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By admin: Nov. 27, 2024

Ministry of Mines Wins Gold for Excellence in Display

Tags: Awards

Ministry of Mines Wins Gold for Excellence in Display 

Why in news?

• The Ministry of Mines Pavilion has been awarded the First Position (Gold) for excellence in display in India International Trade Fair (IITF), 2024 out of 49 Ministries, drawing over 80,000 visitors. 

Key points:

• The pavilion highlighted the Ministry’s contributions toward achieving Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Over 80,000 Visitors Explored Innovation, Technology, and Heritage at the Mining Pavilion.
• The pavilion offered adynamic blend of innovation, heritage, and sustainability, captivating visitors of all ages.
• The Ministry of Mines Pavilion at IITF 2024 has set a benchmark for showcasing the mining sector's role in contributing to a self-reliant, sustainable, and progressive India.

Second Edition of Defence Datathon

Tags: Defence

Second Edition of Defence Datathon

Why in news?

• College of Defence Management, Secunderabad, a premier tri-services training institute under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, successfully concluded the second edition of Defence Datathon, a pioneering tri-services data analytics competition on 27  November 2024.

Important points:

• The participants from the three services as well as Indian Coast Guard showcased their data analytical skills to provide insights on diverse datasets for innovative solutions to various strategic and operational challenges. 
•  The top 10 participants presented their solutions and  five winners were felicitated.
• The four themes chosen for Datathon 2024 related to current strategic events and challenges faced including ‘War of the 21st Century: The Israel-Hamas Conflict’, ‘Decrypting the Buzz: the China-Taiwan Dynamics’, ‘Designing Dietary Preferences for Armed Forces and Deciphering India’s Trade Trajectory’.
•  The Datathon witnessed overwhelming participation reflecting the growing enthusiasm for leveraging data analytics. 
• The competition was conducted in a phased assessment process, culminating in a final evaluation by accomplished subject matter experts.

Aim of  Defence Datathon:

• The primary aim ofthe competition was to promote a culture of data-driven decision-making within the Armed Forces.

Significance of  Defence Datathon:

• The Datathon has been successful in promoting data centricity amongst defence forces.
•  Data is often called the “ammunition” of the modern digital battlefield, and the capabilities to harness big data will decide outcomes in information age military conflicts. Initiatives like CDM Datathon therefore align military processes to the information age.

Centre launches E-Daakhil portal

Tags: National News

Centre launches E-Daakhil portal

Why in news?

• The Department of Consumer Affairs is proud to announce the successful nationwide implementation of the E-Daakhil portal, now operational in every state and union territory of India. 
• This milestone is marked by the recent launch of the E-Daakhil portal in Ladakh on 22nd November 2024, making E-Daakhil a truly pan-India initiative.

What is  e-Daakhil portal ?

• The e-Daakhil portal was first launched on 7th September 2020 by the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission.
• In furtherance to the launching of e- dakhil across the country, the Government is also working relentlessly for launching of e-Jagriti which will further streamline case filing, tracking, and management, ensuring a hassle-free experience for consumers and other stakeholders.
• The e-daakhil portal was introduced as inexpensive, speedy and hassle-free mechanism for filing consumer complaints.

Importance of  e-daakhil portal:

•  E-Daakhil is an innovative online platform designed to streamline the consumer grievance redressal process, providing an efficient and convenient way for consumers to approach the relevant consumer forum, dispensing the need to travel and be physically present to file their grievances. 
• Since its inception,E-Daakhil has been a game-changer in promoting consumer rights and ensuring timely justice.
• The portal offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, allowing consumers to file complaints with minimal effort. 
•  It will also facilitate seamless communication between all parties, allowing for faster resolution of disputes. 
• By automating and digitizing the process, e-Jagriti will reduce delays, minimize paperwork, and ensure timely disposal of cases, ultimately contributing to a more effective and accessible justice system for consumers.

Network Readiness Index 2024

Tags: INDEX

Network Readiness Index 2024

Why in news?

• India has improved its position by eleven slots and is now placed at 49th rank as per the Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI 2024) report released on 21st November 2024, as against 60th rank scored in the NRI 2023 report.

Key points:

• In its latest version of 2024, the Report maps the network-based readiness landscape of 133 economies based on their performances in four different pillars:
•  Technology, People, Governance, and Impact, covering a total of 54 variables. 
• The report has been published by the Portulans Institute, an independent non-profit research and educational institute based in Washington DC.
• India has not only improved its ranking, but also improved its score from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024. It is noteworthy that India leads in several indicators. 
• The report states that India secured 1st rank in ‘AI scientific publications’, ‘AI talent concentration’ and ‘ICT services exports’, 2nd rank in ‘FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions’, ‘Mobile broadband internet traffic within the country’ and ‘International Internet bandwidth’, 3rd rank in ‘Domestic market scale’ and 4th rank in ‘annual investment in telecommunication services.
• India has ranked 2nd in the group of lower-middle-income countries after Vietnam. As per the report, India has demonstrated significant digital progress, with notable strengths in technological innovation and digital transformation.
• India’s performance in NRI 2024 is the latest in a string of advancements in the telecommunications sector. 
• Over the past decade, tele density increased from 75.2% to 84.69%, and wireless connections reached 119 crore.
• TheDigital Indiahas set an example by expanding broadband access to rural areas through partnerships with technology companies, resulting in the sharp rise in internet subscribers from 25.1 crore to 94.4 crore, with a substantial rise in wireless internet usage. Reforms in spectrum management, ease of doing business, and consumer protection have further strengthened the sector.

Indian Chemical Council Wins 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award.

Tags: Awards

Indian Chemical Council Wins 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award.

Why in news?

• The 2024 OPCW The Hague Award was conferred upon the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) at a ceremony during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at the Hague on November 25, 2024 in the presence of delegates from the 193 States Parties and experts from the global chemical industry from around the world. 

Important points:

• Mr. D. Sothi Selvam, Director General, ICC received the award on behalf of the Council. 
• This is the first timethat the Award recognises the efforts of a chemical industry body. 
• This Award acknowledges the role played by ICC in promoting chemical safety, compliance with Additionally, ICC’s ‘Nicer Globe’ initiative has had a substantial impact on chemical transportation safety in India, offering real-time monitoring and emergency response capabilities. 

About The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC):

• The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)came into force in 1997, and presently has 193 States Parties.
• OPCW, with its Secretariat in The Hague,is the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, with a mission to achieve a world free of chemical weapons.
•  India is an original signatory to the Convention.NACWC is the national authority responsible for implementing the Convention in India.
• In 2013, OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons. 

 About ‘OPCW-The Hague Award’:

• To preserve the legacy of this achievement, the OPCW established the ‘OPCW-The Hague Award’ in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague in 2014. 
• The Award recognizes individuals and organizations that play a significant role in advancing the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention.. 
• Through initiatives like the Chemical Weapons Convention Helpdesks, ICC has increased industry compliance and facilitated efficient e-filing for chemical declarations. 
• Additionally, ICC’s ‘Nicer Globe’ initiative has had a substantial impact on chemical transportation safety in India, offering real-time monitoring and emergency response capabilities. 
• ICC has conducted other activities to promote chemical safety and security through its ‘Responsible Care’ (RC) programme and the introduction of the Security Code of RC.

Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue

Tags: National

Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue

Why in the news?

• The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today urged youngsters to take part in a quiz which can ensure them to be a part of historic Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue.

What is the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue?

• The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, a reimagining of the National Youth Festival, features the Viksit Bharat Challenge, a four-stage competition to inspire youth engagement in shaping India's future.

Significance:

• The dialogue will feature national and international experts, thought leaders, and dignitaries.
• The Prime Minister himself will participate and interact with the youth, encouraging them to present innovative ideas for the nation’s progress. 
• These insights will contribute to creating a comprehensive roadmap for India’s future.