Current Context : Recently, the $200 million loan agreement is signed between the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project

Objective: To enhance urban services including water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, and climate-resilient infrastructure across selected cities in Uttarakhand​

Current Context : The first Integrated Check Post (ICP) along the India-Bhutan border was inaugurated in Darranga, Assam, by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, with the participation of Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay.

Connectivity and Strategic Importance : The ICP is strategically connected to National Highway 27 near Rangia on the Indian side, enhancing trade and movement. Bhutan’s Samdrup-Jongkhar customs complement this setup.

Benefits and Bilateral Impact:

• Strengthens trade and cultural exchange between India and Bhutan.
• Facilitates smoother movement for trade and tourists, enhancing people-to-people contact.
• Expected to bolster investment opportunities, especially in eastern Bhutan​

Observed annually on November 10^th .

• Aim : to promote the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases and enhancing public health.
• It emphasizes their role in preventing diseases and protecting public health worldwide.

Observed annually on November 10^th .

• Aim : to promote sustainable travel, reduce environmental impact, and alleviate traffic congestion.
• Theme : Connecting Communities, Reducing Emissions.

Celebrated annually on November 10^th

• Aim : to emphasize the role of science in promoting peace, development, and the well-being of societies worldwide.
• Theme : Why Science Matters: Engaging Minds and Empowering Futures.
• Established by UNESCO in 2001 to strengthen public awareness of the role of science in peaceful and sustainable societies.

Current Context : The Madhya Pradesh cabinet approved an increase in the reservation for women in state government jobs from 33% to 35%.

• Scope: This 35% reservation applies to all direct recruitment processes in government services, except the Forest Department.
• Objective: The move aims to enhance gender equity and empowerment in the public sector.
• Legislative Basis: This decision aligns with the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Special Provisions for Appointment of Women) Rules, 1997.
• Additional Context: Madhya Pradesh has been proactive in supporting women, previously introducing 50% reservation for women in local body elections and a 30% quota in police recruitment. Other pro-women initiatives include property registration benefits and financial support schemes.

Current Context : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the European Union’s Proba 3 Sun Observation Mission in December.

About Mission

• The Proba-3 mission, part of a collaborative effort between the European Union and India.
• Aim : to observe the Sun’s faint corona, the outermost part of its atmosphere. This study is significant because the corona can typically only be seen during solar eclipses.
• Mission Setup: Comprises two satellites that fly in precise formation to create a coronagraph effect, enabling continuous observation of the Sun’s corona.
• Orbit Details: High elliptical orbit between 600 km and 60,000 km from Earth to allow extended formation flying with minimal fuel use due to reduced gravitational influence.

Current Context : Recently, the third edition of the high-level virtual interaction MAHASAGAR was conducted by the Indian Navy.

About MAHASAGAR Initiative:

• Full Name: Maritime Heads for Active Security And Growth for All in the Region (MAHASAGAR), translating to “vast ocean” in Hindi.
• Purpose: Indian Navy’s flagship virtual outreach promoting high-level interaction for maritime security and cooperation.
• Frequency: Held bi-annually since its start in 2023.
• Participants : Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries, including Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, and Mozambique.
• 2024 Theme: “Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR,” focusing on training for capacity-building and tackling regional security challenges.
• Objective: Enhance training collaboration and develop skilled manpower to address shared maritime security issues in the IOR.

Current Context : Recently, the practical implementation of agrivoltaic systems was showcased to the delegates of various countries in 7th session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

About Agrivoltaic farming

Agrivoltaic farming involves cultivating crops beneath solar panels, allowing for simultaneous agricultural production and solar energy generation. It’s also known as agrisolar or dual-use solar.

Benefits:

• Economic: Farmers gain diversified income through energy generation.
• Environmental: Reduces carbon footprint, boosts land-use efficiency, and lowers water evaporation (up to 30%).

Climate Resilience: Provides partial shade, protecting crops from heat and enhancing yields in some cases.

Global Example: China has over 500 agrivoltaic projects, enhancing crop growth and biodiversity​

Other Names : Referred to as agrisolar, dual-use solar, or low-impact solar.

Current Context : Recently, UN-Habitat released World Cities Report 2024.

Relevant data of report :

• Climate Impact on Urban Populations: Over 2 billion city residents could face an additional temperature rise of at least 0.5°C by 2040.
• Funding Shortfall: Cities need $4.5-5.4 trillion annually for climate-resilient systems but current funding is only $831 billion.
• Reduced Green Spaces: Urban green spaces have declined globally, from 20% in 1990 to 14% in 2020.
• Vulnerable Communities: Some climate actions, like creating parks, have displaced low-income groups (“green gentrification”).

About UN-Habitat

• Establishment: Created in 1978 after the first UN Conference on Human Settlements in 1976 (Habitat I).
• Headquarters: Located in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Mandate: Focuses on sustainable urban development, ensuring cities are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
• Key Goal: Advocates for achieving SDG 11(Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Initiatives:

1. World Cities Report: Provides insights into urban trends and challenges.
2. National Urban Policies: Supports countries in formulating policies for sustainable urbanization.

Flagship Campaigns:

• World Habitat Day(October) and World Cities Day (October 31) to promote urban awareness.