- SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CENTRE SETS UP THREE AI RESEARCH HUBS ON HEALTH, AGRI AND CITIES
- Indian government’s initiative to establish three Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in Artificial Intelligence, focusing on healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable cities:
- Objective: To strengthen India’s position in the global AI landscape.
- To create solution providers for global challenges.
- To boost the startup ecosystem and generate employment and wealth.
- Key Features:
- Focus Areas:Healthcare, Agriculture, Sustainable Cities
- Leadership: Healthcare: AIIMS Delhi and IIT Delhi
- Agriculture: IIT Ropar, Punjab
- Sustainable Cities: IIT Kanpur
- Collaboration:The CoEs will work with industries and startups.
- Funding:₹990 crore allocated from the Union Budget for the period 2023-24 to 2027-28.
- Oversight:An apex committee co-chaired by Zoho founder-CEO Sridhar Vembu has been formed to oversee implementation.
- Expected Outcomes: Development of AI-based solutions for critical sectors.
- Creation of new job opportunities and wealth.
- Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through collaboration with startups.
- Contribution to global public policy in AI.
2. AGRICULTURE
SPECIAL TRAIN FOR FARMERS TO TRANSPORT HARVEST FLAGGES OFF
- Newly launched “Shetkari Samridhi Kisan Special” train aimed at facilitating the transport of agricultural produce for farmers.
- Purpose:The train aims to provide affordable and efficient transportation of agricultural goodsfrom Devlali, Maharashtra, to Danapur, Bihar. This is intended to help farmers access markets more easily and potentially get better prices for their produce.
- Route and Stops:The train connects Devlali and Danapur, stopping at Nasik, Manmad, Jalgaon, Bhusawal, Itarsi, Jabalpur, and Satna along the way. This route covers a significant agricultural region.
- Cost:The highlighted feature is the low freight cost of less than 28 paisa per kilogram over the 1,515 km journey, making it an economically viable option for farmers.
- Pilot Project:The initiative is currently a pilot project. Its success and feasibility will determine whether similar trains are introduced on other routes.
- Response to Demand:The Railway Minister mentioned that this was a long-standing demand from farmers in Maharashtra.
- Increased Railway Investment:The Minister also highlighted the significant increase in railway funding since 2014, along with the approval of numerous new railway line projects. This context suggests a broader effort to improve railway infrastructure, with the farmer-focused train being one specific initiative.
3. BILATERAL
INDIA, PAKISTAN AVOID BLAMING EACH OTHER AT SCO MEETING
- Informal Interaction between Foreign Ministers:
- Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar engaged in informal discussions during the SCO meeting. This interaction, though informal, marks a shift towards dialogue after a period of strained relations.
- This highlights the importance of informal channels of communication in international relations, especially in managing complex relationships
- Muted Rhetoric on Contentious Issues:
- Both India and Pakistan refrained from using contentious languagein their national statements at the SCO meeting, avoiding direct references to sensitive bilateral issues like Kashmir.
- Focus on Economic Cooperation within SCO: SCO members signed agreements on economic cooperation, including proposals for an Economic Dialogue Programme, a new economic strategy, and cooperation in trade promotion and the “creative economy.”
- This reflects the growing importance of economic cooperation as a driver of regional stability and development.
- India’s Emphasis on Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty: Mr. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty in connectivity projects, indirectly addressing India’s concerns about China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
- This highlights the need for a balanced approach to regional connectivity.
- Addressing Terrorism within SCO Framework: Mr. Jaishankar addressed the issue of cross-border terrorismwithin the framework of the SCO’s charter on the “three evils” (terrorism, separatism, extremism), avoiding direct accusations against Pakistan.
4. ENVIRONMENT
STUBBLE BURNING
- Stubble burningin Haryana and Punjab continues to be a major contributor to air pollution in North India, particularly impacting the National Capital Region (NCR).Despite having information from ISRO regarding the precise locations of these fires, both state governments have failed to take adequate penal action against the offenders. The Supreme Court has censured both states for their inaction and “defiant attitude” in addressing this recurring problem.
- The Core Problem: Lack of Enforcement:Both Haryana and Punjab have shown reluctance to prosecute offenders, often letting them off with nominal fines. This lack of stringent action encourages continued stubble burning.
- Political Considerations:The Supreme Court hinted at potential political interference in preventing effective enforcement of anti-stubble burning measures.
- Challenges in Implementation:While Punjab acknowledged the challenges in tackling stubble burning, the court questioned the state’s ability to maintain law and order if it cannot address this issue.
- Ineffective CAQM:The Commission for Air Quality Management, responsible for coordinating action on air pollution, has been criticized for absenteeism among its members and a lack of expertise in air pollution.
5. STATES
KARNATAKA GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES CAUVERY STAGE VI PROJECT
- Karnataka’s Cauvery Water Projects:
- Current Situation:Bengaluru receives 2,225 MLD water through the newly launched Cauvery Stage V project, an increase of 775 MLD. This project benefits the city and 110 newly added villages.
- Future Plans (Cauvery Stage VI):Aims to add 500 MLD to the city’s water supplyand construct nine new sewage treatment plants (STPs)with a 500 MLD capacity.
- Projected Costs:Stage VI water supply project is estimated at ₹5,200 crore, and the STPs will cost an additional ₹2,000 crore. Key Takeaway:The Karnataka government is proactively addressing Bengaluru’s growing water needsthrough phased projects, recognizing the importance of both supply augmentation and wastewater management.
- However, the substantial financial investment required for these projects underscores the need for careful planning and efficient execution
ONE LINER
- India inaugurated Asia’s largest imaging Cherenkov telescope at Ladakh’s Hanle
- Bihar will develop Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary as its second tiger reserve due to Valmiki Tiger Reserve reaching capacity
BANKING
- What initiative did the Delhi government launch to support local communities in tourism?
Ans: Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi Initiative
2. Which country celebrated the ninth anniversary of its Constitution declaration?
Ans: Nepal.
