[Newsbits] 24-30.01.2024: INSAT-3DS, European Ports Alliance & more

newsbits mindmap notes
Investment Forum for Advancing Climate Resilient Agrifood Systems mind map
Launched
Organizers
NITI Aayog
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Date
January 18-19, 2024
Location
India International Centre
New Delhi
Recent News
Two-day multistakeholder meet
Purpose
Develop investment strategy
Create exchange platform
Stakeholders
Government
Private sector
Civil society organizations
Financial institutions
International agencies
Academia
Discussion Themes
Climate resilient agriculture
Digital infrastructure
Financing systems
Resilient value chains
Production practices
Gender mainstreaming
Why
Climate change impacts
On India
Vulnerable rural population
Agriculture risks
Extreme temperatures
Droughts
Floods
Cyclones
Soil salinity
What
Strategy Creation
For climate-resilient Agrifood systems
Partnership among
Government
Private sectors
Farmers’ organizations
Financial institutions
Key Areas
Climate-resilient agriculture
Digital infrastructure
Financing systems
Resilient value chains
Production practices
Gender mainstreaming
Who
Key Speakers
Prof Ramesh Chand
Member, NITI Aayog
Manoj Ahuja
Secretary, MoA&FW
Shombi Sharp
UN Resident Coordinator in India
Attendees
Senior government representatives
NABARD
ICAR
ICRISAT
MANAGE
World Bank
IFPRI
European Union delegation
International Finance Cooperation
UN agencies
How
Awareness Raising
Agriculture's role in climate change
Emphasis
Multi-stakeholder approach
Focus on small and marginal farmers
Localized responses to climate patterns
Financial Crisis
Food demand increase prediction
Investment scaling up in climate resilience
Significance
Addressing climate challenges
In agriculture
For economically vulnerable populations
Potential for carbon sequestration
Through tree plantation
Challenges
Need for larger investments
From
Global climate finance
Domestic budgets
Private sector
Way Forward
Continued collaboration
Among various sectors
Focus on
Sustainable agricultural practices
Climate resilience
Economic impact evaluation beyond financial metrics

The Investment Forum for Advancing Climate Resilient Agrifood Systems in India, launched by NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aims to develop strategies for enhancing climate-resilient agrifood systems in India. This initiative, inaugurated in January 2024, focuses on creating an investment and partnership strategy by involving various stakeholders from the government, private sectors, farmers’ organizations, and financial institutions. Discussions at the forum centered around climate-resilient agriculture, digital infrastructure, financing systems, value chains, production practices, and gender mainstreaming in the context of climate resilience. The forum highlighted the significant impact of climate change on India, especially on its rural population dependent on climate-sensitive agriculture, emphasizing the need for larger investments from various sources to address these challenges. Key speakers at the event stressed the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach, focusing on small and marginal farmers, and the need for local solutions to climate patterns, as well as raising awareness about agriculture’s role in climate change and the potential for carbon sequestration through tree plantation on farmland. The forum sets a direction for future collaboration among different sectors, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, climate resilience, and evaluating the economic impact of agricultural activities beyond financial metrics​​​​​​​​​​.

Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) mind map
Recent News
14 High-Risk Zones Identified
In Joshimath
Subsidence Hit Areas
Recommendations
Relocation
Compensation
Areas Affected
Marwari
Sunil
Upper Bazar
Lower Bazar
Singhdhar
Manohar Bagh
Survey Findings
1,000 Structures
Residential and Commercial
Cracks Not Worsened
Over Six Months
When
January 2024
Why
Land Subsidence
Serious Threat
Three Zones
Severe
Medium
Low Risk
What
Detailed Survey
Identification of Unsafe Zones
Building Analysis
Where
Joshimath, India
Who
CBRI
Central Building Research Institute
Ajay Chaurasia
CBRI Scientist
Ranjeet Sinha
State Disaster Management Secretary
Atul Sati
Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti Convenor
How
Geotechnical Survey
By CBRI
Collaboration with State Government
Public Hearings
Discussion with Central Government
Significance
Safety Measures
Preventing Further Harm
Government Support
Model Village Development
Challenges
Relocation Issues
Resistance from Locals
Preferred Relocation Within Town
Distance of Relocation Site
Gauchar, 90 km Away
Way Forward
Final Report Awaited
Government Decisions
Based on CBRI Recommendations
Continued Monitoring
Structural Integrity

The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), in January 2024, identified 14 high-risk zones in Joshimath, India, due to severe land subsidence. This situation has rendered approximately 1,000 residential and commercial structures unsafe. CBRI’s detailed survey revealed three risk zones (severe, medium, and low) and advised the relocation or compensation of affected residents. The regions most impacted include Marwari, Sunil, Upper Bazar, Lower Bazar, Singhdhar, and Manohar Bagh. Despite this recommendation, there is resistance from locals who prefer relocation within the town itself, as opposed to distant areas like Gauchar, which is 90 km away. The government, along with CBRI, is working to find a feasible solution, considering the safety and socio-economic aspects of the affected population.

/ Diseases
New 3-Drug Regimen for Leprosy in India mind map
Recent News
January 2024
When
Starting April 1, 2025
Why
Eradicate leprosy
Ahead of UN Sustainable Development Goals
What
Shift from 2-drug to 3-drug regimen
For Pauci-Bacillary cases
Includes dapsone, rifampicin, clofazimine
Known as Multi-Drug Therapy
WHO endorsed
Where
Across India
Who
Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
World Health Organization
National Leprosy Eradication Programme
Indian states and Union Territories
How
Advanced requisitions
Yearly submission for drugs
Unified implementation date
Significance
Accelerate leprosy eradication by 2027
Stops transmission at sub-national level
Simplifies administration and manufacturing
Challenges
Debate over necessity
Side effects like skin discoloration
Adequacy of 2-drug regimen
Way Forward
Monitor implementation
Address side effects
Ensure drug availability

In January 2024, the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced the approval of a new 3-drug regimen for the treatment of Pauci-Bacillary (PB) leprosy, set to start on April 1, 2025. This initiative replaces the existing 2-drug regimen and includes dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine. Endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), it is part of India’s commitment to eradicate leprosy by 2027, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. While this transition is expected to accelerate the eradication of leprosy and simplify treatment processes, there are concerns about its necessity and potential side effects, such as skin discoloration.

/ Investment Models
Viability Gap Funding mind map
Recent News
India's Cabinet Approval
January 24, 2024
Rs 8,500 Crore Allocation
When
January 2024
Why
Energy Independence
Reduce Coal Imports
What
Fund Allocation
Rs 8,500 Crore
Target
Gasify 100 Million Tonnes
By 2030
Products
Methanol
Di-Methyl Ether
Ammonia
Ammonium Nitrate
Synthetic Natural Gas
Where
India
Who
Indian Government
Coal Gasification Industry
How
Financial Support
Capital Cost Coverage
Significance
Economic Savings
Reduce Import Bill
Industry Benefits
Diverse Products
Challenges
Environmental Impact
Coal-Based Emissions
Way Forward
Technological Advancements
Environmental Safeguards

The Indian government recently approved Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of Rs 8,500 crore for coal gasification, aiming to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030. This strategic move, announced on January 24, 2024, is part of India’s effort to achieve energy independence and reduce its coal import bill. The funding will support the production of various products, such as methanol, Di-Methyl Ether, ammonia, and Synthetic Natural Gas, benefiting multiple industries. While offering economic benefits, the initiative also faces environmental challenges due to coal-based emissions.

/ Industries/Sectors
Coal Gasification in India mind map
Recent News
January 2024
Indian Government Incentives
85 billion rupees
Breakdown
40.5 billion rupees
Public Sector Undertakings
38.5 billion rupees
Private sector
Government PSUs
6 billion rupees
Indigenous technology
Small-scale product-based plants
Projects
Coal-to-SNG Project
Joint Venture
Coal India Limited
GAIL
Location
Eastern Coalfields
Bengal
Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project
Joint Venture
Coal India Limited
Bhel
Location
Mahanadi Coalfields
Odisha
Goals
100MT coal gasification by 2030
Reducing import dependency

In January 2024, the Indian government announced significant financial incentives totaling 85 billion rupees to support coal gasification projects. This initiative includes two major projects: a coal-to-SNG project in Bengal, and a coal-to-ammonium nitrate project in Odisha, both involving partnerships with major corporations like GAIL and Bhel. The goal is to achieve 100MT of coal gasification by 2030, aiming to reduce India’s dependency on imports.

/ Awards & Honors
2024 Padma Awards mind map
Recent News
Announced January 2024
When
Ceremony usually in March or April
Why
Recognize outstanding achievements
What
Padma Vibhushan
Exceptional service
Padma Bhushan
High-order distinguished service
Padma Shri
Distinguished service in any field
Where
Rashtrapati Bhawan
Who
Awardees
132 total
30 women
8 Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI
9 Posthumous
Categories
Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, etc.
How
Approved by President of India
Significance
National recognition
Encourages excellence

The 2024 Padma Awards are a prestigious set of Indian civilian honors awarded annually in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These awards recognize achievements in various fields such as art, social work, public affairs, science, trade, and more. This year, 132 awards were announced, including notable awardees across diverse fields and regions, both from India and internationally. The awards are a significant acknowledgment of contributions to society and national development.

/ Education, Indices/Reports
All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022 mind map
Recent News
Released by Ministry of Education
Date: January 2024
When
For the year 2021-2022
Why
Portray status of higher education
What
Survey Includes
Teachers
Student enrolment
Programmes
Examination results
Education finance
Infrastructure
Data Collected
Institution Density
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER)
Pupil-teacher ratio
Gender Parity Index
Per Student Expenditure
Definition
Post 12 years of schooling
Where
Across India
Who
Ministry of Education
Government of India
How
Web-based annual survey
Report Highlights
Increased Enrolment
Total: 4.33 crore in 2021-22
Female: 2.07 crore in 2021-22
Improved GER
Overall: 28.4%
Female: 28.5%
SC, ST, OBC Enrolment Rise
SC: 44% increase
ST: 65.2% increase
OBC: 45% increase
Ph.D. Enrolment Growth
Total: 81.2% increase
Female: Doubled
Faculty Growth
Total: 15.98 lakh
Female: 43.4%

The AISHE 2021-2022 report, released by India’s Ministry of Education, provides a detailed analysis of the higher education sector in the country. It covers data on student enrolment, faculty, academic programs, and educational infrastructure. Key highlights include an increase in overall student enrolment to 4.33 crore, with significant growth in the enrolment of female, SC, ST, and OBC students. The report also notes an improvement in the Gross Enrolment Ratio and an increase in female faculty members in higher education institutions.

/ Elections & Democracy
SC Concern Over ED-States Disputes mind map
Recent News
January 2024
Indian context
When
Recent development
Why
Concerns over federalism
Impact on democracy
What
ED's powers upheld
Under Prevention of Money Laundering Act
Powers include
Arrest
Property attachment
Search and seizure
Where
Across India
Who
Supreme Court
Enforcement Directorate
State governments
Politicians under scrutiny
Congress leaders
Other opposition leaders
How
Legal proceedings
Supreme Court judgement
Significance
Financial system protection
Combat money laundering
Challenges
Political vendetta concerns
Federalism impact
Way Forward
Need for impartial mechanism

The Supreme Court of India recently raised concerns about the escalating disputes between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and various state governments. These disputes stem from the ED’s enhanced powers under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, including arrest, property attachment, and search and seizure, which have been upheld by the Supreme Court. This situation poses significant implications for federalism and democracy in India, particularly with accusations of these powers being used for political vendetta. The resolution of these disputes is critical for maintaining a balance between combating financial crimes and protecting democratic values and federal structures.

European Ports Alliance mind map
Recent News
Launched January 24, 2024
Why
Combat drug trafficking
Address organized crime
What
200 million EUR funding
Modern equipment for customs
Enhanced cooperation
Member states
European Commission
Europol
Eurojust
European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO)
European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT)
Public-Private Partnership
Protect logistics, information, staff, processes
Where
European Union ports
Who
European Commission
Belgian Presidency of Council of EU
Ylva Johansson
EU Home Affairs Commissioner
Revenue Commissioners
Law enforcement agencies
Customs officials
Private sector
How
Annual meetings at Ministerial level
Strategic priorities setting
Progress tracking
Significance
Strengthened port security
Reduced drug trafficking
Challenges
Organized crime adaptation
Internal security weaknesses
Way Forward
Regular review and strategy update
Enhanced international collaboration

The European Ports Alliance, launched on January 24, 2024, by the European Commission in collaboration with the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, is a significant initiative aimed at combating drug trafficking and organized crime in European ports. This response is prompted by the alarming increase in drug seizures in European ports. The Alliance involves an investment of 200 million EUR for state-of-the-art equipment to assist customs officials and fosters cooperation between various European entities. It also includes a Public-Private Partnership to safeguard logistics and operations in ports. This strategic move is crucial for enhancing the security of Europe’s logistics hubs and curtailing the activities of criminal groups exploiting port vulnerabilities.

Integrated Industrial Township mind map
Recent News
January 2024
Inaugurated by PM Modi
Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Projects worth Rs 19,100 crore
When
January 2024
Why
Integrated planning
Coordinated infrastructure implementation
What
Cost Rs 1,714 crore
Area
747 acres
Location
Eastern & Western Dedicated Freight Corridors
Delhi-Howrah railway line
Eastern Peripheral Expressway
Proximity to
Noida-Greater Noida Expressway
Yamuna Expressway
Delhi Airport
Jewar Airport
Ajaibpur Railway Station
New Dadri DFCC Station
Where
Greater Noida
Uttar Pradesh
Who
Indian Government
PM Narendra Modi
PM-GatiShakti Initiative
How
Multi-modal connectivity
Accessibility for industries and businesses
Significance
Strategic advantages
Enhanced accessibility
Promotes industrial growth

The Integrated Industrial Township in Greater Noida, inaugurated in January 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a landmark development in India’s urban and industrial infrastructure. Costing Rs 1,714 crore and covering 747 acres, it’s strategically placed at key infrastructural junctions, including the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors and the Delhi-Howrah railway line. This township, developed under the PM-GatiShakti initiative, aims to provide enhanced multi-modal connectivity, fostering accessible and efficient industrial growth.

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