Sept 10th 2024 Current Affairs

Index:

1. India-UAE Civil Nuclear Cooperation

Context: India and the UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for civil nuclear cooperation during the visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to New Delhi.

  • First such MoU between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC).

 

  1. Key Details:
  • Agreement focuses on cooperation regarding the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE.
  • Part of the UAE’s broader strategy to expand investments into the nuclear energy sector.

 

  1. Background:
    • The MoU builds on an earlier 2015 agreement between India and UAE to cooperate on peaceful nuclear energy use.
    • Areas of cooperation include safety, health, agriculture, science, and technology.

 

  1. Trilateral Cooperation:
    • The MoU stems from nuclear-related discussions involving India, UAE, and France, initiated in September 2022.
    • A trilateral initiative was agreed upon by the three sides, which focuses on the design and implementation of nuclear energy projects with a focus on safety.

 

  1. Additional Agreements:
    • MoUs signed for long-term LNG supply between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation.
    • Agreement between ADNOC and India’s ISPRL on petroleum reserve storage.
    • Food security MoU between Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ).

 

  1. Geopolitical Significance:
    • Part of India-UAE strengthening ties within the I2U2 group, involving India, Israel, UAE, and the USA.

Ties are further reinforced under the India-Gulf Cooperation framework, enhancing strategic and economic collaborations in the Gulf region.

2. Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessels Launched for Indian Navy

CONTEXT: Two anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow watercraft vessels were launched at Cochin Shipyard, part of a series of eight vessels for the Indian Navy.

 

  1. Key Details of the Vessels:
    • Names: INS Malpe and INS Mulki.
    • Speed & Range: Can sail at a maximum speed of 25 knots with an endurance of 1,800 nautical miles.
    • Function: Designed for underwater surveillance using indigenous sonar and capable of anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, mine-laying, low-intensity maritime operations, and search & rescue.

 

  1. Background & Design:
    • The contract for the eight ships was signed in April 2019 between the Ministry of Defence and Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
    • These vessels are part of the Mahe-class and are set to replace the Abhay-class ASW corvettes currently in service.
    • The vessels feature modern equipment such as lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, mines, close-in weapon systems, and stabilized remote-controlled guns.

 

  1. Significance:
    • The vessels are a critical part of enhancing India’s coastal defense and align with the need for the Navy to be self-reliant amidst evolving geopolitical security challenges.

These vessels will play a crucial role in enhancing India’s maritime defense capabilities.

3. District Agro – Met Offices

4. Over 70% Child Deaths in India Linked to Malnutrition

  1. Key Statistic:
    • In 2021, 7 million children under the age of 5 died globally.
    • Of these, 5 million child deaths in India (over 70%) were due to child and maternal malnutrition.
    • Globally, 50% of child deaths were linked to nutritional deficiencies.

 

  1. Main Causes:
    • Low birth weight, underweight, wasting, stunting, vitamin-A deficiency, zinc deficiency, and suboptimal breastfeeding were the primary risk factors in child malnutrition deaths.
    • Premature death in many cases is triggered by these deficiencies, making them major contributors to child mortality.

 

  1. Global Context:
    • Death rates from malnutrition are 20-50 times lower in higher-income countries compared to low-income countries like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
    • Chart 2: Compares malnutrition death rates globally, plotting GDP per capita against malnutrition death rates per 100,000 people.

 

  1. Improvements:
    • There has been a reduction in child malnutrition deaths in India due to improved healthcare, better nutrition, vaccination programs, sanitation, and maternal health
    • However, diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria remain significant contributors to child deaths in malnourished children.

  

  1. Importance of Tackling Malnutrition:
    • Undernutrition weakens the immune system, making children vulnerable to infections.
    • Addressing sanitation, access to clean water, nutritious food, and healthcare is vital for combating malnutrition-related deaths.

5. GST Council on Health Insurance Premium

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