What is the News ?

The Indian Navy will host the Mid Planning Conference (MPC) of the MILAN 24 Exercise in Visakhapatnam from February 19 to February 27, 2024.

Facts About:

• ‘MILAN’ is a multilateral naval exercise held every two years.
• It was established in 1995 by the Indian Navy.
• MILAN was originally conceived in accordance with India's 'Look East Policy,' but has since grown to include participation from other Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) in conjunction with the Government of India's 'Act East Policy' and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.
• The harbor phase of MILAN 24 will include a City Parade at RK Beach, an International Maritime Seminar, a Swavlamban Exhibition, a Subject Matter Expert Exchange, and a Milan of Young Officers.

Friendly foreign country ships, maritime patrol aircraft, and submarines would take part in the sea phase alongside Indian Navy units.

• The operations will include large-force maneuvers, sophisticated air defense operations, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface warfare.
• MILAN 22 was held in/around Visakhapatnam from February 25th to March 4th, with 39 countries taking part.

What is the News ?

The Dhordo village in Gujarat's Kutch district was recently recognized as the Best Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which was praised by India's Prime Minister.

Facts About:

• The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting sustainable and responsible tourism on a global scale.
• Its functions include acting as a global forum for tourism policy issues and encouraging the adoption of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

                    It was founded in 1975.

• Members: 159 countries are members of the UNWTO.
• Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish are the UNWTO's official languages.
• Structure of the organization:

                   The World Tourism Organization's General Assembly is the organization's main meeting.

                    It is made up of full members and associate members. It convenes every two years.

• The Executive Council serves as the UNWTO's governing body.

                    It is made up of 35 members, one for every five full members, who are elected by the General Assembly. It holds at least two meetings per year.

• Headquarters are in Madrid, (Spain).

What is the News ?

The 13 GW Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh's Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II - Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) has received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

Facts About:

• The Green Energy Corridor (GEC) is an initiative that aims to integrate and evacuate renewable energy into India's power grid, promote sustainable growth, and improve energy security. It is divided into two stages.
• Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) is the implementation agency.
• Implementation of GEC-1 is already underway in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan, with the goal of integrating and evacuating 24GW of Renewable Energy (RE).
• For GEC-2, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh will be the first states to implement.

Grid integration and power evacuation of approximately 20 GW of renewable energy projects over a five-year period (FY 2021-22 to 2025-26).

Objectives:

• Synchronize renewable energy sources (wind and solar) with traditional power sources.
• Non-fossil fuel installed capacity should reach 500 GW by 2030..
• 20,000 MW of large-scale renewable energy should be evacuated.
• Importance: Improve India's long-term energy security; Promote environmentally friendly growth by reducing carbon footprint; Create employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers.

What is the News ?

According to recent reports, Israeli forces have been using white phosphorous against the civilian population of Gaza.

Facts About:

It is a waxy solid that is colorless, white, or yellow.

Occurrence:

• It does not occur naturally. Phosphate rocks are used to make it.
• It is a highly flammable substance that reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere.
• As little as 10 to 15 degrees above room temperature can cause it to catch fire.

Every country has strict regulations regarding its manufacturing and handling due to its combustible nature.

Applications:

• It is primarily used in the military, but it may also be used as a component in fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning compounds.
• It was originally used in pesticides and fireworks, but many countries have banned its use in a variety of industries.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), an intergovernmental organization and the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, has not included White Phosphorus in any of the three Chemical Weapons Schedules.

What is the News ?

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) recently delivered to the Indian Navy the third Stealth Destroyer of the Project 15B Class Guided Missile Destroyer, Yard 12706 (IMPHAL).

Facts About:

• The ship is made of indigenous steel DMR 249A and is one of India's largest destroyers, with an overall length of 164 meters and a displacement of over 7500 tonnes.
• The ship is propelled by a powerful Combined Gas and Gas Propulsion Plant (COGAG), which consists of four reversible Gas Turbines and allows her to reach speeds of more than 30 knots (approximately 55 Kmph).
• The ship is a powerful tool that can be used for a wide range of operations and missions, covering every aspect of maritime warfare.
• It is equipped with medium range Surface to Air Missiles ('Barak-8') and supersonic Surface to Surface Missiles ('Brahmos').
• The Destroyer is equipped with indigenously made anti-submarine weapons and sensors, including the Hull-mounted Sonar Humsa NG, Heavy Weight Torpedo Tube Launchers, and ASW Rocket Launchers.
• Compared to earlier classes of naval destroyers and frigates, it is more adaptable.
• It can operate independently without supporting vessels and can also serve as the flagship of a naval task force thanks to its all-around capability against enemy submarines, surface warships, anti-ship missiles, and fighter aircraft.