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By admin: Aug. 14, 2024

WTO Report 2023: India Retains 8th Spot as Global Agricultural Exporter

Tags: INDEX

India retained its position as the world's 8th largest exporter of agricultural products in 2023.

An Overview of the News

• This ranking is according to the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s report titled "World Trade Statistical Review 2023".

• India's agricultural exports declined from USD 55 billion in 2022 to USD 51 billion in 2023.

Top 5 Global Agricultural Exporters

• 1st: European Union (EU) - USD 836 billion.

• 2nd: United States of America (USA) - USD 198 billion.

• 3rd: Brazil - USD 157 billion.

• 4th: China - USD 95 billion.

• 5th: Canada - USD 88 billion.

Overview of the "World Trade Statistical Review 2023"

• A new interactive tool that presents key data and trends for international merchandise and commercial services trade in 2023.

• The digital platform allows users to view trends by economy, region, product group, and services sector.

Reasons for Decline in India's Agricultural Exports

• Geopolitical factors such as the Red Sea crisis and the Russian-Ukraine war, affecting regulated commodities like rice, wheat, sugar, and onions.

• The Government of India's bans on wheat (May 2022), non-basmati rice (July 2023), and sugar (October 2023) exports contributed to the decline.

Important Points

• India Ranked 82nd Henley Passport Index July 2024 and 80th position in January 2024

• India Ranked 6th in Expat Insider 2024 Survey's

• India Ranked Fifth in GenAI Innovations

• India Ranked 72nd in the AI Preparedness Index 2024

• India Ranked 63rd in the Global Energy Transition Index 2024 

• India Ranked 3rd in the Global Unicorn Index 2024

• India Ranked 159th in the World Press Freedom Index 2024

• India Ranked 129th in the Global Gender Gap Index 2024

• India Ranked 39th in WEF's Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024

• India Ranked 126th in the World Happiness Report 2024

Union Minister Launches 24×7 Water Supply Project in Manimajra, Chandigarh

Tags: State News

Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 24×7 Water Supply Project at Manimajra, Chandigarh on August 4, 2024.

An Overview of the News

• The event was attended by Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh.

Project Detail:

• Completed at a cost of approximately Rs 75 crore, with Rs 85 crore allocated for 15 years of maintenance.

• The project covers 22 kilometers of water supply pipeline across 855 acres, benefiting over 1 lakh residents.

• Two large underground water reservoirs have been established, each with a capacity of 2 Million Gallons per Day (MGPD) to ensure 24-hour water availability.

• Smart meters have been installed to detect any water leakage early, with the cost of leakage no longer being borne by the consumers.

• A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) pump has been installed to maintain optimal water pressure.

About Chandigarh

• Formation: 7 October 1953

• Capital: Chandigarh

• Districts: 1

• Administrator: Gulab Chand Kataria

• Chief Secretary: Rajeev Verma, IAS

• Lok Sabha Seats: 1

• Symbols

  • Bird: Indian grey hornbill

  • Flower: Dhak

  • Fruit: Mango

  • Mammal: Indian grey mongoose

  • Tree: Mangifera indica

US Approves $20 Billion Arms Sale to Israel

Tags: International News

The US State Department has approved a $20 billion arms sale to Israel.

An Overview of the News

• The sale includes over 50 F-15 fighter jets, advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, 120 mm tank ammunition, high explosive mortars, and tactical vehicles.

• The delivery of the F-15 jets is scheduled by 2029.

Context and Justification:

• The Pentagon emphasizes the importance of assisting Israel in developing a strong self-defense capability.

• The arms deal occurs amid heightened tensions in West Asia, following the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Lebanon.

• Both incidents have led to threats of retaliation against Israel.

About Israel

• Israel is a Middle Eastern country on the Mediterranean Sea.

• It is considered the Holy Land of the Bible by Jews, Christians and Muslims.

• Tel Aviv is the financial centre of the country and is known for its beaches and Bauhaus architecture.

  • Capital - Jerusalem

  • Official language - Hebrew

  • Recognized Language - Arabic

  • President - Isaac Herzog

  • Prime Minister - Benjamin Netanyahu

Manipur Commemorates Patriots' Day

Tags: Important Days

Manipur observed Patriots' Day on August 13 to honor the martyrs of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.

An Overview of the News

• The day was commemorated across various locations within and outside the state, with district administrations also participating on August 13.

State-Level Ceremony

• The state-level ceremony was held at Bir Tikendrajit Park in Imphal.

• Manipur Governor Sushri Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh led the tributes.

• A gun salute was performed by a contingent of Manipur Rifles.

• Chief Minister N. Biren Singh paid floral tributes at the last rites memorial sites of Yubaraj Tikendrajit and Thangal General, who were executed by the British on August 13, 1891.

About Manipur

• Statehood: Became a state in 1972

• Capital: Imphal (Executive Branch)

• Rajya Sabha: 1 seat

• Lok Sabha: 2 seats

• Chief Minister: N. Biren Singh

• Governor: Lakshman Acharya

Govind Mohan Appointed as Next Union Home Secretary

Tags: Person in news

Govind Mohan has been appointed as the next Union Home Secretary by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on 14th August.

An Overview of the News

• He is currently serving as the Secretary in the Ministry of Culture since March 27, 2024.

• Mohan will serve as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Ministry of Home Affairs until August 22, 2024, when he will officially succeed Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

Background of Govind Mohan

• Service Tenure: A 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Sikkim cadre.

• Educational Qualification: Holds an electrical engineering degree from BHU-IIT Varanasi.

• Previous Roles: Extensive career in government, including two previous stints in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and a brief period as Secretary of the Department of Sports earlier this year.

Immediate Challenges

• Jammu and Kashmir Elections: Overseeing security arrangements for the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Collaboration with Election Commission: Ensuring close collaboration with the Election Commission for the security assessment and the provision of necessary security personnel.

• Ensuring Peaceful Execution: Focus on the safety of candidates and the peaceful conduct of the polls in the Union Territory.

About Home Secretary

• The Home Secretary is the administrative head of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• The position is held by a senior IAS officer, ranked as Secretary to the Government of India.

• The current Home Secretary is Govind Mohan.

• The Home Secretary oversees Central Forces such as CRPF, CISF, BSF, and other Central Police Organizations.

• The Home Secretary ranks 23rd in the Indian Order of Precedence.

• The position was established in 1947.

India Adds 3 New Ramsar Sites on Independence Day 2024

Tags: Environment

On the eve of Independence Day 2024, Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, announced the addition of three new wetlands to India's list of Ramsar sites, bringing the total to 85.

An Overview of the News

• The newly designated Ramsar sites are Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh. 

• With the inclusion of these three sites, the total area of Ramsar sites in India now stands at 1,358,067.757 hectares.

• India, a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since 1982, has significantly increased its Ramsar sites from 26 (between 1982-2013) to 59 (from 2014-2024).

• Top States: Tamil Nadu now leads with the highest number of Ramsar sites (18), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).

Details of the New Ramsar Sites:

Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu):

• Area: 125.865 hectares

• Location: Uthukuli Taluk, Tiruppur District

• Biodiversity: Home to 191 bird species, 87 butterfly species, and more.

• Importance: Vital for bird nesting, agriculture, and groundwater recharge.

Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu):

• Area: 5,151.6 hectares

• Location: Villupuram District, near Pondicherry

• Biodiversity: Key stopover for migratory birds, breeding ground for fish.

• Unique Features: Comprises brackish water, estuarine parts, and supports degraded mangrove patches.

Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh):

• Area: 20,050 hectares

• Location: Near Itarsi town, part of Satpura Tiger Reserve

• Biodiversity: Important habitat for aquatic flora, fauna, and migratory birds.

• Significance: Largest protected area in Madhya Pradesh, also used for irrigation, power generation, and aquaculture.

Rahul Navin Appointed as Full-Time ED Director for Two-Year Tenure

Tags: Person in news

Rahul Navin, a 1993-batch IRS officer, was appointed as the full-time Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

An Overview of the News

• His appointment is for a fixed tenure of two years, starting from the date of the notification issued on 14th August.

• Navin had been holding the additional charge as acting Director of the ED since September last year, following the departure of the previous chief, S K Mishra.

Professional Background and Expertise

• Rahul Navin has been with the Enforcement Directorate since 2019.

• He is regarded as an expert in international taxation, the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

• During his time with the ED, he has been involved in overseeing high-profile investigations.

• Prior to becoming the acting chief of the agency, Navin was in charge of vigilance and administration.

• He holds BTech and MTech degrees from IIT Kanpur and an MBA from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne.

About Enforcement Directorate (ED)

• Established: May 1, 1956

• Agency Type: Law enforcement and economic intelligence agency

• Governing Body: Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India

• Headquarters: New Delhi, India

• Primary Laws Enforced:

  • Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)

  • Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA)

  • Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA)

• Main Responsibilities:

  • Investigating money laundering cases

  • Enforcing foreign exchange laws

  • Attaching and confiscating assets from criminal activities