23 Dec 2023 : PIB
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
23-December -2023
1. INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS) – 2023.
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora Diplomatic developments: India’s leadership role in IONS, strengthening maritime cooperation, and strategic partnerships in focus. |
| Context: |
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Event Overview:
- 8th edition of IONS Conclave of Chiefs held in Bangkok, Thailand from Dec 19-22, 2023.
- Attended by Chiefs of Navies from 27 countries.
Leadership Changes:
- Thailand assumed IONS Chair; India co-Chair of Working Groups on Maritime Security and HADR.
- India’s designed flag chosen as the official IONS Flag.
- Republic of Korea Navy welcomed as the latest ‘Observer,‘ increasing IONS strength to 34.
Future Plans:
- Work Plan for the next two years finalized.
- India scheduled to take over as IONS Chair (2025-27) during the 9th CoC in late 2025.
Background on IONS:
- IONS was conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008 to enhance maritime cooperation among Indian Ocean littoral states.
- It provides an open and inclusive platform for discussions on regionally relevant maritime issues.
- The inaugural edition was held in Feb 2008 in New Delhi, with India serving as the Chair for two years (2008-2010).
| Indian Ocean Naval Symposium |
– Enhancing regional maritime security. – Promoting cooperation in addressing maritime threats.
– Inclusiveness is a key principle. – Cooperative security is emphasized.
– Information sharing among member states. – Capacity building for collective maritime strength. – Collaboration on common challenges in the maritime domain.
– Facilitating dialogue among regional navies. – Strengthening overall maritime cooperation.
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| PYQ: What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organizational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security. (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2022) (150 words/10 m) |
| Practice Question: Critically analyze the emerging maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and suggest India’s strategic response to address them. (250 words/15 m) |
2. Year End Review of the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
| Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections Significant for UPSC as it showcases government initiatives for minority empowerment, socio-economic development, and efficient governance through integrated schemes. |
| Context: |
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Establishment of Ministry:
- Ministry of Minority Affairs formed in 2006 to empower minority communities – Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, Sikhs, Christians, and Muslims.
Objectives:
- Create an inclusive environment for multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, and multi-religious India.
- Improve socio-economic conditions of minority communities through affirmative action and inclusive development.
PM VIKAS Scheme:
- Subsumes five existing schemes.
- Focus on the life cycle of underprivileged minority segments.
- Components: Skilling, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Education, and Infrastructure.
- Trained 9,63,448 beneficiaries.
PM Jan Vikas Karyakram:
- Centrally Sponsored Scheme for socio-economic development in areas with minority population concentration.
- Projects include school buildings, ITIs, health centers, etc.
- Geo-tagging of infrastructure initiated.
NMDFC Achievements:
- Highest-ever credit disbursement – Rs. 881.70 Cr., covering over 2.05 lakh beneficiaries.
- NMDFC’s MILAN software for digitized loan accounting and mobile app launch.
Haj Pilgrimage 2023:
- Record 4000+ single ladies under Lady Without Mehram category.
- Elimination of 500 seats under Government Discretionary quota.
- Successful coordination for Haj operations, improved health facilities, and extensive use of IT.
ICT Initiatives:
- Web portals for various schemes, including Seekho Aur Kamao, Nai Roshni, USTTAD, and PMJVK.
- Online application, funds allocation, and monitoring for efficient scheme implementation.
- In-house development of ICT systems using state-of-the-art technologies.
3. Year End Review 2023: Ministry of Culture.
| Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government policies Significant for UPSC: G20 cultural initiatives, UNESCO recognitions, and cultural exchange showcase India’s global cultural prominence. |
| Context: |
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G20 Activities:
- Hosted various G20 Culture Working Group Meetings under India’s Presidency.
- Outcome Document titled ‘Kashi Culture Pathway’ agreed upon.
- ‘G20 Culture: Shaping the Global Narrative for Inclusive Growth’ report launched.
- Special edition stamp released by Culture Ministers to mark CWG’s conclusion.
International Cultural Relations:
- Cultural Exchange Programs signed with Egypt, Slovakia, Colombia, Mauritius, Italy, and Belarus.
- Global Buddhist Summit organized in collaboration with International Buddhist Confederation.
- Santiniketan and Hoysala temples included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
- ‘Garba of Gujarat’ declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Other Important Events/Initiatives:
- Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign with over 10 crore people uploading Tiranga selfies.
- Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav in Mumbai showcasing folk, tribal, and classical performances.
- Festival of India held in Kuwait and Namaste France event in Paris.
- Prime Minister inaugurated various events, including Veerangana Rani Durgavati Smarak, Mathura event for Meera Bai, and International Museum Expo 2023.
Cultural Extravaganza and Recognitions:
- Participation in Republic Day celebrations and inclusion of Gwalior and Kozhikode in UNESCO Creative Cities.
- Gita Press, Gorakhpur, awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021.
4. Year end Review- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
| Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government policies Relevant for UPSC: Highlights India’s environmental policies, COP 28 outcomes, NDC achievements, wildlife conservation, and circular economy initiatives. |
| Context: |
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Green Credit Initiative:
- Launched by PM at COP 28.
- Encourages voluntary environmental actions for green credits.
- Focus on tree plantation on degraded land, waste land, etc.
India’s NDC Updates:
- Targets: 45% emissions intensity reduction, 50% non-fossil fuel power by 2030.
- Achieved targets ahead of schedule: 43.81% non-fossil fuel power, 33% emissions intensity reduction.
G-20 Initiatives:
- Launch of Global Alliance on land restoration, Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition, and High-Level Principles for a Sustainable Blue Economy.
- Mangrove Initiative (MISHTI) for shoreline restoration launched.
International Big Cat Alliance:
- PM launched for global big cat conservation, including tigers.
India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021:
- Total forest and tree cover: 80.9 million hectares (24.62% of the country’s area).
- Increase in forest cover by 1,540 sq km, tree cover by 721 sq km compared to 2019.
PARIVESH 2.0 Integration:
- Integration with Gatishakti portal.
- Seamless collaboration for environmental clearances.
Air Quality Improvement:
- Positive impact on air quality in non-attainment cities.
- Reduction in annual PM10 levels in monitored cities.
Mission Circular Economy:
- Committees formed for Circular Economy Action Plans.
- Amendments in rules for plastic waste, E-waste, battery waste, and more.
Wildlife Conservation:
- Transcontinental relocation of cheetah to Kuno National Park.
- Tiger population increase from 2226 in 2014 to 3,682 in 2023.
- Launch of International Big Cat Alliance for global big cat conservation.
For Enquiry
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