[Newsbits] 15-29.08.2024: Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Whitetopping Technology & More

Summary: The Union Cabinet has approved the development of 12 new industrial smart cities, with a budget of ₹28,602 crore. Aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing, the project is aligned with the “Viksit Bharat” vision and follows PM GatiShakti principles for sustainable and balanced development. These cities will offer ready-to-use facilities and promote a “Walk-to-Work” model to enhance work-life balance. Expected to generate significant employment and attract ₹1.5 lakh crore in private investment, this initiative is set to drive economic growth, strengthen the manufacturing sector, and contribute to India’s GDP.

Summary: ISRO’s 2025 Gaganyaan mission will feature Vyomitra, an AI-based humanoid robot designed to assist in space tasks and monitor spacecraft systems. Vyomitra, made with advanced materials like AlSi10Mg and using additive manufacturing, will act as a prototype to gather data on the effects of space travel and support future crewed missions. This mission marks a significant step in ISRO’s journey towards human space exploration, building on its legacy of achievements such as the Mars Orbiter Mission and the PSLV program.

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is an intergovernmental organization of 18 Pacific nations, established in 1971 to promote economic growth, political cooperation, and regional security. The 2024 annual meeting in Tonga focuses on climate change, which poses existential threats to member countries, and the geopolitical competition between China and the US in the Pacific. The Forum seeks to enhance climate action and manage the delicate balance between these global powers while continuing to strengthen regional unity and development efforts.

Whitetopping Technology involves overlaying existing bituminous roads with Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) to extend the lifespan of roads, reduce maintenance, and improve performance. Proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to upgrade India’s aging national highways, this technology offers benefits such as better road durability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental advantages. MoRTH is seeking stakeholder feedback to refine the policy and ensure its effective implementation.

Food traceability refers to the ability to track food from its origin to consumption, ensuring safety, especially during disease outbreaks. Post-COVID concerns have heightened the demand for such transparency, with India focusing on strict food safety regulations enforced by the FSSAI. Traceability not only reduces food waste by identifying supply chain issues but also helps prevent allergic reactions by ensuring clear labeling. Organizations like CII, FACE, and APEDA play a crucial role in ensuring compliance and enhancing food safety, particularly in exports.