21 Jun 2023: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. International Day of Yoga
2. G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meet
3. Star Rating Registration process for Coal and Lignite Mines

1. International Day of Yoga

Syllabus: GS01-Indian Culture

Mains: Significance of Yoga and its global recognition

Context: 9th Annual International Day of Yoga led by Prime Minister.

Key Details: 

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led the 9th annual International Day of Yoga celebrations on 21 June 2023 at the North Lawn of the UN Headquarters in New York City.
• The theme for this year’s event is ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘One Earth · One Family · One Future’.
• The event achieved a remarkable milestone by setting a Guinness World Record for the participation of the highest number of nationalities in a Yoga session, with thousands of yoga enthusiasts from over 135 countries taking part.
• The event was attended by distinguished individuals from various fields, including diplomats, officials, academicians, health professionals, technocrats, industry leaders, media personalities, artists, spiritual leaders, and yoga practitioners.
• The Prime Minister emphasized the connection between Yoga and the vastness of the ocean, highlighting the ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’ concept and India’s research bases in the Arctic and Antarctica.
• The Prime Minister stressed the benefits of Yoga for individual and collective health, citing campaigns like Swachh Bharat and Startup India as examples of the country’s self-reliance and cultural revival.
• He praised India’s inclusive culture, diversity, and spiritual values, stating that Yoga strengthens unity and expands inner vision, calling for the elimination of contradictions through Yoga.

2. G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meet

Syllabus: GS02-International Relations

Mains: G20 and Tourism

Context: PM addresses G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meet.

Key Details:

• The G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meet held in Goa was addressed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi through a video message.
• The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of tourism ministers experiencing the role of tourists themselves and exploring the natural beauty and spiritual essence of Goa, a major tourist destination in India.
• India’s approach to tourism, based on the Sanskrit verse ‘Atithi Devo Bhavah’ meaning ‘Guest is God’, was highlighted, emphasising that tourism offers an immersive experience beyond sightseeing.
• The Prime Minister showcased the diverse offerings of India, including music, food, arts, culture, and the country’s varied landscapes, from the Himalayas to beaches, adventure sports to meditation retreats.
• India’s G20 presidency has led to the organization of almost 200 meetings in 100 different locations throughout the country, providing unique experiences for visitors.
• The Prime Minister underscored India’s efforts to preserve its rich heritage while developing world-class tourism infrastructure, with a particular focus on spiritual tourism and highlighting the success of infrastructure upgrades in Varanasi.
• The Prime Minister recognized the potential of the hospitality sector for employment generation, social inclusion, and economic progress, particularly for women and youth.
• The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism and identified the priority areas of Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skill Development, Tourism MSMEs, and Destination Management.
• He also stressed the unifying power of tourism, mentioned the development of a G20 Tourism dashboard in partnership with UNWTO, and invited collaboration to ease business regulations, increase access to finance, and invest in skill development.

3. Star Rating Registration process for Coal and Lignite Mines

Syllabus: GS03-Economy

Mains: Problems and prospects of the coal sector in India.

Context: Coal Ministry announces Commencement of Star Rating Registration process for Coal and Lignite Mines for FY 2022-23.

Key Details: 

• The Ministry of Coal has announced the initiation of the Star Rating Registration process for Coal and Lignite Mines for the financial year 2022-23, aiming to foster competitiveness and recognize outstanding performance.
• Mines will be evaluated based on seven key parameters including Mining Operations, Environment, Technology Adoption, Best Practices, Economic Performance, Rehabilitation & Resettlement, and Worker Compliance & Safety.
• Notification for registration was issued on May 30, 2023, and the Star Rating portal opened on June 1, 2023. 
• Participating mines are encouraged to undergo a comprehensive self-evaluation by July 31, 2023. 
• The top 10% highest-scoring mines will undergo further validation through inspections, while the remaining 90% will undergo an online review process.
• The evaluation process will be finalized by October 31, 2023, followed by a Coal Controller review, and the final results will be published by January 31, 2024. 
• The ratings range from Five Star to NO Star, reflecting each mine’s achievements and promoting responsible mining practices.

Read the previous PIB articles here.

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