Weekly Current Affairs (15th to 21st November 2024) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

Launch and Objectives

• The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was recently launched during the G20 Summit in Brazil.
• Its primary goal is to eliminate hunger and poverty by 2030, addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, and 10.
• Qu Dongyu, FAO’s Director-General, emphasized the need for collective global action to tackle inequalities.

Key Participants

• The alliance includes the FAO (as a founding member), alongside UN agencies, governments, financial institutions, charities, and research organizations.
• The FAO headquarters in Rome will lead the alliance’s support system.

Focus Areas

• The alliance has outlined six priority areas for immediate action:
• School meal programmes to ensure nutritional security for children.
• Cash transfer schemes to provide financial support to vulnerable groups.
• Support for smallholder farming to improve productivity and livelihoods.

Social and economic inclusion initiatives to reduce inequalities.

• Maternal care programmes to enhance health and nutrition.
• Improved water access solutions for sustainable living.

Strategies for Success

• The alliance promotes collective action and coordinated financing for impactful results.
• It leverages proven strategies and relies on measurable outcomes.
• The FAO will offer technical assistance and expertise in food security and rural development.

Supporting Small Farmers

• Aims to expand assistance for small farmers globally by adopting successful strategies such as cash transfers and job guarantees.
• The FAO has already supported the development of 50 effective policies targeting these goals.

Current Challenges

• The fight against hunger and poverty has faced numerous setbacks, including:
• Uneven recovery from COVID-19.
• Ongoing conflicts and the adverse effects of climate change.
• Currently:
• 733 million people suffer from chronic hunger.
• 2.8 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet.

Global Collaboration

• The alliance collaborates with international platforms like the G7 and COP summits.
• These partnerships aim to unite global efforts to achieve transformative change and address food insecurity worldwide.

Sanyukt Vimochan 2024

The Indian Army held the annual Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, Sanyukt Vimochan 2024, in Gujarat on November 18-19, 2024, showcasing India’s readiness for disaster response. General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff, highlighted the significance of the exercise.

Tabletop Exercise in Ahmedabad

• The exercise began on November 18 in Ahmedabad, featuring a tabletop exercise focused on cyclone management.
• Several agencies participated, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA).
• The primary goal was to improve planning and coordination for disaster relief operations.

Multi-Agency Demonstration in Porbandar

• On the second day, a multi-agency demonstration took place at Chowpatty Beach, Porbandar.
• Key organizations like the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard collaborated in a simulated cyclone scenario.
• The demonstration included activities like reconnaissance, rescue operations, and casualty evacuation.
• It also covered strategies for rehabilitating affected individuals.

Focus on Indigenous Solutions

• In alignment with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the exercise showcased Indian-made disaster response technologies.
• This highlighted the country's advancements in self-reliant disaster management solutions and its commitment to developing homegrown capabilities.

International Participation and Collaboration

• The exercise saw the participation of representatives from nine countries, including nations from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Their involvement fostered the exchange of expertise and best practices, aimed at strengthening global disaster management strategies.

Recognition of Efforts

• General Dwivedi praised the professionalism of all participants, recognizing the Indian Armed Forces' critical role in disaster relief, including search and rescue and humanitarian aid operations.
• He also expressed gratitude to the Gujarat government and industrial partners for their support.

Conclusion

• Sanyukt Vimochan 2024 reinforced India’s disaster response capabilities and emphasized the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – viewing the world as one family.
• The exercise contributed to international discussions on improving disaster relief efforts.

Global Anti-Doping Training Begins in India

India to Host GLDF Results Management Training in New Delhi

Purpose of the Training

• The Global Learning and Development Framework (GLDF) Results Management Training, supported by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), aims to establish standardized anti-doping procedures worldwide. 
• The event seeks to foster collaboration among nations and promote fairness in sports.

Participants and Attendance

• Representatives from over 10 countries will participate, including professionals from the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Kyrgyzstan, and Laos. 
• Officials from WADA, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) are also attending.

Training Content and Focus

• As part of WADA’s capacity-building initiative, the training will enhance the skills of anti-doping practitioners. 
• Sessions will address case management, disciplinary processes, and the implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards.

Organisers and Support

• India’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) is organizing the event with support from WADA, the Japan Sports Agency (JSA), and the Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA). 
• This highlights a joint effort to strengthen anti-doping measures globally.

Significance of the Event

• Hosting the GLDF training underscores India’s commitment to clean sports and its dedication to creating a fair and transparent sporting environment. 
• The event symbolizes a significant step towards international cooperation in anti-doping efforts.

Global Soil Conference 2024

Importance of Soil Health

• The Global Soil Conference 2024, organized by the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS), emphasized the critical role of soil health in ensuring food security and ecological balance. 
• Addressing the event via video link, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the connection between healthy soil and climate change mitigation. 
• He called for collaborative efforts among scientists and leaders, stressing the need for innovative solutions and new technologies to improve soil quality and boost farmer productivity. Preventing soil degradation remains vital for the well-being of future generations.

Advances in Soil Management

• Prof. Ramesh Chand discussed advancements in soil management that have significantly enhanced food production. 
• However, he expressed concern over ongoing soil damage and advocated for strategic investments in soil health to address the issue effectively.

Traditional and Modern Practices

• Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra emphasized the importance of combining traditional practices with modern technology to tackle soil-related challenges. 
• He underlined the need for sustainable farming methods and stronger collaboration between researchers and policymakers to ensure long-term soil health.

Public Awareness and Policies

• Dr. Himanshu Pathak highlighted the importance of public awareness about the benefits of soil conservation. 
• He called for policies prioritizing soil health and recognized the essential roles of farmers and scientists in promoting environmental sustainability and protecting soil resources.

Sustainable Trade Index 2024

As nations adapt to the post-pandemic era, sustainable trade is emerging as a key strategy to address health crises, climate challenges, and geopolitical tensions. Building resilience is critical for recovery, prompting economies to adopt sustainable practices that foster innovation and collaboration.

What is Sustainable Trade?

• Sustainable trade ensures mutual benefits for trading partners by balancing economic, social, and environmental priorities. Its aim is to achieve economic growth while maintaining social equity and environmental responsibility. 
• This approach helps nations develop resilient industries and workforces, encouraging the shift toward greener economies.

Sustainable Trade Index 2024

• The Sustainable Trade Index 2024, produced by the Hinrich Foundation and IMD, evaluates global economies on their sustainable trade practices. 
• It examines three key dimensions: economic growth, societal progress, and environmental resilience. The index highlights the top performers in sustainable trade globally.

Top 10 Sustainable Trade Economies in 2024

• For the third consecutive year, New Zealand leads the list, excelling in both societal and environmental performance. The United Kingdom ranks second, showing strength in societal and environmental areas despite a dip in economic ranking. Meanwhile, India holds the 23rd position overall. 
• The top 10 economies for sustainable trade in 2024 are:

Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024)

Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024)

• The Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024), organized by the National Security Council Secretariat in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University, began on November 18, 2024, and will run for 12 days until November 29, 2024. 
• The initiative focuses on strengthening India’s cyber defense capabilities by training professionals to handle cyber threats and crises effectively.

Cyber Defense Training

• Participants will undergo hands-on training in cyber defense techniques, including incident response methods. 
• The emphasis is on practical skills that can be applied to address real-world cyber challenges.

Simulated Cyberattacks

• The exercise features simulations of real-world cyberattacks to test the resilience of IT and operational systems.
• These scenarios will provide participants with experience in high-pressure situations, preparing them to respond to actual cyber threats.

Strategic Decision-Making Exercise

• Senior leaders will participate in decision-making drills designed to enhance their crisis response capabilities. 
• These exercises focus on developing the ability to make informed decisions under stress during cyber emergencies.

Bharat Cybersecurity Startup Exhibition

• Indian cybersecurity startups will showcase innovative solutions during an exhibition. 
• This segment aims to promote advancements in cybersecurity and foster collaboration between startups and established organizations.

Event Objectives and Conclusion

• The exercise aims to unite professionals from government, industry, and academia to address shared cybersecurity challenges. 
• The event will culminate in a review session, where participants will discuss lessons learned and establish best practices for future cybersecurity strategies.

India’s Exports Surge in October 2024

India's export landscape saw significant growth in October 2024, with the core group of exports rising by 27.7% compared to the same month last year. This robust performance spanned various sectors, showcasing a strong economic outlook.

Key Export Sectors

• Engineering goods led the growth with a 39.4% increase. Electronic goods followed closely, with a remarkable 45.7% growth. 
• Chemicals also performed well, rising by 27.4%. Drugs and pharmaceuticals saw a more modest increase of 8.2%, reflecting steady demand.

Agricultural Export Highlights

• Agricultural exports performed exceptionally well, particularly rice, which surged by 85.8% following the government’s decision to lift rice export restrictions. 
• Other agricultural exports such as cashews (7.2%), fruits and vegetables (15.9%), tea (9.3%), and spices (30.9%) also experienced notable growth.

Labour-Intensive Sector Performance

• Exports from labour-intensive sectors showed strong growth. Readymade garments increased by 35.1%, while handicrafts rose by 32.7%, and leather products grew by 12.3%. 
• However, ceramic products and glassware faced a decline of 6.1%.

Import Trends

• India's imports of gold fell by 1.4%, and precious stones imports dropped by 29%. 
• Imports of electrical goods showed slower growth at 8.7%, but imports of vegetable oil surged by 50.9%, reversing the decline seen in the previous month.

Overall Export Growth

• India’s total merchandise exports reached $39.2 billion in October, reflecting a 17.3% year-on-year increase. 
• This marks the fastest growth rate in 28 months. Exports of services also saw growth, rising by 14.6% in September.

Services Trade Surplus

• India’s services trade surplus expanded to $16.1 billion in September, up from $13.8 billion in the same month last year.
• This surplus is the highest recorded since January 2024.

Dengue Surge Linked to Climate Change

Current Global Context

• Dengue fever cases are at unprecedented levels globally, with nearly 12 million cases reported in the Americas, up from 4.6 million in 2023. 
• Locally acquired infections have emerged in areas like California and Florida. India is also witnessing a significant surge in cases.

Research Findings

• A study conducted by researchers from Stanford and Harvard examined dengue incidence data from 21 countries in Asia and the Americas. 
• The findings revealed a direct link between rising temperatures and an increase in dengue infections.

Impact of Climate Change

• The study highlights that climate change poses a serious health threat, with 19% of the increase in dengue cases attributed to it. Limiting global warming could reduce the future impact of dengue. 
• A substantial reduction in emissions could prevent a 60% rise in infections, lowering it to about 40%.

Future Predictions

• Even with emissions reductions, some regions will still face significant increases in dengue cases. Of the 21 countries studied, 17 are predicted to experience climate-driven rises in dengue. Areas entering the optimal temperature range for virus transmission are at the highest risk.
• Mitigating climate change is essential to controlling the future burden of dengue, and significant emission cuts will be key to managing this health challenge.

Clean Ganga Mission to Start Dolphin Ambulance

Dolphin Ambulance Initiative

• The Dolphin Ambulance project, titled Advancing Rescue System for the Protection of Stranded Ganges River Dolphins, has been launched with a budget of Rs 1 crore. 
• This initiative is designed to provide immediate medical assistance to injured dolphins, vital to the river’s ecosystem. Along with the ambulance, the project aims to raise public awareness about the importance of dolphin conservation. Local communities will receive training to handle dolphin-related issues effectively.

Additional Conservation Projects

• NMCG has also approved several other projects focusing on the broader ecological health of the Ganga River and its tributaries. 
• These initiatives are dedicated to preserving biodiversity and ensuring the protection of the species that thrive in the river's ecosystem.

Turtle Conservation Efforts

• A significant project targets the conservation of endangered turtle species in the Ganga basin, specifically in Uttar Pradesh. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 78.09 lakh, seeks to rehabilitate and reintroduce three critically endangered turtle species. 
• It also includes the establishment of a spatial monitoring tool to track conservation efforts at the National Chambal Sanctuary.

Community Engagement and Awareness

• Community participation is a key factor in the success of these conservation projects. By raising awareness about the importance of protecting species like the Ganga Dolphin and various turtles, the initiatives aim to foster local support. Educating the public ensures better protection measures, as engaged communities are more likely to contribute to conservation efforts.
• The NMCG's ongoing and future initiatives underscore a strong commitment to environmental conservation. These projects will continue to evolve, addressing new challenges and expanding to protect additional species and habitats, with the ultimate goal of restoring the ecological integrity of the Ganga.

India and China to Shape Future World Economy

Significance of India and China

• India and China are pivotal players in the global economy, ranking as the world’s first and third-largest economies based on purchasing power parity, representing 35% of the global population. 
• Their economic growth is forecasted to contribute 50% of global growth in 2024, underscoring their crucial role in shaping global economic policies and dynamics.

The Workshop Series

• The East Asian Institute (EAI) and the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) are organizing a series of workshops to delve into the growth strategies of India and China. 
• These workshops will gather academics, policymakers, and business leaders to discuss the broader implications of the economic policies of these two nations. Key experts, including Dr. Li Li from Tsinghua University and Professor C Raja Mohan from ISAS, will share their insights on how the economic developments of India and China are reshaping global trade and innovation.

Global Economic Landscape

• Alfred Schipke, Director of EAI, emphasized that India and China are essential pillars of the global economy. Their combined potential is expected to be a major driver of economic growth in the coming years. 
• The influence of these nations extends far beyond their own borders, affecting global policies and addressing key challenges in the international landscape.

Future Trends in Digitalisation and Green Economy

• Both India and China are at the forefront of digitalisation and the transition to a green economy. Iqbal Singh Sevea, Director of ISAS, highlighted the growing importance of these two countries in shaping global trends. Their influence is critical for future economic strategies, particularly in Southeast Asia. 
• Ongoing collaboration and dialogue with India and China will be vital to navigate the complexities of the global economy and ensure regional growth and development.

Govt to Launch PAIR Programme to Boost University Research

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has introduced the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Programme, aimed at strengthening research capabilities in Indian universities. This initiative was launched during the inaugural meeting of the Governing Board on September 10, 2024, which was chaired by the Prime Minister, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing quality higher education.

Objectives of the PAIR Programme

• The PAIR Programme is in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It seeks to foster research excellence in universities, especially those with limited research capacity. 
• The programme aims to establish collaborations between emerging institutions and established ones. This mentorship-based model is designed to bridge the research divide in India.

Hub and Spoke Model

• The PAIR initiative follows a hub-and-spoke model, where top-tier institutions act as hubs and emerging universities serve as spokes. The hubs will mentor the spokes in various research activities. 
• This model provides access to superior resources and expertise, promoting systematic growth in research. The collaboration is expected to develop a strong research ecosystem across the country.

Selection of Institutions

• In the initial phase, hub institutions will include those ranked in the top 25 of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), as well as Institutions of National Importance ranked within the top 50 of NIRF. 
• The spoke institutions will comprise Central and State Public Universities, alongside select NITs and IIITs. Subsequent phases may broaden eligibility to include additional universities.

Structure of PAIR Networks

• Each PAIR network will consist of one hub and up to seven spokes. 
• Only one proposal per hub is permitted. Each proposal must involve multi-departmental faculty teams from the spoke institutions, promoting regional diversity among the participants.

Expected Outcomes

• The PAIR Programme aims to drive innovation in emerging institutions through mentorship from high-ranking universities. This guidance is expected to significantly enhance research quality by providing access to advanced infrastructure and best practices. 
• The programme also focuses on creating collaborative networks to foster internationally competitive research.

Application Process

• Prospective Programme Directors (PDs) from eligible hub institutions can apply through the ANRF website. Detailed information about eligibility, funding guidelines, and deadlines is available on the site. 
• Interested institutions are advised to carefully review the available information.