23 Nov 2021: PIB Summary & Analysis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Glacial Tectonic Interaction
2. India - Indonesia Coordinated Patrol
3. NITI - BMZ Dialogue
4. National Action Plan for Anti-Microbial Resistance
5. Bharat Gaurav Scheme
6. Gallantry Awards
7. The Aadi Mahotsav

1. Glacial Tectonic Interaction

Context: A change in the course of the Himalayan glacier has been observed by a group of scientists from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun which is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Important Observations:

This is for the first time that an abrupt change has occurred in the Himalayan glacier and the scientists believe that this is a consequence of climate and tectonics. The observation was made in the upper Kali Ganga valley in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.

• The change in the course of the glacier is associated with the disaster that took place in Rishiganga. 
• The rock mass on which the glacier was placed became fragile because of weathering, percolation of meltwater in joints and cracks, freezing, thawing, snowfall, overloading. All these contribute to the mechanical disintegration of the glacier from the source rock.
• Therefore the scientists found that the northeast moving glacier abruptly changed the direction towards the southeast due to climatic factors and tectonics.
• The active fault on the glacier was confirmed by remote sensing and an old survey map.

 Significance:

• This study helps in understanding the factors that result in disastrous events in the Himalayan region.
• It is inferred that not only the climatic factors but the glacial-tectonic interactions play a significant role in the evolution of new landforms.
• A clear idea about the unique behaviour of glaciers has been offered by the study which can be essential in future studies related to glacial events and Himalayan disasters. 

What is Glacitectonics?

• The deformation involving folding and thrusting caused by a glacier or ice-sheet that forces into the existing sedimentary bedrock is known as Glacitectonics.
• This phenomenon results in the dynamic nature of glaciers and ice sheets leading to their advancement, retreat, folding and faulting.

(a) Depicts past scenario and (b) depicts the present scenario – Image source: PIB

2. India – Indonesia Coordinated Patrol

Context: The 37th edition of India – Indonesia Coordinated Patrol was carried out along the International Maritime Boundary Line.

About the Patrol Exercise:

• The Indian naval ship, Khanjar and the Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft along with the Indonesian Naval ship KRI Sultan Thaha Saifuddin were involved in the exercise which is conducted as a non-contact, ‘at sea only’ exercise.
• This ensures mutual trust, synergies and cooperation between the two navies.

Objectives:

• To build understanding and interoperability between the two navies.
• Prevent and control Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and piracy.
• To strengthen the maritime ties in the Indian Ocean Region by proactive engagements with friendly countries like Indonesia through port visits and bilateral and training activities.
• Promote SAGAR vision.

3. NITI – BMZ Dialogue

Context: In order to expand the areas of developmental cooperation between India and Germany, the NITI Aayog and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) signed a Statement of Intent (SoI). This will be a bi-annual dialogue.

Statement of Intent:

• A statement that highlights the important areas of a research project and also mentions the purpose of the project offering a better understanding of the project undertaken is referred to as a Statement of Intent.

Major Objectives:

• The NITI – BMZ dialogue aims at creating a common platform for bilateral discussions.
• Exchanging the experiences of the developmental policies.
• To establish means to overview bilateral programmes.
• Carry out joint research for the progress of government policies and to tackle the multi-sectoral challenges.
• Involvement of think tanks, Government, Industry and Academia to analyse policy issues.

Areas of collaboration: 

• This dialogue intends to increase the India – Germany bilateral cooperation in the areas of Climate, SDGs, energy, emerging technologies and agroecology.
  • There is a possibility that NITI Aayog will associate with its German stakeholders to resolve the issue of climate change using Artificial Intelligence and to regulate issues of transparency, accountability, privacy related to artificial intelligence.

Important Launch:

• The SDG Urban Index & Dashboard (2021-22) was launched by the Government of India and BMZ to establish a robust SDG monitoring in the cities by improving the ULB- level data monitoring and reporting systems. 
• The Index and Dashboard will ensure the implementation of data-driven decision making.

4. National Action Plan for Anti-Microbial Resistance

Context: A national stakeholder workshop on National Action Plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance was organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying along with FAO. This workshop was conducted in the wake of world antimicrobial awareness week.

Aim:

• This awareness workshop intended to give effect to the vision of ‘Swachata Se Pavitrata’.
• Enormous attention was given to improving the overall health of animals and infrastructure at all levels. 

Background:

• World antimicrobial awareness week is celebrated every year to spread awareness about the rising issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• The global action plan on AMR was led by WHO and it was approved in 2015.
• In the year 2017, India was the first country to launch the National Action Plan for AMR.

Key Highlights of the Workshop:

• The revision of the National Action Plan for 2022-2025 is all set to include Anti – Microbial Resistance as a key area of focus.
• The effects of AMR on aquatic animals were also discussed with an emphasis on correcting the traditional methods of animal husbandry and improving the infrastructure.
• The awareness of AMR would be carried out through proper communication, education and training, strengthening knowledge.
• Regulating the levels of antimicrobial agents on animals and food products was also discussed.
• There is a proper roadmap created for strengthening the research and innovation to prevent the ongoing crisis of AMR.

The One Health Framework:

• The One Health Support Unit has been established by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• Under this framework, experts from various domains such as veterinary science, epidemiology, wildlife, disease diagnosis, laboratories and human health sectors came together to mitigate the challenges of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance. 

Read more about Antimicrobial Resistance in the given link.

5. Bharat Gaurav Scheme

Context: The Ministry of Railways introduced theme-based tourist circuit trains to showcase the rich culture and history of India.

Important Facts:

• The service providers will be given complete freedom to choose any historic theme. For example, Guru Kripa trains will surround the areas important to the Sikh culture, Ramayana trains will connect places related to Lord Shri Ram. 
• These trains can be run by both private and state-owned operators.
• Private tour operators can lease these trains from railways and operate in any area of choice, deciding upon the fares and quality services to be provided.
• Online registration with a one-time fee will be allowed.
• Customer support units will be set up to assist the service providers and ease out the process of implementation of the scheme.
• The scheme also aims to provide the tourists with an inclusive package comprising rail travel, hotel accommodation, sightseeing tours, visits to heritage sites and proper guides.

6. Gallantry Awards

Context: The President of India presented the Gallantry Awards and Distinguished Service Decorations at the Defence Investiture Ceremony I. 

About: 

• Gallantry awards are conferred by the Government of India to honour the bravery and sacrifice of officers of our armed forces and civilians. 
• These award ceremonies are conducted twice a year.

Read more about awards in India in the link.

7. The Aadi Mahotsav

Context: In order to celebrate the spirit of tribal culture, craft and commerce, the Aadi Mahotsav was organised by TRIFED, Ministry of  Tribal Affairs.

About the Event:

• About 1000 tribal artisans across the country participated in the National Tribal festival in New Delhi.
• According to the Managing Director of TRIFED, this tribal festival made the biggest one day sale among the 35 Adi Mahotsava held till date.
• Apricot and Pashmina products of tribal artisans from Ladakh were promoted. This brings the tribals into the mainstream and helps in promoting their welfare.
• This festival for the tribes offered a platform to showcase the Van Dhan products that included organic amla candies, bamboo cased copper bottles, Joha rice, Assam Orthodox Tea, Mizo bird eye chilli, Manipuri kachai lemon pickle.
• Handicrafts-products like Dhokra, Bidri, chakhesang shawl were also displayed along with paintings, jewellery.
• For the first time, the tribal festival featured nutra-beverages having 8 flavours like gooseberry, peach, passion fruit, kiwi, grapes, strawberry, pear and plum. 
• Therefore this was an encouraging step to expand the Vocal for Local campaign that dreams of a self-reliant India.

Read previous PIB here.

November 23rd, 2021, PIB:- Download PDF Here