23-September-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

‘ASSAM RECORDS 86% DROP IN RHINO POACHING SINCE 2016’

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

Assam has witnessed a significant reduction in rhino poaching, with an 86% drop recorded since 2016. This milestone reflects the ongoing conservation efforts to protect the one-horned rhinoceros, which is symbolic of the state’s identity.

Key Highlights

• Rhino Poaching Decline: Assam recorded an 86% decrease in poaching of the one-horned rhino since 2016.
• Conservation Statistics: From 2000 to 2021, a total of 190 rhinos were poached in the state.
• Key Factor in Success: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attributed this achievement to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to promoting and preserving the species.
• Kaziranga National Park: The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, plays a central role in rhino conservation with 233 anti-poaching camps. Each camp is manned by 3-5 personnel for protection and monitoring.

PROJECT RHINO (2005)

• Objective: Protect and conserve the greater one-horned rhinoceros.
• Indian Rhino Vision 2020: Aimed to achieve a wild population of at least 3,000 rhinos in Assam by 2020, distributed across seven protected areas.

Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)

• Native Range: Indian subcontinent.
• Status: Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List due to habitat fragmentation and human encroachment.
• Global Population (2018): Estimated at 3,588, including 2,939 in India and 649 in Nepal.
• Kaziranga National Park: Home to over 2,048 rhinos as of 2009, housing 70% of the global rhino population.
• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: Highest rhino density in the world with 84 individuals across 38.80 km².

Conservation Challenges

• Historic Range: Once spread across the Indo-Gangetic Plain; now restricted to 11 locations in India and Nepal.
• Poaching: Over 150 rhinos poached in Assam between 2000-2006.

GREATER ONE-HORNED RHINOS

• Habitat: Greater one-horned rhinos live in riverine grasslands and adjacent woodlands in northern India and southern Nepal.
• Diet: They are grazers, feeding on land and aquatic plants while immersed in water.
• Gestation Period: Lasts about 15-16 months; mothers have one calf every 2-3 years.
• Behavior: Generally solitary except for females with young; males defend territories irregularly.
• Asian Rhino Species: Includes Greater one-horned, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos.
• Threats: Poaching and habitat loss are major threats to Asian rhinos.
• Conservation Efforts: The New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos 2019 aims to protect rhinos in India, Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Important Species:

• Home to the largest population of one-horned rhinos.
• The “big four” conservation focus: Rhino, Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, and Asiatic Water Buffalo.
• Habitat for 9 of the 14 primate species found in India.

Other National Parks in Assam:

• Dibru-Saikhowa, Manas, Nameri, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park.

Conservation Efforts by India

• Translocation: Rhino translocations to Manas National Park were rescheduled for 2024 with enhanced security measures.
• Rhino Corridor: In 2022, Assam added 200 sq km to Orang National Park, linking it with Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, creating a connected corridor between all rhino habitats in Assam.
• New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos: India, Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia, and Malaysia signed a declaration to protect and conserve rhinos.
• DNA Profiles of Rhinos: A project to create DNA profiles of all rhinos to curb poaching and aid in wildlife crime investigations.
• National Rhino Conservation Strategy: Launched in 2019 to conserve the greater one-horned rhinoceros.
• Indian Rhino Vision 2020: Aimed to increase the rhino population to 3,000 across seven protected areas in Assam by 2020.

Conclusion

The steep decline in rhino poaching in Assam underscores the success of coordinated conservation efforts and government intervention. It showcases how focused measures can help safeguard endangered species and promote ecological balance.

Multiple Choice Question

1. With reference to the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros and Kaziranga National Park, consider the following statements:

1. Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds the largest population of the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros in the world.
2. The Indian Rhino Vision 2020 aimed to increase the wild population of rhinos to 5,000 in Assam by the year 2020.
3. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam has the highest density of the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros in the world.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest population of the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros in the world. Over 70% of the world’s Indian rhino population resides in Kaziranga.

The Indian Rhino Vision 2020 aimed to increase the wild population of the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros to 3,000, not 5,000, across seven protected areas in Assam by 2020.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam has the highest density of the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros in the world, although Kaziranga National Park has the largest population overall.

JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU

The article discusses the crucial issue of judicial appointments in India, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the process to uphold the judiciary’s independence.

Importance of Judicial Independence

• Essential Balance: The judiciary operates harmoniously with the executive and legislative branches, but must maintain independence to ensure true democracy and protect rights.
• Risks of Arrogance: Without accountability, judicial independence can lead to unchecked decisions and potential judicial arrogance, as noted by Justice H.R. Khanna.

Judicial Selection Process

• Current System Flaws: The process lacks a clear, principled approach and is primarily influenced by the executive, particularly the President, under the current collegium system.
• Criticisms and Challenges: Critics argue that the selection process is opaque, with no accountability or investigation into the judges’ class character or background.

Proposed Reforms

• Introduction of a Commission: There is a suggestion to replace the collegium system with a commission to make the process more transparent and accountable.
• Commission Structure: The commission should be composed of members who are accountable and guided by clear principles, ensuring a thorough vetting process.

Principles for Effective Judicial Appointments

• Attributes of Judges: Judges should be selected based on their legal acumen, integrity, and ability to uphold constitutional values.
• Role of Commission: The commission should operate independently from the government to ensure unbiased selections.

Conclusion

The need to reform the judicial appointment process is urgent to maintain the integrity and independence of the judiciary. Implementing a commission with clear, accountable guidelines would be a significant step toward achieving these goals.

Multiple Choice Question

1. With reference to the Collegium System in India, consider the following statements:

1. The transfer of High Court judges can be recommended by the Collegium system.
2. The President of India is bound to accept the recommendations of the Collegium system for the appointment and transfer of judges.
3. The Chief Justice of India plays a central role in the Collegium system.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Collegium system can recommend the transfer of High Court judges.

The President is not bound to accept the Collegium’s recommendations, though they are given significant weight.

The Chief Justice of India leads the Collegium system for judicial appointments and transfers.

EARTH MAY ONCE HAVE HAD A RING COMPRISING ASTEROID DEBRIS: STUDY

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRES

A new study suggests that Earth may have once had a ring system composed of asteroid debris, similar to the rings of Saturn. The study provides insights into Earth’s ancient environment and its potential role in cooling the planet during a significant climate event.

Asteroid Debris Origin:

• Earth’s ring system, if it existed, was formed around 466 million years ago from an asteroid that passed too close to Earth.
• The asteroid broke into small and large pieces, which gradually settled into a ring around Earth’s equator.

Role of Gravity:

• Over time, gravity pulled the debris toward Earth.
• Smaller pieces burned up in the atmosphere, while larger fragments hit Earth’s surface, creating impact craters.

Cooling Effect:

• The asteroid ring could have acted as a parasol, reflecting solar radiation and reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the planet.
• This may have led to a significant cooling event, contributing to Earth’s plummeting temperatures around 460–465 million years ago.

Scientific Analysis

Monash University Study:

• Led by planetary scientist Andrew Tomkins, the study was published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters.
• It suggests that asteroid impacts and the resulting debris could explain climate changes and impact patterns seen in Earth’s history.

Asteroid Belt

1. Definition: The asteroid belt is a circular chain of asteroids between Mars and Jupiter.
2. Location: Lies between 2.3 to 3.3 AU from the Sun.
3. Composition: Asteroids are primarily rocky and metallic minerals with some ice.
4. Size Range: Asteroids vary in size from hundreds of kilometers to microscopic particles.
5. Formation: Asteroids are remnants of planetary formation, prevented from coalescing due to Jupiter’s gravity.

Ceres

1. Largest Asteroid: Ceres, at 946 km in diameter, is the largest asteroid in the belt.
2. Protoplanet/Dwarf Planet: Ceres is a protoplanet and classified as a dwarf planet.
3. Shape: Its mass is large enough for gravity to shape it into a sphere.

Kuiper Belt, Pluto, and Charon

1. Kuiper Belt: A ring of icy debris, extending 30-50 AU from the Sun, similar to the asteroid belt.
2. Pluto: Pluto is the largest known object in the Kuiper belt, located at 39 AU.
3. Charon: Pluto’s largest moon.
4. Dwarf Planet Status: Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 due to IAU’s planetary definition.
5. Other Kuiper Belt Objects: Eris (2,326 km diameter) is another significant object in the Kuiper belt.

Planetary Definitions (IAU)

1. Planet Definition: A planet must orbit the Sun, have enough mass to be round, not be a satellite, and clear its orbital path of debris.
2. Dwarf Planet Definition: A dwarf planet meets the planetary criteria except for clearing its orbit of debris.

Conclusion

This research offers a fascinating glimpse into Earth’s past, hypothesizing the existence of a ring system that may have influenced the planet’s climate. It highlights the role of asteroid debris in shaping Earth’s geological and atmospheric conditions.

Multiple Choice Question

1. With reference to the terms related to celestial bodies, consider the following statements:

1. A comet often has a tail that grows as it approaches the Sun due to the vaporization of ice and gases.
2. A meteoroid becomes a meteor when it burns up upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere.
3. A meteor that completely burns up before hitting the ground is called a meteorite.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

A comet develops a tail when it approaches the Sun as its ice and gases vaporize.

A meteoroid that enters Earth’s atmosphere becomes a meteor and burns up.

A meteorite is a fragment that reaches the Earth’s surface without completely burning up

U.P., RAJASTHAN, M.P. TOP IN CASES OF ATROCITIES ON DALITS: REPORT

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN SOCIETY: HINDU

The report from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for 2022 highlights the prevalence of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) across India.

It shows that most cases were concentrated in 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh recording the highest number of crimes against SCs and STs.

Key Statistics on Atrocities Against SCs

Total SC Cases: 51,656 cases of atrocities against SCs were registered in 2022.

Top Three States:

• Uttar Pradesh: 12,287 cases (23.78%)
• Rajasthan: 8,651 cases (16.75%)
• Madhya Pradesh: 7,732 cases (14.97%)

Other States with Significant Cases:

• Bihar: 6,799 cases (13.16%)
• Odisha: 3,576 cases (6.93%)
• Maharashtra: 2,706 cases (5.24%)

National Concentration: 13 states accounted for 97.7% of all SC cases.

Key Statistics on Atrocities Against STs

Total ST Cases: 9,735 cases were registered for atrocities against STs.

Top Three States:

• Madhya Pradesh: 2,979 cases (30.61%)
• Rajasthan: 2,498 cases (25.66%)
• Odisha: 773 cases (7.94%)

Other States with Significant Cases:

• Maharashtra: 691 cases (7.10%)
• Andhra Pradesh: 499 cases (5.13%)

National Concentration: 13 states accounted for 98.91% of all ST cases.

Investigation and Conviction Status

SC Cases:

• Charge sheets filed in 60.38% of cases.
• 78% concluded with final reports due to reasons like false claims or lack of evidence.
• 17,166 cases were still under investigation at the end of 2022.

ST Cases:

• Charge sheets filed in 63.32% of cases.
• 71% ended with final reports.
• 2,702 ST cases were under investigation at the end of 2022.

Declining Conviction Rate

• The conviction rate for atrocities under the SC/ST Act dropped to 32.4% in 2022 from 39.2% in 2020.

Special Courts and Police Stations

• Special Courts: Only 194 of 498 districts had special courts to expedite trials for these cases.
• Special Police Stations: States like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh set up special police stations to register cases related to SC/ST atrocities.

Historical Marginalization of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs)

• Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have historically been among the most marginalized and neglected communities in India.
• For centuries, they have faced social, educational, and economic deprivation. This exclusion stems from several factors, including:

Denial of Basic Rights

• In some regions, especially in states like Rajasthan, SCs and STs are still deprived of their basic rights and freedoms. Instances of social discrimination persist, such as:

• Prohibition from growing mustaches or wearing certain attire.
• Denial of the right to ride a horse during ceremonies.
• Segregated cremation grounds for different communities.

Constitutional Provisions Safeguarding SCs and STs

The Indian government has implemented several measures to eliminate discrimination and improve the living conditions of SCs and STs. Key provisions include:

• Fundamental Rights: Guaranteed by the Constitution to protect human rights and ensure equality for all.
• Abolition of Untouchability: Enforced in 1950 to legally prohibit the practice of untouchability.
• Reservations: Special provisions for SCs and STs in educational institutions, government jobs, and political representation.
• Social Welfare Departments and Commissions: Institutions like the National Commission for SCs and STs have been established to monitor and promote the welfare of these communities.

Right to Equality

The Right to Equality, enshrined in Articles 14 to 18 of the Indian Constitution, provides detailed safeguards against discrimination:

• Article 14: Guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law.
• Article 15: Prohibits discrimination on grounds of caste, race, religion, sex, or place of birth.
• Article 16: Ensures equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.
• Article 17: Abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form.
• Article 18: Abolishes titles that create a hierarchy within society.

These constitutional safeguards are aimed at ensuring that all citizens, especially SCs and STs, can live with dignity, free from discrimination and oppression.

Conclusion

The report underscores the need for stronger legal and administrative measures to curb caste-based atrocities and improve the conviction rate. Establishing more special courts and police stations, along with targeted interventions in vulnerable districts, is critical to ensuring justice for SC/ST communities.

GOVERNMENT RAISES IMPORT DUTIES TO PROTECT OILSEED FARMERS AND BOOST DOMESTIC PRODUCTION

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has recently implemented significant measures to support oilseed farmers by raising import duties on edible oils and authorizing procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

This move signals a shift from a pro-consumer to a pro-producer policy, designed to protect domestic oilseed growers amidst volatile global markets.

Analysis of News:

Import Duty Hike on Edible Oils:

• On September 13, 2024, the government raised the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on crude palm, soybean, and sunflower oils from zero to 20%, and on refined versions from 12.5% to 32.5%.
• The effective import duty on crude oils has now increased from 5.5% to 27.5%, while for refined oils, it rose from 13.75% to 35.75%, restoring protection levels to those last seen in 2021.
• These hikes aim to safeguard domestic farmers by reducing the inflow of cheaper imports, which had surged due to previously low tariffs.

Pro-Producer Shift:

• The decision to raise import duties, combined with state authorizations to procure soybean at MSP, demonstrates a shift toward a pro-producer policy.
• Global vegetable oil prices have softened from their 2022 peaks, giving the government leeway to increase import duties without drastically affecting consumer prices.
• This policy shift also has political underpinnings, particularly with Maharashtra’s Assembly elections on the horizon. Maharashtra is a major soybean producer, making these measures politically significant.

Surge in Sunflower Oil Imports:

• Sunflower oil imports have risen, becoming India’s second-largest edible oil import after palm oil. By August 2024, crude sunflower oil imports reached 3.1 million tonnes, driven by its price competitiveness.
• Sunflower oil, once the costliest, became more affordable after disruptions from the Ukraine war eased, leading to lower prices compared to soybean and palm oils.

Domestic vs. Import Production:

• India’s dependence on edible oil imports is stark, with 16.5 million tonnes imported in 2022-23, compared to 10.3 million tonnes produced domestically.
• The import duty hike is expected to slow down imports and encourage domestic production, especially with favorable monsoon conditions and government support through MSP procurement.

How India can boost domestic production, particularly in the oilseeds sector:

Enforcing Area Expansion

• Incentivized Crop Rotation: Promote crop rotation in high-input regions (e.g., Punjab, Haryana).
• Increase Oilseed Yields: Encourage farmers to grow oilseeds alongside traditional grains.

Adopting Multiple Technologies

• Integration of Technologies: Use IT, satellite, nuclear agri-technology, and nanotechnology.
• Enhanced Yields: Aim to improve crop yields and quality, optimizing land and water usage.

Implementing a Robust Procurement System

• Guaranteed Market: Establish a reliable procurement system for farmers.
• Encouragement for Production: Provide assured buying prices to stimulate oilseed cultivation.

Tapping Non-Conventional Oil Sources

• Utilization of Diverse Sources: Focus on cottonseed, rice-bran, and tree-borne oilseeds.
• Diversification: Reduce dependence on traditional oilseed sources.

Regulating and Monitoring Imports

• Proactive Policy Interventions: Move from reactive to data-driven decision-making.
• Import Contract Registration: Implement a system to track and monitor imports effectively.

Cutting Down Credit Period

• Shortened Credit Terms: Reduce the credit period from 90-150 days to 45 days.
• Mitigate Speculation: Address issues of over-trading and potential NPAs in bank loans.

Bringing Cooking Oil under PDS

• Support Vulnerable Consumers: Supply edible oil at subsidized rates through welfare programs.

Conclusion:

The government’s recent decisions to raise import duties on edible oils and authorize MSP procurement for oilseeds reflect a clear strategy to bolster domestic farmers. This shift aims to boost local production and reduce dependence on imports. However, the long-term effectiveness of these measures will depend on global price movements and India’s capacity to meet growing demand through increased domestic production.

AZERBAIJAN PROPOSES VOLUNTARY CLIMATE FUND AMID STALLED COP29 FINANCE TALKS

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRES

Azerbaijan has proposed a voluntary climate fund at COP29 to support developing countries, funded by fossil-fuel producing nations and companies. The proposal comes as negotiations over a global climate finance agreement remain stalled.

Climate Finance Negotiations:

• Ongoing Disagreements: Developed and developing countries are in dispute over issues such as climate finance definitions and allocation of funds.
• Adaptation Neglect: The majority of climate finance focuses on mitigation, while adaptation receives less than 20% of the funding.

New Financial Goals:

• Trillions Needed: The New Cumulative Quantitative Goal (NCQG) aims to raise between $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion annually, but achieving this is unlikely as developed countries struggle to meet even the $100 billion target.
• Expansion of Donor Base: There is a call to include wealthier nations like China, South Korea, and Gulf countries in the donor pool, though some view this as shifting responsibilities from developed nations.

Azerbaijan’s Proposed Fund:

• Voluntary Contributions: The proposed climate fund would depend on voluntary donations from fossil-fuel producers, raising concerns due to the lack of capitalisation in existing funds, such as the Loss and Damage Fund.
• Legacy Effort: Azerbaijan’s proposal is seen as an attempt to strengthen the outcomes of COP29, though its practical impact may be limited without firm commitments.

Challenges Regarding Climate Finance:

• Insufficient Funds: There is a large gap between the required and available funds to combat climate change, limiting the effectiveness of climate projects.
• Lack of Ambition: Developed nations have hesitated to pledge the scale of funds needed, particularly in providing grants and concessional finance.
• Ensuring Equity and Justice: Climate finance distribution should prioritise vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by climate change.
• Private Finance: Mobilising private sector investments remains challenging, despite its importance in scaling up climate finance.
• Debt Burdens: Developing nations face rising debt burdens, raising concerns about their capacity to repay climate-related loans.

CLIMATE FINANCE

• Climate finance involves funding from local, national, or transnational sources.
• It supports mitigation and adaptation efforts to combat climate change.
• The UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement emphasize financial aid from wealthier to vulnerable countries.
• It follows the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities.”

Background

• Developed countries aimed to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 for developing nations through the Cancun Agreements (2010).
• The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was established as a key financial mechanism.
• Under the Paris Agreement (2015), a new collective goal will be set before 2025, starting from $100 billion annually.

Global Climate Financing

Green Climate Fund (GCF):

• Established to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in developing nations.
• Supports vulnerable societies in adapting to climate change impacts.

Adaptation Fund (AF):

• Created under the Kyoto Protocol in 2001.
• Committed US$ 532 million for climate adaptation and resilience activities.

Global Environment Facility (GEF):

• Operating since the UNFCCC Convention in 1994.
• Focused on clean energy investments for long-term financial returns.

Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) and Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF):

• Both managed by the GEF.
• Provide support for specific adaptation and development needs of vulnerable countries.

Need for Climate Finance

• The World Economic Forum estimates that $5.7 trillion is needed yearly for green infrastructure by 2020.
• The current $100 billion commitment is insufficient to meet global investment needs.
• Large-scale investments are essential for emission reduction and climate adaptation.
• Financial support is crucial for developing countries to build resilience and attract private sector investment.
• Climate finance is vital for transitioning to a low-carbon economy, especially in resource-scarce nations.

Scale of Needed Investment in India

• India aims to reduce carbon emission intensity by 33-35% under the Paris Accord.
• Climate finance is necessary to achieve these targets and expand renewable energy capacity.
• India’s Green Bond market began in 2015, reflecting growing investment needs in climate initiatives.

Conclusion

Azerbaijan’s voluntary climate fund proposal at COP29 introduces a new dimension to the ongoing climate finance debate.

While it highlights the need for innovative funding mechanisms, its reliance on voluntary contributions raises doubts about effectiveness, especially given the underfunding of existing initiatives.

Without binding commitments from developed nations and broader financial contributions, the global climate finance goals will remain challenging to achieve, particularly for developing countries in need of urgent adaptation and mitigation support.

QUAD MEET LAUNCHES MARITIME AND HEALTH INITIATIVES

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: HINDU

Quad leaders from India, Australia, the U.S., and Japan met for their sixth summit to discuss security, health, and education collaboration.

The summit aimed to address regional challenges such as maritime aggression in the Indo-Pacific and conflicts like the war in Ukraine.

What is Quad?

• Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is a grouping of four democracies: India, Australia, the U.S., and Japan.
• Objective: To promote a free and open international order based on the rule of law, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Objectives of Quad:

• Maritime security: Ensuring safety and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.
• Covid-19 response: Vaccine diplomacy and combating the pandemic.
• Climate change: Addressing environmental risks in the region.
• Economic growth: Fostering investments and innovation in the Indo-Pacific.
• Technological advancement: Encouraging cooperation in tech innovation and infrastructure.

Key Initiatives from the Quad Summit:

• Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission (2025): New coast guard exercises aimed at enhancing maritime safety and interoperability.
• Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI): A training program to help Quad partners secure their maritime territories. India to host the inaugural workshop in 2025.
• Logistics Network Pilot Project: Sharing airlift capacity to enhance disaster response capabilities.
• Quad Cancer Moonshot: A $10 million commitment from India for cervical cancer screening, with Serum Institute of India and Gavi to provide 40 million vaccines.
• Maritime Legal Dialogue: Supporting actions to uphold rules-based order in maritime issues.
• Condemnation of Maritime Aggression: Quad expressed concerns over China’s actions in the East and South China Seas, condemning militarization.
• Global Conflicts: Addressing the impact of the Ukraine war on food and energy security, and calling for increased humanitarian aid for Gaza.
• Quad Fellowship Expansion: STEM scholarships increased to 50, offering $500,000 for students from the region to study in India’s technical institutions.

Significance of Quad for India:

• Countering China: India can collaborate with Quad nations to address China’s hostilities and strengthen its position in the Indo-Pacific.
• Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Quad supports India’s vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, countering China’s aggressive behavior.
• India as a Net Security Provider: Enhances India’s security role, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Multipolar World: Helps India pursue a rule-based multipolar global order, supporting its ambitions of regional leadership.
• Post-COVID Diplomacy: Quad provides India a platform to reduce over-dependence on China for global supply chains and strengthen its manufacturing sector.

CONCLUSION:

The Quad’s recent initiatives signify a deepening commitment to regional security, health, and economic cooperation, positioning it as a key player in the Indo-Pacific’s strategic landscape.

Going forward, India’s leadership in these areas could strengthen its influence in countering regional threats and fostering stability.

As Quad expands its partnerships and initiatives, it will likely play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges, from maritime security to post-pandemic recovery.

WORLD FOOD INDIA 2024 CONCLUDES TODAY

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: PIB

The event held from September 19 to 22, 2024, in New Delhi, showcased innovations in the food processing sector with significant global participation.

The gathering provided a platform for discussions on critical industry challenges and explored government initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and promoting sustainability in the sector.

Overview of World Food India 2024

• Organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries at Bharat Mandapam.
• Featured 1,557 exhibitors and 20 country pavilions.
• Aimed to showcase advancements in food processing and foster global collaboration.

Key Decisions Taken

• Inauguration of Food Processing Units: 67 locations launched under PLISFPI and PMKSY schemes, totaling ₹5,135 crores in investments.
• Credit-Linked Support: Provided to 25,000 beneficiaries for micro projects worth ₹2,351 crores under the PMFME scheme.
• CEO Roundtable Discussions: Focused on easing business operations, addressing misleading advertisements, and evaluating the food processing value chain.
• Startup Grand Challenge: Encouraged innovations in waste management and water efficiency, with winners receiving financial and incubation support.
• Global Food Regulators Summit: Addressed regulatory issues, gathering delegates from over 70 countries.

Conclusion

The event reinforced the government’s commitment to enhancing food security and sustainability in India’s food processing sector.