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Current Affairs on 02 March, 2024

Enhancing Operational Capability: INS Jatayu Commissioning

Indian Navy commissions Naval Detachment Minicoy as INS Jatayu in Lakshadweep.
Event marked by presence of Chief of Naval Staff, Adm R Hari Kumar on 06 Mar 2024.
Naval base established at Minicoy to enhance security infrastructure in Lakshadweep islands.
Enhances operational reach for Anti-Piracy and Anti-Narcotics Operations in Western Arabian Sea.
Strengthens Indian Navy's presence and connectivity with mainland as first responder in the region.
Second Naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti.
Aims to strengthen Indian Navy's foothold, surveillance, and development in the island territory.

Key Development Projects and Initiatives in Aurangabad, Bihar

Prime Minister dedicated to the nation and laid foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 21,400 crores in Aurangabad, Bihar.
Inaugurated National Highway projects worth over Rs 18,100 crores and a six-lane bridge across River Ganga.
Dedicated three railway projects in Bihar and inaugurated 12 projects under Namami Gange worth Rs 2,190 crores.
Laid foundation stone for Unity Mall in Patna and emphasized development for poor, tribal, dalit & deprived.
Highlighted awards to Bihar's pride and government's commitment to enhancing capabilities of every citizen.

Key Developments in Begusarai, Bihar by the Prime Minister

PM Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone for multiple oil and gas projects worth around Rs 1.48 lakh crore.
Several development projects in Bihar worth more than Rs 13,400 crores were inaugurated and foundation stones laid.
Inauguration of Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd (HURL) fertilizer plant in Barauni.
Laying the foundation stone for various railway projects worth approximately Rs 3917 crores.
Dedication of ‘Bharat Pashudhan’ - a digital database for livestock animals in the country.
Launch of the ‘1962 Farmers App’.
PM emphasized Bihar's potential for development and stated that if Bihar prospers, India will prosper.
Highlight on social justice, development initiatives, and the importance of a double-engine government in Bihar.
Projects aimed at generating employment opportunities, bolstering energy security, and promoting economic resilience.
Presence of esteemed dignitaries like the Governor of Bihar, Chief Minister of Bihar, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Members of Parliament during the event.

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Assam Inauguration

Union Minister Shri Arjun Munda to inaugurate ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Assam on 4th March 2024.
Mandates of the institute include higher agricultural education, conservation of biotic resources, acid soil management, organic farming, and rural entrepreneurship.
Objectives focus on education, research, and outreach through promoting excellence, addressing regional challenges, developing farming systems, and enhancing postharvest management.
The institute aims to develop efficient agricultural technologies for the 'Second Green Revolution' in the north-east region, with a focus on productivity, sustainability, and overall agricultural sector development.
Located in Assam, the IARI Assam aims to become a leading hub of higher agricultural education in south-east Asia.

Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers: Inauguration of PLI Projects

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated 27 Greenfield Bulk Drug Park projects and 13 Greenfield Manufacturing Plants for Medical Devices under the PLI Scheme.
The PLI scheme aims to reduce India's dependence on critical resources, enhance supply chain resilience, and boost the country's global competitiveness.
India has decreased its reliance on medicines, APIs, and medical devices and is now emerging as a major exporter of these products due to the success of the PLI scheme.
Under the PLI scheme, 26 applicants have been approved for 138 products with a total financial outlay of Rs. 3,420 crore for the period 2020-21 to 2027-28.
The scheme envisions the manufacturing of 41 Bulk Drugs with a total outlay of Rs. 6,940 crore from 2020-21 to 2029-30.
Investment worth Rs. 3,651 crore has already been grounded, showing increased local capacity creation for critical bulk drugs.
The PLI scheme for medical devices encourages domestic manufacturing, R&D activities, and technology transfer, positioning India to become a significant player in the export of medical devices.
Indian manufacturers are focusing on innovating and developing a wide range of medical devices under the PLI scheme to achieve self-reliance in this sector.
Overall, the PLI schemes for bulk drugs and medical devices aim to enhance India's self-sufficiency, boost domestic manufacturing, and ensure a steady supply of vital medications, medical devices, and raw materials.

Ministry of Cooperation

Ministry of Cooperation inaugurated National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation Limited (NUCFDC) as an umbrella organization for Urban Cooperative Banks.
Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, efforts are being made to transform the cooperative movement into a people's movement.
The spirit of "Cooperation among Cooperatives" will strengthen the cooperative movement.
Goal is to establish Urban Cooperative Banks in every city.
NUCFDC will serve as a gateway for resolving issues of Urban Cooperative Banks.
It will enhance depositors' confidence and ensure progress in the development, modernization, and capacity of small banks.
The organization aims to establish a clearing system for Urban Cooperative Banks to conduct business across the country.
Emphasis on promoting youth and startups through Urban Cooperative Banks for inclusive economic development.
Overall, the Ministry of Cooperation is focused on enhancing the cooperative sector and fostering progress in the country's economy.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: Key Points from ICMR Governing Council Meeting

ICMR’s budget allowance increased by 4-fold in the last decade.
Government of India investing significantly in medical research and development.
ICMR conducting solution-oriented research in 12 priority areas, covering over 100 districts.
Initiated collaborations with NITI Aayog, CDSCO, IITs, DBT, and other institutions for various health missions.
Established centers at IITs and ICMR-Centers for Advanced Research for product development and AI-based health solutions.
Initiatives like MedTech Mitra aim to support indigenous medical device development.
Strengthening workforce with over 1200 vacancies filled in scientific, technical, and administrative cadres.

Ministry of Home Affairs Agreement Summary

A tripartite agreement was signed between the Government of India, Government of Tripura, and The Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance/TIPRA in New Delhi.
The agreement aims to resolve issues of indigenous people of Tripura related to history, land, political rights, economic development, identity, culture, and language.
It was agreed to create a Joint Working Group/Committee to implement the mutually agreed points in a time-bound manner.
The agreement strives for an honorable solution and calls for refraining from protests to maintain a conducive atmosphere.
Various agreements under the leadership of PM Modi have contributed to peace and development in the Northeast, with around 10 thousand people abandoning arms and joining mainstream.
Ministry of Home Affairs is working towards an insurgency-free, dispute-free, and violence-free Northeast.
The signed agreement marks a significant step towards a dispute-free Tripura and assures protection of rights without the need for struggles.

Ministry of Jal Shakti: Swachhata Green Leaf Rating Initiative

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the Swachhata Green Leaf Rating (SGLR) initiative to improve hygiene and sanitation facilities in India's tourism industry.
The initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism by encouraging tourist facilities to enhance aesthetic and sanitation levels at tourist destinations.
Bison Resorts in Madhya Pradesh has received the first Five Swachhata Green Leaf Rating Certificate of Recognition for its commitment to responsible tourism practices.
The Swachhata Green Leaf Rating System aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on world-class levels of hygiene and sanitation in tourist facilities to boost tourism.
The initiative aims to redefine the tourism sector as a global ambassador for cleanliness and responsible tourism, positioning India as a preferred tourist destination.
The program includes guidelines and initiatives to educate and engage tourist facilities in enhancing sanitation standards and championing sustainable development.
The SGLR initiative complements the Travel for LiFE (TFL) program under Mission LiFE, promoting awareness about sustainable tourism practices for a resilient and responsible tourism industry.

Ministry of Panchayati Raj Regional Conference on PESA Act Summary

Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, will inaugurate a Two-Day Regional Conference on PESA Act on 4th – 5th March 2024 in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
The conference aims to strengthen the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act and ensure its effective implementation.
Officials from both central and state governments, as well as elected Panchayat representatives, will participate in the conference.
This is the second conference in a series focusing on promoting and implementing PESA Act.
The event will discuss the effectiveness of Gram Sabhas, powers devolved to PESA areas on resources, role of stakeholders, and enforcement of Forest Rights Act in PESA areas.
The first conference was held in Pune, Maharashtra, focusing on assessing the progress made by states in implementing the PESA Act.
Overall, the conference aims to foster collaboration and discussions among states for the sustainable development of tribal communities in Scheduled Areas.

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

A Lighthouse Photo Exhibition is being organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways from 3rd to 7th March 2024 in New Delhi.
The exhibition aims to promote Lighthouse Tourism across India.
The event will showcase 100 photographs capturing the beauty and historical significance of lighthouses along India's coastline.
Renovation of historic lighthouses with tourist facilities is a key focus to attract more visitors.
PM inaugurated tourism facilities at 75 lighthouses, showcasing a vision to transform them into tourism sites.
Initiatives like MIV 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aim to develop lighthouses as tourist destinations.
Visitors can explore the cultural, architectural, and navigational significance of lighthouses through contemporary photography at the exhibition.
The exhibition is free for all visitors.

Ministry of Power: Key Highlights from 22nd Foundation Day Celebration of Bureau of Energy Efficiency

The 22nd Foundation Day celebration of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency focused on the role of e-Mobility in energy transition and the potential of Indian Carbon Market in decarbonization.
The Director General of BEE suggested a Model Electric Vehicle Policy for accelerating the nationwide adoption of EVs.
The celebration featured the launch of two Standards and Labelling Programs, an EV Digest, and the State Energy Efficiency Index.
The event discussed accelerating energy transition in the transport sector through electrification, highlighting state-specific EV policies and the need for collaborative efforts.
The discussion also explored the potential of the Indian Carbon Market in achieving net-zero goals for industries and the transformative impact it can have on climate action.
Stakeholders emphasized the importance of supportive policies, affordability, standardization, and strategic planning to successfully transition India towards electric mobility and decarbonization.

President's Address at Mahima Cult Meeting

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, addressed a meeting of Mahima Cult in Odisha.
She paid respect to Santha Kabi Bhima Bhoi, highlighting his teachings and inspiration.
Emphasized Bhima Bhoi's contribution to literature and social equality.
Urged the youth to learn from Bhima Bhoi's ideals and philosophy.
Advocated for the translation and spread of Bhima Bhoi's works beyond Odisha and India.
Visited important locations related to Santha Kabi Bhima Bhoi to pay tributes.

Prime Minister Inaugurates HURL Fertilizer Plant in Barauni

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd (HURL) fertilizer plant in Barauni, Bihar.
The plant has an estimated investment of Rs. 9512 crores and urea production capacity of 12.7 LMTPA.
The revival of closed urea units by HURL is a step towards self-sufficiency in urea production in India.
The HURL plants will add 38.1 LMTPA indigenous urea production in the country, contributing to the vision of making India self-reliant in urea.
The plants aim to improve fertilizer availability to farmers, boost the economy, and ensure food security.
The Barauni plant has state-of-the-art features like blast-proof control rooms and air-operated bulletproof rubber dams.
The project will lead to entrepreneurship activities, employment generation, and development of small to medium-scale industries in the region.
The operation of the HURL plants will help in saving foreign exchange due to reduced imports and move towards self-reliance in fertilizers.

Prime Minister's Office Development Projects in West Bengal Summary

PM dedicated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 15,000 crores in Krishnanagar, West Bengal.
Projects include Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station Phase II, Mejia Thermal Power Station's FGD system, Farakka-Raiganj road project, and four rail projects.
Emphasized West Bengal's role as the Eastern Gate for the country and government's efforts for modern infrastructure in roadways, railways, airways, and waterways.
Focus on making West Bengal self-reliant for electricity needs and promoting economic development in the region.
Projects to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and support economic activities in the area.

Revolutionizing Newspaper and Periodical Registration through PRP Act, 2023

The Press & Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 has replaced the old PRB Act, 1867.
RNI has been renamed as PRGI (Press Registrar General of India).
Registration of newspapers and periodicals is now done online through the Press Sewa Portal.
The new Act provides for a digital system, making the registration process paperless and efficient.
Books and journals are now excluded from registration under the new Act.
All applications for periodical registration must be made online through the Press Sewa Portal.
The registration process involves several steps like signing up, submitting applications, and online payments.
The new Act aims to simplify the registration process, eliminate discrepancies, and ensure transparency.

Summary of Ministry of Coal Report

Coal production and dispatch from captive and commercial mines increased by 27% and 29% up to February 2024.
Total coal production and dispatch from captive and commercial mines from April to February 2024 was 126.80 MT and 128.88 MT.
There are month-on-month and year-on-year increases in coal production and dispatch.
As of February 2024, there are 54 producing mines, with 35 allocated to the Power sector, 11 to the Non-Regulated Sector, and 8 for Sale of Coal.
91 mines have been auctioned under Commercial Coal Auctions, with 7 already commencing coal production.
In February 2024, coal production and dispatch were 14.85 MT and 12.95 MT, showing a significant increase from the previous year.
This growth reflects the Ministry of Coal's commitment to ensuring India's energy security and reducing reliance on imported coal.
The Ministry credits policy reforms and mine allottees' dedication for the success and aims to sustain growth to meet rising energy demands.

Summary of Ministry of Coal's Make In India Initiatives in Mining Equipment Manufacturing

Secretary Coal addressed stakeholders in a meeting on Make In India initiatives for mining equipment manufacturing in Chennai.
Make In India aims to boost manufacturing, create jobs, and enhance GDP contribution.
Coal industry plays a vital role in supporting Make In India initiatives.
Encouraged partnerships and setting up manufacturing facilities in India by major equipment manufacturers.
Committee headed by Director (Technical), CIL, made recommendations for promoting indigenous manufacturing of high-capacity mining machineries.
CIL still depends on import of certain high-capacity mining equipment.
CIL is reducing import dependence by placing trial orders and plans to phase down imports gradually.
Make In India is a movement towards a self-reliant and globally competitive India.

Summary of PM's Address at the Launch of Various Projects in Aurangabad, Bihar

PM inaugurated various development projects in Aurangabad, Bihar.
Highlighted the historical significance of Aurangabad as the birthplace of freedom fighters and eminent personalities.
Inaugurated projects worth around 21,000 crores related to road and rail infrastructure.
Emphasized on the progress and development projects initiated by the NDA government in Bihar.
Discussed the achievements in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure development in Bihar.
Mentioned the importance of good governance, empowering women and ensuring the rights of the underprivileged.
Expressed confidence in the development and progress of Bihar under his government's leadership.

Summary of PM's Address at the Launch of Various Projects in Begusarai, Bihar

PM addressed the launch of various projects in Begusarai, Bihar.
Projects worth over 1.6 lakh crore were inaugurated, mostly related to petroleum, fertilizer, and railways.
Focus on Bihar's development for the progress of the entire nation.
Emphasis on creating job opportunities for Bihar's youth through the projects.
Highlight on Bihar's industrial development and contribution to making India self-reliant.
Importance of social justice and empowering women through schemes like free electricity and zero electricity bills.
Comparison of development schemes under different governments and the need for a strong, non-dynastic government.
Progress in projects like Barauni Refinery expansion, employment generation, and boosting Bihar's industrial growth.
Stressing on social justice, women empowerment, and ending family-based politics for a more inclusive society.
Ending the speech with chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and thanking the audience for their support.

Summary of PM's Address at the Launch of Various Projects in West Bengal

PM Modi launched various development projects in Krishnanagar, West Bengal.
Emphasized on making West Bengal a developed state with the launch of projects worth billions of rupees.
Highlighted the importance of electricity in the progress of any industry and modern life.
Inaugurated the Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station Phase-2 project to enhance energy infrastructure in the state.
Opened the FGD system at Mejia Thermal Power Station to reduce pollution and benefit the environment.
Inaugurated National Highway-12 between Farakka and Raiganj to improve connectivity and boost industrial activities, benefiting farmers and urban areas.
Focused on enhancing rail infrastructure in West Bengal to propel economic growth and fulfill developmental aspirations.

Update on Amrit Udyan Visiting Hours

Visitors can now visit Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan till 6 PM instead of 5 PM.
The Amrit Udyan is open for public viewing till March 31, 2024, under Udyan Utsav-1, 2024.
Visiting hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM six days a week (closed on Mondays).
Earlier visiting hours were from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Booking for visits can be made on the official website or through walk-in registrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Workshop on Consumer Grievances and Redressal in Lucknow Summary

A workshop on consumer grievances and redressal was organized by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission.
The workshop aimed to address critical consumer issues in sectors like finance, real estate, medical negligence, and online shopping.
Efforts were highlighted to protect consumer rights, prevent sale of unsafe goods online, and address deceptive practices like fake reviews and misleading advertisements.
National Consumer Helpline is being used to address grievances in multiple languages, with over 1 lakh grievances being handled now. Various commissions have shown higher disposal rates of cases than filing rates.
Importance of adopting new technology for effective handling of consumer cases, emphasis on Consumer Protection Act 2019, and commitment to providing hassle-free and speedy justice to consumers were discussed.
National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission and Uttar Pradesh State Consumer Commission witnessed remarkable disposal rates of above 200% in the past two years, indicating efficient redressal mechanisms.
Panel discussions were held on consumer protection in sectors such as finance, real estate, medical negligence, and online shopping during the workshop.
The workshop concluded with a commitment to strengthen consumer redressal mechanisms and collaborate for effective implementation of consumer protection laws.