Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 17 Aug 2023
- 6 min read
CCEA Approves 7 Multi-tracking Projects of the Ministry of Railways
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved Seven projects of the Ministry of Railways.
- The proposals of Multi-tracking will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across Indian Railways.
- The projects covering 35 districts in 9 states will expand the existing Indian Railways network by 2339 kms and will generate employment for approximately 7.06 crore man-days for the people of these states.
- These are essential routes for the transportation of varied baskets of commodities such as foodgrains, fertilizers, coal, cement, fly-ash, iron and finished steel, clinkers, crude oil, limestone, edible oil etc.
- These projects align with the fostering climate goals, regional self-reliance, and creating a versatile workforce, enhancing employment opportunities.
- The projects are the result of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, facilitating seamless connectivity for people, goods, and services through integrated planning.
Read more: Budget 2022-23: PM GatiShakti
Cabinet Approves Mutual Recognition Arrangement
Recently, the Union Cabinet has granted approval for the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) between the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Department of Revenue, Government of India, and the Department of Home Affairs incorporating the Australian Border Force of the Australian Government.
- This significant arrangement seeks to offer reciprocal advantages to accredited and trusted exporters from both nations in the streamlined customs clearance of goods.
- Aligned with the World Customs Organisation's Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE Framework) of Standards, this MRA strengthens global trade security while enhancing trade facilitation.
- By bringing the Australian Trusted Trader Program (ATTP) and the Indian Authorized Economic Operator Program (IAEOP) under mutual recognition, the arrangement aims to bolster trade relations between India and Australia.
Read more: India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is facing a serious threat from climate change and drought. It is the largest freshwater lake in South America and the highest of the world's largest lakes.
- The lake, which lies on the border between Bolivia and Peru, has seen its water levels drop to near-record lows.
- The lack of rainfall and the increased evaporation due to rising temperatures have reduced the inflow and volume of the lake.
- This has resulted in stranded boats, exposed shorelines, and diminished fish populations.
- The lake is also home to more than 500 species of plants and animals, some of which are endemic and endangered.
Empowering Women Through 'Koosina Mane' Initiative
Karnataka's 'Koosina Mane' initiative, introduced in its 2023-24 Budget, marks a progressive stride towards enhancing women's labor force participation and addressing gender disparities.
- This initiative aims to establish childcare centers across 4,000 gram panchayats, supporting working mothers under the MGNREGA and others nearby.
- It addresses the "triple burden" women face by redistributing childcare responsibilities, potentially enabling sustained employment and upskilling.
- It will address the issue of the 'motherhood penalty,' which is considered to be one of the reasons why women drop out of the labor force.
Read more: MGNREGA, Gender Parity.
Critical Role of Sulina Channel in Ukraine's Grain Trade
- In a sequence of overnight drone strikes, Russia directed its assaults towards ports and grain storage sites located along Ukraine's Danube River.
- Ukraine is also known as the "breadbasket of Europe". Its economy relies significantly on exporting agricultural products.
- The Danube River is the second-longest river in Europe, flowing through ten countries and serving as a vital transportation route and natural resource for the region.
- Following Russia's recent departure from the Black Sea grain agreement, Ukraine adopted the Danube delta as its fresh pathway for moving grain.
- The Sulina Channel is a crucial part of this "new" trade route. It's a 63 km long offshoot of the Danube River that links important Ukrainian ports on the river to the Black Sea. This channel is entirely within Romania's borders.
Read More: Russia-Ukraine Conflict
India and WHO to launch Global Initiative on Digital Health
- India and the World Health Organization (WHO) will introduce the Global Initiative on Digital Health during the ongoing G-20 summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
- This global initiative focuses on bringing together health data, connecting health platforms, and investing in digital health worldwide.
- The summit is also aiming to establish a vital interim Medical Countermeasure (MCM). This involves a 'network of networks approach' to be prepared for future health emergencies.
- The worldwide digital platform will have three main parts:
- An investment tracker.
- An ask tracker (to find out what products and services are needed by different people).
- A collection of existing digital health platforms.
- Digital health innovations and solutions will aid universal health convergence and improve healthcare service delivery.
Read More: National Digital Health Mission
