1. Vibrant Villages Programme to be Integrated with PM Gati Shakti
Tags: Government Schemes National News
The Centre’s ambitious Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), which aims to develop infrastructure and open up villages along the China border to tourists, will be integrated with the Prime Minister’s Gati Shakti mega project.
An overview of the news
The Vibrant Villages Program (VVP) aims to develop infrastructure and promote tourism in villages bordering China.
The program will be integrated with the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti mega project, which brings together 16 ministries for coordinated infrastructure planning.
The Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N) will provide satellite images and GIS mapping of the projects for real-time monitoring.
The objective of VVP is to prevent migration of border population and to gather intelligence from the people of border villages.
The program will cover 2,967 villages in 46 border blocks of 19 districts in four states and one union territory.
About Vibrant Villages Programme
This program was announced in the budget speech 2022.
It aims to improve infrastructure in villages along India’s border with China.
Under the programme, states such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh will improve infrastructure and build residential and tourism hubs.
The focus areas of the programme are livelihood, road connectivity, housing, rural infrastructure, renewable energy, television and broadband connections.
About PM Gati Shakti initiative
It is a transformative approach to economic growth and sustainable development.
It was launched on 13 October 2021 to provide multimodal connectivity infrastructure to various economic zones.
Its targets are to cut logistic costs, increase cargo handling capacity and reduce the turnaround time.
Economic zones like Textile Clusters, Pharmaceutical Clusters, Defence Corridor, Electronic Park, Industrial Corridor, Fishing Clusters, Agri Zone will be covered under this program to improve connectivity.
PM GatiShakti National Master Plan was implemented on 21st October 2021.
The approach of PM Gati Shakti is driven by 7 engines-
Railways
Roads
Ports
Waterways
Airports
Mass Transport
Logistics Infrastructure
Significance
It will give a boost to the overall infrastructure of the country.
It will strive to build next generation infrastructure that improves ease of living as well as ease of doing business.
It will provide integrated and seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services as a mode of transport.
It will create many employment opportunities and boost the economy.
It will improve the global competitiveness of local products by cutting logistics costs and improving the supply chain.
2. Ministry of Tourism organises G20 Tourism Expo in Jaipur
Tags: National National News
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in association with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, organised G20 Tourism Expo in Jaipur from 23rd to 25th April, 2023 to coincide with India's G20 Presidency and Amrit Kaal, the elixir of independence.
An Overview of the News
The Ministry of Tourism plans to develop50 new tourist destinations across India and launch promotions in foreign markets to promote tourism.
India to register 6.19 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2022, a growth of 305% as compared to 1.52 million in 2021, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has made 51 of the 59 tourist routes recommended under the UDAN scheme operational.
Government of Rajasthan to promote tourism and generate employment opportunities its newly launched G20 Tourism Expo is organised along with the 12th edition of Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB), one of the biggest events for inbound tourism in India There is one.
About the G20
It is an international forum of the world's major economies established in 1999.
Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.
3. 6th Edition of Advantage Healthcare India 2023
Tags: Summits National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 6th edition of Advantage Healthcare India (AHCI) 2023 on 26th April at Pragati Maidan New Delhi. This event will be held from 26 to 27 April 2023.
An overview of the news
The program is in line with India's G20 Presidency theme 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' and is aptly named 'One Earth, One Health - Advantage Healthcare India 2023'.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) co-branded the 6th edition of One Earth One Health, Advantage Healthcare India 2023 with the G20 Presidency of India.
The event is being organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and will be attended by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Minister of Sikkim and Dr. Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura will be present along with senior national and state high level leadership.
Health ministers of 10 countries will also be present in this programme.
The summit will witness 125 exhibitors from 70 countries and around 500 foreign delegates.
Aims of the event
To emphasize the importance of global collaborations and partnerships for Building Resilient Global Health Architecture and work towards achieving Universal Health Coverage through value-based healthcare.
To showcase India's strength in the field of medical value travel and as an exporter of healthcare workforce providing value based healthcare services.
4. Stolen Chola Period idol of Lord Hanuman recovered, handed over to Idol Wing, Tamil Nadu
Tags: National National News
The stolen idol of Lord Hanuman belonging to the Chola period has been recovered and handed over to Idol Wing, Tamil Nadu.
An overview of the news
The sculpture of Lord Hanuman was stolen from a Vishnu Temple, Shri Varatharaja Perumal, Pottaveli Vellur, Ariyalur district.
It belongs to the late Chola Period (14th -15th century).
It was documented by “French institute of Pondicherry” in 1961.
The sculpture was handed over to the High Commissioner of India in Canberra.
The idol was returned to India in the last week of February, 2023 and handed over to Idol Wing, Tamil Nadu as a case property on 18th April 2023.
The Government of India is working towards safeguarding the country's ancient heritage within the country and has been instrumental in bringing back antiquities that were taken abroad illegally in the past.
So far 251 antiquities have been brought back from different countries out of which 238 antiquities have been brought back since 2014.
5. India launches Operation Kaveri to evacuate Indian citizens stranded in Sudan
Tags: National National News
India launched Operation Kaveri to evacuate its nationals from unrest-hit Sudan and it is the latest evacuation operation launched by India to rescue its citizens and those of friendly nations from war zones.
An Overview of the News
Official figures show that there are about 4,000 Indians in Sudan.
Sudan is currently experiencing a violent power struggle between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF)across the country.
The conflict arose due to a dispute over an internationally supported plan to establish a new civilian government, four years after the overthrow of authoritarian leader Omar al-Bashir and two years after a military coup.
Both sides have been accusing each other of obstructing the transition, resulting in widespread violence and instability.
About Sudan
Capital - Khartoum
Currency - Sudanese pound (SDG)
Region -North Africa
President - Abdel Fatah al-Burhan (Chairman of the Sovereignty Council)
Official language - Arabic, English
6. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav launches new features in eShram Portal
Tags: National National News
Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, launched new features in eShram Portal on 24th April.
An overview of the news
The new features added in eShram portal will enhance the utility of the portal and facilitate ease of registration for unorganised workers.
The eShram registered workers can now connect with Employment opportunities, Skilling, Apprenticeship, Pension Scheme, Digital Skilling and States’ schemes through eShram portal.
The Union Minister also formally launched the Data Sharing Portal (DSP) for sharing of eShram data with the State/ UT Governments.
What are new features added?
Facility to enter details of families of migrant workers has been added in the e-Shram Portal.
This facility can help migrant workers migrating with family to get benefits of child education and women centric schemes.
In addition, a new feature has been added regarding sharing of data of construction workers registered on Eshram with the concerned Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Board.
It will ensure registration of Ishram construction workers with the concerned BOCW board and ensure access to schemes for them.
About e-Shram portal
The Ministry of Labor and Employment has developed an eSHRAM portal to create a national database of unorganised workers.
It was launched in 2021.
Its aim is to welfare of workers in the unorganised sector who are not members of the EPFO or ESIC.
Registered members will be eligible for a range of benefits after signing up for Shramik Yojana and getting the e-Shram Card.
This will allow workers to receive Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through e-Shramik Unique ID Number.
7. "Locked Shields" cyber-defense exercise 2023 to be held by NATO in Tallinn
Tags: Defence International News
The 2023 edition of the annual exercise "Locked Shields" was hosted by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence in Tallinn (Estonia).
An Overview of the News
"Locked Shields" is an annual cyber defence exercise hosted by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence in Tallinn. The exercise started on 18 April 2023.
More than 3000 participants from 38 countries including NATO alliesand partners took part in the exercise.
The exercise simulates real-time attacks and tests strategic decision making in critical situations.
The exercise highlights the importance of international collaboration and cooperation in the field of cyber defence.
The NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence helps participating countries and organisations improve their cyber defence capabilities.
About Locked Shields
It is an annual cyber defence exercise that simulates a large-scale cyber incident.
Rapid Reaction Teams from different countries work together to assist a fictional nation in managing a massive cyber attack.
Blue Teams made up of CCDCOE member nations protect the mock state's information systems and critical infrastructure from thousands of attacks.
The aim of the exercise is to improve the skills and capabilities of the participating teams and enhance international cooperation and communication in cyber defence.
The exercise includes both defensive and offensive operations, with Red Teams simulating attacks and Blue Teams defending.
About the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Established -4 April 1949
Founders -United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Italy
Headquarters - Brussels, Belgium
Secretary General - Jens Stoltenberg
8. First ever census on Water Bodies in India
Tags: National News
For the first time in the country's history, the Ministry of Jal Shaktirecently released the first census report of water bodies, providing important insights into the country's water resources.
An overview of the news
The census provides a comprehensive list of India's water resources, which includes natural and man-made water bodies such as ponds, tanks, lakes, etc.
It has collected data on encroachment of water bodies.
The census also highlighted disparities between rural and urban areas and different levels of encroachment and revealed important insights into the country's water resources.
Major findings of the census
24,24,540 water bodies have been enumerated in the country, out of which 97.1% (23,55,055) are in rural areas and only 2.9% (69,485) are in urban areas.
Top 05 States in terms of number of water bodies - West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Assam which constitute around 63% of the total water bodies in the country.
Top 05 States in terms of number of water bodies in urban areas- West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Tripura.
Top 05 States in terms of number of water bodies in rural areas - West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Assam.
59.5% of water bodies are ponds, followed bytanks (15.7%), reservoirs (12.1%), Water conservation schemes/percolation tanks/check dams (9.3%), lakes (0.9%) and others (2.5%).
55.2% of water bodies are owned by private entities whereas 44.8% of water bodies are in the domain of public ownership.
Top 05 States which lead in the private owned water bodies - West Bengal, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Jharkhand.
Top 05 States wherein major use of water bodies is in pisciculture - West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh;
Top 05 States wherein major use of water bodies is in irrigation - Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Gujarat.
78% water bodies are man-made water bodies whereas 22% are natural water bodies.
1.6% (38,496) water bodies out of all the enumerated water bodies are reported to be encroached out of which 95.4% are in rural areas and remaining 4.6% in urban areas.
9. Asia Pacific Malaria Leaders Conclave 2023
Tags: Summits National News
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organisd the Asia Pacific Leaders’ Conclave on Malaria Elimination in New Delhi on 24 April in partnership with the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA).
An overview of the news
The conclave was organized under the guidance of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers.
The purpose of the conclave is to reaffirm political commitment to inspire action to eliminate malaria by 2030.
The conclave will provide a forum for leaders from the Asia Pacific region to discuss ongoing efforts towards malaria elimination and revive national and regional momentum towards the goal of a malaria-free Asia Pacific by 2030.
The conclave was presided over by Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog.
Remarkable progress towards malaria eradication in India
India has made remarkable progress towards malaria elimination in recent years and has been appreciated globally.
Of the 11 countries that are part of the World Health Organisation's 'High Burden to High Impact' initiative, only India has reported a decline in malaria cases.
Malaria cases and deaths have declined by 85.1% and 83.6%, respectively, from 2015 to 2022.
Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are contributing immensely towards strengthening India's fight against malaria.
About Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA)
In November 2014, the Asia-Pacific Heads of Government ("Leaders") adopted the goal of making the region malaria-free by 2030.
The Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA) is a coalition of leaders dedicated to achieving that goal.
It seeks to address last-mile challenges to accelerate malaria control and elimination.
APLMA is working to ensure that the people of the entire region are free from this scourge.
10. Cabinet approves LIGO-India, gravitational-wave detector
Tags: Science and Technology National News
The Union Cabinet approved a project to build an advanced gravitational-wave detector in Maharashtra at an estimated cost of Rs 2,600 crore. The facility’s construction is expected to be completed by 2030.
An overview of the news
This mega-science project includes the construction, commissioning and joint scientific operation of a state-of-the-art, advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in India in collaboration with the NSF-funded LIGO Laboratory, USA.
About LIGO-India Project
It will be an advanced gravitational-wave observatory located in Maharashtra, India, as part of a worldwide network.
It is envisaged as a collaborative project between a consortium of Indian research institutions and the LIGO Laboratory in the United States of America as well as its international partners.
It will be built by the Department of Atomic Energy and the Department of Science and Technology with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Science Foundation, US, along with several national and international research and educational institutions.
It was given "in-principle" approval by the Union Cabinet in February 2016 with the objective of providing wider opportunities to Indian youth to pursue research careers in cutting-edge areas of science and technology.
Significance of LIGO-India
It will significantly enhance global capabilities in the field of gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics.
It will provide opportunities for Indian youth to pursue research careers in cutting-edge areas of science and technology.
It will lead to the development of cutting-edge technologies such as lasers, optics, vacuum, quantum metrology and control-system technologies.
