23 Nov 2023: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP)
2. Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff & Council of Scientific and 
Industrial Research ink MoU
3. Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository

1. International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP)

Syllabus: GS-3, Infrastructure

Prelims: International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP)

Context:

Union Minister reviews the progress of the proposed International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP).

Details:

• The International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) is a proposed port at the Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island.
• It is a part of the holistic development of Great Nicobar Island. 
• It is being developed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
• The holistic development of the Great Nicobar Island aims to improve the economic opportunity for the rapid increase in the size of all types of vessels – from feeders to large inter-continental carriers. The development also helps to bridge the infrastructural gaps of the island.
• The transhipment project is expected to be completed with an investment of Rs 41,000 crore (USD 5 Billion). 
• Kolkata-based Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port is the nodal agency for the implementation of this project.

Significance of the project:

• Strategic location in terms of proximity (40 nautical miles from Malacca Strait) to the International Trade Route with existing transhipment terminals like Singapore, Klang, and Colombo
• Availability of natural water depth of more than 20 metres
• Potential to capture transhipment cargo from all the ports in the proximity including domestic one
• Can help revenue loss, reduce logistics inefficiencies, and create an opportunity to become a large hub for Asia-Africa, Asia-US/Europe container traffic trade
• At present, about 75 percent of the nation’s transhipped cargo is handled at ports outside the country. The project can help save US dollars 200-220 million a year on transhipment cargo.

2. Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff & Council of Scientific and Industrial Research ink MoU

Syllabus: GS-3, Security & Defence

Prelims: CSIR, Integrated Defence Staff

Context:

Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff & Council of Scientific and Industrial Research ink MoU on joint research and development in the field of Defence Technology.

Details:

• The MoU aims to provide an umbrella framework for initiating collaborative interaction between CSIR Labs, HQ IDS and Armed Forces, namely Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, for enhancing scientific understanding of technologies related to defence and undertaking joint research and development in dual-use technologies.

3. Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository

Syllabus: GS-2, Governance

Prelims: Global Digital Public Infrastructure

Context:

Prime Minister announces completion of Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository and creation of a Social Impact Fund to advance Digital Public Infrastructure in Global South.

Details:

• During the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit, PM Narendra Modi announced the launch of two India-led initiatives:
  • Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR)
    • It is a comprehensive resource hub, pooling essential lessons and expertise from G20 members and guest nations. 
    • Its primary aim is to bridge the knowledge gap in the choices and methodologies required for the design, construction, deployment, and governance of DPIs. 
  • Social Impact Fund (SIF)
    • It is envisioned as a government-led, multistakeholder initiative to fast-track DPI implementation in the global south. 
    • This fund will offer financial support to provide upstream technical and non-technical assistance to countries in developing DPI systems. 
    • India has pledged an initial commitment of 25 million USD.

Read the previous PIB articles here.