24 Nov 2023: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Lachit Borphukan
2. Export of Cashew Nuts
3. Exercise Surya Kiran XVII
4. International Sugar Organisation (ISO)

1. Lachit Borphukan

Syllabus: GS-1, History

Prelims: Lachit Borphukan

Context:

Prime Minister pays homage to Lachit Borphukan on Lachit Diwas.

Lachit Borphukan:

• Lachit Borphukan was a general of the Ahom Kingdom whose army he led successfully in resisting the imperial expansion of the Mughal Empire in the late 1600s. 

Read more on Lachit Borphukan in the linked article.

2. Export of Cashew Nuts

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy

Prelims: National Cashew Day, APEDA

Mains: Export of cashew nuts

Context:

APEDA facilitates cashew exports on National Cashew Day to Bangladesh, Qatar, Malaysia and the USA.

Details:

• To mark National Cashew Day on November 23rd, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority (APEDA) flagged off its Cashew Nut shipment to Bangladesh, Qatar, Malaysia and the USA.

Cashew industry in India:

• After Côte d’Ivoire, India is the second largest producer and exporter of Cashew Nuts with a share of more than 15%, followed by Vietnam in the world’s cashew export. 
• India’s top export destinations are the UAE, the Netherlands, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. 
• Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the major cashew-producing states in India. 
• India primarily exports Cashew Kernels with small quantities of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid and Cardanol.
• As soon as Cashew Nut and its product came under the ambit of APEDA, it has been engaging with the stakeholders of the Cashew Nut sector to address the various issues and challenges facing the industry in the form of modernization and the processing facilities, logistics, quality and strict international competition.

3. Exercise Surya Kiran XVII

Syllabus: GS-3, Security & Defence

Prelims: Ex Surya Kiran

Mains: India – Nepal relations

Context:

The India – Nepal joint military exercise Surya Kiran XVII commenced at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.

Ex Surya Kiran XVII:

• This is the 17th edition of Ex Surya Kiran which started in 2011.
• The annual exercise is conducted alternatively in India and Nepal.
• The current edition will be carried out from 24 November to 7 December.
• The aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief under the United Nations Charter on peacekeeping operations. 
• The exercise will focus on the employment of drones and counter-drone measures, medical training, aviation aspects and environment conservation. 
• Through these activities, the troops will enhance their operational capabilities, refine their combat skills and strengthen their coordination in challenging situations.

Read more on Ex Surya Kiran in the linked article.

4. International Sugar Organisation (ISO)

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy 

Prelims: International Sugar Organisation (ISO)

Context:

India becomes Chair of the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) for 2024 to lead the global sugar sector.

International Sugar Organisation (ISO):

• In its 63rd council meeting, the International Sugar Organisation (ISO), headquartered in London, has announced India to be the Chair of the organisation for 2024. 
  • India has been the largest consumer and second-largest producer of sugar in the world. With about 15% share in global sugar consumption and about 20% production of sugar, Indian sugar trends affect the global markets profusely. 
  • India has a unique distinction of being the Payer of the Highest Cane Price to its farmers and still efficient enough to make profits and operate in a self-sufficient manner without any government financial assistance. 
• The International Sugar Organisation is an intergovernmental body engaged in improving conditions in the world’s sugar market.
• It provides a forum for intergovernmental consultations on sugar and on ways to improve the world’s sugar economy.

Read the previous PIB articles here.