- ENVIRONMENT
AIR POLLUTION
- Stubble Burning: Farmers in Punjab and Haryana burn paddy stubble after the harvest season, which significantly contributes to the pollution.
- Slow Wind Speed: During winter, the wind speed decreases, leading to the accumulation of pollutants in the air.
- Firecrackers: The bursting of firecrackers during festivals like Diwali exacerbates the pollution levels.
- Health Impact: The high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) can lead to severe respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems.
- Role of CAQM and CPCB
- CAQM: The Commission for Air Quality Management is a central government panel established to monitor and manage air quality in the NCR and adjoining areas. It coordinates with various state and central agencies to implement measures to curb pollution.
- CPCB: The Central Pollution Control Board is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It provides technical services to the CAQM and other bodies in monitoring and controlling pollution.
- Flying Squads Initiative
- Deployment: The CAQM has deployed ‘flying squads’ in 26 districts of Punjab and Haryana, identified as hotspots for stubble burning. These squads will operate from October 1, 2024, to November 30, 2024, which is the peak period for paddy stubble burning.
- Function: The flying squads, comprising members from the CPCB, will:
- Monitor: Assess the ground situation in real-time.
- Coordinate: Work closely with local authorities to ensure immediate action is taken to prevent stubble burning.
- Report: Provide daily reports to the CAQM and CPCB on the incidents of stubble burning and the measures taken to curb them.
2. INTERNATIONAL
IN FRANCE, A ASUMMIT FOR DIPLOMACY, TECH AND DIVERSITY
- 19th Francophonie Summit, held in Paris and Villers-Cotterêts, France, is a significant event that will bring together over 100 heads of state, government officials, and high-ranking dignitaries.
- Here are the key aspects and objectives of the summit: Background and Significance
- Historical Context: Villers-Cotterêts is historically significant as it was the city where King François I declared French as the official language of France in 1539.
- Francophonie: The summit is organized by the l’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), which was founded in 1970 to promote the French language and cooperation among its member states. The organization has 88 members, including 54 full-fledged members, seven associate members, and 27 observer members.
- Key Themes and Objectives
- Renewal of Multilateralism: Global Governance: Discussions will focus on renewing multilateralism and making international institutions more representative and efficient. This includes supporting the bid by India and other G-4 nations for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.
- Institutional Reforms: There will be deliberations on reforming institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to better address contemporary global challenges.
- Digital Technology and AI: AI and Society: The summit will address the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for society, including the protection of creation and promotion of diversity.
- AI Action Summit: France will follow up on these discussions by hosting the AI Action Summit in February 2025.
- Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Multilingualism: Emphasizing that multilingualism and cultural diversity foster mutually beneficial exchanges and collective thinking.
- Promotion of French Language: Upholding the theme “Create, Innovate and do Business in French,” the summit will promote the French language and its global influence.
- Civil Society Engagement: New Discussion Methods: For the first time, civil society stakeholders will have the opportunity to engage directly with summit officials to promote solutions and explore new avenues for cooperation.
3. BILATERAL
INDIA AND FRANCE DISCUSS DEFENCE COOPERATION AND EFFORTS TO ADVANCE PEACE
- National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval’s visit to Paris for the IndiaFrance Strategic Dialogue highlights the deepening strategic and defense cooperation between India and France.
- Key Points:
- France’s Appreciation for India’s Peace Initiatives: French President’s Remarks: President Emmanuel Macron appreciated India’s initiatives to advance peace, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Global Challenges: Macron emphasized the value of India and France’s collaborative efforts to address global challenges.
- Russia-Ukraine Conflict: India’s efforts to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow were highlighted as part of its peace initiatives.
- Middle East Tensions: The visit coincided with Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon, with Macron urging U.S. President Joe Biden to pressure Israel to halt its advances.
- Defense Cooperation: Procurement Discussions: NSA Ajit Doval discussed India’s plans to procure French planes and submarines with French officials, including:
- Rafale-M Fighters: France agreed to a significant reduction in the cost of 26 Rafale-M fighters for the Indian Navy.
- Submarines: Discussions also included the procurement of French submarines, although specific details were not disclosed.
- Horizon 2047: Commitment to Implementation: Doval reiterated India’s commitment to implementing the Horizon 2047 vision, which aims to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation in various sectors by the year 2047, marking 100 years of India’s independence.
4. NATIONAL
NCLAT DISMISSES APPEALS AGAINST SARDA ENERGY’S SKS IBC PLAN
- The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) dismissed appeals challenging the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai’s approval of the resolution plan submitted by Sarda Energy & Minerals Ltd. (SEML) for SKS Power Generation (Chhattisgarh) Ltd. The appeals were filed by unsuccessful resolution applicants Torrent Power Ltd., Jindal Power Ltd., and Vantage Point Asset Management Pte. Ltd.
- Key Points: NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal): A quasi-judicial body in India that adjudicates issues relating to companies, including insolvency and bankruptcy cases.
- NCLAT (National Company Law Appellate Tribunal): An appellate authority that hears appeals against the orders of the NCLT.
- Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC): The resolution process for insolvent companies in India is governed by the IBC, which aims to provide a time-bound resolution to maximize the value of assets.
5. INTERNATIONAL
HOW ISRAEL TOOK THE WAR TO THE AXIX OF RESISTANCE TRIGGERING IRAN’S ATTACK
- The term “Axis of Resistance” refers to a coalition of state and non-state actors in the Middle East that oppose Western influence and Israeli policies in the region.
- This coalition primarily includes Iran, Hezbollah, and various Palestinian groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad
- Objective: To resist Western influence, particularly that of the United States and Israel, in the Middle East.
- The recent escalation in hostilities between Israel and members of this axis, particularly Iran and Hezbollah, underscores the complex and volatile nature of this geopolitical alliance.
ONE LINER
- PM launches the Dharati Aaba Janajatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, welfare package for tribal villages
- KAZIND – 2024 is the 8th edition of the joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan, which started in Auli, Uttarakhand, India
