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.