22nd July, 2023 Current Affairs

Sakshi Education

NATIONAL
PM addresses G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meet

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers Meet in Indore, Madhya Pradesh via video message.
Underlining that employment is one of the most important economic and social factors, the Prime Minister said that the world is at the threshold of some of the greatest changes in the employment sector and stressed the need to prepare responsive and effective strategies to address these rapid transitions.
In this era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Prime Minister said, technology has become and will remain the core driver for employment. India’s capability in creating countless technology jobs during the last such technology-led transformation and also touched upon the host city Indore which is home to many startups leading the new wave of such transformations.
The Prime Minister pointed out that even though providing social protection to people is a key aspect of the 2030 Agenda, the current framework adopted by international organizations only accounts for benefits that are structured in certain narrow ways while several benefits provided in other forms are not covered under this framework. Shri Modi underlined that in order to grasp the correct picture of social protection coverage in India, benefits like universal public health, food security, insurance and pension programs must be accounted for. He suggested considering the unique economic capacities, strengths and challenges of every country as the one-size-fits-all approach is not suitable for sustainable financing of social protection.

Mapping of Crops through Satellite

The government is implementing various projects related to Crop Production Forecasting and Drought Assessment which involves use of satellite images such as Forecasting Agricultural output using Space, Agro- meteorology and Land based observations (FASAL) project for crop production, forecasting of field crops, National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System (NADAMS) for Agricultural drought assessment.
FASAL and NADAMS are operationalized by Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC) an attached office of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. At present, nine crops namely rice, wheat, rabi pulses, rapeseed & mustard, rabi, jowar, cotton, jute, tur and sugarcane are covered under FASAL project.
Satellite images are also used in technological support to Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and also for various operational applications under PMFBY, such as Smart Sampling for Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) and Yield & Area dispute resolution.
MNCFC has been working with ISRO and Industry on developing and upscaling various geo-spatial solutions and services. Recently, an MoU has been signed between MNCFC and Pixxel Space India pvt ltd. to develop agricultural analytics models using imageries from Pixxel's hyperspectral satellites, for crop identification and mapping, crop health monitoring and soil organic carbon estimation over selected regions on pilot basis. This improves accuracy in crop estimation surveys, Disaster management and relief, Crop insurance, and Farm level advisories.

Centre launches Technological Advancements in Crop Insurance to Empowering Farmers and Streamlining Operations in PMFBY

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare today launched several new technological initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to empower farmers and streamlining the operations. With the current launches, the relentless efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare are now visible in the current tender cycle of 2023-25 and farmer enrolment during Kharif 2023, reflecting the commitment towards empowering farmers and safeguarding their livelihoods.
Several new initiatives under PMFBY and RWBCIS, such as YES-Tech Manual, WINDS portal and door to door enrollment app AIDE/Sahayak, marking a turning point in India's crop insurance landscape.

Encouragement to Agri-Startups in Rural Areas

The Government of India, Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare (DA&FW) is implementing “Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development” programme under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) from 2018-19 with an objective to promote innovation and agri-entrepreneurship by providing financial support and nurturing an incubation ecosystem in the country. This Department has appointed five Knowledge Partners (KPs) and twenty-four RKVY Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABIs) from across the country for incubation of startups and implementation of this programme.
Start-ups are trained and incubated at various Knowledge Partners (KPs) and RKVY Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABIs) appointed under the programme across the country. Technical and financial assistance is provided to startups to launch their products, services, business platforms, etc into the market and facilitate them to scale up their products and operations to attain business viability.
Besides, KPs and R-ABIs are promoting these startups by linking them with various institutions and organizations for their product & technology validation, certification, etc. Government of India organizes various national level programmes including agri-startup conclave, agri fair and exhibitions, webinars, workshops to serve as a platform for the promotion of agri startups by linking them with various stakeholders.
Under the programme, a financial support up to Rs. 5.00 lakh is provided at the idea/pre seed stage and up to Rs. 25 lakh at the seed stage. So far, a total of 1176 agri startups have been supported under the programme with financial assistance of Rs. 75.25 crores.

Also Read: Weekly Current Affairs (Important Dates) 25-30 June 2023 Bitbank: When was World MSME Day observed?

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INTERNATIONAL
India supports U.N. on Black Sea initiative

India has thrown its weight behind the United Nations’ efforts to continue the Black Sea Grain initiative and has called for a swift resolution to the impasse. The Black Sea Initiative holds significant importance for Ukraine’s agricultural sector, known as “Europe’s breadbasket,” which faces disruptions due to the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 disrupted the Black Sea trade route, historically responsible for 90% of Ukraine’s grain exports.
This interference, coupled with other challenges like droughts and COVID-19 supply disruptions, put immense pressure on the global food supply, leading to fears of a potential hunger crisis and surging food prices.
In response to the food crisis, Turkey and the UN mediated the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2022.
The agreement allowed three Ukrainian Black Sea ports (Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi) to export commercial fertilizer and food.
Teams from Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the UN were involved in inspecting ships leaving these ports, ensuring safe navigation through a predetermined path to Istanbul, avoiding minefields.

Japan becomes second Quad partner to sign semiconductor pact with India

In a significant move, India and Japan have solidified their partnership by signing an agreement to jointly develop the semiconductor ecosystem. The deal aims to bolster the resilience of the global supply chain, particularly in the crucial semiconductor industry. This marks Japan as the second Quad partner, after the United States, to join hands with India in this endeavor.
To facilitate efficient cooperation between the two nations, they will establish an “implementation organization.” This organization will foster government-to-government and industry-to-industry collaborations. By streamlining communication and coordination, both countries seek to expedite progress in the semiconductor ecosystem.
Japan’s prominence in the semiconductor industry cannot be understated. With approximately 100 semiconductor manufacturing plants, it stands among the top five countries with a robust semiconductor ecosystem.

ECONOMY
India’s share in world food grains market based on export values stands at 7.79% in 2022

India’s share in the world food grains market, based on the exported values in 2022, was 7.79% (Source: ITC Trade Map calculations based on UN COMTRADE and ITC statistics).
India’s exports of foodgrains have registered a steady growth in last few years which is reflected in the increase in India’s share in world foodgrain exports from 3.38% in 2010 to 7.79% in 2022 as per UN COMTRADE statistics.
The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), a statutory body under the administrative control of Department of Commerce, has been providing financial assistance to the exporters of agricultural and processed food products, including foodgrains, under components such as Development of Export Infrastructure, Quality Development and Market Development under its scheme namely “Agriculture & Processed Food Export Promotion Scheme of APEDA”. APEDA assists exporters in promoting exports by organising buyer-seller meets (BSMs); participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions; taking up the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS), Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Market Access issues with the importing countries; and regular interactions with the Indian Missions to tap export opportunities in various countries.

Overall Coal Production Records highest ever 223.36 million tonne in first quarter of FY 2023-24

India’s coal sector achieved a remarkable milestone in the first quarter of FY 2023-24, by recording highest ever coal production at 223.36 milliontonne (MT), representing a substantial growth of 8.55% compared to the production of 205.76 MT during the same period during FY 2022-23.
Coal India Limited (CIL) registered 175.48 MT production between April and June 2023, marking a commendable growth rate of 9.85% in comparison to 159.75 MT during the corresponding period of the previous year. The consistent upward trajectory in coal production highlights India's commitment to meet its energy demands and drive sustainable economic growth.
While coal imports increased by 16.76% during April 2023 to May 2023, as compared to the same period in the previous year, it is important to note that this rise is primarily attributable to the substantial decline in coal import prices. Import prices for coal have plummeted by over 60% in the Q1 of FY’ 2023-24, compared to the Q1 of the FY’ 2022-23.
Consequently, the e-auction premium over the notified prices of CIL has witnessed a significant reduction, declining from 357% in June 2022 to 54% in June 2023, mainly due to the sharp fall in import prices. The premium on coal auction speaks of pulse of industry. The sharp decline in coal auction premium is indicative of adequate coal availability in domestic market. This decline in import prices has played a crucial role in shaping the import landscape for coal.
As far as availability of coal is concerned, there is enough stock of coal available in the country which is 107.15 MT (67 MT with coal companies, 33.61 MT with TPP (DCB) & 6.54 MT at Private Washeries/Good shed siding/Ports) during the end of Jun’23, indicating a growth of 37.62% as compared to the same period of last year. The availability of substantial coal stock ensures a stable supply for various sectors dependent on coal, thereby contributing to the overall energy security of the nation.
India's achievement in coal production reflects the concerted efforts of the coal industry and its commitment to meeting the growing energy needs of the nation. The record-breaking figures not only demonstrate the industry's resilience but also its ability to adapt to market conditions while striving for sustainable growth.

48 Gati Shakti Multi Cargo Terminals Commissioned

To achieve the goals set out in PM Gati Shakti framework, a master circular on “Policy for Management of Railway land” which includes provisions for leasing of railway land for cargo related activities, public infrastructure, railway exclusives use, etc. has been issued on 04.10.2022. Railway land can be leased for cargo related projects/facilities for period up to 35 years at annual lease charges of 1.5% of market value of land by transparent methods of competitive bidding. The revised railway land management policies will enable integrated development of infrastructure.
A master circular related to development of Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals Railway has been issued on 06.12.2022. Since such commercial policies are open-ended programmes continuing on railways, consequential development of cargo terminals coupled with generation of sizeable employment is also likely to be a continuous process in future.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Argentina to acquire light and medium utility helicopters from HAL

The Defence Minister of Argentina visited Bengaluru where he signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to foster cooperation between the two parties for the acquisition of Light and Medium Utility Helicopters for the armed forces of Argentina. This LoI signifies a commitment to productive collaboration between HAL and the Ministry of Defence of The Republic of Argentina.
Throughout the day-long program, the Argentinian Defence Minister and his team observed the flying display of various HAL products at HAL Airport. Additionally, they visited the LCA and Helicopter Divisions, displaying a keen interest in HAL’s offerings.
The Defence Minister also visited BrahMos Aerospace and engaged with prominent think-tanks in Delhi. During his visit to Bengaluru, he not only toured the HAL facilities but also interacted with defense start-ups in an event organized by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).

AWARDS
Indian-origin 7-year-old schoolgirl wins UK PM’s Points of Light award

A seven-year-old girl of Indian origin has received the British Prime Minister’s Points of Light award for her outstanding efforts in helping the environment. Moksha Roy began volunteering for a United Nations sustainability initiative against microplastic pollution when she was only three years old. She is now recognized as the world’s youngest sustainability advocate.
The Points of Light awards recognise outstanding people whose service is making a difference in their communities and whose story can inspire others towards innovative solutions to social challenges in their own communities and beyond.
The British Prime Minister’s Points of Light award is a national honor given to outstanding volunteers who are making a difference in their communities. The award was created in 2010 by then-Prime Minister David Cameron.

CULTURE
Ministry of Culture and Indian Navy signed a MoU to revive the Tankai method

The Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy have collaborated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revive and preserve the ancient 2000-year-old shipbuilding technique known as the ‘stitched shipbuilding method‘ or ‘Tankai method’.
The Tankai method is an ancient shipbuilding technique which entails stitching wooden planks together to build ships, eschewing the use of nails. By adopting this method, ships gain enhanced flexibility and durability, reducing their vulnerability to damage from shoals and sandbars.

Published date : 22 Jul 2023 06:29PM