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Current Affairs News Analysis for UPSC | 31st Dec 2020
Today's Must Read Articles :3 Indian Missions: Estonia, Paraguay and Dominican Republic
HEADLINES:
Cabinet approves Opening of 3 Indian Missions in Estonia, Paraguay and Dominican Republic
WHY IN NEWS:
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the opening of 3 Indian Missions in Estonia, Paraguay and Dominican Republic in 2021.
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 2 : IR
ISSUE:
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Opening of Indian Missions in these countries will help expand :
- India’s diplomatic footprint
- Deepen political relations
- Enable growth of bilateral trade
- Investment and economic engagements
- Facilitate stronger people-to-people contacts
- Bolster political outreach in multilateral fora
- It will also help garner support for India’s foreign policy objectives.
OBJECTIVE
- There are presently Missions and Posts across the world which serve as conduits of our relations with partner countries.
IASbhai WINDUP:
- Enhancement of India’s diplomatic presence will, inter-alia, provide market access for Indian companies and bolster Indian exports of goods and services.
- This would have a direct impact in augmenting domestic production and employment in line with our goal of a self-reliant India or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
SOURCES: PIB | Current Affairs News Analysis for UPSC | 31st Dec 2020
“Ginger” Processing Plant in Meghalaya
HEADLINES:
North East’s first-ever specialized “Ginger” Processing Plant in Meghalaya is being revived: Dr. Jitendra Singh
WHY IN NEWS:
North East’s first-ever specialised “Ginger” Processing Plant at district Ri-Bhoui in Meghalaya is being revived and is likely to become functional in the beginning of 2021.
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3:Health:Diseases
ISSUE:
“GINGER” PROCESSING PLANT
- Ginger Processing Plant of North East India was established around the year 2004 but has remained non-functional for many years.
- The NERAMAC has now undertaken the responsibility of reviving it and initiated steps to operationalize the closed Plant through PPP mode.
- It will not only be available for domestic consumption but will also have a wider demand and this will also be in keeping with Prime Minister’s calls for “Vocal for Local”.
- For the PPP mode, an Operation and Maintenance Operator was selected through the tendering process and the work on setting up and reviving the Plant is under progress.
IASbhai WINDUP:
- The Plant at Meghalaya will give the much-needed facility to the ginger growers and they will be able to use their capacities and at the same time optimally utilize the natural resources.
- The NERAMAC has also undertaken the responsibility to develop marketing complexes with state-of-the-art facilities.
SOURCES: PIB | Current Affairs News Analysis for UPSC | 31st Dec 2020
51st edition of the International Film Festival of India
HEADLINES:
51st edition of the International Film Festival of India
WHY IN NEWS:
Registrations have commenced for media delegates desirous of attending the 51st edition of the International Film Festival of India, being held in Goa during (between) January 16 – 24, 2021.
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 1 : Films
ISSUE:
51ST EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF INDIA
OVERVIEW
- Films have been an integral part of all our lives and India has a rich history in film making.
- From showcasing the most critically acclaimed films from around the world to providing a competitive platform to Indian Regional cinema.
- IFFI has come a long way in fostering the talent of both eminent and budding filmmakers.
FIRST CELEBRATION
- Started way back in 1952, the first ever IFFI was organized by the Films Division, Government of India, with the patronage of the first Prime Minister of India – Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru.
AIM
- The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) aims at providing a common platform to the cinemas across the world to project the excellence of the art of film making.
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH
- In 1952, it started with the participation of 23 countries with over two hundred films’ entries.
- Last year, the numbers quadrupled to a whopping 1000 entries from over 100 countries across the world.
- IFFI which was an eleven day siesta in 2015 has been reduced to 9 this time.
- The lesser number of festival hours will be compensated with lesser repeat screenings and restrict this option only for films that prove to be extremely popular with delegates.
- This will promote a healthy competition among the top films that are eyeing for these slots.
IASbhai WINDUP:
- The International Film Festival of India has gained itself a reputation of being one of the most significant film festivals of Asia, by awarding excellence in cinematic achievements.
SOURCES: PIB | Current Affairs News Analysis for UPSC | 31st Dec 2020
Akash: Surface to Air Missile
HEADLINES:
Akash is a Surface to Air Missile
WHY IN NEWS:
The Cabinet approval will facilitate Indian manufactures to participate in RFI/RFP issued by various countries.
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3: Defence
ISSUE:
- Akash is a Surface to Air Missile with a range of 25 Kms.
- After its induction in the Services, interest is shown in Akash missile by many friendly countries.
- So far, Indian defence exports included parts/components etc. The export of big platforms was minimal.
IASbhai WINDUP:
COMMITTEE FOR FASTER APPROVAL OF DEFENCE EXPORTS
- Besides Akash, there is interest coming in other major platforms like Coastal Surveillance System, Radars and Air platforms.
- To provide faster approvals for export of such platforms, a Committee comprising of Raksha Mantri, External Affairs Minister and National Security Advisor has been created.
- This Committee would authorise subsequent exports of major indigenous platforms to various countries.
- The Committee would also explore various available options including the Government-to-Government route.
SOURCES: PIB | Current Affairs News Analysis for UPSC | 31st Dec 2020
Argentina’s legalisation of abortion is historic
HEADLINES:
Why Argentina’s legalisation of abortion is historic
WHY IN NEWS:
Activists are hopeful that the passage of this law in Catholic Argentina will have an impact in other countries in Latin America.
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 1 : Social Issues
ISSUE:
WHAT DOES THIS BILL MEAN?
- Prior to the passing of the bill, abortions were only permitted in cases of rape or when the woman’s health was at serious risk.
- Activists have been campaigning for years, calling for an overturning of this law that has been in existence since 1921.
- Two years ago, the country had almost passed the abortion bill, which was narrowly defeated.
- The bill calls for greater autonomy for women over their own bodies and control of their reproductive rights, and also provides better healthcare for pregnant women and young mothers
WHY IS IT A LANDMARK BILL?
- Prior to this, girls and women were forced to turn to illegal and unsafe procedures because abortion was against the law in Argentina.
- According to Human Rights Watch, unsafe abortion was the leading cause of maternal mortality in the country.
- The Catholic Church and the evangelical community wield immense power and influence in Argentina and had strongly opposed the passing of this bill.
- In fact, for several decades, following the beliefs of the Catholic Church, even the sale of contraceptives was prohibited in the country.
IASbhai WINDUP:
WHAT IMPACT WILL THIS HAVE IN LATIN AMERICA?
- Activists are hopeful that the passage of this law will have an impact in other countries in Latin America.
- At present, abortions are illegal in Nicaragua, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic.
- In Uruguay, Cuba, Guyana, and in some parts of Mexico, women can request for an abortion, but only in specific cases.
- Women’s rights activists have acknowledged that despite the new law in Argentina, the fight is far from over in the region.
- Anti-abortion groups and their religious and political backers have attempted to stall any progress in the process.
SOURCES: IE | Current Affairs News Analysis for UPSC | 31st Dec 2020
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