Sarbananda Sonowal (MoPSW) flags off India’s 1st International Cruise Liner “Costa
Serena” in Mumbai
Union Minister
Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of
Ports, Shipping and Waterways
(MoPSW) flagged off the maiden
voyage of the vessel “Costa
Serena“, the India’s 1st
International Cruise Liner at an
event held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
This launch symbolises the dawn of a
new era in cruising and tourism in
India.
This initiative aligns with the
Government of India’s
“Dekho Apna Desh” initiative to the
middle class to prefer domestic
tourism over international tourism.
Key Points:
- The Costa Serena was constructed by Fincantieri (Shipbuilding company) at its Sestri Ponente shipyard in
Genoa, Italy and was inaugurated in Marseille, France
- The Costa Serena is the tenth vessel to join the 17-ship fleet of Costa Crociere (Costa Cruises).Costa Cruises, Italy, operating under Carnival Corporation, announces domestic sailings in India.
- Indian government initiatives include concessions, uniform rates, and upgradation of cruise terminals
- A crucial move was the conditional Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) exemption for foreign flag
vessels shifting to coastal operations, significantly reducing financial burdens
- Development of cruise tourism and lighthouse tourism are being actively considered under MoPSW’s
flagship scheme Sagarmala Programme.
- Over a period of the last 9 years Sagarmala Programme has completed 11 Projects worth Rs.267 crores
promoting coastal & cruise tourism and Island Development.
Norway to Fund USD 44.7mn to Support India’s Hunger Project in Uttarakhand
Government of Norway will fund USD 44.7 million to strengthen food security and environmental
protection in Uttarakhand under India’s ‘The Hunger Project (THP)’. This funding will be valid for 3
years, until September 2026.
Norway will aid in promoting food security by improving
productivity for small-scale producers of food, and by
developing local value chains and markets.
Key Points:
- The project strengthens the political leadership of Elected
Women’s Representatives (EWRs) in Gram Panchayats
by organizing capacity-building training.
- Their empowerment will lead in conserving forests,
promoting sustainable living, and collaborating with local
communities.
- It also focuses on strengthening Van Panchayats (Forest Councils) which in turn will ensure food security and livelihood opportunities for marginalized
households.
- Project outcomes include advanced environment-friendly development, institutional processes for forest
conservation, climate risk mitigation, and improved food security for marginalized households.
Swedish Firm Saab AB Becomes India’s first 100% FDI in Defence Sector
Swedish defence company Saab AB has become the first foreign company to get Government of India
(GoI)’s approval for 100% foreign direct
investment(FDI) in defence sector.
Key Points:
- The FDI proposal is valued at around Rs
500 crore.
- With this, Saab is set to establish a
facility to manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4
rocket launchers in India.
- The facility will support the production
of the Carl-Gustaf M4 for the Indian
Armed Forces as well as components for
users of the system around the world.
- SAAB FFV India Private Limited, a
subsidiary of Saab was Incorporated in
2022.
Global Responsible Tourism Award 2023: Kerala RT Mission & Soar Excursions,
Ahmedabad Bagged Awards
- Responsible Tourism Partnership and International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) announced the
8 winners of the Global Responsible Tourism Award 2023, which includes Kerala Responsible
Tourism (RT) Mission(Kerala) and
Soar Excursions, Ahmedabad
(Gujarat) from India.
- Kerala RT mission won the award under
Best for local sourcing, craft and food
category for promoting sustainable and
women-inclusive initiatives.
- Soar Excursions won the award under
Best for meaningful connections
category.
- Responsible Tourism established the
Responsible Tourism Awards in 2004.
The award was later renamed as “World
Responsible Tourism Awards”
About Responsible Tourism Partnership:
Managing Director– Harold Goodwin
Headquarters– London, United Kingdom
New technology for converting CO2 to CO developed with Potential for Application in
Steel Sector
National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilization (NCoE-CCU) at Indian Institute of
Technology(IIT ) Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra has developed a new energy-efficient technology for
converting Carbon Dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO). It transforms the CO under electro catalytic
conditions at ambient temperatures (25-40 °C) in the presence of water.In this regard, a team of researchers led by Dr. Arnab Dutta and Dr.
Vikram Vishal, alongside dedicated scholars at the NCoE-CCU,
secured a patent for their CO2 to CO conversion technology.
This achievement is on the lines of India’s commitment to achieving
net-zero emissions by 2070, and has potential for application in the
steel sector
Key Points:
- CO is a widely used chemical compound in various industries,
particularly in the form of synthesis gas (syn gas).
- Presently, CO is produced through the partial oxidation of coke or
coal, resulting in significant CO2 emissions as a byproduct. Now, this new technology will significantly
reduce carbon footprints, and lower associated costs.
- NCoE-CCU is backed by Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology
(MoST). It is currently being scaled up through the recently established start-up, UrjanovaC Private
Limited.
World Tsunami Awareness Day 2023- November 5
- United Nations (UN) World Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD) is annually observed across the globe on
5 November to raise consciousness about
reducing the risks created by Tsunami, the
giant waves, and improving community
preparedness.
- The UN Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
facilitates the observance of World Tsunami
Awareness Day in collaboration with the rest
of the UN system.
- The theme of WTAD 2023 is “Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future”
- This is in line with the focus of the International Day for Disaster Reduction (13 October).
- Note: The word “tsunami” comprises the Japanese words “tsu” (meaning harbour) and “nami” (meaning
wave).
About Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (IOC-UNESCO):
Executive Secretary– Dr. Vladimir Ryabinin
Member States– 150
Headquarters– Paris, France
Established in– 1960