Daily Current Capsules

8 to 15 July 2024

22nd India-Russia Annual Summit

Prime Minister of the Republic of India Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to the Russian Federation on July 8-9, 2024 at the invitation of President of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin for the 22nd India – Russia Annual Summit.

Joint Declaration Highlights

Bilateral economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of India, hereinafter referred to as the “Parties”, is planned to be developed including in the following nine key areas:

1. Aspiration for eliminating non-tariff trade barriers related to bilateral trade between India and Russia. Continuation of dialogue in the field of liberalization of bilateral trade, including the possibility of the establishment of the EAEU-India Free Trade Area. Achievement of a mutual trade volume more than 100 bln USD by 2030 (as mutually agreed), including increased supplies of goods from India to achieve balanced bilateral trade. Reinvigoration of investment activities of the Parties, i.e. within the framework of the special investment regimes.

2. Development of a bilateral settlement system using national currencies. Consistent introduction of digital financial instruments into mutual settlements.

3. Increase of cargo turnover with India through the launch of new routes of the North-South International Transport Corridor, the Northern Sea Route and the Chennai-Vladivostok Sea Line. Optimization of customs procedures through the application of intelligent digital systems for barrier-free movement of goods.

4. Increase of the volume of bilateral trade in agricultural products, food and fertilizers. Maintenance of an intensive dialogue aimed at removing veterinary, sanitary and phytosanitary restrictions and prohibitions.

5. Development of cooperation in key energy sectors, including nuclear energy, oil refining and petrochemicals and expanded forms of cooperation and partnership in the field of energy infrastructure, technologies and equipment.

Strengthening of interaction in the fields of infrastructure development, transport engineering, automobile production and shipbuilding, space and other industrial sectors. Facilitation of entry of Indian and Russian companies in each other’s markets by creating subsidiaries and industrial clusters.
Promotion of investments and joint projects across various sectors of digital economy, science and research, educational exchanges and internships for employees of high-tech companies.
Promotion of systematic cooperation in the development and supply of medicines and advanced medical equipment. Studying of the possibility of opening branches of Indian medical institutions in Russia and recruiting qualified medical personnel as well as strengthening of coordination in the field of medical and biological safety.9. Development of humanitarian cooperation, consistent expansion of interaction in the fields of education, science and technology, culture, tourism, sports, healthcare and other areas.

Casablanca, Morocco

Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tabar arrived at Casablanca, Morocco on08 July 24 for a three-day visit.
India and Morocco share warm bilateral relations that span diverse fields, including regular interactions between the two Navies.
Morocco holds a unique geographical position sharing coastline with both the Mediterranean as well as Atlantic.

PSSCIVE’s Bagless Days Guidelines

Ministry of Education reviewed the guidelines developed by PSSCIVE,a unit of NCERT under MoE, for Bagless Days in schools.
As per paragraph 4.26 of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, it is recommended that all students in grades 6-8 participate in a 10-day bagless period.
During this time, students will intern with local skill experts and engage in activities outside of traditional school settings.
This initiative aims to help students develop an appreciation for the larger ecosystem in which their school is embedded.
Based on these recommendations, PSSCIVE, has developed comprehensive guidelines for implementing Bagless Days.
These guidelines are designed to make learning in schools more joyful, experiential, and stress-free for students.

Know! about PSSCIVE

The Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE) is an apex research and development organization in the field of vocational education.
It is a constituent unit of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), established in 1993 by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.
It comprises six academic disciplines, namely Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Business and Commerce, Engineering and Technology, Health and Paramedical Science, Home Science and Hospitality Management and Humanities, Science, Education and Research with 05 Centres.

EX PITCH BLACK 2024

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent landed at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2024.
The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 12 July 24 to 02 August 24, and is a biennial, multi- national exercise hosted by the RAAF.
The name ‘Pitch Black’ was derived from the emphasis on night time flying over large un-populated areas.
This edition is slated to be the largest in the 43-year-long history of Ex Pitch Black, which includes participation by 20 countries, with over 140 aircraft and 4400 military personnel of various air forces.
The exercise will focus on Large Force Employment warfare aimed at strengthening international cooperation and shall facilitate experience enhancement with the IAF Su-30 MKI operating alongside the F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen and Typhoon fighter aircraft.
The IAF has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions of this exercise.

HEART TO BRAVEHEARTS

Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar flagged off the ‘Heart to Bravehearts’, a Car Rally to commemorate the 25th anniversary of India’s victory in the Kargil War from Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment on 11^thJuly 2024.
The ‘Heart to Bravehearts’ Car Rally is a tribute to the valour, resilience and sacrifices of heroes of Kargil War to commemorate Rajat Jayanti Celebrations of the Kargil War.
This Rally, organised by Mahindra & Mahindra in collaboration with Indian Army

DRDO sanctions seven new projects to the private sector under Technology Development Fund scheme

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded seven new projects to industries under the Technology Development Fund scheme for various requirements of the Armed Forces and aerospace & defence sectors.
These project sanctions are a testimony to the continuing endeavour of DRDO in nurturing Industries, especially MSMEs & start-ups, in defence and aerospace domains.

The details of the sanctioned projects are given below:

Indigenous Scenario and Sensor Simulation Toolkit

The project involves development of an indigenous toolkit for simulator training of pilots in realistic scenarios.

Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

The project relates to a versatile marine battlefield accessories which can be deployed in multiple combat roles. The objective is Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

Long-range Remotely Operated Vehicles for Detection & Neutralisation

The vehicles are dual-use systems that will enable detection, classification, localisation & neutralisation of underwater objects while keeping the key assets away from the suspected operational area.

Development of Ice Detection Sensor for Aircraft

The project aims to develop detecting icing condition inflight, caused by super cooled water droplets that freezes after their impact against the aircraft external surfaces and is utilised by the aircraft for turning on the aircraft Anti-icing mechanism.

Development of Radar Signal Processor with Active Antenna Array Simulator

The project will enable deployment of multiple target system for test and evaluation of multiple short range aerial weapon system. It serves as the basic building block for larger radar systems.

Development of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-based Timing Acquisition & Dissemination System

It aims to enable indigenisation of timing acquisition and dissemination system, use of Indian Constellation for acquiring time & development of customised and flexible timing system as per range requirements.

Know! about TDF

Technology Development Fund (TDF) has been established to promote self-reliance in Defence Technology as a part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
It is a programme of the Ministry of Defence. This programme is executed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) to meet the requirements of the Tri-Services, Defence Production and DRDO.
The Scheme encourages participation of public/private industries, especially MSMEs and startups, so as to create an ecosystem for enhancing cutting-edge technology capability in the defence sector.

World Population Day 2024

Every year, World Population Day is observed on July 11.

World Population Day – Inception

On July 11, 1987, the population of the world reached five billion. This further prompted Dr KC Zachariah, a senior Demographer at the World Bank, to suggest that July 11 should be observed as World Population Day every year. Soon, the day came to be established by the United Nations and was first observed in the year 1989. Since then, World Population Day has been celebrated every year to create awareness about the growing population of the world.

World Population Day – Significance

The population of the world has a significant impact on socio-economic development, environmental sustainability, and individual well-being.
This day is observed to raise awareness, encourage action and highlight issues related to the impact, and also urge people to opt for sustainable choices.
While the growing population opens up new avenues of opportunities, it can also influence challenges. We need to understand the impact and take measures accordingly.
The theme of this year’s World Population Day is – Leave no one behind, count everyone.

eSwasthya Dham portal

eSwasthya Dham portal is now integrated with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
ABDM, a “Central Sector Scheme” launched in September 2021 aimsto create an integrated digital health infrastructure of the country.
The Uttarakhand Government’s Department of Health and Family Welfare has launched a portal called eSwasthya Dham.
eSwasthya Dham portal, available athttps://eswasthyadham.uk.gov.in/ is a portal which helps in monitoring the Char Dham Yatra pilgrim’s health parameters.
As a result, it ensures the smooth journey of pilgrims visiting Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath-together called as the Char Dham Yatra.
The eSwasthya Dham portal provides a range of benefits to the pilgrims and one of them is the generation of ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account).
Pilgrims can easily create their ABHA 14-digit number at the eSwasthya Dham portal

India’s First deep water container transhipment port

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, received the first Mother Ship ‘MV San Fernando’ marking the beginning of operation at India’s First deep water container transhipment port in Vizhinjam, Kerala
The ship, with a capacity upto 9000 TEUs, docks at India’s first automated port which is equipped with state of the art that offers large scale automation for quick turnaround of vessels including capacity to handle megamax containerships.

Know! about Vizhinjam Port

Vizhinjam Port is a strategic maritime project near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.
This is the first Greenfield port project in India, initiated by a state Government with an investment exceeding ₹18,000 crores.
Developed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, it stands as one of the largest initiatives in the country’s port sector.
Vizhinjam’s strategic location near international shipping routes significantly reduces transit times for vessels, making it a pivotal point for maritime trade.
As one of India’s few natural deep-water ports, it can efficiently accommodate large cargo and container ships.
Vizhinjam is set to become a key player in regional trade, potentially serving as a gateway for commerce between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

SDG India Index 2023-24

SDG India Index 2023-24, the fourth edition of the country’s principal tool for measuring national and subnational progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) was released by NITI Aayog.
SDG India Index 2023-24 measures and tracks national progress of all States and UTs on 113 indicators aligned to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s (MoSPI) National Indicator Framework (NIF).
The SDG India Index computes goal-wise scores on the 16 SDGs for each State and UT. Overall State and UT scores orComposite Scores are generated from goal-wise scores to measure the aggregate performance of the sub-national unit based on its performance across the 16 SDGs.
These scores range between 0–100, and if a State/UT achieves a score of 100, it signifies it has achieved the targets. The higher the score of a State/UT, the greater the distance covered to the target.

Key highlights and results from the fourth edition of the SDG India Index:

The composite score for India improved from 57 in 2018 to 66 in 2020-21 to further to 71 in 2023-24
Significant progress in goals on eliminating poverty, providing decent work, economic growth, climate action and life on land.
Targeted interventions by the Government such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala, Swachh Bharat, Jan Dhan, Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, Ayushman Arogya Mandir, PM-Mudra Yojana, Saubhgaya, Start-up India etc. had impact and led to rapid improvement.
All States have shown an improvement in overall score
Overall SDG score for the country is 71 for 2023-24, significant improvement from 66 in 2020-21 and 57 in 2018 (Baseline report).
Scores for States range from 57 to 79 in 2023-24, marking a substantial improvement from the year 2018 range of 42 to 69.
Significant progress in Goals 1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land)
Goal 13 (Climate Action) records highest increase in score from 54 in 2020-21 to 67 in 2023-24 followed by Goal 1 (No Poverty) from 60 to 72
Between 2018 and 2023-24, the fastest moving States are Uttar Pradesh (increase in score by 25), followed by J&K (21), Uttarakhand (19), Sikkim (18), Haryana (17), Assam, Tripura, and Punjab (16 each), Madhya Pradesh and Odisha (15 each)

Key interventions facilitating SDG achievements include:

Over 4 crore houses under the PM Awas Yojana (PMAY),
11 crore Toilets & 2.23 lakh Community Sanitary Complexes in rural areas
10 crore LPG connections under PM Ujjwala Yojana,
Tap water connections in over 14.9 crore households under Jal Jeevan Mission
Over 30 crore beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat -Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
Coverage of over 80 crore people under the National Food Security Act (NFSA)
Access to 150,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandir which offer primary medical care and provide affordable generic medicines
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of ₹34 lakh crore made through PM-Jan Dhan accounts.
The Skill India Mission has led to over 1.4 crore youth being trained and upskilled and has reskilled 54 lakh youth
PM Mudra Yojana sanctioned 43 crore loans aggregating to ₹22.5 lakh crore for entrepreneurial aspirations of the youth besides Funds of Funds
Start Up India and Start Up Guarantee schemes assisting the youth
The Saubhagya scheme for access to electricity
Emphasis on renewable energy resulted in an increase in solar power capacity from 2.82 GW to 73.32 GW in the past decade.
Between 2017 and 2023, India has added around 100 GW of installed electric capacity, of which around 80% is attributed to non-fossil fuel-based resource.
Improvement in digital infrastructure with reduced internet data costs by 97% which has in turn positively affected and fostered financial inclusion

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister has approved India to sign the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
This landmark decision marks a significant step towards the conservation and sustainable utilisation of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Often referred to as the ‘High Seas’, areas beyond national jurisdiction are the global common oceans open to all for internationally lawful purposes such as navigation, overflight, laying submarine cables and pipelines, etc.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences will spearhead the country’s implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

Know! about BBJN Agreement

The BBNJ Agreement, or the ‘High Seas Treaty’, is an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
It aims to address the growing concerns over the long-term protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas.
It sets precise mechanisms for the sustainable use of marine biological diversity through international cooperation and coordination.
Parties cannot claim or exercise sovereign rights over marine resources derived from the high seas and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
It follows an inclusive, integrated, ecosystem-centric approach based on the precautionary principle and promotes using traditional knowledge and the best available scientific knowledge.
It helps minimise impacts on the marine environment through area-based management tools and establishes rules for conducting environmental impact assessments.
It would also contribute to achieving several SDGs, particularly SDG14 (Life Below Water).
The BBNJ Agreement will be the third implementation agreement under UNCLOS if and when it enters into force, alongside its sister implementation agreements: the 1994 Part XI Implementation Agreement (which addresses the exploration and extraction of mineral resources in the international seabed area) and the 1995 UN Fish Stocks Agreement (which addresses the conservation and management of straddling and highly migratory fish stocks).

Know! about UNCLOS

UNCLOS was adopted on December 10, 1982, and came into force on November 16, 1994.
It is crucial for the environmental protection of the seas and addressing maritime boundaries, rights to marine resources, and dispute resolution.
It establishes the International Seabed Authority to regulate mining and related activities on the ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction.
As of today, more than 160 countries have ratified UNCLOS.
It is vital to maintaining order, equity, and fairness in using the world’s oceans.

Status of BBNJ Agreement

The BBNJ Agreement was agreed upon in March 2023 and is open for signature for two years starting September 2023.
It will be an international legally binding treaty after it enters force 120 days after the 60^thratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
As of June 2024, 91 countries have signed the BBNJ Agreement, and eight Parties have ratified it.

Anand Marriage Act

National Commission for Minorities today held a video conference meeting under the chairmanship of Chairman, National Commission for Minorities, with 18 States/UTs to discuss the implementation and registration of marriages of Sikhs under Anand Marriage Act.
Some of the States including Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Meghalaya reported implementation of the said Act in their respective States while Remaining States/UTs have assured to implement the Act within two months’ time.

Know! more about Anand Marriage Act

It was enacted in 1909 during British colonial rule in India.
It aimed to address concerns raised by the Sikh community about the validity of their marriages under existing Hindu marriage laws.
The Act offers legal recognition to Sikh marriages, validating them under the law.
It ensures that Sikh couples’ rights and responsibilities are protected within the framework of legal marriage.
The Act recognizes the Anand Karaj ceremony as the traditional Sikh marriage ritual.
It acknowledges the religious customs, prayers, and hymns involved in the Anand Karaj as integral parts of the marriage.
The Act mandates the registration of Sikh marriages within a specified timeframe after the ceremony.
Registration provides legal proof of the marriage and simplifies the process of obtaining legal documents such as marriage certificates.
The Act outlines the eligibility criteria for individuals seeking to marry under Sikh law.
It specifies that both parties should be Sikhs according to Sikh religious definitions.
Consent and Age Requirements:
The Act emphasizes the importance of consent from both parties for a valid marriage.
It sets the minimum age requirements for marriage, in line with Indian laws.
The Act designates Sikh religious leaders (granthi) as authorized marriage officers to solemnize Sikh marriages.
It also allows for civil officers to act as marriage registrars for Sikh marriages.
The Act governs issues related to inheritance, divorce, alimony, and other legal aspects of Sikh marriages.
It offers Sikh couples the legal safeguards and rights enjoyed by individuals who marry under other personal laws.

Prime Minister receives Russia’s highest State Award

In a special ceremony in St. Andrew Hall in the Kremlin, President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin conferred Russia’s highest national award “The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle” on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his contribution to fostering India-Russia ties.
The award was announced in 2019.
This award was instituted over 300 years ago. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is the first Indian leader to be conferred with this award.

100-day action plan of Department of Posts

The Department of Posts aims at transforming service delivery and enhancing efficiency through key initiatives to benefit the nation and its citizens.

Dak Chaupal: Bringing services to rural doorsteps

In a landmark initiative, the Department of Posts will be organizing 5,000 Dak Chaupals across the country in the 100 days. This initiative aims to bring essential government and citizen-centric services directly to rural areas, improving accessibility and convenience.
Dak Chaupals will serve as vital links between rural residents and government functions, reducing barriers such as distance and accessibility.

Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK): Boosting rural exports

Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra Scheme is set to bolster rural exports by supporting small-scale exporters.
This initiative provides essential services including documentation assistance, market information, bar-coded label printing, and paperless customs clearance.
Aligned with the ‘One District—One Product’ initiative, this scheme will promote local products, contributing to economic growth and rural development.
The Department aims to onboard 3000 new exporters onto the Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra Portal in 100 days.

Standardized Geo-Coded Addressing System: Revolutionizing service delivery

The Department of Posts is advancing an initiative to establish a standardized, geo-coded addressing system in India, ensuring simplified addressing solutions for citizen-centric delivery of public and private services.
This grid-based system will serve as a robust pillar of Geospatial Governance, leading to enhancements in public service delivery, faster emergency response, and a significant boost to logistics efficiency.

GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024)

Ministry of Defence launched “GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024) of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited ( GRSE) in Kolkata
It is an innovative scheme which seeks solution to the problems related to the shipyards and promotes technology development using the start-ups created and nurtured in the country.
It encourages and enables MSMEs and Start-Ups to develop innovative solutions for further technological advancement.
This initiative is in keeping with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up India’ policies of the Government of India.
GAINS is a unique national scheme to encourage and enable MSMEs and Start-Ups to develop innovative solutions that GRSE may incorporate for further technological advancement.
The aim is to leverage the vast eco-system of MSMEs and Start-Ups to address present and emerging challenges in the ship design and construction industry, while achieving the objectives of Atmanirbharta.

IMO Council Session

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is participating in the 132nd session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.
India, an elected member of the IMO Council in the category of countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade, emphasized the urgent issue of seafarer abandonment.
The delegation pointed out that despite efforts, there are currently 44 active cases involving 292 Indian seafarers. India’s strong stance on the need for effective measures and oversight to resolve such issues was well received.

Highlights of India’s Participation

India’s participation in the IMO Council session underscores dedication to international maritime cooperation and innovation.
The establishment of the South Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport is a testament to India’s leadership in promoting environmentally sustainable and technologically advanced maritime practices.
India reiterated its proposal for the South Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (SACE-SMarT).
This regional hub aims to transform the maritime sector in India and South Asia into a technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and digitally proficient industry.
India’s leadership in evolving the SACE-SMarT in collaboration with the IMO’s global Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCCs) was highlighted as a significant step towards sustainable maritime development.

Know! about IMO

The International Maritime Organization is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating maritime transport.
The IMO was established following agreement at a UN conference held in Geneva in 1948 and the IMO came into existence ten years later, meeting for the first time on 17 March 1958.
Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, the IMO, in 2024, has 176 Member States and three Associate Members.
The IMO’s primary purpose is to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping and its remit today includes maritime safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical co-operation, maritime security and the efficiency of shipping.
IMO is governed by an assembly of members which meets every two years.
Its finance and organization is administered by a council of 40 members elected from the assembly.

Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (AgriSURE)

The Government is poised to launch the ‘Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (AgriSURE) to support start-ups and agripreneurs through investments in sector-specific, sector-agnostic, and debt Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), as well as direct equity support to start-ups working in Agriculture and allied sectors
This initiative aims to foster innovation and sustainability in India’s agricultural sector through the establishment of a Rs 750 crore Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF).
The fund will offer both equity and debt support, specifically targeting high-risk, high-impact activities in the agriculture value chain.
The fund will focus oninnovation in agriculture, enhancing the farm produce value chain, creating rural infrastructure, generating employment, and supporting Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs).
The fund will also encourage IT-based solutions and machinery rental services for farmers.
NABVENTURES, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NABARD, will be the Fund manager of AgriSURE. The fund is designed to operate for 10 years, extendable by two or more years.

Kharchi Puja

The Prime Minister wished everyone, particularly the people of Tripura, on the occasion of Kharchi Puja.
Kharchi Puja is celebrated in the Northeastern state of Tripura.Also called the ‘Festival of 14 Gods’
Kharchi Puja is observed on the eighth day of the new moon in July or August every year.
The festival is centred around the worship of Chaturdasa Devata, the ancestral deity of the Tripuri people.
It holds immense religious and cultural importance and showcases the rich history and traditions of the community.
The word ‘Kharchi’ is derived from two Tripuri words–‘khar’ or kharta meaning sin and ‘chi’ or si meaning cleaning.
During the festival, the people of Tripura also worship the earth along with their 14 deities. Although the festival has tribal origins, it is celebrated by both tribal and non-tribal people of Tripura.

GearShift Challenge

NITI Aayog, in collaboration with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India, announced the launch of the NITI GearShift Challenge as part of the e-FAST India initiative.
This pioneering hackathon aims to foster innovative business models for the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India, addressing the nation’s pressing economic and environmental challenges.

India’s Freight Sector – Significance

India’s freight sector is vital to the economy, ensuring the smooth delivery of goods to over 1.4 billion people.
With road freight accounting for a staggering 55% of India’s annual diesel consumption and nearly 40% of CO2 emissions from road transport, there is an urgent need to transition to more sustainable solutions.
The electrification of freight transportation is a key priority, as electric trucks offer a transformative opportunity to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance energy security.
The GearShift Challenge marks a pivotal move towards sustainable freight transportation in India.
By tapping into the creativity and expertise of participants, the hackathon aims to generate practical solutions that will accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucks, thereby benefiting both the economy and the environment.

Saushrutam 2024

The Department of Shalya Tantra at All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) New Delhi successfully organised the Second National Seminar SAUSHRUTAM Shalya Sangoshti on the auspicious occasion of Sushruta Jayanti-2024.
Sushruta Jayanti is celebrated every year on 15th July to honour the legendary Sushruta, considered as the father of surgery.
On the first two days, 25 live complex surgical procedures were successfully demonstrated, this unique opportunity provided participants to observe and learn various surgical techniques from renowned surgeons.

World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2024 inaugurated

India is hosting for the first time the UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage Committee meeting from 21st-31st July, 2024 in New Delhi.
As an integral part of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, and in the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme, the Ministry of Culture is hosting the 2024 World Heritage Young Professionals Forum.
Theme- World Heritage in the 21st Century: Building Capacities and Exploring Opportunities for Youth

Event Highlights

During the course of the Forum, 50Young professionals from across the globe (20 from India and 30 from outside India) will make presentations.
This event would enhance the expertise, skills and capacities of young professionalsin protecting, preserving, and promoting our natural and cultural World Heritage.
The focus of this year’s sub-themes will be on tackling of the issue of climate change alongside maintaining the pace of sustainable development.

Know! about the World Heritage Young Professional Forum:

The Forum serves as a platform by bringing young people and heritage experts together to foster intercultural learning and exchange.
It also provides an opportunity for the youth to meet and learn about each other’s heritage, discuss common concerns in preservation and discover new roles for themselves in heritage conservation.
Each Forum is focused on a specific topic linked to World Heritage and aligned with the context of the World Heritage properties of the Host Country.

SYNCHN 2024

Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI)an institute of Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India hosted a successful industry meet, SYNCHN 2024 (Synergy in science built through elements of collaboration for high-quality data & expertise in NCR Biotech Cluster), on July 14th, 2024 in its campus.
This event brought together stakeholders from the biotechnology industry, including representatives from startups, established companies, and policymakers.
The focus of SYNCHN 2024 was to foster and strengthen academia-industry collaborations, with a particular emphasis on THSTI’s role in propelling biomanufacturing advancements.

Know! about BRIC

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, with the approval of the cabinet, has subsumed its 13 Autonomous Institutions (AIs) and created one Autonomous Body, the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), as a registered Society.
BRIC is intended to integrate the multi-disciplinary research, training, and innovation programs operational across various DBT institutions for maximum impact and establish structures that leverage existing strengths to build systemic collaborations, identify convergent directions, and set a clear path for translation and asset monetization.

Know! about BRIC-THSTI

The institute acts as a catalyst to translate fundamental discoveries by building rigorous clinical research capacity and enabling a faster transition of discoveries from bench to bedside.
THSTI is housed within the NCR Biotech Science Cluster in Faridabad.
The institute has four core facilities viz. Small Animal Facility, Data Management Center, Biorepository, and Bioassay Laboratory that serves not only the research programs of THSTI but also the NCR Biotech Science Cluster and other academic and industrial partners.

Development of Tizu Zunki (National Waterways 101)

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, announced major initiatives aimed at enabling the waterways potential of Nagaland during the Stakeholder’s Conference held in Dimapur, Nagaland
Announced the development of Tizu Zunki (National Waterways 101) as both the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Transport Department of Govt. of Nagaland to work together to study for navigation feasibility.
In Nagaland, the NW 101 flows from Longmatra (Nagaland) towards Avangkhu where the feasibility study of IWT will be conducted by the IWAI.
The Minister also announced to take initiatives to develop the immense tourism potential of Doyang River Lake with community jetties as well as study feasibility of Ro Pax ferries.

Know! about Tizu River

Tizu river in Nagaland further flows into Chindown river (Third largest Tributary of river Irrawaddy river), also known as Ningthi river in Myanmar, at Htamanthi in Myanmar.
Chindown River further enters into Irrawaddy River – the largest river of Myanmar.
River Irrawaddy further drains into Andaman Sea via Irrawaddy Delta after travelling through river ports like Mandalay Chauk, Prome and & Hinthada providing an alternative opportunity to use waterways for cargo movement from Northeast to the international trade routes.

Kaladaan Multimodal Transit Transport Project

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), via the IWAI, has been working on multiple projects including the prestigious Kaladaan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, enabling linkage of multiple NWs like NW 2 and NW 16 with Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR), development of fairway on IBPR as well as declaration of Ports of Call among others.

Biennial World Population Prospects (WPP)

Released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) Population Division. The US’s current population is 345 million.

Report Highlights

By 2100, India’s population of around 1.5 billion will be over twice that of China’s 633 million
India will hit an inflection point in 2085 when its population (1.61 billion) will be double of China’s (806 million), and the gap will only widen in the next few years
The report puts India’s current population at 1.451 billion, nine million more than what this number was believed to be two years ago.
India and China will be followed in the population rankings in 2100 by Pakistan (511 million), Nigeria (477 million), Democratic Republic of the Congo (431 million), and the US (421 million),
India’s population will reach around 1.692 billion by 2054 before peaking in 2061 at 1.701 billion
Interestingly, an aging China is set to lose around half of its population in the next 75 years.
The current median age of the Indian population is 28.4 years, compared to China’s 39.6 years and the US’s 38.3 years. By 2100 these numbers will be 47.8 years, 60.7 years, and 45.3 years respectively.
India’s key demographic challenge, according to the report, is not preventing population growth, which is more a result of past momentum, but effectively utilising the limited window it has for exploiting its demographic dividend.
India’s working-age population, the WPP projections show, will peak by 2049, 12 years earlier than its overall population has peaked. At its peak, India’s working-age population will be 1,027 million.
The reason for India’s working-age population peaking before its overall population is the country’s declining fertility rate, which is defined as the number of children a woman has in her lifetime.
India’s fertility rate had already fallen below the replacement level of 2.1 in 2020 and was 1.962 in 2024. Therefore, future population growth is more a result of the momentum of past growth.

Other takeaways

The world’s population is now expected to peak at 10.29 billion in 2084 instead of the 10.43 billion in 2086 estimate given in the 2022 report.
While global fertility rate in 2024 is 2.25 births per woman, it is below the replacement level in more than half of all countries now. In nearly one-fifth of all countries, the fertility rate is already below 1.4, sometimes called “ultra-low” fertility, which means their population is shrinking.
Global life expectancy at birth decreased from 72.6 in 2019 to 70.9 years in 2020 and 2021, but has improved to 73.3 years in 2024. This number is projected to increase to 77.4 by 2054. While the number of deaths among children under five fell below 5 million for the first time in 2023 since at least 1950

World Youth Skills Day 2024

In 2014, the United Nations General Assemblydeclared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day, to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
Since then, World Youth Skills Day events have provided a unique opportunity for dialogue between young people, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, firms, employers’ and workers’ organizations, policymakers, and development partners.
The theme for World Youth Skills Day 2024, “Youth Skills for Peace and Development,” underscores the crucial role young people play in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

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Current Affairs (8-15 July)