NATIONAL
A Historic Agreement for Tripura: Tripra Motha Signed
A significant tripartite agreement known as Tripra Motha was signed in New Delhi. This agreement signifies a major development for the state of Tripura.
Key Points of the Agreement:
- The agreement involves the Government of India, the Government of Tripura, The Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance (TIPRA), popularly known as Tripra Motha, and other stakeholders.
- The pact aims to amicably resolve issues concerning Tripura's indigenous people, focusing on:
- History, Land, and Political Rights
- Economic Development
- Identity, Culture, and Language
- A Joint Working Group/Committee will be established to work out and implement solutions for these issues within a specific timeframe.
- To ensure a peaceful environment for implementation, all stakeholders agree to refrain from protests or agitations from the date of signing.
Significance of the Agreement:
This agreement marks a crucial step towards resolving long-standing concerns of Tripura's indigenous communities. As stated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Modi government has actively addressed various issues through dialogue, resulting in 11 agreements related to borders, identity, language, and culture.
The Tripra Motha agreement specifically signifies peace and development for Tripura, aiming to create a dispute-free future for the state and ensuring the protection of rights for all its citizens.
Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates First Indigenous ASTDS Tug
- Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) & AYUSH, virtually inaugurated the 60T bollard pull tug named ‘Ocean Grace’ and the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU) on March 2, 2024. Developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW, Ocean Grace marks the debut of the first Make-in-India ASTDS Tug. Additionally, the MMU stands as a testament to the port's commitment to corporate social responsibility, offering a diverse range of healthcare services.
- Cochin Shipyard Limited's construction of the 'Ocean Grace' not only highlights the promotion of self-reliant India under MoPSW but also signifies a significant milestone in indigenous shipbuilding. Alongside the Ocean Grace, the MMU further emphasizes the port's dedication to community well-being by providing essential healthcare services.
- The port's initiatives extend beyond shipbuilding, encompassing the development and deployment of advanced technology vessels such as electric water taxis, hybrid ferries, and LNG-electric cargo carriers, demonstrating a forward-looking approach to maritime innovation and sustainability.
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INTERNATIONAL
OPEC+ Extends Oil Output Cuts in Second Quarter
- OPEC+ (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies) agreed to continue limiting oil production by 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in the second quarter of 2024.
- Saudi Arabia, the leader of OPEC, will maintain its voluntary cut of 1 million bpd until June, keeping its output around 9 million bpd.
- This decision aims to maintain oil price stability amidst concerns about global economic growth and rising production outside the group.
- While extending the overall quota, Russia and Iraq slightly reduced their individual commitments, cutting 471,000 and 220,000 bpd respectively, compared to their initial pledges of 500,000 and 223,000 bpd.
- UAE, Kuwait, and Kazakhstan also confirmed they will continue existing voluntary cuts through June.
Nicaragua Recognizes Indian Pharmaceutical Standards
- In a significant development, Nicaragua has become the first Spanish-speaking nation to recognize the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) as a reference for drug standards.
- This recognition came about through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Nicaragua concerning cooperation in regulating medicines. The signing ceremony involved India's Ambassador to Nicaragua, Sumit Seth, and Nicaragua's Minister of Health, Martha Reyes.
- Pharmacopoeias are essentially official documents outlining the standards for drug production and consumption within a country. By recognizing the Indian Pharmacopoeia, Nicaragua can now refer to its guidelines for ensuring the quality and safety of drugs.
- The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), established under India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, sets these standards and is responsible for publishing the IP. This official book of standards defines parameters and testing methods for drugs, both raw materials and finished products.
- This recognition by Nicaragua marks a significant step for the IP, adding another country to the five that already acknowledge its value: Afghanistan, Ghana, Nepal, Mauritius, and Suriname. It further strengthens the IP's international influence and its role in promoting global pharmaceutical quality.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
VSHORADS (Very Short-Range Air Defence System): FAQs
Q: What is VSHORADS?
A: VSHORADS is a fourth-generation, man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) developed in India.
Q: Who developed VSHORADS?
A: It was developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) under the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), with Adani Defence and Aerospace as the manufacturing partner.
Q: What are its key features?
- Propelled by a dual-thrust solid rocket motor
- Uses integrated avionics and a miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) for maneuverability
- Equipped with a state-of-the-art uncooled infrared imaging seeker
- Designed for portability and ease of use
Q: What is its purpose?
A: VSHORADS is designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges, providing ground forces with a robust air defense solution.
Q: Why is VSHORADS important?
A: The need for robust air defense, as exemplified by the recent acquisition of Igla-S MANPADS, highlights the importance of VSHORADS in addressing geo-strategic challenges like border tensions.
AWARDS
Acharya Lokesh Muni to be Honored as ‘Global Jain Peace Ambassador’.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to confer the esteemed title of ‘Global Jain Peace Ambassador’ upon Acharya Lokesh Muni. The ceremony, scheduled to take place in Karnataka, will be organized by the Jain pilgrim center, Navagraha Tirtha Kshetra, in Hubli Varur.
- Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni, the founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti and the World Peace Center, is a multifaceted personality known for his profound impact in various domains. Over the past three decades, he has been instrumental in promoting national character building, advocating non-violence, and fostering mutual cooperation and peace. Travelling extensively across India, covering 20,000 kilometers, Acharya Lokesh Muni has been actively involved in raising awareness against social evils.
Bengali Translation Wins Prestigious Romain Rolland Book Prize 2024
- The recipient of this year’s Romain Rolland Book Prize is Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee for his remarkable translation of Jean-Daniel Baltassat’s “Le Divan de Staline” into Bengali, titled “Staliner Divan.” Published by New Bharat Sahitya Kutir, Kolkata, Chatterjee’s translation stood out for its linguistic prowess and fidelity to the original text. This marks the second time that a Bengali translation has been honoured with this prestigious award.
- The publisher will attend the Paris Book Market in May 2024, while the translator will participate in the Paris Book Fair in April 2024, organized by the French Institute in India.
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