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 3years, 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 ResponsibleTourism (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 inSteel 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 on5 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