07 Aug 2022: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. A Red Letter Day for Indian Ship-Building Industry
2. Regional Standardisation Forum (RSF)
3. NITI  Aayog - 7th meeting of the Governing Council
4. Akasa Air

1. A Red Letter Day for Indian Ship-Building Industry

Syllabus – GS3; Science and Technology; Achievements of Indians in science & technology

Prelims – First ever repair of a US Navy Ship, ‘Charles Drew’ in India.

Details –

• Providing a huge boost to ‘Make in India’ & ‘Atma Nirbharta in Defence’ and adding a new dimension to the burgeoning Indo-US strategic partnership, US Navy Ship (USNS) Charles Drew arrived at L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli, Chennai for undertaking repairs and allied services. This is the first ever repair of a US Navy ship in India. 
• The US Navy had awarded a contract to L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli for undertaking maintenance of the ship. The event signifies the capabilities of Indian shipyards in the global ship repairing market. Indian shipyards offer wide ranging and cost-effective ship repair and maintenance services, using advanced maritime technology platforms.
• Dr. Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary termed the event as a red letter day for the Indian shipbuilding industry. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for deeper engagements between the U.S and India.
•  India has six major shipyards with a turnover of nearly $2 billion. India is capable of making all kinds of state-of-the-art ships, Dr. Kumar said.
• Vikrant– the country’s first indigenous Aircraft Carrier is a shining example of the growth of the Indian shipbuilding industry.
• The USNS Charles Drew will be at Kattupalli shipyard for a period of 11 days and undergo repairs in various areas.

2. Regional Standardisation Forum (RSF)

Syllabus – GS 2, Regional and Global Groupings.

Prelims –International Telecom Union’s (ITU) Regional Standardisation forum (RSF) for Asia and Oceania Region.

Details –

• As a part of the celebrations during Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Communication is hosting the International Telecommunication Union’s Regional Standardisation Forum (RSF) for Asia and Oceania region in New Delhi. The theme of the Forum is “Regulatory and Policy aspects of Telecommunications/ICTs”. The Forum will be succeeded by a four-day meeting of International Telecommunication Union-T Study Group 3 Regional Group Asia and Oceania (ITU-T SG3RG-AO) from 09th August 2022 to 12th August 2022.
• Over 250 delegates from 20 countries will participate in the Regional Standardisation Forum.
• The Regional Standardisation Forum is a platform for a constructive exchange of ideas, discussing standardisation topics including inter alia India’s experience in various sectors of technology like Sustainable Digital Transformation and the Role of ITU Standards, Harnessing Technologies for Digital and Financial Inclusion in Emerging Markets, evolving Data Value Chain and Digital Health. The panel discussion aims to provide an insight into Asia and Oceania Region’s experience from policy and regulatory perspectives under various sub-themes.

3. NITI Aayog – 7th meeting of the Governing Council

Syllabus – Indian Economy and issues related to planning. 

Prelims -Conclusion of the seventh meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog.

Details –

• This was the first physical meeting of the Governing Council since the onset of the pandemic, with the 2021 meeting held via video conferencing. The meeting was attended by 23 Chief Ministers, 3 Lieutenant Governors and 2 Administrators and Union Ministers. The meeting was moderated by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh.
• Addressing the seventh meeting of the Governing Council (GC) of NITI Aayog, the Prime Minister said, “Every State played a crucial role according to its strength and contributed to India’s fight against Covid. This led to India emerging as an example for the developing nations to look up to as a global leader.”
• The Governing Council discussed four key agenda items:

(i) crop diversification and achieving self-sufficiency in pulses, oilseeds and other agri-commodities;

(ii) implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) in school education;

(iii) implementation of National Education Policy in higher education; and

(iv) urban governance.

• The PM also spoke about India’s G20 presidency in 2023 and called it a unique opportunity to show the world that India is not just Delhi—it is every State and Union Territory of the country.
• For the first time in the history of G20, India will host the G20 meetings over the year, not only in Delhi but in every State and Union Territory.

4. Akasa Air

Syllabus – GS3; Science and Technology.

Prelims – Democratisation of the Aviation Industry.

Details –

• Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Gen (Retd) V.K Singh inaugurated the First Flight of Akasa Air (QP1101) from Mumbai to Ahmedabad virtually.
• The Civil Aviation Minister said that it is because of the vision of the country’s Prime Minister, that a great transformation is seen in terms of accessibility, availability, affordability, and inclusion in the aviation sector.

About Akasa Air –

• Akasa Air is the 7th schedule airline with the brand name of SNV Aviation having Corporate Headquarters in Mumbai with Boeing Max – 8 aircraft. Akasa Air plans to be a low-cost carrier with a single fleet and all economy seats. Akasa Air is planning to expand its activities to 72 aircrafts in the next five years which will significantly enhance the domestic aviation services in India.

Read previous PIB here.

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