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Current Affairs Daily Digest – August 03 & 04 2024

1. Turkey Blocks Instagram Amid ‘Censorship’ Row

Turkey has blocked access to Instagram for its 85 million citizens, as announced by the country’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority on August 2. The decision to block Instagram.com was implemented on August 2. According to Turkish media, more than 50 million people in Turkey use the photo-sharing app.

Instagram Ban

The Turkish government did not provide a reason for the ban or specify how long it would last. However, reports suggest the ban was in response to the platform removing posts related to the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Blame on Israel for Haniyeh’s Death

Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’ political wing, was killed in an explosion in Tehran while visiting for the inauguration of Iran’s new president. Iranian officials and Hamas accuse Israel of carrying out an assassination, although Israel has not commented on the incident.

2. NIT-C Launches ‘Nivahika’ Web Portal For Data Management

The National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) has made a significant advancement in data management with the launch of its state-of-the-art web portal, ‘Nivahika.’ The portal was inaugurated by Prof. Prasad Krishna, Director of NITC, during a ceremony at the Senate Hall. This new tool is expected to revolutionize the way the Institute handles and reports data.

What is Nivahika?

“The ministry often requests detailed reports and updates on our activities. With Nivahika, we now have a reliable tool that ensures accuracy and consistency, aiding in everything from ministry submissions to national rankings,” said Prof. Krishna. He emphasized that Nivahika is not just a milestone for NITC but could also set a benchmark for other National Institutes of Technology (NITs) across the country. Once fully operational, Nivahika is poised to become a model for data management in the educational sector.

3. Dr. Grinson George Appointed Director of ICAR-CMFRI

Dr. Grinson George has recently taken on the role of Director at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Before this appointment, he headed the Marine Biodiversity and Environment Management Division at CMFRI and served as Senior Programme Specialist at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in Dhaka.

Professional Background

Dr. George has over twenty years of experience as a distinguished fishery researcher. His expertise encompasses a broad range of fields, including fishery resource management, marine biodiversity, environmental management, fisheries oceanography, remote sensing, and climate change. His extensive knowledge and experience make him a valuable asset to the institute.

Notable Contributions

Dr. George has spearheaded several high-impact research projects on both national and international levels. His work has been supported by prominent funding agencies, including the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and ICAR’s National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project. His leadership in these research initiatives has significantly advanced our understanding of marine fisheries and their management.

4. India Selects Crew for Axiom-4 Mission to ISS

India has announced the selection of two astronauts, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, for the forthcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission marks a pivotal development in enhancing human spaceflight collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA, while also advancing India’s own human space program.

Mission Details

• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been designated as the primary mission pilot. He will lead the mission’s operations and responsibilities aboard the ISS.
• Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will serve as the backup mission pilot. In this role, he will be prepared to step in if needed, ensuring the mission’s success and safety.
• Both astronauts are scheduled to commence their training in the United States during the first week of August. This rigorous training will prepare them for the various technical, scientific, and operational tasks they will undertake during the mission.
• During the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla and Nair will engage in a range of activities, including conducting scientific research, executing technology demonstration experiments, and participating in outreach initiatives aimed at promoting space exploration. Their involvement will not only contribute to scientific advancements but also help inspire future generations about the possibilities of space exploration.

5. IRDAI Fines HDFC Life Rs 2 Crore for Violations

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has imposed a fine of Rs 2 crore on HDFC Life Insurance for violating regulatory norms. This penalty, as detailed in an order dated August 1, 2024, comes after an inspection that reviewed the company’s practices from the financial years 2017-18 to 2019-20. The company is required to pay the fine within 45 days and must adhere to additional directives issued to rectify the identified violations.

Key Points of the Penalty

• Rs 1 crore: Imposed for violations related to policyholders’ interests. This includes lapses in adhering to standards designed to protect policyholders and their rights.
• Rs 1 crore: Imposed for issues concerning outsourcing irregularities. This pertains to deviations in outsourcing agreements and practices, including those involving web aggregators and insurance distributors.

Regulatory Violations:

• Policyholders’ Interests: The inspection uncovered non-compliance with regulations intended to safeguard policyholders’ interests. This may involve lapses in ensuring fair treatment, transparency, and adequate service for policyholders.
• Outsourcing: The company was found to have irregularities in its outsourcing practices. This includes issues with agreements and operations related to web aggregators and insurance distributors, which are critical to maintaining proper control and oversight in the distribution and management of insurance products.

6. 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue Held in New Delhi

The 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue was held in New Delhi, focusing on deepening bilateral defence cooperation. This meeting, which took place on Thursday, highlighted emerging areas of collaboration such as cyber security and military medicine. A significant outcome of the dialogue was the signing of a Letter of Intent aimed at improving training exchanges between the two nations.

Meeting Details

The dialogue was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane of India and Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, the Deputy Minister of National Defence of Vietnam. The discussions reviewed the progress achieved since the signing of the ‘Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030’ in June 2022. This statement set the strategic direction for bilateral defence relations and underscored both countries’ commitment to enhancing their partnership.

Proposals and Agreements

• During the dialogue, Vietnam proposed five key areas for strengthening defence cooperation:
• Delegation Exchanges and Dialogue: Enhancing the frequency and quality of high-level exchanges and dialogues to foster better understanding and collaboration.
• Staff Talks: Increasing the regularity and depth of staff-level discussions to address operational and strategic concerns.
• Service-to-Service Cooperation: Promoting greater interaction and joint initiatives between the armed forces of both nations, including collaborative exercises and operations.
• Education and Training: Expanding opportunities for training and education, including joint training programs, workshops, and seminars to build capabilities and expertise.
• Defence Industry Cooperation: Developing closer ties in the defence industry, including joint ventures, technology transfers, and collaborative research and development projects.
• These proposals aim to build on the existing framework of cooperation and address new and evolving challenges in the defence sector.

7. India Ranks 39th in Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024.

India has been ranked 39th out of 119 countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024, published by the World Economic Forum. This index evaluates the performance of countries based on various factors affecting the travel and tourism sector, including infrastructure, safety, and sustainability.

Tourism Statistics

According to the UNWTO Barometer for May 2024, India experienced significant growth in international tourism. In 2022, the country recorded 14.3 million international tourist arrivals, which accounted for 1.47% of the global market share. Within the Asia-Pacific region, India secured a notable 15.66% share of international tourist arrivals, highlighting its importance as a key destination in the region.

Global Rankings

The top five countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024 are:

• United States – Known for its diverse attractions and extensive tourism infrastructure.
• Spain – Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and popular tourist destinations.
• Japan – Recognized for its unique blend of traditional and modern attractions.
• France – Famous for its cultural landmarks, cuisine, and historic sites.
• Australia – Celebrated for its natural landscapes and vibrant tourism sector.

India’s position at 39th reflects its growing appeal as a tourist destination and indicates progress in enhancing its travel and tourism infrastructure and services.

8. INS Tabar Conducts Maritime Partnership Exercise with Russian Ship.

INS Tabar, an Indian Navy ship, made a notable visit to St. Petersburg, Russia, to participate in the 328th Russian Navy Day Parade. This visit also included conducting a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Russian Navy Ship Soobrazitelny. The exercise was a key event in demonstrating and enhancing the operational synergy between the two navies.

Details of the Visit and Exercise

The 328th Russian Navy Day Parade is a significant event in Russia, celebrating the achievements and history of the Russian Navy. INS Tabar’s participation in this grand parade underscores the strong naval ties and mutual respect between India and Russia.

Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX):

The Maritime Partnership Exercise conducted between INS Tabar and the Russian Navy Ship Soobrazitelny involved a series of complex naval maneuvers and drills, showcasing the professionalism and interoperability of the two navies. The exercise included:

• Communication Drills: Conducted to ensure effective and secure communication between the ships, which is crucial for coordinated operations.
• Search and Rescue Tactics: Focused on improving the capability to conduct search and rescue operations in maritime environments, enhancing the ability to respond to emergencies.
• Replenishment at Sea: Demonstrated procedures for transferring supplies and fuel between ships while at sea, an essential operation for extended naval missions.

The exercise highlighted the strong collaborative efforts and mutual understanding between the Indian and Russian navies. It also provided an opportunity to refine tactical skills and operational strategies, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to maintaining a high level of readiness and cooperation in maritime security.