1. India has the potential to lead fourth Industrial Revolution; PM Modi
Tags: National Economy/Finance Summits
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India has the potential to lead the 4th Industrial revolution and the government is working to make the country a manufacturing hub.
The message of the Prime Minister was read out at the “Conference on Industry 4.0: Challenges Ahead and Way Forward”, held at Kevadia, Gujarat on 7 October 2022.
The Conference was organised by the Union Ministry of Heavy Industry and was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Heavy Industries Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey.
On the occasion, Union Minister for Heavy Industries Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey and Minister of State for Heavy Industries Krishan Pal Gurjar flagged off 175 e buses, 75 from Gujarat and 100 from Karnataka under FAME Scheme
He also inaugurated a Centre for Industry 4.0 (C4i4) Lab in Pune.
In 2019, Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India Phase II (FAME India Phase II)' for promotion of Electric Mobility in the country was approved. Through the scheme, it is planned to support 10 Lakhs e-two wheelers, 5 lakh e-3 wheelers, 55,000 4-wheelers and 7,000 e-buses.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a term coined in 2016 by Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum.
Incorporating advanced digital production (ADP) technologies into industrial production processes has given rise to the concept of Industry 4.0, also known as the Smart Factory.
In the 4IR, computers are connected and communicate with one another to ultimately make decisions without human involvement.
A combination of cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things and the Internet of Systems make Industry 4.0 possible and the smart factory a reality.
Ultimately, it's the network of these machines that are digitally connected with one another and create and share information that results in the true power of Industry 4.0.
Industrial Revolutions
Industrial revolution refers to the change in human history from an agrarian society/economy to an economy/society dominated by Industry and machine manufacturing.
The First Industrial revolution started in England in about 1750-60. It was based on the use of machines for production which were driven by water and steam.
The second Industrial revolution which started in the late 19th century and early 20th century was characterized by the mass production of goods through assembly lines using electricity.
The third Industrial revolution was triggered by the use of computers which led to automation in production systems and development of smart and autonomous systems fueled by data and machine learning.
2. U S and India launch a joint task force on energy storage technologies
Tags: Science and Technology International News
India and the United States have launched a new task force under the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP), which will focus on the accelerated deployment of energy storage technologies.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS), are devices that enable energy from renewables, like solar and wind, to be stored and then released when customers need power most.
The task force was announced during the meeting of the Union minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Puri and the US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in Washington on 7 October 2022.
They also issued a US India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP) joint statement which highlighted the importance of bilateral clean energy engagement to strengthen energy security and to accelerate clean, secure, and just energy transition.
3. Solomon PM told Australia, no Chinese military presence in the country
Tags: place in news International News
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogaware assured Australia on 7 October that his country would not allow a Chinese military presence in its territory.
Important facts
The island nation has been at the centre of a diplomatic conflict in the southern Pacific Ocean between the United States, Australia and their allies on the one hand and China on the other.
Earlier this year, the Solomon Islands struck a security agreement with China, saying it needed Beijing's assistance with its domestic security situation.
The agreement shook the US and Australia.
There was concern that the deal could potentially lead to a Chinese military base and power test on the island nation.
The United States and its regional allies fear that China could open a Chinese naval base, which would significantly increase China's military reach in the South Pacific.
About Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands is a nation located in Melanesia, east of Papua New Guinea, consisting of more than 990 islands.
Melanesia is a subregion of Oceania in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
It does not include the Santa Cruz Islands and the outlying islands such as Rennell and Bellona.
Its capital is Honiara, which is located on the island of Guadalcanal.
4. Govt approves creation of new Weapon Systems branch in Indian Air Force
Tags: Defence National News
On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 8 October, the Centre has approved the creation of a weapon system branch for IAF officers.
Important facts
This branch will enhance the war capability of the Indian Air Force.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary said that this is the first time after independence that a new operational branch has been created in the Indian Air Force.
The Weapon Systems Branch will work to strengthen the branches dealing with Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Surface-to-Air Missiles, Remotely Operated Aircraft and Special Weapon System Operators in twin and multi-crew aircraft.
The establishment of this branch will save Rs 3,400 crore by reducing the expenditure on flight training.
The Indian Air Force is also planning to induct women Agniveers from next year.
5. Centre set up a committee to consider ‘Scheduled Caste’ status for converted dalits
Tags: committee Person in news National News
Center has set up a committee to consider SC status for Converted Dalits new persons who have historically belonged to the Scheduled Castes’’ but have converted to religions other than Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism”. The committee has been set up by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Head of the committee
The three member committee will be headed by former Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan. It includes retired IAS officer Dr Ravinder Kumar Jain and UGC member Prof (Dr) Sushma Yadav as members.
The commission will have to submit its report to the Ministry in two years.
What is the issue?
The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, stipulates that no person professing a religion different from Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism can be deemed to be a member of a Scheduled Caste. The original order under which only Hindus were classified was later amended to include Sikhs and Buddhists.
However many Scheduled caste persons who converted to Islam and Christianity are demanding that they should also be included in the list as they continue to face discrimination.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court by the National Council of Dalit Christians (NCDC), demanding the status of Scheduled Caste for converted dalits. In August 2022, the Supreme Court had directed the Centre to submit its current position on the issue.
The new commission has been set up by the government so that it can present its view on the matter before the court.
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment: Virendra Kumar
6. Railways plans to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2030
Tags: National National News
Indian Railways has adopted an integrated approach for green environment and plans to reduce carbon footprint to become net zero carbon emitter by 2030.
Important facts
Railways will endeavour to reduce its carbon footprint by meeting its energy requirements primarily from renewable energy sources.
Other strategies for net zero emitters include a multi-pronged approach to electrification of rail routes, shifting from diesel to electric traction, promoting energy efficiency and building dedicated freight corridors.
By 2029-30, the expected requirement for installation of renewable capacity will be around 30 GW.
Indian Railways has installed 142 MW solar rooftop capacity and 103.4 MW wind power capacity by August, 2022.
Railways has electrified 52,508 kms out of 65,141 kms of broad gauge network (80.61%).
Contribution of railways towards combating Climate Change
Indian Railways has adopted an integrated approach to green transport to increase the total share of Indian Railways in land based freight traffic from the present 36 per cent to 45 per cent by 2030.
Indian Railways is setting up Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) across the country. Its first phase is estimated to reduce emissions by about 457 million tonnes over a period of 30 years.
The traction diesel fuel will use 5 percent blending of biofuels.
Water use efficiency will be improved by 20 percent by 2030.
Plantation will be done to increase carbon absorption, there will be emphasis on waste management and pollution control.
The Minister of Railways - Ashwini Vaishnaw
7. Railways plans to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2030
Tags: National National News
Indian Railways has adopted an integrated approach for green environment and plans to reduce carbon footprint to become net zero carbon emitter by 2030.
Important facts
Railways will endeavour to reduce its carbon footprint by meeting its energy requirements primarily from renewable energy sources.
Other strategies for net zero emitters include a multi-pronged approach to electrification of rail routes, shifting from diesel to electric traction, promoting energy efficiency and building dedicated freight corridors.
By 2029-30, the expected requirement for installation of renewable capacity will be around 30 GW.
Indian Railways has installed 142 MW solar rooftop capacity and 103.4 MW wind power capacity by August, 2022.
Railways has electrified 52,508 kms out of 65,141 kms of broad gauge network (80.61%).
Contribution of railways towards combating Climate Change
Indian Railways has adopted an integrated approach to green transport to increase the total share of Indian Railways in land based freight traffic from the present 36 per cent to 45 per cent by 2030.
Indian Railways is setting up Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) across the country. Its first phase is estimated to reduce emissions by about 457 million tonnes over a period of 30 years.
The traction diesel fuel will use 5 percent blending of biofuels.
Water use efficiency will be improved by 20 percent by 2030.
Plantation will be done to increase carbon absorption, there will be emphasis on waste management and pollution control.
The Minister of Railways - Ashwini Vaishnaw
8. AIIA signs Mou with NIAIST, Japan to promote collaboration in Research of Ayurveda and Traditional medicine
Tags: National Science and Technology
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), under the Ministry of AYUSH, and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Japan have signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 7 October 2022 in New Delhi to promote Institute’s research activities both at a national and international stage.
The MoU will enable both countries to promote research collaboration and building capacities in the field of the Indian Ayurvedic system of traditional medicines. All these activities will be executed in support of the Ministry of Ayush.
AIIA already has MoUs with the European Academy of Ayurveda, Bernstein, Germany; Western Sydney University, Australia; Graz Medical University, Austria; College of Medical, UK; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA)
All India Institute of Ayurveda is an apex institute for Ayurveda which is being set up in New Delhi. It has been set up to make Ayurveda an evidence based treatment and standardize the Ayurveda drugs.
Current Director of AIIA: Professor Tanuja Manoj Nessari.
AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy)
- The Ministry of AYUSH was set up on the 9th of November 2014 to revive the knowledge of traditional Indian systems of medicine.
- It focuses on education and research in the fields of Ayurveda, Yoga Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.
- Minister of AYUSH: Sarbananda Sonowal
9. Divyangana Sharma and Ritika Saxena have been honoured with the prestigious Victorian Premier Award.
Tags: Awards Person in news International News
Two Indian students, Divyangana Sharma and Ritika Saxena have won the prestigious Victorian Premier's award. Divyangana Sharma has won the coveted Victorian Premier's Award - International Student of the Year 2021-22, while Ritika Saxena won the International Student of the Year award in the Research category.
Divyangana has also won Victorian International Education Awards 2021-22 in the Higher Education category. Divyangana Sharma came to Melbourne to study nursing at Holmesglen Institute in February 2020.
Ritika moved to Melbourne as an 18-year-old and is now a PhD student involved in stem cell research,
Victoria
Victoria is one of the six states of Australia. It is the second largest state of Australia after New South Wales.
Like all states of Australia, it has a constitution of its own.
The head of the Victorian government is called Premier.
The current Premier is : Daniel Andrews
Capital of Victoria: Melbourne
10. U.N. peacekeeping chief to visit India
Tags: International News
UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix is on a visit to India, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and Japan from 6 October to 15 October.
Important facts
He participated in a two-day meeting organized by the Challenges Forum, which brings together leading policy makers, practitioners and academics on key issues related to peacekeeping.
India is one of the largest military contributors to its missions in UN peacekeeping.
The purpose of Lacroix's visit is to review the countries' contributions to and support for UN peacekeeping and progress in enhancing the effectiveness of peacekeeping.
The Challenge Forum (CAF) 22 was co-hosted by the organization's Indian partner United Service Institution of India (USI).
About UN Peacekeeping
UN peacekeeping began in 1948 when the UN Security Council authorized the deployment of UN military observers in the Middle East.
It helps to bring countries from conflict to a difficult path of peace.
It deploys soldiers and police from all over the world for peacekeeping.
India is one of the largest military and police contributors to UN peacekeeping operations.
There are currently more than 5,700 Indian peacekeepers deployed in nine of the 12 UN peacekeeping missions.
