29th February, 2024 Current Affairs

NATIONAL
PM Modi and his Mauritius counterpart launched key development projects in Mauritius

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth jointly inaugurated the developmental projects at the Agaleaga Island in Mauritius.
• Both the leaders inaugurated the projects  which include the new Airstrip and Saint James Jetty along with six community development projects. These facilities will enhance air and sea connectivity strengthening maritime security. It will also give a boost to the socio-economic development of Agalega Island.

INTERNATIONAL
India's Defence Secretary Discusses Regional Security and Cooperation with Germany

• India and Germany have discussed a range of bilateral security and defence issues, with a focus on developing the defence cooperation as a key pillar of the Strategic Partnership between both the nations.
• Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane co-chaired the India-Germany High Defence Committee meeting in Berlin with the State Secretary of German Defence Ministry, Benedikt Zimmer.
• They exchanged views on the regional security situation, discussed likely joint exercises with Germany in the Indo-Pacific, and deliberated on potential defence industrial projects and proposals. They emphasized on the need for a closer defence partnership and connecting the defence industries from both sides together. The collaboration in high technology in defence was of particular focus.

Sunil Bharti Mittal becomes first Indian citizen to be conferred an honorary Knighthood by Britain's King

• Bharti Enterprises founder and chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal has become the first Indian citizen to receive an Honorary Knighthood from United Kingdom's King Charles III.
• The award grants Mr. Mittal the title of Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, recognising his contributions to fostering stronger business ties between India and the UK.
• The 66-year-old entrepreneur in a statement said that UK and India share historical relations, which are now entering a new era of increased cooperation and collaboration.
• An honorary Knighthood is one of the highest honours granted by the British Sovereign to civilians, conferred upon foreign nationals in recognition of their exceptional contributions.

Brazil Calls for WTO Action on Technology Transfer and Agricultural Subsidies at MC13

• In a call to action at the World Trade Organisation's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, Brazil emphasized the critical need for the WTO to facilitate the transfer of essential technologies to developing countries, particularly for pandemic preparedness, climate mitigation, and energy transition.
• Echoing sentiments shared by India and other developing nations, Foreign Minister of Brazil Mauro Vieira underscored the significance of meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing pressing global challenges such as reducing inequalities, poverty, and hunger. He emphasized that technology transfer plays a pivotal role in achieving these objectives, highlighting the necessity for developing countries to access technology that they currently lack.
• Citing Brazil's commitment to promoting sustainable development and reducing disparities, Minister Vieira emphasized that Brazil shares common concerns with fellow developing nations across various regions, emphasizing a collective call for technology transfer to bridge existing gaps.
• Regarding the agenda for MC13, Brazil emphasized the criticality of progress in agriculture negotiations. Minister Vieira called for instructions to cap and reduce trade-distorting agricultural subsidies, which adversely impact the food security of all WTO members. Additionally, Brazil reiterated its strong commitment to negotiations on fisheries subsidies, underscoring the importance of addressing this issue to promote sustainable fishing practices globally. India also shares similar concerns as that of Brazil. The collaborative efforts between Brazil, India, and other nations within forums like BRICS and COP28 have underscored the shared commitment to addressing global challenges and advancing equitable trade practices.
• Brazil is formally elected as the host country for COP30.
• At the 13th Ministerial Conference at Abudhabi , India underscored the importance of considering diverse fishing practices and the livelihoods of local fishermen within Exclusive Economic Zones  during the regulatory discussions. Advocating for sustainable fishing methods, India opposed unrestricted access by distant-water fishing fleets.
• India also urged for a 25-year moratorium on subsidies for distant-water fishing activities, citing their adverse effects on sustainable fishing practices. Emphasizing the principles of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities and Special and Differential Treatment India aimed to ensure a fair agreement that balances the needs of both developed and developing nations.
• India's proposal also raised concerns about the current approach to addressing overfishing and overcapacity, stressing the need to consider factors such as the size of the exclusive economic zone and the presence of small-scale fishers. By prioritizing sustainability and the welfare of fishing communities, India seeks to shape international agreements that promote responsible marine resource management.

Also Read: Sports: Weekly Current Affairs Bitbank (January 29 to February 4, 2024): Where is the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 set to take place?

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
A recent study looked at the impact of stratospheric aerosol intervention (SAI) in mitigating global warming effects in West Asia (also known as Middle East) and North Africa (MENA)

• Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention (SAI), also known as Stratospheric Aerosol Injection, is a geoengineering or climate engineering approach that uses tiny reflective particles or aerosols to reflect sunlight into space in order to cool the planet and reverse or stop global warming.
• It aims to mimic the cooling effects of volcanic eruptions by injecting sulfur dioxide (SO2) directly into the stratosphere, where it forms sunlight-reflecting sulfate aerosols.
• The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, often cited as the inspiration for this concept, deposited massive amounts of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere.
• This aerosol layer was reported to have lowered average temperatures around the world by about 0.5 °C (0.9 °F) over the following few years.
• It is believed that as more radiation is scattered in the stratosphere by aerosols, less would be absorbed by the troposphere, the lower level of the atmosphere where weather primarily occurs.
• The production of such an artificial aerosol layer could be accomplished by shooting sulfur particles into the stratosphere with cannons or dispersing them from balloons or other aircraft.

Published date : 29 Feb 2024 04:22PM