17 Nov 2022: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Accelerating Resilient Infrastructure in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
2. Green Maritime Sector (India & Norway)

1. Accelerating Resilient Infrastructure in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Syllabus – GS3, Disaster Management, Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Prelims – SIDS, CDRI, IRIS

Context – A session on accelerating Resilient Infrastructure in Small Island Developing States was held at COP27.

Details –

• The vision of “Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS)” was presented at the session.
• The first “Call of Proposals” for the rollout of projects under IRIS was announced.
• The session focussed on the IRIS vision 2022-2030 and reflected on the key enabling factors that will facilitate the implementation of the IRIS projects under the first “Call of Proposals”.
• IRIS will be the first initiative that will be rolled out through the Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF), launched by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)  at COP 27.

Read more about CDRI in the link – Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

About SIDS 

• Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a distinct group of 58 island states that face unique social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities owing to their geophysical and structural constraints. 
• Most of these countries are prone to the disastrous effects of climate change. Resilient, sustainable, and inclusive infrastructure is key to mitigating these challenges.

Read more about SIDS in the link – Small Island Developing States, SIDS.

About IRIS –

• IRIS was launched at the World Leaders’ Summit at COP26 by India, Jamaica, Australia, Mauritius and Fiji.
• IRIS is a flagship strategic initiative designed to achieve and deliver resilience and climate adaptation solutions to the SIDS, which are among the most vulnerable countries.

2. Green Maritime Sector (India & Norway)

Syllabus – GS2, Bilateral Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Prelims – 8th Norway- India Joint Working Group((JWG) Maritime Meeting held in Mumbai.

Context – India and Norway collaborate for a Green Maritime Sector.

Details –

• Both the countries – India & Norway presented their visions and plans for a green maritime sector.
• The maritime trade with Norway dates back to the 1600s, while Norway has the technical expertise in the maritime sector, India has huge potential for development of the maritime sector and a large pool of trained seafarers, which make both countries natural complementary partners.
• In the 8th Norway-India JWG maritime meeting, discussions were held on alternative fuels, green ammonia and hydrogen for future shipping.
• The Norwegian shipping programme has been successful and its experience and expertise were shared in the meeting.
• India and Norway are part of the Green Voyage 2050 project.
  • It is a partnership project between the Government of Norway and the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) launched in 2019 which aims to transform the shipping industry towards a low-carbon future.
  • India has been selected as the first country under the IMO Green Voyage 2050 project for the conduct of a pilot project related to green shipping.
• The 7th JWG on Maritime was held in Oslo in November 2019. During the 7th Meeting issues regarding cooperation in shipbuilding, enhancing skills of seafarers and environment-friendly ships were discussed.
• MoPSW (Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways) is working to develop the Maritime Sector as a goal of MIV 2030 Maritime India Vision 2030.
• India is a signatory to the International Convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships, or the Hong Kong Convention for Recycling of Ships.

Read the previous PIB articles here.

November 17th, 2022, PIB:- Download PDF Here