IMPORTANT DAYS
World Animal Day 2024 celebrated on October 4.
• World Animal Day is celebrated annually on October 4 to raise awareness about animal welfare.
• The theme for World Animal Day 2024 is "The world is their home too."
• The observance of this day began in 1925, with its first celebration taking place on March 24 in Germany.
• Heinrich Zimmermann, a cynologist who specializes in the training and care of dogs, initiated the event.
• The date was later moved to October 4 to align with the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology and animals.
• This day emphasizes the importance of animals and promotes efforts to improve their welfare globally.
• World Animal Day serves as a reminder of our responsibility to protect and care for all living creatures.
NATIONAL NEWS
Cabinet approved India’s decision to join the International Energy Efficiency Hub.
• The Union Cabinet has approved a Letter of Intent for India to join the International Energy Efficiency Hub.
• This decision aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through global collaboration.
• The International Energy Efficiency Hub was established in 2020, succeeding the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC).
• The Hub aims to unite governments, international organizations, and private sector entities to enhance energy efficiency efforts.
• Currently, the Hub comprises 16 members, including prominent countries such as the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory agency under the Ministry of Power, will facilitate India’s participation in the Hub.
• India’s engagement in the Hub’s activities will ensure alignment with national energy efficiency goals.
• Joining the International Energy Efficiency Hub marks a significant step for India toward transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
International Film Festival and Forum on Environment and Wildlife, ‘Vatavaran’ inaugurated in New Delhi.
• The International Film Festival and Forum on Environment and Wildlife, known as ‘Vatavaran,’ was inaugurated in New Delhi.
• This three-day film festival features the theme "Wetlands for Life," highlighting the importance of wetlands conservation.
• Wetlands are crucial for India, providing significant ecological and economic benefits to the country.
• Approximately 6% of the Indian population relies directly on wetlands for their livelihoods, underscoring the need for their preservation.
• The festival serves as a platform for discussing pressing environmental issues and formulating conservation strategies.
• The focus on wetlands aims to raise awareness about their vital role in sustaining biodiversity and supporting local communities.
• Through films and discussions, the festival seeks to promote a deeper understanding of the wetlands ecosystem.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
• The USCIRF report raises alarms about deteriorating conditions for religious freedom in India, especially ahead of the 2024 national elections.
• Legal changes, such as anti-conversion laws, are highlighted as significant concerns impacting religious minorities.
• The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) is mentioned as a factor contributing to the challenges faced by certain religious groups.
• The report also addresses the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and its potential implications for religious freedoms.
• Issues of expropriation of religious sites are flagged, indicating growing tensions around places of worship.
• Misuse of anti-cow slaughter laws is noted as another factor undermining religious freedom and contributing to societal discord.
• USCIRF's objective is to monitor and recommend actions based on international human rights standards regarding religious freedom violations.
• Established in 1998 under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), USCIRF operates as an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal commission.
UK decided to cede Chagos Island sovereignty to Mauritius.
• The United Kingdom has decided to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, marking a significant step toward the decolonization of Mauritius.
• The agreement stipulates that Mauritius will have sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, which includes the strategically important Diego Garcia.
• Both nations have committed to ensuring the long-term, secure, and effective operation of the existing military base on Diego Garcia.
• For an initial period of 99 years, the UK will retain authorized power over the operations at Diego Garcia.
• This decision allows Mauritius to initiate a resettlement program for its citizens on the Chagos Islands.
• The UK has maintained control over the Chagos Islands since 1814 and separated them from Mauritius in 1965.
• This move is viewed as a positive development in the ongoing process of decolonization for Mauritius.
Nepal, India and Bangladesh signed a tripartite agreement to facilitate cross-border electricity trade.
• Nepal, India, and Bangladesh have signed a tripartite agreement to enhance cross-border electricity trade.
• Under the agreement, Nepal will export surplus electricity to Bangladesh via India from June 15 to November 15 each year.
• In the initial phase, Nepal will supply 40 MW of hydroelectricity to Bangladesh through Indian territory.
• India will facilitate the transfer of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh as part of the arrangement.
• The agreed rate for the electricity is set at 6.4 cents per unit, with Nepal expected to earn approximately $9.2 million from the exports.
• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Kathmandu by key officials, including NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising and NTPC Vidyut Byapar Nigam CEO Deino Naran.
• Nepal's Energy Minister Dipak Khadka and Bangladesh's Power Minister Sayeda Rijwana Hasan were also present at the signing ceremony.
RANKING AND INDEX
Kerala ranked first in the urban governance index.
• Kerala has topped the Urban Governance Index (UGI), as revealed by a two-year study conducted by Praja Foundation across various Indian cities.
• The state's high ranking reflects its achievements in decentralized planning, scoring 59.31 out of 100.
• Odisha secured the second position with a score of 55.10.
• In terms of fiscal empowerment, Kerala excelled with 23.22 out of 30 points, followed by Maharashtra with 21.15 points.
• Despite its overall success, Kerala ranks only 20th in the empowerment of municipal administration.
• Notably, Kerala is unique in allowing the mayor to write the 'annual confidential report' for the commissioner.
• Only four states—Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Mizoram, and Odisha—require every councillor to participate in at least one deliberative committee.
• The report highlights that multiple agencies are increasingly managing the eighteen functions assigned to municipal governments under the 12th Schedule of the Constitution, which diminishes their independence.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
India’s Maritime Decarbonization Conference concluded in New Delhi.
• The Maritime Decarbonization Conference in New Delhi was co-hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways and the Asian Development Bank.
• The event brought together 200 delegates to explore the future of green shipping and sustainable port operations.
• A key commitment of the conference is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
• India's maritime sector plays a crucial role in the economy and is vital in combating climate change.
• Delegates discussed various critical themes, such as green port infrastructure and clean harbor craft.
• The use of zero-carbon fuels was also a significant topic of discussion at the conference.
• The conference aimed to promote a collaborative approach towards a sustainable maritime future in India.