Current Affairs – 09th Apr 2024

Articles Covered

  1. President Smt. Droupadi Murmu to Inaugurate a Homeopathic Symposium tomorrow on World Homoeopathy Day 2024
  2. Lavender Cultivation
  3. Centre appoints Manoj Panda as member of 16th Finance Commission
  4. Neptis Philyra
  5. Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) to organise Clean Economy Investor Forum in Singapore
  6. TSAT-1A
  7. Zaporizhzhia attacked again amid Ukraine-Russia war: The nuclear risks from reckless military action
  8. Fifth time in a row: India invokes the peace clause for rice in WTO
  9. Directorate General of Trade Remedies
  10. Sangeet Natak Akademi to organize ‘Shakti – Festival of Music and Dance’ at seven different Shaktipeeths in the country from 9th to 17th April
  11. NTPC launches new edition of Girl Empowerment Mission
  12. PRESIDENT’S GREETINGS ON THE EVE OF CHAITRA SUKLADI, UGADI, GUDI PADWA, CHETI CHAND, NAVREH AND SAJIBU CHEIRAOBA
  13. 61st National Maritime Day celebrated with full Valour
  14. Express View on Supreme Court linking climate change and fundamental rights: A call to action
  15. GLYCAEMIC INDEX
  16. EU-India joins forces to promote start-up collaboration on Recycling of E-Vehicles Batteries under Trade and Technology Council

President Smt. Droupadi Murmu to Inaugurate a Homeopathic Symposium tomorrow on World Homoeopathy Day 2024

Empowering Research, Enhancing Proficiency is the theme of this year’s Homoeopathic Symposium

During event session on ‘Words of Wisdom’, 08 Padma Awardees will be felicitated.

About 80 poster presentations and 30 pharmaceutical and other firms will be present with exhibition stalls, The event aims to promote holistic health and wellness and head towards utilization of advanced techniques for homoeopathy research

During the event, 17 CCRH publications will be released: Homoeopathic Drug Proving, Volume 7, Drug Monograph – Rauwolfia, A Glimpse of History, Struggle and Progress of Homoeopathy in North East India and more

  • President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate tomorrow a two-day Scientific Convention at Yashobhoomi Conventional Centre Dwarka, New Delhi organized by Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), an autonomous apex research organization under Ministry of Ayush on the occasion of the World Homoeopathy Day.
  • The theme of the convention will be “Empowering Research, Enhancing Proficiency: A Homoeopathic Symposium”.
  • The convention aims to promote evidence-based scientific treatment in clinical practice and health programs, to capacitate homoeopathic community in research-based therapeutics, to become a healthcare powerhouse meeting the population’s needs for personalized, safe, and credible healthcare, and to enrich homoeopathic medicine with quality diagnostics, therapeutics, and scientific tools for better patient outcomes.
  • The inaugural ceremony will be followed by a session on ‘Words of Wisdom’, which will see felicitations of 08 Padma Awardees. During the event, 17 CCRH publications will be released.
  • Homoeopathic Drug Proving,Volume 7, Drug Monograph – RauwolfiaA Glimpse of History, Struggle and Progress of Homoeopathy in North East India, Keynotes of Homoeopathic Materia Medica, Volume III, Homoeopathic Materia Medica by Dr. Neelmani Ghatak, Volume I (English edition), STGH app – mobile application on Standard Treatment Guidelines in Homoeopathy and a brochure there of, Pocket Manual of Activities and Achievements: CCRH, CCRH Brochure, Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy, Vol 18, Issue 1 (Jan- March 2024), Drugs of Animal Sources used in Homoeopathy Vol-II, Standardisation of Homoeopathic Drugs Vol-I (Second Revised Edition), One small documentary on Drug Proving – a Research Program in Homoeopathy, HIDOC: An Online Union Catalogue (Revamped Version), COVID-19 Pandemic: Researches by CCRH, Brochures each on Council’s activities, Antimicrobial Resistance and Homoeopathic Clinical Case Repository (HCCR) workflow and Souvenir for the WHD 2024 event.
  • The Scientific Convention over the 2 days will also include sessions on Translational Research, Evidence Base: Research & Practice Experience, Epidemic and Public health, Homoeopathic Drug Standardisation and Basic Research, Interdisciplinary Research, Reforms and Research in Education, Global Perspectives., Challenges in Homoeopathy – Role of Homoeopathic Professional Associations, Veterinary Homoeopathy, Quality Assurance in Homoeopathic Medicinal Products and Services, etc. which will have participation of leading scientists from various streams of biomedicine and allied sciences as resource persons.
  • With about 80 poster presentations and 30 pharmaceutical and other firms displaying at exhibition stalls, the two-day event promises to be a great source of learning.

Lavender Cultivation

According to officials, more than 700 acres of farmland has been brought under lavender cultivation in the Jammu and Kashmir area since 2017, and another 100 acres is set to be added.

  1. It is a crop native to Europe but was introduced in the temperate regions of Jammu &Kashmir state by the CSIR Aroma Mission.
  2. It is a small, perennial aromatic herb shrubused in the fragrance, specialty food, and alternative medicine industries.
  3. Propagation of lavender can be done by seeds, rooted cuttings, tissue culture, and layering.

Required climatic conditions

  • Soil:It can grow well in light well-aerated soil rich with organic matter. It grows best in neutral to alkaline soilwhich is free draining. This crop is very sensitive to waterlogging however can go well with poor or eroded soil.
  • Rainfall:It can produce well with an annual rainfall range from 300 to 1400 mm per year.
  • Climate: It is a hard and temperate plantthat can tolerate drought and frost conditions. The ideal climatic conditions are cool winters and cool summers. It requires a good amount of sunlight.
  • It can be grown in areas that experience snowfall and have a hilly terrain.

Applications: Food and flavouring, Pharmaceutical and therapeutic, Cosmetic, and Industrial purposes etc.

Centre appoints Manoj Panda as member of 16th Finance Commission

Panda’s research areas span monitoring and analysis of macro-economic trends and prospects, evaluation of alternative trade and fiscal policy options from the point of view of growth and distribution

  • The Government has appointed Manoj Panda, former director at the Institute of Economic Growth as the full-time member of the 16th Finance Commission.
  • Research areas: His research areas include monitoring and analysis of macro-economic trends and prospects, evaluation of alternative trade and fiscal policy options from the point of view of growth and distribution.

Sixteenth Finance Commission (SFC):

  • Chairman: Arvind Panagariya.
  • Full Time Members:N. Jha (Former expenditure secretary and member of the 15th Finance Commission)
  • Annie George Mathew (Former special secretary of the department of expenditure).
  • Niranjan Rajadhyaksha (executive director of Artha Global Niranjan Rajadhyaksha).
  • Part-Time Member:Soumya Kanti Ghosh (State Bank of India’s group chief economic adviser).
  • Duration:It is tasked with defining the distribution of the Centre’s tax revenue to states for five years starting FY27.
  • It will make its recommendations available by 31 October 2025, covering an award period of five years beginning 1 April 2026.

Finance Commission:

About: The first Finance Commission was set up in 1951.

  • Set up under Article 280 of the Constitution, FC is a constitutional body formed by the President of India to give suggestions on center-state financial relations.

Core Responsibility: 

  1. To evaluate the state of finances of the Union and State Governments.
  2. Recommend the sharing of taxes between them.
  3. Lay down the principles determining the distribution of these taxes among States.
  • Working: It is characterized by consultations with all levels of government, thus strengthening the principle of cooperative federalism.
  • Composition:It consists of a chairman and 4 other members to be appointed by the President.
  • Nature of Recommendations: Advisory in nature, not binding on the government.
  • Qualifications: The Parliament has given the following specifications for appointing the members.
  • The chairman must have experience in public affairs while the other four members should be selected from amongst the following criteria:
  1. A High Court judge or one qualified to become one;
  2. An individual having specialized knowledge of finance and accounts of the government;
  3. A person who possesses experience in financial matters and administration;

A person who has special knowledge of economics.

Neptis Philyra

A rare butterfly species named Neptis philyra has been recently discovered for the first time in India in Tale Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

  1. It is a rare species of butterfly, commonly known as the long-streak sailor.
  2. Till date, the butterfly species was known to be found across various regions of east Asia, including eastern Siberia, Korea, Japan, central and southwest China.
  3. The butterfly has serrated wings with rich brownish-black on the upper side and yellow brown on the underside.
  4. The butterfly’s distinct markings include a white cell streak forming a “hockey stick” pattern on the forewing.
  5. The species, which is part of the Nymphalidae family, is known to prefer habitats such as evergreen forests, riverine vegetation, and rocky streams.

Key Facts about Tale Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

  1. Location: It is located near the beautiful Apatani cultural landscape in the Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh.
  2. Rivers like Pange, Sipu, Karing, and Subansiriflow through this sanctuary.
  3. Flora: It has a stunning spectrum of subtropical and alpine forestslike silver fir trees, ferns, orchids, bamboo, and rhododendron.

Fauna: Clouded leopard, Himalayan squirrel, Himalayan Black Bear etc.

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) to organise Clean Economy Investor Forum in Singapore

IPEF Forum aims to mobilize investments into sustainable infrastructure, climate technology and renewable energy projects

IPEF Forum calls for applications from tech companies, startups; to showcase Indian investible sustainable infra projects on EV, solar

  1. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) was launched in May 2022 and currently includes 14 partners – Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States and Vietnam (doc20231117271001.pdf (pib.gov.in)).
  2. It provides a platform for countries in the region to collaborate on advancing resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth, and aims to contribute to cooperation, stability and prosperity in the region. The IPEF comprises four pillars of cooperation namely: Trade, Supply Chain, Clean Economy and Fair Economy.
  3. The IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum is one of the initiatives under the IPEF. It brings together the region’s top investors, philanthropies, financial institutions, innovative companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs.
  4. The Forum aims to mobilize investments into sustainable infrastructure, climate technology and renewable energy projects.
  5. The Department of Commerce is the nodal agency for the IPEF engagements, and the IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum is managed by Invest India India’s National Investment Promotion Agency.
  6. Apart from showcasing India’s leadership position in the Clean Economy space and the various innovate solutions driving it, India will showcase some of the large infrastructure projects in Clean Economy and top climate tech companies to the global investors for investment opportunities.
  7. The Forum will have opportunity for the Indian industry in the two following tracks. PwC Singapore and HolonIQ are the knowledge partners for these tracks.
  • Climate Tech Track:  Under this track, IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum is holding an open call that aims to recognise the top climate tech companies and start-ups among the member countries and present them to global investors. Climate tech entrepreneurs and companies in India may apply under this track.
  • Last date to apply is until 26thApril 2024, and applications will be evaluated by regional and industry experts. The top 100 companies will be announced in early May 2024 and shortlisted companies will be invited to showcase and pitch at the Investor Forum in Singapore on 5th– 6th June 2024.
  • Infrastructure Track:Under this track, India will showcase selectedinvestible sustainable infrastructure projects at the 2024 Forum. The sectors of focus are-energy transition (e.g electric gird; renewable energy, including solar, and onshore wind; sustainable aviation fuel; battery storage; hydrogen; green data centers), transport and logistics (e.g. Electric Vehicle, EV charging points), waste management/waste to energy.
  • The projects that are ready, or expected to be ready, for private investment during the next 18 months will be given priority for showcasing at the Forum.
  • Indian investorswho aim to invest in the IPEF partner countries, in either or both the tracks mentioned above are also encouraged to participate in the Forum.

TSAT-1A

  • It is an optical sub-metre-resolution Earth observation satellite.
  • It was built by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)in collaboration withLatin American company Satellogic Inc, following a collaboration agreement between the two companies in late November 2023.
  • TSAT-1A was assembled in TASL’s Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) plant at its Vemagal facility in Karnataka.
  • It was launched bySpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocketfrom the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, in the US.

Features:

  1. TSAT-1A’s core strength lies in its ability to capture military grade imageryof Earth’s surface with sub-meter resolution.
  2. It is equipped with both multispectral and hyperspectral imaging capabilities. This technology allows TSAT-1A to collect data across a wide range of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum, providing a deeper and more nuanced understanding of land, water, and various natural resources.
  3. TSAT-1A boasts greater collection capacity, a wider dynamic range(the ability to capture detail in both very bright and very dark areas), and low-latency delivery of data.

This satellite will be used by Indian defense forces to gather discreet information, and this information will be shared with friendly nations.

It can enable defence forces to enhance their preparedness, response capabilities, and strategic decision making.

Zaporizhzhia attacked again amid Ukraine-Russia war: The nuclear risks from reckless military action

Russia, which has been in control of the facility, Europe’s largest, for almost two years now, accused Ukraine of launching the attacks.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Ukraine was damaged recently in a drone attack.

  • Zaporizhzhia Plant: It is one of five nuclear power stations in Ukraine, which meets almost half of its electricity demand through nuclear energy.
  • The six reactors at Zaporizhzhia have the capacity to produce 5,700 MW of electricity.
  • Location:  The plant is located insouth-east Ukraine in Enerhodaron the banks of Dnieper River.
  • Russian Occupation of Plant:Russian forces seized it after their February 2022 full-scale invasion and have occupied it ever since, alongside most of the Zaporizhzhia region.
  • Current Operating Status:The facility stopped generating power in 2022, but needs a constant supply of electricity to cool one of its reactors which is in a state of “hot conservation”, i.e., it is not fully offline.

Fifth time in a row: India invokes the peace clause for rice in WTO

India has invoked the peace clause at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the fifth consecutive time for the marketing year 2022-23 due to breaching the prescribed subsidy limit for rice offered to its farmers.

  1. India has invoked the peace clause at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the fifth consecutive time for the marketing year 2022-23 (October-September) due to breaching the prescribed subsidy limit for rice offered to its farmers.
  2. While the value of India’s production of rice was $52.8 billion in 2022-23, a subsidy worth $6.39 billion was given to farmers during the year, India notified to the WTO.

More on News:

  • Subsidy for Rice Production:While India’s rice production value was $52.8 billion in 2022-23,a subsidy worth $6.39 billion was given to farmers during the year.
  • Breach of 10% Limit:Thus, the rice subsidy was 12 per cent of the value of production, thereby breaching the 10 per cent domestic support ceiling, which is in accordance with global trade rules.
  • Invoking of Peace Clause:There is no immediate repercussion for the breach since India has invoked the “peace clause”, agreed upon at the Bali ministerial of WTO in 2013.
  • This provides immunity to developing countries from challenges for breaching the ceiling for wheat and rice until a permanent solution is found.
  • Concerns raised by India:India has been complaining that the 10 per cent subsidy ceiling is calculated on the basis of the reference price of 1986-88, which became outdated long ago.

Peace Clause: 

  1. About:It was established in 2013 under the Bali Agreement. It permits developing nations to exceed the 10 percent ceiling without facing legal action by other members temporarily.
  2. Conditions for Government: Governments seeking the shelter of the peace clause have to:
  3. avoid distorting trade or impacting other countries’ food security
  4. provide information to show they are meeting those conditions.

Issues with the peace clause:

  1. Controversial:Some developed countries argue that it gives developing countries an unfair advantage, and it could lead to trade distortions. Others say it is crucial for developing countries to meet their food security.
  2. Flexibility in rules-based order:WTO is a rules-based organisation, and the peace clause is seen as a departure from those rules.
  3. The flexibility provided by WTO in the peace clause is leading to conflict of interest between developed and developing nations.

Directorate General of Trade Remedies

  • It was earlier known as Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) was formed on 17th May 2018.
  • It works as a single national entity dealing with all kinds of Trade Remedial measures(anti-dumping, countervailing, safeguard).
  • It provides a level playing field to the domestic industry against the unfair trade practices like dumping, subsidization and surge in imports.

Functions:

  1. Conducting anti-dumping investigationsand recommendation to Government of India (GoI).
  2. Conducting anti-subsidy/CVD investigations and recommendation to GoI.
  3. Conducting safeguard investigations and recommendation to GoI
  4. Handling Litigation matters before CESTAT, High Courts and Supreme Court of India.
  5. Conducting Outreach programmes to create and spread conceptual awareness and explain the working of DGTR
  6. Exchange of information with the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Nodal Ministry: It functions as an attached office of the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Sodium cyanide (NaCN)

  • It appears as a white crystalline solid, lump solid or powder.
  • It contains equal numbers of sodium cations and cyanide anions.
  • Application
  1. It is used as an insecticide, a test reagent for the function of chemoreceptors,and in many industrial processes.
  2. It is also used in the extraction of gold and silverfrom their respective ores, in electroplating and the heat treatment of metals, and in manufacturing insecticides, dyes, pigments, and bulk drugs, etc.

Sangeet Natak Akademi to organize ‘Shakti – Festival of Music and Dance’ at seven different Shaktipeeths in the country from 9th to 17th April

  1. To rejuvenate the Temple Traditions in the country Sangeet Natak Akademi, under the series of Kala Pravah, is organizing the festival under the title ‘Shakti a festival of music and dance’ during the holy Navaratri, which starts from today i.e., 9thApril 2024. Since Navaratri symbolizes the power of nine goddesses, the Akademi will organize the festival celebrating temple traditions under the title Shakti at seven different Shaktipeeths from 9th to 17th April 2024, in different parts of the country.
  2. The inauguration of the Shakti festival will begin today from the Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati and this will be continued at Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Jwalamukhi Temple, Kangada, Himachal Pradesh, Tripura Sundari, Udaipur, Tripura, Ambaji Temple, Banaskantha, Gujarat, Jai Durga Shaktipeeth, Deoghar, Jharkhand and it will be concluded on 17thApril, 2024 at Shaktipeeth Maa Harsidhi Temple, Jaisinghpur, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

Sangeet Natak Akademi, the national academy of performing arts and an autonomous body of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has been working towards the preservation, research, promotion and rejuvenation of performing art forms of the country expressed in the form of music, dance, drama, folk and tribal art forms and other allied art forms of the country.

NTPC launches new edition of Girl Empowerment Mission

  • NTPC Limited, India’s largest integrated power company, is gearing up to launch the latest edition of Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM), its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. The program aligns with the Government of India’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative and aims to tackle gender inequality by nurturing girls’ imaginations and fostering their ability to explore opportunities. GEM does this through a 1-month workshop for young girls during summer holidays, by offering them a platform for their all-round upliftment and development.
  • Starting from April 2024, the new edition of GEM will add nearly 3,000 meritorious children belonging to underprivileged sections of the society at 42 identified locations of the power sector PSU. With this, the total number of children benefiting from the Mission will cross 10,000.
  • The GEM Mission, initiated as a pilot project in 2018 with just three locations and 392 participants, has flourished into a nationwide movement. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the program has continued to expand its reach and impact. Till date, it has benefited a total of 7,424 girls, with the number of participants steadily increasing each year. In 2023 alone, 2,707 girls participated in the workshop across 40 locations of NTPC, spanning 16 states of India.

  • The Mission focuses on the empowerment of girls through various interventions and aims to identify and nurture their leadership qualities, so that they can be future-ready. The workshop focuses on health, hygiene, safety, fitness, sports and yoga.
  • The GEM Workshop has garnered widespread acclaim for its holistic approach to skill development, confidence-building, and mentorship. By equipping girls with essential tools and unwavering support, NTPC aims to pave the way for a brighter future for upcoming generations. It seeks to empower girls to become catalysts of change, influencing not only themselves but also their families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

PRESIDENT’S GREETINGS ON THE EVE OF CHAITRA SUKLADI, UGADI, GUDI PADWA, CHETI CHAND, NAVREH AND SAJIBU CHEIRAOBA

  1. The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has conveyed her greetings to fellow citizens on the eve of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba.
  2. In a message, the President has said, “On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens.
  3. These are the occasions to welcome the spring season and Indian New Year. These festivals, celebrated in different parts of our country, spread the message of peace, harmony and tolerance. These festivals are symbols of our rich culture and heritage. We also express our gratitude to nature on these occasions.
  4. May these festivals bring happiness and prosperity for all and motivate us to work for development of our nation with greater zeal”

The President of India greeted fellow citizens on the eve of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba.

These festivals are celebrated in different parts of the country and spread the message of peace, harmony and tolerance to welcome the spring season and Indian New Year.

Festival

Features

 

Chaitra Sukladi

  1. It marks the beginning of the new year day according to the Hindu calendar (Vikram Samvat) in parts of North India.
  2. It falls on the first day of the Chaitra month, the first month of the Hindu calendar.
  3. Vikram Samvat: It is based on the day when the emperor Vikramaditya defeated Sakas, invaded Ujjain and called for a new era. Under his supervision, astronomers formed a new calendar based on the luni-solar system.
  4. It is still followed in the northern regions of India.
  5. It is the first day during the waxing phase (in which the visible side of the moon is getting bigger every night) of the moon in the Chaitra (first month of Hindu calendar).

Ugadi

  1. It is celebrated by the peoples of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra, marking the beginning of a new lunar year.
  2. It derives its name from the Sanskrit words “yuga” (age) and “adi” (beginning).
  3. Ugadi is celebrated with the preparation of a special dish called “Ugadi Pachadi,” which is a distinctive blend of neem flowers, jaggery, tamarind, raw mango, and chilli.
  4. Additionally, cultural events, traditional rites, and social gatherings mark the festivities, which bring together families and strengthen communal bonds.
  5. For Ugadi, doors in homes are adorned with mango leaf decorations called toranalu or Torana in Kannada.

Gudi Padwa

  1. It is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the new year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar.
  2. The word Gudi Padwa is made of two words – Gudi refers to the flag (garlanded with flowers, mango, and neem leaves, topped with upturned silver or copper vessel) and padwa or padava or padavo comes from the Sanskrit word pratipada which refers to the first day of a lunar fortnight.
  3. It is celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, and parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
  4. It is celebrated with colorful floor decorations called rangoli, a special Gudi flag, street processions, dancing, and festive foods.
  5. Mythological & Historical Significance:
  6. It is believed to be the day when Lord Brahma created the universe.
  7. It also marks the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.
  8. It is also believed to be the day when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned as the king of the Maratha Empire.

Cheti Chand

  1. Cheti Chand is celebrated as Jhulelal Jayanti by the Sindhi community to commemorate the birth anniversary of Uderolal/Jhulelal, the patron saint of Sindhis.
  2. This marks the beginning of the Sindhi New Year. As per the Hindu calendar, it is primarily observed on the second day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha. Chaitra month is called ‘Chet’ in Sindhi.
  3. Significance: The day is significant for Sindhis since it is believed that Varun Dev emerged as Jhulelal on this day to save the Sindhi community from a king who wanted to destroy Sindhi culture.

Navreh

  1. Navreh is derived from Nav-varsh of Sanskrit. It is the lunar new year that is celebrated in Kashmir.
  2. It falls on the first day of the Chaitra Navratri.
  3. The day is dedicated to their Goddess Sharika and they pay homage to her on that day.
  4. On this day, Kashmiri pandits look at a bowl of rice which is considered as a symbol of riches and fertility.
  5. The festival is associated with the onset of spring and the blossoming of flowers.

Sajibu Cheiraoba

  1. It is the Manipuri New Year festival of Meiteis (an ethnic group in Manipur) which is observed on the first day of Manipur lunar month Shajibu.
  2. On the day of the festival, people arrange a joint family feast in which traditional cuisines are offered to local deities at the entrance gates of the houses.
  3. The festival marks the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.
  4. It is celebrated with the preparation of a special dish called “Chak-Hao,” made from fermented soybean.
  5. People also perform traditional dances and offer prayers to the deities for a prosperous year ahead.

61st National Maritime Day celebrated with full Valour

DG Shipping under Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways hosts spectacular Sports Day, celebrating National Maritime Day

The day is celebrated to commemorate embarkation of the first Indian-owned vessel “S S Loyalty” on her maiden voyage from Mumbai to London, on this day in 1919
Sagar Samman Awards were also awarded, acknowledging exemplary contributions within the maritime sector

  1. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), celebrated Sports Day event commemorating the National Maritime Day.
  2. The Sports Day event was held at Commonwealth Sports Stadium, Akshardham, New Delhi on April 05, 2024.
  3. The event witnessed a jubilant gathering of maritime enthusiasts, professionals, and dignitaries, marking a vibrant celebration of the maritime industry’s legacy and resilience.
  4. The day is celebrated to commemorate embarkation of the first Indian-owned vessel “S S Loyalty” on her maiden voyage from Mumbai to London, on this day in 1919. SS Loyalty, a symbol of maritime prowess, not only navigated through the high seas but also exemplified the spirit of unity and fortitude that defines the maritime community.
  5. This year’s Sports Day event organised by DG Shipping under MoPSW encapsulated the essence of camaraderie and athleticism, bringing together participants from various sectors of the maritime industry.
  6. Attendees indulged in a myriad of sporting activities, fostering team spirit, and promoting a healthy lifestyle amidst the dynamic backdrop of maritime culture.
  7. The event commenced with a ceremonial inauguration, graced by esteemed personalities and industry leaders, who shared inspiring anecdotes reflecting the maritime sector’s rich heritage and promising future.
  8. Participants then delved into an array of competitive sports, including football, volleyball, discus throw, shot put, javelin throw, high/long jump, relay race, 100 mtr/200mtr/400 mtr race echoing the adventurous spirit synonymous with maritime endeavours.
  9. It is noteworthy that the event commenced with the pinning of the ‘Merchant Navy Flag’ on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s lapel on March 29, 2024, by the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, in the presence of the Director General of Shipping and other senior officials in New Delhi.
  10. On National Maritime Day, various ports and maritime organizations under MoPSW, commemorated the velour and dedication of seafarers, exemplifying Maritime Excellence. While New Mangalore Port Authority observed the 61st National Maritime Day with tributes paid at Seamen’s Memorial and a Sail Past by the Port flotilla, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata celebrated the bravery of captains of NSD docked ships, highlighting their fearless strides against the waves.
  11. Paradip Port Authority (PPA) marked the day with Chairman lauding the indomitable spirit that propelled PPA to become the No.1 Major Port.
  12. VPA commemorated the day with various competitions of school children on ‘Sustainable Shipping: Challenges and Opportunities,’ emphasizing the significance of maritime sustainability.
  13. DPA Kandla hoisted the Maritime Flag and held a sail past of Port Tugs, showcasing the collective reverence for the maritime legacy. Shipping Corporation of India received recognition as the Outstanding Indian Employer of Seafarers, underscoring its commitment to maritime excellence.
  14. These celebrations underscored the vital role of the maritime industry in advancing national prosperity and sustainability.
  15. On this day the prestigious Sagar Samman Awards were also awarded, acknowledging exemplary contributions within the maritime sector.
  • Sagar Samman Varuna Award:  Shri. Dhirendra Kumar Sanyal
  • Contribution: Highest honor for outstanding and sustained contributions to the Indian maritime sector.
  • Sagar Samman Award for Excellence: Capt. Kamal Kant Choudhury
  • Contribution: Recognizes consistently excellent contributions to the maritime sector.
  • Sagar Samman Award for Gallantry: Capt. SubirSaha, Capt. OM Dutta
  • Contribution: Honors acts of gallantry by Indian seafarers, encouraging emulation of their exemplary conduct.
  1. The National Maritime Day Celebrations (Central) Committee Awards (NMDC Awards) for Outstanding Maritime Training Institutes and Recognitions were also announced, recognizing institutions and employers for their exceptional contributions to the maritime industry. In the category of Pre-sea training institutes conducting courses for Officer Cadets (Nautical & Engineering), Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy secured the 1st Rank, followed by Tolani Maritime Institute, Talegaon, Pune in 2nd place, and The Great Eastern Institutes of Marine Studies in 3rd place.
  2. For post-sea training institutes conducting Competency Courses, Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training, Tidal Park, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai clinched the 1st Rank, with Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training, Kilpauk, Chennai securing the 2nd Rank, and FOSMA Maritime Institute and Research Organisations, Kolkata attaining the 3rd Rank. The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) received recognition as an Outstanding Indian Employer of Seafarers.
  3. In the category of Outstanding Foreign Employers of Indian Seafarers, BW Maritime Pvt Ltd. secured the 1st Rank for Shipboard berths between 501 to 1000 GT, while Suntech Crew Management Pvt. Ltd achieved the 2nd Rank. For Shipboard berths above 1000 GT, Synergy Maritime Pvt Ltd emerged as the 1st Rank holder, followed by Anglo Eastern Ship Management Pvt Ltd. in 2nd place, and MSC Crewing Services Private Limited in 3rd place. These awards highlight the exemplary standards set by these institutions and employers in the maritime training and employment sector, contributing significantly to the industry’s growth and excellence.
  4. Over the last 9 years, the number of seafarers has increased by 140%. In 2014, the total count of active Indian Seafarers was 117,090 which are 280,000 in 2023. Under the Maritime India Vision 2030, India aspires to emerge as a premier seafaring nation by establishing world-class standards in education, research, and training within the maritime sector. India is a signatory to both the STCW Convention and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). Indian seafarers occupy 12% of international seafaring jobs, and the Maritime Vision 2030 recommends that this figure reach 20% by 2030.

Express View on Supreme Court linking climate change and fundamental rights: A call to action

  • Governments have not always given proper respect to SC rulings that underline the links between ecology and human dignity. Delhi’s continuing air pollution is a classic example of the gap between jurisprudence and policy
  1. The Supreme Court of India has taken an expansive view of two Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution — Right to Equality under Article 14 and Right to Life and Liberty under Article 21 — to underline the need to protect lives and livelihoods in the face of climate change, one of the toughest and most pressing global challenges. The significance of the Court’s verdict — delivered on March 21, uploaded on the SC’s website on Saturday — cannot be overstated.
  2. Evidence for the vulnerability of Indians to climate change is mounting by the day. Floods have become more frequent and intense; rainfall patterns are changing and heatwaves pose serious health risks. Several studies, including IPCC reports, have warned that global warming will put an increasing number of Indians at risk in the coming years.
  3. Yet, the toll taken by receding glaciers, landslides, sea-level rise, poor air and the loss of green lungs is rarely an issue for the country’s political class even in an election year.

GLYCAEMIC INDEX

  • It ranks carbohydrate-containing foodsbased on the blood glucose response, post-prandial or after a meal. The higher the blood sugar reading, the higher will be the GI.
  • It shows how quickly each food affects your blood sugar (glucose) level when that food is eaten on its own.
  • Foods are ranked on a scale of 0 to 100, with pure glucose (sugar) given a value of 100.
  • The lower a food’s glycemic index, the slower blood sugar rises after eating that food. In general, the more processed a food is, the higher its GI, and the more fiber or fat in a food, the lower it’s GI.

Glycaemic load

It is both the quality and quantity of carbohydrate in a specific food, and is the product of the GI and the amount of carbohydrate available in a serving.

Key facts about Diabetes 

  1. It is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreascan no longer make insulin, or the body cannot make good use of the insulin it produces.
  2. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose.
  3. Not being able to produce or use insulin effectively leads to raised glucose levels in the blood, known as hyperglycaemia.
  4. Over the long-term high glucose levels are associated with damage to the body and failure of various organs and tissues.

Type of Diabetes

  • Type 1 diabetes: It is a condition in which your immune system destroys insulin-making cells in your pancreas. These are called beta cells.
  • When you have type 1 diabetes, your body produces very little or no insulin.
  • It requires daily administration of insulin to maintain blood glucose levels under control. It is usually diagnosed in children and young people, so it used to be called juvenile diabetes.
  • Type 2 diabetes: It results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin that it produces. This type of diabetes is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity.

EU-India join forces to promote start-up collaboration on Recycling of E-Vehicles Batteries under Trade and Technology Council

The European Union (EU) and India today launched an Expression of Interest (EoI) for startups working in Battery Recycling Technologies for Electric Vehicles (EVs) for a matchmaking event. The matchmaking aims to enhance the cooperation between European and Indian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the clean and green technologies sector. The intended exchange of knowledge and expertise will be instrumental in advancing the circularity of rare materials and transitioning towards carbon neutrality in both India and the EU. This initiative takes place under the India-EU Trade & Technology Council (TTC), announced by India and the European Commission in New Delhi on 25th April 2022.

  1. This event is also part of a broader effort to promote a sustainable agenda, foster innovation, and forge stronger economic relations between the European Union and India.
  2. The EoI for the Matchmaking Event launched today, provides a platform for Indian and EU startups/SMEs in the field of EV Battery Recycling Technologies to pitch their innovative solutions and engage with Indian/European venture capitalists and solution adopters. Twelve innovators, six each from India and the EU will be selected and get a pitching opportunity during the Matchmaking Event, scheduled for June 2024. Six finalists (three from the EU and three from India) will be selected following their pitching presentations and awarded the possibility to visit India and the EU, respectively.
  3. The key highlights of the event are:(i) to identify, support, and promote startups/SMEs dedicated to advancing the field of battery recycling technologies for EV; and (ii) to facilitate cooperation, explore potential trade avenues, deepen customer relations and to explore investment avenues for the shortlisted startups/SMEs.
  4. The Matchmaking Event under India-EU TTC Working Group 2 offers Indian startups/SMEs an exclusive platform to demonstrate their expertise in battery recycling technologies. It provides a chance for Indian innovators to establish strategic alliances with their counterparts in the EU, accelerating the development of advanced battery recycling techniques focused on waste minimization and resource sustainability.
  5. Our objective is to harmonize efforts with EU innovators to jointly develop battery recycling solutions that drive industry expansion. We are dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment where sustainability and innovation form the cornerstone of a flourishing circular economy”, said Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
  6. Marc Lemaître, Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission emphasized the need for collaboration dedicated to the EV Battery Recycling industry and said, “The match-making event is a step-ahead to unlock innovative possibilities leading to a green and circular economy. We encourage innovators from the EU to seize this opportunity and explore potential collaborations with their Indian counterparts.
  7. Interested startups and SMEs from India and the EU are invited to submit their Expressions of Interest (EoI) by 30thApril, 2024.

Trade and Technology Council set up by India and the EU

  • The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was first announced by the European Commission and India in April 2022. Established on 6 February 2023, this strategic coordination mechanism allows both sides to tackle challenges at the nexus of trade, trusted technology, security and deepens cooperation in these fields. Establishing India-EU TTC is a key step towards a strengthened strategic partnership for people in India and the EU.
  • The TTC is a key forum to deepen the strategic partnership on trade and technology between the two partners. Geostrategic challenges have reinforced the EU and India’s common interest in ensuring security, prosperity, and sustainable development based on shared values.
  • The TTC will help increase EU-India bilateral trade, which is at historical highs, with €120 billion worth of goods traded in 2022. In 2022, €17 billion of digital products and services were traded.

The TTC consists of three Working Groups:

(1) Working Group 1 on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity.

(2) Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies; and

(3) Working Group 3 on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains.

Working Groups are now jointly working to advance identified objectives and key actions. The matchmaking event launched today is one of the key agreed short-term actions under Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies. The India-EU TTC Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies is being co-chaired from the Indian side by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and from the EU side by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission.

15947