National
RITES Ltd and IRCON granted Navratna status
⇒ Ircon International Limited (IRCON) and RITES Ltd (RITES) both Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Railways, have been announced as 15th and 16th Navratna respectively among CPSEs.
- The Ministry of Finance on 12 October 2023 conferred ‘Navratna’ status on RITES and IRCON.
About RITES Ltd:
- Entering its 50th year of incorporation, RITES Ltd is a leading transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm in India.
- It provides services in the diverse sectors of transportation, railways, export of rolling stock, highways, airports, metros, urban engineering & sustainability, ports & waterways, and energy management.
About IRCON:
- The core competence of IRCON in 47th years is in Railways, Highways & Extra High Tension substation engineering and Construction.
- The company has executed projects operated in the areas of Railway construction including ballast less track, electrification, tunnelling, signal & telecommunication as well as leasing of locos, construction of roads, highways, commercial, industrial & residential buildings and complexes, airport runway and hangars, metro and mass rapid transit system, etc.
- The company has posted a consolidated annual turnover of Rs10,750crore and Profit after Tax of Rs 765 crore in the Financial Year 2022-23.
Army Chief presents the President's Colours to 3rd Battalion of Naga Regiment
⇒ General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff presented the prestigious ‘President’s Colours’ to the Third Battalion of the Naga Regiment during an impressive Colour presentation parade held at Kumaon Regimental Centre, Ranikhet (Uttarakhand) on 13th October 2023.
After reviewing the parade, the Army Chief appreciated the rich traditions of the Naga Regiment in all spheres of military activities to include operations, training and sports.
International
PM addresses launch of ferry services between India and Sri Lanka
⇒ The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the launch of ferry services between Nagapattinam, India and Kankesanthurai, Sri Lanka via video message on 14 October 2023.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that India and Sri Lanka are embarking on a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations and the launch of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is an important milestone in strengthening the relations.
» Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the service at Nagapattinam port in the presence of Tamil Nadu’s Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports’ Minister E V Velu.
The service was launched between the historical port town of Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankensanthurai (KKS), a resort hub in Jaffna district of northern Sri Lanka, on 14 October 2023.
- The much-awaited ferry service between India and Sri Lanka was launched 12 years after the plan was first mooted and an MoU was signed between the two countries.
Key Points:
- The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) will deploy a high-speed craft, Cheriyapani, for the service. This ship was earlier deployed between Anthroth in Lakshadweep and Beypore in Kerala’s Kozhikode.
- A one-way ticket is priced at Rs 7,670, with SCI tied up with a private agency. The vessel can accommodate up to 150 passengers, apart from a 14-member crew.
- The high-speed ferry will cover a distance of about 60 nm (110 Km) between Nagapattinam and KKS in around 3.5 hours, depending on sea conditions.
- To commence the service, the Centre supported the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board in upgrading facilities at the Nagapattinam port. Similarly, the Sri Lankan government has created necessary infrastructure at KKS port.
» The Indo-Ceylon Express or Board Mail used to operate between Chennai and Colombo via Thoothukudi port. However, this was stopped in 1982 due to the civil war in the island country.
Important Day
World Standards Day (WSD) 2023
⇒ World Standards Day (WSD) is celebrated all over the world on 14 October every year.
- World Standards Day highlights the collaboration between the leading International Standards Organizations.
- The members of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) celebrate World Standards Day; which is a means of paying tribute to the collaborative efforts of thousands of experts worldwide who develop the voluntary technical agreements that are published as International Standards.
Theme:
» Each year, ISO, IEC and ITU determine a theme of the World Standards Day based on a seminal issue relevant to standardization.
The theme of World Standards Day 2023 was – “Shared Vision for a Better World: Incorporating Sustainable Development Goal (SDG3) for Good Health and Well-Being.”
- This theme highlights the importance of fostering a united vision to create a more sustainable and inclusive world that prioritizes the well-being and good health of all individuals.
History:
- World Standards Day was inaugurated on October 14, 1946, and was initiated by prominent international standards organizations such as ISO, IEC, and ITU.
- Regular celebrations of this day commenced nearly 25 years later, with a strong emphasis on promoting standardization, especially within various industries, according to NBC.
About SDG 3:
- SDG 3 aims to improve global health by reducing maternal and child mortality, combating major diseases, and ensuring access to essential healthcare services.
- It emphasizes universal health coverage and the importance of quality care without financial hardship. Through preventive measures, vaccinations, and better healthcare infrastructure, SDG 3 strives to create a healthier world that benefits individuals, communities, and nations.
- It also aims to provide access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines and vaccines for all. Achieving the goals of SDG 3 requires collaboration, innovative solutions, and addressing global health disparities.