Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 14 March 2024 | Download PDF

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a delegation of over 30 members observed the ‘Bharat Shakti’ tri-service exercise in Pokhran, Rajasthan.

Key points:

• This exercise integrates the firepower and manoeuvre capabilities of all three services.
• It serves to exhibit the effectiveness of domestically manufactured defence equipment.
• Through realistic scenarios, it showcases the Indian Armed Forces’ ability to operate cohesively across various domains.
• The exercise is in line with the Aatmanirbharata initiative, underscoring India’s self-reliance in defence.

Key Equipment and Weapons Systems Participated:

Indian Army:

• Includes T-90 (IM) Tanks, Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems, Akash Weapons System, Logistics Drones, Robotic Mules, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), and various unmanned aerial vehicles.

Indian Navy:

• Deployed Naval Anti-Ship Missiles, Autonomous Cargo Carrying Aerial Vehicles, and Expendable Aerial Targets.

Indian Air Force:

• Showcased the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters.

• India ranked as the world’s top arms importer from 2019 to 2023.
• Imports increased by 4.7% compared to 2014–2018, according to SIPRI.

Key points:

• European countries saw a 94% increase in arms imports from 2014–18 to 2019–23, likely influenced by the Ukraine war.
• Russia, India’s main arms supplier, had its share drop below half for the first time since 1960–64.
• Nine out of the top 10 arms importers were from Asia, Oceania, or the Middle East.
• Ukraine became the fourth largest arms importer due to major arms transfers from over 30 states in 2022–23.
• In India’s FY 2024–25 interim budget, the Defence Ministry received ₹6.2 lakh crore.
• This included ₹1.72 lakh crore for new procurements, a 5.78% increase from the previous year.

Global Arms Trade Trends

• Pakistan, the fifth largest arms importer, saw a 43% increase in imports, with China supplying 82% of its arms.
• U.S. arms exports grew by 17%, while Russian exports fell by more than half (-53%).
• France emerged as the world’s second largest arms supplier with a 47% increase in exports.

SIPRI Overview

• SIPRI, or the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, is an independent international institute established in 1966.
• It focuses on research into conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament.
• SIPRI provides data, analysis, and recommendations to policymakers, researchers, media, and the public on international security matters.

• Nyepi Day is also known as Bali’s Day of Silence.
• It marks the Hindu New Year according to the Balinese calendar.
• The majority of Bali’s population follows Hinduism.

Significance

• Nyepi Day is a holy day aimed at purifying the island from the previous year’s negativity.
• It sets the tone for a positive and prosperous new year.

Observance

• Nyepi is observed with silence, fasting, and meditation.
• All lights and sounds are turned off, and all activities cease.
• The day is spent in silence, self-reflection, and meditation.
• Traffic comes to a halt, and the island appears deserted.

• • Announcement: Ministry of Heavy Industries announces Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024.
  • Duration: Scheme to be implemented from 1st April to 31st July 2024.
  • Total Outlay: Rs. 500 crore.
  • Objective: To promote electric two-wheeler (e-2W) and three-wheeler (e-3W) adoption, and boost electric vehicle manufacturing in India.
• Eligible Categories:

• Two Wheelers (electric) (e-2W)
• Three-wheeler (electric) including registered e-rickshaws & e-carts and L5 (e-3W)

• Applicability: Mainly for commercial e-2W and e-3Ws; privately or corporate owned registered e-2W also eligible.

Target Numbers:

• Aim to support 3,72,215 EVs including e-2W (3,33,387) and e-3W (38,828 including 13,590 rickshaws & e-carts and 25,238 e-3W in L5 category).

Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Impact:

• Promotes efficient, competitive, and resilient EV manufacturing, aligning with the vision of Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat.
• Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) adopted to encourage domestic manufacturing and strengthen EV supply chain, creating significant employment opportunities.

• Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi released “PM Gati Shati-National Master Plan in coal sector”.
• Aim:To offer in-depth insights into the coal sector through the geospatial layers available on the Ministry of Coal page of the PMGS-NMP portal.

Key points:

• Shri Anandji Prasad, Advisor (Projects), Ministry of Coal, echoed that the release of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan aims to develop a smart, integrated, and sustainable coal logistics ecosystem. 
• This will ensure the availability of adequate infrastructure, optimize logistics costs, and promote modernization through the adoption of information and communication technology.
• The initiative aligns with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by promoting cost efficiencies, minimizing disruptions, and fostering inclusive growth.

Odisha Regional Specific News

• Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Online Incentive Management System, developed by Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), marking a significant move towards e-Governance in Odisha.

Key points:

• The system is the first of its kind in India, enabling IT/electronics industries to manage incentives in a faceless manner through an online platform.
• It aims to enhance accessibility, transparency, and user-friendliness in governance.
• Entrepreneurs can now easily apply for incentives under various policies like IT, Electronics, Data Centre, BPO, and Semiconductor Manufacturing and Fabless.
• The online portal allows companies to submit applications 24/7, offering real-time tracking and notification facilities via email/SMS at different stages of processing.

District Websites: Under the ‘Standardized Website Framework’ (SWF), the CM launched new district websites, a part of the 5T initiative, to provide a unified web experience for citizens.

• All 30 district portals have been developed within this framework to enhance transparency and efficiency in governance.
• The new websites cater to all demographic segments, focusing on user-friendliness and accessibility.

• A black panther, first seen in Odisha’s Sundargarh district in 2018, has been captured on camera again.

About:

• A black panther refers to the melanistic color variation of certain Panthera species, such as leopards in Asia and Africa, and jaguars in the Americas. 
• Melanism involves an increased production of the dark pigment melanin in the skin or hair. 
• Black panthers are as elusive as their non-melanistic counterparts, making them challenging to spot. 
• They are primarily found in dense forested regions, with sightings reported in various areas including the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala, Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, and Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa, and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu.

• Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated 29 new police stations, outposts, and Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) buildings in Odisha.
• The infrastructure cost amounted to Rs 53 crore.

Key points:

• The government aims to enhance law enforcement through technology, including crime and criminal tracking networks, systems integration, and surveillance cameras.
• The buildings were designed with gender sensitivity and inclusivity in mind, featuring separate desks for women and children, counselling rooms, ramps, and facilities for persons with disabilities.

• Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Inaugurates Sports Complex in Jeypore & 26 Indoor Stadiums Across 12 Districts

Sports Complex Features:

• Located on approximately 11 acres in Jeypore town.
• Facilities include a natural football field, synthetic athletic track, and international standard sports equipment.
• Also includes a gymnastic center, swimming pool, two synthetic tennis courts, and a basketball court.

Indoor Stadiums:

• Each stadium offers facilities for badminton, table tennis, yoga, chess, weightlifting, and gym activities.
• Aims to encourage a healthy lifestyle among locals.

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