resources, RD & GR for continuation of centrally sponsored Scheme, viz., “Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP)” with total outlay of Rs. 4,100 crore for a period of 5 years from 2021-22 to 2025-26 (15th Finance Commission period).

The Scheme has two components:

Under the Flood Management Programme (FMP) component of FMBAP with an outlay of Rs. 2940 crore, central assistance will be provided to State Governments for taking up critical works related to flood control, anti-erosion, drainage development and anti-sea erosion, etc. The pattern of funding to be followed is 90% (Centre): 10% (State) for Special Category States (8 North-Easter States and Hilly States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and UT of Jammu & Kashmir) and 60% (Centre):40% (State) for General/ Non-Special Category States.
Under River Management and Border Areas (RMBA) component of FMBAP with an outlay of Rs. 1160 crore, flood control and anti-erosion works on common border rivers with neighbouring countries including hydrological observations and flood forecasting, and investigation & pre-construction activities of joint water resources projects (with neighbouring countries) on common border rivers will be taken up with 100% central assistance.

National Livestock Mission

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister approved further modification of National Livestock Mission by including the additional activities as under:

Establishment of entrepreneurship for horse donkey, mule, camel with 50% capital subsidy up to 50 lakhs will be provided to the Individuals, FPO, SHG, JLG, FCO and Section 8 companies.
Establishment of entrepreneurs for Fodder seed processing Infrastructure (Processing & Grading unit/Fodder storage godown) with 50% capital subsidy up to Rs.50 lakhs to the private companies, start-ups /SHGs /FPOs /FCOs /JLGs / Farmers Cooperative societies (FCO), Section 8 companies establishment of Infrastructure like construction of building, receiving shed, drying platform, machinery etc.
For increasing the fodder cultivation areas, the state government will be assisted for fodder cultivation in the non —forest land, waste land/range land/ non arable as well as forest land “Non-Forest Wasteland/Rangeland/Non-arable Land” and “Fodder Production from Forest Land” as well as in the degraded forest land. This will increase the fodder availability in the country.
The Livestock Insurance programme has been simplified. The beneficiary share of the premium for the farmers has been reduced and it will be 15% as against the current beneficiary share of 20%,30%, 40% and 50%. Remaining amount of the premium will be shared by the Centre and the State at 60:40 for all states, 90:10.

Background

The NLM was commenced in 2014-15 with four Sub-Missions (i) Sub-Mission on Fodder and Feed Development (ii) Sub-Mission on Livestock Development (ii) Sub-Mission on Pig Development in North-Eastern Region (iii) Sub-Mission on Skill Development, Technology Transfer and Extension having 50 activities.
The Scheme was re-aligned during 2021-22 and was approved by CCEA in July, 2021 under Development Programme with an outlay of Rs.2300 crore.
The present re-aligned NLM is having three Sub-Missions viz. (i) Sub-Mission on Breed improvement of Livestock and Poultry (ii) Sub-Mission of Feed & Fodder and (iii) Sub-Mission on Innovation and Extension. The re-aligned NLM has 10 activities and target towards entrepreneurship development, feed and fodder development, research and innovation, livestock insurance.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy on space sector

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the amendment in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy on space sector. Now, the satellites sub-sector has been divided into three different activities with defined limits for foreign investment in each such sector.\
As per the existing FDI policy, FDI is permitted in establishment and operation of Satellites through the Government approval route only.
In line with the vision and strategy under the Indian Space Policy 2023, the Union Cabinet has eased the FDI policy on Space sector by prescribing liberalized FDI thresholds for various sub-sectors/activities.
The proposed reforms seek to liberalize the FDI policy provisions in space sector by prescribing liberalized entry route and providing clarity for FDI in Satellites, Launch Vehicles and associated systems or subsystems, Creation of Spaceports for launching and receiving Spacecraft and manufacturing of space related components and systems.

Benefits:

Under the amended FDI policy, 100% FDI is allowed in space sector. The liberalized entry routes under the amended policy are aimed to attract potential investors to invest in Indian companies in space.

The entry route for the various activities under the amended policy are as follows:

Upto 74% under Automatic route: Satellites-Manufacturing & Operation, Satellite Data Products and Ground Segment & User Segment. Beyond 74% these activities are under government route.
Upto 49% under Automatic route: Launch Vehicles and associated systems or subsystems, Creation of Spaceports for launching and receiving Spacecraft. Beyond 49% these activities are under government route.
Upto 100% under Automatic route: Manufacturing of components and systems/ sub-systems for satellites, ground segment and user segment.

Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA)

Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions chaired the 33^rd meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies at New Delhi on 22 February 2024.
The Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) was constituted by Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare in 1986 under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions with Secretary Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare as Secretary.
The SCOVA works as a consultative forum of Voluntary Agencies i.e. Pensioner Welfare Associations. SCOVA provides Pensioner Welfare Associations an institutional forum for raising issues concerning pensioner welfare directly before the concerned Ministries/ Departments through constructive deliberations.
The SCOVA consists of 15 non-official members, representing Pensioner Welfare Associations and Official Members represented by Ministries/ Departments of Government of India. SCOVA will provide a feedback on program implementation of the Department, discuss critically important policy issues relating to Pensioners and mobilize voluntary efforts to supplement Government action.

INTERNATIONAL MARITIME SEMINAR

Vice President of India inaugurated the International Maritime Seminar, conducted as part of MILAN 2024.
The International Maritime Seminar, which was a pivotal component of MILAN 2024, proved to be a convergence of global maritime excellence.
The seminar served as a platform for collaboration, synergy, and growth among nations across the oceans.
Themed “Partners across Oceans: Collaboration, Synergy, Growth,” the seminar featured an illuminating array of presentations and discussions
The International Maritime Seminar, as part of MILAN 2024, stood as a testament to the enduring importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the global maritime community.
Through meaningful dialogue and partnership, participants strived to pave the way for a more secure, sustainable, and prosperous maritime realm.

International Mother Language Day

On International Mother Language Day, the Kalanidhi Division and Academic Unit of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) presents Akshar | Shabd | Bhasha, an exhibition celebrating and honouring the linguistic diversity of India, and exploring the richness of languages, scripts, and words that define our cultural heritage.
‘Akshar | Shabd | Bhasha,’ the exhibition aimed at bringing forth the importance of mother languages and the need to preserve endangered languages has been organized by the Academic Unit, IGNCA for the Kalanidhi Division, IGNCA as a part of the Division’s International Mother Language Day Celebrations.
21^st February is celebrated as UNESCO’s International Mother Language Day since its announcement on 17 November 1999 to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.

Grid Controller of India

Grid Controller of India, under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, hosted the Governing Board and Steering Board meetings of the power grid operators’ association GO15, in New Delhi
GO15, an association of Very Large Power Grid Operators which together serve more than half of the world’s electricity demand, is dedicated to high-level exchanges among industry leaders and offers opportunity to address major strategic and technical issues affecting the safety, reliability and sustainability of power systems.
26 industry leaders from ten global organisations attended the Governing Board and Steering Board meetings of GO15 in the national capital.

Know! about GO15

GO15 was created in 2004 with a view that transmission grids and a resilient power system are key to energy transition.
GO15 endeavours to promote bilateral and multilateral international collaboration to prepare a sustainable future.
In alignment with the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World Is One Family), GO15 meetings are a collective, global effort to build networks, navigate global power sector challenges, share expertise, and forge collaborative solutions.

Gujrai Solar Power Station

SJVN Limited, a Mini Ratna, Category-I and Schedule ‘A’ Central public sector enterprise under the administrative control of Ministry of Power, Government of India, has begun the successful commercial operation of its 50 MW Gujrai Solar Power Station in Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh
The 50 MW Gujrai Solar Power Station has been executed by SJVN through its renewable arm, SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL) at a cost of Rs. 281 crores.
SJVN has commissioned multiple renewable projects in recent times, thus paving the path for achieving its shared vision of attaining an installed capacity of 25 GW by the year 2030 and 50 GW by the year 2040.

Lara Super Thermal Power Station

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated Stage-I (2×800 MW) of NTPC’s Lara Super Thermal Power Station and lay foundation stone of Stage-II (2×800 MW) of NTPC’s Lara Super Thermal Power Project in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh
Coal for this pit-head power station/project will be supplied from NTPC’s Talaipalli Coal block through Merry-Go-Round (MGR) system, thus ensuring the country with supply of low-cost electricity with 24×7 availability.
Equipped with highly-efficient Super Critical technology (for Stage-I) and Ultra Super Criticaltechnology (for Stage-II), all the units will ensure relatively less Specific Coal Consumption and Carbon-Dioxide emissions.
While 50% power from both Stage-I & II is allocated to the state of Chhattisgarh, the project will play a crucial role in improving the power scenario in several other states, such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman & Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs visited the Sammakka- Saralamma Maha Jatara
The biennial tribal festival is the second-largest fair of India, after the Kumbh Mela, celebrated by the Koya tribe for four days.
This year it is being celebrated from 21^st-24^th February, 2024, in collaboration with the Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Telangana.
This is the biggest festival of tribal people. It symbolizes ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ with devotees pouring in from different States across the country.

Fair and Remunerative Price For Sugarcane

The Centre decided to hike the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane to Rs 340 per quintal for Sugar Season 2024-25 (October-September) from the existing Rs 315 per quintal.

Know! about FRP

The concept of Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) of sugarcane was replaced with the FRP of sugarcane for 2009-10 and subsequent sugar seasons with the amendment of the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966 in 2009. Fair and remunerative price (FRP) is the minimum price at which sugarcane is to be purchased by sugar mills from farmers.
The FRP is fixed by the Union government (Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)) on the basis of recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

Know! about Sugarcane

It is a tall, perennial grass used to make sugar, ethanol and paper.
Temperature: Between 21-27°C with hot and humid climate. / Rainfall: Around 75-100 cm.
Soil Type: Deep rich loamy soil. It can be grown on all varieties of soils ranging from sandy loam to clay loam given these soils should be well drained.
Top Sugarcane Producing States: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar.

MTEX-24

The Maritime Technical Exposition( MTEX-24) stands as a special attraction in the MILAN 2024 taking place in Visakhapatnam.

Know! about MTEX-24

It is a three-day exposition and fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange between industry leaders, researchers, and defence professionals
It showcases the latest advancements in naval technology viz shipbuilding, communication systems, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy solutions.
It will be driving technological advancements and strengthening professional relations with friendly foreign navies.
It will propel the Indian maritime industry forward, contributing to a more secure and prosperous future.

Know! about MILAN

It is a biennial multilateral naval exercise held under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command.
This edition is the largest and more complex than previous editions, with the participation of Indian ships and 16 foreign warships, one Maritime Patrol Aircraft and delegations from friendly countries.

World’s First Pigeon Pea Speed Breeding Protocol

The Hyderabad-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) announced the World’s first Pigeon pea speed breeding protocol.

Know! about the protocol

It promises to substantially cut the time required to develop new Pigeonpea lines with desirable traits, effectively bringing food to dryland communities faster.
It shortens the breeding and control over factors like photoperiod, temperature, humidity, and breeding cycle to 2 to 4 years while the traditional Pigeonpea breeding takes up to 13 years.
It represents a significant advancement for major pigeon pea-producing regions, paving the way for self-reliance in pulse production and meeting the dietary necessities of nations like India, Myanmar, Kenya, Tanzania, Myanmar, and Mozambique.
It enables researchers to develop climate-resilient, nutritionally superior, and higher-yielding pigeonpea varieties at an unprecedented pace.

Know! about Pigeonpea

Pigeonpea(Arhar) is a staple in tropical and subtropical diets.
It is commonly known as red gram or tur.
It is mainly eaten in the form of the split pulse as ‘dal’. Seeds of arhar are also rich in iron, iodine, essential amino acids like lycine, threonine, cystine and arginine etc.
It is predominantly a crop of tropical areas mainly cultivated in semi-arid regions of India.
It is successfully grown in black cotton soils.

National Livelihood Mission

The government has now decided to include more activities in the National Livelihood Mission (NLM).
In this context, the Union Cabinet has decided to modify this scheme on 21 February 2024.
With this amendment, its scope is being expanded with new subsidy provisions.
Their objective is to simplify the livestock insurance programme and also to promote entrepreneurship in the livestock sector and improve fodder cultivation.
Under this, state governments will assist in breed conservation efforts of horses, donkeys, mules, and camels.
The central government will earmark ₹10 crores to establish semen stations and nucleus breeding farms for horses, donkeys, mules, and camels.
Under this, private companies, startups, and various groups can avail 50% capital subsidy up to Rs 50 lakh for setting up fodder seed processing infrastructure.

India, China hold 21st Corps Commander Level Meeting

India and China have agreed to maintain peace and stability in the border areas including the Line of Actual Control.
The 21st round of the India-China Corps Commander level meeting was held on 19 February 2024 at the Chushul-Moldo Border Meeting Point.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides shared their views on this issue in the talks which were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.
India and China share a border of about 4057 km. India’s border with China connects to five states. These include Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
A stretch of 1954 km in Jammu and Kashmir is connected to the border with China.
The two countries share a border in a 1080 km stretch of Arunachal Pradesh.
An area of 463 km in Uttarakhand and 345 km in Himachal Pradesh is connected to the border with China. Only 220 km of border with China is connected to Sikkim.

Rani Chennamma

Commemorating the 200th anniversary of Rani Chennamma’s rebellion, social groups across India are organizing a national campaign called “Naanoo Rani Chennamma” (I am Rani Chennamma too).
This campaign aims to empower women to fight against patriarchal, anti-democratic, and casteist forces in the country, drawing inspiration from Rani Chennamma’s legacy of courage and resistance.
Rani Chennamma, the Queen of Kittur, led the Kittur revolt of 1824, one of the earliest woman- led anti-colonial struggles against British rule in India.
Born in 1778 in present-day Karnataka, she married Raja Mallasarja of Kittur and played a crucial role in defending her kingdom after his death.
When the British refused to recognize her adopted son as the successor under the ‘doctrine of lapse’, she led a rebellion against them.
Despite initial success, the British eventually captured Kittur Fort in December 1824, leading to Rani Chennamma’s imprisonment and subsequent death in 1829.
Her bravery and leadership in resisting colonial oppression have made her a symbol of Karnataka’s political imagination and a significant figure in Indian history.

CE20 cryogenic engine

ISRO has achieved a significant milestone in its Gaganyaan mission by completing the human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine, which powers the cryogenic stage of the human-rated LVM3 launch vehicle.
All the ground qualification tests of the CE20 engine for the Gaganyaan programme have been completed.
ISRO has also completed the acceptance tests of the flight engine identified for the first unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) mission.
This engine will power the upper stage of the human-rated LVM3 vehicle and has a thrust capability of 19 to 22 tonnes with a specific impulse.
Human-rating refers to rating a system that is capable of safely transporting humans.
This achievement comes after a series of ground qualification tests, including vacuum ignition tests, to simulate flight conditions.
The Gaganyaan mission aims to launch a crew of three humans into a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission and safely return them to Earth.

Know! about CE-20

The CE-20 is a cryogenic rocket engine developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, a subsidiary of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
It is the first Indian cryogenic engine to have a gas-generator cycle.
The CE-20 uses a combination of LOX and LH2 propellants in a gas generator cycle.

Guinea Worm Disease

The world is on the brink of eradicating Guinea worm disease.

Know! about Eradication of the disease

The disease had more than 3.5 million cases in the 1980s, but according to the World Health Organization (WHO), they dwindled to 14 cases in 2021, 13 in 2022, and just six in 2023.
India eliminated Guinea worm disease in the late 1990s, through a rigorous campaign of surveillance, water safety interventions, and community education.
The government of India received Guinea worm disease-free certification status from the WHO in 2000.

Know! about Guinea worm disease:

Guinea worm disease, also called dracunculiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD),
It is caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis.
A person typically becomes infected by drinking water containing water fleas infected with guinea worm larvae.
After infection, around a year later, the adult female migrates to an exit site – usually a lower limb –and induces an intensely painful blister on the skin.
The open sore left by its exit is also susceptible to secondary infections.
As the worm migrates to its exit site, people have allergic reactions, including hives, fever, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
More than 90% of Guinea worm infections manifest in the legs and feet. The individual has an excruciating experience when the adult female worm emerges through the skin.
Dracunculiasis, itself is not lethal, it debilitates those whom it infects and prevents them from performing daily tasks and earning their livelihoods.
There is no vaccine to prevent the disease, nor is there any medication to treat patients.

Deal for 200 BrahMos missiles for Navy

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has given its nod for acquisition of over 200 BrahMos Extended Range (ER) supersonic cruise missiles for deployment on Indian Navy warships.

Know! about BrahMos missiles

It is a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
The missile derives its name from the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.
The BrahMos joint venture was formed in 1998 and the first successful launch of the missile took place in 2001.
BrahMos is a two-stage missile with a solid propellant booster engine.
First stage brings the missile to supersonic speed and then gets separated.
The second stage takes the missile closer to three times the speed of sound in cruise phase.
The range of the missile was originally capped at 290 kms as per obligations of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
Following India’s entry into the club in June 2016, DRDO officials had stated that the range would be extended to 450 km and to 600 km at a later stage.

Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment develops and implements programmes and policies for senior citizens in close collaboration with State Governments, NGOs and the civil society.

Know! about the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana

A Central Sector Scheme to improve the quality of life of the Senior Citizens.
Implemented by: The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Aim: To improve the quality of life of the Senior Citizens by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care, and entertainment opportunities and by encouraging productive and active ageing through providing support for capacity building.

Components of the AVYAY Scheme:

Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): Grant in aid is provided to NGOs for running and maintenance of Senior Citizens’ Homes (old age homes), continuous care homes, etc.
State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC): Grant in aid is released to States/ UTs for creation of a pool of trained Geriatric Caregivers for senior citizens, for carrying a special drive for Cataract Surgeries for Senior Citizens and State Specific Activities for the welfare of senior citizens, especially who are indigent in the States/UTs.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): The scheme aims to provide senior citizens, suffering from any of the age-related disability/infirmity, with assisted living devices which can restore near normalcy in their bodily functions, overcoming the disability/infirmity.
National Helpline for Senior Citizens (14567): The Ministry has set up the National Helpline for Senior Citizens to provide free information, Guidance, Emotional Support and field intervention in cases of abuse and rescues.
Senior-care Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE): To promote out-of-the-box and innovative solutions for the commonly faced problems.
Geriatric Caregivers Training: To bridge the gap in supply and increasing demand in the field of geriatric caregivers and also to create a cadre of professional caregivers in the field of geriatrics.

Right to adopt a child

The Delhi High Court upheld alterations to Adoption Rules under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, clarifying that the right to adopt children is not a fundamental right.
The ruling came in response to a case concerning regulations barring parents with two children from adopting a ‘normal child.’
The court endorsed the decision to prioritize children with special needs for adoption, even applying the new policy to pending adoption applications.
The court clarified that the right to adopt does not constitute a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution and does not grant prospective adoptive parents the authority to demand their choice of adoptee.

Flood Management and Border Areas Programme

The Union Cabinet, approved the continuation of the centrally sponsored Scheme, the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP), with a total outlay of Rs. 4,100 crore for a period of 5 years from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
Central assistance will be provided to State Governments for critical works related to flood control, anti-erosion, drainage development, and anti-sea erosion.
The funding pattern is set at 90% (Centre): 10% (State) for Special Category States and 60% (Centre):40% (State) for General/Non-Special Category States.
This component focuses on flood control and anti-erosion works on common border rivers with neighboring countries, including hydrological observations, flood forecasting, and pre-construction activities of joint water resources project
It receives 100% central assistance.

T-50 (J&K)

India’s longest rail tunnel T-50, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), was inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir.
The tunnel, named T-50, spans 12.77 km and is considered one of the most challenging aspects of the project.
Additionally, construction progress is being made on the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel project in Uttarkashi, with safety measures in place to mitigate risks and ensure worker safety.

India’s First Gati Shakti Research Chair established at IIM Shillong

Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) signed a MoU with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) to set up India’s first ‘Gati Shakti Research Chair’
The Chair will spearhead high-quality academic research on multimodal logistics with a North-East focus: building knowledge on multimodal logistics development strategies and practice in the North-Eastern region, facilitate knowledge and innovation for logistical capacity building in the region.
The chair also aims to foster collaboration with global experts in creating and developing knowledge & expertise while strengthening the links between the multimodal logistics research and capacity-building activities with key stakeholders such as the logistics industry, government bodies, local authorities, and other partners and associations.

Know! about the Gati Shakti Chair

The Gati Shakti Chair initiative aims to foster stronger collaboration between the government and academia, leading to the development of high-quality public research in integrated, multi-modal logistics, and supply chain resilience.
This platform will also play a vital role in enhancing the capacity of students and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region to fully leverage the benefits of initiatives like the PM Gati Shakti National Masterplan, National Logistics Policy, and the Unified Logistics Interface Platform.
IIM Shillong will spearhead efforts to enrich the intellectual environment, bolster research capabilities, broaden research involvement, and strengthen the connection between academia and industry practitioners.

Vimarsh 2023

The Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE) India of the SRI unit of Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), conducted the Vimarsh 2023 5G Hackathon.
The Hackathon aimed to address critical issues and explore innovative solutions for Law Enforcement Agencies and address challenges faced by them and promote innovation in the field.

Ancient City of Ayutthaya ,Thailand

Governor of Bihar Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekarvisited the Ancient City of Ayutthaya in Thailand,today, which is named after the birth city of lord Ram in Ayodhya in India.
The Governor is heading a 22-member Indian Delegation that took the holy relics of Lord Buddha for a 26 day exposition in Thailand.

Know! about the Holy City of Ayutthaya

The Historic City of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom after Sukhothai.
It flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries, during which time it grew to be one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas and a Center of global diplomacy and commerce.
Ayutthaya was strategically located on an island surrounded by three rivers connecting the city to the sea.
This site was chosen because it was located above the tidal bore of the Gulf of Siam as it existed at that time, thus preventing attack of the city by the sea-going warships of other nations.
The location also helped to protect the city from seasonal flooding.
The city was attacked and razed by the Burmese army in 1767 who burned the city to the ground and forced the inhabitants to abandon the city.
The city was never rebuilt in the same location and remains known today as an extensive archaeological site.

SECI unveils India’s largest solar-battery project

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), under the aegis of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has successfully commissioned India’s largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which stores energy using solar energy.
The 40 megawatts (MW) / 120MWh BESS with a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant which has an installed capacity of 152.325 megawatt hour (MWh)and dispatchable capacity of 100MW AC (155.02 MW peak DC) is located in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.
The energy would be purchased by the state of Chhattisgarh
The project using solar panels and battery storage represents a monumental leap forward in generation and use of renewable energy.
The project utilizes battery storage for storing solar energy when the sun is shining and using it later during hours of peak demand in the evening, for meeting the electricity demand in the state.
The project has deployed bifacial modules, which reflect the light from the ground, thus generating more electricity than monofacial modules, hence setting a new standard for large-scale renewable energy projects.

Relics of Buddha & his disciples

The four sacred Piparahwa Relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Bangkok, Thailand on 22 February 2024 with a 22-member delegation for a 26-day exhibition.
On this occasion, the relics of two disciples of Buddha – Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Maudgalyayana also reached Bangkok with this delegation.
This delegation was led by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar.
This delegation includes respected monks of Kushinagar and Aurangabad, officials of Ladakh and MP governments, curators of the National Museum.
On February 22, the Department of Religious Affairs and the National Museum of Thailand signed an exhibition agreement for sacred Relics in the National Museum of Thailand.
The signing of this exhibition agreement is another advancement in the 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Thailand.

Surrogacy (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2024

The Centre amended the surrogacy Rules to allow couples to use donor eggs or donor sperm for surrogacy.
This overturned a previous amendment made in March 2023 that banned the use of donor gametes.
The new notification states: “In case when the District Medical Board certifies that either husband or wife constituting the intending couple suffers from a medical condition necessitating use of donor gamete, then surrogacy using donor gamete is allowed.”
Before the March 2023 notification — which insisted on the use of both eggs and sperm from the intending couple — surrogacy rules allowed the use of donor eggs, but not sperm.
The March 2023 notification was challenged in the Supreme Court by a woman with Mayer- Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome, a rare congenital disorder that affects the reproductive system and can cause infertility.
The women who opt for surrogacy are likely to be older, having tried other methods of getting pregnant before considering surrogacy.
This is the reason some of them would need a donor egg.

Know! about Surrogacy Laws in India

Surrogacy comes under the reproductive choices of women and it is included as a fundamental right under the purview of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
It was enacted for regulation and supervision of the assisted reproductive technology clinics and banks.
Under the Act, the services can be made available to a woman above the age of 21 years and below the age of 50 years and to a man above the age of 21 years and below the age of 55 years.
Assisted Reproductive Technology procedures include gamete donation, intrauterine insemination, and in-vitro fertilization or IVF.

Spotted Deer

Recently, spotted deer have been translocated from Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru Zoo) to the Panasoli range of Kali Tiger Reserve.

Know! about Spotted Deer

The spotted deer, or chital/ cheetal is a deer species native to the Indian subcontinent. It is the most common deer species in Indian forests.
It is widely distributed in Asia, especially in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and a small group in Pakistan. Its Habitat is Subtropical grasslands and forests.
With a lifespan of about 20 to 30 years, it stands at about 35 inches tall and weighs about 187 pounds.
It is a slightly reddish brown with white spots on its body.
Only males have antlers, and their bodies are larger than females.
They mainly feed on grasses throughout the year.
Their diets include herbs, shrubs, foliage, and fruits.
IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Know! about Kali Tiger Reserve

Kali Tiger Reserve, earlier known as Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, is located in the central portion of the Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district of Karnataka state.
It comprises two important protected areas of the region, viz., Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park.
It comprises two important protected areas of the region, viz., Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park.
Forests are primarily moist deciduous and semi-evergreen, with excellent patches of evergreen forests in the westernmost parts as well as in deep valleys.
The complex floral tapestry comprises hardwood trees like teak, silver oak, Malabar tamarind, Jamba, lantana, bamboo, shrubbery, and dense vegetative undergrowth on the floor.
Prominent species are the Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, gaur, chevrotain, spotted deer, barking deer, sloth bear, dhole, jungle and leopard cat, Malabar civet, and giant civet.

Trilateral exercise ‘Dosti’

Indian and Sri Lankan coast guard ships reached the Maldives recently to take part in the trilateral coast guard exercise Dosti 16.

Know! about Exercise Dosti

It is a trilateral coast guard exercise between India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
It is a biennial exercise.
It was first conducted in 1991 between the Indian and Maldives Coast Guards.
Sri Lanka joined the exercise for the first time in 2012. Dosti was last conducted in 2021.
The exercises have focused on exercises and drills on providing assistance in sea accidents, eliminating sea pollution, and the coast guard’s procedures and conduct during situations such as oil spills.
The aim of the exercise is to further fortify the friendship, enhance mutual operational capability, exercise interoperability and build cooperation between the Coast Guards of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
It is the 16th edition of the exercise.
The Coast Guards of the Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka, along with observers from Bangladesh, are participating in Dosti 16 to enhance collaboration between the forces.
India is sending ICGS Samarth (with integral helo), ICGS Abhinav, and ICG Dornier for the exercise.

APEDA forms Dedicated Organic Promotion Division

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has created a dedicated organic promotion division for the promotion of organic exports.

Organic Farming in India

India occupies fifth place globally with a total area of 2.66 million hectares in organic farming.
Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under organic certification followed by Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka.
Sikkim is India’s first fully organic state, with implementing organic practices on around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land.
In 2022-23, India produced around 2.9 million metric tonnes of certified organic products like oil seeds, cereals and millets, cotton, pulses among others.
The exports of India’s organic products stood at $708 million in 2022-23 and considering the global market size of around $138 billion, there is a tremendous scope to increase the organic exports in the near future.

Advantages of Organic Farming

Healthier Food Products: Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, etc. This results in food products that are free from harmful chemical residues with higher levels of essential nutrients.
Enhanced Soil Health: Organic farming methods focus on building and maintaining soil health by increasing organic matter content, microbial activity, and nutrient cycling.
Economic Opportunities: Organic farming provides economic benefits to farmers through premium prices for organic products, access to niche markets, and reduced input costs over the long term.
Climate Change Mitigation: Organic farming practices such as composting and organic soil management contribute to carbon sequestration in the soil, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Biodiversity Conservation: Organic farming practices support biodiversity by creating habitats for beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Government Schemes for Organic Farming

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): The schemes stress on end-to-end support to farmers engaged in organic farming i.e. from production to processing, certification and marketing, and post-harvest management.
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER): The scheme is being implemented exclusively in the NE States to support farmers engaged in organic farming.

Purple Frog

Recently, the government of Tamil Nadu established the Tamil Nadu Endangered Species Conservation Fund (TNESCF) to protect the purple frog and other lesser-known endangered species.
It is also known as the Maveli frog or Pignose Frog.
It is believed to have coexisted with dinosaurs and has similarities to the Sooglossidae family of frogs in Seychelles.
It is often called a ‘living fossil’ that belongs to the Nasikabatrachidae family.
This burrow-dwelling frog prefers loose, damp, and well-aerated soil close to ponds and ditches or streams.
It is the soil-dwelling frog endemic to selected habitats in the Western Ghats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The Anamalai hill is one of its prime habitats in Tamil Nadu.
IUCN: Endangered
Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022: Schedule I

Nihang Sikhs

Amid the recent standoff between the protesting farmers and the government, Nihang Sikh warriors have joined the protest, extending support to farmers facing off with security forces.
Nihangs, or Nihang Singhs, originally known as Akalis or Akali Nihangs, are a distinct warrior order within the Sikh community, known for their martial traditions, unique attire, and adherence to a specific code of conduct.
They have a rich history dating back to the times of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru.
They are easily recognizable by their distinctive blue attire, which includes blue robes, high turbans adorned with steel quoits (chakrams), and they often carry traditional weapons like swords, spears, and daggers.
They are highly skilled in Gatka martial arts and have historically served as a dedicated and elite force to protect Sikh shrines and communities.
Nihangs had a major role in defending the Sikh Panth after the fall of the first Sikh rule (1710-15), when Mughal governors were killing Sikhs, and during the onslaught of Afghan invader Ahmed Shah Durrani (1748-65).

Central Excise Day 2024

February 24th marks the annual celebration of ‘Central Excise Day’ in India.
Central Excise Day, observed on February 24th in India, commemorates the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act of 1944.
This day was celebrated for the first time in 1944.
The theme of Central Excise Day for the year 2024 has not been officially announced yet.
On February 24th, 1944, the Central Excise and Salt Act was enacted.
In memory of this law, Central Excise Day is celebrated every year on 24 February.

Raisina Dialogue

The ninth edition of Raisina Dialogue was held in New Delhi from 21 February to 23 February 2024.
The theme for 2024 was “Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create”.
Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis is the chief guest.

Know! about Raisina Dialogue

The Raisina Dialogue is India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community.
Every year, leaders in politics, business, media, and civil society converge in New Delhi to discuss the state of the world and explore opportunities for cooperation on a wide range of contemporary matters.
The Dialogue is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of state, cabinet ministers and local government officials, who are joined by thought leaders from the private sector, media and academia.
The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. This effort is supported by a number of institutions, organisations and individuals, who are committed to the mission of the conference.

Nordic-Baltic Eight

The eight Nordic-Baltic countries (NB8) participated in the recent Raisina Dialogue held in New Delhi.
The NB8 is a regional cooperation format that brings together the Nordic countries and the Baltic states.
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden (Nordic countries), Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania (Baltic states)
Nordic countries are members of the European Union (except Iceland and Norway which are members of EFTA).

Sant Guru Ravidas

Recently, the Prime Minister of India unveiled a new statue of Sant Ravidas on the occasion of the 647th Birth Anniversary in Varanasi.
He, born in the 14th century, was a prominent figure in the Bhakti Movement, a socio-religious revolution that took place in India between the 14th and 17th centuries.
He was a great social reformer and messenger of peace, love, and brotherhood.
He worked tirelessly to remove caste and religion-based discrimination and worked for the upliftment of the downtrodden.

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Current Affairs 21-25 Feb 2024