CURRENT AFFAIRS AND EDITORIALS | 22 JANUARY 2024

The Amrit Dharohar Initiative: Providing a Boost to Wetland 'Nature Tourism'

Image Source The Hindu

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus Reference: GS III (Conservation)

Why In News

The central government has launched the Amrit Dharohar initiative, aiming to promote tourism with a focus on ecologically sensitive wetlands recognized as Ramsar sites. 

The initiative includes places like Chilika Lake in Odisha and Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary in Haryana.

About Ramsar Site

A Ramsar site is a globally acknowledged wetland of significant importance under the Ramsar Convention, an environmental treaty established by UNESCO in 1971. Named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where it was signed, the convention encourages both national and international efforts to preserve wetlands and promote sustainable resource use.

India is home to 75 Ramsar sites, featuring renowned locations such as Chilka Lake, Bhitarkanika Mangroves in Odisha, Sundarbans in West Bengal, and Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.

The Sundarbans in West Bengal hold the distinction of being the largest Ramsar site in India.

Importance of Ramsar Sites

The Ramsar designation plays a crucial role in establishing and preserving a worldwide network of wetlands that are essential for conserving global biodiversity and sustaining human life. 

This recognition contributes to the safeguarding of ecosystem components, processes, and benefits, thereby emphasizing the interconnectedness of nature and humanity

About Amrit Dharohar Initiative

• The initiative, introduced in June 2023 as part of the 2023-24 budget, aims to enhance the special conservation values of Ramsar Sites in the country. 

• The Union Tourism Ministry and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change are driving the development of these sites through the 'Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme' 2023.

• This initiative is set to be carried out collaboratively, involving various Central Government ministries and agencies, State Wetland Authorities, as well as a network of formal and informal institutions and individuals. They will work together towards a shared goal.

Executing the Plan of Amrit Dharohar Scheme 2023

• The program is currently underway in collaboration with various Central government ministries, State wetland authorities, and a network of both formal and informal institutions, all united in pursuit of a common goal.

• 16 Ramsar sites have been identified, with five selected as pilot projects for the skill development of facilitators, tourism service providers, and stakeholders in the surrounding areas. 
• These five wetlands include Sultanpur National Park (Haryana), Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Odisha), Chilika Lake (Odisha), Sirpur (Madhya Pradesh), and Yashwant Sagar (Madhya Pradesh)

• A comprehensive training program was conducted at each Ramsar site, with 30 participants undergoing a 15-day Alternative Livelihood Programme (ALP) at Sultanpur (Haryana), Yashwant Sagar, and Sirpur (Madhya Pradesh).

Significance of Ramsar Sites

• Wetlands are vital for preserving global biological diversity and sustaining human life by preserving their ecosystem components, processes, and services. 
• Nature tourism at Ramsar sites is essential, involving direct support for conservation efforts and empowering local communities and economies.

• This approach aims to create employment opportunities and enhance local livelihoods by tapping into the nature tourism potential of Ramsar Sites nationwide

VijayRaghavan Panel Recommends Executive Committee for Defence Strategy

Source The Indian Express

GS III (Defence Technology)

Why In News

The government-commissioned VijayRaghavan panel, comprising nine members, has recently presented an extensive report addressing issues related to the operations of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

About DRDO

• In 1958, the establishment of DRDO took place through the merging of existing Technical Development Establishments (TDEs) from the Indian Army, the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP), and the Defence Science Organisation (DSO). 

• The primary goal of DRDO is to strengthen the nation's defense capabilities and promote self-sufficiency in critical defense systems.

• DRDO's inaugural project for the Indian military was Project Indigo, marking its first venture into developing surface-to-air missiles (SAM).

• March 2019 witnessed a historic achievement for DRDO as it successfully developed India's inaugural anti-satellite system.

• DRDO's most impactful endeavor has been the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. This extensive program has produced a variety of ballistic missiles, including Prithvi, Trishul, Agni, Akash, and Nag. These missiles showcase cutting-edge technology and play a substantial role in bolstering India's defense capabilities.

About the Defense Technology Council

The Defense Technology Council, as designated by the Vijay Raghavan committee, is headed by the Prime Minister, with the Defense Minister and the National Security Advisor serving as Vice Presidents.

A proposed executive committee, led by the Chief of Defense Staff, is set to be established. The Principal Scientific Advisor, in conjunction with the three service chiefs and their vice chiefs, will also be integral members. 

Additionally, the council will incorporate representation from academia and industry, with two members from each sector.

Recommendations of the Vijay Raghavan Committee

Background

• The recent report from a Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on Defence raises concerns about significant delays in 23 out of 55 mission mode projects managed by DRDO.
• A December 2022 report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) discloses that 67% (119 out of 178) of projects under examination failed to meet the proposed timelines.
• Setbacks are attributed to multiple extensions, mainly stemming from design modifications, delays in conducting user trials, and challenges related to supply orders.

Recommendations of VijayRaghavan Panel

• Revisiting the focus on Research and Development (R&D), the Vijay Raghavan committee suggests that the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) should realign with its original objective of concentrating on research and development for defense purposes. The committee emphasizes the importance of returning to this fundamental goal.

• In addition, the committee raises questions about the necessity of DRDO's involvement in drone development, proposing the recognition of expertise both domestically and internationally. The suggestion is to assess and tap into specialized knowledge irrespective of geographical boundaries.

• Regarding the Defense Technology Council (DTC), the committee advocates that the council, chaired by the Prime Minister, should play a crucial role in identifying suitable entities for specific defense technologies.

• The DTC is seen as instrumental in steering the direction of defense technology development, ensuring strategic decision-making in this critical domain.

Issues Related to DRDO

• The development of DRDO projects is often significantly delayed and their budget exceeds the estimated budget.

Examples like the more than 30-year-long development of the light combat aircraft Tejas highlight inefficiencies in project management.

• The decision-making processes within DRDO are inconsistent, which hampers innovation and adaptation to defense requirements

• The efficient transfer of technologies developed from DRDO to private industries for large-scale production remains a challenge.

• This barrier slows down the deployment and commercialization of indigenous defense technology, increasing dependence on imports.

Way Forward

• Develop clear protocols and incentives for efficient technology transfer to private companies, promoting stronger public-private partnerships.
• Collaborate with universities, startups, and international partners to encourage experimentation and open innovation, leveraging diverse expertise and cutting-edge technologies.
• Actively engage with the media, organize public outreach events, and share success stories to enhance public awareness about DRDO's significant contributions to national security.

Global Alliance for Gender Equity and Equality

Source-PIB

GS-II (International Institutions) 

Why In News

India Launches 'Global Alliance for Gender Equity' at 54th WEF, Securing Full WEF Backing for Women's Empowerment. The initiative advances G20 commitments, building on Engagement Group activities and G20 framework initiatives, including Business 20, Women 20, and G20 EMPOWER

About the World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum (WEF)  A leading international organization for public-private cooperation.

Founded on January 24, 1971, headquartered in Geneva.

Engages top political, business, cultural, and societal leaders to influence global, regional, and industry agendas.

Best known for its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, attracting global political and business leaders for discussions on pressing global issues.

Major Reports

• Global Competitiveness Report
• Global Gender Gap Report
• Energy Transition Index
• Global Risk Report
• Global Travel and Tourism Report.

Key Highlights of the Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality

• This alliance aims to foster global good, gender equity, and equality by uniting efforts in women's education, health, and enterprise.

• G20 EMPOWER will serve as a platform for sharing worldwide best practices, facilitating knowledge exchange, and identifying investment opportunities to enhance women's leadership and empowerment in the private sector.

• Anchored by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Centre for Women Leadership, the alliance has garnered support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

• This initiative is a significant step towards achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality and Empowerment), SDG 17 (Global Partnership for Development), and more.

• The collaboration between stakeholders reflects a commitment to creating positive change on a global scale.