PIB Summary- 5th February, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

World Wetlands Day (WWD), 2023

Context
World Wetlands Day celebrated at all 75 Ramsar Sites in India.

Details

• The World Wetlands Day was celebrated at all 75 Ramsar Sites in India with over 200 events. The wetland pledge was administered during these events. Drawing competitions, quiz competitions, bird watching and exposure activities were organised wherein students participated actively. 
• Mission Sahbhagita was launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and climate Change (MOEFCC) with a mission of healthy and effectively managed network of 75 wetlands of national and international importance which support water and food security; buffer from cyclones, floods, droughts etc; conservation of species; employment generation; climate change mitigation and adaptation actions; and recognition, conservation and celebration of cultural heritage. 

About WWD

• World Wetlands Day was established in 1971 by the Ramsar Convention (officially the Convention on Wetlands) to underscore the importance of wetlands and their preservation. February 2 was chosen as the date to observe this day since it marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on that date in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. The day is aimed at highlighting the vital role wetlands play in maintaining biodiversity and supporting human well-being.
• India is a party to the convention since 1982.
• Theme for WWD 2023 – “Wetland Restoration”. The theme highlights the urgency to prioritise wetland restoration. 
• India has the largest network of Ramsar Sites in Asia.

India Energy Week (IEW), 2023

Context
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate IEW, 2023 on Feb 6, 2023 in Bengaluru.

Details

• The India Energy Week (IEW), being held from February 6 – 8, is aimed to showcase India’s rising prowess as an energy transition powerhouse.
• The event will bring together leaders from the traditional and non-traditional energy industry , governments and academia to discuss the challenges and opportunities that a responsible energy transition presents.
• In line with the Ethanol Blended Petrol roadmap, Shri Modi will launch E20 fuel at 84 outlets of Oil and Marketing Companies in 11 States/UTs.
  • E20 is a blend of 20% ethanol with petrol.
  • The GoI aims to achieve a complete 20% blending of ethanol by 2025.
  • Oil Marketing Companies are setting up 2G-3G ethanol plants that will facilitate the progress. 
• Shri Modi will also flag off the Green Mobility Rally. The rally will witness participation of vehicles running on green energy sources and will create public awareness on green fuels.
• Shri Modi will also launch the uniforms under the “Unbottled” initiative of the Indian Oil.
  • Indian Oil has adopted uniforms for retail customer attendant and LPG delivery personnel made from recycled polyester (rPET) and cotton.
  • India Oil is taking this initiative further through “Unbottled” – a brand for sustainable garments launched for merchandise made from recycled polyester.
• A twin cooktop model of the Indian Oils indoor solar cooking system will also be flagged off for commercial use.
  • Twin cooktop model is a revolutionary indoor solar cooking system that works on both solar and auxiliary energy sources simultaneously, designed  and patented by Indian Oil. 
• The government has announced an allocation of Rs 35, 000 cr in the country’s Union Budget 2023 for ensuring smooth supply of green energy.