INDIAN NAVAL SHIP SAHYADRI PARTICIPATES IN THE MAIDEN INDIA-INDONESIA-AUSTRALIA TRILATERAL MARITIME EXERCISE
Why in news?
- Indian Navy’s indigenously built warship INS Sahyadri, mission deployed in Indo-Pacific, participated in the maiden trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise with the ships and aircraft from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Indonesian Navy from 20 – 21 Sep 2023.
About the Exercise
The trilateral exercise provided an opportunity for the three maritime nations to strengthen their partnership and improve their collective capability to support a stable, peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific region.- The exercise also provided the opportunity for the participating navies to benefit from each other’s experience and expertise.
- Complex tactical and manoeuvring exercises, cross-deck visits and cross-deck landings of integral helicopters were conducted for training of crew and enhancement of interoperability.
About INS Sahyadri
- INS Sahyadri, the third ship of the indigenously designed and built Project-17 class multirole stealth frigates was built at Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai and is commanded by Capt Rajan Kapoor.
GS PAPER – III
Department of Fisheries is promoting Artificial Reef (AR) under PMMSY for rejuvenating coastal fisheries
Why in news?
- To promote sustainable practices, Department of Fisheries has sanctioned 732 artificial reef units for 10 coastal states with a total investment of Rs 126 crore as a sub-activity under “Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages” of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
About the Project
- The projects are being implemented with the technical support of Fishery Survey of India (FSI) and ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
- All the states have completed their site selection process while states of Kerala and Maharashtra have completed the tendering process for execution of work. Thus all projects are expected to be completed by January 2024.
About Artificial Reefs
- Artificial reefs are engineering technology interventions used to rehabilitate and/or improve natural habitats, increase productivity and manage aquatic resources including habitat enhancement.
Advantages of Artificial Reefs
- As one of the impactful strategies, installation of artificial reefs in coastal waters and undertaking sea ranching programs across in all coastal states is expected to rejuvenate of coastal fisheries and re-build fish stocks.
- Similar to natural reefs, ARs used for aggregating fish and provide a home for fish to live and grow, reduce wave damage on coasts, helps regeneration of marine ecosystem and act as a carbon sink. As per CMFRI, two to three-fold increases in catch rates and efficiency can be realized thus saving fuel and energy costs leading to increased income.
- Providea firm substrate for marine life such as corals, algae and plankton to attach to and grow. they provide favorable conditions for sea ranching and serve as spawning and nursery grounds for fish.
- Enhance recreational fisheries, snorkeling, eco-tourism, creating suitable areas for diving and reducing conflicts.
- Artificial reef structures restrict bottom trawling in the near shore areas thus helping the marine environment to regenerate and small-scale fishers get higher catch
- One artificial reef of 300m3 is expected to support 25-30 non-mechanized boats (CMFRI).
About the Scheme
- PMMSY was launched in May 2020 with the highest ever investment of Rs. 20,050 crore to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector.
- Over the years, increased fishing activities has reduced per capita yield from coastal fisheries, to led to heavy fishing pressure, loss of fishing grounds due to bottom trawling, coastal development etc. This has also resulted in reduced income and forcing the fishers to go to deeper waters.
GS PAPER – II
Swachhata Ki Train: Ahmedabad embarks on innovative journey towards Swachhata
Why in news?
- Under the Swachhata Pakhwada 2023 the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) embarked on an innovative journey to raise awareness about waste management in their vibrant city. The ingenious approach they took was the ‘Swachhata Train’ initiative, a creative endeavour designed to foster a culture of cleanliness and waste management in Ahmedabad.
About the Swachhata Train initiative
- The ‘Swachhata Train’ initiative aimed at achieving many objectives. Firstly, it sought to promote awareness about the importance of waste management and cleanliness in the city.
- To achieve this, the AMC decided to engage and educate residents and visitors through an immersive and enjoyable experience.
- The ‘Swachhata Train’ was a delightful and informative ride that took passengers on a picturesque journey to the Kankariya Lake Front.
- During the train journey, passengers had the unique opportunity to learn about waste management through engaging displays and presentations.
- One of the most innovative aspects of the ‘Swachhata Train’ initiative was the specially designed messages. Passengers were presented with plates and hand-bolts bearing impactful messages about the significance of waste management.
- The ‘Swachhata Train’ initiative represented AMC’s unwavering commitment to innovation in promoting cleanliness and waste management. It showcased their creative and imaginative approach to advancing the cause of Swachhata in Ahmedabad. Citizens wholeheartedly embraced and participated in this initiative.
Impact of the Initiative
- The impact of the ‘Swachhata Train’ initiative has been remarkable. It has significantly increased awareness among residents and visitors about the importance of waste management and cleanliness.
- Passengers actively engaged with the educational materials, contributing to the overall mission of Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0.
- The initiative also fostered a sense of responsibility among the city’s residents and visitors, inspiring them to take an active role in waste management.
- Most importantly, it stood as a shining example of innovation, serving as a model for other cities seeking creative ways to promote cleanliness.
- It showcases how imagination, innovation, and creativity can be utilized to promote Swachhata. This transformative project not only heightens awareness but also actively involves residents and visitors in the quest for a cleaner and more environmentally responsible Ahmedabad.
- It stands as a testament to the effectiveness of innovative methods in bringing about meaningful and enduring change in our communities.
GS PAPER: II
Mediation Act 2023
Why in the news?
In the recent monsoon session of Parliament, both Houses passed The Mediation Bill, 2023, and upon receiving the assent of the President of India, is referred to as the Mediation Act, 2023 (“the Act”).
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a dispute resolution process in which two or more parties, with the help of a neutral third party (the mediator), work together to reach a mutually agreeable settlement.
- The mediator’s role is to facilitate communication between the parties and help them to explore and identify options for resolving their dispute.
- The mediator does not make decisions for the parties or impose a solution on them.
What are the key features of the Mediation Act, 2023?
- Pre-Litigation: The law requires parties to try to settle civil or commercial disputes through mediation before approaching any court or tribunal.
- Mandated Time Period: Parties may withdraw from mediation after two sessions, but the process must be completed within 180 days, which may be extended by another 180 days by the parties.
- Medical Council of India: The law establishes a Mediation Council of India to register mediators and recognize mediation service providers and mediation institutes.
- Court’s Role: The courts may refer any dispute to mediation relating to compoundable or matrimonial offences connected with or arising out of civil proceedings between the parties.
- Community Mediation: Disputes likely to affect peace, harmony and tranquillity amongst the residents or families of any area or locality can be mediated and settled by a panel of mediators appointed by the concerned Authority.
The law governs two forms of mediation: voluntary and mandatory.
- Voluntary mediation is where parties under a written mediation agreement seek mediation.
- Mandatory mediation is where barring certain areas of disputes, there is a legal obligation on parties to mediate before approaching a court/tribunal.
Areas excluded from mediation:
- Serious allegations of fraud
- Criminal offenses
- Environmental matters reserved for the National Green Tribunal
- Matters relating to competition, telecom, securities and electricity law and land acquisition
Analysis:
The new mediation law in India is a significant step towards making mediation a more viable and effective option for resolving disputes. The law’s emphasis on mandatory mediation is particularly noteworthy, as it is likely to reduce the burden on Indian courts and promote a more amicable and efficient approach to dispute resolution.
However, it is important to note that the law is still in its early stages of implementation. It remains to be seen how effectively the law will be enforced and how widely mediation will be adopted by Indian businesses and individuals. Nevertheless, the law has the potential to revolutionize the way disputes are resolved in India.
GS PAPER – I
Adi Shankaracharya Statue Unveiled at Mandhata, MP
Why in news?
Recently, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister unveiled the 108-foot-tall statue of spiritual leader Adi Shankaracharya at Omkareshwar, located on Mandhata island in Khandwa district.
Who was Adi Shankaracharya?
- Shankaracharya, believed to have lived between 788 and 820 CE, was born in Kerala’s Kaladi. He became a sanyasin at an early age and left his Brahmin household, making his way to Omkareshwar. Here, he studied under his guru Govinda Bhagavatpada and became a proponent of Advaita Vedanta.
- In his lifespan of 32 years, he is said to have visited all the important spiritual centres of the time. He is believed to have authored 116 works, including commentaries on the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutra and the Gita.
- His Major Work: Brahmasutrabhasya (Bhashya or commentary on the Brahma Sutra), Bhajagovinda Stotra, Nirvana Shatakam and Prakaran Granths.
- Four Mathas: He established the four mathas: Shingeri, Puri, Dwaraka and Badrinath.
- About Advaita Vedanta: It recognizes a unity in multiplicity, identity between individual and pure consciousness, and the experienced world as having no existence apart from Brahman.
What went into making the statue?
- The sculpture is installed atop Mandhata Parvat hill, facing south towards the Narmada River. It stands atop a 54-foot pedestal, supported by a 27-foot lotus petal base, which is constructed of red stone.
- In June 2022, Larsen and Toubro (L&T) were awarded the contract to construct the statue.
- The statue is made of bronze, containing 88% copper, 4% zinc and 8% tin, and its internal structure consists of high-quality steel, according to officials.
What is the significance of Mandhata Parvat Hill?
The island in the Narmada is home to two of the 12 Jyotirlingas — Omkareshwara and Amareshwara.
- The island is dotted with Shaivite, Vaishnavite, and Jain temples dating back to the 14th and 18th centuries.
- According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva pierced the world as an endless pillar of light, called the Jyotirlinga.
- There are 12 Jyotirlinga sites in India that are considered a manifestation of Shiva.
GS PAPER – I
Omega Blocking: The Cause of Libya’s Devastating Floods
Why in news?
The recent devastating floods in Libya have been attributed to the occurrence of an Omega blocking atmospheric event.
What is Omega blocking?
Omega Blocking is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when a high-pressure system gets trapped between two low-pressure systems, creating a pattern that resembles the Greek letter omega (Ω).
Impacts of Omega Blocking :
- Omega blocking can cause extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods, depending on the location and season. In the case of Libya, the Omega blocking event caused a prolonged period of heavy rainfall, which led to widespread flooding.
- Omega blocking events are difficult to predict and can cause significant damage and loss of life. They have been linked to past extreme weather events, including the Pakistan floods in 2011, extreme rainfall in northwestern Iran in 2008, and heatwaves in France and Germany in 2019.
How does Omega blocking cause extreme weather?
Omega blocking events can cause extreme weather by disrupting the normal flow of the atmosphere. The high-pressure system in the centre of the Omega block acts as a barrier, preventing the low-pressure systems from moving away. This can lead to prolonged periods of wet or dry weather, depending on the location.
In the case of Libya, the Omega blocking event caused a prolonged period of heavy rainfall. The high-pressure system in the centre of the Omega block prevented the low-pressure system over the Mediterranean Sea from moving away. This resulted in a continuous stream of moist air being drawn into Libya, which led to widespread flooding.
What can be done to mitigate the effects of Omega blocking events?
- Improve weather forecasting. By better understanding the conditions that lead to Omega blocking events, scientists can develop more accurate forecasts. This will allow people to take precautions and prepare for extreme weather events.
- Develop infrastructure that is more resilient to extreme weather events. This includes building flood defenses, improving drainage systems, and developing drought-resistant crops.
- Educate the public about the risks of Omega blocking events. This will help people to understand the potential impacts of these events and to take steps to protect themselves and their property.
Omega blocking events are a serious threat to human life and property. By better understanding these events, developing more accurate forecasts, and building more resilient infrastructure, we can reduce the impact of Omega blocking events and save lives.
