12th & 13th February, 2025 Current Affairs

NATIONAL
Sewerage projects cleared for Ganga Conservation by NMCG

• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) held its 60th Executive Committee Meeting chaired by the Director General, where several projects were approved to support the conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga River.
• One of the major projects approved involves the interception and diversion of the Durga Drain in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, along with the construction of a 60 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP).
• The project, with an estimated cost of ₹274.31 crore, is designed to enhance wastewater management. It includes a 75 MLD main pumping station and other structures necessary for effective sewage treatment. The project will follow the hybrid annuity model to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Another project was approved for Bhadohi, aimed at preventing untreated sewage from entering the Varuna River, a tributary of the Ganga. This initiative, with an investment of ₹127.26 crore, includes the construction of three STPs with capacities of 17 MLD, 5 MLD, and 3 MLD. An extensive sewer network will also be established to tap four major drains. The project will be implemented under the Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance over the next 15 years.
• The Executive Committee also approved “Ganga Through the Ages – A Literary Bioscope,” a project focused on raising awareness about the historical, cultural, and ecological importance of the Ganga River.
• Implemented in collaboration with the National Book Trust, this initiative will include activities such as Ganga Mobile Parikrama, Chaupal Ganga Kinare, Ganga Awareness Week, and the Ganga Ambassador Program. The project will feature mobile libraries, digital storytelling, school workshops, and literary sessions along the riverbanks to encourage community participation in conservation efforts.
• In West Bengal, a drone-based monitoring project was approved to track afforestation efforts under Namami Gange Mission-II. The project will assess the health of planted saplings, develop a digital database, and support the effective implementation of afforestation programs along the riverbanks.
• The projects approved in the 60th NMCG Executive Committee Meeting focus on wastewater management, pollution control, afforestation, and public engagement in Ganga conservation efforts. These initiatives align with the broader mission of ensuring a cleaner and healthier river ecosystem.

DPIIT & KOTI Ink MoU for Logistics & Infrastructure Growth

• India and South Korea have taken a significant step towards strengthening their logistics and infrastructure collaboration. On February 10, 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, and the Korea Transport Institute (KOTI), Republic of Korea, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Sejong National Research Complex in South Korea.
• The agreement was formalized by Mr. Youngchan Kim, President of KOTI, and H.E. Amit Kumar, Ambassador of India to South Korea. This partnership aims to improve logistics efficiency, enhance infrastructure planning, and promote sustainable economic development through knowledge exchange and technical collaboration.
• The MoU focuses on fostering deeper cooperation between DPIIT’s Logistics Division and KOTI. South Korea’s expertise in transport and logistics is expected to aid India’s ongoing infrastructure expansion, particularly under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. The agreement outlines a structured mechanism for knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and research-driven programs.
• India and South Korea have a history of partnerships in transport and logistics. During the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to South Korea in May 2015, multiple agreements were signed to strengthen bilateral relations.

14AFAF 2025: Advancing Sustainable Fisheries in Asia-Pacific

• The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF), themed “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific,” is set to take place from February 12 to 14, 2025, at the ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi.
• This event, jointly organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India, and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), aims to address sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development in the Asia-Pacific region.
• India is hosting the Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum for the second time, after first hosting the 8th AFAF in Kochi in 2007. The return of this forum after 18 years highlights India’s growing influence in the global fisheries sector. India is currently the world’s second-largest producer of fish and aquaculture products, making it a key player in the blue economy.

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INTERNATIONAL
Romanian President Resigns Amid Impeachment Pressure

• Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis has resigned ahead of an impeachment vote triggered by the cancellation of the country’s presidential election last year. His decision to stay in office until a new vote in May led to widespread protests and political turmoil. The election was annulled over alleged Russian interference, but critics argued that Iohannis’s actions undermined democracy. Senate President Ilie Bolojan will now serve as interim president until fresh elections take place in May 2025.
• Romania’s constitutional court annulled the presidential election in December 2024 due to concerns about Russian interference.
• Intelligence reports revealed that nearly 800 TikTok accounts linked to a foreign state (suspected to be Russia) were activated to support far-right candidate Calin Georgescu.
• The election’s cancellation left the country without an elected president, prompting Iohannis to extend his term.

PM Modi’s Gifts to French President and First Lady Showcase India’s Rich Traditions

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a series of exquisite gifts to French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural and artistic heritage of India. The gifts were carefully selected to highlight the country’s diverse craftsmanship, traditional artistry, and historical legacy.
• One of the standout gifts was a Dokra artwork, presented to French President Emmanuel Macron. This unique piece of art is a representation of musicians in dynamic poses, capturing the essence of Indian folk traditions.
• Dokra art is an ancient metal-casting technique, practiced for over 4,000 years.
• It originates from Chhattisgarh and is created using the lost-wax casting technique.
• This art form is deeply connected to tribal culture, with motifs that often depict musicians, dancers, animals, and deities.
• The process involves using beeswax, clay, and molten metal to produce intricate designs that are highly valued for their detailed craftsmanship.

India-Indonesia collaboration in traditional medicine to elevate global standards

• The exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Indonesia in the field of Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance is set to elevate global standards, according to Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav.
• The MoU was exchanged, during a ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Hyderabad House, New Delhi.
• The agreement was signed between the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homeopathy (PCIM&H), Ministry of Ayush, and the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority.
• The partnership paves the way for a more integrated and scientifically regulated approach to traditional healthcare systems.
• The MoU outlines several key areas of cooperation, including the exchange of information on regulatory provisions, capacity-building initiatives, technical visits, joint participation in international events, and collaboration on training programs for industries involved in traditional medicine. Both countries have committed to working together in other mutually agreed areas as well.
• This collaboration reflects the growing global recognition of the importance of traditional medicine in healthcare and wellness. With their rich cultural and medicinal heritage, India and Indonesia aim to advance the standards and quality of traditional medicine, ensuring its safety, efficacy, and accessibility. The MoU also serves as a historic milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations, highlighting their commitment to preserving and innovating within their medicinal traditions.
• The partnership between India and Indonesia sets an example for other nations in integrating traditional systems of medicine into modern healthcare frameworks, contributing to the global acceptance and recognition of traditional medicine.

Bangladesh Launches ‘Operation Devil Hunt’

• Bangladesh has launched a large-scale security operation, “Operation Devil Hunt,” targeting loyalists of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The move comes after protesters were attacked by gangs allegedly linked to Hasina’s regime.
• The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to restore order and uphold democratic values.
• The unrest was sparked by reports of Hasina’s possible address from exile in India, leading to violent protests, including the destruction of buildings linked to her family. Meanwhile, tensions between India and Bangladesh have risen over India’s condemnation of the demolition of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.

ECONOMY
Centre introduces industrial calendar to bridge research-industry gap and foster innovation

• The government has proposed an industrial calendar aimed at strengthening research-industry collaboration and accelerating innovation.
• This initiative will ensure that technological breakthroughs reach the masses faster and more efficiently,” Singh said, adding that increased industry participation would help accelerate the commercialisation of scientific discoveries and enhance their impact on public welfare.
• The minister also emphasised the need for a structured competency framework for individuals working in scientific institutions. He reviewed the progress of the Vigyan Shakti initiative, highlighting its role as a unified repository aimed at transforming scientific efforts into developmental outcomes. Built on pillars such as inter-agency collaboration, industry-academia interactions, and governance, the initiative seeks to maximise returns on investment in science.
• The India Science, Technology, and Innovation (ISTI) Portal, designed to consolidate India’s science and technology database and improve accessibility to critical research resources, along with the Common Fellowship Portal, a one-stop platform for research grants. According to the latest data, the fellowship portal has garnered over 5,000 registered users, with more than 1,500 completing their profiles and becoming eligible to apply for fellowships. Expressing satisfaction with the growing participation, Singh called for increased awareness efforts to make research grants more accessible to young scientists.

Published date : 14 Feb 2025 10:38AM