National
For the first time an Indian Prime Minister flew a fighter aircraft sortie
⇒ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) after his maiden sortie on Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ twin-seater aircraft in Bengaluru, Karnataka on November 25, 2023.
This is the first time an Indian Prime Minister has flown a fighter aircraft sortie. Shri Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister who took a sortie in Tejas – an indigenously designed and developed fighter aircraft.
Other Points:
- IAF test crew have been involved with the Tejas project right from conceptual stage till prototype testing.
- The first version of the aircraft was inducted into the IAF in 2016. Currently, two squadrons of IAF, 45 Squadron and 18 Squadron, are fully operational with LCA Tejas.
- An order worth Rs 36,468 Crore for delivery of 83 LCA Mk 1A aircraft has been placed with HAL.
- HAL has current capacity to build 8 LCA aircraft per year. This is being increased to 16 aircraft’s every year by 2025 and further to 24 aircraft every year in the next 3 years.
Yoga and Ayurveda in Neurosciences, Therapeutics and Research Approaches (YANTRA), 2023
⇒ The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal attended the Yoga and Ayurveda in Neurosciences, Therapeutics and Research Approaches (YANTRA), 2023 on 25 November 2023.
- YANTRA 2023 was held at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in association with Jignasa.
About YANTRA 2023:
» YANTRA, 2023 was an international conference on Integrative Medicine with a theme on models of integration in healthcare.
- YANTRA was a platform, championed by National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences along with Jignasa, to reinforce and rekindle the effectiveness of Ayush system of medicine in curing as well as enriching the quality of lives of the people.
» With an objective to revitalise the Ayush system of medicine, be it Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Sowa Rigpa or Homoeopathy-
- The focus of this platform was on mainstreaming AYUSH systems in public health and primary healthcare to meet the universal health coverage goal set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
International
17th India- Nepal Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN 2023
⇒ The 17th edition of Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN was conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from 24th November to 07th December 2023.
- It is an annual event and conducted alternatively in the two countries.
Participation:
- The Indian Army contingent comprised of 354 personnel led by a Battalion from the KUMAON Regiment.
- The Nepal Army contingent comprised of 334 personnel. The Nepal Army contingent was represented by Tara Dal Battalion.
Key Points:
- The aim of the exercise was to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief under United Nations Charter on peace keeping operations.
- The exercise focused on employment of drones and counter drone measures, medical training, aviation aspects and also environment conservation.
- Through these activities, the troops enhanced their operational capabilities, refine their combat skills and strengthen their coordination in challenging situations.
- The exercise provided a platform for soldiers from India and Nepal to exchange ideas and experiences, share best practices and foster a deeper understanding of each other’s operational procedures.
Exercise SURYA KIRAN signifies the strong bonds of friendship, trust, common cultural linkages that exist between India and Nepal.
India assumes the Chair of the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) for 2024
⇒ In its 63rd council meeting, International Sugar Organisation (ISO), headquartered in London, has announced India to be the Chair of the organisation for 2024.
- This is a huge achievement for the country to lead the global sugar sector and reflection of growing stature of the country in this domain.
ISO Chairman 2024:
Shri Sanjeev Chopra, has assumed charge as Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution with effect from 31st October 2022.
- He was elected as Chair of the ISO Council at the November 2023 session and assumed the position on January 1, 2024.
Vice Chairman for Council 2024: Mr Edgar Herrera (COSTA RICA)
Important Points:
» India has been the largest consumer and second largest producer of sugar in the world. With about 15% share in global sugar consumption and about 20% production of sugar, Indian sugar trends affects the global markets profusely.
- This leading position makes India as the most suitable nation to lead International Sugar Organisation (ISO) which is the apex international body on sugar and relating products having about 90 countries as members.
» With Brazil in the Western Hemisphere, India is the market leader in Eastern Hemisphere for sugar market.
- Now, being the 3rd largest country in the world in ethanol production after USA and Brazil, India has shown commitment towards green energy and its capability to twist the challenges of surplus sugar in domestic market to solution of fossil fuels imports. It has been introduced as a tool to meet the COP 26 targets for India.
- It is remarkable that ethanol blending percentage in India has increased from 5% in 2019-20 to 12% in 2022-23 while the production has increased from 173 crore litres to more than 500 crore litres during the same period.
Important Day
National Milk Day 2023
⇒ National Milk Day is celebrated every year on November 26 in India.
- The main objective of celebrating the National Milk Day is to educate the society about the nutritional value of milk.
History:
- In 2014, The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the Indian Dairy Association (IDA), and 22 state-level milk federations decided to celebrate National Milk Day on the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien.
- Hence, together they initiated the observance of National Milk Day.
Celebration:
» The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying celebrated “National Milk Day 2023” in college ground of Veterinary College in Guwahati on 26th November.
- This special day honours the 102nd birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese, the “Father of the White Revolution in India,” highlighting the achievement and importance of the dairy sector in our country.
- The “Father of the White Revolution in India”, Dr. Verghese Kurien is also known as the Milkman of India.
Key Activities:
» Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala was the Chief Guest of the event.
National Gopal Ratna Awards 2023:
During the event, the National Gopal Ratna Awards 2023 were presented to the winners of the Best Dairy Farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds, Best Artificial Insemination Technician and Best Dairy Cooperative Society/ Milk Producer Company/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organization in the country.
Other Activities:
- Union Minister Shri Rupala has released the “Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2023”, which shows the milk, egg, meat and wool production 2022-23; and a Coffee Table Book- “Milky Way Over the Years”, showcasing the 10-year achievements in the dairy sector.
- The Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala has also launched the A-HELP (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) training programme, for the Assam State and distributed kits to the first training batch.
- An exhibition showcasing innovative startups, entrepreneurs and milk unions and a technical session on “Feed and fodder for sustainable Milk Production” have also been organised.
» World Milk Day is observed every year on 01 June.
- As per worldmilkday.org, the theme of World Milk Day 2023 was “showcasing how dairy is reducing its environmental footprint, while also providing nutritious foods and livelihoods.”