National
International Conference on Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge (CDTK - 2023)
⇒ Union Minister of State (I/C) Science & Technology; Minister of State (I/C) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh addressed the first-ever ‘International Conference on Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge (CDTK – 2023)’ as Chief Guest on 15 February 2023.
Dr Jitendra Singh called for optimum mix of traditional knowledge in tandem with advanced scientific research using modern tools and technology.
- He said that providing access to everyone to the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (DGTL) is an indication that integration of knowledge with technology can help the common man to a great extent.
- The Union Minister also released SVASTIK (Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge of India) Brochure, Popular Science Book and Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Issue.
Organised by:
The two-day International Conference was organised by the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi.
The two-day Conference on 14th and 15th February, 2023, was attended by over 200 participants from 22 states in India and countries like the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Qatar and Turkey.
Session Themes:
- Session I: Global Trends in Traditional Knowledge Research
- Session II: Scientific Validation of Traditional Knowledge
- Session III: Panel Discussion on “Challenges in Traditional Knowledge Communication-Misinformation, Disinformation, Fake News”
- Session IV: Scientifically Validated Traditional Approach to Health & Wellness
- Session V: Scholarly and Popular Communication in Traditional Knowledge
- Panel Discussion: Panel Discussion on “Traditional Knowledge Research & Communication – The Road Ahead”
Key Points:
- The conference brought together international experts and researchers working in various S&T areas including agriculture, architecture, astronomy, mathematics, metallurgy, traditional medicine and other related areas of traditional knowledge.
- The gathering facilitated collaboration between organisations dedicated towards the effective scientific validation, documentation, communication and dissemination of traditional knowledge.
Background:
- Traditional knowledge (TK) and associated practices across the world go back long in time, some for over many centuries. Numerous traditional concepts and practices traverse diverse fields including science and technology.
- Owing to several reasons, considerable traditional knowledge and practices have not been perpetuated, and consequently the valuable TK and traditional practices remain unutilised or under-utilised. One of important reasons has been the lack of effective communication.
- Recognising the need for effective communication of TK and traditional practices and upon the clarion call of the Prime Minister of India and President of the CSIR, Shri Narendra Modi, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi has launched the nationwide initiative to communicate scientifically validated traditional knowledge to the society under it’s “SVASTIK” (Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge) initiative.
Cabinet approves Centrally Sponsored Scheme- “Vibrant Villages Programme”
⇒ The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved Centrally Sponsored Scheme- “Vibrant Villages Programme” (VVP) for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26 with financial allocation of Rs 4800 Crore.
Key Points:
- Comprehensive development of villages of blocks on northern border thus improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages. This will help in encouraging people to stay in their native locations in border areas and reversing the outmigration from these villages adding to improved security of the border.
- The scheme will provide funds for development of essential infrastructure and creation of livelihood opportunities in 19 Districts and 46 Border blocks 4 states and 1 UT along the northern land border of the country which will help in achieving inclusive growth and retaining the population in the border areas. In the first phase 663 Villages will be taken up in the programme.
- The scheme aids to identify and develop the economic drivers based on local natural human and other resources of the border villages on northern border and development of growth centres on “Hub and Spoke Model” through promotion of social entrepreneurship, empowerment of youth and women through skill development and entrepreneurship, leveraging the tourism potential through promotion of local cultural, traditional knowledge and heritage and development of sustainable eco-agribusinesses on the concept of “One village-One product” through community based organisations, Cooperatives, SHGs, NGOs etc.
- Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by the district adminstration with the help of Gram Panchayats. 100% saturation of Central and state schemes will be ensured.
- Key outcomes that have been attempted are, connectivity with all-weather road, drinking water, 24×7 electricty – Solar and wind energy to be given focuseed attention, mobile and internet connectivity. Tourist centers, multi-purpose centers and health and wellness Centers.
- There will not be overlap with Border Area Development Programme. Out of financial allocation of Rs 4800 Crore 2500 crore rupees will be used for roads.
International
1st Agriculture Deputies Meeting (ADM)
⇒ The 1st Agriculture Deputies Meeting (ADM) was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, from February 13-15, 2023. The meeting was held as part of the events of the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) in the context of India’s G20 Presidency.
- Around 100 delegates from G20 member countries, guest countries, and International Organizations participated in the meeting.
In the context of India’s G20 Presidency, and aligning with India’s G20 Presidency theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, the AWG aspires to enhance cooperation among G20 nations and aims to provide the member countries with an opportunity to coordinate at the policy level to work towards achieving global economic stability and sustainable growth.
The themes addressed during the Meeting were:
- Food Security & Nutrition
- Sustainable Agriculture with Climate Smart Agriculture
- Inclusive Agricultural Value Chains and Food Systems
- Digitalization for Agricultural Transformation
Day 1:
» The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated an exhibition on the first day of the three-day meeting.
- On the first day of the G-20 meeting, the delegates took a heritage walk through the city of Indore wherein they visited the historic Rajwada Palace and chhatris of the historical Holkar State of Indore.
- The heritage walk started from Boliya Sarkar Smarak Chhatri and reached Rajwada passing through Krishnapura Chhatri.
Day 2:
» The second day of the meeting was dominated by discussions and deliberations on agriculture and allied issues.
- The session on this day was initiated by the Civil Aviation Minister, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, who spoke about the 3-S template for development in the agriculture sector, that is, “Smart, Serve all, and Sustainable”.
Day 3:
» The third and final day of the event started with technical, theme-wise sessions on the aforementioned four priority areas.
- Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Additional Secretary, DA&FW presented the Global Framework on Food Security and Nutrition, followed by an introduction to the Millet International Initiative for Research and Awareness (MIIRA) by Smt Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary, DA&FW.
- Shri Franklin L Khobung, Joint Secretary, DA&FW delivered the opening remarks for the technical session on Sustainable Agriculture with Climate Smart Approach, while the technical session on Inclusive Agricultural Value Chains and Food Systems was opened by Dr Abhilaksh Likhi.
- For a technical session on Digitalization for Agricultural Transformation, opening remarks were delivered by Dr P.K Meherda, Additional Secretary, DA&FW.
Conclusion:
- The 1st Agriculture Deputies Meeting has played a crucial role in strengthening India’s G20 Presidency.
- Given the centrality of agriculture and agrarian activities in the country’s socioeconomic fabric, the meeting has highlighted the role that India can play in addressing issues related to agriculture, food security, climate change and sustainability.
- The meeting has further reiterated India’s key theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ in the context of its G20 Presidency.
- The meeting has also paved the way forward for coordination at the policy level to work towards achieving global economic stability and sustainable growth.
Background:
» The G20 is an international, intergovernmental forum consisting of 19 countries and the European Union (EU). It aims to address major issues in the global economy, such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development.
- The G20 constitutes of most of the world’s largest economies, including both industrialized and developing nations.
» The AWG was established in the year 2011, at the sixth meeting of the G20 during the Cannes Summit in France. The AWG was formed to work in the area of agriculture and food security.
- It was accompanied by a special launch of the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) and the endorsement of an Action Plan on Food Price Volatility and Agriculture as concrete steps to address challenges related to food and agriculture.
» The G20 Agriculture Deputies Group was formed during the French Presidency in 2011 to deal with volatility in global food prices.
- It is an important forum to enhance cooperation among the G20 members on agriculture-related issues.
- The working group facilitates information exchange and cooperation on a range of global issues such as food security, nutrition, antimicrobial resistance, food waste and loss, sustainability, and resilient and inclusive food value chains.
Sports
10th National Open Race Walking Championships 2023
⇒ The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) held the 10th National Open Race Walking Championships 2023 on 14th-15th February 2023 at Ranchi, Jharkhand.
» Tokyo Olympian Priyanka Goswami and Akashdeep Singh qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics and World Athletics Championships 2023 after meeting the qualification mark in the women’s and men’s 20km race walk, respectively, at the National Open Race Walking Championships. The 35km race at the Paris 2024 Olympics will be a mixed-team event.
» India’s Ram Baboo and Manju Rani set new national records to win the men’s 35km and women’s 35km races, respectively, at the National Open Race Walking Competition 2023.
- In the process, the two Indian race walkers also breached the qualifying standards for the Asian Games set by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
- Ram Baboo won the men’s 35km race walk in two hours, 31 minutes and 36 seconds. The entry standard for Asian Games 2023 in men’s 35km is 2:35:00.
- Manju Rani won the women’s 35km race in 2:57:54 to create a new national record. The entry standard for the women’s 35km at the Asian Games was set at 2:58:30.
» In all, 13 athletes – eight men and five women – breached the qualifying standards for the Asian Games at the National Open Race Walking Competition.
National Open Race Walking Competition 2023 Results:
Men’s 20km race walk
- Akshdeep Singh – 1:19:55 (NR)
- Suraj Panwar – 1:20:11
- Vikash Singh – 1:21:08
Women’s 20km race walk
- Priyanka Goswami – 1:28:50
- Bhawna Jat – 1:29:44
- Sonal Sukhwal – 1:31:03
Men’s 35km race walk
- Ram Baboo – 2:31:36 (NR)
- Juned Khan – 2:36:04
- Chandan Singh – 2:36:55
Women’s 35km race walk
- Manju Rani – 2:57:54 (NR)
- Payal – 3:05:43
- Vandana Patel – 3:11:35