1. Diplomat Apoorva Srivastava appointed Ambassador to Slovak Republic
Tags: Person in news International News
Apoorva Srivastava, a diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service, has been appointed to serve as India’s Ambassador to the Slovak Republic.
Important facts
Apoorva, a 2001 batch officer, is currently serving as the Consul General at the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Prior to this, she held various positions in the Ministry of External Affairs and was posted in Kathmandu and Paris, among other places.
India and Slovakia have signed agreements ranging from defence and air services to economic and cultural.
India and Slovakia regularly support each other's candidacy for top positions in multilateral organisations such as the International Court of Justice and the United Nations.
Slovak Republic
Slovak Republic or Slovakia is a landlocked country of central Europe.
It is bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, and Austria to the southwest.
Its former federal partner, the Czech Republic, lies to the west.
Prime Minister - Eduard Heger
Capital - Bratislava
President - Zuzana Caputova
Currency - Euro
Official Language - Slovak
2. India-Africa Defence Dialogue
Tags: Defence International News
India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) being held on 18 October on the sidelines of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Important facts
The theme of the dialogue is ‘India-Africa : Adopting Strategy for Synergising and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation’.
It aims to explore new avenues of convergence for mutual engagement including in the areas of capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism.
Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (MP-IDSA), India's leading think-tank for advanced research in international relations, is the knowledge partner for the India-Africa Defence Dialogue.
India’s approach towards Africa is guided by the Kampala Principles enunciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.
On February 6, 2020, the first ever India-Africa Defence Ministers' Conference was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in conjunction with the DefExpo.
What are Kampala Principles?
The Kampala Principles promote the ownership of private sector partnerships (PSEs) through development cooperation by partner countries.
These principles ensure the alignment of PSE projects and programs with national sustainable development priorities.
About African continent
It is the second largest continent (after Asia), covering about one-fifth of the total land surface of Earth.
It is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the Mediterranean Sea in the north, the Red Sea and Indian Ocean in the east, and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans in the south.
The island of Madagascar, off the coast of Africa, is one of the largest islands in the world.
The African continent has a population of over one billion, with a combined GDP of $2.5 trillion, making it a huge potential market.
Africa is a resource-rich continent rich in crude oil, gas, pulses and lentils, leather, gold and other metals, all of which are lacking in substantial quantities in India.
3. Conference of the Secretaries of Civil Aviation
Tags: National Summits National News
The Conference of Civil Aviation Secretaries of all States and Union Territories was organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on 17 October 2022 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Important facts
The inaugural session was presided over by Rajiv Bansal, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
Presiding over the inaugural session, Rajiv Bansal said that a lot of progress has been made in the aviation sector in the last year.
He said domestic air traffic is almost near the pre-Covid level, many new airports have been inaugurated and new routes have been started.
The government has taken several steps to promote drones, helicopter medical emergency services and fractional ownership, he said.
During the conference, requested the states to reduce VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel, ATF and appreciated the states which have already done so.
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed the Conference.
Objective of the conference
The objective of the conference is to promote greater cooperation and synergy between the State Civil Aviation Departments and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to enhance the development of the civil aviation sector.
Government Initiatives in Civil Aviation sector
National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme
The Government has allocated INR 10,667 crore for the Ministry of Civil Aviation in Union Budget 2022-23.
The government has allowed 100% FDI under automatic route for greenfield projects, while 74% FDI is allowed under automatic route for brownfield projects.
4. Iraq’s Moqtada al-Sadr’s movement refuses to join new government
Tags: Person in news International News
Iraqi firebrand Shia leader Moqtada al-Sadr’s movement announced its refusal to join a new government being formed by Prime Minister-designate Mohammad Shia al-Sudani. This is likely to prolong the political instability in the country. The Moqtada al-Sadr’s movement announcement came after the Iraqi Parliament elected Abdul Latif Rashid, a 78-year-old Iraqi Kurd, as Iraq’s new president on 13 October 2022.
The newly elected President named al-Sudani as prime minister in a bid to end a year of political gridlock in the country since the October 2021 elections.
Mohammad Shia al-Sudani, supported by Iran backed Coordination Framework coalition parties has one month, within which to form a government.
Political instability in Iraq
- The democratic institutions built in oil-rich Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Dictator Saddam Hussein remain fragile, and neighbouring Iran wields major influence in the Shia majority Iraq.
- After the toppling of Saddam Hussein there has been bitter sectarian conflict between the Iraqi populations divided into Kurdish, Sunni, and Shia groups.
- To tackle the sectarian problem a new power sharing system has been developed in Iraq .The President by convention is Kurdish, the Prime minister a Shiite Arab and the parliament speaker a Sunni Arab.
- Iraq has been without a new government since elections last October, when candidates loyal to Mr. Sadr won the single biggest bloc of seats and eclipsed rival Shiite political parties backed by Iran. His relationship with Iran is also not good.
- Moqtada al-Sadr, who has the ability to mobilise tens of thousands of his supporters with a single tweet, has repeatedly demanded early elections, while the Coordination Framework wants a new government in place before any polls are held.
- Tensions between the two rival Shia camps boiled over on August 29 when more than 30 al-Sadr supporters were killed in clashes with Iran-backed factions and the army.
Republic of Iraq
In ancient times the region where modern Iraq is was known as Mesopotamia (Land between the rivers).
The modern state of Iraq was created in 1921 by Britain.
It gained its independence from Britain in 1932.
It is an Oil rich Arab country and it is the largest supplier of crude oil to India.
Capital: Baghdad
Currency: Iraqi Dinar
President: Abdul Latif Rashid
5. Prime Minister Inaugurates 600 Pradan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras
Tags: Government Schemes National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated PM Kisan Samman Sammelan 2022 at Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi on 17 October, 2022.
Important facts
The Prime Minister also inaugurated 600 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PMKSK) under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
The Prime Minister also launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Fertilizer Project - One Nation One Fertilizer.
One Nation, One Fertilizer will free the farmer from all kinds of confusion regarding the quality and availability of manure.
During the event, the Prime Minister also released the 12th instalment of Rs 16,000 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) through Direct Benefit Transfer.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Agriculture Startup Conclave and Exhibition.
During the programme, the Prime Minister also launched an e-magazine on fertilisers, 'Indian Age'.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras
3.25 lakh fertilizer shops will be developed across the country as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendra (PMKSK).
These will be the centres where farmers can not only buy fertilizers and seeds but also conduct soil tests and get useful information about farming techniques.
Under this scheme, retail fertilizer shops in the country will be converted into PMKSK in a phased manner.
6. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Tags: International News
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed annually around the world on 17 October to highlight the issues of poverty, hunger and violence.
Important facts
The day intends to find ways to reduce and eradicate poverty.
Every year on this day people from all backgrounds, social origins and beliefs gather together to show their solidarity with the poor.
Its aim is to raise awareness about the struggles of people living in poverty.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) believes that the lasting fight against poverty can be fought through education, science and the support of a creative economy.
Theme of 2022
The theme of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2022 - ‘Dignity for all in practice.’
This year's theme is based on the dignity of man, which is not only a fundamental right but is the basis of all other fundamental rights.
Background of the day
On 17 October 1987, more than a million people gathered at the Trocadero in Paris.
He declared that poverty is a violation of human rights of an individual and there is a need to ensure that these rights are respected.
Trocadéro is the place where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948.
On 22 December 1992, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Global scenario of poverty
Around 689 million people worldwide live in extreme poverty and live on less than $1.9 each day.
About 1.3 billion people in 107 developing countries live in multidimensional poverty. They account for 22 percent of the global population.
About 84.3 percent of multidimensionally poor individuals live in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Poverty in India
According to the National Poverty Line in 2011, about 21.9% of the population in India is below the poverty line.
Presently the poverty line is INR 1,059.42 per month in rural areas and INR 1,286 per month in urban areas.
Poverty in India is estimated by the Task Force of NITI Aayog under the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation through the calculation of the poverty line on the basis of data obtained by the National Sample Survey Office.
7. Railway minister inaugurates India’s first aluminium Freight Rake
Tags: National National News
On 16 October 2022, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated India’s first aluminium freight rake at Bhubaneswar railway station.
Important facts
The first Aluminum Freight Rake - 61 BOBRNHSM1, was flagged off by the Minister whose destination is Bilaspur.
A dedicated effort of Make in India programme, it is indigenously designed and developed in collaboration with RDSO, Hindalco and Besco Wagons.
Apart from freight trains, Indian Railways is also introducing aluminum passenger coaches in the near future.
Features of Aluminium Rake
It is fully Lock Bolted construction with no welding on superstructure.
The tare is 3.25 tons lower than normal steel rakes, 180 ton extra carrying capacity resulting in higher throughput per wagon.
Higher payload to tare ratio is 2.85.
Significance
This will reduce the carbon footprint as there will be less fuel consumption and more transportation of goods.
A single rake can save over 14,500 tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime.
Its cost is 35% more than the normal cost as all its structure is made of aluminium.
Low maintenance cost due to high corrosion and abrasion resistance.
8. India to host 90th General Assembly of INTERPOL
Tags: National Summits National News
India will host the 90th General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organisation, INTERPOL, in New Delhi from October 18 to 21, 2022.
Important facts
The General Assembly is the highest governing body of Interpol consisting of representatives of 195 member states. Its meeting is held once a year.
The General Assembly is being held in India after 25 years, last held in 1997 on the occasion of India's 75th Independence Day celebrations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah proposed the event to Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock during an official visit to New Delhi in August 2019.
Agenda of the meeting
The agenda is expected to include presentations, workshops and discussions on the following subjects -
The future of policing
Policing and today’s crimes
What is INTERPOL?
The International Criminal Police Organisation, or Interpol, is an intergovernmental organisation with 194 members.
It was formed in 1923 as the International Criminal Police Commission, and it was named Interpol in 1956.
India joined Interpol in 1949, and is one of its oldest members.
It is the world’s largest international police organisation.
Its work focuses on public safety and combating terrorism, crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes, environmental crimes, etc.
Headquartered - Lyon, France
What is the Interpol General Assembly?
It is the supreme governing body of Interpol, and consists of representatives of all its member states.
Each country is represented in the Assembly by one or more representatives, who are usually the heads of law enforcement agencies.
The General Assembly also elects the members of the Interpol Executive Committee.
9. Global Hunger Index 2022
Tags: Economics/Business International News
India ranked 107 out of 121 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2022 that was released on 14 October 2022.
India's Performance
India is in a worse position than all the countries of South Asia except war-torn Afghanistan.
Hunger levels in India have been placed in the "severe" category with a score of 29.1.
Neighbouring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar have been ranked 99, 64, 84, 81, and 71 respectively – all countries above India.
The wasting rate (underweight by height) of children in India is 19.3%, worse than the levels recorded in 2014 (15.1%).
The prevalence of undernutrition in India has increased from 14.6% in 2018-2020 to 16.3% in 2019-2021.
It is estimated that 224.3 million people in India are malnourished, out of a total of 828 million people who are malnourished globally.
India has shown improvement in two indicators – child stunting has declined from 38.7% to 35.5% between 2014 and 2022, and child mortality has fallen from 4.6% to 3.3% in the same period.
In 2021, India ranked 101 out of 116 countries, while in 2020, India stood at 94th position.
Global Scenario
According to the index, there are 44 countries that currently have "severe" or "alarming" levels of hunger.
Globally, progress against hunger has largely stalled in recent years.
For the world a GHI score of 18.2 in 2022 is considered "moderate", but 18.2 in 2022 represents a slight improvement from 19.1 in 2014.
This is due to conflicts, climate change, the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as crises such as the Ukraine War, which have increased global food, fuel and fertilizer prices and are expected to worsen in 2023.
About Global Hunger Index
GHI is a tool for comprehensively measuring and tracking hunger across nations.
It is an annual report jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.
It was first released in 2006, it is released every year in the month of October. Its 2022 edition refers to the 17th edition of the GHI.
It is calculated on the basis of four indicators –
Undernutrition - a population with insufficient caloric intake
Child wasting – Children under the age of five, who are underweight for their height, show acute malnutrition.
Child stunting - children under the age of five who are underweight for their age, indicating malnutrition
Child Mortality Rate - Mortality rate of children under five years of age
10. Coconut Community Farmers' Conference
Tags: Economy/Finance Summits National News
On October 14, 2022, the 'Coconut Community Farmers' Conference' was organised in Coimbatore.
Important facts
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the Conference.
Tomar said that the government would continue to provide all possible assistance to the farmers in the coastal states to promote coconut cultivation in the country.
Efforts made in the field of research and development in recent years have resulted in the development of new technologies in farming and processing as well as improvements in existing technologies.
With the increase in the number of coconut based industries in the country, new products and employment opportunities are also increasing.
The contribution of coconut cultivation in the agricultural economy is very important. India is a leader in coconut cultivation.
Coconut production in India
India is one of the third largest producers of coconut in the world.
Tamil Nadu ranks first in coconut processing activities.
Coimbatore ranks first in terms of area under coconut cultivation, where coconut is cultivated in an area of 88,467 hectares.
Support is being provided for setting up 537 new processing units in India with a processing capacity of 3,638 million coconuts per annum, of which 136 are in Tamil Nadu.
Indonesia is the world's leading coconut producer, The Philippines is the world's second largest producer of coconuts.
