02 Mar 2024: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INS Jatayu
2. Swachhata Green Leaf Rating Initiative

1. INS Jatayu

Syllabus: GS-3, Defence & Security 

Prelims: INS Jatayu

Context: The Indian Navy will commission Naval Detachment Minicoy as INS Jatayu in the presence of the Chief of the Naval Staff on 06 Mar 2024. The event marks an important milestone in the Navy’s resolve to augment security infrastructure at the strategically important Lakshadweep Islands incrementally.

Details:

• Naval Detachment Minicoy was set up in the early 1980s under the operational command of the Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep). 
• Minicoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep which straddles the vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs). 
• Basing an independent Naval unit with requisite infrastructure and resources will enhance the overall operational capability of the Indian Navy in the islands. 
• The base will enhance the operational reach and facilitate the Indian Navy’s operational effort towards Anti-Piracy and Anti-Narcotics Operations in the Western Arabian Sea. 
• It will also augment the Indian Navy’s capability as the first responder in the region and augment connectivity with the mainland. 
• Establishing a Naval base is in line with the Govt of India’s focus towards comprehensive development of islands.
• INS Jatayu is the second Naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti. With the commissioning of INS Jatayu, the Indian Navy will strengthen its foothold in the Lakshadweep islands and along with extending operational surveillance, reach and sustenance, it will usher in a new era of capacity building and comprehensive development of the island territories.

2. Swachhata Green Leaf Rating Initiative

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy

Prelims: Swachhata Green Leaf Rating Initiative

Context: In a major move to revolutionize sanitation practices in India’s burgeoning tourism industry, the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has introduced the Swachhata Green Leaf Rating (SGLR) initiative. 

Details:

• This visionary program aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s emphasis on providing world-class hygiene and sanitation facilities for tourists, marking a crucial step towards cleaner and more sustainable tourism practices. 
• The Union Minister for Jal Shakti exhorted all tourist facilities to enhance aesthetic and sanitation levels at tourist destinations. 
• As ambassadors of our country’s hospitality & development, all our tourist facilities should actively involve themselves in enhancing the aesthetic & sanitation levels of our tourist spots. 
• With its investment in the desired direction of responsible sanitation, the hospitality sector will be able to attract increased tourist footfall while simultaneously achieving brand value for itself.

Read previous PIB articles here.