12 September 2022 – Current Affairs

IDF World Dairy Summit 2022

Paper 3 – Agriculture

Why Should You Know?

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is going to inaugurate International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit 2022 on Sept 12.

In details –

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit (IDF WDS) 2022, being organised at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, on 12th September, 2022 at around 10:30 AM.
• The four day long IDF WDS 2022 being held from 12th to 15th September, is a congregation of global and Indian dairy stakeholders including industry leaders, experts, farmers and policy planners centring around the theme of ‘Dairy for Nutrition and Livelihood’.
• Around 1500 participants from 50 countries are expected to participate in IDF WDS 2022. The last such Summit was held in India about half a century ago in 1974.
• The Indian dairy industry is unique in the sense that it is based on a cooperative model that empowers small and marginal dairy farmers, especially women.
• Driven by the vision of the Prime Minister, the government has taken multiple steps for the betterment of the dairy sector resulting in an increase of milk production by more than 44% in the last eight years.
• The success story of the Indian dairy industry, accounting for about 23% of global milk, producing around 210 million tonnes annually, and empowering more than 8 crore dairy farmers, will be showcased at the IDF WDS 2022. The summit will also help Indian dairy farmers to gain exposure about the global best practices.

About International Dairy Federation –

• The International Dairy Federation (IDF) is the pre-eminent source of scientific and technical expertise for all stakeholders of the dairy chain.
• It was established in the year 1903.
• IDF represents over 75% of current total milk production worldwide.
• The mission of IDF is to represent the dairy sector worldwide by providing the best global source of scientific expertise and knowledge in support of the development and promotion of quality milk and dairy products to deliver consumers with nutrition, health and well-being.

Inauguration of  ‘Centre-State Science Conclave’

Paper 2 – Governance

Why Should You Know?

Recently On September 10, 2022 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Centre-State Science Conclave’ in Ahmedabad via video conferencing.

In details –

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Centre-State Science Conclave’ in Ahmedabad via video conferencing.
• Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted that the organisation of this conclave is a clear example of SabkaPrayas.
• The Prime Minister remarked “Science is like that energy in the development of 21st century India, which has the power to accelerate the development of every region and the development of every state. Today, when India is moving towards leading the fourth industrial revolution, the role of India’s science and people related to this field is very important. In such a situation, the responsibility of people in administration and policy making increases significantly.”
• The Prime Minister emphasized that Science is the basis of solutions, evolution and innovation. And, it is with this inspiration, that today’s new India is moving forward with Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan as well as Jai Anusandhan.
• Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister of State of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh were those present on the occasion.
• In concluding the address, the Prime Minister expressed the belief that the ‘State-Centre Science Conclave’ will add a new dimension and resolve toward the progress of Science in the country.
• The Prime Minister also urged everyone to not let any opportunity slip in the field of science and technology. “The coming 25 years are the most important years for India as it will determine the new identity and strength of India to come”, the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister also urged the participants to take the learnings from this conclave to their states and contribute toward nation-building.

Background

• In line with the Indian Government’s relentless efforts to facilitate innovation and entrepreneurship in the country, the first-of-its-kind Conclave will strengthen Centre-State coordination and collaboration mechanisms  – in the spirit of cooperative federalism – to build a robust science, technology & innovation (STI) ecosystem across the country.
• The two-day Conclave is being organised at Science City, Ahmedabad on 10-11 September 2022.
• It will include sessions on different thematic areas including  STI Vision 2047; Future Growth Pathways and Vision for STI in States; Health –  Digital Health Care for All; Doubling Private Sector investment in R&D by 2030; Agriculture – Technological interventions for improving farmers’ income; Water –  Innovation for producing potable drinking water; Energy- Clean Energy for All including S&T role in Hydrogen mission; Deep Ocean Mission and its relevance for Coastal States/UTs as well as country’s future economy.
• The Conclave witnessed the participation of Gujarat CM, Union MoS Science & Technology (S&T), S&T Ministers and Secretaries of States & Union Territories, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, NGOs, young scientists and students.

Conference of state cooperative ministers

Paper 2 – Governance

Why Should You Know?

A two-day conference of State Cooperative Ministers was organized by the Ministry of Cooperation on September 08-09, 2022 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

In details –

Background –

• Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a new ministry of Cooperation was set up on 06th July 2021 with an objective to provide renewed impetus to the growth of Cooperative Sector and realization of vision from Cooperation to Prosperity.
• Under the dynamic guidance of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, Ministry of Cooperation is working incessantly for development of cooperative sector, in collaboration with all State Governments and other stakeholders.
• In this background, a two-day Conference of State Cooperation Ministers was organized by Ministry of Cooperation at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 08-09 September, 2022. On the opening day, the conference began with welcome speech of Minister of State for Cooperation, Shri B. L. Verma and inaugural address by the Union Home & Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah.
• On day one of the conference yesterday, State Ministers of Cooperation, Lt. Governors of UTs and several senior officials put their thoughts forward on a number of sectors associated with Cooperation.

About conference –

• In the two-day conference, Cooperation Ministers from 21 states and Lt. Governors of 2 UTs, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, Secretary (M/o Cooperation, Government of India), Shri Vijay Kumar, Additional Secretary and Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Chief and Addl. Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretariesand the Registrar of Cooperative Societiesof the States/UTsshared their views and suggestions for strengthening the cooperative sector. All States/UTs made presentation and shared their best practices amongst themselves.
• Deliberations were held on various important themes including – National Cooperation Policy, National Cooperative Database, New Proposed Schemes of Ministry of Cooperation viz. PACS in every Panchayat, Export of Agro-based and other products, promotion and marketing of Organic Products, expansion of Co-operatives to New Areas.
• Further, Subjects related to PACS and Model Bye-Laws including PACS Computerization, Action Plan for Revitalization of defunct PACS, Model Bye-Laws of PACS were also discussed along with issues related to Primary Co-operative Societies regarding prioritizing long term financing, Milk Co-operative Societies and Fish Cooperative Societies etc.
• NCDC being a leader in cooperative financing informed about the prospects and avenues of lending to the Cooperative sector, with facilitation through its Regional Directorates across States.
• Shri Gyanesh Kumar, Secretary, (Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India) highlighted the strength of Cooperative movement in the Country and requested States to adopt the state of art Software alongwith up-to-date hardware under the Project onComputerization of PACS, as approved by the Government of India.
• Further, to give boost to the export of Cooperatives, the Ministry is facilitating registration of a National LevelCooperative Export House under MSCS Act 2002, that will work in close coordination with Union Ministry of External Affairs and Union Ministry of Commerce to harness the export potential of nearly 30 Crore people associated with the Cooperative movement.
• The Secretary (Cooperation) also briefed about the Multi-State Cooperative Society being registered for production, procurement, branding and marketing Organic products and Quality Seeds. He further conveyed that Ministry of Cooperation has been taking action to ensure that cooperatives are treated at par with the other economic forms.
• The conference concluded with the resolve of all stakeholders to work together for giving impetus to cooperative based economic model in the country to realize the mantra of Sahkar Se Samaridhi.

“Taragiri”

Paper 3 – Security

Why Should You Know?

Project 17A Warship – Taragiri was launched on 11 September 2022 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, Mumbai, lets know about it.

In details –

• The fifth Stealth Frigate of P17A, being built at MDL was launched  by Smt. Charu Singh, President NWWA (Western Region) who 0named the ship ‘Taragiri’. In compliance with the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India declaring a state-mourning on 11 Sep 2022.
• The event was limited to a Technical Launch as the event is tide dependent, any change in the schedule was not possible.
• Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command was the Chief Guest, VAdm Kiran Deshmukh Controller Warship Production and Acquisition other senior officers from the Indian Navy and MoD were amongst the dignitaries who witnessed the launch ceremony.
• Taragiri’ will join its two sister ships at MDL for outfitting activities towards the run up for their delivery to Indian Navy.
• NoteblySeven P17A Frigates are under various stages of construction at MDL and GRSE. Indigenous construction of complex frontline ships such as Stealth Frigates has catapulted the nation to a higher pedestal in the arena of shipbuilding.
• It provides additional benefits such as economic development, employment generation for Indian Shipyards, their sub-contractors and ancillary industry.
• Further, 75% of the orders of the Project 17A have been placed on indigenous firms including MSMEs, thus reinforcing the country’s quest for ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’.

About ‘Taragiri’ –

• ‘Taragiri’, named after a hill range in Himalayas located at Garhwal, is the fifth ship of Project 17A Frigates.
• These ships are advanced version of the P17 Frigates (Shivalik Class) with improved stealth features, state of the art weapons and sensors and platform management systems.
• ‘Taragiri’ is the reincarnation of erstwhile ‘Taragiri’, the Leander Class ASW Frigate, which saw numerous challenging operations in its illustrious service to the nation spanning over three decades from 16 May 1980 to 27 Jun 2013.
• Under the P17A program, a total of seven ships, with 04 at MDL and 03 at GRSE are under construction. Four P17A Project ships (two each at MDL and GRSE) have been launched so far between 2019 and 2022.
• P17A ships have been designed in-house by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau which is the pioneer organization for all warship design activities of the Nation. Towing the line of the country’s unwavering efforts towards ‘AatmaNirbharata’, 75% of the orders for equipment & system of Project 17A ships are being placed on indigenous firms including MSMEs.

National Conference on Sustainable Coastal Management in India

Paper 3 – Environment

Why Should You Know?

Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change organized the National Conference on Sustainable Coastal Management in India.

In details –

• Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the first National Conference on Sustainable Coastal Management in India in Bhubaneswar today.
• This conference is being organized by the Green Climate Fund supported project – Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities.
• The objective of the conference is to bring officials from all 13 coastal states of India under one roof to focus on the three interrelated themes of coastal and marine biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation and coastal pollution.
• This endeavour is aimed at creating a vibrant network of stakeholders who will continue to engage with each other on the topics but also on cross-cutting themes such as coastal governance, technologies and innovation as well as domestic and international finance.
• A programme on Enhancing Climate Resilience of Coastal Communities is being implemented in partnership with UNDP in the states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the initiative is integrating ecosystem and community-based approaches to adaptation into coastal management and planning.

Significance –

• The Indian coastline is of immense strategic, economic and social importance to the country. Spanning 7,500 kilometres, it is the seventh longest in the world, and is home to 20 percent of the country’s population.
• Three of our four metropolitan cities lie on the coast. There is a great diversity of ecosystems within our coastal regions that support more than 17,000 species of plants and animals.  With the changing climate, we need to build the resilience of communities living in coastal areas
• Such conferences are important to bring the conversations of resilience and sustainability to our country’s coastal areas.
• Sustainable coastal management is recognised as need of the hour. Data-driven policies and management frameworks, participatory conservation models, and convergence between stakeholders are the key pillars for effective coastal management.

Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana

Paper 3 – Agriculture

Why Should You Know?

Recently 2nd Anniversary of Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana (PMMSY) was celebrated, Lets know about it

In details –

• Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana (PMMSY) accomplishes  its successful second anniversary On September 10, 2022 . To commemorate the auspicious day,  Departmentof Fisheries, Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, held an event in New Delhi today.
• The key objective of the event is to manifest the achievements and future action plans of the PMMSY flagship program.
• Shri ParshottamRupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry was Chief Guest at the event.
• About 300 fishers and fish farmers alongwith senior officials from States/UTs attended the celebration and shared their experiences and success stories. The event witnessed the  launch of Booklet on PMMSY & its achievements, MatsyaSampada: 3rd edition of DoF Newsletter, Tilapia Action Plan as a part of Export Diversification, Scampi Action Plan, National Seed Plan: 2022-2025 etc.
• NoteblyThe Government of India, as part of the ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’ package, introduced the Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana (PMMSY) with investments to the tune of Rs. 20,050 crores, highest ever investment in the sector.

Major Objectives/Achivements –

• The scheme envisages the generation of 68 lakh employment by the end of 2024-25. The Fisheries sector has shown an impressive growth of 14.3 per cent from 2019-20 to 2021-22.
• The Fish production has reached an all-time high of 161.87 lakh tons during 2021-22.
• The sector saw all-time high exports of 13.64 lakh tonnes amounting to 57 thousand 587 crore rupees, dominated by exports of Shrimps.
• The PMMSY has supported 31.47 lakh farmers under insurance coverage across the country.
• For development of Inland fisheries, 20 integrated reservoir development projects have been undertaken by installing 20,622 cages.
• Earlier, Marine fish production dominated India’s total fish production. However, with adoption of science-based practices and technology in year 2019, 74% of fish production was contributed by inland fisheries and the rest 26% by marine fisheries.
• In this scheme, Aquaculture promotion will be undertaken especially in the saline and alkaline areas of Northern India. Another key concern is Aquatic health management and focus is laid on the address of diseases, anti-biotic and residue issues which will be supported by an integrated laboratory network.

About PMMSY –

• The Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana (PMMSY) was launched in September 2020 with an aim to double the income of fish farmers and fishers in the country.
• Prime Minister envisioned PMMSY as a tool of AtmaNirbhar Bharat towards the purpose of rural development by utilizing rural resources and boosting rural economy in a rapid way.
• PMMSY can be a key factor for augmenting livelihood of rural sector of the nation. The main motto of PMMSY is ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’ in the fisheries sector.
• The reforms and initiatives in PMMSY scheme have been inculcated in core & trunk infrastructure development, modernization of Indian fisheries, especially the push for new fishing harbours/landing centres, modernisation and mechanization of traditional fishermen crafts-trawlers-deep sea going vessels, provision of post-harvest facilities to reduce post-harvest loss, cold chains facilities, clean and hygienic fish markets, two wheelers with ice boxes and many more.
• Fishermen are provided with insurance cover, financial assistance and a facility of Kisan Credit Card as well. PMMSY has set a way forward to enhance its utilization by invigorating rural economy.
• The interventions in the scheme have been adequately developed to cater to multi-pronged aspects in terms of people, process and technology which are the 3 important pillars of continued growth and change.
• These 3 pillars comprise various aspects across the chain: sustainable production practices; adequate processing infrastructure creation; target marketing for end consumer; inclusive policies and ample regulatory frameworks for adoption.
• To give right impetus to the state initiatives though technology adoption, optimal utilization of fisheries and capacity building, the Department has sanctioned proposals from different states for leveraging innovative technologies under Ministry’s flagship scheme of Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana (PMSSY).

Tanot Mandir Complex Project

Paper 1 –History

Paper 3 –Infrastructure

Why Should You Know?

Recently on September 10, 2022 the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, laid the foundation stone and performed Bhoomi Pujan of Shri Tanot Mandir Complex Project under Border Tourism Development Programme in Jaisalmer.

In details –

• Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, on the second day of his visit to Rajasthan, laid the foundation stone and performed Bhoomi Pujan of the Shri Tanot Mandir Complex Project in Jaisalmer Onsep 10, 2022 under Border Tourism Development Programme.
• Shri Amit Shah paid homage on behalf of a grateful Nation by paying homage at the ‘Tanot Vijay Stambh’, to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the security of our borders.
• Many dignitaries including the Director General, Border Security Force, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Additional Director General, Western Command, Inspector General, Rajasthan Frontier, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism, were present on the occasion.

About Tanot Mandir Complex Project –

• The Shri Tanot Mandir Complex Project is being taken up by the Union Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, under the Border Tourism Development Programme.
• NoteblyUnder the leadership of Indian government, development is reaching our border areas for the first time and as a result of the visionary initiative of border tourism, not only is the standard of living of people living in border areas rising, but also migration is stopping from the areas, which in turn in is resulting in strengthening of security in the area.
• In this direction, the Union Home Minister laid the foundation stone of Rs.17.67 crore Shri Tanot Mandir Complex project under the Border Tourism Development Programme in Jaisalmer, so that youth visiting Shri Tanot Mata Temple will know about the valour and bravery of our soldiers.
• Under this project, a waiting room, amphitheater, interpretation center, room for children and several other facilities will be developed to promote tourism.
• Shri Amit Shah visited Tanot Mata and prayed for the happiness, peace and prosperity of the Nation and countrymen.

History –

• The historical Shri MateshwariTanot Rai Temple of Jaisalmer has a wonderful history and it is believed that Tanot Maa gives strength to soldiers to fight against enemies and protects the country in war.
• In the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, many bomb shells were dropped by Pakistan on the Shri Tanot Rai Mata temple complex, but none of the shells detonated by the miracle of Tanot Mata.
• Since 1965, the Border Security Force looking after this temple.
• The Border Security Force operates the temple through a trust and every morning and evening Mata ki Aarti and Bhajan Sandhya are organized in which thousands of devotees from different parts of the country take part.
• It is a known fact from history, that during the Battle of Longewala during the1971 Indo-Pakistan War, brave soldiers of the Border Security Force played an important and decisive role at Longewala Post.
• It is to be recalled that the Union Home Minister had also visited the Forward Post on the Indo-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer on December 04, 2021, and interacted with BSF Jawans, while gettingfirsthand information about activities there.

National Defense MSME Conclave and Exhibition

Paper 3- Security

Why Should You Know?

A Two-day National Defense MSME Conclave and Exhibition begins in Kota, Rajasthan.

In details –

• On September 11, 2022 The two-day National Defense MSME Conclave and Exhibition began in Kota, Rajasthan. Defense equipment including T-90 and BMP-2 tanks, artillery guns, various types of sniper and machine guns and military bridges are being displayed in the exhibition.

• Youth innovating in the defense sector, start-ups and MSMEs are also displaying their products.
• More than 50 companies, start-ups and MSMEs working in the defense sector are participating in the event.
• The conclave will be formally inaugurated On sept 12, 202 by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Minister of State for Defense Ajay Bhatt.  Senior officials of the Ministry of Defense, representatives of leading defense companies and defense experts are also participating in the program.
• The Drone Light Show and Live Concert will also be the highlight of the programme. Defense Conclave and Exhibition is being organized for the first time in Rajasthan.

Naga Mircha Festival

Paper 1– Art & Culture

Why Should You Know?

Recently, Naga Mirch Festival 2022 was organized in Kohima, the capital of Nagaland.

In details –

• In a first of its kind in Nagaland, Naga Mircha (Naga King Chilli) Festival 2022 was organised on Saturday(September 10, 2022) at Seiyhama Village under Kohima district.
• The festival was sponsored by the Department of Horticulture.
• Speaking as the special guest, NDPP President, 11th Northern Angami-2 Assembly Constituency, VibeilietuoKets said, Naga Mircha produced by the Seiyhama is of good quality and that they should start strategising market control by producing the chilli on a large scale that can be available in the market throughout the year at a cheaper rate.
• He also said, while the villagers are actively involved in the cultivation of Naga Mircha, the Horticulture Department should also extend hand-holding to the farmers by imparting scientific-technical support and training.
• District Horticulture Officer Kohima, Senka Jamir informed that the Horticulture Department has chosen  Botsa block as a focus area for Naga Mircha cultivation covering almost 100 hectares.
• He said, Nagaland can become a Land of Horticulture, as the State has diverse agro-climatic conditions having major areas suitable for horticultural crops.
• Convenor Organising Committee of the Festival, LhoulalieZumu said, around 200 households are now engaged in the Naga mircha cultivation. He said, the village generated an amount of 27 lakh rupees last year, and it expects to earn triple the amount this year.
• Zumu said, the success and the benefit generated have also encouraged the educated unemployed youth of their village to engage themselves in the Naga Mircha Cultivation.         
• Mention may be made that Naga Mircha was the first product to receive a GI tag from Nagaland.

Painter Mr. Rodalfo Vega Avedo

Paper 2 – International Relations

Why Should You Know?

An exhibition of the works of famous El Salvadoran painter Mr. Rodalfo Vega Aveido was recently inaugurated at Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts, New Delhi

In details –

• The Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Embassy of the Republic of El Salvador  in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA)  has organized an art exhibition of Paintings featuring works of the renowned artist Mr. Rodolfo  Vega Oviedo from El Salvador.
• The exhibition was inaugurated by Ms. MeenakashiLekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture in the presence of renowned artist Mr.Rodolfo Vega Oviedo,  today at IGNCA Gallery, in New Delhi.
• Speaking on the occasion, Smt. MeenakashiLekhi stated that  cultural exchanges and appreciation of  each other through art and craft, helps in familiarization with the way of life and promotes good relations among countries. Appreciating Mr. Rodolfo Vega Oviedo she said that he is here on a very momentous occasion as India is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

About Mr.Rodolfo Vega Oviedo

• Renowned artist Mr.Rodolfo Vega Oviedo, is a painter, an interior architect and cultural administrator is awarded by the French Government for his cultural work and for consolidating links between France and Latin America.
• Rodolfo’s paintings act almost like an axis that centres his distinctive stories. Carefully collected materials like wire, sand, and leaf, amongst others, synthesize with his memories and result in a well-rehearsed composition.
• Acrylic and neon painted canvases delightfully demonstrate an accumulation of universal or mythological motifs simplified on the verge of abstraction. Correspondingly, the juxtaposition of geometrical patterns, colours, and textures codify his language yet make them intriguing.
• Taking a close look at the composition reveals layers of motifs like architecture, temple, rays, the sun, the moon, and undoubtedly much more. Perhaps, it depicts the sky with the movement of the sun or the moon in a three-dimensional space where possibly home is the key element. However, according to
• His work is part of various personal and public collections and he has exhibited in more than 20 countries around the world. Among these exhibitions and public collections are the Pompidou Museum in Metz, the Tehran Artistic House, the Spanish Ministry of Defense, the Gomez Palace in Havana, Cuba etc.