Current Affairs (12th July, 2024)

Current Affairs


 12-Jul-2024

Vizhinjam Port Welcomes its First Mothership

Why in the News?

  • The Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd. (VISL) received its first mothership, San Fernando. It is owned by SFL Corporation Ltd. and chartered by Maersk- (AP Moller Group), Denmark.

Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd. (VISL)

  • About
    • It is the first international deepwater transhipment port in India.
    • It was built under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model with Adani Ports Private Limited at Vizhinjam near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
    • It has a deep water channel and a large berth area for loading and unloading goods.
    • It also allows the transfer of cargo from one ship to another at the port.
  • Significance
    • The port is located close to major international shipping routes.
    • The port is expected to compete with Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai for a share of trans-shipment traffic.

Medical Devices Information System (MeDevIS)

Why in the News?

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched MeDevIS.
  • It is an online platform that provides users with access to information on medical devices.
  • It includes 2301 types of medical devices used in various health areas, including reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, noncommunicable diseases.

World Health Organization (WHO)

  • Founded: 17th April 1948
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
  • Director-General: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
  • About:
    • It is an inter-governmental organization and works in collaboration with its member states usually through the Ministries of Health.
    • It has194 Member States, including India.
  • Objectives
    • To act as the directing and coordinating authority on international health work.
    • To establish and maintain effective collaboration with the United Nations, specialized agencies, governmental health administrations, professional groups and such other organizations as may be deemed appropriate.
    • To help the Governments, upon request, in strengthening health services.
    • To promote cooperation among scientific and professional groups which contribute to the advancement of health.

Agriculture Leadership Awards 2024

Why in the News?

  • Nagaland has been awarded the title of best state in horticulture
  • The award was given to the state for its innovative programmes and policies for horticulture development.

Nagaland’s Horticultural Achievements

  • Geographical Indication (GI) Tags
    • Naga Mircha (Naga Chili): Also known as King Chili, it is one of the hottest chilies in the world. It received its GI tag in 2008.
    • Naga Tree Tomato: This exotic fruit, also known as tamarillo, was granted a GI tag in 2015.
    • Naga Sweet Cucumber: Known for its sweetness and unique green color, it was awarded a GI tag in 2021.
  • Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs)
    • The Department of Horticulture has taken proactive steps to empower farmers by facilitating the formation of 13 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs).
    • This initiative aims to strengthen the agricultural value chain and improve farmers’ market access and bargaining power.
  • Organic Farming
    • An area of 6,800 hectares has been brought under organic certification.
    • This move towards sustainable agriculture practices aligns with global trends and consumer preferences for organic produce.
  • Capital: Kohima
  • Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio
  • Governor: La. Ganesan
  • State Bird: Blyth’s tragopan

Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)

Why in the News?

  • India hosts 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat.

About:

  • The event will allow the group’s members to broaden and deepen cooperation across sectors including security, connectivity, trade and investment in the Bay of Bengal region and littoral areas.
  • The first edition was held in Bangkok of Thailand in July 2023.

BIMSTEC

  • It is a sub-regional organisation which was established in 1997 with the adoption of the Bangkok Declaration.
  • Initially consisting of 4 Member States, it was known as 'BIST-EC' (Bangladesh, India, Sri-Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation).
  • In 1997, it was renamed 'BIMST-EC' after Myanmar joined.
  • The admission of Nepal and Bhutan in 2004 led to another name change to the 'Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation' (BIMSTEC).

Aim:

  • To promote multifaceted technical and economic cooperation among the countries of the Bay of Bengal region.

Objectives:

  • Creating an enabling environment for the rapid economic development of the sub-region.
  • Encouraging the spirit of equality and partnership.
  • Promoting active collaboration and mutual assistance in the areas of common interests of the member countries
  • Accelerating support for each other in education, science, and technology, etc.

Sarus Cranes

Why in the News?

  • According to the latest summer census the population of Sarus cranes in Uttar Pradesh is rising.
  • The survey highlighted that the Etawah Forest Division recorded the highest number of Sarus cranes while the Mau Forest Division spotted six Sarus cranes for the first time in a decade.

About Sarus Cranes

  • It is the tallest flying bird in the world and was declared as the state bird of Uttar Pradesh (UP) in 2014.
  • It is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list.
  • According to World Wildlife Fund (WWF), their population is now on the decline with only 15,000-20,000 in India (a majority of which are in UP).
  • They live with humans and well-watered plains, marshland, ponds, and wetlands suitable for their forage and nesting.