01 Feb 2024: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Coast Guard Raising Day
2. Indian Navy Declared 2024 as 'Year of Naval Civilians'
3. SagarSetu Platform
4. Green Propulsion System in Space Defence Technology
5. Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and the United Arab Emirates
6. Prelims Facts

1. Coast Guard Raising Day

Syllabus: GS-3, Security & Defence

Prelims: Coast Guard

Context:

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrates 48th Raising Day.

Details:

• The Coast Guard was raised in 1977.
• With 152 ships and 78 aircraft in its arsenal, the ICG is on track to achieve its targeted force levels of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft by 2030.
• Under the motto “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect), the ICG has saved over 11,554 lives since its inception, including 200 lives in 2023.
• The ICG is enhancing its operational capabilities through the procurement of eight Dornier aircraft and six Multi-Mission Maritime Surveillance aircraft.
• The majority of the Coast Guard’s assets are domestically manufactured, with approximately 90% of the capital budget allocated to indigenous assets.

To learn more about the Indian Coast Guard and its functions, click on the linked article.

2. Indian Navy Declared 2024 as ‘Year of Naval Civilians’

Syllabus: GS-3, Security & Defence

Prelims: 2024 as ‘Year of Naval Civilians’

Context:

Indian Navy has declared 2024 as the ‘Year of Naval Civilians’ to improve the administration, efficiency and well-being of Naval Civilians by addressing all facets of Civilian HR Management in a time-bound manner. 

Civilian Workforce in the Navy:

• Naval Civilian Personnel constitute about a third of the Indian Navy’s total workforce and contribute significantly to its operational effectiveness across all domains. 
• Civilian personnel impact the overall performance of Naval formations such as Command Headquarters, Dockyards, Material Organisations, Naval Armament Depots, Naval Armament Inspectorates, Training Establishments and several other types of support units.
• Declaring 2024 as the ‘Year of Naval Civilians’ is a step in improving the administration, training and welfare of the civilians working in the Navy.

3. SagarSetu Platform

Syllabus: GS-2, Governance

Prelims: SagarSetu Platform

Context:

Union Minister for the Ports, Shipping & Waterways launched two digital modules within the SagarSetu (NLP-Marine) platform.

New Modules Launched:

• Maritime Single Window (MSW)
  • It is a cutting-edge digital platform designed to revolutionize the exchange of maritime-related information and documents, emphasizing harmonization and standardization for efficient data submission. 
  • The system facilitates electronic submission, processing, and communication between government authorities, port operators, shipping agents, trade associations, and other stakeholders involved in international maritime trade. 
  • It reduces reliance on paper and manual processes to usher in an era of zero-paper processes.
  • It also reduces the waiting time for vessels and goods in ports by up to 40%.
• Mercantile Maritime Department (MMD)
  • This module encompasses two core functionalities in the Maritime Mobile Domain process. 
  • The Vessel Detention function allows MMD officials to efficiently monitor the status of ships at ports, facilitating the planning of vessel inspections.
  • The Vessel Release functionality can be used by officials to update the release status of the vessel, signalling its readiness to depart the port. 

Read more on the Sagar Setu Mobile App in PIB dated Mar 31, 2023.

4. Green Propulsion System in Space Defence Technology

Syllabus: GS-3, Science and Technology

Prelims: Green Propulsion System

Context:

A Green Propulsion System has been developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme of DRDO.

What’s in the news?

• This technology has successfully demonstrated in-orbit functionality on a payload launched by the PSLV C-58 mission. 
• This project – 1N Class Green Monopropellant thruster for altitude control and orbit keeping of micro-satellites – was sanctioned to a Bengaluru-based start-up Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd.

Significance:

• This technology has resulted in a non-toxic and environment-friendly propulsion system for low-orbit space. 
• The system consists of an indigenously developed propellant, fill and drain valves, latch valve, solenoid valve, catalyst bed, drive electronics, etc. 
• It is ideal for space missions with high thrust requirements.

5. Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and the United Arab Emirates

Syllabus: GS-2, IR

Prelims: Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and the UAE

Mains: Relations between India and the UAE

Context:

The Union Cabinet approved the signing and ratification of the Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and the United Arab Emirates.

Details:

• The Treaty is expected to improve the confidence of the investors, especially large investors, increasing Foreign Investments and Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) opportunities.
• This may have a positive impact on employment generation.

6. Prelims Facts

C-CARES

• Union Minister launched C-CARES, the web portal of the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization (CMPFO).
• C-CARES was developed and designed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
• The portal will allow CMPF subscribers and coal companies to log in and perform various functions tailored to their needs. 
• The coal management can submit contribution details, subscribers’ particulars and claims for online settlement and payment through the portal.
• The Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization (CMPFO) is an autonomous organization under the aegis of the Ministry of Coal established in 1948 to administer Provident Fund and Pension schemes to provide social security to the coal sector workers.

Read previous PIB articles here.