In News:

The 2nd Indian Lighthouse Festival was held with the aim of promoting lighthouse tourism and celebrating India’s maritime legacy.

Strategic Importance of the Lighthouse Projects

• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) has invested significantly in developing lighthouses as tourist hubs. The festival marks a concerted effort to integrate tourism with the preservation of these iconic structures.
• Lighthouse tourism has witnessed a remarkable increase of over 400% in visitor numbers since 2014, as part of India's broader vision to promote the blue economy.
  • • From just 4 lakh visitors in 2014, the footfall surged to 16 lakh in 2023-24, with over 9 lakh tourists already in the first half of FY 2024-25.

Key Projects and Announcements at the Festival

• New Lighthouses: The announcement of the two new lighthouses at Chaumuck and Dhamra along Odisha’s coastline is significant for enhancing coastal infrastructure and promoting maritime tourism in the state.
• Kalwan Reef Lighthouse: Located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, this lighthouse is part of a broader effort to enhance maritime navigation and heritage conservation along India’s western coastline.
• Development of Coastal Communities: Highlighted the importance of empowering coastal communities, particularly those living around lighthouses, to preserve and promote these structures as national cultural icons. These communities are expected to play a crucial role in lighthouse preservation, as well as in tourism and local economic development.
• Paradip Port Initiatives: Additionally, major infrastructure projects at Paradip Port, such as a stacker-cum-reclaimer and a flyover bridge, were inaugurated to further bolster the port’s capabilities and enhance its role in maritime logistics. The Sagarmala Programme also continues to transform Paradip Port into a mega port with a projected handling capacity of 500 MTPA by 2047.

Economic and Employment Impact

The development of 75 iconic lighthouses across 9 coastal states and one Union Territory is not only aimed at tourism development but also focuses on job creation. As of 2024:

• More than 150 direct jobs and 500 indirect jobs have been created in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and local crafts, driven by the increasing footfall at these tourist destinations.
• The creation of modern amenities at these lighthouses, such as museums, amphitheaters, and children’s parks, has helped in transforming lighthouses into multifaceted tourism hubs that attract both domestic and international tourists.

Collaborative Efforts for Preservation and Promotion

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Encouraging collaboration between the government, local communities, and private stakeholders to develop and maintain lighthouses as sustainable tourist destinations.
• National Framework: A central association will be created to manage coastal societies surrounding lighthouses, enabling local communities to actively participate in their preservation, protection, and promotion.
• Cultural Integration: The event also underscored the need for integrating cultural heritage with tourism development, using the lighthouses as platforms to showcase local art, cuisine, and history.

In News:

The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will take place in Cali, Colombia, from October 21, 2024. This marks the first gathering since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) in 2022.

About Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

• Adopted in 1992, the CBD is the most comprehensive international treaty focused on biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of natural resources, and the fair sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources. It has been ratified by 196 countries, making it a key global instrument for biodiversity governance.

Key Objectives of the CBD

• Conservation of Biodiversity: Protecting genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.
• Sustainable Use of Resources: Ensuring resources are used in a way that does not deplete or degrade biodiversity.
• Fair Sharing of Benefits: Ensuring that benefits from genetic resources are shared equitably with countries of origin.

Notable Frameworks within CBD

• Nagoya Protocol (2010): Establishes a framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the utilization of genetic resources.
• Cartagena Protocol (2000): Regulates the transboundary movement of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)

• Adoption: The KMGBF was adopted at COP15 in 2022, following the Kunming Declaration.
• Targets: The framework includes 23 targets for 2030 and 4 global goals for 2050, aimed at reversing biodiversity loss and promoting sustainability.
  • Notably, the 30x30 Target aims for 30% of the world’s land and oceans to be conserved by 2030. This is a key agenda item at COP16.
  • The framework also emphasizes equitable access to genetic resources and the sharing of benefits from their use (Target 13).

Challenges and Issues at COP16

• Benefit-Sharing from Digital Sequence Information (DSI):
  • A key issue is the fair sharing of benefits from digital sequence information (DSI) on genetic resources. The adoption of a global mechanism for this issue is still pending, as negotiations between developed and developing countries remain unresolved.
    • Developed nations advocate for unrestricted access to genetic materials in exchange for voluntary contributions to a global fund.
    • Developing nations seek a more equitable system, aligned with the CBD's principles of fair benefit-sharing.
• 30x30 Target Progress:
  • The 30x30 target, which aims to conserve 30% of land and oceans by 2030, is far from being met:
    • 17.5% of land and 8.4% of oceans are currently under protection.
    • Concerns persist about the effectiveness of these protected areas, as studies suggest they may not be sufficient for long-term biodiversity conservation.
• Financial Commitments (Target 19):
  • Developed countries have pledged $20 billion annually for biodiversity financing by 2025. However, progress is slow:
    • By September 2024, only $8.2 billion (41% of the target) had been committed.
    • COP16 will assess whether this target can be met, with further announcements expected.
• Implementation Gaps:
  • Countries are required to set national targets aligned with the KMGBF. As of COP16, only 100 parties have submitted their targets, and 30 countries have updated their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
  • A significant implementation gap remains in translating these targets into concrete actions.

Focus Areas for COP16

• Strengthening the 30x30 Target:
  • COP16 will push for enhanced efforts to meet the 30x30 conservation goal. There is a need for better management and monitoring of protected areas to ensure they contribute to biodiversity preservation.
• Finalizing Benefit-Sharing Mechanism:
  • Countries will focus on finalizing the multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism for genetic resources and DSI. The goal is to ensure that countries benefiting from genetic resources share those benefits with the countries of origin, addressing the issue of biopiracy and ensuring equitable access.
• Financial Commitment and Tracking:
  • The financial shortfall for biodiversity conservation will be a critical discussion point. Effective monitoring of the biodiversity finance tracker will be needed to ensure that developed countries meet their $20 billion/year commitment.
• Addressing Implementation Gaps:
  • There is a need to enhance monitoring and reporting mechanisms, improve national strategies, and align financial support with on-ground conservation efforts.

In News:

• The ‘eShram-One Stop Solution’ will be launched on 21 October 2024 by the Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports.
• Objective: To provide easy access to various social security and welfare schemes for unorganized workers in India.

Key Features

• Mediator Platform: The eShram-One Stop Solution will act as an intermediary to facilitate the integration of multiple government schemes for unorganized workers, ensuring efficient access to services and support.
• Information Integration: It will integrate data on beneficiaries across various social security and welfare programs meant for unorganized workers, providing a single point of access.
• Target Group: Aimed at unorganized workers, including daily wage earners, migrants, and others who do not have regular formal employment.

Benefits

• Awareness & Accessibility: The platform will make unorganized workers aware of various government schemes tailored to their needs, helping them access benefits more easily.
• Effective Scheme Implementation: The eShram-One Stop Solution will aid in the identification and implementation of welfare schemes for faster saturation and coverage.

Integration with Existing Schemes

• 12 Integrated Schemes: Currently, 12 social security schemes from different ministries/departments have already been mapped with eShram.

eShram’s Progress So Far

• Launch: eShram was launched on 26 August 2021.
• Achievements: Over 30 crore unorganized workers have been enrolled, highlighting the widespread impact and popularity of the initiative among the target population.

In News:

India to seek WHO certification for eliminating disease.

Overview of Kala-Azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis)

• Cause: Kala-azar is caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani, transmitted by the bite of infected female sandflies (Phlebotomus argentipes in India).
• Symptoms: Includes irregular fevers, weight loss, swelling of the spleen and liver, severe anaemia. If untreated, it is fatal in over 95% of cases.
• Affected Areas: Historically, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and parts of Uttar Pradesh report the highest number of cases, with Bihar alone accounting for over 70% of India's cases.

India's Achievement in Kala-Azar Control

• Current Status:
  • India has managed to maintain Kala-azar case numbers below 1 per 10,000 population for two consecutive years.
  • This meets the WHO's criteria for elimination certification.
• 2023 and 2024 Statistics:
  • 2023: 595 cases and 4 deaths.
  • 2024 (so far): 339 cases and 1 death.

WHO Certification for Elimination

• WHO's Target: The World Health Organization aims to eliminate Kala-azar as a public health problem by 2030.
• Elimination Criteria: A country can be certified when:
  • Local transmission is interrupted for a specified period.
  • There is a system in place to prevent re-emergence of the disease.
• Global Context: Bangladesh is the first country to have eliminated Kala-azar, receiving WHO certification in October 2024, after reporting fewer than 1 case per 10,000 people for three consecutive years.

India's Kala-Azar Elimination Strategies

• National Health Policy (2002): Initially set the target to eliminate Kala-azar by 2010, revised multiple times, and is now aiming for 2030.
• Key Strategies:
  • Active Case Detection: Identification and treatment of all cases.
  • Vector Control: Targeting sandfly breeding grounds through insecticides and environmental management.
  • Community Awareness: Educating the public on disease prevention and early diagnosis.
  • Improved Surveillance: Ensuring rapid diagnosis and treatment access, including the use of the rK39 diagnostic kit.
  • Integrated Vector Management: Combining insecticide spraying with environmental changes to reduce sandfly populations.

Challenges and Areas of Focus

• Root Causes: Persistent issues like poverty, inadequate sanitation, and malnutrition contribute to the spread of Kala-azar, particularly in rural, impoverished areas.
• Long-term Solutions:
  • Strengthen vector control and improve sanitation.
  • Address socio-economic factors like poverty and displacement.
  • Invest in research for vaccines and new treatments.

Public Health Impact and the Way Forward

• Elimination Milestone: If India continues to reduce cases, it will join Bangladesh in eliminating Kala-azar as a public health threat.
• Sustaining Gains:
  • Surveillance and quick response to new cases remain critical.
  • Expand access to rapid diagnostic tools and effective anti-parasitic treatments.
  • Focus on inter-sectoral convergence, integrating efforts from various government sectors, including health, sanitation, and housing.

In News:

Indo-Oman bilateral naval exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr was held in Goa from October 2024.

Naseem-Al-Bahr Exercise Overview

• Indian and Omani Participants:
  • Indian Navy: INS Trikand (warship) and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
  • Royal Navy of Oman: Vessel Al Seeb.

• Initiation: Launched in 1993, marking a long-standing strategic partnership between India and Oman.
• Structure: The exercise is conducted in two phases:
  • Harbour Phase:
    • Professional Interactions: Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), planning conferences.
    • Social & Sports Engagements: Informal activities to foster mutual understanding.
  • Sea Phase:
    • Naval Operations:
      • Gun firings at surface inflatable targets.
      • Close-range anti-aircraft firings.
      • Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAPS).
    • Helicopter Operations: INS Trikand’s helicopter performed cross-deck landings and Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) with RNOV Al Seeb.
    • Aircraft Support: Dornier aircraft provided Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTHT) data to enhance operational coordination.

Key Highlights of the 2024 Exercise

• Interoperability: The exercise focused on improving operational coordination and enhancing mutual understanding of naval practices.
• Cohesion: The Indian Navy Sea Riders embarked on RNOV Al Seeb to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.

Strategic Significance

• Strengthening Ties: Naseem-Al-Bahr reaffirms the strong strategic relationship between India and Oman.
• Regional Collaboration: This exercise exemplifies India's growing collaboration with like-minded nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Broader Defence Relations:
  • Oman is the first GCC country to conduct such bilateral naval exercises with India.
  • Both countries also engage in other defence exercises:
    • Army: Al Najah.
    • Air Force: Eastern Bridge.

Trade Relations Between India and Oman (2022):

• Oil: India is the second-largest market for Oman's crude oil exports, following China.
• Non-oil Exports: India is Oman's fourth-largest market for non-oil exports, after UAE, US, and Saudi Arabia.
• Imports: India is the second-largest source of Oman's imports, following the UAE.
• Ongoing Trade Agreement: Both nations are currently negotiating a trade agreement to further boost bilateral economic cooperation.