19 May 2023: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. World Metrology Day
2. Pashmina Certification Centre
3. Sea Trials of Vagsheer
4. Working Group Meetings of G20

1. World Metrology Day

Syllabus: GS 3, Science and Technology.

Mains: World Metrology Day.

Prelims: World Metrology Day.

Context: World Metrology Day is observed on 19th May.

Details:

• CSIR-National Physical Laboratory in association with the Metrology Society of India (MSI) celebrated World Metrology Day (WMD) on 19th May 2023.
• The day is celebrated every year to commemorate the signing of the Metre Convention which occurred on 20th May 1875 by representatives of 17 countries.
• The theme of WMD 2023 is “Measurements supporting the global food system”.
• Notably, CSIR-NPL is the National Metrology Institute of India.
• On the occasion of WMD, four Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravyas (BNDs) were released. These BNDs will be used as reference standards for the validation of methods for the characterization of measurands for analysis.

Also read: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research [CSIR]: History, Objectives & Achievements

2. Pashmina Certification Centre

Syllabus: GS 3, Economy.

Prelims: Pashmina Certification Centre.

Details:

• The Pashmina Certification Centre (PCC) was inaugurated by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav.
• The PCC is established at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun. 
• It will facilitate certification for the purity of Pashmina products and the absence of prohibited fibre for the smooth movement of the products from India.
• In January 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)  was signed between WII and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).
• The establishment of PCC will streamline the Pashmina Trade. It will label all tested products with a traceable unique id tag with individual e-certificate.
• The facility is based on a Public-Private Partnerships Model. 
• The certificate will grant national and international importance with the availability of authentic certificates.
• Notably, Pashmina is a major source of livelihood for the artisan and weaver community of Jammu & Kashmir.

3. Sea Trials of Vagsheer

Syllabus: GS 3, Security.

Prelims: Vagsheer.

Details:

• The sixth submarine of Project 75, the Indian Navy’s Kalvari class named ‘Vagsheer’ commenced its sea trials. 
• The submarine was launched on 20th April 2022. 
• After the completion of these trials, Vagsheer will be delivered to Indian Navy in early 2024.

Source: pib

4. Working Group Meetings of G20

Syllabus: GS 2, International Relations.

Mains: Regional and Global Groupings – India’s G20 presidency.

Details:

Under India’s G20 Presidency, several meetings are being organized:

• 2nd Trade and Investment Working Group Meeting:
  • The Second Trade and Investment Working Group Meeting will be held in Bengaluru from 23rd to 25th May 2023.
  • The meeting will deliberate on reforming the multilateral trading system, integrating MSMEs, strengthening Global Value Chains, etc.
  • The meetings will emphasize reaffirming WTO’s foundational principles.
• 3rd Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) Meeting:
  • The Third Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting will begin in Mumbai on 21st May 2023.
  • The meeting will be organized from 21st to 23rd May 2023.
  • It aims to enhance awareness and sensitize citizens about the role of community participation in tackling climate change.
  • A Mega Beach Cleanup Campaign will be organized at Juhu Beach with the participation of 10000 volunteers.
  • It is one of the largest ‘Jan Bhagidaari’ campaigns under India’s G20 presidency.
  • It will highlight India’s commitment to preserving coastal and marine life and thereby addressing environmental issues.

Also read: India Takes Over Presidency of G20

Read the previous PIB articles here.

May 19th, 2023, PIB:- Download PDF Here