19 July 2022 – Current Affairs

NIIO Seminar ‘Swavlamban’

Paper 3- Security

Why Should You Know?

On July 18, 2022 PM modi addresses NIIO Seminar ‘Swavlamban’.

In details –

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the NIIO (Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation) Seminar ‘Swavlamban’ On July 18, 2022.
• Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the goal of self-reliance in the Indian defence forces is very important for the India of the 21st century. Organizing the first ‘Swavlamban’ (self-reliance) seminar for a self-reliant Navy is an important step in this direction.
• In the last 8 years, the Prime Minister noted that the Government has not only increased the defence budget, “we have also ensured that this budget is useful in the development of the defence manufacturing ecosystem in the country itself. Today, a large part of the budget earmarked for the purchase of defence equipment is being spent on procurement from Indian companies.” He also complemented the defence forces for preparing a list of 300 items that will not be imported.
• In the last 4-5 years, the Prime Minister said that the defence imports have come down by about 21 per cent. Today we are moving fast from the biggest defence importer to a big exporter. Last year 13 thousand crore rupees worth of defence export was done with more than 70 percent of which being from the private sector, he pointed out
• The Prime Minister noted that now the threats to national security have also become widespread, the methods of warfare are also changing. Earlier we used to imagine our defence only till land, sea and sky. Now the circle is moving towards space, moving towards cyberspace, moving towards economic, social space. In such a scenario, the Prime Minister said that we have to move anticipating the future challenges and change ourselves accordingly. Self-reliance will help the country a great deal in this regard, he said.

‘SPRINT Challenges’ –

• A key pillar of Aatmanirbhar Bharat is attaining self-reliance in the Defence Sector. To further this endeavour, during the programme, the Prime Minister unveiled ‘SPRINT Challenges’, which are aimed at giving a boost to the usage of indigenous technology in the Indian Navy. 
• As a part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, NIIO, in conjunction with the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), aims at inducting at least 75 new indigenous technologies/products into the Indian Navy.
• This collaborative project is named SPRINT (Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through iDEX, NIIO and TDAC).

Seminar ‘Swavlamban’ –

• The Seminar aims to engage Indian industry and academia towards achieving self-reliance in the Defence sector.
• The two-day Seminar (18-19 July) will provide a platform for leaders from Industry, Academia, Services and Government to come together on a common platform to ideate and come up with recommendations for the Defence Sector.
• Sessions dedicated to Innovation, Indigenisation, Armament and Aviation will be held.
• The second day of the Seminar will witness outreach to the Indian Ocean Region, in line with the government’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

Commonwealth Games 2022

Paper 2 – Games

Why Should You Know?

Commonwealth Games 2022 is going to start from 28 July 2022, due to which the Prime Minister will interact with the Indian contingent going to participate in the Commonwealth Games 2022 on 20 July.

In details –

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will interact with the Indian contingent bound for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 on July 20, 2022 at 10 AM via video conferencing. The interaction will be attended by both athletes as well as their coaches.
• The interaction by the Prime Minister is a part of his continuous endeavour to motivate athletes ahead of their participation in the major sporting events.
• Last year, Prime Minister interacted with the Indian athletes’ contingent bound for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as well as the Indian para-athletes’ contingent for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games
• Even during the sporting events, Prime Minister took keen interest in the progress of the athletes. On many occasions, he personally rang up athletes to congratulate them on their success and sincere efforts, while motivating them to do better. Further, also upon their return to the country, the Prime Minister has also met and interacted with the contingent.
• The CWG 2022 is scheduled to be held in Birmingham from 28th July till 08th August, 2022. A total of 215 athletes, participating in 141 events across 19 sporting disciplines, will represent India in the CWG 2022.

About Commonwealth Games –

• The Commonwealth Games, often referred to as the Friendly Games is an international multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations.
• The event was first held in 1930, and, with the exception of 1942 and 1946, has taken place every four years since then.
• The Commonwealth Games were known as the British Empire Games from 1930 to 1950, the British Empire and Commonwealth Games from 1954 to 1966, and British Commonwealth Games from 1970 to 1974.
• Athletes with a disability are included as full members of their national teams, making the Commonwealth Games the first fully inclusive international multi-sport event.
• In 2018, the Games became the first global multi-sport event to feature an equal number of men’s and women’s medal events.
• The Commonwealth Games are overseen by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), which also controls the sporting programme and selects the host cities.
• Although there are currently 54 members of the Commonwealth of Nations, 72 teams currently participate in the Commonwealth Games.

World Food Programme

Paper 3 – Agriculture

Why Should You Know?

Recently Executive Director of World Food Programme Mr David Beasley called on Union Agriculture Minister Shri Tomar.

In details –

• Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Mr. David Beasley, called on the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in New Delhi on July 18, 2022.
• During the meeting, Mr. Beasley lauded India’s achievements in the Agriculture and Food sector and hoped that India will continue to provide its support for the smooth supply of food grains to the world in association with the World Food Programme.
• Welcoming the World Food Programme delegation led by Mr. Beasley, Shri Tomar said that India and the WFP have been working closely in the agriculture sector since 1968 to ensure food security.
• Referring to the various schemes being run by the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the welfare of farmers, Shri Tomar said that through our Public Distribution System (PDS), the Government has distributed free food grains to 80 crore people of India during the Covid pandemic.
• Apart from meeting its domestic needs, Shri Tomar said that India has provided food grains to many countries, thereby upholding India’s ancient tradition and importance of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family).
• Mr. Beasley expressed satisfaction at WFP and India’s efforts on Agricultural Development and Food Security, as well as lauded India’s progress and said he would highlight India’s achievements in agriculture during the upcoming US Congressional meeting.
• On being informed by Shri Tomar that next year the International Year of Millets would be celebrated under the leadership of India, Mr. Beasley assured WFP’s full cooperation in the promotion of Nutritious Cereals.

About World Food Programme –

• The World Food Programme (WFP) is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations.
• It is the world’s largest humanitarian organization focused on hunger and food security,and the largest provider of school meals.
• Founded in 1961, it is headquartered in Rome and has offices in 80 countries.As of 2020, it served 115.5 million people in 80-plus countries, the largest since 2012.
• In addition to emergency food relief, WFP offers technical assistance and development aid, such as building capacity for emergency preparedness and response, managing supply chains and logistics, promoting social safety programs, and strengthening resilience against climate change.
• The agency is also a major provider of direct cash assistance and medical supplies, and provides passenger services for humanitarian workers.
• WFP is an executive member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, a consortium of UN entities that aims to fulfil the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), with a priority on achieving SDG 2 for “zero hunger” by 2030.
• The World Food Programme was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to provide food assistance in areas of conflict, and to prevent the use of food as a weapon of war and conflict.

‘DIGI YATRA’ Project

Paper 2 – Governance

Paper 3 – Science & Technology

Why Should You Know?

Recently, the ‘Digi Yatra’ project has been prepared by the Central Government, it was discussed by the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

In details –

• The Consultative Committee meeting of Ministry of Civil Aviation was held in New Delhi on July 18, 2022. The topic for discussion was ‘DIGI YATRA’.
• Hon’ble members of Parliament, who are members of the committee, took part in the meeting and made certain valuable suggestions about the project. 
• Giving the background of ‘DIGI YATRA’, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said that it is a project conceived to achieve contactless, seamless processing of passengers at Airports, based on Facial Recognition Technology (FRT).
• The project basically envisages that any traveller may pass through various check points at the airport through a paperless and contactless processing, using facial features to establish the identity which would be linked to the boarding pass.
• He said that the privacy issues have been taken care of in the system. It provides for decentralized mobile wallet-based identity management platform which is cost effective and addresses privacy/data protection issues in implementation of Digi Yatra.
• After approval of the revised Digi Yatra guidelines, an AIC (Aeronautical Information Circular) has been published by DGCA on 18.04.2022.

Digi Yatra Foundation –

• Digi Yatra Foundation (DYF) has been set up as a joint venture (JV) company in  2019 under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 whose shareholders are AAI (26% shares) and BIAL, DIAL, GHIAL, MIAL and CIAL.
• These 5 shareholders equally hold the remaining 74% of the shares.
• The Foundation was formed, with the objective of creating the Digi Yatra Central Ecosystem (DYCE).
• Digi Yatra Foundation will be a pan-India entity and the custodian of the Passenger ID validation process. It will also develop consensus amongst the Aviation Stakeholders in India.
• It would also define the criteria for compliance and guidelines for the local airport systems.
• The JV will conduct regular audits, of the various compliances and guidelines (including guidelines on security, image quality, data privacy) defined by the Digi Yatra guidelines for the local Airport Biometric Boarding Systems (BBS).

Starting –

• In first phase, Digi Yatra is proposed to be rolled out at two Airports namely Varanasi and Bengaluru in August 2022 and at five Airports namely Pune, Vijayawada, Kolkata, Delhi and Hyderabad by March next year.
• AAI will identify their airports where Digi Yatra would be implemented in phased manner.

“Export Potential for Agri Crops, Fruits & Vegetables” programme

Paper 3 – Agriculture

Why Should You Know?

An outreach program on “Export Potential for Agricultural Crops, Fruits and Vegetables” was organized in Amravati, Maharashtra on 18th july 2022 in which Union Minister Nitin Gadkari participated.

In details –

• There is a significant potential for boosting exports of fruits and vegetables from Vidarbha region of Maharastra, Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India said today.
• “In order to achieve higher exports, farmers have to adopt latest technology in agriculture and they have to be open to new research findings and adopting innovative farming practices as has been done in the grape-growing areas of Nashik in Maharashtra,” Gadkari said at an outreach programme on “Export Potential for Agri Crops, Fruits & Vegetables” in Amravati, Maharashtra.
• The programme for boosting exports of citrus fruits and vegetables was organized by APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) – an organization under Department of Commerce, in association with Agrovision. 

Nagpur orange –

• Stating that GI tagged Nagpur orange is grown in more than 70,000 hectares in Amravati Region, Gadkari said there is huge potential for export of Nagpur Oranges and other citrus fruits from the Region.
• Since Nagpur Orange is a GI product, it can also be sold at a premium, he pointed out. However, he also urged the scientists that R&D needs to be done for this sector in terms of increasing the yield, varietal improvement and value addition.
• Gadkari stated that while exports of Indian mandarin have doubled in the last two years, manifold increase in the exports can be achieved only through required R&D and value addition.
• The minister appreciated the efforts of APEDA in terms of capacity building of the stakeholders, required infrastructure development, quality up-gradation and promotions abroad. 
• He urged APEDA to organize more capacity building programmes for the stakeholders for getting the required information and knowledge.

Exports of citrus fruits –

• Exports of citrus fruits from India in 2019-20 stood at Rs329.32 crore and reached Rs 590.4 crore in 2020-21. The main markets were Bangladesh, Nepal, UAE and Bhutan, among others.
• Gadkari emphasized on the right selection of planting material for GI tagged Nagpur Orange when targeting the export market and called for concerted focus to grow organic produce.
• The minister also exhorted farmers and exporters to comply with the norms of importing countries in packaging and to increase farm the productivity without compromising on the quality parameters in food safety aspects so as to ensure better realization for their produce.
• He also mentioned that use of drone technology for spraying of agrochemicals can reduce farm losses up to 70% when compared to current agronomical practices. Similarly, use of good packaging material also helps to minimize the post-export handling issues, Gadkari noted.

MoU signed –

• APEDA signed an MoU with Agrovision, which will facilitate and become an extended arm of APEDA in conducting capacity building programmes for the entrepreneurs, FPCs, FPOs and other stakeholders.
• The programme was attended by a large number of FPOs, FPCs, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Young Buddy Entrepreneurs, State Government Officials, NGOs, Cooperatives and Technical Scientists. In the Technical Session, information was shared on norms for quality improvement, importing country protocols, new technical development, etc.

India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting

Paper 2 – International Relations

Why Should You Know?

Recently The 16th round India- China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held.

In details –

• The 16th round India- China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on 17th July 2022.
• Building on the progress made at the last meeting(15^th) on 11th March 2022, the two sides continued discussions for the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector in a constructive and forward looking manner.
• They had a frank and in-depth exchange of views in this regard, in keeping with the guidance provided by the State Leaders to work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.
• The two sides reaffirmed that the resolution of remaining issues would help in restoration of peace and tranquility along the LAC in the Western Sector and enable progress in bilateral relations.
• In the interim, the two sides agreed to maintain the security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector.
• The two sides agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.
• It is noteworthy that India and China have been engaged in a standoff since April-May 2020 over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including the Finger area, Galwan Valley, Hot springs, and Kongrung Nala. The situation worsened after violent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in June 2020.
• The talks have led to disengagement from some areas including the North and South Banks of Pangong Tso and Galwan but some friction points remain.

Kargil war commemorative motorcycle expedition

Paper 1 – History

Why Should You Know?

On July 18, 2022 kargil war commemorative motorcycle expedition to dras (ladakh) flagged off from new delhi.

In details –

• To commemorate the 23 years of victory over Pakistan in Kargil War of 1999 and celebrate the spirit of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the Indian Army has organised a Motor Bike expedition from New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial at Dras (Ladakh).
• The 30-member rally was flagged off by Lt Gen B S Raju, the Vice Chief of Army Staff from the National War Memorial, New Delhi on 18 July 22.
• Over the next six days, the team of 30 serving personnel who have embarked on this ‘dream expedition’ will endeavour to replicate the indomitable spirit of the Kargil brave-hearts by rekindling the spirit of fortitude, courage and adventure synonymous with the Indian Army.
• The bike rally would pass through Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh before culminating the expedition at the Kargil War Memorial, Dras on 26 July 22.
• In order to cover maximum areas, the rally is being split into two teams, who will move along two different axes; i.e the Zojila Pass axis and Rohtang Pass axis, covering a distance of 1400 Km and 1700 Km respectively.
• During the rally, the team will traverse through high mountain passes and arduous tracks with an endeavour to reach remote localities along the route.
• The rally intends to spread the message of patriotism by highlighting the grit & determination portrayed by our brave soldiers, deployed in service of the Nation. 

About the Kargil War –

• The Kargil War, also known as the Kargil conflict was an armed conflict fought between India and Pakistan from May to July 1999 in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere along the Line of Control (LoC).
• In India, the conflict is also referred to as Operation Vijay, which was the name of the Indian military operation to clear out the Kargil sector.
• The Indian Air Force’s role in acting jointly with Indian Army ground troops during the war was aimed at flushing out regular and irregular troops of the Pakistan Army from vacated Indian positions along the LoC.
• This particular operation was given the codename Operation Safed Sagar.

cause of the war –

• The cause of the war was the infiltration of Pakistani troops—disguised as Kashmiri militants—into positions on the Indian side of the LoC, which serves as the de facto border between the two states in Kashmir.
• During the initial stages of the war, Pakistan blamed the fighting entirely on independent Kashmiri insurgents, but documents left behind by casualties and later statements by Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff showed the involvement of Pakistani paramilitary forces, led by General Ashraf Rashid.
• The Indian Army, later supported by the Indian Air Force, recaptured a majority of the positions on the Indian side of the LoC. Facing international diplomatic opposition, Pakistani forces withdrew from the remaining Indian positions along the LoC.

‘Azadi Ki Rail Gadi aur Stations’ Iconic Week Celebrations

Paper 1 – Art & Culture

Why Should You Know?

Recently Chairman and CEO/Railway Board inaugurated Iconic Week Celebrations of ‘Azadi Ki Rail Gadi aur Stations’.

In details –

• Chairman & CEO, Railway Board, Shri Vinay Kumar Tripathi inaugurated the Iconic Week Celebrations of the ‘Azadi Ki Rail Gadi aur Stations’ today in Rail Bhawan.
• Highlighting the importance of 75 identified stations/27 trains in the freedom struggle, Indian Railways will organize week long celebrations from 18th July-23rd July.
• As a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the event ‘Azadi Ki Rail Gadi aur Stations will be held during this week called as Iconic Week, under the overall spirit of Jan Bhagidari and Jan Andolan, which will showcase the convergence of the values and glories of the freedom struggle of the past with the aspirations and dreams of a young, new and iconic India. This week will culminate with the Milestone function on 23rd July 2022.”
• The events of this Iconic Week celebration are focussed both on the Railway Stations and Trains having historical importance. For this, 75 Railway Stations have been identified as Freedom Stations and 27 Trains for Spot Lighting.
• In all these 75 Stations across 24 states, besides lighting up and decorations, events such as Nukkad Natak in local language, light and sound shows, display of video films/ patriotic songs, etc would be held, with a view to increase the outreach of Janbhagidari.
• Photo Exhibition and Selfie Point in the backdrop of ‘Azadi Ki Rail Gadi’ would be set up and remain in these Station premises during the entire iconic week event. On the day of the Milestone Function in Delhi on 23rd July 22, family members of Freedom Fighters from the respective local area will be invited to the Stations to share their story. 
• Under the programme Spot Lighting of Trains, 27 identified trains will be flagged off by Freedom Fighter’s family from the originating stations. These trains will be appropriately decorated and historical facts about the trains would be depicted for the benefit of our citizens, particularly the younger generation.
• The Iconic Week Celebration will be very impactful across the country and more vibrant around the Freedom Stations & Spotlight Trains to kindle the patriotic spirit in the minds of travelling public and people at large.

“Udyamita Pakhwara”

Paper 3 – Economy

Why Should You Know?

DAY-NRLM, MoRD organized “Udyamita Pakhwara” from 1st to 15th July, 2022.

In details –

• In the 75th year of India’s Independence, “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” is being celebrated by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. Under this, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) of the Ministry of Rural Development organized “Udyamita Pakhwara” across the Country from 1st to 15th July, 2022.
• Secretary (RD) inaugurated the Pakhwara virtually on 1st July, 2022. Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Chairman IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, representatives from State Bank of India and SMDs/CEOs of SRLMs along with their teams participated in the event.
• The objective of this Udyamita Pakhwara was to highlight the importance of enterprise growth and entrepreneurship development under non-farm livelihoods in rural areas across the country.
• A series of activities under Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), One Stop Facility (OSF), Clusters, Incubators, SHG products marketing, PMFME scheme were organised in this duration across the country. 
• During this period, more than 1,400 awareness camps on enterprise promotion and various schemes related to rural entrepreneurship were organized. 3,512 business plans were prepared by Community Resource Persons – Enterprise Promotion (CRP-EP) under Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) and One Stop Facility (OSF). Further, Rs. 11.91 Crore were dispersed towards the Community Enterprise Fund (CEF) to these enterprises through Community Institutions.
• DAY-NRLM is also facilitating mobilization of SHG individual beneficiaries and groups for support under PMFME scheme of MoFPI. Accordingly, a total of 6753 applications were submitted to State Nodal Agencies for Seed Capital support under PMFME scheme. Further, during Udyamita Pakhwara, Rs. 10.8 Crore were released to SHGs under PMFME for Seed Capital support.
• Activities under Clusters and Incubators schemes were also initiated in the States. The focus on capacity building resulted in assessment and certification of 115 master CRP-EPs as per the NSQF norms.
• On 15th July, 2022, a concluding workshop was organized by DAY-NRLM under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary (RL), MoRD. In this workshop SMDs/CEOs of the States/UTs shared their experience of Udyamita Pakhwara.
• All the States/UTs appreciated this initiative and expressed their keen interest to continue these activities in future also, as these initiatives have generated a groundswell of support for entrepreneurship in the rural areas. Additional Secretary (RL) appreciated the efforts of all the States/UTs in making the initiative a huge success across the Country.

What is DAY-NRLM ?

• The DAY-NRLM is essentially a poverty relief programme of the Central government. It was launched as ‘Aajeevika – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)’ by the GOI’s Ministry of Rural Development in the year 2011. It was renamed as DAY-NRLM in 2015.
• The scheme is an improved version of the earlier Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY).
• It aims at creating effective and efficient institutional platforms to enable the rural poor to increase their household income by means of sustainable livelihood enhancements and better access to financial services.
• The mission aims at harnessing the inherent capabilities of the poor and equip them with capacities (such as knowledge, information, tools, finance, skills, and collectivization for them to take part in the economy.

Initiatives of NITI Aayog and World Food Program for Millets

Paper 3 – Agriculture

Why Should You Know?

NITI Aayog and WFP to Launch Initiative on Mainstreaming Millets in Asia and Africa.

In details –

• NITI Aayog and the World Food Programme (WFP), India, will launch the ‘Mapping and Exchange of Good Practices’ initiative for mainstreaming millets in Asia and Africa on 19 July 2022 in a hybrid event.
• NITI and WFP will prepare a compendium of good practices for scaling up the production and consumption of millets in India and abroad.
• The event will be inaugurated by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery in the presence of Member Prof. Ramesh Chand and Adviser Dr Neelam Patel, WFP Representative and Country Director India Bishow Parajuli, National Rainfed Area Authority CEO Dr Ashok Dalwai, and Agriculture Ministry Joint Secretary Shubha Thakur.
• Representatives from ICAR, Central and state government departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, industry, Central and state agriculture universities, FPOs, NGOs, start-ups, academic and research institutions, and international organizations such as the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Food Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), etc., will also participate in the event.

About World Food Programme –

• The World Food Programme (WFP) is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations.
• It is the world’s largest humanitarian organization focused on hunger and food security,and the largest provider of school meals.
• Founded in 1961, it is headquartered in Rome and has offices in 80 countries.As of 2020, it served 115.5 million people in 80-plus countries, the largest since 2012.
• In addition to emergency food relief, WFP offers technical assistance and development aid, such as building capacity for emergency preparedness and response, managing supply chains and logistics, promoting social safety programs, and strengthening resilience against climate change.
• The agency is also a major provider of direct cash assistance and medical supplies, and provides passenger services for humanitarian workers.
• WFP is an executive member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, a consortium of UN entities that aims to fulfil the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), with a priority on achieving SDG 2 for “zero hunger” by 2030.
• The World Food Programme was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to provide food assistance in areas of conflict, and to prevent the use of food as a weapon of war and conflict.