08 Sep 2023: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. World Bank's G20 document praises India's financial inclusion
2. Centre notifies third phase of mandatory hallmarking
3. 21st Edition India-France Bilateral Naval Exercise ‘Varuna’-2023
4. Tribes India Pavilion at Crafts Bazar at Bharat Mandapam

1. World Bank’s G20 document praises India’s financial inclusion

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy

Prelims: India’s financial inclusion

Context:  The Prime Minister shared a finding of the World Bank that is included in its G20 document that India has achieved financial inclusion targets in just 6 years which would otherwise have taken at least 47 long years. 

Details:

• The World Bank in its G20 document praised India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), citing the contribution of technologies such as Aadhaar and UPI in accelerating financial inclusion in the country.
• Report credits “JAM Trinity” for accelerating financial inclusion.
• UPI’s wide-scale adpoption and utlisation lauded by World Bank.

2. Centre notifies third phase of mandatory hallmarking

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy

Prelims: Hallmarking

Context: The third phase of the mandatory hallmarking vide Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts (Third Amendment) Order, 2023 comes into force from September 8, 2023.

Details:

• BIS has been successful in implementation of Mandatory Hallmarking in 256 districts of the country with effect from 23 June 2021, in the first phase and in the additional 32 districts with effect from 04 April 2022, in second phase wherein more than 4 lakh gold articles are being hallmarked with HUID every day.
• The third phase of the mandatory hallmarking will cover additional 55 new districts under the mandatory hallmarking system, wherein a hallmarking centre has been set up post implementation of the second phase of the mandatory hallmarking order thereby making the total number of districts covered under mandatory hallmarking as 343. 
• The State wise list of newly added 55 districts under the mandatory hallmarking is on the website of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), www.bis.gov.in under hallmarking section.

Read more on Hallmarking of Gold.

Source: PIB

3. 21st Edition India-France Bilateral Naval Exercise ‘Varuna’-2023

Syllabus: GS-2, IR

Prelims: ‘VARUNA’ – 2023

Context: Phase Il of the 21st edition of Varuna (Varuna-23) bilateral exercise between Indian and French Navy was conducted in the Arabian Sea. 

Details:

• The exercise witnessed participation of guided missile frigates, tankers, Maritime Patrol Aircraft and integral helicopters from the two sides. 
• The exercise was conducted over three days and witnessed joint operations, underway replenishment and various tactical manoeuvres. 
• Units of both navies endeavoured to enhance and hone their war fighting skills, improve interoperability and demonstrate their ability to promote peace, security and stability in the region. The first phase of ‘Varuna-2023’ was conducted off India’s Western Seaboard from 16 to 20 Jan 23

Significance:

• Indian & French Navy bilateral naval exercise was initiated in 1993. The exercise was later christened as ‘Varuna’ in 2001 and has since become a hallmark of robust India-France strategic bilateral relationship. 
• Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, this exercise provides an opportunity to learn from each other’s best practices and procedures. 
• The exercise also facilitates operational level interaction between the two Navies to foster mutual cooperation for good order at sea, underscoring the shared commitment to ensuring security, safety and freedom of the global maritime commons.

Also read Shakti Exercise.

4. Tribes India Pavilion at Crafts Bazar at Bharat Mandapam

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy

Prelims: CRAFTS BAZAAR

Context: The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED), Ministry of Tribal Affairs is showcasing a wide range of traditional tribal art, artifacts, paintings, pottery, textiles, organic natural products and many more at the ‘Tribes India’ pavilion. 

• The exhibition is being hosted at the Crafts Bazaar (Hall 3), as part of the G-20 Leaders’ Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 9th and 10th September 2023.

Details: 

• Padmi Shri awardee Shri Paresh Rathwa, a renowned artist of Pithora art, would be present and giving live demonstration of the richness and ritualist art revered by Rathwa, Bhilala, Naik and Bhil tribes of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. 
• This passionate approach to the age old art has not only revived our cultural richness but also has generated curiosity world over.

Source: pib

• The richness of the Maheshwari silk sarees from Madhya Pradesh is worn during religious functions and auspicious events. Add it to Eri or “Millenium Silk”, so delicately made by the Bodo tribe from Assam which gives richness a new dimension altogether.

Read the previous PIB articles here.