In News:

An international cruise terminal to facilitate a “global” port-led city, “high-end” tourism infrastructure, and a ship-breaking yard are among the new additions to the ?72,000 crore mega-infrastructure project in Great Nicobar Island proposed by the Union Shipping Ministry.

Overview of the Project:

• The Great Nicobar Island Development Project is a ?72,000-crore initiative to transform the southernmost island of India into a hub for defense, logistics, commerce, eco-tourism, and infrastructure development.
• It is being implemented by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Ltd (ANIIDCO) over 16,610 hectares of land.
• The project includes multiple components like an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), an international airport, greenfield cities, a mass rapid transport system, and a free trade zone.

Key Proposed Developments:

• International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT): To make Great Nicobar a key player in global maritime trade.
• Greenfield International Airport: To improve connectivity and serve as a strategic airport.
• Greenfield Cities: New urban settlements to support the infrastructure.
• Coastal Mass Rapid Transport System: An advanced transportation network along the coast.
• Free Trade Zone: To facilitate international trade activities.
• International Cruise Terminal (new addition): To attract global tourists and facilitate cruise tourism.
• Ship Breaking Yard (new addition): To establish a facility for ship building and breaking.

Geographical and Ecological Context:

• Great Nicobar Island is the largest island in the Nicobar group, located at the southern tip of India. It is covered in rainforests and hosts diverse species, including endangered ones like the leatherback turtle and the Nicobar megapode.
• The island's ecosystem is rich in biodiversity, with extensive mangroves, coral reefs, and rainforests.

Significance of the Project:

• Geo-strategic Importance: The island’s location near the Malacca Strait offers a strategic maritime advantage, enhancing India’s global maritime presence.
• National Security: With increasing Chinese influence in the region, the project aims to strengthen India's maritime security.
• Economic Growth: The ICTT and other infrastructure will boost economic activities, making the region a vital trade hub.
• Job Creation: The development will lead to numerous job opportunities for locals, especially in sectors like tourism, ports, and transport.
• Tourism Development: With eco-tourism at its core, the project is expected to generate substantial income through tourism, improving the local economy.
• Social Infrastructure: It will lead to improvements in healthcare, education, and digital services through initiatives like telemedicine and tele-education.

In News:

In a first, the Chhattisgarh state has introduced an innovative plan that connects the ecosystem services of its forests with the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP).

Key Highlights:

Chhattisgarh's Green GDP Initiative:

• First State in India to link forest ecosystem services with Green GDP.
• Forests cover 44% of Chhattisgarh's land area, playing a vital role in climate change mitigation.
• Key forest products (tendu leaves, lac, honey, medicinal plants) contribute significantly to the rural economy.

Green GDP:

• Definition: An adjustment of traditional GDP that accounts for environmental costs like resource depletion and ecosystem degradation.
• Formula:
  • Green GDP = Net Domestic Product (NDP) − (Cost of Resource Depletion + Ecosystem Degradation)
  • NDP = GDP − Depreciation of Produced Assets.

Importance of Green GDP:

• Traditional GDP overlooks the environmental cost, treating activities like deforestation as economic gains.
• Green GDP adjusts for sustainability, ensuring long-term economic growth aligns with environmental preservation.

Global Context & Initiatives:

• SEEA (System of Environmental-Economic Accounting): Developed by the UN to track economic-environment relationships.
• WAVES: World Bank initiative integrating natural capital into national economic accounts.
• Bhutan’s GNH: Emphasizes ecological sustainability in development.

Benefits of Green GDP for Chhattisgarh:

• Promotes sustainable development by integrating economic and environmental goals.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Forests help absorb CO2, playing a key role in carbon sequestration.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Supports sustainable use of resources, preserving ecosystems.
• Cultural Integration: Acknowledges forests' cultural and spiritual importance to local tribal communities (e.g., sacred groves).

Key Features of the Initiative:

• Valuing Ecosystem Services: Includes clean air (CO? absorption), water conservation, and biodiversity.
• Eco-tourism Promotion: Developing jungle safaris and national parks, boosting local employment.
• Scientific Assessments: Employing experts to quantify forest contributions to the economy.

Challenges of Green GDP Framework:

• Valuation Complexity: Difficult to assign monetary value to non-market environmental benefits like biodiversity.
• Data Gaps: Lack of comprehensive data on environmental degradation and resource usage.
• Implementation: Requires significant changes in accounting systems and policymaking.
• Forest Definition: Plantations like oil palm may be counted as forests, misleading environmental assessments.
• Political Resistance: States may manipulate data to secure funding, prioritizing plantations over natural forests.
• Local Integration: Difficulties in involving local bodies like Panchayats due to literacy and awareness gaps.

Future of Green GDP:

• Sustainable Resource Use: Encourages responsible consumption and production, aligning with SDG 12.
• Climate Action: Contributes to the reduction of fossil fuel reliance and promotes renewable energy, aligning with SDG 13.
• Green Investments: Stimulates green technologies and industries, fostering sustainable economic growth (SDG 8).

In News:

• Launch of the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 report and the Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield (LEAPS) 2024 awards in New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

• Objective of LEADS 2024 Report:
  • Evaluate logistics performance across Indian states and union territories.
  • Provide actionable insights for logistics reforms to foster competitive federalism.
  • Assess logistics infrastructure, services, regulatory environment, and sustainability efforts.
• Performance Evaluation:

Region                                Achievers                                                                              Fast Movers                                                                                         Aspirers

Coastal States                    Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu        Andhra Pradesh, Goa                                                                             Kerala, West Bengal

Landlocked States             Haryana, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand                Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan            Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand

North-Eastern States        Assam, Arunachal Pradesh                                                   Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura                                 Manipur

Union Territories               Chandigarh, Delhi                                                               Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir,         Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ladakh

                                                                                                                                          Lakshadweep, Puducherry

• Key Remarks:
  • Action Plans for Better Logistics: States should develop regional and city-level logistics plans, including for last-mile connectivity, to attract investments.
  • Green Logistics: Advocate for sustainable logistics practices to ensure environmentally responsible growth.
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Encourage PPPs to promote multi-modal hubs and streamline logistics infrastructure.
  • Technological Integration: Push for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics to enhance efficiency in logistics operations.
  • Skill Development & Gender Inclusivity: Focus on workforce inclusivity and skill development to boost sectoral growth. Promote gender diversity in logistics.
  • LEAD Framework: Urge logistics sectors to embrace the LEAD framework (Longevity, Efficiency, Accessibility, Digitalisation) for transformation.
• LEAD Framework and Recommendations:
  • Longevity, Efficiency, and Effectiveness: Improve long-term logistics strategies.
  • Accessibility and Accountability: Ensure better reach and transparent logistics practices.
  • Digitalisation: Enhance digital transformation across logistics processes.
• About LEADS:
  • Full Form: Logistics Ease Across Different States.
  • Launched: 2018 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • Purpose: To assess and improve logistics infrastructure and services across Indian states and UTs.
  • Methodology: Based on over 7,300 responses from a pan-India survey and inputs from over 750 stakeholder consultations.
• LEAPS 2024 Awards: Recognized excellence in the logistics sector across categories such as air, rail, road, maritime freight service providers, startups, MSMEs, and educational institutions.
• PM GatiShakti Course: Launched a 15-hour online course on “PM GatiShakti Concept for Efficient Infrastructure Planning and National Development”, hosted on iGOT Karmayogi platform and UGC SWAYAM portal.
• Logistics Cost Framework Report: Unveiled a report on the logistics cost framework, aiming to accurately estimate logistics costs in India through a hybrid methodology, incorporating both EXIM and domestic cargo data.
• Significance of LEADS:
  • Provides critical insights into logistics performance, helping States and UTs to improve infrastructure, services, and regulatory practices.
  • Plays a key role in India's vision of becoming a $32 trillion economy by 2047 by improving logistics efficiency, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

In News:

Five years after the COVID pandemic, China is experiencing a surge in HMPV cases, particularly in children under 14 years of age

Key Highlights:

• What is HMPV?
  • A respiratory virus from the Pneumoviridae family, discovered in 2001.
  • Causes both upper and lower respiratory tract infections, similar to the common cold or flu.
• Origin and Discovery:
  • Identified in the Netherlands in 2001 through genomic sequencing of respiratory samples.
• Risk Groups:
  • Children under 5 years, especially infants.
  • Elderly individuals (65+).
  • Immunocompromised persons and those with chronic respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma).
• Symptoms:
  • Common: Cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat.
  • Severe: Wheezing, shortness of breath, potentially leading to bronchitis or pneumonia.
• Incubation Period: 3-6 days.
• Transmission:
  • Spread via droplets from coughing or sneezing.
  • Close contact (e.g., handshakes, hugs).
  • Contaminated surfaces, touching face after contact.
• Treatment:
  • No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available.
  • Symptom management: hydration, rest, OTC medications for fever and congestion.
  • Severe cases may require hospitalization (oxygen therapy, IV fluids).
• Diagnosis:
  • NAATs (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests): Detect viral genetic material.
  • Antigen-based immunoassays: For severe cases or outbreaks.
• Complications:
  • Can lead to bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, or COPD flare-ups.
  • Risk of ear infections (otitis media) in some cases.
• Prevention:
  • Hygiene: Regular handwashing, covering coughs/sneezes, maintaining personal hygiene.
  • Physical Distancing: Avoid close contact, wear masks in crowded settings.
  • Caution for Vulnerable Groups: Extra care for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions.

Global Situation:

• China: Experiencing a rise in HMPV cases, particularly among children under 14 years.
• India: No reported cases yet, but monitoring the situation closely.

Key Facts:

• HMPV is a winter virus commonly seen in colder months (winter and early spring).
• Estimated 10%-12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV.
• The virus is part of the Pneumoviridae family, alongside respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles, and mumps.

No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV; antibiotics are ineffective.

In News:

The National Sports Awards 2024 were recently announced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports to celebrate excellence in Indian sports.

Key Highlights:

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

• This is India's highest sporting honor, renamed in 2021 after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
• It’s awarded for exceptional performance in sports over a four-year period.
• 2024 Winners:
  • Gukesh D (Chess)
  • Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
  • Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics)
  • Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
• The award includes a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.

Arjuna Award

• Recognizes outstanding performance in sports over the previous four years and attributes like leadership, discipline, and sportsmanship.
• 2024 Winners: Various athletes across multiple disciplines received this honor.

Arjuna Award (Lifetime)

• Given to retired athletes who have not only excelled during their careers but also contributed to the promotion of sports post-retirement.
• 2024 Winners:
  • Shri Sucha Singh (Athletics)
  • Shri Murlikant Rajaram Petkar (Para-Swimming)

Dronacharya Award

• Given to coaches who have made a consistent and significant contribution by guiding sportspersons to excel at international events.
• The award includes a bronze statue of Dronacharya, a certificate, and a cash prize.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy

• Awarded to the top-performing university in the Khelo India University Games.
• 2024 Winner: Chandigarh University.

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar

• Recognizes individuals or organizations for their contribution to the promotion and development of sports.
• 2024 Winner: Physical Education Foundation of India.

These awards were selected by a committee led by Justice (Retd.) V. Ramasubramanian and include eminent sportspersons, journalists, and sports administrators. The winners will receive their awards from the President of India, marking a prestigious moment in Indian sports.