DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: July 12, 2024

World Population Day - 11 July 2024

Tags: Important Days

The annual celebration known as World Population Day is observed on 11 July every year.

An Overview of the News

• It serves as a platform to raise awareness about global population-related concerns.

• The theme "Leave No One Behind, Count Everyone" emphasizes inclusivity and fair representation in population-related issues.

• Focus on investing in data collection to better understand and address global population challenges.

Population Growth Dynamics

• The global population has grown exponentially, reaching 7 billion in 2011 and projected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030.

• Factors driving growth include increased life expectancy, fertility rates, urbanization, and migration.

World Population Trends

• Despite current global population surpassing 8 billion, stabilization is anticipated before significantgrowth beyond 10.9 billion by 2100.

• The UNFPA highlights population issues annually through World Population Day, observed on July 11th since 1990.

Impact and Future Outlook

• Population trends have profound implications for economic development, employment, poverty, and social welfare globally.

• Awareness raised on family planning, gender equality, maternal health, and human rights on World Population Day.

History of World Population Day

• It was established in 1989 by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme.

• Its primary goal is to highlight the critical nature and importance of population issues.

• In December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to continue World Population Day. 

• It aims to promote the understanding of population matters and their interrelationships with the environment and development.

• The first World Population Day was observed on 11 July 1990, in which more than 90 countries participated.

India Hosts 6th EAS Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation in Mumbai

Tags: Summits State News

The 6th East Asia Summit (EAS) Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra from 4th to 5th July 2024.

An Overview of the News

• The conference was organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (GoI).

• Partnered with the Governments of Australia and Indonesia.

• The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-India Centre (AIC) at Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) collaborated as Knowledge Partners.

Key Highlights:

• The conference showcased India’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN-led EAS mechanisms.

• Supported the EAS Plan of Action 2024-2028.

Thematic Sessions:

• Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

• Regional Maritime Domain Awareness.

• Combating illicit maritime activity, anti-piracy, and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

• Maritime Connectivity.

• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Search and Rescue (SAR).

EAS Overview:

• EAS is the only leader-led forum for strategic dialogue in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Leaders from 18 countries meet to discuss political, security, and economic challenges.

About Maharashtra

• It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau

  • Chief Minister - Eknath Shinde

  • Governor - Ramesh Bais

  • Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel

  • Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon

  • Official Dance - Lavani

Karnataka Launches 'Digital Nagarik & AR-VR Skills'

Tags: State News

Karnataka minister for Information Technology (IT) and Biotechnology (BT), Priyank Kharge, has introduced the 'Digital Nagarik and Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality (AR-VR) Skills' Programmes in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

An Overview of the News

• The programme was launched in partnership with Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook).

• Objective: To train over 1 lakh teachers and 10 lakh students across Karnataka in digital safety and AR-VR by 2025.

• The programme will train 10 lakh students aged 18 to 24 from various schools, Pre-University (PU) colleges, and universities in Karnataka in digital safety and AR-VR skills.

Programme Features:

• Workshops, seminars, and hands-on activities focused on digital safety and AR-VR skills.

• Conducted in both Kannada and English.

Innovative Approach:

• For the first time, the initiative will cover 100 colleges and universities across Karnataka.

• Students will serve as master trainers to promote peer learning.

Partnership:

• Karnataka is the first state in India to partner with Meta Platforms Inc. for this initiative, which began with a two-year agreement in December 2023 to enhance digital education and online safety for students.

About Karnataka

• Capital:- Bengaluru (Executive Branch)

• Chief minister:- Siddaramaiah

• Governor:- Thawar Chand Gehlot

• Bird:- Indian roller

Tata Asset Management Launches India's First Tourism Index Fund

Tags: Economy/Finance

Tata Asset Management has launched India's first tourism index fund, named the Tata Nifty India Tourism Index Fund.

An Overview of the News

• The fund aims to provide investors exposure to India's growing travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors by tracking the Nifty India Tourism Index (Total Returns Index).

Key Features:

• Open for subscription from July 8 to July 19, 2024, with a potential re-opening on or before July 29, 2024.

• Managed by Kapil Menon, the fund currently consists of 17 stocks from the Nifty 500 as of June 21, 2024.

• It includes stocks from hotels and resorts (32%), airlines (19%), restaurants (19%), tour and travel services (16%), airports and services (10%), and luggage (3%).

• Each stock is capped at 20%, ensuring diversification with a maximum of 30 stocks in the index.

Investment Strategy:

• Focuses on minimizing tracking errors through strategic portfolio rebalancing.

• Manages cash flows efficiently to maintain low cash levels and optimize deployment.

Investment Details:

• Minimum investment of ₹5,000 during the NFO period, with subsequent investments in multiples of ₹1.

• Exit load of 0.25% if redeemed within 15 days from the date of allotment, no entry load applicable.

Potential Returns: While aiming to match the performance of the Nifty India Tourism Index (TRI), the fund does not guarantee returns but aims to capitalize on the sector's growth potential.

EXIM Bank and Guyana Government Forge $2.5M Line of Credit Agreement

Tags: Economy/Finance

The Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) has entered into a $2.5 million Line of Credit agreement with the government of Guyana.

An Overview of the News

• The agreement is for the installation of a solar photovoltaic power plant at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana.

• The deal was dated February 29, 2024.

• The agreement under the Line of Credit became effective on June 24, 2024.

• The last date for disbursements under the Line of Credit will be 48 months after the completion of the project.

Terms and Conditions

• At least 75% of the goods, works, and services under the contract must be supplied by sellers from India.

• The remaining 25% of the contract price may be procured from outside India.

About EXIM Bank:

• Establishment: 1982

• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

• Managing Director: Harsha Bangari

Co-operative Republic of Guyana

• Capital: Georgetown

• President: Irfaan Ali

• Currency: Guyanese dollar (GYD)

Rajasthan Pioneers India's First 10-Year Road Safety Action Plan

Tags: State News

Rajasthan aims to pioneer India's first ten-year action plan focused on enhancing road safety.

An Overview of the News

• Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa announced the plan's goal: a 50% reduction in traffic accidents by 2030.

• The plan is part of the BJP government's 100-day agenda, overseen by the road safety cell within the Transport Department.

• It includes detailed action plans and robust government policies to raise awareness and promote adherence to road safety measures.

• The initiative involves collaboration with the World Bank to enhance and expand Rajasthan's road safety infrastructure.

• This partnership aims to develop policies that blend global best practices with local needs, ensuring effectiveness and cultural relevance.

Implementation Strategy:

• Phase 1 (2025–2027): Focus on addressing basic road safety issues such as speed limits and traffic signals.

• Phase 2 (2027–2030): Enhance safety behaviors including seatbelt and helmet usage.

• Phase 3 (2030–2033): Implement advanced measures like safer pedestrian areas and improved infrastructure.

Stakeholder Coordination:

• Various departments including Transport, Public Works, Police, Medical & Health, and Forest are collaborating closely to ensure seamless execution of the action plan.

• Regular strategic review meetings are conducted to monitor progress and address challenges.

Impact and Future Prospects:

• Rajasthan aims not only to reduce accidents but also to serve as a model for other Indian states in enhancing road safety measures.

• The initiative is supported by international partnerships to leverage global expertise in road safety management.

About Rajasthan

• Rajasthan, a state in northern India, is the largest by area and the seventh largest by population.

• It shares borders with five states: Punjab (north), Haryana and Uttar Pradesh (northeast), Madhya Pradesh (southeast), and Gujarat (southwest).

• The state hosts three national tiger reserves: Ranthambore National Park (Sawai Madhopur), Sariska Tiger Reserve (Alwar), and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve (Kota).

  • Formation - 30 March 1949

  • Capital- Jaipur

  • Districts - 33 (7 divisions)

  • Governor - Kalraj Mishra

  • Chief Minister - Bhajan Lal Sharma

  • Rajya Sabha - 10 seats

  • Lok Sabha - 25 seats

  • Airports - Jodhpur Airport and Jaisalmer Airport