PIB Summary- 1st July, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

National Statistics Day

Context

National Statistics Day is celebrated in India on June 29 every year.

About National Statistics Day

• Celebrated to honor the significant contributions of Professor (late) Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in statistics and economic planning.
• Aims to raise public awareness, especially among the youth, about the importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation for the country’s development.

History and Themes:

• Inception: Since 2007, celebrated annually with a theme of contemporary national importance.
• 2024 Theme: “Use of data for decision-making”.
• Emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making for informed decisions and better understanding of statistical information for evidence-based policymaking.

Who is Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis?

• Birth and Legacy:
  • Born on 29 June 1893.
  • Known as the father of Indian statistics, an influential Indian scientist and statistician.
  • His contributions to India’s post-independence economic planning are significant.
• Achievements:
  • Founder: Established the Indian Statistical Institute in 1931, a premier institution for statistical research and training.
  • Awards: Received the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for his contributions to science.

Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise

Context

Indian multi-role stealth frigate INS Shivalik, mission deployed in South China Sea and North Pacific Ocean, has reached Pearl Harbour in Hawaii to take part in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.

About Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise:

Overview:

• The world’s largest international maritime exercise, conducted in Hawaii.
• Aims to enhance interoperability and build trust among the navies of friendly nations.

Theme and Duration:

• Held under the theme “Partners: Integrated and Prepared”, running until August 1.
• Led by the US Navy with participation from approximately 29 countries.

Exercise Phases:

• Harbour Phase (June 27 to July 7, 2024):
  • Involves multiple symposiums, exercise planning discussions, sports competitions, and reciprocal deck visits.
• Sea Phase:
  • Divided into three sub-phases, featuring ships undertaking basic and advanced integration exercises.

Key Participants and Activities:

• Aircraft Carrier Battle Group, submarines, maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
• Unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely piloted surface ships.
• Amphibious force landing operations, including joint operations with special forces of multinational navies.

Purpose and Benefits:

• Provides a unique training opportunity.
• Fosters and sustains cooperative relationships among participants.
• Ensures the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans.