24 September 2024 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Reform of global institutions must for development: Modi

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

During the United Nations ‘Summit of the Future,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the necessity of reforming global institutions for achieving peace and development.He advocated for expanding the UN Security Council and emphasised India’s role in digital governance, while addressing emerging security threats like terrorism and cyber conflicts.

Points Mentioned By The Prime Minister

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that reforms are crucial for achieving global peace and development.
• He emphasised that the success of humanity relies on collective strength rather than conflicts.
• He highlighted the significance of the African Union’s permanent membership in the G-20 as a step towards reform.
• The Prime Minister noted that emerging threats include terrorism, cyber, maritime, and space conflicts.
• He called for global digital governance that upholds national security and integrity.
• India is ready to share its digital public infrastructure with the world.

Pact for the Future

• The United Nations adopted the Pact for the Future to address 21st-century challenges.
• It encompasses a range of topics, including UN reform, human rights, and digital cooperation.
• A key feature is the Global Digital Compact, focusing on digital governance and AI regulation.
• The Pact aims to enhance international collaboration to tackle global issues.
• It addresses the need for a coordinated response to emerging security threats.
• The initiative reflects ongoing criticism of the UN’s inaction and the need for effective reform.
• It seeks to create a framework for future generations, ensuring sustainable development.
• The Pact signifies a commitment to collective global action and governance.

Reforms In International Institutions

Reforms in International Institutions UN Security Council Expansion: India advocates for permanent membership to reflect current geopolitical realities.World Bank and IMF Reform: Calls for increased voting power for developing countries to ensure fair representation.WTO Reforms: Support for reforms addressing agricultural subsidies and trade barriers affecting developing nations.Climate Change Institutions: Emphasis on more significant roles in climate negotiations and financial support for developing countries.Global Health Governance: Strengthening WHO’s capacity to address global health crises and pandemics. Challenges Geopolitical Rivalries: Tensions among major powers hinder consensus on reforms.Vested Interests: Resistance from established powers to relinquish influence in favour of emerging economies.Implementation Issues: Slow progress in reforming existing frameworks due to bureaucratic hurdles.Diverse Interests: Varied priorities among member states complicate negotiations.Resource Constraints: Limited financial and technical resources for effective reform implementation.

PYQ: “The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order”. Elaborate. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2019)

Practice Question:  Discuss the need for reforms in international institutions from India’s perspective. What challenges does India face in advocating for these reforms? (250 Words /15 marks)

2. Massive Greenland landslide sent seismic waves around earth for 9 days

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Topic: GS1 –  Geography – Climate Change – Changes in ice caps

Context

On September 16, 2023, seismic stations worldwide detected a puzzling signal lasting nine days, originating from a landslide in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord.The event, exacerbated by climate change, revealed the growing risk of similar natural disasters in the Arctic, prompting concerns about environmental stability and safety.

Event

• On September 16, 2023, an unusual seismic signal was detected globally, lasting for nine days.
• Classified as a “USO” (unidentified seismic object), the signal differed from typical earthquake vibrations.
• The mysterious seismic waves were recorded across diverse locations, from the Arctic to Antarctica.
• The source was traced to the Dickson Fjord in Greenland, where a massive landslide occurred.

Reasons

• The source of the seismic waves was identified as a massive landslide at Dickson Fjord in Greenland.
• The landslide involved the collapse of Hvide Støvhorn peak, leading to a rock-ice avalanche.
• Rapid melting of glaciers due to global warming weakened the rocky slopes, triggering the landslide.

Impact

• Approximately 25 million cubic metres of ice and rock were displaced, resulting in a mega-tsunami that reached a height of 200 metres.
• The mega-tsunami damaged an unstaffed research facility on Ella Island and threatened local cultural monuments.
• The phenomenon caused oscillating waves, creating a seiche effect in the fjord, which lasted for over nine days.

Future Implications

• The event highlights the increasing risks posed by climate change, particularly in Arctic regions.
• With continued warming, the frequency of similar landslides and mega-tsunamis is expected to rise.
• This underscores the necessity for enhanced monitoring and research to mitigate potential environmental and safety risks

PYQ: Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-conSnent. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2014)

Practice Question:  Discuss the implications of climate change on geological stability, highlighting some recent seismic events. What measures should be taken to monitor and mitigate the risks associated with increasing natural disasters in polar regions? (250 Words /15 marks)

3. How to enable transit oriented development

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure

Context

The article highlights the significant role of metro rail investments in reshaping urban mobility in Indian cities, with a focus on Bengaluru.It underscores how improved public transport can enhance economic productivity while addressing challenges related to job accessibility and traffic congestion.Additionally, the implementation of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policies is deemed crucial for fostering sustainable urban growth.

Overview of the Transportation Revolution in Indian Cities

• Indian cities are on the verge of a significant transportation transformation, with an estimated expenditure of ₹3 trillion planned for metro rail projects from 2022 to 2027.
• This investment is expected to enhance urban mobility and unlock considerable economic potential.

Economic Impact of Public Transportation Investment

• Studies indicate that public transportation investments can create thousands of jobs and yield economic returns 5 to 7 times greater than the initial investment.
• The Government of India has implemented the National Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy and the Metro Rail Policy in 2017 to maximise the economic benefits and improve the quality of life in urban areas through TOD as a strategic urban planning approach.

Challenges in Job Accessibility

• Public policies and land market dynamics contribute to the development of economic centres in suburban and peri-urban regions, which often outpace the development of public transport systems.
• This results in longer commutes, congestion, and pollution from increased private vehicle usage, significantly hampering job access and workforce productivity.
• Bengaluru exemplifies this issue, being one of the most congested cities globally, with social costs estimated at ₹38,000 crore annually, equating to 5% of the city’s GDP.

TOD as a Solution

• TOD focuses on land use-transport integration, advocating for compact, mixed-use developments and sustainable transport options such as walking, cycling, and mass transit.
• This approach helps decouple urban density from congestion and economic growth from resource use and carbon emissions.

Enhancing Workforce Productivity

• Improving job accessibility through efficient transport modes can significantly boost workforce productivity and participation.
• Workplace proximity and higher job densities are more effective in driving transit ridership than residential density alone.
• Clustering job growth near transit systems creates agglomeration effects that enhance innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.
• This clustering also expands the worker and customer catchment areas for businesses, stimulating local economic and real estate development, leading to increased public revenues that can be reinvested into urban infrastructure.

Barriers to Business Location Near Transit Stations

• Key barriers hindering large businesses from locating near metro stations include limited suitable properties, unfavourable development regulations, and inadequate infrastructure.
• Inner-city areas are often constrained by high property prices and community resistance to increased commercialization, making it challenging for smaller businesses to establish themselves near transit hubs.

Learning from Global Examples

• Cities like Hong Kong have shown successful models where a high percentage of jobs are located near transit stations, resulting in significant economic benefits and reduced car ownership.
• Bengaluru’s upcoming revision of its master plan offers a crucial opportunity to set ambitious targets for job accessibility near transit.

Recommendations for Future Development

• Public policies should incentivize location-efficient developments near transit stations and explore innovative funding mechanisms such as public-private partnerships.
• A designated nodal agency is necessary to streamline collaboration among stakeholders to facilitate effective TOD planning and implementation.
• The private sector can also play a pivotal role in directing investments towards transit-adjacent commercial and industrial developments.

Conclusion

• Transport infrastructure is essential for economic activity, and continued investment in this sector is crucial for India’s growth.
• To ensure metropolitan cities remain globally competitive, the government must prioritise job densities near transit in policy frameworks while enhancing public infrastructure and fostering inclusive, low-carbon urban growth.

PYQ: How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2019)

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in improving urban mobility and economic productivity in Indian cities. What challenges do metropolitan areas face in implementing TOD, and how can public policy facilitate effective infrastructure development. (150 Words /10 marks)

4. How SC strengthened child pornography law

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 12)

Topic: GS2 – Governance

Context:

The Supreme Court of India has tightened the laws on child pornography, making it clear that mere viewing, possession, or failure to report child pornography is punishable under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, even if such content is not shared or transmitted. This ruling overturns a previous Madras High Court judgment, which had quashed charges against a man for downloading child pornographic material.

Analysis of News:  

What is Child Pornography?

• Child pornography refers to the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit material involving minors. In India and globally, it’s a heinous crime with severe implications, perpetuating the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
  • Online child pornography is the manifestation of digital exploitation, refers to the production, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit material involving minors through digital platforms.
  • The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, 2019 defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a child including photograph, video, digital or computer generated image indistinguishable from an actual child.

Expansion of Section 15 of POCSO Act

The court extended the interpretation of Section 15 of the POCSO Act, which initially only punished the storage of child pornography for commercial purposes. The amended law now covers three major offenses:

• Failing to delete, destroy, or report child pornography.
• Possessing or storing child pornographic material with the intent to share or transmit it.
• Storing child pornography for commercial purposes.

The court emphasized that even intent or preparation to commit such acts could be punishable under this law.

Constructive Possession and Control

• The court broadened the definition of “possession” to include situations where a person exercises control over child pornographic material, even if they do not physically possess it.
• For example, merely viewing child pornography or clicking on a link that leads to such content can constitute possession.

Obligation to Report

• The court highlighted the importance of reporting child pornographic content to authorities.
• Simply closing a link or deleting material is insufficient; individuals must report the content to avoid legal liability.
• Failure to report can lead to fines and further legal consequences.

Implications for Law Enforcement

• Law enforcement must now assess cases of child pornography not just based on transmission but also on the intent behind storage or viewing. The police are instructed to look beyond a single section of the law and ensure comprehensive investigations based on the broader context.
• This ruling marks a stricter approach to child pornography laws, with a focus on intent, responsibility to report, and broader definitions of possession and control.

What are the Indian Initiatives to Check Child Pornography and Child Abuse?

Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012: The Posco act has been amended in 2019, the amended POCSO included stringent measures such as the death penalty for aggravated sexual assault on children.The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, 2019 has introduced several provisions to curb child pornography in India.According to the amended act, whoever uses a child or children for pornographic purposes shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than five years and shall also be liable to fine, and in the event of second or subsequent conviction with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than seven years and also be liable to fine. Other Initiatives: IT act 2000. Child Abuse Prevention and Investigation Unit Beti Bachao Beti Padhao The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 Child Marriage Prohibition Act (2006) Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act, 2016 POCSO Courts under Special Fast Track Courts.

PYQ: With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, consider the following: (2010) 1. The Right to Development 2. The Right to Expression 3. The Right to Recreation Which of the above is/are the Rights of the child? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (d)

Practice Question:  How does the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on child pornography expand the legal definition of possession under the POCSO Act, and what implications does this have for reporting and enforcement? (150 words/10 m)

5. Global Dengue Cases Surge in 2024, India Sees Sharp Rise

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 12)

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health GS3 – Science and Technology

Context:

Dengue cases have surged worldwide, with over 12 million cases and nearly 7,000 deaths reported in 2024 (up until August). Brazil and other South American countries have been the hardest hit. This trend marks a significant rise from the 5.27 million cases recorded in 2023.

Analysis of News:   

What is Dengue?

• Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. While most cases are mild, symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and rash. In severe cases, it may cause internal bleeding or death.

Dengue in India

• India has seen a 50% rise in dengue cases compared to last year, with over 32,000 cases and 32 deaths reported by June 2024.
• Dengue has spread from just eight regions in 2001 to every state and Union Territory by 2022.

Causes of Dengue Surge

• Urbanization: Densely populated urban areas provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, especially in stagnant water.
• Climate Change: Warmer temperatures and global warming have allowed mosquitoes to thrive in previously unaffected areas, including higher altitudes.
• Movement of People: Global travel and trade contribute to the spread of the infection.

Prevention Measures

• Avoid Mosquito Breeding: Ensure that water does not collect in open containers, pots, or birdbaths.
• Protect Against Bites: Wear full-body clothing, especially during the day when Aedes aegypti is most active.
• Public Health Focus: Surveillance and early prediction of outbreaks are crucial to controlling dengue.

Vaccines for Dengue

• The WHO has approved two vaccines—Sanofi’s Dengvaxia and Takeda’s QDenga. However, neither has been approved in India. India is developing its own vaccines, with the Serum Institute of India and Panacea Biotec leading the effort.

PYQ: ‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following? (2023) (a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes (b) Converting crop residues into packing material (c) Producing biodegradable plastics (d) Producing biochar from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass Ans: (a)

Practice Question:  Discuss the factors contributing to the global rise in dengue cases, with a focus on the situation in India. What preventive measures and strategies can be implemented to control the spread of dengue in urban areas? (250 words/15 m)

6. South America Faces Worst Forest Fire Season in Two Decades, Driven by Drought and Climate Change

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 12)

Topic: GS3 – Environment

Context:

South America is experiencing its worst forest fire season since 2007, with 346,112 fire hotspots detected as of September 11, 2024. Brazil is the hardest-hit country, contributing to 60% of the fires.

Analysis of News:   

Severity of the Situation

• Widespread Fires: Fires are ravaging millions of acres across countries like Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and others.
• Brazil: The largest country in the region, Brazil has lost over 11 million hectares of land this year, affecting the Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal ecosystems.
• Other Countries: Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and Paraguay have also suffered significant fire damage.
• Toxic Smoke: Smoke has blanketed over 10 million square kilometers, leading to poor air quality, visibility issues, and “black rain” in cities across multiple countries.

Health Impact

• Respiratory Issues: Smoke from the fires is expected to increase hospitalizations for respiratory problems and cause thousands of premature deaths.
• Air Quality Decline: Cities in southern Brazil, northern Argentina, and Uruguay are experiencing deteriorating air quality, impacting millions of residents.

Causes of the Fire Surge

• Wildfire Season: August to October is the typical wildfire season in South America, with farmers setting fires that often spread to forests.
• Drought Conditions: A severe drought, worsened by the El Niño event, has created ideal conditions for wildfires to spread.
• Deforestation: Large-scale deforestation, especially in the Amazon, has exacerbated fire risks by altering weather patterns and making forests more vulnerable.
• Climate Change: Rising global temperatures have intensified droughts and fire risks. Climate change is cited as a major driver behind these extreme events.

Future Outlook

• Uncertain Rainfall: While rains are expected in October, there is no certainty, and the situation could worsen if they don’t arrive.
• Long-Term Impact: Climate models have predicted such extreme weather events, and scientists warn that conditions will worsen as global warming continues.

Forest Fire in India

Recent Status: In 2024, according to the Forest Survey of India data, the highest number of forest fires have been reported from Mizoram (3,738), Manipur (1,702), Assam (1,652), Meghalaya (1,252), and Maharashtra (1,215). Since early March 2024, satellite data shows numerous fire incidents along the Konkan belt in Maharashtra, south coastal Gujarat, southern Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and parts of South India. Also, in May 2024, a forest fire broke out in the Tuti Kandi area of Shimla (Himachal pradesh), as well as Uttarakhand, threatening the ecologically sensitive Himalayan fauna. Causes: A majority of forest fires are caused by human activities such as discarded cigarettes, campfires, burning of debris, and other similar processes. The exceptionally hot and dry weather conditions experienced in southern India, particularly during the early phase of the summer season, have created a conducive environment for the spread of forest fires. The dry vegetation of forests, including the leaves of chir forests, is particularly prone to igniting and spreading fires.

PYQ: Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2014)

Practice Question:  Examine the factors contributing to the intensification of wildfires in South America. How are deforestation, climate change, and drought interlinked in exacerbating the crisis? Discuss the environmental and health impacts of these wildfires. (250 words/15 m)

PRELIMS FACTS

1. Travel May Slow Down Ageing, Study Finds

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 12)

Context:

A study published in the Journal of Travel Research (August edition) suggests that travel may slow down the ageing process. It explores the concept of “entropy increase” to explain the connection between travel and ageing.

Analysis of News:                                    

Entropy Increase & Health

• Definition of Entropy: Entropy is a thermodynamic concept introduced by Rudolf Clausius in 1865. It measures disorder within a system, where higher entropy signifies more disorder.
• Entropy & Ageing: According to the second law of thermodynamics, entropy in an isolated system increases over time. The study applies this to human ageing, where an increase in entropy reflects the body’s gradual decline. Healthy living and medicine can slow this process.

Travel & Ageing

• Positive Effects of Travel: Travel enhances physical and mental health by exposing individuals to new environments, activities, and social interactions. These experiences can promote tissue repair, boost metabolism, and reinforce the body’s self-healing capabilities, ultimately slowing the ageing process.
• Negative Effects of Travel: However, negative travel experiences, such as accidents, disease, and unsafe practices, can accelerate ageing by increasing entropy.

2. India’s Employment Trends: Unchanged Unemployment Rate with Increased Labour Force Participation and Worker Population Ratio

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Economy; Page: 13)

Context:

The article provides an overview of India’s employment trends, highlighting stable unemployment rates, increased labour force participation, and improved worker population ratios between July 2023 and June 2024.

Analysis of News:    

About PLFS

• The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), launched in April 2017, provides frequent labour market data to monitor employment trends effectively.
• It is a survey conducted by the NSO under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to measure the employment and unemployment situation in India.     

Unemployment Rate (UR) Trends

• UR is defined as the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force.
• Unchanged Rate: The unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above remained at 3.2% during July 2023-June 2024.

Gender Breakdown:

• Male unemployment declined slightly from 3.3% to 3.2%.
• Female unemployment rose from 2.9% to 3.2%.

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

LFPR is the percentage of the working-age population (aged 15 years and above) that is either employed or unemployed, but willing and looking for employment.

• Overall Increase: The LFPR for individuals aged 15 and above increased from 57.9% in 2022-23 to 60.1% in 2023-24.
• Male LFPR: Slight increase from 78.5% to 78.8%.
• Female LFPR: Significant rise from 37.0% to 41.7%.

Worker Population Ratio (WPR)

WPR is defined as the percentage of employed persons in the population.

• Overall Growth: WPR for individuals aged 15 and above rose from 56.0% to 58.2%.
• Male WPR: Increased from 76.1% to 76.3%.
• Female WPR: Rose notably from 35.9% to 40.3%.

3. A collective for young artists to learn nuances of different Koodiyattom styles

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3)

Context

Cholliyattom, a collective of young Koodiyattom artists in Kerala, unites different Koodiyattam traditions to preserve and promote the art form.Through the Natya Yauvanam-2024 festival, it provides a platform for younger artists to explore varied styles like Kalamandalam, Ammannur, and Mani Gurukulam, ensuring the art’s survival for future generations beyond temple settings.

Koodiyattam:

• Ancient Heritage: Koodiyattam is a traditional Sanskrit theatre and dance form originating from Kerala, recognized as one of the oldest living theatrical forms in the world.
• UNESCO Recognition: It was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2008.
• Performative Elements: The art form combines drama, dance, music, and elaborate costumes, often depicting stories from Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
• Styles: Koodiyattam has various regional styles, including Kalamandalam, Ammannur, and Mani Gurukulam, each with distinct nuances in technique and expression.
• Language and Vocabulary: The performances utilise a specialised sign language and a unique vocabulary, making them rich in meaning but complex for newcomers.
• Temple Tradition: Historically, Koodiyattam was performed in temples as part of religious rituals, often showcasing divine themes and narratives.
• Modern Adaptations: Efforts are being made to popularise Koodiyattam through festivals and outreach programs, ensuring its relevance among younger generations.

4. Centre, State set to review scope of AFSPA in Manipur

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Context

The Centre and Manipur government are reviewing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) amid ongoing ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.As AFSPA’s six-month extension ends on September 30, differing views on its application in valley and hill districts highlight concerns over security and governance.

Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA):

• Purpose: AFSPA empowers armed forces to maintain public order in “disturbed areas,” allowing for the use of force to restore law and order.
• Disturbed Area: Areas declared disturbed due to armed conflict or threats to public safety.
• Key Provisions: Grants troops the authority to arrest without warrant, enter and search premises, and use lethal force if necessary.
• Legal Immunity: Armed forces personnel are protected from prosecution for actions taken under the Act.
• Criticism: Accused of human rights violations and misuse, leading to calls for repeal or amendment.
• Current Status: Applied in several northeastern states and Jammu & Kashmir, often leading to contentious debates over security and civil liberties.

5. Number of rhinos slightly increases, but so does threat of poaching

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Context

Despite a slight increase in the global rhinoceros population, poaching remains a significant threat, particularly in South Africa.Conservationists emphasise the need for stronger protective measures and community awareness to combat the illegal demand for rhino horns and ensure their survival.

Analysis of the news:

• The global rhinoceros population has slightly increased, with white rhinos rising from 15,942 in 2022 to 17,464 in 2023.
• However, poaching remains a major threat, with 586 rhinos killed in Africa in 2023, primarily in South Africa, which has around 16,056 rhinos.
• All five subspecies combined total under 28,000 rhinos, down from 500,000 at the start of the 20th century.
• Habitat loss due to development and climate change also threatens rhinos, but poaching driven by demand for horns is the leading issue.
• Kenya has seen its rhino population grow from 380 in 1986 to 1,000 due to protective measures.
• Conservationists emphasise the importance of community education and technology to reduce demand for rhino horns and protect these species.

6. CURTAIN RAISER NAVIKA SAGAR PARIKRAMA II

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2057941 )

Context

The Indian Navy is launching Navika Sagar Parikrama II, a global circumnavigation mission led by two women officers aboard INS Tarini.This voyage highlights Nari Shakti and showcases India’s maritime prowess and commitment to gender empowerment and self-reliance.

Navika Sagar Parikrama II:

• Navika Sagar Parikrama II is the second edition of the Indian Navy’s global circumnavigation mission.
• The expedition is led by two women officers, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A.
• Sailing aboard Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini, they will cover 21,600 nautical miles over eight months using only wind power.
• The voyage starts on 02 October 2024 from INS Mandovi, Goa.
• The mission highlights Nari Shakti (women empowerment) and showcases the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender equality.
• They will navigate around the three great capes: Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and Cape of Good Hope.