Society 

PM- SHRI - The Hindu

National Award for e-Governance 2024 (Gold) for Poshan Tracker initiative - PIB 

Context 

In a significant stride towards ensuring the health and well-being of children of 0-6 years of age, Mission Poshan 2.0 has made remarkable progress in tracking the growth of millions of young lives, through its Monthly Growth Monitoring initiative - Poshan Tracker, which is also a theme for this year Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024.

Polity 

Law Commission: its role, members, & recommendations - Indian Express

Context

The Union government has notified the constitution of the 23rd Law Commission of India with effect from September 1. The commission, which was notified on September 2, will have a three-year term. 

23rd Panel

World Affairs 

Modi seeks to script Singapore-like success stories as India inks MoUs - The Hindu/ Semiconductor pact among 4 signed by India and Singapore/ Singapore & semiconductors - Indian Express

Context

Indian Prime Minister visited Singapore during the second leg of a two-nation trip to South-East Asia this week, having travelled to Brunei Darussalam in the first leg. The Singapore meet was marked by agreements on semiconductors, digital technologies, health and skill development. 

Opportunities for India

• Scope for collaboration with Singapore: In talent development, and knowledge-sharing about best practices in managing semiconductor industrial parks (called Wafer Fab Parks in Singapore).
• India’s abundant land and competitive labour costs: It could encourage semiconductor companies in Singapore to look at the country for their expansion plans. 
• Collaboration and engagement: India can engage and collaborate with semiconductor equipment and material manufacturers in Singapore to develop its own semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.

Economy 

90% of projects under Smart Cities Mission completed: Urban Affairs Ministry - The Hindu

Context

The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), which was launched to enhance the quality of life in urban spaces, has completed more than 90% of the total projects.

Smart Cities Mission (SCM)

• Launch: 25 June 2015.
• Objective: To promote cities that provide core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and a decent quality of life to their citizens through the application of ‘smart solutions’.
• Aim: To drive economic growth and improve quality of life through comprehensive work on the social, economic, physical, and institutional pillars of the city. 
• Focus: Sustainable and inclusive development through the creation of replicable models that act as lighthouses for other aspiring cities. 
• Selected cities: 100 cities have been selected through a two-stage competition in various rounds from 2016 to 2018, with each getting five years from their selection to complete the projects.
• Nodal Ministry:Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) (Centrally Sponsored Scheme).
• Elements:
  • Adequate water supply
  • Assured electricity supply
  • Sanitation including solid waste management
  • Efficient urban mobility and public transport
  • Affordable housing especially for the poor\
  • Robust IT connectivity and digitalization
  • Good governance especially e-Governance and citizen participation 
  • Sustainable environment
  • Safety and security of citizens particularly women, children, and the elderly
  • Health and education.
• Strategic components:
  • City improvement (retrofitting)
  • City renewal (redevelopment)
  • City extension (Greenfield development)
  • A Pan-city initiative in which Smart Solutions are applied

Funding: Financial support to the extent of Rs. 48,000 crores over 5 years, i.e., on an average of Rs.100 crore per city per year.

Gap Between Allocations for Health, Outcomes in States - The Hindu 

Context

The realisation of the full potential of the allocations in the Union Budget for the health sector hinges on many State-level parameters. Many of these allocations are for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), wherein the States not only share a substantial part of the cost but are also responsible for their implementation.

Centrally Sponsored Health Schemes

Way Forward

• Strategic Financial Planning: States must forecast future financial needs for health infrastructure, human resources, and service delivery & align these needs with available fiscal space to ensure sustained funding.
• Prioritising Health in Development Agendas: States need to integrate health initiatives into their broader development strategies.
• Mobilising Alternative Funding Sources: States should explore public-private partnerships (PPPs), health insurance schemes, and international development assistance for funding.
• Innovative Financing Models: Collaborating with private sector stakeholders can offer innovative financing models which can help maintain health services and infrastructure continuity without overburdening state finances.

Environment 

Can Kerala access funds from the Loss and Damage Fund? - The Hindu

Context

In the wake of the devastating landslides that recently struck Kerala’s Wayanad district, a crucial conversation has emerged around whether subnational entities can seek compensation through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’s Loss and Damage Fund (LDF). 

India’s role

• India’s proactive approach: India has suffered over $56 billion in damages from weather-related disasters between 2019 and 2023 but still, India has prioritised mitigation activities over adaptation in its National Climate Action Policy and budgets. 
• Introduction of a climate finance taxonomy in Union Budget 2024: It has raised expectations for increased international climate finance. 
• No clear guidelines on accessing LDFs within India: Due to it, frontline communities will continue to be vulnerable. 

Arnoux’s beaked whales - Indian Express 

Context

A team of researchers has stumbled upon a rare species of sea creatures off the coast of Antarctica. They found several whales that had not been spotted by them for decades. 

Arnoux’s Beaked Whale

• About: A rare cetacean (a member of the family of large aquatic mammals such as whales, dolphins, and porpoises) & a gregarious species found in groups of 6-10, but larger groups of 80 individuals have been recorded. .

• Scientific Name: Berardius arnuxii
• Distribution: Found only in the Southern Hemisphere, deep, cool temperate and subpolar waters, generally south of 40°S to the edge of the Antarctic ice shelf (approximately 78°S). 
• Average length: 30 feet 
• Other name: Southern four-toothed Whales as they have four teeth found in their lower jaws that are visible even when their mouth is closed. 
• IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern

Sci & Tech 

What is the significance of first global legally binding' pact on use of Al - Indian Express 

Context

The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom (UK) are expected to sign the Council of Europe’s convention on artificial intelligence (AI), the first “legally binding” international treaty on the use of the revolutionary new technology recently.

Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack - PIB 

Context

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Wednesday launched a series of blockchain-based solutions, aimed at enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency in digital service delivery.

Defence 

Indian Navy's P8I on its first-ever deployment in Europe to take part in 'Exercise Varuna' - The Hindu 

Context

A P8I aircraft of the Indian Navy has reached France to participate in ‘Exercise Varuna’ with the French Navy.