1. Cabinet approves construction of Shinku La Tunnel to provide all weather connectivity in Ladakh
Tags: National National News
The Union Cabinet on 15 February approved the construction of the 4.1-km Shinkun La tunnel on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road link to provide all-weather connectivity to the border areas of Ladakh.
An overview of the news
The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the construction of the tunnel which will provide all-weather connectivity to the Ladakh region with the rest of the country.
The tunnel will be completed by December 2025 at a cost of Rs 1,681 crore.
Another Zojila tunnel is also under construction which is on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway.
About Shinku La Tunnel
The Shinku-La tunnel will be constructed over the Shinku La Pass at a height of 16,580 feet.
Shinku La is a mountain pass on the border of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
It connects the Zanskar valley of Leh-Ladakh to Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh.
It is situated to the north of Rohtang Pass.
The length of the tunnel will be 4.1 km.
It will be built by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) under Project Yojkar.
Significance
The Shinku La tunnel will provide all-weather road connectivity to Ladakh and will be the shortest route to the border areas of the union territory.
This will lead to all-round development of the region and boost tourism, health and education sectors.
This project is also very important from the point of view of strategic and national security.
This will also help in the movement of security forces in that area.
2. SPMCIL signs MoU with TERI under CSR initiatives
Tags: National National News
The Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) and the Energy Resources Institute (TERI) have signed an MoU with an estimated cost of Rs 525.49 lakh for the integrated development of village Model.
An overview of the news
This MoU has been entered into under the CSR initiative of SPMCIL for the development of Model Village - Sirolia, District Dewas, Madhya Pradesh.
The Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) is a Mini Ratna, Category-I CPSE, wholly owned by the Government of India.
Energy Resources Institute (TERI)
TERI was set up as a Tata Energy Research Institute by the Tata group in 1974.
It was renamed The Energy Research Institute in 2003.
The Headquarters of TERI : New Delhi
Director -General of TERI: Vibha Dhawan.
TERI is engaged in research and development in the field of energy, environment, climate change and sustainability.
3. The First G20 Culture Group (CWG) meet to be organised in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Tags: Summits National News
-meet-to-be-organised-in-Khajuraho%2C-Madhya-Pradesh.jpg)
The Ministry of Culture is organising the first G20 Culture Group (CWG) meeting from 22 to 25 February 2023 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
An overview of the news
'Protection and restitution of cultural heritage' will be the theme for the first G20 Culture Group (CWG) meeting.
An exhibition titled 'Re(ed) Dress: Return of Treasures' will also be organized on this theme at the Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Center in Khajuraho.
The second and third meetings under this track will be held at Bhubaneswar in Odisha and Hampi in Karnataka.
India's cultural richness and diversity will be "prominently showcased" at the G2O meetings.
The overarching theme of G20 is ‘Vasudev Kutumbakam’ – One Earth, One Family, One Future.’
India's G20 culture track is based on the idea of 'Culture for LiFE' as a campaign for eco-conscious lifestyle and sustainable living.
Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.
Cultural Programmes
Cultural programs will be organised during the meeting including Khajuraho Dance Festival.
The delegates will also visit the Western Group of Temples, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An ancient city, Khajuraho is known for its majestic temples and erotic sculptures.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built between 950–1050 by the Chandela dynasty.
Guest Countries
Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and the UAE.
Four priority areas of India’s CWG
Protection and restitution of cultural property
Harnessing living heritage for a sustainable future
Promotion of cultural and creative industries
Creative economy; and leveraging digital technologies for Protection and promotion of culture
4. Cabinet approves signing of the MoU between the India and South Africa for cooperation in Disability Sector
Tags: National National News
The Union Cabinet on 15 February approved the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and South Africa for cooperation in the 'disability sector'.
An overview of the news
It aims to encourage cooperation between the Department for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and South Africa through joint initiatives in the disability sector.
It will strengthen bilateral relations between India and South Africa.
This MoU will benefit a large number of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in both the countries, especially those who are in need of modern, scientific, durable, low cost aids and assistive devices.
South Africa
President: Cyril Ramaphosa
Capitals: Cape Town (Legislative), Pretoria (Executive), Bloemfontein (Judicial)
Currency : Rand
5. India and Fiji sign MoU on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports
Tags: International Relations International News
India and Fiji signed a Memorandum of Understanding on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders on 16 February in presence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
An overview of the news
Under this agreement, holders of diplomatic and official passports will be able to enter, transit and stay in each other's territory without a visa for a period of 90 days.
India and Fiji share close and long-standing relations and the two countries also reviewed bilateral relations.
India and Fiji have inaugurated the solarisation of the State House in Suva and this is the first of a series that India is supporting in the Pacific Islands.
It shows India's commitment towards climate action.
The Visa Waiver Agreement will be helpful in encouraging greater travel between the two countries.
Republic of Fiji
It is an archipelago consisting of around 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
Capital: Suva
Currency: Fijian Dollar
President : Wiliame Katonivere
Prime Minister: Sitiveni Rabuka
6. India and Spain agreed to cooperate in digital infra, climate action, clean energy
Tags: International Relations International News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez on February 15 agreed to collaborate on issues such as digital infrastructure, climate action, clean energy and sustainable development.
An overview of the news
They also discussed several bilateral and international issues of mutual interest.
They reviewed bilateral initiatives and expressed satisfaction at the growing cooperation in the defence, economic and commercial sectors.
Sanchez extended full support to India's initiative of chairing the global bloc G20.
India-Spain Relations
Relations between the two countries have been cordial since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956.
To give impetus to trade and investment ties, the India-Spain Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC) was established in 1972.
The commission was established under the Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement and has met ten times since then.
Spain is India's 7th largest trading partner in the European Union.
India's exports to Spain include organic chemicals, textiles, iron and steel products, motor vehicle components, marine products and leather goods.
Spain is the 15th largest investor in India.
Bilateral Agreements between India and Spain
Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation, 1972
Agreement on Cultural Cooperation, 1982
Civil Aviation Agreement, 1986
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, 1993
Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement, 1997
Extradition Treaty, 2002
MoU on Institutionalisation of Political Dialogue, 2006
7. Cabinet approves establishment of Agricultural Credit Societies
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
In order to strengthen the cooperative sector, the Union Cabinet on 15 February approved the setting up of a new Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) in two lakh panchayats in the next five years.
An overview of the news
According to the government, 25 different facilities will be made available through the Primary Agricultural Credit Society.
Dairy and fisheries will also be linked to agricultural cooperatives.
In the next 5 years, a target has been set to establish 2 lakh multipurpose packs, dairy, fisheries cooperatives.
The scheme will be implemented with convergence of various schemes.
The scheme will be implemented with convergence of various schemes by leveraging the 'Whole of Government' approach.
Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS)
These are grassroots level cooperative credit institutions that provide short-term and medium-term agricultural loans to farmers for various agricultural and agricultural activities.
It works at the gram Panchayat and village level.
The first Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) was set up in 1904.
PACS are registered under the Co-operative Societies Act and regulated by RBI.
Objectives of PACS
Raise capital for the purpose of making loans
Supporting members' essential activities
Collect deposits from members with the goal of improving their savings habit
Arrange for the supply and development of improved breeds of livestock to the members
Supply agricultural inputs and services to members at reasonable prices
8. Cabinet approves Centrally Sponsored Scheme- “Vibrant Villages Programme” for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26
Tags: Government Schemes National News
The Union Cabinet on 15 February approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme- “Vibrant Villages Programme” (VVP) for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26 with financial allocation of Rs 4800 Crore.
An overview of the news
This will help encourage people to stay in their native places in border areas.
This will stop migration from villages and improve border security.
Funds will be provided under the scheme for development of essential infrastructure and creation of livelihood opportunities in 19 districts and 46 border blocks, 4 states and 1 union territory along the northern land border of the country.
In the first phase, 663 villages will be included in the programme.
The District Administration will prepare a Vibrant Village Action Plan with the help of Gram Panchayats.
100 percent saturation of Central and State schemes will be ensured.
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.
9. Cabinet approves signing of MoU between India and Chile for cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors
Tags: National National News
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of India and the Government of Chile on 15 February for cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.
An overview of the news
This MoU provides for cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.
Under the MoU, a Chile-India Agricultural Working Group will be set up.
This group will be responsible for supervision, review and evaluation of the implementation of the MoU as well as for establishing frequent communication and coordination.
The meetings of the Agriculture Working Group will be held once a year, alternately in Chile and India.
The MoU shall come into force upon its signature and shall remain in force for a period of five years from the date of execution.
Thereafter it will be automatically renewed for a period of 5 years.
The main areas of cooperation
Agricultural Policies for the Development of Modern Agriculture
Organic agriculture to facilitate bilateral trade of organic products
To promote exchange of policies aimed at developing organic production
Promotion of innovation in agriculture sector between Indian institutions and Chilean institutions
Cooperation in Science and Innovation to Address Common Challenges
10. Indo-US exercise TARKASH
Tags: National Defence National News
The 6th edition of joint exercise Tarkash was recently concluded in Chennai by the National Security Guard (NSG) and the US Special Operations Force (SOF).
About Exercise TARKASH
This is the sixth edition of the exercise which began on 16 January and ended on 14 February.
It is a joint exercise by the National Security Guard (NSG) and US Special Operations Forces (SOF).
“Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Terror Response” has been included in this exercise for the first time.
An exercise to deal with chemical and biological attacks by terrorists was also included in the exercise.
Chemical and biological attacks have been made part of the exercise in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Last year, Russia accuses Ukraine of receiving aid from Western countries and of carrying out a chemical attack in Kharkiv.
Objectives of the Exercise
The objective of the exercise is to neutralize the terrorists, safe release of hostages and neutralization of chemical weapons being carried by the terrorists.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Weapons
These weapons are classified as weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
In the past these weapons have been used by states and terrorist groups.
The most recent use of CBRN was in the form of a sarin gas attack in Syria in 2017 that killed over 100 people.
These weapons are a serious threat to international peace and security.
Chemical, Biological and Radiological weapons
Chemical weapons include mustard gas and nerve agents.
Biological agents like anthrax, botulinum toxin and plague are some examples of biochemical weapons.
Radiological weapons include weaponised radioactive waste and dirty bombs as well as nuclear weapons.
