08 Dec 2023: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Table-Top Exercise (TTX) for ASEAN Women Peacekeepers
2. India-Korea Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES)
3. Delta Ranking of ABP
4. International Maritime Organization (IMO) Green Voyage2050 Project

1. Table-Top Exercise (TTX) for ASEAN Women Peacekeepers

Syllabus: GS-2, IR; GS-3, Security & Defence

Prelims: ASEAN

Mains: India – ASEAN relations

Context:

The Indian Army conducted a Table-Top Exercise (TTX) for the Women Officers of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in New Delhi.

Details:

• The exercise is part of ongoing efforts of the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) to strengthen international cooperation and capacity-building in peacekeeping missions, with a specific focus on empowering women in the field. 
  • CUNPK is a premier institution of the Indian Army that imparts training in peacekeeping operations.
• This exercise acted as a platform for participants to simulate and strategise responses to complex peacekeeping scenarios, reflecting real-world challenges. 
• It also included exposure to complex operational peacekeeping environments and methods to ensure women’s peace and security.

Read more on UN Peacekeeping in the linked article.

2. India-Korea Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES)

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy; GS-2, IR

Prelims: India-Korea Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES)

Mains: India – South Korea relations

Context:

India-Korea Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES) for faster clearance of imported goods launched.

India-Korea Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES):

• The Electronic Origin Data Exchange System aims to facilitate the smooth implementation of the India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by way of the electronic exchange of origin information between the two customs administrations regarding the goods traded under the CEPA. 
• The data fields in a Certificate of Origin (CoO) shall be electronically shared by the exporting customs administration with the importing customs, as soon as the certificate is issued facilitating faster clearance of imported goods.

Also read: India – South Korea relations

3. India’s River Cities Alliance Goes Global

Syllabus: GS-3, Environment & Ecology

Prelims: River Cities Alliance, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

Context:

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) on behalf of River Cities Alliance (RCA), has signed a Memorandum of Common Purpose (MoCP) with the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), representing 124 cities/towns situated along the banks of the Mississippi River, USA. 

Details:

• The MoCP was signed as part of the ongoing COP28 in Dubai, UAE.
• This agreement positions NMCG a step closer to the imminent launch of the Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA), as the current RCA has now expanded its strength to the membership of 267 global river cities in India, the US and Denmark. 
• The official launch of GRCA is scheduled for 10th Dec 2023, with additional global river cities expected to join the alliance.
• The MoCP focuses on capacity building and knowledge exchange in integrated river management to address climate change impacts on the ecosystem.
• The collaboration includes a comprehensive water monitoring program, sharing best practices for renaturing urban areas, and restoring aquatic ecosystems for sustainable urban development. 
• Restoring urban forests and lakes connected to rivers is also part of the programme underscoring the significance of green spaces.

Read more on the River Cities Alliance in PIB dated Nov 25, 2021.

4. International Maritime Organization (IMO) Green Voyage2050 Project

Syllabus: GS-3, Environment & Ecology

Prelims: IMO, Green Voyage2050 Project

Mains: Green shipping

Context:

India has been selected as a pioneer lead country for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Green Voyage2050 Project.

About IMO Green Voyage2050 Project:

• The objective of the project is to assist developing countries in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships.
• Due to the global nature of international shipping having a diversity of stakeholders of all nationalities involved, emission from the maritime transport sector is addressed by the IMO through the International Convention for Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) to which India is a signatory.
• The Government of India has implemented all MARPOL regulations about carbon emissions on Indian Ships. 
• At present, the regulations mainly pertain to the reduction of carbon emissions through enhanced energy efficiency and achieving a progressively enhanced (yearly) carbon intensity reduction.
• A National Centre of Excellence for Green Ports and Shipping (NCoEGPS) has been set up which is India’s first such Center of Excellence.
• The projects selected under the Green Voyage2050 are:
  • Fitment of waste heat recovery system on a bulk carrier: Ambuja Cements Limited
  • Greening of inland ferries: Directorate of Inland Water Transport (IWT) Assam/Assam IWT Development Society
  • Greening of inland ferries: Kochi Water Metro Ltd
  • Greening of passenger wooden ferries: Mumbai Port Authority
  • Electric hybrid tugs: Ocean Sparkle Ltd

Also read: Kochi Water Metro

Read the previous PIB articles here.